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Looking down a very long hall with gothic arched ceiling and, along one side, what looks like feeding troughs also carved from stone.

Things to do in Figueres: A one-day itinerary

In this complete one-day itinerary, you can read about all the things to do in Figueres, Spain: not just the Dali Theater-Museum!

Two painted white horses - just their heads - on a merry-go-round with the colorful painting of the center part of the carousel visible behind them.

The 8 best Hamburg Christmas Markets (+13 more!) for 2024

Tips for visiting the best Christmas markets in Hamburg, Germany, plus a listing of all the rest: 20 in all!

View of the building from across the moat opposite one of its corners. Both wings are somewhat visible here, though the front is mostly obscured by trees.

Fraeylemaborg castle in Slochteren, The Netherlands

Fraeylemaborg, a charming historical estate house and garden in the northern Netherlands, is well worth the visit both for the period interior and the lush gardens.

Looking down a road toward blue sea, trees along the road on either side.

Have you heard of the Saronic Gulf island of Agistri?

The island of Agistri in the Saronic Gulf is near Aegina, but its quieter and greener. Read all about it here, with lots of tips for visitors.

A narrow street with buildings along both sides and lots of potted plants and flowers in front of them, as well as a bougainvillea over the street.

Review of Audley Travel: Luxury bespoke travels

Considering booking Audley Travel to arrange your itinerary? Read this review of my experience with Audley on a tailor-made trip in Greece.

A large plaza with ornate buildings on all three visible sides. On the left, a tower, straight ahead a row of buildings, and on the right some larger buildings, perhaps government buildings or a palace.

Is Brussels in Belgium safe to visit in 2024?

Considering a visit to Brussels? Here’s the lowdown on safety in this beautiful and historic city, with plenty of tips to keep yourself safe.

Euphoria Retreat Wellness resort seen from the outside.

Euphoria Retreat Wellness Resort destination spa review

Considering a stay at Euphoria Retreat wellness resort in Mystras, Greece? Read this detailed review before you decide!

Is voluntourism a good idea? Things to consider

Have you ever combined travel with volunteering? Or are you considering signing up for a voluntourism experience? If so, here are some things you should think about first.

A view of Dubrovnik from a hill: red-roofed buildings, a wall around it with a fort on the near side, the blue sea beyond the city.

How to escape the crowds in Dubrovnik, Croatia

No matter how beautiful Dubrovnik is, the crowds can really ruin it for you. Here are some ways to escape the crowds in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

One of the cafes catering to tourists in Bourtange.

Star-shaped Bourtange Fortress in the Netherlands

If you visit the east of the Netherlands, don’t miss Bourtange, a charming village inside a star-shaped fortress.

How to choose a destination: Tips to consider before travel

Sometimes it’s hard to choose a travel destination. Say you have only two weeks’ vacation, and you want to get the most out of it. Here’s some advice.

View of the whole image of 4 presidents on Mount Rushmore.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial: A complete guide

Before you visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial, read this complete guide with everything you need to know to have the best time there!

large Buddha statue, sitting in Subduing Mara pose, enclosed by walls very close by and only a bit taller than the statue is.

Sukhothai Historical Park in Thailand

Sukhothai Historical Park was the capital of Siam centuries ago. Read all about what to see in this UNESCO site in central Thailand.

View of most of the temple buildings perched on rocky outcrops above the sea.

How to visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (Busan)

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple may be the most beautiful temple in South Korea, unusual because it is right on the coast instead of on a mountain.

New York City on a Budget: Free or cheap things to do

There are plenty of free or cheap things to do in New York City. Here are some tips for seeing New York City on a budget.

A view up a staircase between two tall buildings. The staircase is painted in a subtle pattern.

The secret traboules of Lyon: A complete guide

A guide to the traboules of Lyon, France – secret passageways with a centuries-old history – and how to find the 5 best of them.

The front of the Patheon has a classical facade with a row of 8 columns holding up a triangular pediment.

