Tag: SNN Travel

  • 2 Days in Brighton: The Weekend Itinerary I Actually Use

    2 Days in Brighton: The Weekend Itinerary I Actually Use

    I’ve visited Brighton many times over the years, often as a quick day out from London but plenty of times for longer, including stays with friends who have lived in the city for ages. Those repeat visits are the reason I can tell you which of its museums actually repay an hour of your weekend,…

    This post was originally published on this site.

  • The Best New Books of 2026: Ten Great Summer Reads for Curious Women

    The Best New Books of 2026: Ten Great Summer Reads for Curious Women

    Featured image: Get ready to slow down with the latest new releases for summer reading | Photo by Igor_Kardasov on Envato

    Best-selling summer reads to deepen your travels

    by Tina Hartas, TripFiction

    Summer somehow invites people to pick up a novel; the evenings are longer for many of us in the UK and holidays beckon, a wonderful time to catch up with some of the top titles that may (or may not) have caught your eye.

    Here are 10 of this year’s most highly anticipated books to look out for this summer, a selection to suit every woman’s taste in reading. Most of these novels are mainstream choices, but we’ve included a few under-the-radar books that have proved to be delightful reads. We hope these books take readers on a journey around the world within the pages of beautifully crafted storylines. 

    Please note: We always try to support independent bookstores, however, bookshop.org is only available in the US and UK and not all books are offered, so we have included Amazon links as well. Please support our writers by buying or downloading books using our links. Thank you!  

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    10 great books for summer reading

    1. Land by Maggie O’Farrell (set in Ireland)

    “A heart-bursting story of resilience and love” – Louise Kennedy

    On a windswept peninsula stretching out into the Atlantic, Tomás and his reluctant son, Liam, are working for the great Ordnance Survey project to map the whole of Ireland. The year is 1865, and in a country not long since ravaged and emptied by the Great Hunger, the task is not an easy one. Tomás, however, is determined that his maps will be a record of the disaster.

    The British soldiers in charge are due to arrive any day, expecting the work to be completed, but Tomás is sent off course by an unsettling encounter in a copse. His life, and those of his family, will never be the same again. Liam is terrified by the sudden change in his taciturn father. What was it that caused such cracks to open in Tomás and how is Liam, aged only ten, going to finish the mapping and get them both home?

    Land is a story of buried treasure, overlapping lives, ancient woodland, persistent ghosts, a particularly loyal dog, and how, when it comes to both land and history, nothing ever goes away.

    2. Whistler by Ann Patchett (set in New York)

    “..a moving story of love and family…”

    When Daphne notices an older gentleman following her around the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, she doesn’t expect it to be Eddie – her former stepfather.  Married to her mother for a short time when Daphne was nine, she hasn’t seen Eddie for many years; not since the fateful event that changed the direction of both their lives.

    Meeting again now, Daphne and Eddie feel that time has fallen away. Their earlier relationship was brief but had a profound impact on both of them. Together, they consider not only their past, but the joys of the present and their commitment to face the future together.

    A moving, luminous story about how family, memory and love endures, Whistler paints an intimate portrait of how the feeling of being known by one other person, even for a short period of time, can change everything.

    3. It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell (set in London)

    It was the night she almost died.

    Jane Trevally, newly divorced and feeling a little lost, agrees to accompany a man she doesn’t know to his house in the darkest corner of Hampstead Heath. She’s offered a drink, goes in, and then – a scream and the sound of something falling upstairs – Jane senses she’s in a bad place. She runs.

    Twenty-five years later, Jane finds herself outside the same house, this time to return a small white dog who’s been found near her home in the country; a dog whose owner has just been reported missing.

    A fleeting glimpse of a haunted-looking woman through the window sends Jane on a mission to uncover the house’s secrets – secrets more terrifying than she could have ever imagined, especially when she realizes it could have been her. . .

    4. Watching Over Her by Jean-Baptiste Andrea (set in Italy)

    “..inventive and a beautifully drawn story…”

    In an Italian monastery, an infamous sculptor lies on his deathbed.

    During Mimo’s final hours, he reveals his life story: his impoverished childhood, his unlikely rise to fame and most importantly, his meeting with Viola, the daughter of a powerful aristocratic family.

    Mimo and Viola are instantly drawn to one another. Together, they traverse the unrest of the twentieth century. While Mimo becomes a celebrated artist, Viola fights to claim her education and independence.

    Over the decades, they will lose and find each other, but never will they give up on the love they share.

