Camping is one of those love it / hate it propositions. Most of us are not in love with mosquitos. And, even in the summer, sleeping on the ground in a tent can be a lumpy and cold prospect. But, to be sure, the outdoor locations are usually mind-bogglingly beautiful, and you…
Europe
Sweden, like most of the Nordic countries of Europe, is a marvelous place. Clean, progressive, egaliatarian, world-aware and full of smart people whom we could learn a lot from. But one thing that the Swedes don't do is small talk. No chit-chat. Short and sweet. Unlike most other cultures in the…
There are thousands of hotels around the world who will give you what you want. But what if you don't know what you want, or want something completely different? We have a suggestion. Offering rooms and suites set in large caves, Le Grotte della Civita is located in the Matera's Sassi area, a…
You may recall that some time back, we created a post on Tollund Man. In 1950, the Tollund man was found in a peat bog west of Silkeborg. The interesting thing about Tollund man is that he was preserved in peat and was in incredibly good condition when found. He was also accompanied by…
We humans, despite our many flaws, do manage to do a thing or two that more or less redeems us. When we read the news nowadays (and by that nowadays means decades) it feels like there are not many good things to cheer about. Wars, strife, inequity, selfishness (and all of the sub-products…
Despite all that (most) people and companies try to do to save the planet, we're still on the path of no return unless we pull our collective fingers out and get it together. The most bothersome thing is that we have most of the technology and the knowledge. But it's the willpower (or…
As you travel, you're almost always surprised and delighted when, in the least likely of places, a house or an office or some form of public works stuns you with its beauty or originality. In today's world of cookie-cutter homes and offices, we're thankful when an art lover with money collides with designers who…
These kinds of posts are always fun - the birth of a new baby, as it were. In this case, the baby is an Airbus A350 that is now proudly part of ITA. And who is ITA, you may ask? Well, out of the troubled, yet much loved, Alitalia comes new…
Do you camp? Are you a camper? Is this the life that makes you most happy? You're not alone. In the U.S., the proportion of campers who camped for the first-time in 2020 was five times greater than what was observed in 2019. And statistics would lead us to believe that…
We love history here, at Matouring. History is who we are and why we are the way we are. And, even more than that solumn sentence, history is actually really fun, especially when you realise all that they did - and did for the world (even today) in a relatively short amount of…
If you know us, you’ll know that we have a sweet spot for some companies. One of which is Europe’s EasyJet. Having lived in Europe and travelled around the continent for work and play, we appreciate EasyJet’s focus on things that matter, such as treating customers well, modern and efficient aircraft, a vast network of destinations, a genuine focus on sustainability and pleasing prices. They also have teriffic holiday packages, as well. Here, we share some useful information about they do and will continue to to make air travel a sensible choice. Next time you’re traveling…
Like so many things in our mostly comfortable lives, we tend to take things for granted - especially those that we usually don't think about much. Salt is one of those things. It is ever-present, plentiful and within reach. But, like many such "givens," do you ever wonder about salt? About…
You can't fool Mother Nature. And when she speaks, you listen. She knows when you've been cheeky. And she will turn a blind eye when you're a bit naughty, as long as no-one gets hurt. And speaking of that, here's a place where you really could get hurt, but the humans have…
If there ever was a man that we should all listen to, it would certainly be Sir David Attenborough. This jewel of a human being has been slowly, methodically and gently letting us errant knuckledraggers know that the planet is on borrowed time, and that we had better pay attention. And, as part of this…
Turkey stands at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, and has so for millenia. Its importance cannot be understated, especially when you consider all that it has brought to the world.
If you've been, you'll know that one of the most unforgettable experiences there is the Bosphorus. Huge, bustling, vibrant and stunning, it has also had…
Whenever you visit Paris, you want to stuff as much activity as you can into each moment. And, of course, there are probably just too many things to do in Paris that you might find yourself getting distracted - I know I do. But, here's a place that will make your life a little easier: …
...especially if you're from the UK. Due to Brexit, those travelers from England, Scotland and Wales will now need to pay a fee and fill in additional paperwork starting this year in order to enter Europe legally.
Why? The rules around freedom of movement have changed following the UK's departure from the EU. Those from the…
All cities have their secrets. Some light, some dark, some darker. Some are dark, some became that way beyond their control. Some may remember past days and glories, while others will have no recollection at all. That is the way of life.
Here, we talk about a hidden and - for the most part - forgotten…
Finding the Holy Grail would be, well . . . like finding the Holy Grail.
For background, The Holy Grail (French: Saint Graal, Breton: Graal Santel, Welsh: Greal Sanctaidd, Cornish: Gral) is a treasure that serves as an important motif in Arthurian literature. Different traditions describe it as a cup, dish or stone with miraculous powers that provides eternal youth or sustenance in infinite abundance, often…
Look away if you're over a certain age. This next sentence will be painful. As of the date of this article, Google celebrates its twenty-fourth year in existence. And Google Maps is seventeen. They grow up so quickly. But, as you might imagine, it hasn't always been completely smooth. And it's had its issues. Here…