Sri Lanka is a hot destination for many travelers right now and for good reason – with lush mountain retreats and pristine beaches, it really is a paradise. But there is more to this country than its picture postcard reputation. Its’ charming capital Colombo also makes for a great city break as I discovered recently. Dynamic, accessible and friendly with great food and history, it’s worth incorporating a few days in the city on your next trip to Sri Lanka, or as a stopover en route to Asia. Here are my top reasons why Colombo should be on your travel agenda: The Location Four hours from Doha and less than…
-
-
Qatar International Food Festival 2018 – Seven Stalls You Need to Visit
It’s March that means not only “March Madness”, but also the Qatar International Food Festival. I headed down there on the opening day to scope out the tastiest stalls and have my hit list for where you should be spending your hard earned cash. A quick couple of thoughts before I head into the “meat and potatoes” of this post. Although this is the biggest year in terms of stalls, I found the variety a little lacking. and uninspired. Maybe this will change as the week progresses, as the energy builds and more offerings pop up, but I felt it needed a little more oomph. I loved the “Farm to…
-
Six Pro Tips for Ensuring You Have the Best Flight Possible
I was talking to my father this week about upcoming travel plans and came to realization that while I love travel and exploring new destinations, it’s the process I struggle with. The airport, the waiting, the uncertainty, immigration and of course, the flight. Even after 20 odd years of getting myself across the continents, I still struggle with the flight – regardless of whether I fly at the pointy end or in economy. But over the years I’ve learned some things. I do have some hacks and strategies for making those flights – be they 40 minutes or…gulp…14 hours…more bearable whatever class you are in. Choose your seat wisely Not…
-
Your December Hit List – Where to Eat and Drink in Doha this Month
To use a well worn sports analogy – we’re on the home stretch people! December is upon us and 2018 is almost a reality. It’s that time of year – for overindulging and panic buying. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find some time to dine well in and around Doha. Here’s my December Hit List of where I will be eating and drinking this month (be warned – there is a distinct lack of festive fare here. For a full rundown of where, when and how for Christmas and New Year, head over to my friends at Marhaba. Now…to my list: Megu Many, many moons ago, when I was…
-
Around Barcelona in Five Great Meals
When I told people I was traveling Barcelona for a quick vacation in November, the reaction was very similar – a sharp intake of breath, a purse of the lips and a quizzical “Is it a good time to go?” And you know they didn’t mean the weather. If you know me, you know that I can sometimes be slow on the uptake. So it took me until well into my (ahem) 40s and my traveling life to visit Barcelona(and of course I had to visit during one of the most turbulent periods in the city’s recent history!). A serious omission on my part. The people. The location on the…
-
Al Fresco – Six Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy the Cooler Weather in Doha
Weather is a preoccupation in Doha. Whether it’s the heat, the humidity or the alleged “rainy season” (on now apparently), it’s the number one topic for discussion at dinner tables, office kitchens and cafes across the city. I also love it how it’s a COMPLETE surprise that come October, things start to cool down. Well, it has actually. Evening temperatures are now hovering in the high 20s. Time to turn down the AC, put the Netflix subscription on hold for a few months and head outside – this is the time of year we live for in Qatar. I mean, I even come out of my summer hibernation for this…
-
Five Reasons Why India Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List
I have a confession. It wasn’t until I moved to the Middle East that I even considered India as a travel destination. I’d always considered it to be a little too confronting. Too big. Too crazy. Too dirty. Then around five years ago, I finally made a decision. I took a deep breath and booked a trip to Delhi. It was a revelation. Organized chaos and a riot of colors and smells, yet also somehow addictive. So if you are on the fence about India and in honor of their amazing festival Diwali, here’s five reasons why you should take the plunge. THE FOOD: This goes without saying but the…
-
10 Things That Will Surprise First Time Visitors to Qatar
When I am traveling I regularly get asked “What is Qatar REALLY like”. Whether it be from the media coverage of recent events or already preconceived ideas about what the country is like, people are fascinated by this tiny peninsula. My answer to this question is always the same – Qatar will truly surprise you. Now, with Qatar Airways offering free stopovers until the end of the year and with visa free entry for 80 countries (not to mention some highly competitive fares from Asia, Australia, the United States and Europe), it’s never been more attractive to visit Qatar and see what the fuss is about. Here are the top…
-
Five Reasons Why Prague is a Foodie’s Dream Destination
Dear Prague, I have to admit, the trip was booked at the last minute and in a rush. And being brutally honest, you were not my first choice. And, yes my expectations were low. But dearest Prague, you have won a new fan. What won me over? Well, since you ask… Street food – beer and sausages at 10am on the Square you say?Without judgement you say? SOLD! Street food is everywhere you look here, whether it be kiosks selling freshly grilled sausages or even those touristy icecreams that look like something from a scifi movie, this is a city that is out and proud about food. Within an hour…
-
Finding (and Packing) the Perfect Carry On For Your Next Getaway
For many, choosing your next vacation destination is the easy part. Finding your perfect carry on suitcase or luggage? And what to pack? Well, that’s as difficult as avoiding any social media/real life conversation about Game of Thrones. Your travel bags are a special kind of accessory – they stay with us through thick and thin, though flight delays and lost in transit moments, through big city streets and far flung destinations; vacations and staycations. With a couple of decades of traveling under my belt and many, many hits and misses, I now have my packing and carry-on routine down pat. My essentials are: Headphones – sometimes you just want…
