Destination Guides

Picking the right hotel in Italy isn't about picking the famous one. These are a few of my favourites, the properties that make the cut when I'm building a client's Italy itinerary.

Wooden boats and hillside villas on Lake Como. Easier days, better for families and cyclists, on Lake Garda. Here's how to know which one fits the trip you have in mind.

I went to Belfast for my agency's annual conference. Then I kept going — ten days across Belfast, Derry, Galway, the Aran Islands, and Dublin. A gala dinner at Titanic Belfast, a moving day in Derry walking the city walls and visiting the Museum of Free Derry, three days lingering in Galway, a wild day trip out to Inisheer, and one perfect last night in Dublin. This is the full story.

There's a tangible difference between seeing a place and understanding it, and it usually comes down to how you travel. Traveling to learn means slowing down, going deep on a single subject, and letting a place reveal itself instead of rushing past it. Here's what that looks like in practice, and how you can experience it for yourself.

Thinking about an African safari? Timing and location matter more than you think. From Tanzania's calving season to Kenya's Great Migration, every destination has its optimal window. This guide covers where to go, when to visit, and how far in advance to book.

Five days exploring Mexico City's sophisticated galleries and cutting-edge restaurants, then Oaxaca's artisan traditions and mezcal culture—a journey to Mexico's cultural soul.

The best trips aren't about perfect weather—they're about timing. Discover why shoulder season gives you the space to truly experience a destination, when to go where, and how to plan trips that feel authentic instead of overwhelming.

Most people think Croatia equals beach vacation, but you'd be missing the country's most compelling stories if you stopped there. Discover Zagreb's world-class museums, Split's living Roman history, and Dubrovnik's medieval magic—plus the insider dining spots and cultural experiences that reward curious travelers who venture beyond the obvious.

Discover Lisbon's authentic cultural soul beyond the typical tourist trail. From intimate fado performances in Chiado to street art tours through working-class neighbourhoods, this guide reveals the experiences that connect you with the real heart of Portugal's capital. Learn where locals sip Portuguese wines, which trams actually offer the best views, and how to taste your way through centuries of culinary tradition—plus insider tips for bringing home the perfect Portuguese treasures.

Scotland’s soulful lands are etched in stone, wrapped in mist, and waiting to be discovered. From Eilean Donan Castle to the Highlands, this guide unveils storybook views and timeless landscapes.