This week, I’m celebrating 13 years of living in London—what started as a post-university trip to get an internship became a full-time job, and although I’ve travelled a lot, London is the place I’ve called home for over a decade. I’m not a big history buff; it was never my favourite subject in school, and I can’t say that it’s something I go out-of-my-way to … Continue reading 3 Ways London’s History Shapes How the City Feels Today
I’m getting married this year, and I’m so excited! I’m also broke. Weddings are expensive. Even when you’re eloping; even when you look for your dress in a sample sale; even when you’re getting your shoes at a discount. I’m convinced that when you add the word “wedding” to something, the price skyrockets, because of the once-in-a-lifetime specialness of the event. For that reason, I’m … Continue reading Travel Alternatives for When You Just Can’t
Today was the first day where to get close to the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, it came at the cost of €2. From 9am to 10pm, lower-level access close to the fountain is no longer free for tourists; to help manage the bustling crowds in the piazza, those who want to get closest to the fountain will be charged for the experience. The fee … Continue reading The Trevi Fountain’s €2 Charge: A Step Too Far For Tourism?
I’ve been sick this week, coming back from my cousin’s engagement party in Leeds. Before I got this cursed cold, I spent a weekend with my partner in Leeds, England. It’s more north than I’m used to venturing—about 2.5 hours on a train from London—and it was my first time in this city that wasn’t a stopover to somewhere else. Over the weekend I learned … Continue reading Three Meals I Loved In Leeds, England
Lately in London, the weather’s been changing; what was once a bright and warm summer is turning into Gilmore Girls weather; a nip in the air, more grey in the sky, leaves on the ground. I love autumn—it’s my favourite season—but I’m a little sad that summer is over. So I’ve decided to take a trip in October, just to take advantage of one last … Continue reading 5 European Locations for Tropical October Trips
Last weekend I travelled to Bristol, England, for a day trip with my partner. We checked out a Tudor-era castle that’s been transformed into a hotel, and I ended up learning a lot about the property. England is full of historic buildings, and many of them have been turned into businesses that can be explored, but unlike a National Trust building (which can be toured … Continue reading Three English Castle Hotels for Your Next Weekend Away
When my partner and I stayed in Sintra last month, one of the places we were excited about going was Pena Palace. Our hotel’s host told us, “It’s nice…but the Quinta da Regaleira Palace is better.” I ended up visiting both, and if you’re curious if which one’s worth the visit, look no further! Pena Palace Sintra is a town set on the side of … Continue reading Palace Paradise: A Review of Sintra’s Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palaces
I’ve never been someone who wants to go on the same trips year after year; I know some people have a favourite place to spend their Christmases or summers, but I always want the novelty of a place I’ve never been before. Whenever I go somewhere new, I often feel the need to suck the marrow out of every experience. My rationale is: this might … Continue reading Revisiting Places: A Waste, or Chance for a New Perspective?
If you’re looking for the answer to “What is the best day trip from Lisbon?”, I’ve got your answer: it’s Sintra, Portugal. I went last week for a four-day trip surrounding a wedding, and I got to revisit the beautiful countryside—full of village quaintness, national park attractions, and so many castles! Why is Sintra so popular? Sintra was full of people, wherever we went. So … Continue reading Sintra: The Castle-Filled Countryside a Quick Trip from Lisbon
I’ve been really lucky this year, to travel as much as I have. I use the word “lucky”, because I want to acknowledge that travelling comes from an enormous place of privilege; I have enough money to go where I like, enough time to research the best rates and travel deals, and loved ones to travel with. One of those privileges is the fact that … Continue reading What is Travel Burnout (And How Can I Stop It)?
No Small Wander 