Author: simon611

Hunting and history might seem like an odd combination, but they blend seamlessly at Picosa Ranch in Texas. This ranch was once the family home of Governor John Connally, who served as Texas Governor in the 1960s, Secretary of the Navy under President Kennedy, and Secretary of the Treasury under President Nixon. Imagine being a guest when Air Force One landed on the ranch’s airstrip, and the Connally family hosted the President and First Lady in true Texas style.

Today, Picosa Ranch has transformed into a luxury resort, offering bespoke services for those seeking a 5-star Presidential experience. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, from hunting and shooting to horseback riding and rodeo, or simply relax by the pool with a barbecue lunch and a few beers.

Our visit began with a tour of the Main House, led by Governor Connally’s grandson, Bubba Ammann, now Vice President of Operations at Picosa Ranch. The Main House, where Bubba grew up, is filled with architectural treasures collected by Nellie Connally. These include carved wooden doors and a wrought iron staircase from the Japanese Embassy in London, and an ebony dining table and chairs from a Mexican Monastery. The reception room floor features a specially woven carpet with the Connally cattle brand and the initials J and N for John and Nellie.

After John Connally’s death, the ranch was purchased by the Kowalski family, who had provided catering services to the Connallys over the years. The Main House and the nearby Guest House are available for rent, offering guests a chance to stay in this historic home.

Bubba also showed us the games area and Governor Connally’s office, filled with memorabilia from his political career. One of the most intriguing stories was about the day President Kennedy was assassinated. Governor Connally and his wife Nellie were in the car in front of the President when the shots were fired. Connally was wounded but survived, and the office displays the stetson that was meant for President Kennedy, along with tickets for the reception planned for that evening.

We strolled across the lawn, past a swimming pool shaded by a Magnolia tree grown from a cutting from the White House, a gift from Mrs. Richard Nixon to Nellie Connally. The guest house, designed in the 1970s by architect O’Neil Ford, has been remodeled into four luxurious suites with a “Cowboy Deluxe” style, featuring plantation shutters, terracotta floors, and equestrian artworks.

Our tour included a game-spotting trip across the ranch in a golf buggy, where we saw exotic animals like a baby zebra, Oryx, Addax, Waterbuck, and Texas longhorn cattle. We also visited one of the fishing pools, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

At the South Range Lodge, an enormous barn has been converted into a plush indoor living area, complete with hunting trophies, a stone fireplace, shuffleboard, and pool tables. Despite the sunny weather, the air-conditioned indoors provided a welcome respite from the Texas heat.

We tried our hand at clay shooting at the Wobble traps, with instructors John and Dan guiding us. My family took to it naturally, and even I managed to hit a clay target, much to my delight.

After shooting, we enjoyed a barbecue lunch prepared by Chef David in the sunken patio area, a new addition to the South Range Lodge. This area, with its lagoon-style pool, is perfect for relaxing or playing games like pool or shuffleboard.

Picosa Ranch offers a tailored experience for groups of families and friends, with activities ranging from hunting and shooting to horseback riding and sightseeing trips to nearby San Antonio. Our day at Picosa Ranch was one of the highlights of our Texas holiday, providing a truly Presidential experience.

For those interested in booking Picosa Ranch for a family gathering or special event, the ranch offers a luxury, customized experience that promises to create lasting memories.

In a city like Copenhagen, known for its cool Scandinavian design, the Andersen Hotel stands out by blending colorful and trendy decor with a warm welcome and exceptional service. We stayed at the Andersen Hotel for a weekend in February and found it perfectly located for exploring Copenhagen and conveniently close to the airport.

As you walk from the Central Station to the hotel, you might pass some interesting shop windows, including those with sex toys and fishnet body stockings. The hotel is in Vesterbro, Copenhagen’s red light district, which is also a vibrant neighborhood filled with bars, restaurants, and designer boutiques, known for its lively nightlife. In liberal Copenhagen, these sights are taken in stride.

Entering the Andersen Hotel, the large reception area immediately felt cozy, with a quirky round fire on the wall and chess sets ready for a game under oversized pink and purple lampshades. Candles glowed in purple glass holders, and freshly brewed coffee was available on request. Between 5 and 6 pm, guests are offered a complimentary glass of wine, a welcome treat in pricey Copenhagen. Nearby, the Mikkeller microbrewery and bar offers local ales and live music.

