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The Thinking Traveller

The Thinking Traveller

Just close your eyes – it’ll be fine

Sometimes when we stay at a hotel, we're miffed when it doesn't have our favourite brand of coffee, or the pillow is too stiff, or it took three minutes to have more towels delivered.  Sheesh! But, it could be worse . . much worse. Is this Britain’s WORST hotel? Inside filthy seaside spot with dirty kitchen &…

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Hail. I come from Nirivia

Here is something that you don't see often - a country within a state within a country.  Especially within the USA.  But, it's true.  Dear readers, please behold The Republic of Nirivia, which  resides in the middle of it all on the shores of one of the largest Great Lakes. Not only is Nirivia its own…

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How now, Macau?

Macao is an autonomous region on the south coast of China, across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong. A Portuguese territory until 1999, it reflects a mix of cultural influences. Its giant casinos and malls on the Cotai Strip, which joins the islands of Taipa and Coloane, have earned it the nickname, "Las Vegas of…

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Much to gain in Ukraine

How many of you have been to Ukraine?  We're betting not nearly enough.  And that's a shame. Ukraine is one of the least explored countries in Eastern Europe. This is a fact. But there is so much to see in the country and Ukraine is definitely an overlooked destination. Many Americans have heard about Kyiv, Lviv…

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Nutmeg Grenada

As much fun as it would be to wax on about this classy ride  from the 1970's (assuming that there are even any left that have not rusted their way back to Mother Earth.) No, this article is about a savoury Grenada of a different kind - Grenada, where more than 20% of the world’s…

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Crash landing on you! *

No, we are not casting any aspirsions on Korean Air with the title of this article.  Quite the opposite.  We love all things Korean, especially the films and movies.  Our first exposure was "Crash Landing on You" (on Netflix.)  We recently watched "Psychokinesis" which is absolutely bonkers.  Hilarious.  Do yourself a favour. No, this article and…

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Everyone, say hello to Hegra

Aren't we fortunate that our giant steps in technology allow us to see and touch things that were only dreams to our grandparents?  Above and beyond the "everyday" ability to travel to almost any corner of the world with consumate ease, we are - as humanity - unearthing new views into our past as every…

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I’m still standing

Yeah, yeah yeah. We love old.  Old places, old things, old ideas, old values. And we love the fact that there's stuff  even older than us. So it thrills us to let you know (if you don't already) about Historic Hotels Worldwide.  As you might guess, they're exactly what it says on the label:  hotels of note…

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Tommie can you hear me?

It's always fun to see a new hotel opening, especially since designers have access to new and exploratorive materials with which to build them.  Bends and twists and supple to the touch, it never gets boring. So, please welcome Hyatt's new tommie Hollywood hotel (yes, small t.) Discover a hotel in the heart of Hollywood that…

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Whatever state you’re in….

Doesn't it sometimes feel like there is some supercomputer that airlines use to change the price of your flight every time you look away from your screen? Well, the always useful Scott's Cheap Flights (affiliate friends of ours) have got the latest tips  ... they crunched the numbers to find out which destinations had the…

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Vamos a la Nabta Playa

Fair warning:  chances are good that you won't be able to visit Nabta Playa, but we know that our readers are curious types.  And, there are plenty of other things to do in the desert. The Nabta Playa archaeological site, one of the earliest of the Egyptian Neolithic Period, is dated to circa 7500 BC This…

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You think you’re tired?

We would imagine that most of our lovely readers have traveled, and maybe traveled a lot.  And you're looking forward to your next trip, wherever that may be. But, now let's admire (and maybe have sympathy) for young Lexie Alford who, at the tender age of 19 "had this crazy daydream I had about completing a…

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Valhalla Bell

If you're not a fanatic of Taco Bell (like we are) then please go about your business.  This article is for the believers. One of the prettiest Taco Bell's in the world is going viral on TikTok, as people marvel at the beachfront restaurant.  The fast-food chain's beachside location in Pacifica, California, has been a favorite of…

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Go your own way

You often hear stories of the "tin foil hat" wackos who hide in caves and have three years worth of tins of beans, just to protect themselves from their goverments.  Given today's state of affairs, maybe they're right. In an abandoned Marine Corps base in the Southern California desert lies Slab City, home to a makeshift…

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We come in peace

Here is hoping that you never have experienced wartime.  The wounds take a long time to heal, if ever. But, a new exhibit reveals the wondrous sights service members found away from the trenches.  The National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, USA have opened  a new exhibit featuring 300 images captured by…

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Right, said Fred again

We've featured Fred. Olsen cruises here -  they're one of our affiliate friends.  One of the reasons we like them is that they seem to come from a different angle than other cruise lines - a little playful, a little artistic. They also travel to places that are not frequented by other cruise lines.  And, in…

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Here’s looking at Loo, kid

Loo =  toilet (UK) Public works are often joyless, utilitarian, just-get-it-done affairs.  Whether it's a road, or a bridge or even public restrooms, it makes you wonder why a little je ne sais quoi can't be in the building specifications. Happily, though, that's not always the case.  And here are some fine examples of where good taste…

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Fun is universal

Politics aside, we're all human, right?  And, as humans, for the most part we all seem to innately know that we must get along just to survive.  We've seen the history to know what happens when we don't. Here, we feature a video from the National Geographic of a few young athletes who are invited…

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