Have you ever spent Christmas in another country on your own, perhaps when working abroad or in the midst of long-term travels? It’s easy to feel cut-off and lonely, especially if you’re used to celebrating with your family. But the kindness of strangers and new-found friends can make it special. If you’re travelling, there’s a certain camaraderie that naturally builds…
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A stay at the Langham, Melbourne, Australia, taught me a valuable lesson. It’s a fantastic hotel by the River Yarra, close to the central business district. We loved everything about it – the ornate public rooms, tasteful decoration, beautiful pool and spa with fabulous views of the river and city. But one thing happened to us there which caught us…
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If you’re trying to think of somewhere to take a recently-bereaved dad for a spirit-lifting long weekend away, Amsterdam is surely a great choice. Beautiful architecture, art galleries, atmospheric canals, bars and more history than you can shake a tulip at. Well, it’s all true. My dad loved Amsterdam when we went on a father-and-daughter trip to get away from…
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When transferring money overseas, I recommend you use a regulated currency broker. This will give you security and peace of mind as well as a much better exchange rate than other providers, such as banks. Currency brokers also offer a wider range of options to suit your circumstances, depending on whether you’re looking to make a one-off payment or…
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Sidi Bou Said is a picturesque village of white-walled, blue-shuttered buildings, some draped in bougainvillea, on the outskirts of the capital city of Tunis. I might never have discovered it, but for my good fortune to be sent there on a work trip to present at a conference. The organizers thoughtfully decided that the city centre might be too overwhelmingly…
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In the pre-internet days, a friendly check-in assistant at the airport might let you choose your seat on the plane. More usually, it was pot luck that determined your fate. Nowadays, technology allows us to book our flights, choose our seats – sometimes – and check-in online, all from the comfort of our own homes. I say ‘sometimes’ because there…
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