Travel Guides

Dubrovnik, Croatia, Europe, Hotel Reviews, Budget, City Breaks Sophie Alexander-Osman Dubrovnik, Croatia, Europe, Hotel Reviews, Budget, City Breaks Sophie Alexander-Osman

Staying in an Airbnb Inside Dubrovnik’s Old Town

There is staying in Dubrovnik, and then there is staying inside Dubrovnik. For this trip, I wanted the latter. I found Apartment Kate on Airbnb, right in the heart of the Old Town, inside the ancient city walls. Its entrance door is quite literally on the famous Jesuit Steps, recognisable from Game of Thrones, so from the moment you leave the apartment, you are immediately in the middle of one of the most iconic parts of the city.

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United Kingdom, England, Adventure, London, Europe, Budget, City Breaks Sophie Alexander-Osman United Kingdom, England, Adventure, London, Europe, Budget, City Breaks Sophie Alexander-Osman

Kayaking Along the Thames Through Central London

London is usually experienced from its streets, bridges and Underground, but there is another way to see the city that puts you right in the middle of it. Kayaking the Thames gives you a completely different perspective, with London’s skyline unfolding around you as you move with the river. You pass beneath bridges, alongside historic buildings and directly past some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, all from the seat of a kayak.

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Driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway

The only way to do this trip is to hire a Mustang, get the roof down, put on your favourite playlist and hit the road. California’s Pacific Coast Highway is one of those journeys where the drive really is the holiday. The classic route between San Francisco and Los Angeles follows Highway 1 through the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur and California’s Central Coast before reaching Santa Barbara and eventually LA. Highway 1 stretches for more than 650 miles along California’s coastline, but the San Francisco to LA section is the one to focus on for a classic road trip.

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Seychelles, Africa, Adventure, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman Seychelles, Africa, Adventure, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman

Hiking to Anse Major Beach in Seychelles

There are plenty of beautiful beaches in the Seychelles, but Anse Major makes you work for yours. Tucked into the northwest coast of MahΓ© within Morne Seychellois National Park, this small stretch of white sand and turquoise water is reached by a coastal trail from Danzil, near Bel Ombre, with no road leading to the beach. The official Anse Major Nature Trail is 2.4 kilometres one way and takes around an hour, depending on your pace and how often you stop for the views. It is classified as a low-intensity trail, but the terrain is rocky and uneven, with exposed granite, climbs and descents, so proper walking shoes are essential.

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Sri Lanka, Asia, Budget, Adventure, Solo Travel, Wonders Of The World Sophie Alexander-Osman Sri Lanka, Asia, Budget, Adventure, Solo Travel, Wonders Of The World Sophie Alexander-Osman

The Complete Guide to Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Sigiriya is a massive granite peak that rises two hundred metres above the flat plains of central Sri Lanka. This UNESCO site, known as Lion Rock, is more than just a natural landmark. It was a 5th-century capital city built by King Kasyapa, surrounded by a complex system of water gardens, moats and defensive walls.

The climb to the top takes you through different stages of history. Halfway up the rock, two giant stone lion paws mark the entrance to the old palace. On the western side, you will find the mirror wall, which was once polished so the King could see himself. Nearby, ancient frescoes of women are still visible in the rock, preserved for centuries.

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United Kingdom, England, Lincolnshire, Adventure, Budget, City Breaks, Road Trips Sophie Alexander-Osman United Kingdom, England, Lincolnshire, Adventure, Budget, City Breaks, Road Trips Sophie Alexander-Osman

The Ultimate Lincolnshire Guide: Coast, Country & Charm

Lincolnshire sits on England’s east coast, where long stretches of open countryside meet an uninterrupted coastline along the North Sea. It is a county defined by space rather than spectacle, where farmland, wetlands and small historic towns sit far apart, connected by quiet roads and wide horizons. Unlike more heavily visited parts of the UK, it moves at a slower rhythm, shaped by agriculture, seasonal tourism and coastal wildlife. This sense of scale is what makes it particularly appealing in summer, when daylight stretches late into the evening and the landscape feels even more open and accessible.

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United Kingdom, England, Cornwall, Budget, Adventure, Solo Travel, Europe, Road Trips Sophie Alexander-Osman United Kingdom, England, Cornwall, Budget, Adventure, Solo Travel, Europe, Road Trips Sophie Alexander-Osman

The Best Beaches to Visit in Cornwall

When it comes to dramatic coastlines and world-class shorelines, Cornwall completely stands apart. Shrugged by the wild Atlantic ocean, this southwest peninsula is home to some of the finest sand in Europe, where towering granite cliffs give way to expansive tidal flats and hidden, turquoise-water coves. Threaded together by the spectacular South West Coast Path, these landscapes offer incredible clifftop walking trails that lead directly down to the water's edge.

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Sri Lanka, Asia, Adventure, Hiriketiya, Solo Travel, Backpacking, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman Sri Lanka, Asia, Adventure, Hiriketiya, Solo Travel, Backpacking, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman

The Ultimate Hiriketiya Guide, Sri Lanka

There is a specific kind of magic found in Hiriketiya that is becoming increasingly rare along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline. Often referred to simply as "Hiri," this perfectly formed horseshoe bay feels like a secret the jungle is trying its best to keep. While other coastal towns have expanded into bustling hubs, Hiriketiya remains a place where the roads are still mostly dirt, the palms lean impossibly low over the water, and the rhythm of the day is dictated entirely by the swell.

