Top things to do in Delft
As one of the prettiest towns in the Netherlands, this small city offers everything from antique markets to lazy day outings by the canals A centuries-old town with fairytale canals, Delft is filled with historical buildings and is home to Holland’s Tower of Pisa. A relaxing weekend city break, explore the enchanting winding streets or gaze…
Seven things to do in and near La Petite France
This small historic quarter is labelled as the ‘most charming’ district and is easy to get around on foot or by boat. Enjoy quayside walks, the narrow-cobbled streets or take a short walk to visit the gothic, imposing cathedral Known for its canals, half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, Strasbourg’s La Petite France is labelled as…
Visiting the Tasmanian Devil
Get up close with the island state’s most famous furry resident and learn more about other native animals and what is being done to protect them Formerly the Taranna Wildlife Park, the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is the world’s first intentional ‘unzoo’ – a project to create a model wildlife and a futuristic nature experience. The…
What to see in Èze village
This beautiful hilltop medieval village in the south of France is a great half-day excursion and only 30 mins away from bustling Nice. Famed for its spectacular coastal views, walk the narrow paths or hike the Nietzsche path A charming hilltop town on the Cote d’Azur, Èze is a commune in the department of the…
Backpacking around the world on a budget: Fiji Part 14
This was our first Round the World trip as a couple and we were looking forward to the Pacific island of Fiji in 2008. Shimmering waters, blue starfish and volcanic islands make this South Pacific country an ideal holiday destination for backpackers, honeymooners and families. Catherine and I landed at Nadi International Airport in terrible…
Tips for visiting Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque
The third largest mosque in the world, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque holds more than 40,000 worshipers and has three Guinness World Records. An easy day trip from Dubai, visit for modern Islamic architecture or marvel at the delicate floral decorations made from semi-precious stones The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, located in the United Arab Emirates’s…
Tips for visiting Galta Ji
Known as Jaipur’s ‘Monkey Temple’, this religious site delivers a spot of calm outside the bustling city and will be a delight to art and animal fans alike A large Hindu temple complex lying 10km to the east of Jaipur, Galta Ji is a popular tourist attraction, even if slightly off the trail. Also known…
Leshan’s Giant Buddha
This scenic hot spot offers the chance to marvel at a monumental Buddha statue carved into Lingyun Mountain. Visit for the day to hike or as a stop over to Mount Emei. Either way, visit for the riverside location and mouthwatering street food A 71-metre tall stone statue built between 713 and 803 depicting spiritual…
Travel tips
From saving cash to not getting locked out, we’ve listed a few of our travel experiences in the hope it will make your holiday easier and more efficient Cancellations: Opt for hotel reservations that have a cancelation option. With these, you can usually cancel your stay up to 24 hours upon arrival and still get a…
Backpacking around the world on a budget: Whitianga to Auckland Part 13
In 2008, we embarked on our RtW trip, visiting seven countries. You find us in the southern shores of the North Island of New Zealand. Next up we were heading north through the Island and ending up in the city, Auckland! This part of the North Island reminded us of the South Island. Not so…
Tips for visiting the Taj Mahal
This wonder of the World represents not only love, but precision and symmetry. Enjoy the pink hues at sunrise or silver during sunset One of the World’s wonders, the Taj Mahal was built on the orders of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal and is located in India’s Agra,…
Macau things to see
Portuguese-tiled streets, cobbled lanes and crypts is why the ‘Las Vegas of Asia’ offers a little slice of EU heaven While visiting Hong Kong why not try a few days in Macau. The city is a short ferry ride across the water and within 60 minutes you’re on the shore of one of the most…
Things to do in Sydney
Visit this hustling city for World Heritage sites, chilling on the iconic beaches or marvel at the impressive architectural feats From the blue waters of the harbour to the mystical mountains, Sydney is a cosmopolitan hub and arguably Australia’s most famous city. The New South Wales capital offers everything from beachside lifestyles to foodie mecca.…
Backpacking around the world on a budget: Waitomo to Rotorau Part 12
In 2008, we embarked on our RtW trip, visiting seven countries. You find us in the western shores of the North Island of New Zealand. Next up was Waitomo, heading east through the Island to Rotorau! The Waitomo Glowworm Caves has a modern visitor centre at the entrance, largely designed in wood. There are organised…
Visiting Fatehpur Sikri, India
