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Do Something Different

Do Something Different

Pardon me, madam, but your palace awaits

How often does one get the chance to sleep in the same halls as royalty?  Not often for most of us. But, you can at the Ciragan Palace Hotel Kempinski in Istanbul directly on the Bosphorus.  A former home to Ottoman royalty, you will find yourself bathed in history, glamourous surroundings, sumptous spas and world-class restaurants. And,…

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But, will we have enough extension cords?

Mother earth is heating up - dangerously - but so is the race to enable humans and animals to live in a world that will not burn to a crisp, like it seems now.  We have the brains and the technology, but our will needs a kick in the pants. Fortunately, more and more evidence…

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Too little, too late?

Europeans - and we include the UK here - generally tend to be ahead of the curve when it comes to things like healthcare, social security, immigration  . . . and the environment. The UK has published its Transport Decarbonisation Plan.  The intent to decarbonise all modes of domestic transport by 2050. Is that too…

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You’re a space cadet

This sounds like fun, but, most importantly, has a very good intent at its heart. You can win two seats on one of the first Virgin Galactic flights to space.  Sir Richard Branson is putting his money and his spaceship where his mouth is. Here's what's you can look forward to: Make history as you…

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Tash Rabat. How about that?

Do you sometimes feel like you want to go away and stay away? Well, you'll be glad to know that, as always, we here at Matouring have solutions for you.  Near or far, we have solutions at our fingertips and are eager to share them with you. May we present  the Tash Rabat Caravanserai in…

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How low can low go?

If you've spent any time reading about The Netherlands, you'll know that the geniuses there have done amazing things in order for the country to keep its head above water. And that hasn't been completely recent activity:  they've been at it for centuries, and they've learned a lot in the process. The video below goes…

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The campings

Europeans love to camp.  There are literally thousands of them dotted around the continent.  Not only are they plentiful, they are usually in beautiful, if not stunning, locations and are a very cost effective way to holiday. You can enjoy all of the traditional ways of camping, including tents and resorts, but hiring a fuel-efficient…

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If you’re goin’ to San Francisco…

...be sure to visit SFO.  The airport itself is a wonderland, especially since the team there have lovingly and carefully  been saving artefacts, toys and more.   And you can see them.  There are dozens of exhibitions happening at SFO. The San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum provides unique opportunities…

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Go where the air is free

The Covid pandemic has wreaked havoc almost everywhere in the world . . . and has taught us some important lessons along the way.  What we once took for granted has the possibility of slipping through our fingers - such as travel. But, with destinations slowly blossoming again for tourism , and travelers tentatively making…

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Not for beginners

If you have trouble standing on a chair to clean the curtains, then look away now. There is a "stairway to heaven" made of steel cables and it is the highlight of a climbing tour of the Donnerkogel, in Austria's Salzkammergut resort area. The 43-meter long sky high ladder is stretched over an abyss some…

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Cruising Colombia

Politically, Colombia has its ups and downs, let's face it.  But, during the calm times, this country will make your jaw drop. Featuring geuninely kind people, stunning  mountains, overwhelming lush forests and unspoiled coasts, Colombia should be a must-see on your list. And now, Ama Waterways are making it easy for you with luxury cruises…

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To walk all night in Moscow

There are few cities that are as appealing (and to some, daunting) as Moscow.  It's history and "reputation" precede the city itself.  But it would be a big mistake to miss it.  Moscow is bound to be a special one. From the multicolored spires of St. Basil’s Cathedral to the sturdy red walls of the…

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20,000 rental campers. 24 countries. 4 continents. Go!

We love camping, and we love campervans even more, especially when they're the smart new models - good on petrol, good on space, good on the environment. We're also really happy to welcome our new affiliate friends, CamperDays.com Their portfolio includes up to 20,000 rental vehicles that can be booked directly in 24 countries on…

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Why do you build it up, buttercup…

... just to tear it down, and mess it around?  The Italian city that destroys itself:  Here it was – the Catholic guilt. My fear of judgment, which had lain dormant for years since my schoolgirl days, now rose in my throat as I waited for the priest to exit the Church of Santo Gemine…

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True Xiqu

Every country and every peoples have stories to tell.  The Chinese have such a long and colourful history, it's only natural that their catalogue is perfect for relaying those stories via opera. The West Kowloon District in Hong Kong, has the Xiqu Centre which is dedicated to preservation of the art of traditional Cantonese opera,…

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That’s not all, folks

Covid, BE GONE! Who doesn't love Warner Bros entertainment?  Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Harry Potter? The Studio Tour is finally open again, and WB are excited to welcome you back. Get even closer to the entertainment you love in their new Storytelling Showcase highlighting nearly 100 years of Warner Bros. history. And, the new grand finale will…

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Welcome to giant pandas airways

China's long-anticipated Chengdu Tianfu International Airport has officially opened for business, providing travelers with a new option to the home of giant pandas. The first flight, via Sichuan Airlines, took off at 11:10 a.m. on Sunday, 27 June, 2021 headed for Beijing. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is now the third city in the country to…

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