Our Junior Suite on the third floor was decorated in a vibrant Mermaid color scheme with aqua, turquoise, and lime hues. The spacious sitting area featured a turquoise velvet sofa, a small glass coffee table, and a flat-screen TV that could be viewed from either the sofa or the bed. The room had a green shaggy rug, light wood flooring, and a mural listing other travel destinations like Oslo, Riga, and Stockholm. Free, fast Wi-Fi was available throughout the hotel and in our room.

There was enough storage in the single wardrobe for a weekend stay, along with a fridge, safe, and a mini-bar with wine bottles and snacks. The bed was extremely comfortable, with a soft duvet and a sleep spray that helped us drift off in a cloud of lavender. Our room overlooked the street, so we heard some noise at night and early in the morning. Light sleepers might prefer a room facing the internal courtyard.

The turquoise bathroom featured a Phillip Stark suite with a large sink, well-lit mirror, and a hairdryer. Our Junior Suite had a bath with a powerful shower and an Andersen Hotel rubber duck. The toiletries were from Molton Brown’s Green Park range, adding a touch of English charm to the Danish design.

I explored other rooms at the Andersen Hotel and found that even the smaller rooms maintained the same level of design and comfort, each with unique touches. The breakfast area, partitioned off during the day, continued the pink and purple Princess color scheme with wood and chrome tables and perspex throne chairs. The breakfast spread included Danish bread, local cheese, pastries, muesli, beetroot and carrot juice, and a variety of teas.

Throughout our stay, the staff at the Andersen Hotel were incredibly helpful, offering suggestions and recommendations. When I asked for romantic places to visit, the receptionist, Anne Mette, provided a printed list of suggestions she had researched for us. The staff’s warm and helpful personalities made our stay even more enjoyable.

The hotel offers a Concept 24 option, allowing guests to keep their room for a full 24 hours from check-in. This was convenient for us, as we could check out later in the day before heading to the airport.

The Andersen Hotel is ideal for couples, groups of friends, leisure travelers, and business travelers looking for a convenient base in Copenhagen. We loved the friendly service, trendy decor, delicious breakfast, and the complimentary happy hour wine. However, it might not be suitable for families with young children or those uncomfortable with the red light aspects of the Vesterbro neighborhood.

On our first evening, we walked to the nearby Kødbyen or Meat-Packing district, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of Bio Mio, an organic brasserie-style cafe. We also wanted to try Kodbyens Fiskebar, known for its seafood and good wines, and Mikkeller, a bar and microbrewery with a wide selection of ales.

At the far end of Vesterbro, bordering Frederiksberg, we had lunch at Meyers Deli, which serves delicious light dishes and Smørrebrød. We were tempted by the juices, jams, and preserves available for takeaway.

We visited the Museum of Copenhagen, which had exhibitions on immigration and the different kinds of love, featuring the works of philosopher Soren Kierkegaard. We also enjoyed the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, a sculpture museum and art gallery with an impressive collection of Impressionist paintings.

During our stay, we used the Copenhagen Card for free public transport and admission to 75 museums and attractions. The card costs 299 DKr for 24 hours, 449 DKr for 48 hours, and 529 DKr for 72 hours for adults, with reduced prices for children. It provided free entry to many sights, including Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Rosenborg Slot, and Tivoli Gardens.

For more information about visiting Copenhagen, see the Visit Copenhagen official tourism website. Thanks to Wonderful Copenhagen for hosting our weekend visit and to Andersen Hotel for providing a complimentary stay.

During my stay on the Greek Island of Zakynthos, also known as Zante, I met Derek Linley. Derek has been visiting the resort of Agios Sostis for many years and loves it so much that he decided to create a website, SunshineZante.com, to promote holidays there. Here’s Derek’s story:

In 1997, while planning my holiday, I wanted to visit Zante since I had already been to Kos and Corfu. I had only heard of Laganas and Argassi, so I checked out Argassi on the “Go Greek” website. I accidentally clicked on Agios Sostis bay, and it looked promising, so I decided to take the plunge.