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    5. Love, After All by Ewald Arenz (set in Bavaria)

    “A poignant hidden gem that deserves a wide readership”

    When Clara meets Elias, she isn’t looking for love. Widowed and wary of being hurt again, she has built a careful life of work and quiet independence. Elias, an actor in his thirties, is trapped in a relationship that no longer feels real, more at ease slipping into a role than being himself. Yet from the moment they meet, something genuine sparks between them – something neither has felt in years.

    They fall into step easily, sharing secrets, laughter and the sense of being seen. But there is the age difference, the miles between their worlds, and the lingering guilt that ties Clara to her past. When a new job takes her to another part of the country, she ends the relationship before he can – certain that love like theirs cannot last. And then Elias falls ill, forcing them both to confront what truly matters.

    Told with warmth, gentle humour and quiet insight, Love, After All is a luminous portrait of two people finding the courage to open their hearts again – proof that love, at any age, can still take us by surprise.

    6. The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (set in the Mississippi, USA)

    “..wonderful storytelling..”

    “You give a girl a taste of fresh air and then you take it away—she’ll grow fierce and wild to get it back.”

    Oxford, Mississippi, 1933.

    Eleven-year-old Meg Lefleur has learned the hard way to rely on no one. Ever since her beloved mother failed to come home last Christmas Eve, she’s been one of the ‘unadoptable’ girls at the town’s orphanage, where she fights each day to keep her wits sharp and her spirit unbowed.

    When she meets Birdie, a young woman who has come to Oxford determined to remind her socialite sister of the impoverished family she left behind, for the first time in a long while it seems someone else might care about Meg’s future.

    But as the Depression tightens its grip, Birdie begins to suspect her sister’s charmed life may be founded on a tapestry of lies. Then, Birdie encounters Charlie, a woman haunted by loss who has been pushed to the brink with nothing left to lose.

    Drawn together by circumstance, they find unexpected kinship among a disreputable, determined band of women. But in a town steeped in hypocrisy, even the smallest act of defiance can have dangerous consequences …

    Bold, heartwarming, and riotously funny, The Calamity Clubis an unforgettable story of resilience and friendship, and a sisterhood of underestimated women who risk everything to take back control of their fates.

    7. The Midnight Train by Matt Haig (set in Sheffield, UK and Venice)

    “.. life-affirming and magical..”

    When your life flashes before your eyes, what will matter most?

    For Wilbur it was his time with Maggie, the love of his life. Their honeymoon in Venice. Before he threw it all away.

    Years later, on the brink of his own death, a train arrives. It can take Wilbur back in time. To relive his most important moments. Soon he realizes just how much he would have changed.

    An adventure through time, The Midnight Train is a story of love and second chances, from the world of  The Midnight Library.

    8. The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny / Mellissa Fung (set in China and the USA)

    “.. a contemporary thriller for our times…”

    When security and fire alarms go off simultaneously all around the world, setting off a panic, the signal is traced back to China. As world leaders scramble to respond, mother and daughter Vivien and Alice Li are called to the White House in hopes Madame Li can decode the Chinese intentions.

    Alice is a first-generation Chinese-American food blogger. A Chinese dissident who escaped China after Tiananmen Square, Vivien is now a globally recognized human rights activist and passionate advocate for a free and democratic China. While it makes some sense that the President would turn to Vivien, what isn’t clear is why they’d want to talk to Alice.

    Caught up in the chaos, Vivien and Alice are uniquely placed to stop the next, cataclysmic attack. But there are forces deep within both the American and Chinese governments intent on stopping mother and daughter. The estranged pair, who excels at misunderstanding each other, must figure out how to work together.

    The increasingly frantic search for answers takes the women from the Oval Office to an office building in Akron, Ohio, from the noodle shops of Hong Kong to the necropolis of the first emperor. Along the way they must decode an old legend, and an old language invented by women, for women.

    The Last Mandarin is the story of a mother and daughter, as well as a compelling international thriller about the precarious balance of power across the world, and within a family. And what happens when both break down.

    9. Five Days in Venice by Fiona Collins (set in Venice)

    “..Venice is a terrific backdrop for this Will they? Won’t they? story…”

    He’s the old flame she’s tried to put out. But should they rekindle their love—one more time?

    When bestselling romance novelist Olivia Sackville arrives at Venice’s prestigious winter literary festival, she’s prepared for everything except seeing Leo Greene—Britain’s number-one crime author and the man who’s forever turning her life upside down. The festival’s demanding schedule keeps throwing them together, and in a city like Venice, there’s no escaping the past—or each other.

