Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium.

Brussels travel guide: Is this Europe’s most underrated capital?

Brussels offers the perfect alternative to Europe's busiest capitals. From world-class beer and chocolate to comic book culture and art nouveau architecture, Belgium's cosy capital delivers authentic European charm without the overwhelming crowds. The refreshing alternative to Europe's tourist capitals The Belgian capital's strength is…
The Dom Luis I bridge in Porto, Portugal.

A first time visitor’s guide to Porto

Porto’s top attractions include the Palácio da Bolsa, cathedral and Dom Luis I bridge. What makes Porto unique There’s a stubborn, no-nonsense streak to Portugal’s second city that serves only to underplay just how gorgeous it is. Long a strategic trading port where the Douro…
The streets of Lagos, Portugal.

Guide to Lagos, Portugal: See, do, eat & sleep

Lagos is the historic heart of the Algarve, with a strong line in kayak and boat trips. What makes Lagos unique? Southern Portugal is a bit of a balancing act. There are several towns along the Algarve coast, many overdeveloped but with plenty to do,…
Inside the Capela dos Ossos, Faro.

Faro, Portugal: What to see, do and eat

A chapel made of bones and a birdlife-packed estuary help make Faro more than just a gateway airport to the Algarve. What makes Faro unique? The Algarve is often seen as a patchwork of smallness – some pretty ghastly resort towns mixed in with cute…
Segovia's Alcazar.

Segovia, Spain: The best things to do, see, buy and eat

Segovia has two extraordinary sights in the Alcazar and Roman aqueduct – but it’s a hugely atmospheric city to hang out in, too. What makes Segovia unique? Two stellar attractions at either end of the historic centre – the Roman aqueduct and the Disney-esque castle…
On the Harvard University campus.

Guide to Cambridge, Massachusetts, for first time visitors

Explore Harvard, MIT, and more with my guide to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Find the best things to do, see, and eat in this historic university city. What makes Cambridge, Massachusetts, unique? To all intents and purposes a suburb of Boston, just on the north side of…
One of many witches in Salem, Massachusetts.

A first time visitor’s guide to Salem, Massachusetts

Planning a trip to Salem, Massachusetts? From witch trials to maritime history, here is my essential guide for first-time visitors to Witch City. What makes Salem unique? In 1692, Salem went very dark indeed. The strange behaviour of a few children descended into a blizzard…
Niagara Falls.

A first-timer’s guide to Niagara Falls, Canada

With cruises, observation decks, rapid-side walking trails and helicopter flights, there’s a massive amount to do on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. What makes Niagara Falls unique? Without the backstory, it’d be easy enough to just dismiss Niagara Falls as a waterfall. But it…
Queen Street West sign in Toronto, Canada.

Neighbourhood guide to West Queen West, Toronto

Explore Toronto's coolest district with my West Queen West neighborhood guide. Discover the best street art, boutique shopping, and trendy cafes What’s West Queen West all about? The man behind the counter at the organic market inadvertently manages to encapsulate the West Queen West Area.…