I landed at midday, and a ten-minute taxi ride from the airport took me through the Laganas strip, which was much quieter back in 1997. I was dropped off at Ageliki’s studios, and as soon as I saw the beautiful bay, beach, and gentle sea, I was in heaven. The planes gliding in were just a visual spectacle and didn’t bother me. Ageliki’s studios were decent, right on the beach, with a family on site to assist guests.

The locals were friendly and always returned a smile. My days started with relaxation on the beach, punctuated by refreshing Mythos beer from Harbour House restaurant, lots of swimming, and reading selected holiday books.

For meals, I often returned to Harbour House, where the owner, Antonis, shared endless stories of his Greek Navy career and diving exploits. The meals were fantastic, featuring local and international dishes, complemented by wine from Harbour House’s own vines.

One day, while on the beach, I saw Antonis emerge from the sea with a massive fish he had speared. That night, I had fish for dinner, and Antonis became a local hero in my eyes.

During that holiday, I explored Agios Sostis, found a fish restaurant named Zeus, and discovered Afalios bar, which overlooks the sea and offers a view of an island shaped like the Caretta turtle, the area’s mascot.

In 1998, I couldn’t resist returning to Agios Sostis. I booked Ageliki’s studios again and was met by the entire family upon arrival. I stayed in the same spotless room, with a bottle of their wine waiting for me.

Next to the studios, the Sabbia beach bar had opened. I wandered in and found Babbis, the waiter from Harbour House, running the place. We caught up while I enjoyed his fresh pizza and salad, making me feel more at home than ever.

That year, I extended my walks around the bay to Kalamaki, visited the Fishery Bar for a Scottish breakfast, and explored hills and hidden villages like Lithikia, enjoying strong Greek cake and wine.

My love for Agios Sostis grew, and I became a sea adventure enthusiast, taking boats out under Antonis’ guidance to explore coves and small beaches. I particularly loved the Tartaruga area, easier to reach by boat.

Using Agios Sostis bay as my base, I toured the island, visiting Keri, Alykes, Argassi, Tsilivi, and Zante town. In 2012, I planned a tour around the west coast, seeking out local spots I had heard about.

The accommodation at Agios Sostis, such as Niki’s, Ageliki, Kima, and Four Seasons, provided everything needed for a quality holiday, allowing guests to enjoy local restaurants without needing all-inclusive deals.

The area offers great water activities without the chaos of jet skis and quads, and the local boys enjoy volleyball. Agios Sostis is a hidden gem, often overshadowed by Laganas, but it boasts gentleness, charm, beauty, and friendly people.

I might have mentioned many bars and restaurants, which is my weakness when faced with quality. I also can’t help but rave about the beautiful beach, gentle sea, and wonderful bay area. My friendships with the people of Agios Sostis have grown over the years, and it’s a mark of respect that I am greeted with kisses when I arrive.

In 1997, I shared wine and laughter with Stathis and his family. In 2012, we did the same, though I no longer smoked, and the boys were now 21 and 25. My bond with the people of the bay area has only deepened over time.

In early June, I spent a few days with my family on Guernsey, an island closer to France than England but loyal to the British Crown for centuries. We found it compact and easy to navigate, with a culture that felt familiar yet unique. Here’s what we thought of Guernsey and the nearby island of Sark.

Is Guernsey British or French? This was my first question as I stepped off the tiny yellow plane. The answer is both and neither. Guernsey has hosted human life for thousands of years, with many Neolithic remains discovered on the island. It was part of Normandy in 1066 when William the Conqueror invaded England. When King John lost Normandy in the thirteenth century, he promised Guernsey autonomy if it stayed British. The island remained British, sort of.

Guernsey is a crown dependency, meaning it’s not part of the United Kingdom but is still subject to the Queen. It has its own currency and parliament, but Union Jacks lined the streets for the Diamond Jubilee. The influence isn’t just British; the street and family names are undeniably French. Guernsey is only 20 miles from France compared to 78 miles from Britain. Until recently, the first language was Guernsey French, a unique version of French.

So, is Guernsey British or French? It’s a mix of both, embracing the influence and culture of both countries while maintaining a fiercely independent identity. There are things in Guernsey you won’t see in either England or France.

