candidtraveller
travel review
Kyloe Restaurant and Grill, Edinburgh
It’s very often the case that you need to check out a restaurant menu or read a review to discover what type of cuisine you’re letting yourself in for. Not so at the Kyloe Restaurant and Grill in Edinburgh, where it’s fairly obvious that beef is on the menu. It may be the large ornamental … Continue reading
RV Vacations: A Beginner’s Guide to the USA
RV vacations are an increasingly popular choice of holiday for many Americans. Using a trailer rather than a hotel is fun for all of the family and offers some surprising benefits. Travelling to your destination with your very own home in tow is a great way to save money and bring home comforts along with … Continue reading
Real Mary Kings Close, Edinburgh
Somewhere beneath the bustling streets of Edinburgh, away from the street vendors and mime artists and out of sight of the thousands of people who live and work in the city every day, lies an abandoned street that was once the very heart of the city: Mary Kings Close. A close is the Scottish word … Continue reading
Coming Soon: Cringletie House Hotel, Scottish Borders near Edinburgh
We’ve just been let in on a little secret about a fabulous luxury hotel retreat not far from Edinburgh in Scotland. Cringletie House Hotel is an award winning Baronial mansion with a little bit of a difference. Not only is it the only hotel in this picturesque region to win four gold stars from VisitScotland, … Continue reading
Val d’Isere: An Insider’s Guide
As a ski destination Val d’Isere is hard to beat. The resort boasts a massive ski area with an excellent snow record and varied enough terrain to keep everyone – from beginners to experts – grinning all week, authentic mountain restaurants and a rocking après-ski scene for party-lovers. Its traditional resort atmosphere and old town … Continue reading
A Cynic in Scotland: Luxury Hotels and Apparitions – Culcreuch Castle, Fintry
As a travel writer I often find myself in strange places, seeking out new experiences and learning the deepest darkest secrets a place has got to offer travellers, and it was from this desire to explore that I found myself heading off on a tour of Scotland’s haunted castles, notably (although not limited to) those which are … Continue reading
The Chester Residence, Edinburgh
One thing the Americans do well, is the Residence-style hotel, and I am continually on the search for a European offering that can match the comfortable elegance of my favourite residence in Aspen. I think I may finally have found it – in Edinburgh. The Chester Residence on Edinburgh’s Rothesay Place is a truly remarkable … Continue reading
How to Spend a Day in Pisa
By Erin Mauger, Contributory Writer If you’re looking to schedule some day trips into your Roman holiday, consider visiting the beautiful city of Pisa. Pisa is located in Tuscany, a region influential in terms of culture and the arts and known for its natural charms. This once powerful city was an important maritime republic and … Continue reading
The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh
There’s nothing worse than heading away on a city break and staying in a hotel miles from everything. Who wants to walk forever to reach the best shops, or trek for miles to visit the sights? So when you find a hotel in the very centre of a city, it’s always a great start. The … Continue reading
The Roxburghe Hotel, Edinburgh Scotland
Just north of famous Princes Street in Edinburgh, and overlooking the green precinct of historic Charlotte Square where the acclaimed Edinburgh International Book Festival takes place every November, the imposing facade of the Roxburghe Hotel stands tall along the southeast edge, rubbing its Georgian shoulders with noteworthy neighbours. On the north side, Bute House is … Continue reading
Top 7 Things You Can’t Afford to Miss in South Africa
Bo-Kaap (Cape Town) Cape Town’s most colorful quarter is also steeped in history. It was formerly known as the Malay Quarter, and hosts the Nurul Islam Mosque which dates back to the mid 19th century. Walk the cobble stone streets, peruse the shops, and make sure you check out the Bo-Kaap Museum, the oldest standing … Continue reading
Seeing London on a Budget
There are some cities around the world which are perhaps worth seeing if you have the time, the money and the energy. There are one or two, however, which should be, to put it mildly, must-visits. One of those is undoubtedly London, the capital of the UK and perhaps the most iconic capital on the … Continue reading
Must Visit Restaurants in Glasgow
