Author Archives: Claire

Are the Pyramids of Giza worth visiting?

Firmly at the top of many people’s bucket lists, the Pyramids of Giza aren’t a Wonder of the Ancient World for nothing.  Dating back a whopping 4,500 years (and still in remarkably good condition!) the largest Pyramid of Giza (which is often known simply as “The Pyramid of Giza”) was built as a tomb for […]

Is the Isle of Man worth visiting? (Beyond the TT)

Because of my partner’s fascination with borders, overseas territories and crown dependencies (of which the Isle of Man is one!), we often find ourselves bumbling around places like the Isle of Man.  It’s not a country, but it’s not part of the UK. The Isle of Man considers itself a nation, a self-governing Crown Dependency […]

All you need to know about the EU’s new visa changes

From late 2025, UK travellers heading to European Union and Schengen Area countries will face new border systems.  These are being introduced for security and data tracking across Europe and will affect everyone entering from outside the EU, including British citizens. Two new systems are being rolled out: Here’s what each involves, how it affects […]

14 UK railway attractions to visit in 2025

In 1825, the world’s first public passenger railway began operating between Stockton and Darlington. What started as an industrial experiment soon transformed Britain (and the rest of the world).  This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, and there’s no better time to explore the places that shaped Britain’s railway story.  […]

9 things to do in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka (travel guide)

This year, Sri Lanka travel is being mentioned more and more in the news. “Everyone I Know Is Heading To Sri Lanka” Suitcase Mag says.  “The winter sun island luring back visitors with heritage wildlife and low prices” iNews proclaims.  Tourism in the south of Sri Lanka is booming. But in the north, in areas […]

10 essential tips for visiting Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

From the top of Sigiriya, a sea of green forest stretches for miles. “This area’s all protected”, our guide told us. “You can see how lush Sri Lanka’s nature is”.  Clouds gathered on the horizon, and the sun started to set. After an arduous climb up 1,200 steps to the top, taking a breather here […]

Not flying is best for the environment. But the cost of not visiting could be greater.

Few countries have had to contend with situations like Sri Lanka’s last 40 years. First came the civil war, a brutal 26 year conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (otherwise known as “Tamil Tigers”). Of course, the victims in it were innocent civilians – on both sides, but […]

How tourists are helping Sri Lanka’s elephants

We hadn’t even made it to the national park, when we saw an elephant making its way through the roadside trees.  “We see them a lot here” our guide Dhanoushka told us. “But this can cause problems. Humans and elephants are still learning to live together in Sri Lanka”.  I was on a ten-day trip […]

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