Guernsey felt relaxed, emphasized by the calm airport environment. The scenery was beautiful, especially with the sun shining and clear blue water. The island is alive with wildlife, and I found myself picking wildflowers to put in my hair. Sark felt surreal with no cars, like a quaint English village set. It’s lovely for a getaway, but I wouldn’t want to stay more than a day as it might get boring for a teenager.

Both Sark and Guernsey are British with French heritage. They feel French in setting but the people seem more English. I wouldn’t recommend visiting in winter as Guernsey was dull and grey when it rained, compared to its almost magical setting when sunny. Guernsey offers a lot, from water sports to exploring museums.

I enjoyed cycling around Sark on a beautiful day, admiring the wildlife and tranquil feel. The best way to see Sark is by sailing around the island, a yachtsman’s paradise with plenty of coves to explore.

French road signs, house names, and a banner saying “Dieu Sauve la Raine” were odd because I heard no French accent and saw no French flag. Guernsey has been loyal to the English crown since William of Normandy became king in 1066. Sark was different and quirky, with attractive hotels but empty once we cycled towards Little Sark. The glades and wooded areas hide well-kept houses, but I wonder why anyone would want to live there with tourists passing by.

We had a superb lunch at La Sablonnerie, including lobster, venison, and Sark lamb, in a sunny, rose-filled garden. The house wine was fabulous and French, delivered by tractor. I’d love to spend more time here, camping at one of the two campsites, having long lazy lunches, and sleeping under the stars. We found a bay where yacht crews were playing cricket on the beach, perfect for a driftwood beach BBQ.

I enjoyed the coastal walk from Fermain Bay to Jerbourg Point. The boat trip from Sark was interesting, giving a sense of how remote it is despite being close to the UK and France. The German Occupation Museum is a must-visit, highlighting the importance of winning World War 2 and the impact of Hitler’s shadow on the people of Guernsey.

Before visiting, I imagined Guernsey as pretty and picturesque, a bit stuck in the past, ideal for a nostalgic family holiday. On the first day, we drove around pretty villages with beautifully kept stone farmhouses, decorated with Union Jack bunting and the red and yellow cross of the Guernsey flag for the 9 May Liberation Day and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The coastline reminded me of Cornwall, with a coastal path winding around the rocky southern coast and broader sandy beaches on the northern coast, ideal for surfing and swimming. On sunny days, I’d have loved to try kayaking among the crab-pot buoys and enjoyed stopping at different beach kiosks for a crab sandwich or ice cream.

Seeing more of the island, I realized there was much more beneath the picturesque surface. The German occupation during World War 2 left a deep impression, with concrete bunkers and stories of near starvation. The French influence is evident in place names, though I heard little French spoken except by tourists, or was it Guernésiais I heard while waiting for the ferry on Sark?

During my summer vacation as a student, I spent a few weeks in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea with some classmates for a university research project. One memorable moment from that trip was meeting the elders of Taguru Village in the Pangia District. I was there to work on my history dissertation about ‘First Contact’ in the region.

To gather information, I teamed up with a local student who helped me as a translator. Together, we interviewed many of the village elders about their first encounters with white men, which happened in the 1940s. Before that time, the locals used stone axes, and shells were their currency. It was only after the 1940s that steel started being traded in the area.

One elder, in particular, made a lasting impression. Wearing a pith helmet, he humorously demonstrated how he used to mock-attack, showing how they fought with neighboring tribes. We shared many laughs during this interview.

If you’re curious about where this took place, Taguru Village is far from any tourist routes and might still be quite remote even today. It’s been about 20 years since my visit, but I imagine Papua New Guinea remains an off-the-beaten-path destination. Has anyone else had the chance to visit Papua New Guinea?

Imagine enjoying a plate of seafood with the sand between your toes and the soothing sound of waves in the background. That’s the experience you get when dining at a chiringuito, or seafood beach bar, in Spain.

These traditional beachside restaurants used to be very simple, with just a few tables on the sand under a makeshift roof. The fish was grilled on charcoal placed in an old fishing boat filled with sand.

Today, chiringuitos have become more sophisticated. You might step off the sand onto a wooden floor, but the fishing boat barbeques are still there, often grilling rows of sardines on wooden skewers.

