Rome is one of those cities where location really does shape your experience. Stay in the wrong area and you’ll spend half your trip on buses and queues. Pick the right one and suddenly everything feels walkable, cheaper and far more relaxed. In this guide to the best places to stay in Rome, I’ll break […]
Europe, FRANCE, Western Europe
Beyond Toulouse: Why Haute Garonne is Southwest France’s Best-Kept Secret
09
Jul
Jul
If you’re planning a trip to southwest France, there’s a good chance Toulouse is already on your radar. France’s famous Pink City has plenty going for it – from grand squares and impressive churches to buzzing food markets and lively cafés. But here’s the thing. You don’t actually need to stay in Toulouse to enjoy […]
06
Jul
Jul
Paris might have a reputation for being pricey, but trust me, there are plenty of smart ways to enjoy the French capital without rinsing your bank account. Choosing the right neighbourhood is everything, especially if you want to balance location, cost and vibe. In this guide to the best places to stay in Paris, I’ll […]
02
Jul
Jul
When most people start planning a Loire Valley trip, they naturally gravitate towards Amboise. It makes sense. The town is beautiful, home to a royal château, linked to Leonardo da Vinci, and sits right on the Loire River. If you’ve seen photos of the Loire Valley, chances are you’ve already seen Amboise. But after spending […]
Travel Tips
I Took French Lessons with a Tutor Before a 6 Week France Road Trip – Here’s Why I Recommend It!
29
Jun
Jun
When you travel professionally, there are certain things people assume you’re good at. Packing light. Finding cheap flights. Navigating foreign train stations. Speaking foreign languages? Not necessarily! Despite learning French at school for 5 years and having travelling in France on numerous occasions, my French was still fairly basic. I could order a coffee, buy […]
25
Jun
Jun
The Loire Valley is one of France’s most beautiful regions, famous for its elegant châteaux, vineyards, riverside villages and UNESCO-listed landscapes. Many visitors assume you need a car to explore the area properly, but that’s simply not true. In fact, some of the Loire Valley’s most famous castles are surprisingly easy to reach by train […]
22
Jun
Jun
When most people think of a French city break, Paris immediately springs to mind. While the French capital is undeniably beautiful, it can also be expensive, crowded and overwhelming, particularly during peak season. That’s why I think Orléans deserves far more attention. Located just over an hour from Paris by train, this elegant city on […]
18
Jun
Jun
Planning a France road trip with both a baby and a dog might sound ambitious, but honestly, Rouen makes a surprisingly brilliant stop. This beautiful Norman city combines medieval charm, riverside walks, good parking, great food and manageable sightseeing, all without the overwhelming chaos of somewhere like Paris. If you’re travelling from the UK via […]
15
Jun
Jun
If you’ve ever looked at prices in Le Touquet and immediately considered remortgaging your house for a weekend by the sea, then allow me to introduce you to its much more affordable neighbour – Saint-Cécile Plage. Set along France’s gorgeous Opal Coast, Saint-Cécile Plage delivers huge sandy beaches, family-friendly vibes, dog-friendly stays and excellent seafood […]
11
Jun
Jun
As a budget traveller, there are few things more frustrating than a delayed or cancelled flight. You’ve spent hours hunting down cheap fares, carefully planned your itinerary and maybe even skipped checked luggage to save money. Then suddenly, your flight is cancelled, delayed for hours, or you’re denied boarding altogether. The good news is that […]