After ten action-packed days exploring Sri Lanka, I was ready for some beach time. I travelled from Ella to Sri Lanka's southwest coast, staying two nights at a luxury beach resort in Koggala — one of the loveliest hotels I've ever stayed in — and one night in a former cinnamon factory in the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. I visited in September and although this is technically 'inter-monsoon' season, I knew that the sea would be too rough for swimming and that I might also experience heavy rain showers. That's why I split my time between the resort — where I had a private indoor pool — and Galle, so that rain didn't stop play.
20 October 2024
17 October 2024
Three Days in Ella, Sri Lanka: Where 'Hill' Meets 'Chill'
Ella was one of the Sri Lankan destinations that I was most looking forward to visiting. And the small town, perched high in the hills and surrounded by verdant tea plantations, did not disappoint. I spent three days there, following accessible and rewarding hiking trails, train spotting (yes, again!) and chasing waterfalls. The latter is particularly appropriate because the name Ella is derived from the Sinhala word for 'waterfall.'
13 October 2024
24 Hours in Nuwara Eliya: Sri Lanka's 'Little England'
10 October 2024
Three Days in Kandy, Sri Lanka: Temples, Tea & Tropical Gardens
07 October 2024
Three Days in Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle: History, Hikes & Elephants
My big trip this year was to Sri Lanka — country number 50 for me. I loved spending two weeks exploring the teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean. First stop? The central Sri Lankan region known as the Cultural Triangle. Centred around Sigiriya, Habarana and Dambulla, the Cultural Triangle is home to an impressive number of UNESCO World Heritage sites and other big-ticket items. Where else in the world can you visit the remains of a 10th century ancient city in the morning, witness the gathering of hundreds of elephants in the afternoon, and then spend spend the following afternoon climbing an ancient rock fortress to watch the sunset? In some destinations, there's only one incredible experience like this!
17 September 2024
What's in My Bag: Two Weeks in Sri Lanka (Carry-On Luggage)
Greetings from Sri Lanka, the 50th country I've visited! I flew into Bandaranaike International Airport on Saturday and I'm spending the next two weeks exploring the teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean. My holiday will include a mix of urban exploration, cultural and archaeological visits, hikes in Tea Country, safaris and beach time. Read on to find out what I brought with me and how I packed everything into a cabin-size suitcase and a personal item.
09 September 2024
Where To Eat on the Beach in Cannes (2024)
Cannes, the beautiful city on the French Riviera, has some of the best restaurants in the South of France. Cannes offers something for all palates — yes, there are a lot of expensive, high-end venues, but check out my guide to visiting Cannes on a budget if you are looking for more cost-effective ways to make the most of the city. But one thing is certain: a trip to Cannes wouldn't be complete without at least one meal on the golden sand overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Here are some of the beach eateries I enjoyed on my most recent trip last month (plus a couple of bonus recommendations from previous stays).