the town of Fira at golden hour
Europe, Greece

Santorini in October – an Autumn Day Without the Crowds

Santorini in October is an Autumnal wonderland. *This site contains affiliate links, where I earn a small commission from purchases you make, at no cost to you. The first time I visited Santorini was in late August. I stayed in a cave not far from Fira. (Which sounds odder than it was. Traditionally houses on… Continue reading Santorini in October – an Autumn Day Without the Crowds

Athens in 2 days
Europe, Greece

Athens in 2 Days – the best things to see in an Athens weekend

How to see Athens in 2 days: a checklist of the most important sights to visit and areas to stroll on your Athen itinerary. *This site contains affiliate links, where I earn a small commission from purchases you make, at no cost to you. Once upon a time, thousands of years ago, Poseidon (god of… Continue reading Athens in 2 Days – the best things to see in an Athens weekend

the best areas to stay in Athens
Europe, Greece

Best areas to stay in Athens, Greece – Five awesome Athens neighbourhoods

Athens is filled with winding streets to wander, beautiful cafes, bars and restaurants, and quirky accommodation options. Here are my five best areas to stay in Athens, with tips and photo inspiration from each and every one. Don't say I don't treat ya! *This site contains affiliate links, where I earn a small commission from… Continue reading Best areas to stay in Athens, Greece – Five awesome Athens neighbourhoods

Europe, France

Bordeaux to St Émilion by Train – the best things to do in Saint-Émilion

There are plenty of tours available to Saint-Émilion. But what if you want to explore this quaint little village at a more leisurely pace? Here's how to get from Bordeaux to St Émilion by train, and all the best things to do once you're there. The medieval village of Saint-Émilion is a tiny but world-renowned… Continue reading Bordeaux to St Émilion by Train – the best things to do in Saint-Émilion

Alex Getting lost fluffy jacket Vatican
Europe, Italy, Vatican

A Christmas Story: That Time I Got Kicked Out of the Vatican City

It was early December and myself and three fellow singers from the ship had been asked to make the trip to the Vatican to make a film to be shown to the passengers in the build-up to Christmas. Glory, glory, Hallelujah! A trip to the Vatican!! At Christmas!! I'd been before, a couple of times,… Continue reading A Christmas Story: That Time I Got Kicked Out of the Vatican City

pink flowers in front of mountain view
Albania, Europe

Gjirokastra Albania (That time I fell in love with an actual town)

The city of Gjirokastra, Albania is one of the most magical places I have ever been. All research that I'd done prior to my arrival in Albania, was that many a person makes a day trip from Sarandë to Gjirokastra; but not so many opt to stay overnight in the mountain city. And I am… Continue reading Gjirokastra Albania (That time I fell in love with an actual town)

yellow building in Lisbon Portugal
Europe, Portugal

One evening in Cascais (It was pitch dark and I still loved it)

How do you spend only one evening in Cascais? What some people don't realise is that when you're a crew member of a ship you're technically not getting paid to travel the world; you're getting paid to work, and the travel is a bonus. On the day in question that we arrived in Lisbon, sailing… Continue reading One evening in Cascais (It was pitch dark and I still loved it)

a pretty pastel corner in Civitavecchia
Europe, Italy

Things to do in Civitavecchia, Italy • Docking in Rome?

The cruise port of Civitavecchia is often sold as 'The Gateway to Rome', which is a little misleading considering Rome is over an hour away by road. However while many people skip Civitavecchia completely in favour of the Colosseum and other Roman treats, this little port city is worth a look in too. This place… Continue reading Things to do in Civitavecchia, Italy • Docking in Rome?

Looking at the view from Boca do Inferno
Europe, Portugal

One Day in the Azores

Do you ever have one of those days that you just feel AMAZINGLY LUCKY AND HAPPY ALL DAY LONG? My one day in The Azores Islands in Portugal was one of those days for me- combining a stunning road trip through the island of São Miguel, with delicious food and some downright wonderful company. *This… Continue reading One Day in the Azores

detail on la Sagrada familia
Europe, Spain

La Sagrada Família, Barcelona: photos and stories from a modern day wonder of the world

Barcelona is positively overflowing with architectural works of art, and the building that is synonymous with the city is La Sagrada Família, the mammoth Catholic basilica which can be seen from just about any high vantage point across the entire city. In fact, some say that this bad boy is a modern-day Wonder of the… Continue reading La Sagrada Família, Barcelona: photos and stories from a modern day wonder of the world