Tag Archives: road trip

Sideways Detour to Solvang | #TCTikiTour

Posted on 2016-10-24 by tikichris

Continuing with the More part of our California Tiki Tour & More, Kemey and I made our way to sunny central coast city of Solvang – just up the road from Santa Barbara and about a 100 miles north of Los Angeles. Continue reading →

Posted in California, California Tiki Tour & More, Drink, Food, Hotels, Luxury, Restaurants, road trip, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Big Fun, Big Flavour, Big Sur | #TCTikiTour

Posted on 2016-10-13 by tikichris

Nestled snug in the wooded seaside splendour among all this scenic beauty is tiny Carmel-by-the-Sea, our first stop out from San Francisco Continue reading →

Posted in California, California Tiki Tour & More, Drink, Food, Hotels, Luxury, Restaurants, road trip, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

San Francisco: Golden Getaway | #TCTikiTour

Posted on 2016-10-10 by tikichris

The thunder clapped, and the rain came down in heavy sheets. Our California Tiki Tour was off to a perfect start with an exotic night out in San Francisco. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, California, California Tiki Tour & More, Design, Drink, Food, Hotels, Luxury, Restaurants, road trip, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

California Tiki Tour & More | #TCTikiTour

Posted on 2016-10-06 by tikichris

A long time in the making and a fine time in the doing, Kemey and I spent the tail end of August and first week or so of September on a California tiki bar road trip. Driving from San Francisco to San Diego, much of our route was along the famously panoramic California State Highway 1 – aka the Pacific Coast Highway – with stops in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Solvang, Los Angeles, Disneyland, and Huntington Beach. Continue reading →

Posted in Bars, California, California Tiki Tour & More, Drink, road trip, Tiki, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Buckling Up Abroad: Tips for Taking a European Road Trip (Going Places)

Posted on 2016-08-19 by tikichris

Sit back as we take you on a scenic drive to look at a few tips and itinerary ideas to help you arrive at your desired European driving destination safe, sound, and satisfied. Continue reading →

Posted in driving, Going Places, OneTravel, Travel | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

I’d Do It Again in a Heartbeat: An Interview with tikichris (Wexas)

Posted on 2016-07-08 by tikichris

Chris recently went on a self-drive trip around Namibia with Wexas, and we were keen to hear a bit more about his trip and his other travel experiences … Continue reading →

Posted in interview, Namibia, Travel, Wexas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Plan a Stress-Free Family Road Trip (Going Places)

Posted on 2016-05-23 by tikichris

Here’s a brief guide with four basic considerations to keep in mind for your family road trip. Continue reading →

Posted in Going Places, OneTravel, Travel | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Cross the Arid Namibian Desert on a Self-Driven Safari (City AM)

Posted on 2016-05-03 by tikichris

It’s hard to imagine a landscape more dramatic than that of the largely uninhabited southern African desert nation Namibia. Dot its picturesque lands with a hefty assortment of big game and wildlife and you’ve got the right conditions for an … Continue reading →

Posted in City AM, Luxury, Namibia, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Best BBQ in the American South (City AM)

Posted on 2016-03-15 by tikichris

From Arkansas to South Carolina, Chris Osburn goes in search of top barbecues, grills and roasted meats. Continue reading →

Posted in City AM, Food, Restaurants, Travel, USA | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Namibia | Index

Posted on 2016-01-28 by tikichris

It’s hard to imagine a landscape more dramatic than that of Namibia. Add to the scenery an amazing (and rather accessible) assortment of big game and wildlife. Then, lightly apply a sprinkling of well-maintained roads across the country to help folks get to its towns and settlements, best beauty spots, and welcoming network of bush camps and luxury lodges. If you like the idea of hitting the open road, experiencing true wilderness, seeing lots and lots of game, and still being able to take a hot shower and sleep in a comfortable bed every night, Namibia’s the place for you. Continue reading →

Posted in Hotels, Luxury, Namibia, Namibia 2016, road trip, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Namibia | Sossusvlei

Posted on 2016-01-27 by tikichris

Last stop on my luxury safari road trip across Namibia was Sossusvlei. Not just the ultimate destination of my itinerary but also the ultimate choice for a desert break. Continue reading →

