Everything you need to know about taking the train in Japan
10 Find out which ticket you need, where to buy it – and how to navigate Japan’s world-renowned rail network like a pro with this expert guide. For locals, trains are the most efficient and reliable mode of transport in Japan and an essential part of daily life. So, naturally as a traveller, whether you’re […]
Cathédrale Notre Dame de Chartes III
One of the main reasons I have always wanted to visit this cathedral is to walk the labyrinth. For future visitors please note that on most days, the labyrinth is covered with chairs, but on Fridays they are moved aside. It’s a large one so I walked it to the center, then quietly walked out […]
San Francisco to Los Angeles Drive
Looking for the best route from San Francisco to Los Angeles? We’ve driven back and forth a dozen times using different routes. While living in California, we often took I-5 for the most direct route. However, if you’re looking for scenic options or you want to explore new parts of California, these are the ones […]
AK Monthly Recap: March 2026
After two quiet months at home in Prague, while living through one of the coldest winters we’ve had in years, it was time for something better. A bit of sunshine. A bit of warmth. And a bit of time in the South of France. Here’s what I got up to in March 2026! Table of […]
Everything You Need to Know
Planning to spend Easter in Paris and wondering what’s actually worth doing during the holiday weekend? If you’re visiting Paris over Easter, you’re in for a beautiful time of year, with spring in full bloom, festive chocolate displays, and plenty of seasonal charm. I always love this time of year in Paris—it has a special […]
The Best Places to Visit on the Amalfi Coast for Scenic Views, Food & Hidden Gems
There’s a reason that Italy’s famous Amalfi Coast is often called the Divina Costiera, or Divine Coast. After all, it’s a place where jagged limestone cliffs plunge vertically into a sea so blue that it looks like a painting, and where gravity-defying villages cling to the rocks like colourful barnacles. From the scent of heavy […]
Paris Fashion Inspiration for Your Next Stay
While Paris is rightly known around the world as the fashion capital, with legendary design houses that have shaped style for generations, there’s much more to explore beyond the runways and boutiques. Even if luxury shopping isn’t your style, there are still plenty of ways to connect with the city’s fashion heritage. For you, that […]
Cathedral Notre-Dame de Chartres IV
As we made our way around the church, I was drawn to this scene. A class of students were there sketching using the flashlights of their cell phones! I was careful not to intrude but I had to get a little closer to see what they were doing, of course. I often marvel at how […]
Pick your persona: What type of group traveller are you?
6 Gather your closest friends, your nearest and dearest travel buddies, to decide which of these typical group travel personas best suits you. Naturally, we all think we’re the consummate travel companion. Impeccably mannered, improbably good company, idiosyncrasies carefully hidden. Look, no webbed feet; you can’t even see our scales… But have you really considered […]
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
About the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens The Bellagio Conservatory transforms the 14,000-square-foot space into a new imaginary world each season. I’m always impressed by how they keep all these plants alive and beautiful when I struggle with the few I have. Bellagio has 120 gardeners alone, and then you add in the designers, engineers, […]