    While Leo seems determined to prove he’s changed, Olivia battles against the magnetic pull between them—twenty years of almost-love have taught her that falling for Leo Greene only leads to heartbreak.

    Between champagne receptions and foggy canal walks, their undeniable chemistry resurfaces. But with both harbouring devastating secrets and the scars of old betrayals still fresh, they must decide if their story deserves a second draft—or if some loves are better left unfinished. As the festival’s five days draw to a close, will they finally find the courage to write their own ending?

    10. Skylark by Paula McLain (set in Paris)

    “A dual timeline story that is perfect for literally getting under the skin of Paris”

    Skylark is a spellbinding story about defiance and love that beautifully uncovers the hidden history of the City of Light.

    1664: Alouette Voland is the daughter of a master dyer at Paris’ famed Gobelins Tapestry Works. With a gift for her craft and a drive to prove she is as good as the male dyers controlling the industry, Alouette dreams of creating her own masterpiece. But her boldness will put everyone she loves at risk.

    1939: Kristof Larson is starting his medical residency in the same Parisian neighbourhood once dominated by the tapestry works. The shadows of his past have left him determined to improve conditions for the patients of the infamous Salpetrière asylum. But as war breaks out across Europe and Nazi forces descend on Paris, he could lose his career – and his life.

    Alouette and Kristof are both ambitious, idealistic and brave. But faced with authorities who will do anything to silence them, the secret web of tunnels lying beneath the shimmering streets of Paris might be their only hope of survival.

    The post The Best New Books of 2026: Ten Great Summer Reads for Curious Women appeared first on JourneyWoman.

    This post was originally published on this site.

  • 5 Clean Energy Brands in Australia Worth Watching

    5 Clean Energy Brands in Australia Worth Watching

    Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel.

    According to Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water, renewable electricity generation on the continent has more than doubled over the last decade. 

    In the Clean Energy Council’s 2026 Clean Energy Report, they claim that over over 40% of all of Australia’s electricity now comes from renewable sources, including biomass, solar, wind, and hydro generation technologies.

    One of the key factors behind the rapid growth of the clean energy industry is the fact that switching to renewable energy has gone from a feel-good idea to a practical, money-saving decision for millions of households around the world.

    Whether you’re driven by core environmentally conscious values, soaring power bills, or the appeal of energy independence, choose the right providers and products can make the whole process far more straightforward.

    Thankfully for Australian residents, there are an extensive array of clean energy brands making renewable power more accessible and affordable for homeowners and eco-conscious businesses alike.

    Read on to discover 5 standout companies in the clean energy space that offer home energy storage and solar solutions, making it easier than ever for Australians to take control of how they power their homes.

    READ MORE: How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with Carbon Offsets & More

    1. VoltX Energy

    VoltX Energy has built a strong reputation for reliable, high-performance home battery systems designed specifically for the Australian and New Zealand markets.

    Their range covers everything from entry-level solar batteries to advanced home energy management systems, with a focus on making clean energy storage practical rather than complicated.

    Their batteries integrate seamlessly with most solar panel setups, which means you can add storage to an existing system without a full overhaul.

    For households that want locally backed support alongside a quality product, VoltX is hard to overlook.

    READ MORE: 5 Eco-Friendly Initiatives That Will Change the World

    2. Tesla Energy

    Tesla’s Powerwall remains one of the most recognized home battery products in the world, and for good reason.

    It offers a sleek design, solid energy capacity, and compatibility with Tesla’s broader ecosystem, including solar roof tiles and the Tesla app.

    The Powerwall 3 combines a solar inverter and a battery in a single unit, simplifying installation and maximizing efficiency.

    While it sits at a premium price point, the build quality and software integration make it a compelling long-term investment for households ready to go all in on home energy management.

    READ MORE: Going Green: 60 Earth Day Tips You Can Use Every Day

    3. SunPower

    When it comes to solar panels, SunPower consistently ranks among the best for efficiency and durability.

    Their Maxeon cell technology delivers higher energy output per square meter than most conventional solar panels, which makes them ideal for homes with limited roof space.

    SunPower panels are backed by some of the longest warranties in the industry, giving homeowners confidence that their investment will hold up over decades.

    While not the cheapest option on the market, the long-term performance gains often justify the upfront cost for buyers focused on maximizing returns.

    READ MORE: How to Audit (& Improve) Your Green Home

    4. Fronius

    Austrian manufacturer Fronius is widely respected for producing some of the most reliable and technically advanced solar inverters available.

    An inverter is the unsung hero of any solar setup, converting the direct current from your panels into usable alternating current for your home.

