Many of us have the craving to travel, especially when there are so many different ways of doing so in today’s globalized society. In this article I would like to make the case that inter-railing is not only thoroughly enjoyable, but also one of the most cost-effective forms of travelling. […]

Set high up on a hill, Carcassonne’s ancient walled city is Disneyworld-perfect. This fairytale collection of drawbridges, towers and atmospheric cobbled streets was reputedly the inspiration for Walt Disney’s The Sleeping Beauty, and it’s a must-see on any trip through this part of southern France. Its medieval core, the cité, […]

I really should have known that canoeing down a river through rapids and eddies wasn’t going to be a doddle. Especially down the Whanganui River (North Island, New Zealand), and when my only company for the next three days was to be a bunch of Kiwis, a few ducks, goats and the […]

“Don’t you think we can walk there?” I asked Kevin in a pleading tone, “It can’t be that far away!” Kevin, who is my husband and navigator, shrugged, “I think we need a cab.” I couldn’t stand the thought of another harrowing ride in a Beirut taxi. We had been […]

When Peter Mayle spent his famous “Year in Provence” he seemed to get lots done, have a great time, and integrate in the community in just a few short months. Quite an achievement, but a question that crops up quite often is ‘How long does it really take to adjust to […]

What does it mean to “find yourself”? This term has been thrown around in various contexts throughout my life and I believe that it’s not until you actually have to do it that you understand exactly what it means. However, I think the term is limited. Listening to somebody’s woes, […]

What is a gap year? Why should I take one? Does it have to last a year? How do I organise one? Where should I go? These questions will all ring familiar in the minds of anybody who has considered taking time out of their normal lives to do something […]