Trip types
Compact city posts for long weekends, first visits and walkable old centres.
Europe Basilicata, Italy
A cave city, a national disgrace and a European Capital of Culture - all within the lifetime of the city.
I lived in Matera during its year as European Capital of Culture. A guide to the Sassi, and to a city that went from national shame to UNESCO in a lifetime.
Europe Canary Islands, Spain
Gran Canaria is far more than its beaches: a week of cloud forest, volcanic mountains, quiet villages and Atlantic coast.
A week exploring Gran Canaria beyond the resorts, from Agaete and Las Palmas to Roque Nublo, Artenara, Maspalomas and Barranco de las Vacas.
Europe Kurzeme, Latvia
A Baltic city where blown-up forts, a prison hotel, music and a wide beach make for an unexpectedly versatile coastal break.
A Liepāja city guide with the Northern Forts, Karosta Prison, Art Nouveau architecture, street art, music, beaches and practical tips.
Europe Aragón, Spain
A guide to Teruel, Spain, with Mudéjar towers, the Escalinata del Óvalo, the Lovers of Teruel, local food, parking and practical tips.
Europe Kurzeme, Latvia
Between Jūrkalne's high sandy banks and the little harbour town of Pāvilosta lies one of the quietest, wildest stretches of Latvia's Baltic coast.
Europe Kurzeme, Latvia
Two short stops filled with poetry, wine, handmade dolls and the quiet character of the Abava Valley.
Kandava and Sabile are two easy, characterful stops in the Abava Valley that make any drive west from Riga feel like part of the trip.
Europe Kurzeme, Latvia
A beautiful day spent between Kuldīga's old wooden streets, the Venta River and Europe's widest waterfall.
Kuldīga is a striking town, and if you happen to be in Latvia, I would say it is a must.
Asia Tochigi, Japan
A personal Nikko winter travel guide with temples, frozen waterfalls, Lake Chūzenji, mountain buses and tips for seeing Nikko.
Europe North Holland, Netherlands
Canals, crooked houses, free ferries, expensive water and one very memorable winter city break.
A personal Amsterdam winter travel guide with canals, Amsterdam Noord, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, markets, Dutch food, Moco Museum and practical February tips.
Europe Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Steep streets, one river, many tiles, and one pastry lost to a seagull.
A Porto travel guide for a long weekend: Gaia viewpoints, azulejos, Francesinha, Aveiro, a sea chapel, Livraria Lello, markets, gardens and practical tips.
Africa Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
I came for one day. The ocean had other plans.
A personal Essaouira travel guide from Marrakech, with the medina, port, beach winds, argan oil, hidden gardens, galleries and practical tips.
Africa Fez-Meknes and Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
Marrakech overwhelmed, but Fez felt more authentic and memorable.
A personal Morocco itinerary comparing Fez and Marrakech, from medina streets and tanneries to palaces, rooftop cafes and practical tips.
