Spotlight on Slovenia’s ‘Eden’ Rail

Our slow travel expert explores Slovenia’s Soča Valley and Julian Alps, discovering hidden treasures in a country where train prices have recently dropped. James Bond paused in Sežana. In Ian Fleming’s ‘From Russia with Love,’ Sežana was noted as the spot where ‘hard-faced Yugoslav plain-clothes men came on board.’ The renowned Simplon-Orient-Express, featured in James … Read more

Autumn Sun in Bordighera, Italy

Lured by lavish estates, splendid cuisine, verdant gardens, and serene shores, British expats were drawn to Bordighera in the 1880s. This allure remains just as strong today. While my wife and daughter sought shade under a parasol on Bordighera’s beach, my teenage son and I embarked on a quest to find Western Europe’s largest Ficus … Read more

Gatwick trims flights amid congestion.

The airport aims to allocate 164 cancellations among airlines to prevent diversions until Sunday. This week, Gatwick faces staffing shortages in air traffic control, leading to flight disruptions. To manage the situation, Gatwick has set a daily limit of 800 flights from Monday onwards. The plan is to distribute the 164 cancellations proportionally among airlines … Read more

Riding Turkey’s midnight express train.

In the last leg of our extensive rail exploration series, we set off on the Doğu Express, a train voyage from Ankara, the capital of Turkey, heading east towards Kars and the Georgian border. At Ankara’s historic Tarihi Karacabey Hamami, Karim, a masseur, jokingly says, “You can pay whatever you think is fair.” As we … Read more

France’s La Ciotat port remains a hidden gem.

Less bustling than Marseille, this delightful seaside town quietly celebrates its storied shipbuilding past, association with filmmaking, and love for pétanque. The La Ciotat port, nestled between Marseille and Toulon, once boasted grand shipyards that drew French emperors, dignitaries, and scholars to witness magnificent ocean liner launches. These grand events occasionally caused the port to … Read more

Tips from the pros: Savor bars, cafes, shorelines, and hot springs

During the pandemic’s downtown rent decline, a surge of ambitious shops, cafes, and eateries breathed new life into the city. Recently, near my favorite swimming spot, Plantan, a vegan café, emerged. Their soups, sandwiches, and baked goods are a post-swim treat. Another spot I cherish is Kaffi Ó-le, where Tom, the manager, brews exceptional coffee … Read more

A Guide for Gamers Exploring an Alternate World Portal in Japan

In Japan, video game lovers find a paradise with diverse experiences, whether it’s venturing into Super Nintendo World via the iconic green pipe or diving into Tokyo’s Electric Town to unearth rare gaming treasures. Traversing Japan becomes an extraordinary blend of overwhelming and freeing experiences. The realm feels grander, notably adorned with mainstream video game … Read more

Britain offers ten outstanding vintage caravan accommodations.

Explore the allure of vintage caravans amidst stunning natural settings for a distinctive camping experience. Mad Dogs & Vintage Vans, Herefordshire: Nestled in an old rectory’s grounds near Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, discover four charming caravans within a wildflower meadow and copse. Gertie, a rare 1930s model; Sybil, a meticulously crafted 1940s van; Monty, an authentic WWII … Read more

Nature, farming, and tourism intersect.

At first, it felt reminiscent of entering a Bob Dylan song—maybe one of his famed Latino ballads. Amid dusty paths, shared exclusively with cowboys on horseback, our journey began. We traversed weathered bridges adorned with rust and enormous spider webs. In the middle of the road, a caracara falcon feasted on a motionless iguana. Yet, … Read more

Why travel insurance is crucial.

Travel insurance is essential for its financial security and peace of mind while traveling, be it locally or globally. Key reasons for its importance encompass: In essence, travel insurance acts as a safety cushion against unforeseen circumstances, alleviating stress and offering financial security during your travels. How does travel insurance differ from medical insurance: Medical … Read more