Welcome to my travel diary for 2024, which will cover holidays and trips from our new base camp in Brasov, Romania. The 2024 travel plans are being considered. One thing for sure is that now I’m a resident of Romania. There are no more 90-day stresses like in the previous few years. 2024 Travel Diary…
Find out what’s inside the Tower of London and whether it’s worth visiting. I spent a full day exploring the fortress, including the Crown Jewels and the White Tower, Traitors’ Gate, Tower Green, and the historic walls. Walking around the outside is free, which makes it a good place to visit for budget travellers. What…
Interrailing is a popular option for travellers who are exploring Europe by train. The Interrail Pass includes unlimited train travel on selected days within a month. This means UK visitors can visit many towns and cities without worrying about high train fares. It is a great country for travelling with a dog once here. Most…
Prejmer fortified church in Romania is a fascinating place near Brasov. I visited on a day trip from Brasov and really enjoyed it. Nearby, you can also visit another of the region’s fortified churches, the Harman Fortified Church. I found the UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting and spent a few hours exploring its nooks and…
Brasov in Romania comes alive for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, and it gets very busy. Council Square in Old Town was the focus of the fun, with a stage with live music and a DJ blaring out and crowds gathering. It very much seemed a family affair, with entire families marking the occasion. I’ve…
A key aspect of travelling for me is local food and beer, and I really enjoy the cuisine and beer in Slovenia. There are many restaurants serving Slovenian food throughout the country, and these also have local beers and wines. There are two main beers to enjoy in Slovenia: Laško and Union. We found Slovenia…
Overall, Slovenia is very dog-friendly with some planning. We have visited many places in Slovenia with Henry, my dog, and all have been great. There are many factors that show its pet-friendly credentials. For starters, there are lots of options throughout the country for pet-friendly accommodation. Travelling around Slovenia by train is pretty straightforward too;…
Mali Losinj offers lots of great holiday accommodation options, including hotels and apartments. We found some exclusive resort hotels, glamping sites and budget-friendly apartments. However, budget backpacking meant that we chose the cheap options for our many months on the island. Mali Losinj is a wonderful holiday destination and has earned the moniker “the Island…
I’ve spent a lot of time staying in Brașov, and now I’m officially a resident, so I’m well-versed in the local markets, supermarkets and other food shops. It’s a good city to live in, and there are lots of things to do in Brasov. There are many options for food shopping, including farmers’ markets, supermarkets,…
The River Wye is one of the UK’s best rivers for sightseeing and outdoor adventures, with historic towns, scenic villages, famous viewpoints and waterside walks along its route. This guide covers some places to visit on the Wye, from Hereford and Ross-on-Wye to Symonds Yat, Tintern and Chepstow. For much of its course, the river…
There are lots of things to see in the area near Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey & Houses of Parliament in London. This area is famous for being the home of British politics. Interesting places for sightseeing walks include the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and lots of fancy government buildings. Other iconic things to see…
London has statues, war memorials, fountains and historic landmarks in many of its main sightseeing areas, especially around Westminster, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, the City and the River Thames. I always enjoy seeking these out while exploring London, especially early in the morning before the crowds arrive. Many have interesting backstories and are in some…
Sibiu is a pretty city in Romania’s Transylvania region and a wonderful place to visit for the Christmas market. Sibiu’s old upper town is beautiful, with many historic buildings that make a fantastic backdrop for the festive markets. The town’s main square, Piața Mare, is home to the annual Christmas market, Târgul de Crăciun din…
We really enjoyed visiting Hever Castle and Gardens and learning more about its history, especially its links to Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. The castle is a beautiful place to visit in Kent, England. It is a great place for a day trip from London by train with a pleasant countryside walk mixed in. As…
One of the most popular places for tourists to visit in London is Buckingham Palace and The Mall. There are lots of things to see or do near Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park. The area is walkable, and walking is the best way to take it all in. I’ve enjoyed many walks here throughout…
Chepstow Castle is one of the best places to visit in Chepstow and one of the most impressive historic sites in South Wales. It is also dog-friendly, making it a great day out if you are visiting with a dog. On my most recent visit, I explored the castle as part of a day trip…
There are many good options for food halls or markets in London that serve street food. These are often cheaper places to dine out compared to restaurants. I find they serve delicious food at reasonable prices and can be fun places to visit. A bonus is that groups can choose what stalls to eat and…
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London, is a fantastic place to visit for a fun night out. It takes place in the scenic Hyde Park each year during the Christmas period. It’s a fun place to visit if you enjoy the funfairs, good food, and Christmas markets. We’ve visited four times recently and found it…