The small city of St. Peter Port is located on Guernsey in the Channel Islands off the French coast of Normandy. With a total population of approximately 16,500, St. Peter Port offers a surprisingly good selection of hotels, from one true 5-star luxury hotel to a handful of good 3 and 4-star hotels. When choosing where to stay […]
Where to Stay in Aix en Provence, France
An ideal base for exploring Provence, Aix en Provence supplies a good selection of 3-star and 4-star accommodations, and, though it is short on 5-star and budget hotels, our list of ‘where to stay’ options includes an assortment of both. As always, our ‘where to stay’ choices have given preference to hotels with modern […]
Where to Stay in Stockholm
Here’s our take on where to stay in Stockholm, Sweden. Built on an archipelago of 14 islands, Stockholm, is divided into several neighborhoods, including its vibrant Old Town, which is located on the island of Stadsholmen where most of the sights can be found. The following ‘where to stay’ options were chosen with their proximity to the Old […]
Berlin or Paris …Take Your Pick
So … you have a long weekend, or a long week, or maybe two weeks to spend in a single European city and you’ve narrowed your choice to Berlin or Paris. For me, the choice is far from easy. Being a lover of large, international, bustling cities that ooze history, the cultural arts, and untold […]
Village Life in Ukraine
Today we were leaving Kiev for the Ukraine countryside again, this time by bus. A week earlier, in the same uncomfortable July heat, we had journeyed by electric train to visit my cousin’s dacha (cottage). During the train ride, varied characters sold their wares, indifferent to the sweaty passengers. It was a dilapidated parade of […]
Hints for a Smooth Stay in Kiev, Ukraine
Kiev, the capital and largest city in Ukraine (population over 2.5 million), seems to be shifting slowly, but inexorably to a developing “westernized city”. A visitor experiencing Kiev the first time will be struck by the unique blend of old and new worlds colliding. Kiev, Ukraine, founded in the 5th century as a trading center, developed rapidly as a former Soviet republic during the […]
A Layover in London: Transform a Hassle into an Opportunity
Connecting flights, and the inevitable layovers between, used to be a source of dread for weary, long-haul travelers. But nowadays, these lost hours can be converted into an eventful (and fun) part of your vacation. If you’re flying to Europe (or even Africa) and have a scheduled stop in London, why not transform a […]
How to Enjoy London on a Budget
Do you have your heart set on visiting London, even if you’re ‘skint’ (lacking funds)? Many travelers do, and for good reason: it’s one of the most historic and exciting cities in the world. The price tag can be intimidating, though, as even a ‘cuppa’ tea can run you several dollars. But not to worry: […]
Saving Money on Your London Vacation
Budget travel can be an exciting, challenging experience and there are lots of ways to save money on the basics: lodging, eating and transportation. Here’s my take on saving money on your London vacation. Budget Accommodations in London You’ll need to sleep, and a park bench just won’t do—but a couch could be perfect if […]
A Jewel on Lake Lucerne: the Park Hotel Weggis
There are many beautiful resorts on the shores of Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne, but the Park Hotel Weggis stands out as a jewel among all other hotels. Not only does this hotel possess a peaceful ambiance, but the service, food and spa are virtually unmatched. About Weggis The lakeside resort of Weggis is located on the […]