    Fronius inverters are known for their efficiency, smart monitoring capabilities, and long operational life.

    They’re a popular choice among installers who want to pair a quality inverter with a premium battery system, and they work well alongside most leading battery brands.

    READ MORE: Interview w/Ted Turner on Saving the World with Renewable Energy

    5. BYD

    BYD produces a range of home battery storage solutions that have gained serious traction globally.

    Their Battery Box range is modular, meaning you can start with a smaller capacity and scale up as your energy needs grow.

    BYD batteries use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, known for safety and long cycle life.

    They’re often positioned as a cost-effective alternative to premium brands without sacrificing reliability, making them a solid option for budget-conscious households getting into energy storage for the first time.

    READ MORE: Interview with CEO David Crane on California’s Ivanpah Solar Plant

    Making the Switch: Factors to Consider

    Choosing the right clean energy brand comes down to a few key factors: your current solar setup, your daily energy usage, your budget, and how much grid independence you want to achieve.

    According to the International Energy Agency, the global shift to renewable energy is accelerating faster than any previous energy transition in history, meaning the technology is mature, prices are falling, and the time to act is now.

    Pairing quality solar panels with a reliable battery system gives you the ability to store excess energy generated during the day and use it at night or during peak tariff periods, which is where the real financial benefit lies.

    For anyone researching their options, EnergySage is a useful resource for comparing solar products and getting a clearer picture of what different systems cost in practice.

    The landscape has changed significantly in recent years, and what once seemed like a luxury is now within reach for a much broader range of households.

    READ MORE: What is Ecotourism? The History & Principles of Responsible Travel

     

    Final Thoughts

    The clean energy market is competitive, well supplied, and increasingly accessible.

    Whether you opt for a local Australian brand like VoltX Energy or a globally recognized name like Tesla or SunPower, the most important thing is choosing a solution that matches your specific needs.

    Get a few quotes, check the warranties, and don’t underestimate the value of local support.

    A brand that is easy to reach when something goes wrong can be worth just as much as one with a polished product catalogue! –by Alex S. Morrison; lead image via Canva Pro 

    The post 5 Clean Energy Brands in Australia Worth Watching appeared first on Green Global Travel.

    This post was originally published on this site.

  • What Makes a Hotel Special? Our Well-Travelled Writers Share Their Most Memorable Hotel Stays

    What Makes a Hotel Special? Our Well-Travelled Writers Share Their Most Memorable Hotel Stays

    Last updated on June 26th, 2026

    Featured image: Finding the right place to stay makes our travels more memorable and meaningful | Photo by Farknot on Envato

    10 hotels worth travelling for 

    Curated by Carolyn Ray

    Nothing ruins a vacation faster than choosing the wrong hotel — or getting a room that doesn’t meet your expectations. We’ve all experienced that moment when, after hours of searching for the perfect hotel stay, you arrive only to discover your view is of a wall, or worse, level with the parking lot (yes, that happened to me at a seaside resort in Croatia).  

    The truth is that with thousands of properties, fluctuating rates, and unreliable reviews, it’s hard to know what you’re actually getting until you arrive. Additionally, crowdsourced reviews on many sites can be manipulated, and using a search engine or AI to find a hotel? Forget it. We know how important customer reviews are to making travel decisions – in fact, our latest survey showed that reviews from women are THE most important criteria when booking travel.

    At JourneyWoman, we believe that the best advice comes from women who actually travel, so we asked our well-travelled writers to share their unbiased favourites with you. But there’s more — we also invite YOU to share your favourite places to stay in our expanded Women’s Travel Directory, which also includes hotels. Let’s use our voices to help other women travel safely and well. You can do that here.

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    10 unique hotels recommended by our travel writers

    1.  Sweden: Ett Hem, Stockholm

    Recommended by Juliet Kinsman

    I have a handful of all-time favourite hotels, but when it comes to an utterly perfect boutique experience, Ett Hem at Sköldungagatan 2, Stockholm 114 27 — tucked into the upmarket Lärkstaden neighbourhood of Östermalm — is my favourite for aesthetically-pleasing mysig — meaning cosiness, the Swedish take on hygge. The name means simply “a home” in Swedish — but believe me, it’s a home of your wildest dreams. Owner Jeanette Mix is not one to boast; fitting for a place of such understated elegance. Across 25 rooms and suites — spread across two interconnected houses — she has also curated an extraordinary modern art collection and filled every corner with furniture and objects hand-picked with the kind of taste that stands out in a world of cut-and-paste, could-be-anywhere chain-hotel blah.

