Meguro River

Tokyo cherry blossoms in bloom

Guides & Tips

The blooming of the cherry blossom (or Sakura, as they’re known in the native language) is one of the most anticipated and famous events in Japan, especially in the capital city. Those who venture to Tokyo in early spring are rewarded with the gentle beauty of this natural phenomenon, as the plants bud and burst into life and colour. The custom of attributing importance to these trees started with “hanami”, or drinking under the blooming trees to bring good luck, and has now exploded into a national trend which vast swathes of the population indulge in.

ouzoud

Morocco’s waterfalls for your bucket list

Guides & Tips

If you’ve done a little Morocco waterfall research of your own, you’ll be expecting us to at least cover the Ouzoud Falls basics. Which, of course, we have, but we’ve also foraged around for some lesser-known falls for you to scamper among.
That’s not to say the Morocco waterfall ‘must sees’ are to be skipped – far from it. Forging gorges and canyons for centuries, they deserve at least a little of your time. Though, a word of caution before you seek out any cascading adventures – in the driest weeks, even the most spectacular Moroccan waterfalls are reduced to desiccated husks. Sure, the surrounding landscape is still impressive, but that’s not what you’re here for. Ask around for recent local weather conditions – a little inside info could save you a long and bumpy drive. Tips sorted, let’s get on with our Morocco waterfall run down…

safi

Catch a wave: the best of surfing in Morocco

See & Do

If you’ve been shivering somewhere off the UK coastline, longing for a stretch of sunlit beach – we’re going to steer you towards Morocco. Rarely will a surfer be more rewarded. There’s almost 150 surf spots to choose from – and they all come fully loaded with upwards of 300 days of sunshine. It’s at this point we should probably stop stalling and clue you in to the waves. Peeling that’ll make your surfer’s heart melt. Barrels that’ll intimidate all but the bravest boarders and beginner lagoons tame enough to tempt in even the most timid newbies. If you haven’t already started furiously waxing your board in anticipation, read on. There’s more to Morocco surfing than sunshine and a few nice waves. And we promise not to point you towards a souq – unless you happen to be in the market for some leather slippers, of course?

Djemaa el fna

Dusk til dawn: your guide to Marrakech nightlife

See & Do

We’ll surprise absolutely no-one when we say life in Marrakech is frenetic – so you’ll no doubt be expecting a nightlife to match. Well, that’s there for the taking in and around the Medina – but you can also snuffle out some spots to dial back the speedometer and reflect on your day in the souqs, any lofty life aspirations or whether those Moroccan slippers might look a tad flamboyant in the office.

Sydney Sunset

Sydney

Destination

Sydney is a city littered with iconic sights. Listed from one travel guide to the next, Sydney holidays never leave you in danger of visiting and somehow missing the Opera House. Shame really. There’s all sorts of intriguing stuff Sydney’s got planned for you, if only you weren’t distracted by those miraculously glittering waters in the harbour. While you’re there though, do look out for the aboriginal whale carving. Lying in plain sight, its a treasure worth finding. Not to give too much away, but Sydney’s secrets just keep coming.

Hidden mangroves, secret gardens and an ornate station with a distinctly macabre history. That’s the Sydney you won’t find at the top of a shiny skyscraper. Not that we dislike an urban landscape. After all, in Sydney, that’s where you’ll find meals that make the 24 hour flight more than worth it. Though, word of warning, there are some plates that may well make you file for an Aussie passport. Then there’s the beaches. Over 100 at the last count. No wonder Sydney’s a city that loves a festival. Oh, by the way, do pop to the Australian Museum to visit Eric. He’s had quite the time of it over the last hundred million years.

Chinatown Sydney

Get down to Sydney’s Chinatown: a complete guide

Guides & Tips

No two Chinatowns are cut from the same cloth and some, such as Sydney’s, are a cut above the rest.
Sydney’s first Chinese citizens stepped foot on its shores in the 1800s and today around 10% of the city’s residents claim Chinese heritage. It’s this deep-rooted culture that makes Sydney’s Chinatown particularly authentic, whether you’re slurping broth from a Cantonese hot pot or sipping on some bubble tea.

Botanical gardens

What to do in Woolloomooloo: your travel guide

Guides & Tips

H1: What to do in Woolloomooloo: your travel guide
Still trying to wrap your head around that name? We feel you. The aboriginal tongue-twister means “place of plenty” or “young black kangaroo” depending on who you ask. Either way, Woolloomooloo (shortened to ‘Loo by locals) is one of the most historic areas of Sydney and a real mecca for foodies thanks to its deluge of epic eateries.

Brunch in sydney

Breakfast & Brunch in Surry Hills

Food & Drink

Few things are more pleasurable than digging into a slap-up brunch spread – especially when you’re on holiday. In the Land Down Under, locals take a religious approach to breakfast and its late morning counterpart. Cafés and coffee shops appear on nearly every corner of the country’s cities, serving up the archetypal avocado and eggs on toast in addition to less mainstream dishes that’ll have your taste buds tingling before your first bite.