Although Hokkaido’s capital city is a year-round destination, Sapporo in winter is special. For seven days every February, visitors flock to Japan’s fifth-largest city for the Sapporo Snow Festival to witness its transformation into a winter wonderland. I was chuffed to bits to make it there in February 2024 and am excited to share my […]
Lille ticks a lot of the boxes for a rewarding city break. Its Old Town (Vieux Lille) is a glorious confection of 17th-century buildings, cobblestone streets and elegant squares. The city’s exuberant architecture is a testament to its rich history. Your stomach will thank you for its Flemish cuisine and sweet treats. And if that’s […]
Handsome Tournai in the heart of French-speaking Wallonia may be famous for its UNESCO-listed cathedral but is more than a one-trick pony. This under-the-radar town has decent museums and superb historic churches and serves some of the tastiest beer in Belgium (and that’s saying something). It’s an easy and rewarding day trip from Lille or […]
Famous for its medieval cities, moules & frites and yummy chocolate, Belgium draws travellers to destinations like Brussels, Bruges and Ghent. Yet, hidden in plain sight along the North Sea coastline is Ostend (Oostende), a beach town that remains under the radar for many non-Belgians. This is the jewel of West Flanders, a seaside resort […]