Visit the Amélie Film Locations in Paris

Amélie, or Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain, to give it the complete title, is one of the funniest and most charming films of recent years to be set in Paris. It makes a wonderful preview of Paris for many visitors and the best bit? This area of Paris really has the ‘village feel’ depicted in the film, and it is possible to visit it. Here’s where to find the Amélie filming locations in Paris.

Things to do in Honfleur

Spending time in the picture-perfect port of Honfleur is a treat for history buffs and fans of the arts. Famed for it’s appealing harbourside, Honfleur has a long and interesting history which definitely makes it worth exploring.

The best adventures in the UK

Want to spend your weekend in the UK enjoying the outdoors? Are you keen to get away from the television, mobile phones and laptops? 

Why not go on an adventure? 

Are you struggling to think of somewhere fun to take the family for a short break? While the UK is especially good at pubs and country gardens, there are also loads of more adventurous activities on offer too. From white water rafting to rock climbing, there really is something for everyone. Here are some great ideas to help you choose your perfect activity.

An evening wine tasting in the Loire Valley? Yes, please!

What do you think of when you imagine visiting France? If, along with the glorious food and scenery, it’s the splendid wines of the Loire Valley that come to mind, you’re in for a treat. 

Since 2016, Chateau Chenonceau has hosted an evening’s wine tasting each summer in the Chateau and its manicured gardens, and the best news? There are lots of wines to try, and it’s open to all. 

Take a closer look at Dubrovnik - walk Dubrovnik's city walls

The ancient walls surrounding Dubrovnik enclose a labyrinth of magical streets, fascinating architecture and all sorts of gastronomic discoveries, all of which combine to make Dubrovnik a truly unique destination. But the magnificent city walls and the public access to them, is what really makes Dubrovnik different. Here's what I suggest you keep an eye out for while walking Dubrovnik's city walls.

How to have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights

Are you dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights one day? Have you been on a trip where you failed to see them? How disappointing! Well, don’t let it happen again. Here are my tips on how to have the best possible chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

Of all nature’s mysteries, the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) is probably the most magical. Silently appearing and scattering swirls of colour across the night sky, before mysteriously vanishing again, the Northern Lights really put on a show. 

Admire Marc Chagall's stained windows in Tudeley, Kent

Seeing and experiencing something new for the first time is definitely one of the obvious joys of travel. But you don’t always need to go far to make new discoveries. I proved this to myself recently when I visited a small church in Kent that is full of stained glass windows created by artist Marc Chagall. Imagine my surprise when I learned this church is just down the road from my childhood home!

Notting Hill Carnival - Europe's biggest street party!

Do you ever feel like dressing up and dancing in the street? Every August bank holiday weekend the streets of west London come alive with one of the biggest and most colourful celebrations of life imaginable. 

The much-celebrated Notting Hill Carnival has been partying through west London since 1966 and if you think that sounds fun, just wait until you experience it!

How climbing the leaning Tower of Pisa could affect your studies

Everybody poses for a photo ‘holding up’ the leaning Tower of Pisa, but would you climb it? 

The ‘lean’ factor looks quite concerning when you stand in front of the tower. 'It probably won’t feel like much of an angle inside,' I thought. 

I was wrong!

Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia

Hot air balloons are almost as much a feature of Cappadocia as the magnificent underground cities and fairy chimney houses. 

When you wake on your first morning to a sky filled with colourful balloons drifting almost silently over the remarkable landscape around you, you know you’ve arrived somewhere magical. 

But do you want to fly in a hot air balloon? Here’s why you should.

Two of the best museums in Montreal

As one of Canada’s historic industrial centres, Montreal has been a far busier place than the international focus on Vancouver and Toronto might have you believe. 

From the early French attempts to establish a fur trading post and British colonial rule (yes, British!), to Montreal’s establishment as the economic capital of Canada in the late 1800s and beyond, Montreal certainly has an interesting history.

12 Turkish foods you should try

If you haven’t tried Turkish food yet, you really should! There is far more to it than just Turkish delight… 

Turkish cuisine has developed continuously over the centuries since Ottoman rule and has adopted influences from all over the place including Central Asian, the Middle East, Greece and the Balkans, resulting in wonderfully diverse, unique and flavoursome menus.

First impressions of Cappadocia

Arriving somewhere new late at night and in the dark is always exciting, and Cappadocia is no different. The limited glimpses I got of buildings and road signs from inside the transfer bus from the airport to Goreme only made it more exciting.

5 Spectacular luxury destination alternatives

Whether you're looking for majestic mountains dropping away to the sea, vibrant and dynamic cities, or an island paradise in a glittering ocean, the world is full of unique destinations to explore. 

If you’re looking for a little luxury, but also want to go somewhere different, here are some unique luxury destinations you could consider.

Whale watching in Vancouver

Having loved whales and dolphins since childhood, whale watching in Canada was a 'must-do' for me. There was no way I could pass through Vancouver without going whale watching so, having identified ‘whale season’ (May to October), I planned my trip and started to get excited.

Seven things you might not know about Nice

Nice has been the jewel in the crown of the French Riviera for centuries. The stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, luxury yachts, amazing fresh food and joie de vivre are just some of the things Nice is celebrated for.

Many people think they know Nice on the French Riviera, but how familiar are you with Nice? Here are seven interesting facts about Nice that you might not know.
 

Granville Island - 7 Reasons to visit Vancouver's culture magnet

There are not many cities that boast an island in their centre, but Vancouver is one that does. Granville Island is famous for its public market but, with the huge variety of evident artistic talent and many cultural activities also taking place, it is much more than just a market.

Shangri La - the hidden gem of Islamic art in Honolulu

One of the most difficult tours to secure a place on in Hawaii, but definitely one of the most worthwhile is the tour of Shangri La, a collection of Islamic art in a private house in Honolulu. Inspired by travels through the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, the collection and programs run at the centre aim to improve understanding of the Islamic world. Having spent time in these regions myself I have a great appreciation for Islamic art, and absolutely recommend a visit to this incredible collection.

Black Bear watching in Whistler

Great news for anyone wanting to see bears! Porridge and picnics aside, if you go down to the woods around Whistler, it should come as little surprise if you meet a bear. A population of 50 – 70 Black Bears live in the Whistler region and there is also the possibility of running into Grizzly Bears, making Whistler an excellent spot for a little bear watching.

Free Things to do in Honolulu, Oahu

While it’s island paradise location in the middle of the Pacific means getting to Hawaii isn’t always cheap, a surprising amount of free activities are on offer which may balance the thrifty traveller’s budget! From hanging out on the beach with turtles, exploring local arts, and hula shows to firework displays and festivals, there really is something for everyone, and I’m just talking about the free things to do in Honolulu.