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Activity Adventure Design and Art Do Something Different Europe History Special Interest Technology The Thinking Traveller

First, there is a tower, then there is no tower, then there is

Ah, governments are silly old things, aren't they?  Their covert missions, surveillance, collusion and hidden agendas. And their dismissal of the intelligence of the people. But here is a story that beggars belief -- the BT Tower in London.  The story of how, for over a quarter of a century, everyone had to pretend the BT…
2021-07-240Comments

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Adventure Alternative Lifestyle Do Something Different Europe Fun History Partytime Relaxation Special Interest Travel Solo Unusual World Culture

I wasn’t really naked. I simply didn’t have any clothes on.

PRUDES:  look away now. Inspiration comes from the most unusual places.  You can never predict what an artist will do to make a statement or grab your attention. Art comes in all styles, from the Romans to the Renaissance the Impressionists and beyond.  And so much of it has been saved for us by museums,…
2021-07-230Comments

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Activity Adventure Central & South America Do Something Different Fun History Inspiration Nature & the Environment Outdoors Rest of World Special Interest The Thinking Traveller World Culture

From Alto Cedro I go to Marcané

If you're a music fan, then you certainly must know of the Buena Vista Social Club, 1999 documentary film directed by Wim Wenders. The film follows renowned guitarist Ry Cooder and his son, Joachim, as they travel to Cuba and assemble a group of the country's finest musicians to record an album. But, even if you…
2021-07-220Comments

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Adventure Design and Art Do Something Different Europe Fun History Partytime Special Interest Technology The Thinking Traveller Unusual

But what if they’re right handed?

You've got questions?  We've got answers - especially to ones that you probably thought you'd never find yourself asking.  Unless you're bored, doing research or are an anorak. This particular peculiarity focuses on the urgent need to understand why airline captains sit on the left-hand side of the plane? You'll find out here, but if…
2021-07-210Comments

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Adventure Do Something Different Europe Fun History Life of Luxury Partytime Special Interest Special Offers / Deals Spend Wisely The Thinking Traveller

Ciao, Alitalia

Who doesn't love Italy?  We bet that only a few will raise their hands.  Italy, for tourists, seems to bring out all that's good in traveling. But, sadly, Italy's official airline, Alitalia has had its troubles in the past and up until now, and, as a result, will be shutting its doors for good. Happily,…
2021-07-210Comments

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Adventure Asia Do Something Different History Nature & the Environment Special Interest The Thinking Traveller Unusual World Culture

It wasn’t too long ago…

Sometimes, we don't realise how lucky we are. If you're not familiar with this story, prepare to be amazed.  Kowloon Walled City was an ungoverned and densely populated de jure Chinese enclave within the boundaries of Kowloon City, British Hong Kong. Originally a Chinese military fort, the walled city became an enclave after the New Territories were…
2021-07-210Comments

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Design and Art Do Something Different Europe Fun History LGBTQ Life of Luxury Partytime Relaxation Romance The Thinking Traveller Travel Solo World Culture

Mama Prati

As if Rome isn't fun enough - may we present to you Mama Shelter, Roma.  Created by the owners of Club Med, Mama Shelter goes waaay beyond the normal.  Just a short walk from the Vatican, and just  250m from the Cipro Metro station,  everything is close and the nightlife is not far away. Treat…
2021-07-210Comments

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Activity Adventure Do Something Different Europe Food and Drink For Women Only Fun History LGBTQ Nature & the Environment Outdoors Relaxation The Thinking Traveller World Culture

Breaking news: Ireland has more than two cities

Ireland is one of the more hip, inclusive, free and charming places in Europe.  When you meet an Irish human, you will inevitably strike up a natural and amiable conversation, no matter the situation.  The Irish - the same as the Australians - are simply like that. Everyone tends to gravitate to Dublin and Belfast…
2021-07-190Comments