Glasgow might not be famous for it’s fine dining and award winning food, thanks in part to the controversy it’s courted with its deep fried Mars Bar, but that’s not to say that fabulous food doesn’t exist within its streets. Hidden beneath the outer facade of traditionally pocket friendly, cheap meal cafes are some hidden treasures waiting to delight … Continue reading
Comfort and style: Guarantees with Business Car Hire
So you’re still debating whether you take your own motor to the conference or invest in a hire car? Well, there’s arguments for both of course. In your own car, you know how it feels to drive; its nuances and personality, if you will. You also know where things are, what radio station you like … Continue reading
Win a 2 Night Stay with Small Luxury Hotels of the World™
About The Competition Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) is an unrivalled portfolio of some of the world’s finest small independent hotels. Comprising over 520 hotels in more than 70 countries, the diversity of the individual properties, and the experiences that they offer, is exceptional. From cutting-edge design hotels to palatial 17th century mansions, … Continue reading
Top 10 Beaches in the World
The world is blessed with some amazing beaches. From north to south, there are tiny rocky coves sheltered by towering cliffs and incredible swathes of sweeping sand. From islands to towns, from tropical paradises to cities, from sparkly silver, through gold of every hue to volcanic black sand, the diversity is incredible. Here are 10 … Continue reading
The Inn at Lathones: Stylish Dining at St Andrews, Scotland
Just outside St Andrews, a short drive south on the A915, is a jewel in the crown of independent eateries in Scotland. Behind the unassuming facade of the Inn at Lathones lies a restaurant that is, at best, deserving of its two AA Rosettes, but at the very least, worthy of much more. Focusing on fresh … Continue reading
Seattle: Microbreweries Put to the Test
Last month I was at an industry conference in Seattle. It was my first trip to the Emerald city, and I was not disappointed. The one drawback I have ever heard about Seattle the often crummy weather, but three of the four days we were there, there wasn’t as much as a cloud in sky, … Continue reading
The Inn at Lathones: St Andrews’ Answer to Wembley
You might not think it as you drive up to the small, whitewashed renovated coaching inn that lies just south of the golfing town of St Andrews, but these walls have seen (and heard) a lot of musical talent over the past few years, much to the delight of tourists and locals alike. Okay, so … Continue reading
Traveling to the Limits: Places to Go where You can See it All
Growing up you may have had dreams of traveling to a far off land. As an adult, why not make those dreams a reality? Traveling to a faraway place can give you that feeling back, the feeling where the world’s chaos didn’t matter and you are free to dream. Here are some inspiring places to … Continue reading
Things to Do in Cornwall, England
If you are traveling to Cornwall, England, this year, do you know what you will do when you reach your destination? There are many opportunities awaiting you in this lovely location, so it pays to plan ahead and have an idea of your itinerary before arriving in Cornwall. Visit Land’s End Land’s End is unparalleled when … Continue reading
Vacation Essentials
5 Things You NEED to Have in Your Bags, No Matter Where You’re Going Vacations: we look forward to them for months, saving money and daydreaming about our fun to come. When the day arrives, it’s easy to get excited, and it sometimes seems inevitable that you’ll forget things. Everyone has left behind their toothbrush, … Continue reading
Canal Boating Holidays in the UK
If you’re looking for a relaxing break then what could be more tranquil than a canal boat holiday in the UK? Hiring a canal boat for a week and being left to work the locks and steer your boat through the UK Inland Waterways can be a liberating and calming experience. The UK has many … Continue reading
Diving in Anguilla
Anguilla is a small but fantastic island in the Caribbean. The friendly people, whose love of the sea is instantly visible, seem to spend more time on or in the water than on dry land. The national sport is sailing but you don’t have to travel too far without finding amazing dive sites. The island … Continue reading
Top Tourist Attractions in Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest, the capital of Romania, represents a curious, intriguing mix of oriental and occidental influences, a place where one can admire both old and new architectural styles. It is a city that is chosen by many as their summer time vacation destination, and a couple of weeks spent there will surely help you start to … Continue reading
Top 3 Big-City Parks in the U.S.
