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Outdoors

Outdoors

Right, said Fred

We're happy to announce that Matouring is now an affiliate of Fred Olsen cruises. One of the things we like about Fred Olsen is the playful approach they have to cruises and touring.  They're a not the biggest name in the cruise industry, but being family-run, they can do things the way they want, and…

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Things could get Messi

Can you believe this?  On June 14, 2021, the Hard Rock venues turned 50 and that doesn’t happen every day. To mark this day, they want to share with you their new campaign. It is built on the principles that have guided Hard Rock since the beginning – providing a fresh approach and a call…

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Come and see a’ the hypogea

Ah, Roma.  No matter how many times you visit, something pulls you back again and again. The Italians are never shy in sharing their singular country and its thousands of splendors.  But, one sight-seeing treat has - mysteriously - always been off limits:  the "basement, or the hypogea of the Colosseum as it's correctly known.…

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Gimme Shelter Hall

For those who haven't visited Britain's city of Brighton, be sure to put it on your list. Arguably the second most groovy city it England (behind London, of course) Brighton harkens back not only to its Royal past, but it is also one of the most open and friendly cities on the planet.  Boasting a…

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What does ʻOumuamua say?

There’s an iconic moment, filmed in the shadow of the Very Large Array in New Mexico, that many people who visit this giant telescope try to duplicate. A young astronomer sits cross-legged on the bonnet of her car, the towering line of radio dishes vanishing into the distance behind her. With her laptop in front…

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Have you seen Medellín?

Medellín, Colombia (pronounced medi-jeen) is yet another eye-opening, mind-blowing, mind-opening world city that is recognised as a must-do adventure, but often bubbles under in people's minds. Why not surprise yourself and put it on your list?  There's loads to do in Colombia's lively Medellín, but to help you get started, our affiliate friends Tiqets have…

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The Isle of fire

We're talkin' about Nyoo Yawk, here, so listen up. Most people have heard about Long Island, New York.  Just a short train ride from Manhattan, it is a world unto itself.  It was once - and in many ways, still is - the essence of Bohemian.  But, the ocean-side mansions also are there, so that's…

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A walk and a cheeky pint

One of the many joys of the United Kingdom is an afternoon walk.  Much of the UK's land has been set aside for the public to use freely for walking.  And, it is a tradition that families do that, usually on a Sunday, and perhaps after a rather over-generous lunch. The paths are always well-marked,…

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You can leave your hat on

So a pickpocket went to a nudist beach... He hated it.... We would imagine that there are some people who, after being held captive in their homes due to the pandemic, are looking for a way to break free.  Even if it simply means walking outside without a mask. Likely though, there are those who want…

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Motor through Kotor

When you think of the Balkans, Montenegro doesn't often spring to mind for many people.  In fact, most would struggle to even identify it on a map. And that's a shame, as it has as many mind-blowing features as some of its cousins (Split, Belgrade, etc) and deserves your attention. One approach is to hire…

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It’s a string thing

Peruvians from the Huinchiri community in Cusco region are rebuilding a 500-year-old Incan hanging bridge, made using traditional weaving techniques to string a crossing together spanning the Apurimac river far below. The Q’eswachaka bridge has been used for over 500 years to connect communities divided by the river. But during the Covid pandemic it fell…

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The Mercadona mystery

If you've been to Spain (and if you haven't, get going!) you'll likely recognise the name Mercadona.  It is one of the country's largest grocery chains. As you probably know, many companies (like us, for example) assemble their names by concatenating one or more words together into something recognisable, but not a "real" word. Some have wondered…

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Weave got the beat

This might be an odd question, but what do neurons prefer?  They do react to sounds, you know.  And sometimes they gravitate to certain kinds of stimuli. Some even respond to music, like we humans. Why are we talking about this?  Because these are questions that informed neuroscience specialists.  These scientists capture the "spikes" that…

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Do I have clearance to ask you out on a date?

WARNING - look away now if you are allergic to bad naughty humour. "After being deprived of two of my favorite activities — travel and sex — over the past year, one thing I’m looking forward to as both become more feasible is that inexplicable wave of horniness that reliably overcomes me when I’m on…

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You’re worth it, and you know it

Who hasn't - at least once - dreamt of basking in the sun in Saint-Tropez?  Since the 50's, it has always represented the universal ideal in luxury, culture and aspirations. Well, for those in the mood and in the position to do so, you'll be thrilled that the Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière will…

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Your waiter will now carry you to your room

To be sure, this article is not suggesting that you drink yourself into unconsciousness.   Nor is it proposing that you rely on someone else to save you, if you do:  that's  your problem, Jack. No, instead, we're telling you about a fabulous place to stay, where you have genuinely scrumptious food and drink, personable servers…

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The second most romantic hotel in the world

Second best is not usually where we see ourselves appearing.  We're winners, are we not, even in a small way?  We've got moxie!  Nothing's gonna keep us down.  Chin up.  Pip pip.  So here's a story that will bring a smile to your face. A small hotel in Guadalest has been voted the second most romantic…

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Gala Malaga

Nearly 3,000 years old, Málaga, Spain, on the banks of the Mediterranean, offers an intriguing mix of the ancient and modern. Images of Phonecians in long tunics and mantles trading goods at the port have given way to happy locals in brightly colored sundresses and espadrilles. The Phoenicians named it Malaka (meaning salt), but the city is…

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Sleepless in Seattle

The Pacific Northwest in the United States is rather beautiful, especially if you don't have a problem with rain.  It rains a lot here.  Spring, summer and parts of autumn are lovely, as well, but rain is a defining term for this part of the world. And, as we know, rain fills the land and…

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