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Capri, Italy, Europe, Wonders Of The World, Budget, Adventure Sophie Alexander-Osman Capri, Italy, Europe, Wonders Of The World, Budget, Adventure Sophie Alexander-Osman

How to Spend a Day in Capri – Ferry Tips, Beaches, Kayaking & Where to Eat

Rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea just off Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, Capri is a small island of cliffs, coves, and impossibly blue water. Though only 10 square kilometres, its steep terrain makes it feel much larger β€” from sea level to the top of Monte Solaro, the island climbs nearly 600 metres. Roads curve along terraces of lemon trees and whitewashed villas, leading to hidden beaches and panoramic viewpoints over the Bay of Naples. It’s the kind of place that feels effortlessly glamorous yet still connected to nature, and perfect for a day trip from Sorrento when planned right.

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Italy, Hotel Reviews, Europe, City Breaks, Rome, Solo Travel, Backpacking, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman Italy, Hotel Reviews, Europe, City Breaks, Rome, Solo Travel, Backpacking, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman

Review: CitizenM Rome Isola Tiberina

Walking out onto the cobbled streets of Rome one September morning, it felt like everything was within reach. The river’s gentle hum, historic faΓ§ades dripping with stories, and the promise of gelato round the corner set the scene perfectly. For the ideal base, I stayed at the citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina, part of the wider citizenM family now under Marriott Bonvoy. The hotel retains its distinctive for the people ethos while offering the reliability, reach, and loyalty benefits of one of the world’s largest hotel networks.

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Montenegro, Hotel Reviews, Airbnb, Europe, Kotor, City Breaks, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman Montenegro, Hotel Reviews, Airbnb, Europe, Kotor, City Breaks, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman

Is This the Best Airbnb in Montenegro? Full Review

If you’re planning a trip to Montenegro and want a stay that combines modern comfort with incredible views, Olga’s Piece of Paradise in Dobrota is worth considering. Just 15 minutes from Kotor Old Town, this brand-new three-bedroom apartment spans 130 mΒ² and accommodates up to six adults. It’s tastefully designed with modern colours, designer lighting and high-quality finishes, making it an ideal base for couples, families or friends who want both comfort and functionality on their Montenegro holiday.

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Hotel Reviews, United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Middle East, City Breaks, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman Hotel Reviews, United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Middle East, City Breaks, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman

Review: City Staycation at Renaissance Business Bay Hotel, Dubai

The Renaissance Business Bay Hotel is a five star Marriott property set right on the Dubai Water Canal in Business Bay. The hotel was rebranded in 2024 from the former Grand Millennium, bringing a refreshed design and updated facilities to the area. Its location is ideal for exploring the city, just a five-minute drive from Downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall, with the canal promenade running directly outside for walks or cycling.

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Japan, Asia, City Breaks, Solo Travel, Backpacking, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman Japan, Asia, City Breaks, Solo Travel, Backpacking, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman

Top Cities to Visit in Japan That Aren’t Tokyo

Over four months sailing around southern Japan on a cruise ship, I had the chance to visit these cities multiple times and truly get to know what makes each one special. From the powerful history preserved in Hiroshima to the vibrant street food culture of Osaka, and from the peaceful beaches of Okinawa to the volcanic landscapes of Kagoshima, these cities offer a wide range of experiences that show Japan’s rich diversity. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, local cuisine, or unique cultural traditions, you’ll find plenty to explore here. This list highlights the top cities to visit in Japan that reveal the country’s character beyond the usual tourist routes.

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Aswan, Egypt, Africa, Adventure, City Breaks, Budget, Solo Travel, Backpacking Sophie Alexander-Osman Aswan, Egypt, Africa, Adventure, City Breaks, Budget, Solo Travel, Backpacking Sophie Alexander-Osman

The Ultimate Aswan Bucket List: Top Places to Visit and Explore

Aswan is a small city in southern Egypt, known for its temples, islands, and links to Nubian culture. It’s a common stop on Nile cruises and an easy base for visiting major sites like Philae Temple and Abu Simbel. The city is walkable, affordable, and less chaotic than Cairo or Alexandria, making it a good place to slow down while still seeing key parts of ancient Egypt. I wasn’t expecting Aswan to be so naturally beautifulβ€”the Nile is wide and calm here, with rocky islands and desert landscapes on either side. The Nubian people are incredibly welcoming, and the food is fantastic. Life here feels simple, with small boats being the main way to get around.

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Best Places to Visit in Europe for Summer 2025

Over the last few years, it’s felt like everyone’s been heading to Europe for their summer holiday β€” and the FOMO is real. The reason? Guaranteed sunshine, great vibes, golden beaches, tan lines, and a seriously good time. Missing out on a Euro summer is like missing out on summer all together. Whether you're after a party-filled city break or a quiet hideaway in the mountains, summer in Europe is always a good idea. From the best beach destinations in Europe to iconic cities and underrated gems, here’s where to go for your perfect Euro summer 2025 - where will you be heading this year?

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