Beginner’s guide to the top historic sites in Rome

Historic sites in Rome that any first-time visitor should see: from the ancient Romans to the Baroque and Renaissance.

Fortified Churches of Transylvania

Seven of the 150 castle-like fortified churches of Transylvania make up a UNESCO World Heritage site, built by Saxon settlers in the Middle Ages.

A view down Reduit Beach on St Lucia, with a mountain in the background.

St Lucia travel tips: Things to know before you go

These travel tips are all things to know before going to St Lucia: about driving, choosing beaches, choosing where to stay, and more!

Long stretch of white sand with no one on it and dunes on the right.

Things to do in Pass-a-Grille, Florida

Beaching, shopping, eating, sightseeing, drinking: the best things to do in Pass-a-Grille, Florida, a charming alternative to St Petersburg.

Traditional single-story Chinese temple with a central entrance and typical Chinese roof lines. Ornate carving along the peak of the roof and some faded painting on the exterior walls.

Chinese Temples in Bangkok

Chinese Temples in Bangkok, Thailand, are different from traditional Thai temples. With plenty of photos to help you choose which to visit.

view of Deshaies seen from a hill above, as used in the starting credits of "Death in Paradise"

Deshaies, Guadeloupe: The Paradise in “Death in Paradise”

Visiting Deshaies, Guadeloupe, the setting for the BBC series “Death in Paradise,” was a bit surreal for me: so beautiful and so strangely familiar.

Walking across the Manhattan Bridge & the Brooklyn Bridge

A classic and very popular thing to do in New York City is to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Did you know, though, that you can also walk across the Manhattan Bridge?

Looking from the foot of the bed, a double bed with red headboard and, above that, the words DOCK 6.

Mercure Hotel Hamburg City: a review

Despite being part of a chain, Mercure Hotel Hamburg City is far from standard, at least in its décor. Read my review here.

Two small and tidy simple buildings. White plaster walls, peaked thatched roof. A single door in the near end of each and a few very small windows.

Famous landmarks and historical sites in Wales

There are more landmarks in Wales than just its famous UNESCO-listed castles. Here are 5 great historical sites in Wales you should also see!

A float moving through a crowd full of large figures of court jesters with the typical jester hats.

Mardi Gras around the world – and Mardi Gras food!

Mardi Gras around the world has morphed into a range of different pre-Lenten celebrations. Read here about how different countries celebrate!

Communist Prague: 4 places to learn about it

Here are four things to do and see to learn about life in Communist Prague – and Czechoslovakia as a whole – during the Cold War era.

In the foreground, a field with colorful wildflowers. Beyond that, a forest, and beyond that, a range of mountains with one taller than the other completely covered in snow.

15 great reasons to visit Alaska

Alaska is a vacation wonderland of beautiful, dramatic scenery and the best outdoor adventure. Here are 15 great reasons to visit Alaska!

The castle extends across the whole photo, with a large blockish building on the left and a round tower on the right.

Visiting Cesky Krumlov Castle and UNESCO site

On your trip to Czechia, besides Prague, I highly recommend visiting Cesky Krumlov and the imposing Czesky Krumlov Castle.

Looking down a gallerie: checkerboard floor, wood-framed shops on either side, a glass roof.

Off the beaten path in Paris

You’ve done the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and other typical sights. What now? Here are some unusual things to do off the beaten path in Paris!

Exterior view of Hluboká Castle, complete with crenellations along the roof and a tall tower.

Hluboká Castle, South Bohemia, Czechia: Wow!

Hluboká Castle is a 19th-century castle in Czechia crammed with a stunning collection of furnishings and exceedingly accomplished workmanship.

A view of Tugenhat Villa UNESCO site from the garden.

Villa Tugendhat UNESCO site in Brno, Czechia

Villa Tugendhat UNESCO site in Brno, Czechia, designed by Mies van der Rohe: a masterpiece of functionalist architecture & function over form.