In my recent post on 12 European Places to visit in 2020, in January I recommended looking for Winter Sun in Tenerife (a Spanish Island). So, here is bit more information on what to see and do in Tenerife. If you have had enough of the January cold and you want to skip the winter …
12 European Places to visit in 2020.
Make 2020 your year of travel. Whether you’re planning a city break, a family holiday, a cultural trip, a romantic getaway or a beach holiday, here are some suggested European Places to visit in 2020. I’ve given one suggestion per month, but for most destinations any month is equally valid. I limited my picks to 12 places …
Swan Lake and the legend of the flottins
Today I want to share with you a story about Swan Lake and the legend of the flottins and flottines, little creatures who arrived at Evian on the shores of Lake Geneva and saved Christmas one winter night. The story takes place in Evian les Bains, a beautiful alpine town on the shores of Lake …
A perfect stay at the Hotel WindsoR in Nice
Set in an oasis of calm in the centre of Nice, the Hotel WindsoR is a charming four star “belle époque” hotel, just a stones throw from the sea front. It was truly the perfect place for a weekend break after a long week! It was heavenly to soak up the calm atmosphere and some …
5 reasons to visit Vienna – Culture, Christmas Markets, Carnavals, Coffee and Cake!
Vienna, renowned for its breathtaking beauty, stunning architecture, delicious cakes (try the ‘sacher-torte‘ – you’ll thank me later!) and rich cultural legacy, is an ideal European travel destination, and here are my top 5 reasons to visit Vienna. Due to its central location in Europe, Vienna is a very popular destination for visitors from all over the …
A Guide to the Best Temples in Vietnam
Vietnam is a tropical paradise nation with so much to offer the tourist, with pristine, unspoilt beaches and lush tropical jungle, and if you are into old architecture, there are some stunning buildings, particularly the temples. Here is a brief guide to some of the best temples to add to your list of must-visit …
Making Travel More Affordable
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and our handy hints for making travel more affordable. The jet-set lifestyle is full of adventures and unknowns. It’s a wonderful feeling to set off and experience new countries and see the world, but it’s not always great for your finances. If your dreams of travel are more …
Madrid in three days : What to see
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this post about What to See in Madrid in three days. Madrid is Spain’s largest city and its capital and is one of the top travel destinations in Europe, but what are the key attractions if you are only on a short break? Here are a few tips …
The Best World Heritage Sites To Visit
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about the best world heritage sites to visit. If you are hoping for a unique kind of holiday, there are many ways to approach this. You could decide to go off the beaten track a little and find something new that way, of course. Or you …
Staying Safe on Your First Big Trip
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway, and this post with our tips for staying safe on your first big travel trip. Traveling is fantastic. Whether you are heading to a faraway land for a lengthy stay or taking a big trip to travel the world, never staying in the same place for more than a …
Your Asian Adventures : Excellence in the East!
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this post about Asian Adventures! If you’re looking to give yourself a real culture shock and open up your eyes to a whole new world, then eastern Asia certainly won’t disappoint. Your Asian Adventures : Excellence in the East! When you’ve grown up in the west, it can …
Discover Phillip Island, the Australian Adventure
Phillip Island is tucked into the second crevice entering Melbourne. It’s beyond French Island but thanks to its location, has unique wildlife present on it’s soil. Discover the rolling waves of Phillip Island, the Australian Adventure The rolling waves should give you an idea to what the main attraction to the island is for many …
Why you need a long weekend in London
London is one of the most visited cities in the world. With attractions such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye and the hope of catching a glimpse of the Royal family, it is a tourist’s paradise, and there is plenty to do during a weekend in London. Why you need a …
Why you should visit San Antonio, Texas
Texas is classed as the second largest state in the USA, but yet, it is probably still under the radar when it comes to booking holidays and visiting some of the amazing cities and locations within it, so here are my reasons why you should visit San Antonio Texas. Of course, if you think of …
The Best Last-Minute Holiday Destinations
Guest post by Victoria Lim* Finding a great last-minute holiday offer is somewhat like having a winning lottery ticket, so to help you we’ve put together our tips for finding the best last-minute holiday destinations. Last-minute offers can help you save a significant amount of money, and you might even discover something you’ve never thought …
