Archive
Detours, routes, and travel posts for deciding quickly and judging elegantly.
published posts
countries covered
destinations with first-hand details
Europe Canary Islands, Spain
Gran Canaria is far more than its beaches: a week of cloud forest, volcanic mountains, quiet villages and Atlantic coast.
A week exploring Gran Canaria beyond the resorts, from Agaete and Las Palmas to Roque Nublo, Artenara, Maspalomas and Barranco de las Vacas.
Europe Valencian Community, Spain
Puntal dels Llops is a small Iberian fortress from the fifth century BC, on a hilltop above Olocau.
Europe Kurzeme, Latvia
A Baltic city where blown-up forts, a prison hotel, music and a wide beach make for an unexpectedly versatile coastal break.
Liepāja is the third biggest city in Latvia, and in 2027 it will be a European Capital of Culture.
Europe Valencian Community, Spain
The Sierra Calderona is a natural park of pine and cork oak forest, red rock and small villages, sitting between Valencia and Castellón.
Europe Aragón, Spain
Teruel's Mudéjar architecture has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1986.
Europe Kurzeme, Latvia
Between Jūrkalne's high sandy banks and the little harbour town of Pāvilosta lies one of the quietest, wildest stretches of Latvia's Baltic coast.
Europe Kurzeme, Latvia
Two short stops filled with poetry, wine, handmade dolls and the quiet character of the Abava Valley.
Kandava and Sabile are two easy, characterful stops in the Abava Valley that make any drive west from Riga feel like part of the trip.
Europe Kurzeme, Latvia
A beautiful day spent between Kuldīga's old wooden streets, the Venta River and Europe's widest waterfall.
Kuldīga is a striking town, and if you happen to be in Latvia, I would say it is a must.
Europe Castellón, Spain
Peñíscola's castle makes the first impression, but the wild Sierra de Irta coastline is what makes the journey memorable.
A practical guide to Peñíscola and Sierra de Irta Natural Park, with the castle, old town, beaches, coastal walking routes, Torre Badum, coves and 2026 summer parking rules.
Europe Jūrmala, Latvia
A quiet wooden path through a landscape that looks like a forest paused halfway through growing.
A practical guide to the Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk in Ķemeri National Park, with loop lengths, transport, wildlife, the observation tower and the best time to visit.
Asia Tochigi, Japan
A personal Nikko winter travel guide with temples, frozen waterfalls, Lake Chūzenji, mountain buses and tips for seeing Nikko.
Europe Castellón, Spain
A flat coastal escape where an old railway line keeps the Mediterranean within reach.
A practical guide to the Vía Verde del Mar between Oropesa del Mar and Benicàssim, with the railway history, train access, coves, tunnel, swimming spots and summer advice.
Europe Kurzeme, Latvia
Wild horses, a medieval manor and a barefoot walk in one Latvian day.
A day trip from Riga to Engures Lake, Šlokenbeka Manor and Valguma Pasaule's barefoot trail, with wild horses, nature and practical tips.
Europe Vidzeme, Latvia
A perfect Latvia day trip, provided you respect the hills.
A day in Sigulda, Latvia, by bike: castles, caves, adventure parks, Gauja Valley views, practical transport tips and the hill that beat us.
Europe Aragón, Spain
Ordesa is spectacular and unmissable, but Valle de Otal is the quieter memory.
A personal three-day summer trip through the Aragonese Pyrenees, with Ordesa, Valle de Otal, the Benasque Valley and practical hiking advice.
Europe Navarra, Spain
A strange, cinematic desert stop that makes Spain feel like another planet.
A practical guide to visiting Bardenas Reales in Navarra, Spain, with Castildetierra, the main driving loop, desert landscapes, heat advice, where to stay and tips for planning a road trip.
Europe Aragón, Spain
A hidden waterfall detour that feels like a small paradise in dry Aragón.
A summer visit to Monasterio de Piedra in Aragón, Spain, with waterfalls, caves, monastery history, practical tips and why it is worth the detour from Zaragoza.
Europe Madeira, Portugal
A mountain holiday with an ocean around it.
A personal Madeira travel guide for a nature-first week in November, with Funchal, Cabo Girão, Ponta de São Lourenço, levada walks, Porto Moniz and Pico do Arieiro.
Europe North Holland, Netherlands
Canals, crooked houses, free ferries, expensive water and one very memorable winter city break.
A personal Amsterdam winter travel guide with canals, Amsterdam Noord, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, markets, Dutch food, Moco Museum and practical February tips.
Europe Norte, Portugal
Porto gives you the city. The Douro Valley gives you the reason to leave it.
A personal Douro Valley travel guide from Porto, with Lamego, Pinhão, the N222, a Douro River boat trip, Quinta do Seixo, Amarante and Citânia de Sanfins.
Europe Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Steep streets, one river, many tiles, and one pastry lost to a seagull.
A Porto travel guide for a long weekend: Gaia viewpoints, azulejos, Francesinha, Aveiro, a sea chapel, Livraria Lello, markets, gardens and practical tips.
Africa Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
I came for one day. The ocean had other plans.
A personal Essaouira travel guide from Marrakech, with the medina, port, beach winds, argan oil, hidden gardens, galleries and practical tips.
Africa Fez, Marrakech, Sahara and Essaouira, Morocco
8 days, 3 cities, one desert tour, and a few lessons learned.
My practical Morocco itinerary and trip-planning guide: route, budget, Ramadan, desert tours, transport, safety, accommodation and what I would change.
Africa Fez-Meknes and Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
Marrakech overwhelmed, but Fez felt more authentic and memorable.
A personal Morocco itinerary comparing Fez and Marrakech, from medina streets and tanneries to palaces, rooftop cafes and practical tips.