A family vacation can be a complex thing – how do you find a destination that has activities that everyone in the family – from tots to teens, and including the parents, too – can enjoy. It’s a cinch that a children’s museum is entertaining for youngsters but boring to the teens, and the concert … Continue reading
The Commonwealth Games 2014 – Take the Opportunity to Explore Glasgow
If you weren’t able to get tickets for the Olympics, why not try your luck at those for the Commonwealth Games in 2014? Between the 23rd July and 3rd August 2014 the games will be held in Glasgow where you will have the opportunity to watch 17 sports, with competitors from 53 Commonwealth countries. Whether … Continue reading
Three of the best mountain biking trails in Sedona, Arizona
Sedona isn’t just a place for mystic hippies to retire and rip off tourists – it’s also one of the most famous and beautiful places to go outdoors. Here are some of the best trails around the area. Cockscomb Trail Rating: 4/5 Besides having a great name, this 9.1 mile trail is seven miles west … Continue reading
Northern Belle; The Orient Express on Scotland’s West Highland Line
It was only eleven o’clock, and I was cautiously eyeing my first ever Bellini and wondering whether drinking alcohol this early was a good idea. Not when I had an article to write and there was the promise of Champagne – Laurent-Perrier no less – a little further down the line. But the tall monogrammed glass, … Continue reading
Your Ideal Vacation: To Cruise or Not to Cruise
Cruising is a wildly popular form of travel today. Despite the recent trouble with a certain Italian cruise ship tipping over, thousands upon thousands of people continue to file into these huge boats to voyage off to distant tropical islands and all across Europe. From a logistical standpoint, there is much to like. When you arrive … Continue reading
Dudley Zoo and Castle, Dudley, England
As you drive into Dudley you can’t help but notice the impressive ruins that stands atop a solitary mound. It’s noticeable because beneath the ancient defence lies an urban sprawl of hotels, housing estates and modern shopping precincts, all shiny and industrialised, compared to what used to be the stronghold of Dudley Castle. Many years … Continue reading
Drayton Manor Theme Park, England
‘Go to Drayton Manor, instead’ I was told when I’d mentioned I was thinking of taking my kids to a major theme park for a day out. ‘You’ll love it, and it’s better for the kids too!’ I was sceptical at first. I’d heard of Drayton, but I knew little about it. I didn’t know … Continue reading
Family Holidays Abroad: Great Get-togethers!
The trouble with a family holiday is that you have to take the family. Explosive tantrums and erupting tempers are almost guaranteed, but forget the bucket and spade because there are plenty of holiday destinations that will enthrall the whole family, young, old or somewhere in between. A Trip to the Zoo You could take … Continue reading
Healthworks Spa, Village Urban Resort Dudley
In the depths of the Village Urban Resort Dudley, secreted behind a contemporary dark wooden door and low lighting, is a little piece of paradise in the form of Healthworks - a wonderfully relaxing spa that serves hotel guests as well as local West Midlanders. Healthworks, which has been there since the hotel opened, offers an extensive array of relaxing … Continue reading
Georgia State Parks You Don’t Want to Miss
If you’re planning a summer getaway to the mountains of Northeast Georgia, there are a few places that are “must-sees”. Wineries, the shops of Helen, and Babyland General Hospital all fall into that category. But to truly appreciate the splendor of Northeast Georgia you don’t want to miss the state parks. Here’s a quick list … Continue reading
10 Things You Can’t Miss in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. For good reason too: There’s simply so much you can do there. From natural experiences to cultural experiences to heart pounding adventures, the Caribbean has it all. They’re extremely friendly to foreigners and most tour guides are happy to share their authentic … Continue reading
Editor’s Blog – Cycles and Seafood in Key West
Back when my husband and I were still dating, he suggested going away. Not in a ‘let’s-go-on-a-date-to-the-cinema’ kind of way, but in a ‘I-really-like-you-so-I-want-to-show-you-my-favourite-place’ kind of way. I thought he meant a weekend trip to Edinburgh, perhaps a tour of the castle, and a meal in the sort of restaurant that would make his wallet go … Continue reading
Visiting Glasgow During the 2014 Commonwealth Games