If you’re spending the day at the beach, you’ll likely find yourself visiting the chiringuito multiple times. You can buy drinks and ice creams, and enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner with delicious tapas or seafood dishes. The menu is usually varied, but sticking to seafood or paella is the best choice. The food is simple but incredibly fresh, served quickly, and enjoyed by many families on holiday.

During my recent trip to Southern Spain, I visited a couple of chiringuitos while staying in Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol. The first one was La Gavotina, one of many seafood restaurants along the beach promenade from the Los Mollinitos roundabout to Puerto Marina. We met some English expat friends at 7 pm, which is early for dinner by Spanish standards, so we had drinks at the beachside tables while deciding if we wanted to eat there. By 8 pm, we moved to a restaurant table. Initially, there were only a few young families, but by 10 pm, the place was nearly full, the charcoal in the boat was glowing, and an accordion player was entertaining the diners.

The next day, I had lunch around 3 pm with my Spanish friend Ana at a restaurant recommended for its boquerones fritos. These are large anchovies, cleaned, beheaded, and deep-fried in batter, served with a squeeze of lemon. Ana taught me how to eat them: first, eat one side of the fish, then hold the tail to peel away the backbone, and eat the other side. It was a delightful experience. While you could use a knife and fork, the casual atmosphere encourages enjoying the food without such formalities.

Our friends claimed these boquerones were far superior to the small sardines grilled on the fishing boat charcoal, which are often not gutted. Watching some diners meticulously remove the bones, head, tail, and guts for a tiny bite of fish, I understood their preference.

Ana also had a plate of calamari, fried in batter, with rings of squid and tiny whole ones, which were delicious. Many families were enjoying large pans of paella. The restaurant we visited for the best boquerones fritos was on the other side of the road from the beach at Los Boliches in Fuengirola. If I ever find their business card again, I’ll share more details.

Update: I found the business card! It was La Carihuela Chica, located at Plaza San Rafael, Edificio Don Alberto, 29640 Los Boliches, Fuengirola. Their phone number is 952 66 06 73.

But really, any chiringuito along this coast, filled with Spanish families enjoying seafood and paella, is worth a visit. That’s all the recommendation you need.

New Nordic cuisine is a popular trend in Copenhagen, focusing on using local ingredients in innovative ways. This concept has now extended to cocktails in the city.

New Nordic cocktails might involve using ingredients from the forest and sea with a surprising twist or combining familiar childhood flavors in unexpected ways. These drinks are fresh, local, and distinctly Danish.

During my stay at Kurhotel Skodsborg, just outside Copenhagen, I had the chance to try some New Nordic cocktails crafted by renowned bartender Gromit Eduardsen. Gromit, who I first met when he was making his award-winning Copenhagen cocktail, now runs a cocktail bar at Copenhagen Street Food and collaborates with top hotels to create unique drinks.

My daughter, who also enjoys a well-made cocktail, joined me in tasting some of Gromit’s creations at Kurhotel Skodsborg. Gromit generously shared the recipes and inspirations behind the cocktails we tried.

One of the cocktails we enjoyed was the Clover Club, a pink, frothy drink garnished with a fresh raspberry. Despite its feminine appearance, Gromit explained that this classic cocktail originated in a Philadelphia Gentleman’s Club in the 1900s. The ingredients include 50ml Tanqueray Gin, 30ml fresh lemon juice, 20ml raspberry syrup, 10ml sugar syrup, and 1 egg white. To make it, shake all the ingredients with ice to create a foam, then strain into a chilled champagne coupe and garnish with a raspberry.

My choice was the Grapefruit Smash, a refreshing twist on the classic Mojito. Gromit mentioned that while bartenders often prefer to create new drinks, customers love the classics with a unique spin. The ingredients are 50ml Diplimatico Blanco rum, 15ml sugar syrup, 30ml ginger ale, a dash of Peychaud’s bitters, 3 slices of pink grapefruit, 2 lime wedges, and 4 fresh mint sprigs. Muddle the mint, lime, and grapefruit in a glass, add crushed ice, rum, sugar syrup, and bitters, then top with ginger ale.