Posted in Hotels, Luxury, Namibia, Namibia 2016, road trip, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Namibia | Skeleton Coast

Posted on 2016-01-26 by tikichris

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp was a khaki canvas paradise of haute design fixed lightly to one of the world’s most desolate and pristine wilderness areas. Open just over a year, this fully solar powered joint venture between Wilderness Safaris and the neighbouring Conservancies of Anabeb, Torra and Sesfontein, was the very model for cutting edge – and sustainable – luxury. Continue reading →

Posted in Hotels, Luxury, Namibia, Namibia 2016, road trip, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Namibia | Doro Nawas

Posted on 2016-01-25 by tikichris

Although I only had one night at Doro Nawas, it was an impactful stay in one of the most serenely beautiful places I’ve ever been – something I could just as easily say of the whole of Namibia itself. Continue reading →

Posted in Hotels, Luxury, Namibia, Namibia 2016, road trip, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Namibia | Etosha

Posted on 2016-01-24 by tikichris

Thoroughly well rested from my relaxing stay in Windhoek and more than ready for some serious safari action, I hit the road en route to the first lodge one my itinerary: Andersson’s Camp, set within Ongava Game Reserve on the border of (and with its own private gate to) Etosha National Park. Continue reading →

Posted in Hotels, Luxury, Namibia, Namibia 2016, road trip, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Namibia

Posted on 2016-01-23 by tikichris

This was my first time in Namibia, but not the greater southern Africa region. I’ve been heading down to this gorgeous part of the world since the mid 90s (and even lived in Mozambique for about a year) – always encountering enthusiastic folks insistent that I get to Namibia but never quite being able to take them up on their advice. But now I’ve finally made it, and I can see what the fuss had been all about it. Continue reading →

Posted in Cars, Design, Hotels, Luxury, Namibia, Namibia 2016, road trip, Shopping, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Pit Stop: A Barbecue Road Trip Across the American South (Great British Chefs)

Posted on 2015-11-24 by tikichris

Here comes American Thanksgiving, a day set aside to be thankful for what you’ve got… and eat way too much food. As an American, it’s an occasion I take seriously, the giving of thanks (and, of course, the eating part). … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Great British Chefs, Restaurants, Travel | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Having a Spicy Time on Avery Island: Home of Tabasco Sauce (OneTravel)

Posted on 2014-06-27 by tikichris

In February, my girlfriend and I had a grand ole time road tripping across the Deep South. The definite highlight of our time was in Louisiana, where we enjoyed a range of Dixie delights in dynamic New Orleans as well … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Louisiana, OneTravel, Shopping, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Portugal Please: Até Logo

Posted on 2014-04-23 by tikichris

If you’re into engaging with friendly salt-of-the-earth folks in a beautiful and largely rural setting, Portugal should be at the top of your list of destinations. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Portugal, Portugal Please, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Portugal Please: Comporta Comfort Food at O Zé

Posted on 2014-04-23 by tikichris

One last lunch, one last chance to take in all the yummy hospitality I’d come to expect while travelling through Portugal – a stop in the seaside town of Comporta en route to the airport in Lisbon yielded one of the best meals I had during my stay in the country. With an emphasis on serving traditional dishes from Alentejo using fresh, local, sustainably sourced, and mostly organic ingredients – the family owned O Zé Restaurante Lounge pleased my palate and ensured I headed back London satisfied to be sure yet already longing to return for more festive feasting. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Portugal, Portugal Please, Restaurants, Shopping | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Portugal Please: Padaria Joana Roque, Traditional Alentejo Bakery

Posted on 2014-04-22 by tikichris

Instant Grandma! That’s what I got my final morning of my Portugal Please road trip when I dropped by the a traditional home bakery in the village of Vidigueira where Joana Roque’s been baking the same bread in the same method for more than 40 years. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Portugal, Portugal Please, Shopping, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Portugal Please: Herdade da Malhadinha Nova