    As founding editor of Mr & Mrs Smith, I spent years obsessing over which boutique hotels were truly special. Ett Hem always ranked top after initially opening with only 12 rooms in 2012, a charming Arts and Crafts residence given extra texture through Ilse Crawford’s sensitive interior design. When I finally got to stay, I shared it on Instagram and the response was instant — it was clear many have longed to sleep here for years. The kitchens in each house run in a way that feels like an upscale private household: they offer a daily menu of classic Swedish flavours, built on locally sourced, organic and fair-trade produce and a dinner-party vibe. Breakfast at what feels like a family kitchen table, and coffee in the glasshouse conservatory is a context which reminds us why spending time in design-hotel contexts is such a treat. And since Ett Hem is set in Stockholm, you know the ethics and green creds will show a respect for the environment from a team that is rigorously professional yet genuinely down-to-earth and human.

    Ett Hem Hotel lounge

    Interior of Ett Hem, Stockholm / Photo by Holger.Ellgaard, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    2. Morocco: Riad Villa Garance, Essaouira

    Recommended by Diana Eden

    Riad Villa Garance lies in the heart of Essaouira medina, steps from the Atlantic ramparts, souks, the beach, and a top restaurant, Dar Baba. A huge bouquet of multi-colored roses greets visitors in the entrance court. My room, located on the third floor (no elevator, but there was plenty of help with luggage), opened onto a rooftop terrace with ocean views. There we enjoyed a delicious, freshly cooked breakfast while watching seagulls, who, as we learned, loved a pat of butter!

    Although the room was small, it had an additional cozy sitting area, was very clean, and beautifully decorated in traditional Moroccan and Berber style. Like all riads, Riad Garance is built around a central courtyard. The front door was always locked and opened only by the host, providing a sense of safety and protection for women.  It is a family-run riad owned and managed on-site by Marie and Pierre, and rooms run between $80 and $110 per night. I stayed at this delightful riad two years ago and would happily return.

    3. Spain: Casa Doñano, Vilelea

    Recommended by Jules Torti

    Upon arrival at Casa Doñano, I was ready to stay forever and prune the roses, do dishes or learn how to dry-stack stone walls for the lovely Brazilian expat innkeeper, Maria. After a particularly tiring stretch of bunk beds along the Camino del Norte, it was easy to fall into the boutique hotel’s hug of history, thoughtful curation and Maria’s natural-born generosity. There were shirt-shined apples and foil-wrapped truffles at the bedside and the library was stocked with books that would keep me satiated for a lifetime. This serenity-soaked rural property in Vilela is an easy seven-kilometre walk from Ribadeo (and the cappuccinos were pure velvet). Distilling in the overwhelming peace of Casa Doñano makes for a perfect reset.

    outside view of casa donano spain

    Walking into Casa Doñano near Ribadeo, Spain/ Photo by Jules Torti

    4. Costa Rica: Arenal Observatory Lodge, La Fortuna

    Recommended by Carolyn Ray

    If you’ve ever wanted to sleep next to a volcano, this is your chance. The Arenal Observatory Lodge at Arenal Volcano National Park is one of those places I often dream of returning to.

    My room faced the volcano, and as I sat watching tufts of smoke emerge from the top of the volcano, it was hard to believe I wasn’t in a movie. Arenal is an active stratovolcano in northwestern Costa Rica, around 90 km northwest of San José, just outside the town of La Fortuna, well known for its thermal pools. Fortunately, there hasn’t been much activity since 2010, but the explosion in 1968 decimated the town. 

    The lodge offers free walking tours, and my guide pointed out various species of birds, frogs and yes, howler monkeys, and snakes, reminding us not to touch trees as the snakes camouflage perfectly with the moss. I also ventured onto the trails and swam under waterfalls, enjoyed some birdwatching and thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Costa Rica rainforest.

    arenal volcano costa rica

    The view from my observatory room/ Photo by Carolyn Ray

    hotel review from travel writers banner

    5. Canada: Metis Crossing (owned by the Metis nation), Smoky Lake, Alberta

    Recommended by Jennifer Bain

    Just 90 minutes northeast of Edmonton, the Lodge at Métis Crossing is a 40-room boutique hotel set on historic Métis river lots on the North Saskatchewan River. It anchors a cultural interpretive centre owned and operated by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government that celebrates the post-contact Indigenous people born from First Nations women and European fur traders. During fall and winter stays, I’ve paddled a voyageur canoe while singing, beaded, polished archery skills, marvelled at rare white bison on a wildlife tour and learned from Indigenous knowledge holders.

