Afew years back Justin and I headed to Singapore as part of one of our annual big trips – our main holiday of the year – and after a lot of research we decided to split our fortnight away in half; spending a week in Penang, Malaysia followed by a week in Singapore. The city is amazing; a melting pot of cultures and a crazy mix of old and new and after my 5-night stay I was not ready to leave. I will most definitely be back to experience more of what Singapore has to offer, but as a first-timer…
What do a murdered Russian dissenter, the inventor of the electric motor, a past owner of the Observer, and the founder of Cruft’s dog show all have in common? No, this isn’t the start of a terrible joke; Whilst all four led very different lives, they all share one commonality in death. They’re all buried alongside approximately 170,000 others in Highgate Cemetery. A few weeks ago, we took a guided tour of Highgate Cemetery West. We have a lot of time for dark tourism (check out our blog post about it here) but not everyone’s the same. Some may balk…
![A Taste of Vietnam for Summer: Bún Gà [Recipe]](https://travelandjoyful.com/wp-content/uploads/13-1.webp "A Taste of Vietnam for Summer: Bún Gà [Recipe]")
It’s summer time, which means it’s time for salads and BBQs. I wanted to share one of my favourite salads, bún gà – a Vietnamese rice noodle salad with chicken. I’ve been to Vietnam twice – it’s a beautiful country with a fascinating culture, and the food is my favourite of all cuisines. In particular, nuoc mam sauce – the perfect combination of salty and sweet – always makes me think of meals I ate there (and makes me want to return because my attempts at making those dishes will never be as good). I think of all the dishes…
If you’re searching for a captivating destination to embrace the wonders of spring, look no further than Westonbirt Arboretum. Nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire, the national arboretum boasts a diverse range of tree species from all around the world, offering a unique and awe-inspiring experience for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts and simple wanderers alike. Visitors can explore the extensive network of pathways that wind through the trees, allowing for immersive experiences amidst the enchanting scenery. The arboretum offers various walking trails from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes, catering to different preferences and fitness levels. For example, you can…
Train travel in Italy – there’s no better way to get around. The service is reliable, cheap and clean… and even the railway station food is good! With all this rail adventuring under my belt, I’ve learnt how best to wrangle the Italian rail system and so I’ve put together my ten top tips that’ll help ensure your Italian rail journeys go off without a hitch. At the ticket offices It’s peak time – the station is looking busy… and the queue for the ticket office isn’t moving. Why? Because up the front nonna is on the phone to a…
Ispent the 2022 Christmas period in Morocco – some sun, good food, and a culture I’m fascinated by; I definitely made the right choice. The tour I went on involved one day in Marrakesh before visiting other beautiful parts of the country. During our very brief walk in the Medina, I spotted a sign for the Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum so as soon as I had wi-fi, I googled it (food + museum, what’s not to love?), and found that not only is it a museum, it hosts cooking classes! Thankfully, I had some days post-tour to spend in Marrakesh…
It’s still pretty chilly here in the UK, so it’s hard not to spend the day dreaming of warmer climates. Two of the best places to visit for warmth, good food and culture are the coastal areas of Southern Spain and Morocco. With amazing architecture, bustling markets, natural landscapes and, of course, beautiful beaches, the coastal towns of these two fascinating countries are winners at any time of year. Tips for an Enjoyable Trip In order to ensure you have an unforgettable coastal adventure, here are a few suggestions on how to maximize it. First and foremost, embrace local cuisine…
There are so many different ways to see the world. Whether you want to backpack your way through Europe, take luxurious cruises around the Mediterranean, or explore every country on a different continent, there’s a travel style perfect for you. In this blog post, we will discuss eight of the most popular and interesting ways to travel. We’ll give you a brief overview of each style of travel and tell you why it might be perfect for you. Backpacking Backpacking is one of the most affordable and adventurous ways to see the world. Travelers can choose to stay in hostels,…
Krabi is a beautiful part of Thailand to visit anytime of the year, but depending on when you go your experience can be very different. Both off season and high season have their pros and cons, as we discovered when we recently stayed in Koh Jum, a beautiful island just off mainland Krabi. To help you decide what time of year suits you best, I’ve put together this little guide from our own personal experiences of staying at Koh Jum Beach Villas during the change from off season to high season (October 15-22). Off season or high season? The amenities…
Our guide to spending Chinese New Year in Penang – what to see and do, and what to expect during the holidays. Chinese New Year in Malaysia is something very special and I can highly recommend spending CNY, as it’s often written, on the island of Penang. Penang’s an amazing place to visit all year round – regular readers will know I’m a big fan of the island and particularly its food – but spending Chinese New Year here is an amazing experience, as there’s a variety of special new year celebrations that take place across the island. When is…