Visit for Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the country and a designated World Heritage Site Fatehpur Sikri is a town in the Agra District of Uttar Pradesh and was a fortified city that includes a massive complex containing the Jama Masjid mosque, three palaces and gardens, which were all believed to have…
Yosemite guide
Majestic waterfalls, blankets of snow and dominating granite mountains are why Yosemite National Park is an unforgettable natural phenomenon. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park has plenty to enjoy. From its waterfalls to its deep valleys and from its meadows to its ancient giant sequoias, the park is a must visit for any nature…
Backpacking around the world on a budget: Marlborough to New Plymouth Part 11
In 2008, we embarked on our RtW trip, visiting seven countries. You find us in the northern shores of the South Island of New Zealand. Next up was the region of fine wine of Marlborough. We where in a world where phones were limited to texts and Snake, so finding our way around or information…
Top seven things to do in Dubai’s Old Town
Bur Dubai and Deira – often referred to as ‘Old Dubai’ – is viewed as Dubai’s heart and soul and is a delightful mix of traditional cuisine and souks Home to traditional markets, relaxing cruises and authentic meals, Dubai’s Old Town is considered to be ‘Old Arabia’, where you can walk among the wind towers…
Minsk things to do
The capital and largest city of Belarus, Minsk still has reminders of the Soviet era but is working on becoming a progressive and modern city. Despite a strong police presence, the city has much to offer from park walks to a vibrant café culture Minsk was one of our ‘will we, won’t we’ places. We…
Tromsø things to do
Northern lights, the world’s northernmost cathedral and the midnight sun make this city an Arctic bucket list treasure The largest city in Northern Norway and located 217 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is a region rich in history, nature and wilderness. Founded in 1794, the city became the starting point for tourist expeditions, research…
Visiting Chand Baori, India
Built over a thousand years ago, this narrow stepwell is one of the largest in the world and an architectural masterpiece Situated in the village of Abhaneri in the Indian state of Rajasthan, Chand Baori stepwell is around a two-hour drive from the bustling city of Jaipur. Opened in 1800, the steps were built on…
Backpacking around the world on a budget: Queenstown to Picton Part 10
In 2008, we embarked on our RtW trip, visiting seven countries. You find us in the the middle of the South Island of New Zealand. Next up we were heading north through the Island and ending up in the coastal regioon of Marlborough! As Catherine and I drove into Queenstown, the sun was sparkling off…
How to…. see the world on a full-time job
Maximise annual leave days to get the best out of your adventures It’s many people’s dream to travel permanently, wave goodbye to the 9-5, leave behind city life and explore the world for months or years. However, the majority can’t do this and have to juggle seeing the world with a day job on annual…
Six things to see in India’s Old Delhi
Chaotic but charming, explore this neighbourhood to roam the bazaars or see the second largest mosque on the Indian subcontinent Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) is one of the oldest urban settlements in the region and was built in 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a walled part of New Delhi enclosing about 1,500 acres. Known…
Backpacking around the world on a budget: Christchurch to Milford Sounds Part 9
Half way into our trip in 2008, we made our way to New Zealand. Starting off in the South Island we experience the amazing Māori culture, national parks and getting the hang of going to auction! Christchurch was our next stop and we were a bit in the dark as to where we were going…
Riga itinerary
Whether enjoying the local Balsam, checking out the Gothic spires or visiting for past Soviet remains, this town is stepped in culture and history Having finished the conference in Helsinki, Catherine and I attached a couple more places onto our trip. We’ve already visited Stockholm, Copenhagen and many Polish destinations, so this narrowed our…
Backpacking around the world on a budget: Sydney Part 8
Our RtW trip in 2008 was going well. Leaving the forests and sweeping bays of Tasmania behind us, we journeyed to the East Coast of Australia to land in Sydney. From the grand Opera House to the Bondi bubble, the harbour city metropolitan is a hub of opportunities We landed in Sydney in the early…
Visiting Famagusta and Nicosia
From ancient ruins to spectacular mosques, Cyprus has much more to offer than sun-soaked stretches of sand Away from the beach cocktails and laughing tourists enjoying a relaxing holiday in Cyprus, the ghost town of Varosha, Famagusta presents an eerie reminder of the traumas that happened in the past. Standing silent, the town was…
Visiting Lake Bled
Beautiful Alpine surroundings, a clifftop-perched Medieval castle and a picture-perfect islet church are just some reasons to visit this special destination One of the most popular attractions in Slovenia, the majestic Lake Bled in Bled is located 475m above sea level in the Julian Alps situated in the north-western part of the country. Forming…
Backpacking around the world on a budget: Tasmania Part 7
Waving goodbye to the coastal capital Melbourne, we voyaged to Hobart, Tasmania. From the white sands of picture-perfect Wineglass Bay to the World Heritage-listed mountain, the island offers culture, art and a certain fluffy Looney Tunes little devil After landing in Hobart, we exited the airport’s arrivals with no plan ahead. As this was before…
Buenos Aires things to do
Steaks, football and colourful buildings make this ‘Paris of South America’ a Latin hot spot As we arrived in Buenos Aires it felt very familiar. The city is known as the ‘Paris of South America’ and it does live up to that name. With its café culture, grand boulevards and food scene, it almost rivals…
Visiting Hampstead Heath
A peaceful sprawl of London, this space of woodland and meadows is nestled inside Zone Two and covers over 800 acres. As inspiration for C S Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, the heath is a great place to relax and escape city life
Backpacking around the world on a budget: Melbourne Part 6
In 2008, we embarked on our RtW trip, visiting seven countries. Leaving behind the awe-inspiring Uluru and the cosmopolitan Adelaide, our next place on the map was Melbourne to say hi to relatives. Another F1 track was calling, but so was lush forest walks and Philips Island to see some cute penguins
Best markets to visit
We at In 4 the Long Haul love a good bargain and whenever we go away, we always try to suss out the local markets to buy a new trinket to bring home with us. From Hong Kong’s Temple Street night market to Bolivia’s La Paz witches’ market, there’s always something we’ve found to haggle…
Backpacking around the world on a budget: Uluru to Adelaide Part 5
In 2008, we embarked on our RtW trip, visiting seven countries. So far, we witnessed the skyscrapers of Hong Kong, the colourful and sleek wonders of Singapore, the rugged beauty of Darwin and the remote Aboriginal communities of Alice Springs. Next up was the enchanting Uluru… where things were about to get even more lonely! Our Uluru…
Bergen to Oslo on a budget
The Flåm, snow tunnels and postcard wooden houses are just some of the delights Norway boasts. We took a trip to Bergen and Oslo to experience what the country has to offer… and it’s a lot more than just the majestic fjords Part 1 – Bergen Arriving into Bergen we were very excited. The weather…
Backpacking around the world on a budget: Darwin & the Ghan Part 4
Finishing Hong Kong and Singapore, we make our way to Australia, starting off in the Outback. A perfect beginning point for the Northern Territory, Darwin is a contrast of dusty, untouched landscapes and a cosmopolitan, boom town, which allows the chance to experience indigenous Australia The flight from Singapore was horrendous. They told us it…
London days, Camden Town
Situated in North London, Camden or EC, is an eclectic mix of foods, sounds and fashion Made famous by the likes of writer Charles Dickens, philosopher Friedrich Engels and late singer Amy Winehouse, Camden Town offers a wide variety of markets, cuisines and live music venues A residential area since the 1790s, the area was…
Backpacking around the world on a budget Part 3: Singapore
In 2008, we embarked on our RtW trip. After visiting our first country on our list, China, we then sauntered off to Singapore, off southern Malaysia. With day trips to Sentosa or the blue lagoons, the country is a little hub of attractions with breath-taking skyline views Singapore was humid, not like England at all.…
The lavender fields of Carshalton
Take a trip to the perfumed fields to see patches of mauves, indulge your senses or simply enjoy the historical harvest Once famous for being the lavender ‘capital of the world’, the London Borough of Sutton’s Carshalton Beeches offers three acres of beautiful, aromatic lavender that is open to the public for a short time…
Backpacking around the world on a budget Part 2: Hong Kong
In 2008, we embarked on our RtW trip, visiting seven countries. The first leg of our journey took us from busy London to busy Hong Kong. A different kind of concrete jungle, the city offers glorious views, glitzy skyscrapers, exciting junk rides and amazing sake bars. Arriving in Asia for the first time was an…
Fun facts about Isle of Skye
The largest island in the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Skye offers a rugged landscape, majestic mountains and picturesque fishing villages. It is connected to Scotland’s northwest coast by bridge but visitors can also access the isle by driving to Mallaig and catching a ferry. Its Fairy Pools were voted the UK’s most romantic spot in 2018 -…
All aboard: top trams to do
From the world’s most northern network in Norway to world’s last manually operated cable car system in San Fran, cities globally have cleverly incorporated the humble tram into everyday life and nostalgia The world’s first passenger train or tram was the Swansea and Mumbles Railway, in Wales, UK, with a horse-drawn service starting in 1807.…