    Jennifer-Canada-Metis Crossing-Artist Danielle LaRose sings a Voyageur song

    Artist Danielle LaRose sings a Voyageur song in front of the Metis Crossing / Photo by Jennifer Bain

    6. Hotel Rumi Punku, Cusco, Peru

    Recommended by Pat Lee

    Set in a quiet but historic neighbourhood within easy walking distance of Plaza de Armas and the traditional San Blas barrio, the boutique Hotel Rumi Punku offers clean and comfortable accommodations as you are most likely, as I was, acclimatizing for further explorations in the Andes, such as Machu Picchu.

    Each day when you head out the traditional Inca doorway of the hotel, you can easily explore the city, formerly the head of the Inca Empire and a World UNESCO Heritage site, on foot after a hearty breakfast shared with other guests. Later, find solitude in the hotel’s peaceful colonial-style courtyard. Staff were particularly friendly and accommodating, helping with errant transfer services and ensuring the stay was seamless.

    Hotel Rumi Punku in Peru by Pat Lee

    Hotel Rumi Punku in Peru / Photo by Pat Lee

    7. The Memory at On On Hotel in Phuket Old Town, Thailand

    Recommended by Carolyn Beasley

    Phuket, Thailand, is famous for its beaches, but the nightlife can sometimes be seedy. The original settlement, Phuket Old Town, with its historic Sino-Portuguese shophouses, is a pretty and quieter alternative. The Memory at On On Hotel was the first hotel in Phuket, opening in 1929 to serve the tin mining industry. The now modernized hotel retains many original features, like a tiled courtyard open to the sky, and sitting rooms with quirky collectibles, including a stuffed peacock. The staff are friendly, and from around CA$77 per night, it’s great value.

    Carolyn Beasley_Thailand_The Memory at ON ON HOTEL_lobby1 _Supplied

    The lobby in the Memory at On On hotel / Photo provided by Memory at On On hotel

    8. Remota Lodge in Patagonia, Chile

    Recommended by Claudia Laroye

    The Remota Patagonia Lodge exists a calm refuge from the windy vastness of the epic landscape of Chilean Patagonia, complete with panoramic views of the spectacular Adean Alps and the Ultima Esperanza Fjord north of Puerto Natales. Crafted from local wood and clay around a central courtyard in homage of the historic barns that dot this region, Remota reflects its surroundings while sheltering guests in the warmth of well-appointed, comfortable rooms, a large communal dining space and a hydrotherapy area with indoor pool and sauna, ideal for relaxing sore muscles after a day’s trek in Torres del Paine National Park. Staff are friendly and hospitable, and the complimentary buffet breakfast is varied and substantial to fuel a day’s worth of active adventures in this signature region.

    Remota Patagonia Lodge

    Remota Patagonia Lodge / Photo by Claudia Laroye

    9. Oban Inn, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada

    Recommended by Maureen Littlejohn

    The Oban Inn & Spa is my go-to place when I want to relax in a property made for warm friendships. Located in Southern Ontario’s Niagara-on-the-Lake, the historic inn (rebuilt to the original plan after a fire in 1992) features a restaurant with local dishes and wines, plus there’s the plaid-carpeted Shaw’s Corner bar area that is perfect for a tipple after a Shaw Festival theatre performance. Another reason I love it is the spa, which has a steam room you can relax in after a treatment. I can’t forget the library where you can curl up in a comfy chair and read for an hour. Plus, there’s plenty to do in this safe, walkable town full of boutiques, restaurants, theatres, and horse-drawn carriage rides.

    You can tuck into Shaw’s Corner for a quiet tipple after catching a show at the Oban Inn

    You can tuck into Shaw’s Corner for a quiet tipple after catching a show at the Oban Inn / Photo by Maureen Littlejohn

    10. Riad Fès Center, Fes, Morocco

    Recommended by Tanzila Khan

    This Riad turned hotel in Fes is in the heart of the old town, Medina. In this Riad, you wake up not feeling as a tourist in some hotel but as part of a large family who are having breakfast in the courtyard and you can’t wait to join them. For just USD 40 per night, I enjoyed the traditional Moroccan room and breakfast. There are spacious rooms on two floors and while I couldn’t go up to see the tiled courtyard below, I did enjoy the whole arrangement of the place. What I loved most was that despite being in the middle of the chaos of Fès, the riad felt calm, safe, and deeply personal, with staff who genuinely cared for your special needs and one step outside would take you to most major landmarks of the beautiful Fes.

