Like any trip, choosing where to stay in Samarkand makes a huge difference to your overall experience. The city's main sights are spread out, and while taxis between them aren't expensive, having the right base can make your overall time in Samarkand easier. On my most recent stay in Samarkand,...

Last month, I was back in Central Asia for my first time in Tajikistan. Having already been to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, I was already familiar with the region, but Tajikistan was more challenging than I expected. Tajikistan is a spectacularly beautiful country, but it isn't a conventionally "easy" holiday...

Of everywhere I've travelled in Thailand, Chiang Mai was my favourite. It's a slower pace than high-energy Bangkok, yet it's still an active city with plenty to see and do. The Old City is incredibly walkable, filled with temples, world-class coffee shops, and outstanding food. If you've only got 3...

I first visited Riga, Latvia with a group of friends in early December. As you can imagine in a Baltic country, it was freezing cold, but the Christmassy atmosphere made the frosty air seem glittery and cosy, rather than forbidding. While it's not as obvious a choice for the festive...

Of all the posts on my blog, some of the most visited are those about vegan stays around the world, from vegan friendly ryokans in Japan's Hakone and Kinosaki, to hotels that'll feed you a vegan breakfast in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Now, we're talking about vegan hotels in Chiang Mai. Clearly,...

Bolzano, in northern Italy, isn't usually one of the first places that comes up when you search for "Christmas markets in Europe", but that's not a bad thing. It's home to Italy's biggest Christmas market, yet the fact that it doesn't top the typical Top 10 lists means it's much...

If you're planning to visit Strasbourg at Christmas, then two days is really the perfect amount of time. For those of us already based in Europe, it's also the most typical amount of time we would spend - a quick weekend visit to the Capital of Christmas before going back...

Since 1992, Strasbourg has been officially dubbed the Capital of Christmas. Every year, the city's squares play host to 8 official Christmas markets, with over 300 market chalets. Strasbourg's Christmas markets are among the most famous in Europe, with markets spread throughout the historic centre. If you're planning a visit,...

Strasbourg is a truly beautiful city at all times of year, but it really comes alive at Christmas. As the self-appointed "Capital of Christmas", you'll find markets dotted throughout the city, decorations on every half-timbered house, the smell of cinnamon and gingerbread in the air, and everyone looking just that...

As a vegan traveller, finding good, nutritious vegan options around the world isn't always a given. I've found tips and tricks that work for me in challenging locations, and you can bet I'll have bookmarked every vegan option within walking distance of any hotel I stay in. Chiang Mai, on...