Visiting Game of Thrones
Beware… you’re now entering a geek zone! So here at In 4 the Long Haul, we tend to get a tiny bit obsessed over things. From Harry Potter films and locations to trekking to Northern England to find puffins, anything that either Joe or I mildly like will soon form into a major obsession that…
Magical world of Harry Potter
Expecto Patronum… It’s been over 20 years since the release of the boy who lived and 12 years since he who must not be named was vanquished. Here at In 4 the Long Haul, House Hufflepuff is alive and well and her reluctant Ravenclaw significant other have visited numerous places around the world that inspired the…
Backpacking around the world on a budget Part 1: The beginning
In February 2008, Cat and I embarked on our first real ‘couples test’ by booking a round-the-world adventure after we finished uni. Starting off in the East, we finished in the West in the fabulous city of New York… and came home still a couple! Unlike now, there was hardly any planning involved in our…
Things to see in Orkney
Shipwrecks, prehistoric sites and coastal walks make this archipelago a magical place that will linger in your memory for years Offering some of the best-preserved prehistoric sites in Europe, the Orkney Isles boast striking landscapes, breath-taking beaches and splendid coastal walks. Voted as the UK’s best place to live this year, its civilisation stretches back…
Salzburg to Munich on a budget
Part 1 – Salzburg After a relaxing flight from London on a sunny Saturday morning we arrived at Salzburg airport. We hoped on bus no.2 to our hotel in the east of the city center. We stayed at the NH Salzburg City Hotel, which was a great mid-range hotel. Salzburg is one of the most…
Exploring Andorra la Vella
The highest-altitude capital city in Europe may be small, but it offers a might array of things to keep you busy for a weekend trip. From hiking trails to the largest spa complex on the continent, visit for the ski slopes or a relaxing mini break A popular skiing destination, Andorra is a little gem…
Things to do in Vilnius
Churches upon churches offer a spiritual outlook to the bustling city, while the Museum of Genocide Victims reflects on the capital’s darker days. Visit for history, amazing views and the largest medieval old town in central and eastern EU Day 1 – Friday Catherine and I love the Baltic states and have really enjoyed travelling…
What to see in Bern
Historical buildings, quaint alleys and breathtaking views make this gateway city to the alps a captivating weekend break Built around a crook in the Aare River, Bern is the capital city of Switzerland and an Unesco World Heritage–listed Old Town. It’s cobbled center, ice-cold blue water and surrounding hills make this city the definition…
Visiting St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum
The world’s second largest museum, the Hermitage offers luxurious tapestries, marble columns and millions of intricate works, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts from all over the world If you’re an art lover or just want to spend time moseying around looking at the finer things in life, a visit to the world-renowned…
Tbilisi treats: what to see
Whether walking through Old Town’s snaking alleyways or visiting the oldest surviving church, this Georgian capital offers both a rich history and charm Predicted to become increasingly popular over the next couple of years, Tbilisi is a Caucasus jewel that is centuries old, yet vibrant and diverse. From the Mtkvari River to Rustaveli Avenue…
The top 5 things to do in Greenwich
An ancient village, this south-east London borough lies along the south bank of the River Thames between Deptford and Thamesmead. Steeped in history, this Zone 2 royal borough is the home of time, royal heritage sites and where eastern and western hemispheres meet. Just 20 minutes from central London, visit for some of capital’s most…
Europe’s best Christmas markets Pt.2
Yuletide is the most amazing time of the year and Europe has Christmas markets aplenty. Go for the cheer, festive food, log fires and homemade trinkets Wroclaw Poland Offering some of the most beautiful markets in the country, Wroclaw becomes a real-life fairy tale during the holiday season. The three-level fairytale house, Plac Solny,…
Europe’s best Christmas markets Pt.1
Believe in the magic of Christmas by visiting one of the continent’s many famous festival markets and marvel at beautiful Christmas lights, gaze at gigantic Christmas trees and fill up on mulled wine and gingerbread Chişinău Moldova Venture off the beaten track to explore Moldova’s capital at its Christmassy finest, where you can find…
The world’s greatest religious buildings Pt.2
From the largest church in Europe to the grandest church in the Far East, religious and spiritual buildings are not just places of worship but also testament to a country’s architectural styling, grandeur and creativity Church of the Savior on Blood St Petersburg, Russia The church was constructed between 1883 and 1907, funded by…