    Tanzila, Morocco, Riad Fes Centre

    Tanzila at Riad Fès Center, Fes, Morocco / Photo by Tanzila Khan

    The post What Makes a Hotel Special? Our Well-Travelled Writers Share Their Most Memorable Hotel Stays appeared first on JourneyWoman.

    This post was originally published on this site.

  • Day Trip to Brighton from London: Your Full Day Plan

    Day Trip to Brighton from London: Your Full Day Plan

    I’ve been over to Brighton many times, often as a day out from London, and a few of those trips were to see friends who live there. It’s one of the easiest seaside days out you can have from the capital. A direct train takes about an hour, and it drops you a ten-minute walk…

    This post was originally published on this site.

  • The Best Day Trips From London: 12 Trips Worth Taking, Picked by a Local

    The Best Day Trips From London: 12 Trips Worth Taking, Picked by a Local

    London is one of the best bases in the world for days out, and I say that as someone who spent years using it as exactly that. I lived in London for a few years, spent five years down in Bath, and another long stretch in and around Oxford, so a lot of the trips…

    This post was originally published on this site.

  • Wadi Rum Guide – How to Visit Jordan’s Red Desert

    Wadi Rum Guide – How to Visit Jordan’s Red Desert

    There are places that look better in person than in photos, and places that look exactly as advertised. Wadi Rum somehow does both. The desert is larger and more impressive than you would imagine, changing color throughout the day as the light shifts across the landscape. Of all the places we visited in Jordan, the …

    The post Wadi Rum Guide – How to Visit Jordan’s Red Desert appeared first on Travel Notes & Beyond.

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  • Visiting Togoville: A Fascinating Trip Across Lake Togo

    Visiting Togoville: A Fascinating Trip Across Lake Togo

    Last Updated on June 25, 2026 by Sarah Wilson I visited Togoville as part of a tour with Undiscovered Destinations, which made the trip very easy because everything from transport to the lake crossing was organised for me. You can visit independently, but you will need to put in a little more effort. Most travellers head to the waterfront […]

    The post Visiting Togoville: A Fascinating Trip Across Lake Togo appeared first on LifePart2andBeyond.com.

    This post was originally published on this site.

  • Everything You Need to Know About RV Camping at KOA

    Everything You Need to Know About RV Camping at KOA

    Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel.

    This post was brought to you in partnership with KOA (Kampgrounds of America).

     

    Picture yourself hitting the open road in your home on wheels, or settling into your perfect vacation spot for weeks at a time.

    The freedom of RV travel is a dream shared by millions, whether you’re exploring new destinations or enjoying an extended stay in one beautiful location.

    With Kampgrounds of America (KOA), finding RV camping sites with full hookups is fast, affordable, easy and fun. 

    Here’s a look at everything you need to know about RV camping at KOA, which has more than 500 locations spread across the United States and Canada!

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    KOA Loves RVing as Much as You Do

    Whether you’re part of one of the 8.1 million households that already own an RV, or among the 16.9 million people who hope to join the growing RV community, finding quality campsites is essential.

    Since 1962, KOA has helped families and adventurers create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.

    Spending time in nature offers numerous health benefits, including reduced stress and improved mood, better sleep, and an enhanced immune system.

    So, when you camp at KOA, you’re investing in both adventure and well-being.

    READ MORE: Camping & Hiking in Joshua Tree National Park

    Find Your Perfect Getaway (From Coast to Coast)

    KOA operates North America’s largest network of campgrounds, with over 500 locations spanning the United States and Canada.

    You can park your rig beside a mountain lake, nestled in a coastal forest, or near major cities for easy access to urban attractions.

    There are three distinct KOA campground types to match your personal travel style:

    • KOA Journey: Perfect for travelers who need a convenient overnight stop — you’ll find them near major highways with easy access and after-hours check-in
    • KOA Holiday: Designed for weekend getaways or short vacations, offering more amenities and activities
    • KOA Resort: Ideal for extended stays, typically featuring resort-style pools and extensive facilities

    Matching the KOA brand to your preferred camping style or goals is the first step in choosing your location.

     

    Camper Type Best KOA Choice Why It Will Suit You
    The Weekend Warrior KOA Holiday Close to attractions, full amenities, plenty of activities for the whole family
    The Cross-Country Voyager KOA Journey Highway-convenient locations, quick check-in, clean facilities for overnight stops
    The Snowbird KOA Resort Extended stay options, resort amenities, vibrant community atmosphere
    The Nature Lover KOA Holiday or Resort Proximity to trails and outdoor recreation, peaceful settings, wildlife viewing opportunities
    The Family Vacationer KOA Holiday Playgrounds, swimming pools, organized activities, spacious sites for multiple vehicles

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    Photo courtesy KOA

    Choose Your Ideal RV Pitch

    Having picked a campground, the next step is to narrow down to the exact type of pitch to book.