Posted on 2014-04-21 by tikichris

My Portuguese adventure coming to a close, I was left with only one more night to savour before flying back to Blighty. Good thing my last night was in an absolutely fantastic setting! Otherwise, I might have started to doubt for a second the hospitality show to me throughout this lovely little country as well as the foodie expertise that’d gone into the execution of my Festival of Food itinerary. As the trip unfolded though, I never once questioned the restorative benefits of my adeptly planned week-long ramble through Portugal. Indeed, I arrived back home eager to share the stories of my time abroad. The story I’m sharing today is one of a luxury homestead that’s an easily recommendable destination: Herdade da Malhadinha Nova. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Hotels, Luxury, Portugal, Portugal Please, Restaurants, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Portugal Please: Evocative Evora

Posted on 2014-04-20 by tikichris

Leaving the Almojanda farm, I hit the open road for an afternoon in UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora. The hour and a half drive was pure scenic joy. I’d been to Evora before years ago and getting to go back there was a treat – and something I’d be happy to repeat several times over. Indeed, when talking with the Sunvil folks about the design of my Festival of Food itinerary I specified that I was especially keen to stop in Evora. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Portugal Please, Portugal Pleases, Restaurants, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Portugal Please: Delicious Diterra and Tasty Terrius

Posted on 2014-04-19 by tikichris

Another day, another delicious opportunity to have a taste of the Festival of Food offerings in the Alentejo. Before leaving the Portalegre area, I spent my morning at the family-run Almojanda farm sampling a variety of products from its own Diterra range (under the brands of Almojanda and Fadista) as well as items from Terrius, another food producer from up the road about 20 kilometres in Marvão. Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Portugal, Portugal Please, Shopping, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Portugal Please: Eggs-cellent Time in Portalegre

Posted on 2014-04-19 by tikichris

Next on my Portugal Please road trip itinerary was the southern and sunny region of Alentejo where the appetising promise to “road test” the new Festival of Food offering from British tour operator, Sunvil, lay ahead. First stop in this gorgeous land of cork farms and vineyards … of ancient Moorish ramparts and prim churches hiding grandiose interiors … was the hilltop border town of Portalgre where I arrived just in time to attend the annual and eggy Feira de Doçaria Conventual for a taste of traditional sweets from the region and more. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Easter, Food, Hotels, Luxury, Portugal, Portugal Please, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Portugal Please: Amarante Quickie

Posted on 2014-04-17 by tikichris

Halfway between Provesende and Porto (or at least that’s how it seemed riding around in the press trip van), is Amarante. Like so many of the places I visited in Portugal, Amarante was sweet, cosy and somewhat kitsch without ever crossing over into being twee or cloying. With the others in my party needing to catch and flight (and me with a tight road trip itinerary of my own), I was really only in Amarante long enough for a short walk and (of course) a tasty snack. However, I saw enough to know I would love to return and reckon if you’re thinking about visiting Porto or the Douro Valley, you’d be wise to consider a stop in Amarante too. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Portugal, Portugal Please, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Portugal Please: Morgadio da Calçada

Posted on 2014-04-16 by tikichris

Situated atop a plateau yielding (yet more) beautiful panoramic views of the Douro River and its undulant valley, the tiny ancient village of Provesende was my final stop in the area. Here I took a quick wander round the village and a proper snoop inside 17th century mansion (with contemporary accommodations) Morgadio da Calçada. Continue reading →

Posted in Design, Drink, Food, Hotels, Portugal, Portugal Please, Restaurants, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Portugal Please: Even More Douro Valley Quintas

Posted on 2014-04-16 by tikichris

No, I didn’t just lounge around at a couple of scenically situated hotels while in the Douro (although, that would be a terrifically recuperative way to spend one’s time). When I wasn’t enjoying my stay in the luxury laps of Quinta do Vallado and Quinta Nova, I was bopping all over the rest of the valley trying to visit as many different vineyards as possible – and loving every minute of it. Here are a few brief notes about the rest of the Douro Valley quintas I visited, including Quinta do Crasto, Quinta da Pacheca, Quinta do Panascal and Quinta do Seixo. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Hotels, Portugal, Portugal Please, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Portugal Please:  Quinta Novo de Nossa Senhora do Carmo

