I have been waiting to ride the Zig Zag Railway, located west of Sydney since it opened as a tourist railway in 1975. The Zig Zag Railway, true to its name, tackles challenging terrain with a series of dramatic switchbacks, creating a zigzagging route through the stunning Australian Blue Mountains. This Railway in NSW was described as “the eighth wonder of the world” when it opened in October 1869. It was praised for its technological breakthrough as trains moved people and produce between Sydney and the flat plains in the west of the state of…
Canterbury: Historic Gem of Southern England
My decision to stop in Canterbury was a spontaneous one. I found this city, located in the county of Kent, to be deeply enchanting, I was really sad to leave. I was impressed with how pretty the city is and blown away by its treasury of history, striking landmarks, gardens, and culture. Canterbury holds significant importance in English history, largely due to its religious, cultural, and historical significance. The city was a major pilgrimage site because of the Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and a centre of Christianity in England. The murder…
A Journey Back in Time: Discovering the RH&DR Heritage Line
For my train nerd friends, I recently took a ride on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, a 15 inch gauge line in the south of England. Join me for the ride! The Railway along the coast of Kent, England opened in 1927, and remains a beloved heritage line today. Founded by millionaire racing drivers, it has survived depression, war, and closures of many other railways to become a key attraction, maintaining its vintage charm and allure for rail enthusiasts, tourists, and local residents alike. I have wanted to ride on it since I was…
Escape to Stunning Lake Como
As a seasoned traveller, I’ve been fortunate to explore many beautiful destinations worldwide, but Lake Como in Northern Italy has always held a special allure. My recent stay in Blevio, with visits to nearby Como and Bellagio, offered a delightful taste of the elegance and natural beauty that this region is renowned for. Where is Lake Como? Lake Como (Lago Di Como)’s strategic location is one of its most attractive features., conveniently situated at the crossroads of Switzerland and Italy, making it a gateway between the two countries. The town is approximately 40 kilometres (25…
Exploring the Heart of Malta
I had no idea that Malta was so a picturesque island with so many stunning landscapes and as rich a history it has. Valletta, the capital city, boasts more monuments per square mile than any other city globally, reflecting its history of conquests and control by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, French, English, Italians, Sicilians, Romans, and various other powers. This led to be declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO. Today half a million people call the 316km (200sq miles)that is Malta home making it the fifth most densely populated country on the planet. My…
Air Malta Flight Fails to Soar
The choices for a direct flight between Milano, Italy and the stunning island of Malta were between Air Malta or Ryanair, who I avoid flying at all costs. I was keen to try Air Malta, the tiny flag carrier, which has been financially struggling for a long time. But, when I booked this flight, I hadn’t anticipated the October 3rd announcement that the current Air Malta will be shut down in March next year. To make matters “more interesting”, Italy had a general transport strike on the day I departed Milan, which caused delays or…
Protecting yourself from the Bed Bug Scourge
It’s been a few years since I last wrote about bed bugs! It feels like I’m compelled to discuss these tiny bloodsucking critters every three or so years! Currently, I’m back in Paris, and there’s a noticeable media hysteria surrounding bed bugs. I have had numerous people messaging me warning me about the situation! Having experienced an infestation once, I can attest that it’s a far-from-pleasant experience. I often think of bed bugs as little vampires, stealthily settling into our cosy beds to feast on our blood as we slumber. The mere thought of these…
Unveiling the Hidden Truth: Behind the Online Booking Sites
Following my Agoda.com/Booking.com phishing experience described last week, I was keen to understand more about the behemoths I was dealing with. I am one of those travellers who love today’s digitally connected world with its plethora of online booking agencies at my fingertips. I like being able to book your next adventure with a few clicks. Up to now, my experiences have largely been positive. My phishing experience has changed that!What many do not realise is that our online hotel and airfare booking agencies are owned by just a handful of mega-companies. In this blog…
Agoda Nightmare: Falling Victim to the Booking.com Phishing Scam
I am very vigilant about avoiding scams and identity theft. I take extra care with my passwords, avoid clicking random Facebook links, and exercise caution in all aspects of my online life. Despite all my efforts, I recently fell victim to the Booking.com scam. One that has been recurring for about five years. To defend myself, it’s important to note that this wasn’t entirely my fault. In this scam, it appears that Booking.com’s data has been compromised, as cybersecurity experts at Perception Point reported. This compromise seems to be ongoing. Through whatever vulnerabilities exist, scammers…
The Tunisair Dilemma: Is the Terrible Rating a Warning or a Challenge?
I am planning my October travels, and I am always game to fly a new airline (surprise!!!). (I have now flown 120 different airlines). I have a group of airlines that are in my top ten and a group in my bottom ten… I may have found a contender for what would be the world’s worst airline if I am game to fly them on a short hop from Europe to Tunis. Their flight time is just over one hour whilst their competitors onky offer indirect flights of five hours plus for three times the…
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