223 articles tagged with hidden gems
You know that feeling when you're designing a game level and you discover that perfect little alcove that just *works*? That's exactly how I felt stumbling upon Lisbon's hidden corners during my recent 'research trip' (yes, that's what I tell...
The first time I glimpsed Meteora's impossible rock formations from the train window, I understood why the name translates to 'suspended in air.' Six monasteries perched atop massive stone pillars dominate every guidebook and Instagram feed. But during my week...
As a wildlife biologist who has spent decades observing how nature adapts to urban environments, I've developed a particular fascination with how cities themselves evolve and tell stories through their architecture, hidden spaces, and public art. Kaunas, Lithuania's second-largest city...
There's a concept in Japanese called *uchi-soto* (内外) that distinguishes between one's inner circle and the outside world. In Vienna, this division is perfectly embodied in its dual café culture—the polished, historic establishments filled with tourists, and the intimate hideaways...
Standing at the top of the Royal Mile with my three kids—Mia (15), Kai (12), and Lina (9)—I felt my late wife Eliza's Scottish heritage come alive around us. The Castle looms impressively, drawing crowds like a celestial body with...
The first time I landed in Jakarta, the sensory overload hit me like a cardiac patient's spike on an ECG monitor—immediate and overwhelming. This sprawling metropolis of 10+ million souls thrums with a chaotic energy that can easily swallow the...
Hong Kong's iconic skyline and bustling streets have graced countless Instagram feeds, yet this city of contrasts holds so many visual treasures beyond the postcard views. As someone who's spent years seeking out the textural nuances of island communities, I've...
Well folks, after 30+ years of chasing the perfect beach day across the globe, I thought I'd seen it all. Then I landed in San Sebastian last summer with the missus and—holy smokes—was I ever wrong! Sure, everyone and their...
Jakarta unfolds like a complex manuscript—layers upon layers of narrative that most visitors barely skim beyond the introduction. During my recent four-day exploration of Indonesia's capital, I found myself mentally red-penning the conventional tourist itinerary, determined to read between the...
The first time I wandered through Krakow's cobblestone streets, I felt that familiar tingle of discovery – the one that comes when you know you've found somewhere special. While most visitors make a beeline for Wawel Castle and plan day...
As a physical therapist who found healing through travel, Switzerland has always held a special place in my heart. The Alpine air, pristine waters, and wellness-focused culture create an environment that nurtures both body and soul. While most visitors to...
At 62, I've traveled to forty-three countries across six continents, yet Shanghai continues to fascinate me with its remarkable duality. The city presents a captivating juxtaposition where ancient traditions dance alongside futuristic innovation—a place where centuries-old temples stand in the...
Rome wasn't built in a day, and trust me, you won't see the real Rome in one either. Seven years ago, when I first brought my son Leo to the Eternal City, we did the standard tourist circuit—Colosseum, Vatican, throw...
When most travelers picture the Amalfi Coast, their minds immediately drift to colorful cliffside villages, azure waters, and limoncello. But beneath this postcard-perfect facade lies a historical tapestry woven over thousands of years. As someone who's spent decades exploring geological...
There's something rather magical about cities that straddle the line between well-known and undiscovered. Wrocław and Strasbourg occupy this delightful middle ground—prominent enough to warrant excellent infrastructure, yet still harbouring countless secrets that reward the curious traveller. Having spent considerable...
