Hamburg, Germany.

9 reasons to take a Hamburg city break

Top attractions in Hamburg, Germany, include the unique Elbphilharmonie concert hall, the world’s biggest model railway and engrossing harbour cruises. Hauptkirche St Michaelis The baroque interior of Hauptkirche St Michaelis looks like a wedding cake designer has been let loose on a cavern, with the…
A selection of Chicago's architecture from the Chicago River.

Ten reasons why Chicago is the best city in the US

Discover why Chicago is America's best city: world-class architecture, deep-dish pizza, lakefront beaches, blues music, and Midwestern friendliness. Over my twenty-plus year career as a travel journalist, I’ve visited dozens of US cities. Many of them more than once. I thoroughly enjoy most of them,…
When having bad handwriting is useful

When having bad handwriting is useful

Hotels asking for email addresses It’s increasingly common when checking in to a hotel to be asked for your email address. “If you can just fill in your name, address and email address,” the receptionist will ask after you arrive at the desk. Up until…
Auckland, New Zealand.

A first time visitor’s guide to Auckland, New Zealand

Planning your first trip to Auckland? Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in New Zealand's City of Sails with my comprehensive guide. What makes Auckland unique? New Zealand’s gateway and largest city is the de facto capital of Polynesia, and it’s beginning…
The tail of a plane.

Airline codeshares guide: What are they and how do they work?

What are airline codeshares? Learn how codeshare flights work, benefits for passengers, how to avoid surprises, and which partnerships to know. What on earth is a codeshare? Even the biggest airlines only fly to a limited number of destinations, but it’s in an airline’s interest…
The Leopoldskron Palace lake in Salzburg, Austria.

Visiting Salzburg’s key Sound of Music filming locations

Follow in Maria’s footsteps. Discover the key Sound of Music filming locations in Salzburg, from Mirabell Gardens to the Nonnberg Abbey. 5 top Salzburg Sound of Music sites The Mozart Bridge on the Salzach River – where the Trapp children skip. The Leopoldskron Palace lake…
Grosse Freiheit in the heart of St Pauli, Hamburg.

Why Hamburg’s vibe comes from St Pauli, musicals & the port

Discover why Hamburg’s unique vibe is shaped by the gritty St Pauli district, world-class musicals, and its historic port. Explore the city's heart. The symbol of St Pauli Anywhere else, repeatedly seeing a skull and crossbones flag might be a little intimidating. But in Hamburg,…