Tips for Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
From ice skating to Paddington and from mulled wine to hot chocolate round the fire, London’s biggest Christmas market is sure to get you in the festive mood It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Mistletoe, mulled wine, being with loved ones and a genuine excuse to eat lots of chocolate are just…
How to… organise night train travel
Night trains carry you over long distances while you sleep and can be a great way to save money What to know about night trains: Night trains are a great way to save time crossing a country/countries and save money by not having to shell out for a hotel room. There are arguments that…
The world’s greatest religious buildings Pt.1
Whether it’s the first cathedral in the world, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul or a Gaudí-designed masterpiece in Barcelona, religious buildings are a great place to visit for the architecture, art and spirituality The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Yerevan, Armenia The mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church, this cathedral is considered the…
North America travel tips
Bounded on the south by the Caribbean Sea and the north by the Arctic Ocean, North America is the third largest continent in the world. Home to less than 10% of the world’s population, the most populous country in North America is the US, which was formed in the late 1700’s and became a melting…
How to… cope with altitude sickness
We all love adventuring high up into the mountains, but altitude sickness can become a real problem for some of us. Here’s what to know… What is altitude sickness? Altitude sickness can occur when you travel to a high altitude too quickly and subsequently, breathing becomes difficult as you’re not able to take…
What to see at Little Bighorn
One of the US’ best-known Native American battlefields, visit to understand the complex history and stories of this mighty fight Little Bighorn Battlefield national monument memorialises the US Army’s 7th Cavalry and the Lakotas and Cheyennes in one of the Indian’s last armed efforts to preserve their way of life. The famous Lt Col…
Finding Stalin’s seven sisters
Still among some of the tallest buildings in Europe, Stalin’s skyscrapers were built post-war to represent a ‘New Moscow’ and to this day, dominate the capital’s skyline During the 1940s and 1950s, seven high-rise buildings were erected in Moscow to symbolise ‘new Moscow’ after WWII. Also known as the ‘Seven Sisters’, they are among…
How to… report a lost passport
Losing your passport while enjoying a vacay can be unnerving and put a dark cloud over your otherwise sunny time away. Below is our guide on what to do next… Lost passports You must cancel a lost or stolen passport as soon as possible. If you lose your passport while abroad, the process of…
Exploring the Sistine Chapel
One of Michelangelo’s most famous works, these frescoes are full of colourful biblical characters depicting stories from the book of Genesis. Visit for pure amazement or to marvel at the hidden meanings behind this masterpiece We could be here all day discussing the amazing masterpieces, museums and collections housed in Vatican City (or Holy…
How to visit Bran Castle
Perched high upon on a steep cliff, this national Romanian landmark is surrounded in Gothicness, intrigue and immortalisation History In 1377, the Hungarian King Louis the Great issued a document granting to the Brasov people the ‘privilege’ of building a castle. Through this document, the Saxons of Transylvania (from the region encompassing Brasov) were…
Santorini sightseeing
Glorious sunsets, charming, tiny streets and impressive blue-domed churches make this utopian island difficult to leave ‘Relax, you’re in paradise’ has never rung truer. One of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, Santorini is a gilded place allowing for beautiful sunset viewings, ancient ruins and whitewashed towns. The island’s cliffside villages offer a labyrinth…
Visiting the stilt houses of Tai O
This ‘Venice of the Orient’ is a remarkable place to forget modernity. Go for the famous stilt houses, local shrimp paste delicacy or to see the bronze big buddha A fishing village home to the Tanka people, Tai O is situated on Lantau Island, the largest island in Hong Kong that is located at…
The best football stadiums
From the Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz to Svangaskarð – Toftir, Faroe Islands, football brings people together and connects countries all over the world. Upon our travels, we have visited many a football stadiums – in the rain, snow and sunshine – for Joe to experience the grounds he has seen growing up while watching…
San Diego-Tijuana border crossing
Visit for shopping, great deals on cocktails or to simply soak up the Latin vibe As the border of Mexico is less than 20 miles from downtown San Diego, millions of people travel to Tijuana from the Californian city annually to visit family or shop. The easiest way to get to the border is…
Climbing Pulpit Rock
At 604 metres, Preikestolen offers glorious views over Lysefjord… but be prepared to put the effort in! One of Norway’s most famous mountain hikes, Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) is a towering cliff-plateau directly suspended over Lysefjord. Getting to Preikestolen By bus: Buses leave from Tau to Preikestolen mountain lodge daily while in season (April…
The Inca capital of Cusco
Taking the winding, zig-zagging train journey to the ‘Old Mountain’ with glimpses of the ancient Inca trail creates unforgettable sights Landing in Cusco was one of the more interesting landings, as the airport is right in the city. A quick 10-minute taxi ride to Plaza De Armas via Iglesia De Santo Domingo and we had…
Visiting Mount Rushmore
Take a hike on the presidential trail or simply marvel at the breath-taking 60-foot sculptor. Travel further afield for the interesting Devils Tower in Wyoming Located in Keystone, South Dakota, the park is a great chance to understand more of the US’ history and development. The memorial offers a breath-taking view of the country’s…
Chichén Itza guide
The largest pre-Columbian Maya civilisation archaeological cities, the ruins offer a grisly past but also presents a fascinating retreat from the hustle of modern life Meaning ‘mouth of the well of Itza’, Chichén Itza is the second most visited archaeological site in Mexico and is listed as an UNESCO world heritage site. The ruins…
What to see in Death Valley
This scorched earth offers a palette of colours, dry lakebeds and salt polygons. A perfect day trip when in Las Vegas Located in both California and Nevada, Death Valley is a place of extremes with the scorching, summer heat and droughts meeting frosted peaks and rainstorms. One of the hottest places in the world,…
Tallinn itinerary
Arriving from Riga our last stop on our Baltic trip was Tallinn. The Estonian Capital has everything you need for an amazing time. With an incredible walled Old Town, churches galore, coastline and great local food make this, world famous UNESCO Site well worth a look Day 1 Starting your Estonian adventure at Tallinna Lennujaam…
Four Corners Monument
Marking the quadripoint in the US Southwest where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet, this marker offers a rare geographical occurrence Four Corners Monument: The original marker, erected in 1912, was a simple cement pad placed after government surveys showing the location of the terminus of the four state boundaries. The monument was refurbished…
Africa travel tips
The second largest continent consisting of 54 countries and the Western Sahara, Africa is surrounded on the east by the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, the west by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. Africa is also linked to a number of islands, such as the Seychelles and Madagascar. Benefiting…
Monument Valley Walkthrough
The iconic Western scenery is one of the US’ greatest landmarks. Towering up to 1,000 feet tall, the sandstone rocks create a truly magical desert landscape A red-sand desert, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is a wild, vast and sun-baked region, offering deep canyons and sandy plains and rock buttes. Perhaps the most definitive…
Visiting Machu Picchu
It’s easy to see why this sprawling Inca citadel surrounded by lush vegetation and mystical mist is one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. Meaning ‘Old Mountain’, Machu Picchu is an Incan city surrounded by temples, terraces and water channels built on a mountaintop. Built with huge blocks of stone joined together without…
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend guide
No trip to Arizona would be complete without seeing the famous slot canyon shaped by water and wind in all its glory The most photographed Slot Canyon in the world, Antelope Canyon is found in Page, Arizona and is the product of millions of years of water erosion. The monumental sandstone sculpture is known…
Angkor Wat guide
The seventh wonder of the world, this UNESCO World Heritage site is an immense Buddhist temple complex consisting of old passageways, ancient ruins and grand towers. The Angkor Archaeological Park is a 500-acre site and one of the largest religious monuments in the world. Constructed under the Khmer Empire, it was originally dedicated to…
South America travel tips
The fourth largest continent, South America consists of 12 countries and is predominantly located in the southern hemisphere. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, the continent has the fifth largest population. Dominated by the Andes Mountain Range and the second longest river in the world (Amazon…
Things to see at San Francisco’s Pier 39
Deep chowder bowls, street performers and of course loud sea lions make this pier a must see attraction when visiting the golden city One half of In 4 the Long Haul loves, loves, loves animals. It’s an unhealthy obsession (that is actually slightly concerning) and one of our treasured places is San Francisco, that houses…
What’s next in Montevideo
Seeing the World Cup’s first stadium, a vast Independence Square and colonial colourful houses is what makes the city a great treat for tourists Arriving in Montevideo by ferry is by far the best way to arrive in Uruguay. Catherine and I had purchased the tickets a few months ago for £115 per person and…
Asia travel tips
The most populous and largest continent, Asia shares borders with Africa and Europe to its West and North America to its East. With the longest coastline of any continent, Asia boasts varied vegetation and wildlife. The tallest peak in the world – Mount Everest – and the third longest river after the Nile and Amazon…
Stockholm travel itinerary
Artistic subways, an impressive city hall and the Nobel Museum make this chic capital a viewing pleasure. With its punchy colours and helpful staff, Connect Hotel City is a great stay. Although not in the Gamla Stan (old town) of Stockholm it isn’t to far away, 30 minutes and your there. With its close transport…
Tirana on a budget
While in the past Albania’s capital has frequented the worst EU cities list, Tirana has since undergone a transformation. Changing from a bleak Stalin era, the city offers big public squares, rainbow coloured buildings and a booming café culture. Heading south from Montenegro, you’ll arrive in Tirana’s main bus station, north west of the city.…
Oceania travel tips
A collection of scattered islands throughout most of the Pacific Ocean, Oceania includes 14 countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. The smallest continent, Oceania consists mostly of ocean, spanning a vast area. Its most populous country is Australia, with Sydney counting a population of over 4.5m people. With more than 250…
Vaduz things to see
The Principality is the sixth-smallest country in the world and lies in the heart of the Alps between Switzerland and Austria. With a varied collection of things to do, from mountain-top castles, skiing or simply marvel at the picturesque views while sipping on the local Pinot Noir Getting there: Liechtenstein has no airport but there…
Chengdu, travelling China Part 3
China’s historical and cultural city, Chengdu offers teahouses galore, shrines celebrating folk heroes and the opportunity to get close to cute pandas. For a more in depth guide, click here. Day 1 Arriving at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport on a cheap flight, and jumping into a taxi to our hotel, we could see how big…
Chișinău things to do
One of the highest proportions of natural spaces of any EU city, the Moldovan capital offers lush green parks, the world’s biggest winery and Soviet-era relics Arriving in Chișinău late on a Friday night in January is a surreal feeling. The weather had laid down many layers of snow, which would make our time in…
Europe travel tips
Europe is the sixth largest continent geographically and has the third highest population. It borders Asia to the east, the Atlantic in the west, Africa in the south via the Mediterranean and the Arctic in the north. The continent is one of the wealthiest in the world and is the centre of the West and…
Getting around New York
The city that never sleeps, NYC is a shopping capital, an architectural feat and a melting pot of diversity and culture. But what to do in a weekend? The opportunities are endless. While 3-4 days is a good time to spend in New York, you can manage to see all the key things in a…
On tour with Gavin & Stacey
The BBC sitcom is coming back and what better way to honour the show than by visiting the Isle of Barry… where ‘it doesn’t rain much as it goes’ What’s occurring? One of In4theLongHaul’s favourite BBC shows – Gavin & Stacy – will be gracing our screens again this year, with a one-off Christmas special.…
Fiji on a budget
Shimmering waters, blue starfish and volcanic islands make this South Pacific country an ideal holiday destination for backpackers, honeymooners and families Fiji is a brilliant place to start your Pacific adventures. It’s a collection of volcanic islands spanning 1,600 Km. Most people think of Fiji as exotic and remote, and therefore a scary place, but…
London calling: what to do in 48 hours
London is one of the best cities in the world (OK so we’re a little biased) but it does have a lot to offer. From the West End to East End, pop-up cafes, free museums, luxury shopping, skyline views and all things royal, the city is a buzzing mixture of culture, history and modernism. While…
Xi’an, travelling China Part 2
Tandem riding along the city walls, Pagodas galore and the spectacular Terracotta Army are just a few reasons why Xi’an should be on your China to-do-list Day 1 Arriving from Beijing into Xi’an North Railway station on the Chinese hi-speed train was a lifelong dream. Catherine and I had always wanted to see the Terracotta…
Rio de Janeiro things to do
Soaring mountains, white sandy beaches and beautiful natural settings, Brazil’s capital offers much more than just the amazing Christ the Redeemer. Visit the hidden bars or simply enjoy the samba nights Catching the red eye to Rio de Janeiro after a day’s work was not the best way to start a trip, but it did…
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