Our handpicked city guides feature curated collections of the best things to do in cities around the world. We look for street art, independent bookshops, farmers markets, hipster coffee shops and parks. And we’re always up for spending time in nature.
We prefer independents over chains, and while both Steve and I are vegetarian, we tend to eat in restaurants that are known to be good for all food rather than just veggie stuff.
We do feature the “must sees”, but our things-to-do guides are about getting beneath the skin of a city and experiencing local, creative life.
I’d been hearing whispers of the wonders of Asheville for a few years: a liberally minded and creative enclave in North Carolina, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and on the edge of the famous parkway. I was promised glorious nature, excellent food, an exciting craft beer scene and creativity galore – and it was … Read more
Set on seven hills overlooking the River Tejo, Lisbon is sometimes called the San Francisco of Europe, but I think that takes away from its own distinctive charm. The hills are certainly similar, and it shares a golden light, but much of the wonder of Lisbon comes from its history. Most of the city was … Read more
The view from the the Dom Luis I bridge sums up the allure of Porto; port wineries on one side, a colourful hodge-podge of buildings and bell towers cascading down the other, and the peaceful Douro river filing down the centre, lined with buzzing restaurants and people ambling by. The azulejo tiles, baroque and beaux … Read more
Our guide to all the best things to do in Santa Barbara, California, one of the most beautoful beach destinations in the USA… Santa Barbara is nicknamed the American Riviera, and oh my is it gorgeous. Apparently Oprah has a house there, and also Rob Lowe, Tom Cruise, Whoopi Goldberg, Ellen DeGeneres, and the list … Read more
Laguna Beach is famed for its beautiful beaches and world-class art, making it the ideal place for a beach vacation with a spot of culture too. Spend the days relaxing on some of the California coast’s most beautiful beaches and then wander the town’s myriad galleries and public art. There are plenty of things to … Read more
New York might not be the first place you think of when deciding where to travel with a baby, but, for us, it was one of the best trips we took in Otis’ first year. By the time we went there, when Otis was 10 months old, we had already travelled with him to Barcelona, … Read more
This three-day San Diego itinerary covers all the top sites, from Balboa Park to La Jolla, making it perfect for first-timers. Plus lots of food, hotel, and tour recommendations to make sure you get the best out of your three days in San Diego. San Diego is a famously laid back city in Southern California, … Read more
Our lowdown on the best things to do in Santa Cruz, California. This will suit you if you’re keen to discover the creative side of the city, and all the best cafes, sweet treats, bookshops, beauty spots and Santa Cruz must-sees. Updated for 2023. Santa Cruz is the land of surf, mountains, hippy culture, redwood-covered … Read more
Sonoma County is the gloriously laid-back sister of glamorous Napa Valley, known for its down-to-earth rustic vibes and celebrated farm-to-table cuisine. It’s a place to slow down, connect to the land and unwind with a glass of wine in hand and the redwoods as a backdrop. We fell head over heels for the place, and … Read more
From the food trucks to the forests to the creative, quirky vibes, Portland is filled with the ingredients that make up my ideal city. We spent a week there, soaking it all in slowly, and this post is a round-up of our Portland itinerary highlights, which would work well for a weekend or three days … Read more