With the 2012 London Olympic Games wrapping up soon, the world is already on the lookout for the next big international sporting event. Luckily, it is only a scant two more years until we are graced with swimmers’ bodies on the big screen during primetime coverage at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. After beating out Abuja, … Continue reading
Editor’s Blog – Honeymoons and Hiccups – Part 2
So where did I leave off….?? The Hotel ai Mori d’Oriente has an unassuming frontage on the Fondamenta Sensa, unless you take notice of the overflowing hanging baskets, rows of flag poles, and gondola posts that reach up through the water like oversized red and white striped candy canes. Apart from all that, it’s relatively … Continue reading
Verve Bar & Grill, Village Urban Resort Dudley
After travelling all day, and with two hungry kids in tow, I feel tired and considerably underdressed. I’m sitting in a contemporary booth in the Verve Bar & Grill restaurant of the Village Urban Resort Dudley, and I’m wearing jeans, a T-shirt that barely made it through a sticky visit to Cadbury World, and a … Continue reading
Stone House Hotel, England
The Stone House Hotel in Stone, Staffordshire, is a welcoming and relaxing location for travellers to the area. Just a short distance south of historic Stoke-On-Trent, with its endless potteries, factories, cycleways and history, and only a few minutes away from popular family fun parks like Alton Towers, this hotel makes an ideal base for touring … Continue reading
On your doorstep: Top adventure holidays in the UK
Summer is here and everyone is asking you where you’re heading for the traditional break. But, don’t think that you have to go abroad for your seasonal fun. From sailing to hiking, you have a multitude of possibilities right here on your doorstep. Whether you want a romantic break or a family adventure, it’s all … Continue reading
Visiting Berlin: An insider’s guide
It may be true that the first city you think of for an interesting weekend break is not Berlin. You may think it dour, cold and full of stark historical buildings with little interest to anyone outside of the city itself. Well, the city and its three and a half million inhabitants would be sure … Continue reading
Traveling This Summer? Check Out These Luxurious Hotspots
We spend every year anxiously awaiting the arrival of summer for two reasons: the return of warm weather and taking time away from everything to travel. Having time to visit friends or family members on the other side of the country could be nice but when you’re forming your annual travel plans you should think … Continue reading
Why a Holiday in Washington, D.C. Doesn’t Have to be Expensive
Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit and spend a couple of days or weeks in. Many political buildings are found in the America’s capital which have appeared in numerous films and television shows. If the budget which a family or solo traveller has who is passing through on their way to neighbouring States … Continue reading
Pinterest and the travel industry
When new technology comes along, it often influences our behaviour. It’s effect may be subtle at first, but over time it changes the way vast swathes of the global population live their daily lives. For example; when the internet came along, we no longer got all of our information from the conventional media. We now … Continue reading
What to Look For When Hiring a Camper Abroad
When you travel abroad, you may want to ease the hassles of seeking and renting lodging, and one of the best ways to do this easily is by hiring a campervan. There are many different names and categories of campervans. You can get popup trailers to be hauled behind your transportation vehicle. Or if you prefer, … Continue reading
Editor’s Blog – Honeymoons and Hiccups – Part 1
A honeymoon is the perfect excuse for planning a holiday to one of your ‘bucket-list’ destinations, and when I was planning mine, Milan and Venice had just hit the top of the list. The stopover in Milan was a relaxing two days, spent mostly wandering the streets of its centre, hunting out the tourist attractions … Continue reading
The Six Must-See Landmarks in Scotland
Every year, millions of tourists make tracks to Scotland to see the many hugely impressive landmarks built here, and to soak up the unique culture of this beautiful region. If you’re planning a trip in the near future, here are six of the most impressive landmarks of all. Old Course, St Andrews The most famous golf … Continue reading
Dare To Explore London’s Hidden Gems
London is one of the world’s great cities. The history, theatre, shopping and nightlife lure an endless stream of wide-eyed tourists to the streets of England’s capital. Any good guidebook is jam packed with more exciting things to do and sites to see than anyone could wedge into their vacation. It’s unsurprising therefore that some … Continue reading
