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The colours of Chiang Rai – Black, white and blue Words: Len Rutledge  Images: Phensri Rutledge Until recently, when you mentioned Northern Thailand most people thought of Chiang Mai. But now another place is also drawing attention. Chiang Rai, Thailand’s most northerly city, is firmly on the tourism route and for very good reasons. Our recent visit showed that Chiang Rai City has an abundance of tourism attractions, headlined by three amazing architectural marvels. These can be summarised as the black, white and blue....

6 Under-the-Radar Hidden Gems of Japan Most visitors to Japan, straight out go to cities like Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka, all of which are considered prime tourist hotspots. Locations like Himeji Castle, Tokyo Imperial Palace and, of course, Mount Fuji are usually at the very top of the list. However, why restrict yourself to these common tourist destinations when you can get so much more out of your tour. With that in mind and without further ado, here are top six under-the-radar hidden gems of Japan. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji History lovers are...

North Ireland coast Words: Len Rutledge  Images: Phensri Rutledge Stunning coastline, windswept cliffs, spectacular scenery and fabulous unspoiled beaches are the promise on one of the world’s great road journeys. Unfortunately, all we can see at the moment is fog. My wife and I are on the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland with high expectations but so far the results have been disappointing. We have crawled out of Belfast and are now peering through the gloom at Carrickfergus’s well-preserved 12th century Norman Castle. The...

Halloween Around The World Marriage proposals in Italy, baking bread in the shape of babies in Ecuador, and burning expensive possessions to appease the souls of the dead in China. Across the globe there some strange but wonderful ways locals celebrate their own versions of Halloween. Thomas Cook has collated 50 of the outlandish laws, traditions and locations to create a Halloween map of the world full of need to know trivia you never knew existed. Here are a few highlights from around the globe: Halloween Haters In Dublin, Georgia,...

How’s your Nepali? Not too hot? Well, never mind – spoken languages makeup but a fraction of the way we communicate, and some minds just weren’t built to absorb them. If you find that you’re fortunate enough to spend a lot of time travelling, you’ll discover that listening and observing is half the battle when it comes to being involved with the world around you. Whatever forgettable phrases they may print in the guidebooks are rarely comparable to the way the locals of any given area communicate with each other. Hand gestures...

Words: Len Rutledge.    Photographs: Phensri Rutledge. A spectacular cathedral, Roman ruins, restored markets and delightful gardens are just a few of the joys of central Sofia, Bulgaria’s interesting capital. My wife and I arrived knowing little about the city and we discovered a place which we really enjoyed. Sofia’s main sights are nearly all located within a short walking distance of each other. After some sightseeing, dining and relaxing we left vowing that we would return to explore further before long. Tsar Osvoboditel Monument. This...

Asia’s popular travel destinations provide a healthy mix of ancient history, culture, adventure and pleasure. From remote islands to huge cosmopolitan cities, you will have an endless array of places where you enjoy a vibrant and fulfilling holiday. If you are planning your next trip to Asia or visiting for the first time, here are some of the places you should consider. Siem Reap, Cambodia Siem Reap is an excellent destination for tourists who are visiting Asia for the first time. This popular city is located in the northwestern...

Before you go to study, or when your studies are behind you and a promising career beckons, the decision to dedicate a serious wedge of time and money to travelling the world can seem counter-intuitive. Many of us entertain the idea of seeing new places for a while before consigning the idea to a drawer marked “I’ll Do It Once I’m Stable” – but in fact, business leaders and thought gurus refute this attitude, pointing out that travel early on in your personal development will equip a rising entrepreneur with all sorts of enviable...

Explore the UK: A Weekend Trip to London Whether it’s an adventure break, a venture into the enormous outdoors or an exotic food and drink experience, weekend getaways help you relax, unwind and explore. A break to London can surely do you good. Break away from the daily mundane of life with our selection of weekend trips to London. If you are spending 2 days in London, our itinerary will be a great help for you. Here is how you can make most of your weekend trip to London. Day 1 Start your day eating English breakfast and head...

Popular New York Neighbourhoods for the Young and Energetic Mecca for the young, single and energetic, New York City offers a lot packed into one space. The opportunities to learn and explore are unlimited in New York City. The New York neighbourhoods in the boroughs are transforming into spaces that are more suitable for young families than party goers. As a matter of fact, Upper Manhattan has eradicated most of the potential places for fun. The bars here have become brunch spots and clubs have become yoga studios. Murray Hill A relatively...