We also tried the New Nordic Whiskey Sour, a modern take on the classic cocktail from the 1850s. This version includes a cherry wine from Frederiksdal, which adds a Nordic twist. The ingredients are 50ml bourbon, 30ml fresh lemon juice, 30ml sugar syrup, 1 egg white, Frederiksdal cherry wine, a maraschino cherry, and lemon rind for garnish. Shake the liquids with ice, strain into a glass, garnish with lemon zest and a cherry, and drizzle cherry wine on top.

I highly recommend a stay at Kurhotel Skodsborg, a leading Nordic spa hotel with excellent health and fitness facilities. We enjoyed relaxing in the stylish lounge, the various pools, and cooling off in the sea after a sauna. The hotel is just a 30-minute train ride from central Copenhagen, making it a perfect base for exploring the beautiful coastline.

Gromit Eduardsen is a prominent figure in Denmark’s cocktail scene. You can learn more about his work on the Nordic Bar Syndicate website, including where to find his cocktails in Copenhagen.

For more information about activities in Copenhagen, visit the Visit Copenhagen and Visit Denmark websites. We flew with Scandinavian Airlines from London Heathrow to Copenhagen, which offers several daily flights. Upon arrival, you can take a train directly to central Copenhagen or Kurhotel Skodsborg. We used the Copenhagen Card for free public transport and entry to many attractions.

Enjoy your New Nordic cocktail experience!

Laptops are fantastic for many tasks, but durability isn’t their strong suit. If you often find yourself in extreme situations where your laptop might be at risk, you need a way to protect it. That’s where the Peli ProGear U100 Elite Laptop Backpack comes in. It’s designed to keep your laptop safe in all but the most extreme environments. Let’s see how it performs.

The Peli ProGear U100 Elite is a daypack-sized backpack with a 16-liter capacity. This is plenty of space for a weekend trip, including clothes and tech accessories, or for your daily commute, possibly with some gym gear. If your job requires it, you could even jump out of a plane into hostile environments with just the essentials packed away.

This bag is built to handle a lot. What sets it apart from other daypacks is its integrated compartment made from ABS thermoplastic, which is both watertight and crushproof. The interior dimensions are 39.3 x 26.7 x 3.8 cm, fitting up to a 15” laptop and some 17” Apple models like the MacBook Pro. This compartment is separate from the other three sections and can be submerged in water up to a meter deep for 30 minutes without issues. It’s also designed to withstand crushing, heat, and dust, with an IP67 rating, meaning it’s completely dustproof and can handle immersion in water between 15 cm and 1 meter for up to half an hour.

The exact limits of its crush and heat resistance aren’t specified, but ABS thermoplastic generally operates between –20 to +80°C, so it should handle quite a bit. The laptop compartment feels incredibly solid and can withstand rough handling. It’s easy to access with a TSA-approved top-loading latch and includes foam inserts to ensure a snug fit for your laptop.

Beyond the laptop compartment, the backpack has a main section for other items and a front pocket with an impact-resistant design, protected by a solid polypropylene cover. This pocket is labeled for tablets but can fit up to a 12.5-inch ultrabook. It also has multiple zippered pockets and areas for cords, cables, and accessories, making it well-organized and convenient.

On the side, there’s a hidden compartment that reveals a mesh water bottle holder when unzipped. This feature is handy because you can carry water without having mesh sticking out when you don’t need it. There’s also a top-accessible compartment between the front tablet section and the main compartment, ideal for items you need quickly, like a water bottle or emergency poncho.

The backpack is made from 1000 Denier Kodra Nylon, which is tough and water-resistant. It has a rubber handle at the top for easy carrying and expandable sling storage at the bottom for items like a roll mat. For comfort, the back is curved to fit your body, with foam padding and air channels to keep you cool, plus a sternum strap to help manage the load.

To test the waterproof compartment, I placed my old Samsung NC10 netbook inside and submerged the bag in a half-meter deep bath for half an hour. Everything outside the compartment was soaked, but the netbook remained dry and functional. This suggests the compartment would stay dry in normal conditions like rainstorms or river crossings.

The Peli ProGear U100 Elite is comfortable to wear, with its curved back providing a snug fit. However, it’s heavy, weighing nearly 4 kg (8 lbs) empty. Adding gear makes it quite a load, manageable but not ideal for long hikes. It’s better suited for cycling or motorbike commutes.

