That’s a good–and popular–question. If you don’t know who Karl Bushby is, check out our review of his book Giant Steps: The Remarkable Story of the Goliath Expedition: From Punta Arenas to Russia. It’s the fascinating story of the first part of the epic walk he is undertaking from southern Chile back to his home […]
Despite it’s location on the French Riviera, it’s possible to go snow skiing near Nice during the winter. One of the most accessible ski fields is Isola 2000, 60 miles north of the city. Set in a high valley inside Mercantour National Park, the ski field gets its name from its altitude (2000 meters/6560 feet) […]
I started using the Polarsteps app in March 2018 at the outset of a 31-day trip to Dubai, Australia, and Thailand and immediately got hooked on it. I’ll be honest. I’ve always thought taking photos and keeping a journal while traveling were self-indulgent and a waste of time. But there’s something about the visual, tangible, and […]
One of the newest travel apps I’ve added to my smartphone is Meetup.com and it’s rapidly becoming a staple of my social life. This despite having the worst corporate logo I’ve ever seen. I’d love to pick the brains of the Meetup Marketing team that decided that “bloodsplatter” was the imagery they wanted to associate […]
When traveling in non-English speaking countries and Australia the Google Translate app is my lifeline. In fact, it’s probably the most valuable travel app I’ve got on my smartphone. And the great thing about this free translation tool is that it’s being continually updated by some of the best developers in the business. Which means […]
My latest book recommendation for solo travelers is The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Lost. It’s the true story of author Rachel Friedman’s personal evolution through travel. In the beginning, she’s your stereotypical “good girl.” She tries to please everyone and focuses so much on that, she can’t see anything beyond her immediate surrounds. And […]
When trying to come up with a solo traveler book recommendation, a number of excellent works immediately spring to mind. Jon Krakauer’s 1997 non-fiction work Into the Wild tops the list, though, because of its ability to simultaneously inspire and haunt readers. I consider it a must-read for all of those who wander in search of something […]
A couple of years ago, I stumbled upon and immediately got hooked on Ewan McGregor’s BBC reality television series Long Way Down. The program documents the three-month journey McGregor and his friend undertook in 2007 from northern Scotland to Cape Town, South Africa by motorcycle. I was fascinated and enthralled by their trip: the challenges […]
My latest book recommendation for solo travelers is Giant Steps: The Remarkable Story of the Goliath Expedition From Punta Arenas to Russia. The back story is that in November 1998, Karl Bushby, a 29-year-old British ex-paratrooper, set out to walk from Punta Arenas in far southern Chile to his home in Hull, England. That’s a […]
Ten-second book summary First published in 1975, Paul Theroux’s The Great Railway Bazaar chronicles the author’s four-month rail journey from England to Japan via the Middle East and Asia and back again via Russia. Despite its age or perhaps because of it, it’s a very entertaining and surprisingly honest and refreshing read. Realistic details, not […]
During the third week of March each year, the small town of Villareal, Costa Rica holds its annual Fiestas Patronales (Patron Saint Festival). Designed to celebrate and showcase the bravery and skills of the local cattlemen, it’s the biggest event in this little corner of Guanacaste Province. The Villareal rodeo is the highlight of the […]
I leave the land of underwater farts A couple of years ago I spent six days in the Manuel Antonio/Quepos area of Costa Rica. And let me tell you, when people in Hell feel a chill, they go to Manuel Antonio/Quepos to warm up. It’s not just blazing hot there, it’s humid like you’ve never […]
The following tourist information for New York City should prove useful as you explore America’s largest and most iconic city. If there is any additional information you think we should add, let us know via the COMMENT form at the bottom of the page. Weather Click for weather forecast Emergency Services Dial 911 if you […]
The following information about Nice should prove useful as you explore France’s fifth largest city. If there is any additional information you think we should add, please let us know via the COMMENT form at the bottom of the page. Weather Click for weather forecast Emergency Services Dial 112 if you are in urgent need […]
The following information about Sydney should prove useful as you explore Australia’s largest city and the areas surrounding it. If there is any additional information you think we should add, let us know via the COMMENT form at the bottom of the page. Weather Click for weather forecast Emergency Services Dial 000 if you are […]
Check out these links that connect you to the latest tourist information for San Francisco, the West Coast’s most charming and beautiful city. Find out about local events, tours, flights, weather conditions, medical facilities, transportation options, and much more. If there is any additional information you think we should add, let us know via the […]
Overview If you’re looking for cool places to visit in Madrid, you’re in luck. The city is teeming with world-class museums, beautiful architecture, great restaurants, and vibrant public places. This short guide is intended to highlight some of the better known, lesser known, and over-rated attractions in town. Off the Tourist Track Plaza de Oriente […]
January 11, 2020: Based on feedback from readers and media reports, we’ve rewritten this article to reflect the changes that have recently been made to the Uber in Ireland alternative. The Uber-like app, which was called MyTaxi.com, has been renamed to Free Now. Why a taxi-hailing company would voluntarily rebrand from MyTaxi to Free Now […]
Is it safe to travel to <your intended destination>? It’s a common question for travelers. It’s also one that you can always find an answer to by doing a little research. And the websites listed at the end of this post are a great place to start. Note that each of these is a government-run, […]
When traveling by ferry from Malta to Sicily and beyond, there are two companies from which to choose. And the one you end up selecting will likely have a lot to do with your budget and why you’re taking the ferry in the first place. It’ll also depend on how much inconvenience you’re willing to […]
AirBnB is very popular, widespread, and fairly reasonably priced in Ireland. As a result, you’ll find that most towns currently offer a wide variety of rental options to tourists. The first part of this post lets you know what to expect in a typical Irish AirBnB and gives you some advice on what to bring […]
If you’re looking for breakfast in Santa Cruz California, you’ve got a lot of great options. The combination of a beachy, outdoor vibe, warm weather most of the year, and a young, very social population means people really get into breakfast here. And that’s great because you end up with menus filled with locally sourced, […]
“I’m a big believer in winging it. I’m a big believer that you’re never going to find perfect city travel experience or the perfect meal without a constant willingness to experience a bad one. Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss, I think, and I’m always trying to push […]
So, you want to learn how to curse like a leprechaun, do you? Well you’re in luck, ya jammy bastard. Because one of the first things you’ll notice in Ireland is that everyone swears. All the time. From little babies ask for their “fooking bottles” to old women shouting “I will in me hole!” when asked […]
“In Paris they just simply opened their eyes and stared when we spoke to them in French! We never did succeed in making those idiots understand their own language.” ― Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad