Planet Whitley

Should I do a Grand Canyon day tour from Sedona?

The short answer No. Are you mad? The long answer The Grand Canyon and Sedona are almost undoubtedly the two most spectacular destinations in Arizona. It is also possible to do a day tour from Sedona to the Grand Canyon. The short-of-time may be tempted…

Arizona, Grand Canyon, Sedona, tours, USA

Driving through Death Valley, California.

My number one tip for visitors to Las Vegas

Why the best thing to do in Las Vegas is get out for a day. The golden rule of Las Vegas I have had the fortune (or misfortune, depending on your perspective) to visit Las Vegas several times. I’ve been for work, I’ve been for…

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Clumber Park near Worksop, Nottinghamshire.

My greatest family travel creation: The Magic Park

How one special park can make all the difference on long car journeys with kids. Let me tell you about the Magic Park… Some of you may be unaware of the Magic Park. That is sad, because the Magic Park is one of the most…

car journeys, family travel, parks

How to get into Edinburgh Castle when the tickets have sold out

Edinburgh Castle tours – which include admission tickets – often have availability when straight entry tickets have sold out. Want to skip the explanation and just book a tour that gets you into Edinburgh Castle? Check which tours have availability here. What to see at…

castles, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Crater San Fernando on Volcan Masaya, Nicaragua.

Exploring Volcan Masaya: A Top Managua Day Trip

Volcan Masaya offers thrilling day trips from Managua, showcasing its active craters and rich cultural history linked to Spanish colonists.

Central America, Nicaragua, volcanoes

How travelling as a parent has changed me

When seeing the world becomes less important than letting little people see it. Daisy and the Sistine Chapel “Dad! Dad! Dad! Dad!” came the cry from upstairs, followed by the unmistakable thud-thud-thud of the world’s least demure princess. My eight-year-old burst into the living room…

children, family travel, Italy, parenting, Rome

The John Harvard statue on the Harvard University campus, Massachusetts.

Understanding Harvard: Legends and Campus Life

Harvard University, rich in tradition and legends, offers intriguing stories, campus rituals, and a notable town-gown rivalry in Cambridge.

Boston, Massachusetts, tours, USA

Montezuma Castle National Monument, Arizona.

Montezuma Castle National Monument: Why visit? Plus history and practical information

The interior of Montezuma Castle in Arizona is off-limits to all except National Park staff. But here’s why the Montezuma Castle National Monument is worth visiting anyway. What is Montezuma Castle National Monument? Montezuma Castle is one of the oldest national monuments in the US.…

Arizona, national parks, USA

The Frank Lloyd-Wright Home and Studio in Chicago.

The best places in Chicago for Frank Lloyd-Wright architecture

For lovers of Frank Lloyd-Wright’s architecture, the best places in Chicago to visit are his Oak Park studio and Frederick C Robie House. Chicago’s most famous architect For a city so famous for its skyscrapers, it’s perhaps ironic that the single most celebrated Chicago architect…

architecture, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Discovering Laos, from Luang Prabang to Pakse

From the monasteries of Luang Prabang to the treks and Mekong River islands of Champasak Province, Laos proves to be frequently, alluringly unusual. Waiting for the monks of Luang Prabang As the sky begins to sieve through enough light for the mole-like eyes of the…

Asia, Laos, Southeast Asia