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Alternative Lifestyle Design and Art Do Something Different Europe For Women Only Fun Health History LGBTQ Life of Luxury Nature & the Environment Outdoors Relaxation Special Interest Special Offers / Deals Spend Wisely The Thinking Traveller World Culture

Try not to drool

AirBnB, constant bad press notwithstanding, has created a wonderful new model on how to travel.  Almost everyone wins. VRBO, an Expedia company (and one of our valued affiliate friends,) have taken the model and successfully given AirBnB a run for their money:  in some recent months, they have marched past AirBnB in bookings. But, this…
2021-07-190Comments

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Adventure Asia Do Something Different Food and Drink For Women Only Health History Life of Luxury Mindfulness Nature & the Environment Pacific Special Interest Spend Wisely Sustainability The Thinking Traveller Unusual World Culture

Do good, feel good UNESCO style

This is a simple, but very important request.  For those of us who are fortunate enough to travel, this should almost be mandatory. UNESCO has created the Sustainable Tourism Pledge. The pledge takes an industry-first approach to environmental and cultural protection, requiring hotel operators to introduce firm measures to eliminate single-use plastics and promote local culture. The…
2021-07-180Comments

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Activity Alternative Lifestyle Design and Art Do Something Different Food and Drink For Women Only Fun History LGBTQ Life of Luxury Nature & the Environment North America Outdoors Relaxation Romance The Thinking Traveller Travel Solo

The Sylvia Path

We're not sure if Sylvia Plath ever stayed at Sylvia's Restaurant and Lounge in Vancouver, but we're sure she would have felt at home. The Sylvia Hotel is a designated heritage building - there aren't too many of those in Vancouver  - ideally located on English Bay, beside Stanley Park and just 5 minutes from…
2021-07-180Comments

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Activity Do Something Different Europe Fun History Middle East North America Outdoors Partytime Special Interest Travel Solo Unusual World Culture

When football is all

We suspect that there are some football fans in our audience:  in this instance we are talking about the football played around the world - you know, the round ball, black and white. Some football fans are beyond passionate:  they get tattoos of their team, name their children after star players, relocate to cities where…
2021-07-160Comments

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Activity Adventure Asia Design and Art Do Something Different Fun History Nature & the Environment Outdoors Rest of World Special Interest The Thinking Traveller Unusual World Culture

The centre of the earth

India is a wonderful place full of wonderful people and lots of surprises.  Here's one. Jatayu Earth Center, also known as Jatayu Nature Park or Jatayu Rock, is a park and tourism centre at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district of Kerala. It stands at an altitude of 350m above the mean sea level. Jatayu Nature Park…
2021-07-150Comments

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Activity Adventure Asia Design and Art Do Something Different Europe Food and Drink Fun History Life of Luxury Middle East Relaxation Romance The Thinking Traveller World Culture

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,…
2021-07-150Comments

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Activity Design and Art Europe Food and Drink For Women Only Fun History LGBTQ Life of Luxury Nature & the Environment Partytime Relaxation Romance Spend Wisely The Thinking Traveller Travel Solo World Culture

The menace of Venice

Venice in peril.  If it's ancient foundations crumbling, and literal hoards of tourists aren't troubling enough, Venice is now being genuinely threatened by the gargantuan cruise ships that pull up to the ancient city. So much so, that UNESCO has put Venice on its endangered list unless Italy permanently banned cruise ships from docking in…
2021-07-140Comments

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Activity Adventure Design and Art Do Something Different Fun History Life of Luxury Nature & the Environment North America Special Interest Special Offers / Deals Sustainability Technology The Thinking Traveller Unusual

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…
2021-07-140Comments

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Activity Adventure Asia Do Something Different Fun History Inspiration Lifestyle Nature & the Environment Outdoors Relaxation Special Interest The Thinking Traveller Unusual Wilderness World Culture

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…
2021-07-120Comments

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Adventure Design and Art Do Something Different Europe Fun History Nature & the Environment Special Interest Sustainability Technology The Thinking Traveller World Culture

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…
2021-07-120Comments

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