A Visit to the National Museum in Edinburgh
I lived in Edinburgh for 15 years, but only went to the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street a handful of times. One of those times had been to work (as a roving minstrel) … Read more
The Martyr Village of Oradour sur Glane
The town of Oradour sur Glane in France was the scene of one of World War II’s most senseless atrocities. Oradour was ransacked by a German Waffen-SS company in June of 1944 – they killed … Read more
My Summer in Naples, Italy 1999
In 1999, I was in Paris, hanging out at a hostel with my friends (and generally finding my traveller feet), when I got an offer to nanny for a family my dad knew in Naples. … Read more
Tips for Road-Tripping with a Dog
For many years, we did a considerable amount of road-tripping with a dog, our pooch ‘Moose The Travelling Dog’. There are certain considerations required when travelling with a dog. I thought I’d compile some tips … Read more
2017: My Travel Year in Review
2017 was a little different for us travel-wise. In previous years, we travelled at least once a month on city breaks – long weekends in different European destinations. Our objectives in 2017 were to do … Read more
A Roaming Kiwi – How Did I End Up Here?
I’ve often thought about writing an article about how I ended up here in Scotland, and what my motives were for travelling so far and wide. But travelling (and the job I have to pay for … Read more
Eating and Drinking in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a fabulous place in which to dine, drink, and enjoy the multitude of eating and drinking establishments. Now, I’m not talking about the tourist churners on Rokin, or the red light places, or … Read more
A Day Trip to North Berwick Scotland
North Berwick is a town 25 miles east of Edinburgh, in the region of East Lothian. Only 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh, it is an easy day trip. This coastal town really is a delightful … Read more
Walking in the Footsteps of my Ancestors in Ireland
We recently visited Ireland, and for once had a chance to road-trip around this beautiful country. It was an important trip for me, as I am Irish on my father’s paternal side. And with a … Read more
Moose the Dog in Ireland
Moose kept bugging me to write a blog post about him – he’d do it himself, but is lacking the necessary digits for typing! This article is as dictated by #Moosethetravellingdog about our recent road … Read more
Ireland Photography – Road Trip in Ireland Photo Essay
We recently had the pleasure of spending 9 days in Northern Ireland and Ireland. This selection of Ireland photography is just a sneak peak at the gorgeous countryside we encountered. It honestly doesn’t even begin … Read more
The Fête de la Musique in France
Experiencing a Fête de la Musique event in France is just magical. I actually stumbled across this cultural occurrence quite by accident one year in Paris. And have since sought out the events across France. … Read more
A Day Trip to Brantôme
I recently had the pleasure of taking a day trip to Brantôme in the Dordogne, France. Sometimes called ‘The Venice of the Dordogne’, and although Brantôme is beautiful, I don’t think I’d go quite that … Read more
What’s Your Travel Style?
Back in 1999 I set off on my first solo trip to Europe (from New Zealand). This definitely helped me discover my travel style – i.e. what activities I enjoyed, what budget suited my tastes, … Read more
Montmorillon France – The City of Writing & Book Trades
This post on Montmorillon France – The City of Writing and Book Trades, is my first bi-lingual blog post. Apologies for the simplicity of the post and the perfunctory translation, but I wanted it to … Read more
My Favourite Modes of Transport
We are lucky across Europe to have some great ways to get around, so I thought I would rank my favourite modes of transport and explain the perks of each! Walking I’m a huge fan … Read more
Berlin Itinerary : 2 Days in Berlin, Germany
Berlin is such a vibrant city – I found it a bit like London in its diversity. You really need at least 4 days in Berlin to explore properly; but if you’re only passing through, … Read more
A Weekend at Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is an incredible Roman structure that runs across the north of England. Construction of this ancient fortification was started in AD 122, during the reign of emperor Hadrian. Today, there is a walking path … Read more
24 Hours in York
York is a wee gem of a place. And as with any place I write about, I would highly recommend spending more than 1 day there. But, I know that isn’t always possible, so here … Read more
Birthday Trips – My Favourite Tradition
Every year since I moved to Scotland (2003), I have celebrated by going away on holiday. I don’t like the pressure of having a birthday in town, plus a birthday is a great excuse to … Read more
24 Hours in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a great city to walk (or cycle) around and a lot can be seen during a short stopover. Whether you use this article as a stopover guide, or to kick off a longer … Read more
Travel Planning Tips
Planning is an integral part of the enjoyment of travel for me. That’s probably why I have chosen to help other people plan their travels too. With the multitude of travel apps, services and strategies … Read more
A Scarborough Seaside Holiday
As a foreigner, I’ve always had this nostalgic, rose-coloured idea of the English sea side. I had visions of a marvellous Victorian past – with majestic promenades, curly wrought iron fencing, and grand ballrooms. Sadly, … Read more
A Weekend in the Scottish Borders
We are always looking for places we can take our dog for a weekend away from Edinburgh; and the Scottish Borders has become a favourite for us. With history, quaint villages, and cozy inns; a … Read more
One Day in Edinburgh : 24 Hour Guide
I always recommend that people spend more than 24 hours in a place, but for those times when that is not possible. Here are my top tips for spending one day in Edinburgh, from midday to … Read more
6 Tips to Boost Your Travel Savings
I don’t think we should ever take for granted the ability to travel – it is a privilege after all. I also think you don’t have to be rich to have enriching travels. Here are … Read more
My Perfect San Francisco Elopement
It has taken me a year to write this blog – perhaps I wanted to keep this magic day private, or perhaps it has taken me a while to get the perspective needed to write … Read more
24 Hours in Nice
Nice is a marvellous city – especially the old town. It’s a bit like Paris, but with more sun and a beach attached! There is something incredibly satisfying about having a kir pêche at a … Read more
A Weekend in York : 2 Day City Guide
A weekend in York is always a good idea. Less than 2.5 hours from Edinburgh, and under 2 hours from London, York is an easy weekend break away. History, fabulous food, and renowned architecture will … Read more
Lifestyle Travel – How To Fit Travel Into Your Life
I believe that travel is an essential eye-opening experience in life. Even if it’s just to the next town over, it is important to view the world as a traveller. To remind yourself to see … Read more
1 Day in Amsterdam – 24 Hour Guide
Do you only have 1 day in Amsterdam? Shame on you! But never fear, you can still take a large sip of this beautiful city. The incredibly good public transport system, and compact central city, help … Read more
A Guide to Short Dublin Breaks
Dublin is a cracking city for a short break. A city break in Dublin offers fascinating history, live music, great food and Guinness of course. There’s lots of travel advice on the big attractions and … Read more
Visiting Sète and Montpellier: A Weekend in Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Sète and Montpellier are in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of South-west France. Only 20 minutes apart by train, they make an accessible pair of destinations to visit in one vacation. A good mix of city culture, … Read more
Staying in a log cabin in Dunoon, Scotland
Dunoon is on the West Coast of Scotland, and while it is attached to the mainland, it sits out on a peninsula of land, so it is much quicker to catch the ferry over from … Read more