Flying is such a normal thing to do these days and it seems that the more we fly, the fewer instances there are of people being afraid of the actual flying itself. Instead, today’s big worry for many people is the hygiene of the plane in which they’re...
If you’re a motor racing fan (like me) then the Nurburgring needs no introduction whatsoever. But have you driven it? If not, add it to your to-do list right now. These days, the ‘ring even offers plenty for the non-motorsport fans in the family....
There are a couple of unusual things that you might need to know if you come across this sculpture in London. The first is that it isn’t the work of one artist but of a collective. That’s not terribly unusual but stand and watch the sculpture for a few...
When you visit Key West these days it’s difficult to imagine that events of true creepiness took place there. Today it’s a pretty innocuous place and plenty of fun for cruise passengers and tourists. But one of the creepiest events I’ve ever heard...
If you were to create your dream island, what would it be like? Mine would be exactly like Fernando de Noronha. Tropical weather, stunning views and, as you can see in the photograph above, the deepest blue and sparkling ocean. There are swaying palm trees, lovely...
Lake Maggiore is simply beautiful. This sparkling lake is located partly in Italy and partly in Switzerland. And during the early twentieth century, there was a curious legend regarding the lake – a legend that turned out to be true. Locals were sure that a 1926...
Most Airbnb hosts realise the advantages of greeting their guests in person and giving them a house tour. But what some don’t realise is that it’s equally important to be around when your guests check out. To be honest, if I was given a choice –...
Château de Candé is situated in Monts, Indre-et-Loire and, although it isn’t one of the grandest chateaux in France, it has an interesting historical significance. It was here in June 1937 that the abdicated king, now retitled the Duke of Windsor, married his...
Hate long-haul flights? I do but nevertheless, I prefer to have a little time in the air to settle down, have a glass of wine and read a book. I wouldn’t have those opportunities though if I took a flight from Westray to Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands....
it seems that in the 1930s, Hitler and Mussolini were on the same page when it came to building coastal resorts of the people. Hitler had Prora and Mussolini had Colonia Fara. And both still exist and are equally spooky. Also, both are in the process of being...
Moscow subway system is one of the business metros in the world. It’s extensive too – with over 200 stations. As it was built in the 1930s it’s not as old as its equivalents in London or Paris but is nevertheless a historic venue. And many of the...
Visit the Narvik area in Norway and you’ll find that the scenery is breathtaking. And as you look out over the fjord, at the blue waters, you might spot an incongruous man-made object. It’s been there since 1940 and was once the proud ship, the Georg...
Chuck Berry was known as the father of rock ‘n’ roll and today, the house he lived in for several years and where he wrote several of his most well-known classics, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The house was already 40 years old when the...
St. Peter’s Church has an unusual connection. The clue is in the church’s location. Wikipedia describes Woolton as ‘an affluent suburb of Liverpool’ and this might suggest something to you. Liverpool is well-known for many things, one of which...
Wandering about on the internet today, I found this on Wikipedia: Of course, anyone can edit any page they like. But this page had not been edited for three weeks. So in those three weeks, anyone checking out that page on Airbnb has been warned about Royal, the host....
In the late nineteenth century, Claude Monet – the painter who was known as the Father of Impressionism – was travelling on a train in northern France. He spotted a very small but very attractive village called Giverny. He decided that this was where he...
The first report of a bird strike, a bird crashing into a flying plane, was made in 1905 – by Orville Wright. So even when air travel was in its infancy, birds were a problem for aviators. And they still are. One of the most famous bird strikes was relatively...
This fabulous road, which hugs the side of a mountain, was built in Victorian times and used by traffic until its usage was banned in 1995. It was simply too dangerous. At first, I thought this was such a shame – what an incredible drive this would be –...
Sputnik Hostel is in a fantastic location in the heart of Moscow. Take a look at the map below. It’s convenient for so many places that you’ll want to experience and sights you’ll want to see. In addition, there are many nearby bars, cafés and...
In 1908, the Hampton Springs Hotel opened its doors. It was more than just a luxurious hotel. Local man Joe Hamilton became aware of the area’s sulphur springs that were believed to be health-giving. As his wife suffered from rheumatism, he had an added...