What to do in Sorrento – the gateway to the Amalfi Coast
Sorrento is often the starting point for a trip to the beautiful Amalfi Coast, as from here you can easily visit Pompeii, Capri, Ischia, Naples, Positano, Amalfi and more destinations by ferry/ hydrofoil and in some cases by bus or private transfers. Read on for what to do in Sorrento, suggested day trips and where to …
Capri in a day : La dolce vita
The beautiful island of Capri is often associated with ‘la dolce vita’ (even though the original film was set in Rome), and a visit to Capri makes the perfect day trip from the Amalfi coast (with ferries and hydrofoils from Naples, Ischia, Procida, Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi). My initial experience on arrival, however, did not quite …
Chantilly Revisited – the gardens and the flower exhibition
This post is taken in the same place as my previous post, and specifically in the grounds of the castle of Chantilly. If you remember, I recently spent a day visiting the town of Chantilly, which is about 40 kms north of Paris (half an hour outside Paris by train), and I promised to share …
Ruffles and Chantilly
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this post about Ruffles and Chantilly. I recently spent a day visiting the town of Chantilly, which is about 40 kms north of Paris (half an hour outside Paris by train). The town itself is very pretty but the jewel in it’s crown is without doubt the impressive …
A day out in Bergues
The fortified town of Bergues is perhaps most famous for the filming of ‘Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis’ (or ‘Welcome to the sticks’), a 2008 French comedy film directed, co-written by, and starring Dany Boon. Much of the shooting took place in Bergues and you can follow a guided tour to visit some of the sites, such …
The Algarve revisited
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this post about The Algarve Revisited. I visited the Algarve this time last year and fell in love with it, so much so, that I went back this year. The coastline is spectacular, the beaches are breathtaking, the weather is beautiful and there’s plenty to see and do. What’s …
Botanical gardens in Dusseldorf
I recently spent a weekend in Dusseldorf and discovered the botanical gardens out towards the University campus. It really is a beautiful setting and the perfect place to indulge my obsession with everything floral, including floral prints! Botanical Gardens in Dusseldorf I recently spent a weekend in Dusseldorf, which is a great place to spend …
Paris in August
The good weather has finally come to Paris and the city is even more beautiful than usual! Read on for more photos and to find out what I love (and don’t like) about Paris in August. Dress – French Connection last season Paris in August The best thing about Paris in August is the fact that the …
Where to eat and drink in Los Angeles
Today’s post is all about Where to eat and drink in Los Angeles, but don’t hesitate to also check out my post on “What to see and do in Los Angeles” here, Where to eat and drink in Los Angeles I have been meaning to write this post for a couple of months now, as I was …
New Caledonia : a guest post by Nicole Noel
by Nicole Noel If you are dreaming of spending some time at sun-kissed beaches in picturesque settings, enjoying some water activities and having the time of your life, visit the hidden gem of the Pacific Ocean – New Caledonia. You will be hard-pressed to find a place with friendlier locals. Kanaky, as the locals call …
Travelling on a budget
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and our tips for the best destinations when travelling on a budget. As always we have been combing the globe to bring you the best destinations to visit. If you are looking for some spectacular destinations to visit this year, and to do so within a spectacularly low budget, we …
French Polynesia
by Nicole Noel* French Polynesia has 118 islands. It seems like a lot, and it seems that – if you see one tropical island, you have seen them all. However, that is not the case with the gorgeous French Polynesia. Some of these islands stand out with their beauty, cultural or natural wonders. For sure, all …
Madrid City Break
by Jess Signet * Read on for some ideas of what to do on a Madrid City break, including sightseeing and shopping on the Gran Via, relaxing in ‘El Retiro’ Park , soaking up some culture at the ‘Prado National Museum’, visiting the ‘Santiago Bernabéu Stadium’ (home to Real Madrid) and eating and drinking in the Plaza …
Guest post : Queensland, Australia
Queensland is one of the most beautiful places in Australia, and I am delighted to share this guest post by Nicole Noel* with some ideas of what to do in Queensland, including visiting Brisbane, the rain forests and national parks, the Gold Coast, the Great Barrier Reef and Hervey Bay. How to Spend Unforgettable Time in …
How to Pack
So, having done quite a bit of travelling this year I’ve learned from my mistakes and so am writing this guide on How to pack to help you avoid my travel disasters. One time my bag was so overweight it exceeded the maximum weight allowed by so much that I had to buy a second …