Scarborough Beach in Perth, Western Australia.

Five places I recommend in Perth, Western Australia

I’ve visited Perth in Western Australia numerous times over the years. These five places are amongst the spots I recommend if you want to enjoy the city as much as I have. Kings Park – city views and Botanic Gardens Kings Park, long Perth’s crowning…
The Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens, Greece.

Athens accommodation recommendations (updated for 2026)

From the classic Grande Bretagne to the purpose-built beds of the Nubian Hostel, Athens has interesting accommodation options for all budgets. Best Athens accommodation for backpackers: Nubian Hostel Hostel beds are often hideous, noisy, rattling metal things that groan in the night as someone attempts…
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…
Chocolate brownies.

Five things I learned this week – 23 June 2025

Airport hotels, chocolate brownies, the Ark of the Covenant, the White Stripes and an annoyingly long fact check on the flag of Belize feature in this week’s slightly interesting discoveries. Hilton’s claim to the first airport hotel is complete nonsense The Hilton chain has long…
The view from the Shard in London.

The cheapest night to stay in London

Sunday is the cheapest night to stay in London. The cost of a four star hotel room can be less than half price when compared to a midweek stay. And here’s the proof… Bringing down the cost of visiting London A couple of days in…

Three great places to stay in Montreal’s Centre-Ville

Why stay in Centre-Ville Montreal’s downtown area tends to change vibe within a few blocks. There are patches of corporate blandness, strips of studenty party bars and plenty of entertainment options – whether than means going to the Bell Centre to watch the Montreal Canadiens…
A signature king room at the Auberge du Vieux Port in Vieux Montreal.

Explore the Best Hotels in Vieux Montreal

Vieux Montreal is Montreal’s historic heart – and there are plenty of gorgeous accommodation options there, too. Why stay in Vieux Montreal? The oldest part of Montreal lines up along the St Lawrence River, and acts as the tourist honeypot for the easily pleased. That’s…