Green Means GO! Here’s a Look at Europe’s Best Road Trips (Miles Away)

Green Means GO! Here’s a Look at Europe’s Best Road Trips

From driving fun on the Autobahn to admiring the breathtaking views of the Alps, touring awe-inspiring castles, and overnight stops at wineries, hitting the road is the most scenic way to “do” Europe. And the best part is, you can find all of those suggestions in just one country such as Germany! Driving allows you to go at your own pace, take detours and explore more than when you’re bound to strict timetables and schedules. Plus, if you plan your itinerary right, you can save money by staying outside big cities and popular destinations, possibly even camping along the way.

Here’s our look at nine countries with some of Europe’s best road trips – all worth checking out from behind the wheel on your next vacation!

Read my complete post at Miles Away.

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Continental Canine | Swiftly Through Paris and Zurich

Place de la Republique

Relaxing in Place de la Republique

Federica Carr and Amber ride the trains and go for walks in Calais, Paris and Zurich, as Continental Canine continues.

Now in Paris we moved on heading for the Marais. At this point I was famished, so finally spotted what looked like a nice coffee shop on Rue du Temple and went in. This was one of the nicest discoveries of the journey. Strada Cafe’  is a small, welcoming quirky coffee shop with hot food and great coffee. I sipped on an iced latte, enjoyed a carrot cake and Amber relaxed in the breeze of a fan. Great music selection in the background and friendly Kiwi staff made this a perfect rest stop. Continue reading

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Must Try Iconic Foods From Around The World

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Have you ever dreamt of tasting scrumptious food while sitting in the cafe with a breathtaking view? We know where to find this beauty. This mouth-watering article will help you choose the destination for the next food tour.

What can represent culture better than the local cuisine? The food that people eat shows the historical development, tendencies in products that prevail in the region. Let’s be honest, all of us love to fill our stomachs, but here we talk not only about wolfing down everything around but tasting the dishes that have more than caloric value, the dishes that became iconic. Continue reading

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Continental Canine | The UK

Folkestone West

Federica Carr continues with her trip to Southern Italy with Amber, her Continental Canine.

Between London and Formia, our ultimate destination, there are roughly 1250 miles, depending on the route considered. By road or rail it is a pretty long way and of course, a plane is the quickest and cheapest way to get there.

But, as we’ve explained before in our introduction, unless your dog is an assistance dog or a very small size, the only way to get there with a pooch is driving or catching a bunch of trains.

The latter option is what we opted for. Across four countries, and hopping on an off six or seven trains, we reached our destination in one piece and without any issues, which is no mean feat.

Here’s what we did. Continue reading

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Best Mykonos Exclusive Villas Near Super Paradise Beach

Best Mykonos Exclusive Villas Near Super Paradise Beach

Legendary for its party lifestyle, Super Paradise beach is the go-to destination for some thousands of visitors every year, both VIPs and humble humans with a strong desire to join the Mykonos jamboree!

If you want to be a hair’s breadth away from the wild all-day (and all-night) “soirees” and all the fun, here are three exclusive Super Paradise Mykonos villas from where you may jump right into the heart of all the action! Continue reading

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Continental Canine | An Introduction

Fede and Amber in Italy

Federica Carr shares highlights and insights of travelling by train from London to Southern Italy with her fluffy four-legged sidekick Amber in a series of Continental Canine posts.

Most dog owners can be divided into two groups: the first is made up of those who get a dog, perhaps following a fashion or a whim of a family member, and attach it to their lives as an accessory, treating it as as animal and often omitting to provide the most basic level of care and affection a pet requires.

The second category is the one my husband and I most surely fall under, that is to say those of us who get a pooch and soon become so engrossed by it that we then treat it as a fully fledged member of the family, bestowing the dog with possibly, in the eyes of some, too much affection and often the same level of care given to the human members of the family. Continue reading

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The Worst Mistakes Parents Make When Traveling with Teens (Going Places)

The Worst Mistakes Parents Make When Traveling with Teens

Have you recently suffered from TWT syndrome? Traveling with Teens can be tough and result in undo anguish. But it certainly doesn’t have to turn out that way. Odds are things could have gone a lot more smoothly if you’d been a bit more proactive and aware of what could go wrong.

Here’s our look at a few mistakes you might have made last time you traveled with a young adult with tips on how to avoid these pitfalls next time around.

Read my complete post at Going Places.

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Rum Tasting with Dawn Davies + The Whisky Show News | #TCTalks Episode 35

Rum Tasting with Dawn Davies + The Whisky Show News | #TCTalks Episode 35

Episode 35 of tikichris Talks has me dropping by the newly opened Whisky Exchange on Great Portland Street for a lively rum tasting with Dawn Davies, Head Buyer for Speciality Drinks.

We chat about why this amber spirit offers excellent value for deep flavour. Dawn and I also talk about The Whisky Show returning to London at the end September for its 10th anniversary. This year for the first time in the show’s history, a selection of fine rums will be available to try alongside more than 600 quality whiskies.

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

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Win a Pair of Tickets to The Whisky Show

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COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME.

Who wants a pair of day tickets to this year’s Whisky Show, valued at £110 each and including a two-course lunch, one Dream Dram token and access to more than 600 whiskies to be tasted?

Keep reading.

The biggest whisky festival in the UK, The Whisky Show will return to London over the last weekend of September to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Continue reading

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Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018 | Get 20% Off Your #TeqFest Tix

Tequila & Mezcal Fest 2018 | Get 20% Off Your #TeqFest Tix

The Tequila & Mezcal Fest returns to London to celebrate its fifth anniversary. And guess who’s getting in on the fun to amp up the action and spread the word about Europe’s biggest agave extravaganza?

That’s right, mis amigos! I’ve teamed up with the Teq Fest organisers to offer tequi-chris readers a deep discount on tickets, some tasty prizes to win for free, and lots lots more. Continue reading

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OSH Restaurant, Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge

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Newly opened OSH Restaurant in Knightsbridge presents a cosmopolitan take on Uzbek tastes.

Gosh! The food at OSH was delish. I savoured my recent culinary journey along the restaurant’s Silk Road themed menu (with a few major detours of worldly and mostly oceanic nature). Continue reading

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Afroditi Krassa | #TCTalks Episode 34

Afroditi Krassa | #TCTalks Episode 34

For episode 34 of tikichris Talks I sit down with hospitality designer Afroditi Krassa for a conversation in her studio.

During the interview we chat about how she got her start in design and her work helping restaurant groups such as Itsu and Dishoom achieve huge success.

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

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Getting the Most Out of Your Weekend Getaway (Miles Away)

Getting the Most Out of Your Weekend Getaway

Got a free weekend coming up that you’re eager to turn it into a few fun-filled days away? Play your cards right and you can achieve your ends easily and affordably, BUT insert too much into your itinerary or add too little to your agenda and you might find yourself in greater need of a vacation – and with way less money – than before you went away.

For weekend warriors looking to make the most of a short trip without blowing a big budget or draining every last drop of energy, here are six practical considerations to keep in mind when planning your getaway.

Read my complete post at Miles Away.

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Good Stuff #78 | Best of the Fests | Festival Flavours

Clinton's Lovechild by Popdogs

Good stuff from the best of the fests!

Judith Schrut’s been tasting, munching, sipping and slurping her way through plenty of yumworthy food and drink on offer at this summer’s festivals, and has lots to share with you.  Enjoy. Continue reading

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Historic Puerto Rico: Exploring Old San Juan (Going Places)

Sean Pavone:Shutterstock

Bienvenido a San Juan Viejo!

The second oldest Europe-established capital in the Americas, (Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic is older) is still very much a vibrant destination for whatever floats your vacation boat. For some of the Caribbean’s best preserved historical sites, cool cocktails, hot dancing, and a variety of fun-in-the-sun activities, Old San Juan is a sensational place to be.

Have a look at our top five guide to the best of Old San Juan, and start planning your getaway to the Puerto Rican capital’s most historic quarter pronto!

Read my complete post at Going Places.

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5 Reason You Should Take Up the Job of a Carer

5 Reasons You Should Take Up the Job of a Carer

In the UK, there are around seven million carers, which equates to one for every ten people. However, the need for caregivers is on the rise. In fact, it is predicted that by 2030, there will be 3.4 million carers in the country. In the UK, the economic contribution made by carers is £132 billion per year, according to data published by Carers Trust. Lately, there has been an increase in such jobs in the UK, especially for Indians.

Carers help the elderly in assisted living facilities with their daily tasks, including eating, bathing, dressing, drinking, running errands, and more. Such homes are the best option for the senior citizens with health problems that make it difficult for them to manage on their own. At an assisted living facility, skilled and experienced staff members are available 24/7 to take care of the residents’ needs, while providing specialised care based on the diagnosis of each individual, say experts at Ashton Care Recruitment, one of the leading nursing recruitment agencies in the UK that offers nursing jobs in the UK for international nurses.

Here are a few reasons why Indians should look for nursing and care assistant jobs in the UK. Continue reading

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Christine Smallwood Has an Appetite for Italy | #TCTalks Episode 33

Christine Smallwood Has an Appetite for Italy | #TCTalks Episode 33

Here’s an interview with author and fellow Italian food lover, Christine Smallwood.

During our conversation for episode 33 of tikichris Talks, Christine and I talk about her Appetite for Italy series of books and what makes the country such a fantastic place to eat, drink and explore. We also chat about her involvement with the upcoming Enfield Food Festival (26 and 27 August 2018) and more of what she’s cooking up for the near future.

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

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The American Bar at the Stafford London Hotel

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Classy cocktails and a mighty burger were hallmarks of my al fresco dine at The Stafford London Hotel’s historic American Bar.

Before the Americana food craze of the past several years, coming by a decent burger wasn’t all that easy to do. But the American Bar at The Stafford London Hotel served a thick and juicy one and was my go-to for years. I was pleased to see (and more so to taste!) during recent visit the bar that the burgers are still among London’s best – and that the cocktails are really ace too. Continue reading

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Win a Bottle of Luxardo Sour Cherry Gin + a Jar of Luxardo Maraschino Cocktail Cherries

Win a Bottle of Luxardo Sour Cherry Gin + a Jar of Luxardo Maraschino Cocktail CherriesWin a Bottle of Luxardo Sour Cherry Gin + a Jar of Luxardo Maraschino Cocktail Cherries

COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME.

Here’s a fruitful competition offering a strong chance for one lucky tikichris reader to win a bottle of Luxardo’s new Sour Cherry Gin plus a jar of its famous Maraschino Cocktail Cherries. Good luck!

That’s right! This potent two-in-one prize features the latest creation from premium Italian spirits maker, Luxardo: Sour Cherry Gin. Crimson and tangy with a gin-specific taste of juniper and spice and a long sour cherry finish, it’s a must-have for gin lovers. Alongside the gin is a jar of Maraschino Cocktail Cherries. Unlike other cocktail cherries on the market, Luxardo’s are all natural with a deep dark colour (not glowing neon red). They made in their own cherry syrup for a rich and lasting flavour perfect as a garnish for all sorts of drinks. Continue reading

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Please and Thank You | One Year Anniversary | #TCTalks Episode 32

Please and Thank You | One Year Anniversary | #TCTalks Episode 32

Hey gang.

Welcome to episode 32 of tikichris Talks – which also happens to be my one-year anniversary show.

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

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Bottles Wine Bar at Old Spitalfields Market

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Recently opened wine bar Bottles at Old Spitalfields Market does a smart wine list with a wine-smart staff and brilliant kitchen preparing perfect plates for pairing.

The Bottles wine list isn’t lengthy but expresses deep knowledge and appreciation (particularly when it comes to Italian wines), which reflects the fact that every member of the staff is a sommelier. Continue reading

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Open City Documentary Festival 2018

1 - OPENING NIGHT - FILM PROGRAMME - BARONESAAndreia and Leidiane lie in bed in a home in Juliana Antune’s Baronesa (2018).

Entering its eighth year, the Open City Documentary Festival returns to London this September to celebrate the art of nonfiction through films, audio and immersive (VR/AR) projects, screenings, special events, panels, workshops and masterclasses and more in a variety of venues across central London.

A key aim of the festival is to challenge and expand the idea of documentary in all its forms while providing a platform for emerging talent as well as established masters working within the documentary form. Continue reading

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Pom Harrington of Peter Harrington Rare Books | #TCTalks Episode 31

Pom Harrington of Peter Harrington Rare Books | #TCTalks Episode 31

For episode 31 of tikichris Talks, I chat with Pom Harrington, second generation owner of Peter Harrington Rare Books in Chelsea (with another location in Mayfair).

During our conversation among the shelves of his Fulham Road bookstore, Pom shares his insight of what makes a book rare and valuable and what’s in his private staff.

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

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Preview: Notting Hill Carnival 2018

Mangrove (Group)2

It’s almost time for Europe’s biggest free street festival: Notting Hill Carnival.

The 59 year-old annual community-led event will be celebrated the Summer Bank Holiday Weekend of 25 to 27 August with the Children’s Day Parade taking place on Sunday the 26th. Continue reading

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Must Eat Honolulu: Where to Dine When You’re in Paradise (Going Places)

Must Eat Honolulu: Where to Dine When You’re in Paradise

Ask anyone who’s been to Honolulu and they’ll tell you the city is a paradise for food lovers. And they’re correct, whatever you wish to eat you’ll find a tasty representation of it on the island. But beyond the buffets, burgers, fine dining and touristy luaus, Hawaiian food is one of the world’s most delectable and adaptive cuisines. As Hawaii’s biggest and most visited city, Honolulu is a dream destination for trying all manner of Hawaiian food.

Here’s our look at some of the islands’ most authentic grinds and the Honolulu restaurants and other establishments that do these treats the most onolicious justice.

Read my complete post at Going Places.

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Bar 1821: Luxardo Pop-Up in Shoreditch

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To celebrate the launch of its new Sour Cherry Gin, Italian spirits brand Luxardo has opened Bar 1821: a month long pop-up cocktail bar in Shoreditch.

In addition to the new sour cherry gin, the 1821 bartenders lean on Luxardo’s famous cocktail cherries and range of other liqueurs and syrups to mix up a flavoursome variety of drinks. Continue reading

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Good Stuff #77

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Good stuff and lots of it!

Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip, savour and more – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Continue reading

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SeasonaliTea at The Langham London

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With the launch of The Langham London’s SeasonaliTea, Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett presents a fresh approach to the afternoon tea.

Gravett’s focus is to use exceptional seasonal ingredients, thus involving more regular changes to the menu (don’t worry – there are still finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and jam) and to reduce use of refined sugars and fat, without compromising on flavour or texture of the cakes. Continue reading

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Director Michael Lehmann on the 30th Anniversary of Heathers | #TCTalks Episode 30

Director Michael Lehmann on the 30th Anniversary of Heathers | #TCTalks Episode 30

Listen now:

Download and subscribe to tikichris Talks at Apple Podcasts.

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Ahoy! Discovering Pirate History Treasure along America’s East Coast (Going Places)

Ahoy! Discovering Pirate History Treasure along America’s East Coast

Avast ye land lovers! Pirate history is a mix of myth and reality. But the tall tales are based on authentic accounts about people who actually lived, events that actually happened and places that you actually can go to today and determine for yourself what was real and what was make-believe.

Second, only to the Caribbean, America’s southeastern coast is rich with destinations thick with tales of piratical plunder and maritime misdeeds. So, we thought it would be fun to share our bounty of knowledge about some of the most fascinating pirate-related destinations along the Atlantic that you can visit. Get ready for your timbers to be shivered!

Read my complete post at Going Places.

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Win a BBQ Fire Starter Kit from Certainly Wood

Certainly Wood BBQ Fire Starter Kit - P1180051

COMPETITION IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING TIKICHRIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR LOTS MORE FUN AND FREEBIES TO COME

Summer is still on and the sunny heatwave is expected to continue into October. It’s an ideal time to BBQ, and Certainly Wood has the ideal kit to get you grilling in no time with minimal fuss!

Certainly Wood is the UK’s bigger producer of 100% British sustainable premier kiln dried firewood, kindling & Flamers natural firelighters. I’ve teamed with this tree-mendous company for a smoking hot giveaway offering one lucky tikichris reader the chance to win a BBQ Fire Starter Kit. Continue reading

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Unexpected Texas: How to Get the Best of Your San Antonio Holiday (Metro)

Unexpected Texas: How to Get the Best of Your San Antonio Holiday

The seventh biggest city in the US and second largest in Texas, San Antonio is as hip to current trends as any urban centre.

It’s a lot more cosmopolitan than you might expect, and proud of its Latinex culture, but back in 1718, it was little more than a Spanish colonial outpost. Plenty of reminders of San Antonio’s past remain, juxtaposed with the more contemporary aspects of life. And that’s what took me there: the chance to check out how the city was celebrating its tricentennial with some excursions to boot.

Read my complete article at Metro.

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V For Launches at The Old Truman Brewery

Vegan Vice Club

Sheepa Miah reviews a new vegan lifestyle festival in East London running throughout the whole of August.

From vegan cocktails, to vegan fried chicken, it’s a series of events not to be missed. The capital’s one of a kind lifestyle event is anticipated to bring in over 2000 visitors to The Old Truman Brewery. Expect food, drinks, music and events. Continue reading

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World Steak Challenge 2018

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At the beginning of last month (4th of July actually) I got to sit in for a second year in a row as a consumer judge at World Steak Challenge, where three dozen or so expert judges convened to test and rate close to sirloin, fillet and rib eye steaks from 22 different countries and four continents.

What a savoury opportunity! I was deeply impressed by how much better and more broadly representative of the world the steaks that made it to the final round (when the consumer judging came in) were compared to last year. And last year was by no means a shabby affair! Continue reading

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Win Pair of Tickets to Outdoor Screening of Priscilla Queen of the Desert + the Chance to Win a Trip to Australia’s Northern Territory

Win Pair of Tickets to Outdoor Screening of Pricilla Queen of the Desert + the Chance to Win a Trip to Australia’s Northern Territory

Tourism NT are offering tikichris followers three pairs of tickets to an outdoor screening with The Nomad Cinema of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert plus a chance of winning a pair of return tickets to Darwin, Australia with Singapore Airlines.

Appropriately enough, the screening will take place in Queen’s Park (NW6 6HA) in North London on the evening of Thursday 30th August. Continue reading

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