colourful mural on a Chelsea street corner
New York, USA

Four Days in NYC: The One Where I Got by with a Little Help from my Friends

I touched down in New York City some time around 9am on a March morning, feeling rather frazzled after a sleepless flight spent sitting behind two babies who were clearly not big flying fans. I had four days in NYC, and it was going to be a very different experience to the last time I… Continue reading Four Days in NYC: The One Where I Got by with a Little Help from my Friends

artichoke basilles pizza in Chelsea NYC
New York, USA

Food, Glorious Food! 10 Places to Eat in New York City

I am no expert on places to eat in New York City...but I do have some faves, pals. Prepare for your mouth to water profusely, with ten places to eat in New York City. New York is the city that never sleeps, and as such there are thousands and thousands of options for food across… Continue reading Food, Glorious Food! 10 Places to Eat in New York City

Brighton Pavilion from the front
England, Europe, UK

Five Things You Have to See on a Brighton Day Trip

A Brighton day trip is the perfect get-away from London- in fact, so perfect that people often call it 'London by the Sea.' The Sussex seaside city is a haven for hippies, the 'gay capital' of the UK, and pretty much an anything-goes kind of place. I once saw a man in full 17th century… Continue reading Five Things You Have to See on a Brighton Day Trip

detail of a doorway in Pisa
Europe, Italy

Things to do in Pisa other than the Tower

I totes get it. People visit Pisa for the Leaning Tower; it seems to be defying gravity, Elphaba style. And it's one of the most popular landmarks in the whole of Italy, so it goes without saying that you should definitely check it out if you're in the vicinity. But there is so much more… Continue reading Things to do in Pisa other than the Tower

street in Valencia
Europe, Spain

One Day in Valencia, Spain

One day in Valencia is not enough! I only had such a short time because I was docked in Valencia on a cruise ship, but however minimal my time there was, I still managed to appreciate the city and find plenty to do. Spain's third largest city after the far busier Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia… Continue reading One Day in Valencia, Spain

reflections of pastel coloured buildings
Europe, Italy

What to do in Livorno, Tuscany’s Port City

Most visitors arrive in the city of Livorno by cruise ship, ready to head out into the surrounding Tuscan countryside or to the nearby cities of Florence, Pisa, or Lucca. Don't get me wrong, it makes sense that you'd want to head further afield to the more interesting, classically beautiful places. But what to do… Continue reading What to do in Livorno, Tuscany’s Port City

New York, USA

Iconic New York City: Tavern on the Green, Central Park

I'll start by saying if you're after the Tavern on the Green in Crawley, you're in the wrong place. This Tavern on the Green is located in Central Park, attracts a rather different kind of clientele, (no offence, Crawley Tavern), and is basically a whole different kettle of fish. My NYC pal declared 'If we're… Continue reading Iconic New York City: Tavern on the Green, Central Park

colourful houses and an orange tree
Europe, Spain

Palma de Mallorca Things to Do – the surprising gem of the Balearic Islands

Palma de Mallorca is the capital of Spain's Balearic Islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea not far from the coast of Catalonia. While the island itself is renowned as a hotspot for German and English holidaymakers, I hadn't really heard much about the capital city- but it's a hugely intriguing places. If you're after the… Continue reading Palma de Mallorca Things to Do – the surprising gem of the Balearic Islands

The top of the white tower in Lucca
Europe, Italy

One Day in Lucca – the hidden gem of Tuscany

Tuscany is one of the most-visited regions of Italy, famous for its rolling hills, scenic views and quaint villages. And don't even get me started on the regions most famous cities- Florence and Pisa. But if you're looking for somewhere off the beaten path in Tuscany, check out this incredible hidden gem. Here's how I… Continue reading One Day in Lucca – the hidden gem of Tuscany

winter in florence
Europe, Italy

Florence in Winter – a day trip from Livorno

Florence at any time, is exquisitely beautiful. But Florence in winter has a special kind of magic about it.  I was rather on the sad side when I realised that that day when we docked in Tuscany would be an extra chilly one. I'd wanted to go to Florence for months since we'd begun a… Continue reading Florence in Winter – a day trip from Livorno