Posted on 2014-04-16 by tikichris

A lovingly restored 18th century manor cum 21st century four star hotel and the centrepiece of a lofty patchwork of vineyards rolling down to the Douro River: Quinta Novo de Nossa Senhora do Carmo was my home for a night. Leaving Vallado for a full-on day of winery visits around the Douro, my second evening in this idyllic valley wound down in equal parts elegance and comfort. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Hotels, Portugal, Portugal Please, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Portugal Please:  Sniffing Around Quinta do Vallado

Posted on 2014-04-15 by tikichris

After a quick sightseeing jaunt and overnight stay in Porto, I was off to the Douro Valley for a few days of scenic sipping. My first night there, I had the ultra-luxe pleasure of spending some time – and a very restful night – at Quinta do Vallado. To put it plainly, I loved everything about this place. It hurt a little to have to leave and I’m aching to return for another chance to admire in situ this wine hotel’s blend of tradition with modern design; savour more of its homey food; and, of course, enjoy its fabulous wines. Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Portugal, Portugal Please, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Portugal Please: Porto

Posted on 2014-04-15 by tikichris

My Portugal Please tour commenced in the compact and cosy city of Porto, which proved to be an excellent gateway to the Douro Valley and a fine place to visit in and of itself. If you’re looking for somewhere to visit for a city break, Porto is only a two hour flight away from London with plenty to see and do and eat and drink and browse and buy. Here are some highlight from my all too brief time there. Continue reading →

Posted in Beer, Drink, Food, Hotels, Portugal, Portugal Please, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Portugal Please: Wão. What a Trip!

Posted on 2014-04-14 by tikichris

Does it ever seem like far too many folks are stuck in the same tired rut of a far too well beaten path, only hitting a few main sites in a short selection of only a few Western European countries – namely Spain, France, and Italy – and never realising that there’s so much more to explore just as close, just as scenic, just as steeped in tradition … and often accessible at far greater value than most of the EU? Not you and me though. We’re going to Portugal! Continue reading →

Posted in Drink, Food, Portugal, Portugal Please, Restaurants, Shopping, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Dixie Detours: Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler!

Posted on 2014-03-04 by tikichris

Happy Mardi Gras! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my Dixie Detours miniseries featuring the highlights from my recent trip to Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana and Florida along with suggestions for planning your own sojourn to the Deep South. Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, Art, Coffee, Design, Dixie Detours, Drink, Florida, Food, Georgia, Hotels, Music, Restaurants, road trip, Shopping, Tennessee, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dixie Detours: Miami in a Minute

Posted on 2014-03-03 by tikichris

The final stop of our Dixie Detours visit to the US was Miami, where an overnight layover afforded Kemey and me the chance to check in on some friends who had recently moved there – big thanks to Tanya and Francesco for being such fantastic hosts and showing us around so much of your fine town – while soaking up some south Florida sunshine before heading back to Blighty. Continue reading →

Posted in Beer, Coffee, Dixie Detours, Drink, Florida, Food, Hotels, Music, Restaurants, road trip, Travel, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dixie Detours: Sweet Shoals Music

Posted on 2014-03-03 by tikichris

Before our visit to the Muscle Shoals area of Alabama, I never would have imagined the music of Aretha Franklin could resonate even more with me than it already did. Goosebumps on top of goosebumps – how’s that gonna happen? But there I was standing in Studio A of Fame Studios in humble little Florence, Alabama where the mighty diva recorded such classics as Do Right Woman, Do Right Man, and something clicked in a deep and soulful sort of way. In the few days since Kemey and I checked out the Shoals, listening to Aretha’s songs has been coupled with an even deeper and more satisfying feeling than before. Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, Beer, Design, Dixie Detours, Drink, Food, Hotels, Music, Restaurants, road trip, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Dixie Detours: Chattanooga, Choo Choo City

Posted on 2014-03-02 by tikichris

Chattanooga is my old teenage stomping ground. Since I’ve moved away, every year or two when I’ve managed to make it back for a visit (usually around Christmastime), the area always seemed to have gotten better than I remembered it being. Same holds true this time round. Continue reading →

Posted in Coffee, Dixie Detours, Drink, Food, Georgia, Hotels, Pizza, Restaurants, road trip, Tennessee, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment