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(Northern) California Dreamin’ | Mendocino
Judith Schrut moves on to the next stop of her Northern California road trip: Mendocino.
It was always going to be a wrench to leave San Francisco but now that we were, it was time to pick up that rental car. Despite her go-green touchy-feely vibe, it’s difficult to get the best out of California without a motor. Sorry, the car rental folk told us on arrival, we’re clean out of the rock bottom budget babe you paid for. Would you like this luxury SUV for the same price? No thanks, but we will take that sexy Mini Cooper convertible there in the corner instead. So off we rolled, with SF fogging over and the wind nipping at our Mini-tail, over the glorious Golden Gate and on to the wild, winsome north. Continue reading
Six of the Most Romantic Places in Italy (Going Places)
Say the word “Italy” and it immediately conjures up images of lazy hot summers, chic villas, and succulent food. We’ve long lamented at the tragedy of Verona’s star-crossed lovers and our own love affair with the country has thus been sealed.
So how do you choose just one place to explore with your significant other? Never fear. Here are six of the most romantic places in Italy to celebrate love.
Reasons Why Travel is Good for Your Health and Life
We hear more and more regularly about how good travel is for us, both physically and mentally. The reasons for this vary almost as much as the ways in which people manage to travel more frequently and extensively, as the all world travel reviews show.
People say that travelling is good for your soul and your mind, and people change their lives according to that philosophy. Here are a few solid reasons for why travelling is good for you. Continue reading
Word on the Street in Jerusalem
Demi Perera spreads the word about what wows her about Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is certainly an interesting place. Now that maybe stating the obvious but there’s something very contemporary happening and it’s hard to ignore. The city’s millennials are redefining it with one of the coolest underground movements since the hipster take over of Shoreditch in London. Here’s a list of places where it’s all happening. Continue reading
Sushi in the City Brunch at Devonshire Club
Sushi? Yay. Brunch? Yay. Sushi brunch? Maybe.
The Saturday only Sushi in the City Brunch menu at Devonshire Club brings with it the chance to check out the swish digs of this usually members-only venue. But how’s the food? Here’s my take on a recent visit. Continue reading
(Northern) California Dreamin’ | San Francisco
Continuing with her series exploring Northern California, Judith Schrut struts, savours and e-cycles the streets of San Francisco.
San Francisco. It’s the City by the Bay, SF, the Golden City; creator of denim jeans, fortune cookies, mimosas, waterbeds, Rice-a-Roni and the Summer of Love; home to more than 50 hills, 14,000 Victorian houses, 200 landmark buildings and the only moving national monument in the USA (the cable car), and year after year voted America’s coolest city. Continue reading
Financial Tips for the International Traveller
Before leaving for your next overseas trip, take time to consider how you spend your money.
There are, in all likelihood, measures you can take that can lead to savings. Travelling internationally not only has you dealing with foreign exchange of currencies, you also need to determine what alternatives suit you best. While some aspects require your attention when you’re out of the country, you actually need to start even before you leave. Continue reading
Win a Bottle of Aluna Coconut Rum
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!
Aluna Coconut Rum has a warm, complex and completely natural coconut flavour. It’s one of the tastiest drinks I’ve come across in a long while – and one I’m happy to recommend and share with a competition giving away a free bottle to one lucky tikichris reader.
Refreshing and flavoursome, Aluna isn’t some cheapo novelty drink either! A high altitude Guatemalan rum (with an ABV of 35%) distilled from virgin sugar cane honey with added organic coconut water, it’s naturally sweet but not at all sugary. I reckon Aluna is best served on the rocks, but it’s an ideal mixer for all sorts of drinks, particularly a pina colada.
Ready for a taste of this delicious quencher? Here’s a chance to win a bottle for yourself. Continue reading
Look After My Bills? Yes Please!
Hey everybody. I’ve teamed up with Look After My Bills to help spread the word about how this new free service can save you time and money.
Ready for some good news about a no-brainer way to lower your energy costs? Check it out! Continue reading
(Northern) California Dreamin’ | Do, Stay, Eat, Play
Judith Schrut shares the highlights of her most recent NorCal adventure along with tips for planning your own in her (Northern) California Dreamin‘ series.
Every winter, thousands of bargain and sun-hungry Brits flock to Florida for a booster dose of light, sea, sand and a sheer break from relentless grey skies. But did you know that for just a few dollars more you can fly nonstop to Northern California instead? Continue reading
Infographic: Popular Aphrodisiac Foods for British Couples
Oysters, strawberries and sweet treats may be what we traditionally associate as the foods of love, but the British couples are far more likely to go for a juicy steak, roast dinner or spicy curry to get in the mood.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, have a look at this fun infographic about romantic dining in the UK based on research conducted by HelloFresh, Britain’s best selling recipe box brand. Continue reading
7 of the World’s Best Cities for Pizza! (Miles Away)
Is there any food more universally craved than the humble pizza? We think not and definitely understand why everybody loves this hot oven treat, especially when they’re traveling and out having fun.
Typically, you can be anywhere in the world and find a slice, but we can’t guarantee it’ll be the best. There’s a number of great pizzerias that flourish across the globe, so narrowing down a list of the world’s very best pizza destinations may seem like a half-baked idea. Nevertheless, we’re certain our look at the planet’s 7 pizza perfect places is a tasty one to consider and will have you hankering to hit the road for a slice of the action ASAP!
Love Madrid I Fine Food Art of Ramón Frexia
Demi Perera recounts one more moreish moment in Madrid as her series about the Spanish capital continues.
The grand finale of my exquisite culinary tour of Madrid with Luxury Travel Advisors was an unforgettable 20 course meal crafted by chef Ramón Freixa. His restaurant is set within, Hotel Único, a former 19th century mansion in the Salamanca District. As well as two Michelin stars it also boasts three Repsol Suns, and other Spanish and international distinctions. Continue reading
Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea at The Langham London
This Valentine’s Day, Langham London Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett will offer guests a romantic and rich Afternoon Tea menu made especially for the day.
Kemey and I got a sneak preview of the one-off menu this week along with a VIP tour of Chef Gravett’s kitchen. We relished every indulgent moment of our delicious sitting in The Langham’s elegant Palm Court and felt more than privileged to have been granted behind-the-scenes access to the kitchen during working hours. Continue reading
Dan Witz Mosh Pit Paintings | #TCTalks Episode 11
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Ocean Liners: Speed and Style | Full Steam Ahead at the V&A
Judith Schrut jumps aboard the V&A’s latest show, exploring the glitz, glamour and golden age of the ocean liner.
My late grandmother Freda grew up in a simple rural village in pre-Soviet Russia and, like millions of refugees fleeing Eastern Europe in the early 20th century, travelled en masse to America in the unjolly bowels of a huge ocean liner. This was known as ‘steerage’ or, as my grandmother put it, “not first class, not second class, not third class, but junk class.” She dreamt of returning to Europe one day as a tourist on a luxury liner. And so she was able to do, joining a cruise on the Queen Mary some years later. A treasured family photograph shows her on board, wearing a slinky pink ballgown and dancing with the ship’s captain.
Now you too can relive the ‘Golden Age’ of ocean travel at the Victoria & Albert Museum’s 2018 opening exhibition, Ocean Liners: Speed and Style. Continue reading
Win the Complete Range of Coconut Collective’s 100% Organic Coconut Waters and Milk
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!
Coconut Collective’s range of coconut waters and milk are made from 100% organic King Coconuts from Sri Lanka. I’ve recently had a taste of all the drinks and enjoyed every last sip. Now it’s time to share a free taste with one lucky tikichris reader.
The Coconut Collective range includes straight up coconut water and milk as well as naturally flavoured pineapple, guava or mango blended coconut water drinks made with organic fruit juice. Compared to most coconut waters on the market the Collective’s drinks have up to 50% less sugar and a lot more actual coconut flavour. Continue reading
Why Slovenia’s Capital Ljubljana Should be Your Next European Weekend Break (Metro)
Looking for a luxury weekend that won’t break the bank? You need look no further than Ljubljana.
Within easy reach from the UK for a short haul holiday, the quaint and quiet capital of Slovenia received a splash of cosmopolitan panache at the end of 2017 with the launch of the city’s first ever five star luxury hotel. During my recent weekend getaway there, the new upscale accommodation turned out to be especially delightful, and smartly situated for a few days of laid-back urban leisure.
Here are some of the highlights of my time in Ljubljana, along with a bit of background about the Slovenian capital, to help you make the most of your own luxury weekend there.
Building a Budget, Brick by Brick
Too many of us either do not have a proper budget, or do not stick to the one we have planned. The importance of a budget not only helps us to regulate and keep track of our spending, it also helps us to save better and smarter. When we keep track of our money, we are able to make smarter investments and to save our funds smarter.
While building a budget may seem daunting, taking on your monthly or annual budget slowly, step by step, will help simplify the process and help you ease into a saving routine. This especially comes in handy for those who own their own business or are starting one. Continue reading
Chef Luigi Taglienti of Lume Milano | #TCTalks Episode 10
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Love Madrid | Chef’s Table Tour
In the first post of her series about falling in love with Madrid’s gastronomy, Demi Perera begins her Love Madrid journey at Mercado de San Anton to gather provisions for creating a sumptuous Spanish lunch to share with friends.
Chef’s Table Tour, Madrid. How does that sound? Delectable? Seductive? Enticing? Well, I can unflinchingly tell you that it was all three and more. It was fun, it was laughter, it was good food shared with the finest company entwined into unparalleled delight. A weekend with Luxury Travel Advisors in Madrid was the most exhilarating gastronomic journey. Continue reading
Rhythm & Reaction: The Age of Jazz in Britain
Art Deco doings in a neo-Gothic gem: Judith Schrut reviews Rhythm & Reaction: The Age of Jazz in Britain at Two Temple Place.
Have an hour or so to spare and an interest in jazz, or just want to expand your London cultural horizons? If so, you’re sure to enjoy this bitesize exhibition and season of events, Rhythm & Reaction: The Age of Jazz in Britain. It’s on for a limited time in London’s extraordinary 19th century neo-Gothic gem known as Two Temple Place. Continue reading
The Quirky and Mysterious Side of Minneapolis (Miles Away)
Every city has its secrets. Whether it’s quiet lunch spots, hidden coffee shops, or obscure speakeasies, urban secrets add an element of mystery to many cities. One city, however, has a much quirkier side. Minneapolis is home to many a strange goings-on that will intrigue the curious traveler in you.
From out-of-this-world experiences to pleasantly weird art, here’s our rundown of the wacky things you can see and do when you’re in town.
See the Colour of Summer in Bali
Demi Perera offers dry assessment of dock&bay’s towels and competition to win a trip with your friends to Bali.
Re-inventing the wheel isn’t a task many would choose to undertake especially, given that the bar has been set very high. So what kind of a person (or two) would take up such a barmy challenge AND win? I give you Andy and Benno ladies and gentleman! Two travellers with over 60 countries explored between them who after a few drinks concluded that it would be a great idea to re-invent the humble beach towel. Continue reading
Long Weekend: Birmingham (Urban Travel Blog)
Britain’s second city too often plays second fiddle to its celebrated siblings around the UK. But for tasty food and drink, great shopping options, lively nightlife and plenty of cultural things to do, it’s an ideal weekend break.
More canals than Venice, more trees than Paris and more Bullrings than anywhere north of Barcelona, is the standard and elevated guidebook pitch for the UK’s second largest city, but one that works more on technicalities than truths (see our Hipster’s Guide below). The reality is that Birmingham is a post industrial city that is rarely beautiful, and moreover one that lacks a world-famous cultural behemoth… but that’s not to say there aren’t plenty of things to see and do. The city centre has been invigorated by the sparkling new version of its long-standing Bullring shopping centre, whilst the Jewellery Quarter provides a pocket of red-bricked prettiness that’s fun to explore on foot. Three major universities (Birmingham, Aston and UCL) mean the city is awash with bright young things, either thinking or drinking, or both, at any given time, and this brings a brash excitement to everyday life in Brum.
Guatemala: The Next Top Travel Destination. Here’s Why You Need to Go! (Going Places)
Are your travel senses tingling? Just a little past our neighbors south of the border in Mexico, there’s an oft-overlooked country that has everything you’re looking for. From beautiful beaches to amazing adventures, and awe-inspiring architecture, there are innumerable reasons why Guatemala is zooming toward the top spot on the bucket lists of many in-the-know jet-setters.
The list of reasons for why you should visit gorgeous Guatemala ASAP, is endless. But here’s a few of our favorites.
Vaca y Marela | #TCTalks Episode 9
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Haggis Hunt | Dough Pizza
Haggis on a pizza!?!? Don’t knock till you’ve tried it. And if you’re trying it in Edinburgh, head to Dough Pizza for the especially tasty and haggis-enhanced Scozia pizza.
This isn’t the first time I’ve mentioned Dough on the blog. But, I thought the friendly little New Town pizzeria deserved a mention in my Haggis Hunt series. Continue reading













