While the laptop compartment is water and crushproof, the rest of the pack is only water-resistant. So, in extreme conditions like full immersion or heavy crushing, only the laptop compartment will protect its contents. This is important to remember.

If you need to carry a laptop and want to avoid investing in an expensive ruggedized model, this backpack is a great solution. It’s perfect for motorbike or cycle commutes, though you might want a rain cover for the rest of your gear. For backcountry adventures with expensive equipment, this bag could be a lifesaver in challenging conditions.

For long-term travel, the weight is a consideration. But if you need top-notch protection for your gear, the Peli ProGear U100 Elite Backpack is highly recommended. It’s not cheap, retailing over £200 or $300, but it could be a worthwhile investment if it protects your valuable equipment.

There’s nothing more frustrating than arriving at your destination after a long flight, waiting at the baggage carousel, and realizing your bags are missing because the airline lost your luggage. It can really ruin a trip, especially since it can take days for your belongings to be returned.
So, which airlines are most likely to lose your luggage? Data from the Department of Transportation highlights the worst offenders.
The worst airline for lost luggage is American Airlines, with 0.82 lost bags for every 100 checked. While this might not seem like a lot, considering the number of flights and checked bags, it adds up to a significant amount of lost luggage. This is quite disappointing for an airline that’s considered one of the best in the world.
Following American Airlines, United Airlines has 0.74 lost bags per 100 checked. Alaska Airlines comes next with 0.59 lost bags per 100 checked. Spirit Airlines, known for its poor customer service and hidden fees, has a rate of 0.53 lost bags per 100 checked. JetBlue Airways rounds out the top five with 0.52 lost bags per 100 checked.
To avoid lost luggage, the best strategy is not to check any bags at all. Traveling with only carry-on luggage can save you from the stress and uncertainty of lost luggage. I’ve traveled to over 50 countries with just a carry-on and a personal item, even on multi-month trips.
If you must check a bag, try to avoid connecting flights, especially those with multiple connections, as this increases the chances of your luggage being mishandled. Direct flights are less likely to result in lost luggage.
Always use luggage tags with your contact information and remove any old stickers from your bags to prevent confusion and misrouting.

Israel and Palestine are hot topics right now, but one thing we can all agree on is that Bethlehem is a fascinating place to visit, no matter your beliefs. However, if you want to avoid the complexities of the Middle East, you can explore the “Bethlehem of Italy” without leaving Europe.
Italy is a top tourist destination in Europe, but it often comes with the downside of overwhelming crowds. Fortunately, there are still hidden gems waiting to be discovered. One such gem is the ancient city of Matera, which is just as beautiful and historically rich as Rome, Venice, and Florence.
Matera is often overlooked, which is surprising given its incredible history and stunning architecture. While Rome and Florence are amazing, they have become quite Americanized, with familiar chains like Starbucks popping up. Matera, on the other hand, offers a more authentic Italian experience. You can enjoy a perfect cup of coffee at a charming sidewalk café, like Gahvè Coffee & Drink, without the high prices of Starbucks.
Matera may not have the Colosseum or Vatican City, but it boasts ancient caves where artifacts from the Early Neolithic period have been found. These caves are now a World Heritage Site, offering both historical intrigue and breathtaking views of the city. Matera deserves to be mentioned alongside Italy’s most famous historical sites like the Roman Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel.
Despite its rich history, Matera remains relatively unknown, which means you can explore without the crowds that flock to places like Pisa. The city is home to some of the earliest human settlements, yet it remains a hidden treasure.
For a unique stay, you can book an Airbnb in one of Matera’s cave homes. These homes have been modernized with all the amenities you need while still giving you a taste of the city’s unique history.
Matera may be small, with a population of around 60,000, but it offers a lively atmosphere and fantastic cuisine. Be sure to try the highly-rated AltraPizza and enjoy the stunning views while you dine. Don’t miss the bustling street markets near Piazza V Veneto for fresh baked goods and street food.
Lastly, a visit to Matera wouldn’t be complete without seeing the incredible Church of Purgatory. While it may not be as famous as the Sistine Chapel, it will leave you wondering why Matera isn’t more popular. In fact, Matera was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019, highlighting its cultural significance.