    KOA welcomes RVs of every type, from compact camper vans to luxurious motorhomes.

    The variety of site options across the network means you can find exactly what your rig needs.

    READ MORE: What is Glamping? A Guide to Luxury Camping

    Photo courtesy KOA

    Power Up With Full, Partial & No-Hookup Options

    Understanding hookup choices is important:

    • Full hookups provide water, electric and sewer connections directly at your site.
    • Partial hookups typically include water and electric service, but not sewer access.
    • No-hookup sites offer a more rustic experience.

    The KOA website’s easy-to-use filtering system lets you search specifically for RV camping sites with full hookups so you can book with confidence.

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    Photo courtesy KOA

    Find the Perfect Site for You

    KOA Campgrounds accommodate RVs of all sizes, with sites designed for everything from small camper vans to massive 45-foot-long motorhomes.

    Pull-through sites let you drive straight in and out without backing up, which is ideal for larger rigs. Back-in sites offer more privacy and often premium views.

    Many locations also feature KOA Patio® sites, which include an extended private patio space with outdoor furniture and a fire pit or fire ring.

    READ MORE: The 15 Best Camping Tents for Families

    Photo courtesy KOA

    Explore Amenities & Attractions

    Every KOA Campground includes laundry facilities, playgrounds, and convenience stores stocked with camping supplies.

    Depending on which type you choose, some also have after-hours check-in, group facilities, supervised children’s activities and resort-style pools.

    Most locations are near hiking trails, water recreation, wildlife-viewing opportunities, or visitor attractions.

    The friendly staff (in their signature yellow shirts) are always happy to share local recommendations.

    READ MORE: Wadi Rum Desert Camping & Camel Trekking in Jordan

    Photo courtesy KOA

    Bring Your Furry Co-Pilot

    Your four-legged family members are always welcome at KOA.

    Every location features a KampK9® area, with fenced off-leash space where dogs can play safely. Some campgrounds are rolling out new KOA Paw PenSM sites, which include a private fenced area as part of your campsite. S

    Since around 43% of all RVers consider pet-friendly camping important, KOA has made it easy!

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    Lock In Your Adventure & Join the KOA Rewards Program

    KOA’s streamlined online booking system takes the stress out of planning, letting you search by location, filter for amenities like full hookups, and view detailed site information.

    You’ll also see transparent pricing, with no hidden fees. The platform shows real-time availability across hundreds of campgrounds, eliminating the need to check multiple sites.

    Consider joining the KOA Rewards Program, which offers valuable perks to make camping more affordable.

    Members receive a 10% discount on nightly rates at participating locations, plus exclusive promotions and the ability to earn points toward free nights.

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    Black Bears in Alaska at Mendenhall Glacier
    Photo by Bret Love & Allie Love

    Pro Tips for an Unforgettable KOA RV Trip

    Make the most of your experience with these insider suggestions:

    • Book early for peak seasons: Popular destinations fill up quickly. Reserve your spot several weeks in advance.
    • Download the KOA app: Access reservation details, check campground maps and discover nearby attractions.
    • Arrive during office hours on your first visit: Staff can give you a tour and share local tips.
    • Respect wildlife from a safe distance: Many KOA locations offer incredible viewing opportunities. Always stay at least 100 yards from predators like bears and wolves.
    • Take advantage of the camp store: Stock up on firewood, ice and other essentials.

    READ MORE: What Is Ecotourism (History & Principles of Responsible Travel)

    RV Camping
    Photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

    RV Camping FAQ

    Here are answers to common questions about RVing at KOA.

    Can I have a campfire at my site?

    Campfire policies vary by location and season. Many sites include fire rings, and KOA sells firewood. Always check current restrictions with staff.

    Is Wi-Fi available at KOA campgrounds?

    Most KOA locations offer Wi-Fi access, though signal strength varies by site location.

    Do I need a reservation or can I just show up?

    Reservations are strongly recommended. Booking ahead guarantees you’ll have a site.

    Are there size restrictions for RVs?

    Each campground lists maximum RV lengths for sites. The booking system filters results based on your RV size. 

    The post Everything You Need to Know About RV Camping at KOA appeared first on Green Global Travel.

    This post was originally published on this site.

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