Bonnievale: A Quiet Corner of the Cape Winelands
The small town of Bonnievale sits at the gentle heart of the Breede River wine country, famous for wine, cheese, and river sc...
28 May 2026
Private pilot & seasoned traveller
George
George has explored more than fifty countries and made his home in cities from Dubai and Suzhou to Mexico City and Tbilisi. A private pilot with a background in technology, he shares first-hand accounts of his own travels: the logistics that actually matter, honest verdicts, and the detours worth taking. He has a particular soft spot for Latin America, mountain adventures, and getting around overland by road and rail.
Stories by George
72 stories 
Should Srebrenica Be on Your Bosnia Itinerary?
Srebrenica is a place of mourning, not sightseeing. Here's a thoughtful look at whether, and how, to include the Potočari Gen...
19 May 2026
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth): Is the Friendly City Worth Visiting?
Long known as Port Elizabeth, Gqeberha is the gateway to Addo and the Eastern Cape. But is the Friendly City worth a stop its...
31 Mar 2026
Is São Paulo Worth Visiting Beyond a Layover?
Many travellers only pass through São Paulo on the way somewhere else. Is Brazil's sprawling megacity worth stopping properly...
17 Mar 2026
Worcester: Gateway to the Breede River Valley
An hour from Cape Town over a dramatic pass, Worcester opens up the Breede River Valley wine country and a unique Karoo botan...
03 Feb 2026
Is Podgorica Worth Stopping For?
Montenegro's capital gets a reputation as dull and skippable. Is Podgorica really worth any of your time, or should you head ...
20 Jan 2026
Still Bay: South Africa's Quiet Beach Escape
Just off the Garden Route, Still Bay (Stilbaai) offers Blue Flag beaches, ancient tidal fish traps, tame eels, and a genuinel...
06 Jan 2026
Swellendam: One of South Africa's Oldest Towns
Halfway between Cape Town and the Garden Route, historic Swellendam offers Cape Dutch charm, the Drostdy Museum, and mountain...
25 Nov 2025
Ostriches and Caves: The Quirky Side of Oudtshoorn
Inland from the Garden Route, Oudtshoorn pairs ostrich farms with the vast Cango Caves. Here's why the Klein Karoo's ostrich ...
30 Sep 2025
Is Miami Really All Beaches and Nightlife?
Miami's reputation is South Beach sun and late-night clubs, but there's a deeper, more cultural city behind the cliché. Here'...
16 Sep 2025
Is Windhoek Worth a Stop on Your Namibia Trip?
Most Namibia trips pass through Windhoek, but is the capital worth more than a night? Here's an honest look at the sights, fo...
05 Aug 2025
When Should You Actually Climb Table Mountain?
Table Mountain is Cape Town's must-do, but its famous tablecloth cloud can close it without warning. Here's the best time to ...
15 Jul 2025
Crossing the Storms River Suspension Bridge in Tsitsikamma
The suspension bridge over the Storms River Mouth is one of the Garden Route's signature walks. Here's what to expect, the tr...
24 Jun 2025
Is Key Largo Really the Diving Capital of the World?
Key Largo bills itself as the Diving Capital of the World. Does the first of the Florida Keys live up to the boast? Here's wh...
20 May 2025
Mossel Bay: Where the Garden Route Begins
Often passed through, Mossel Bay marks the start of the Garden Route and hides Blue Flag beaches, seafaring history, whales, ...
08 Apr 2025
Can You Really Go on Safari Inside Nairobi?
Nairobi is the only capital on Earth with a national park on its doorstep. Can you really see lions and rhinos against a city...
18 Mar 2025
The Quiver Tree Forest: Namibia's Strangest Woodland
The Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop is one of Namibia's most surreal sights. Here's what to see, when to go, and how to ...
11 Feb 2025
Is Ankara Worth Visiting if You've Seen Istanbul?
Istanbul steals all the attention, so does Turkey's capital deserve a stop of its own? Here's the honest case for and against...
21 Jan 2025
Jacaranda Season: When Pretoria Turns Purple
For a few weeks each spring, Pretoria's tens of thousands of jacaranda trees erupt into purple bloom. Here's when jacaranda s...
10 Dec 2024
Chessy: The Gateway to Disneyland Paris
The small town of Chessy, east of Paris, is the home of Disneyland Paris. Here's what to know about visiting the parks, getti...
26 Nov 2024
Arlington, Virginia: The Quiet Side of Washington DC
Just across the river from the capital, Arlington offers the monuments and museums of DC with a calmer, cheaper place to stay...
12 Nov 2024
Is Sofia the Most Underrated Capital in Europe?
Cheap, historic, and backed by a mountain, Bulgaria's Sofia flies under the radar. Is it Europe's most underrated capital? He...
15 Oct 2024
Where to See Flamingos at Walvis Bay, Namibia
The lagoon at Walvis Bay draws thousands of flamingos to Namibia's coast. Here's where and when to see them, plus Pelican Poi...
28 Sep 2024
Discover the Best Beaches in Huatulco, Mexico
Discover Huatulco's stunning beaches, from serene hideaways to lively spots for water sports. Find your perfect escape on Mex...
11 Sep 2024
Why Wilderness Might Be the Prettiest Stop on the Garden Route
With its long beach, tranquil lagoons, and forested hills, Wilderness is a Garden Route gem. Here's what to do, from canoeing...
27 Aug 2024
Why Does Austin Call Itself Weird?
The Keep Austin Weird slogan is on the T-shirts and bumper stickers. Where did the Texas capital's famous phrase come from, a...
13 Aug 2024
Top Ways to Travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 2024
Discover top travel options for Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 2024, from budget buses and taxis to luxury helicopter rides. Explore m...
04 Jul 2024
Climbing the Dunes at Sossusvlei: What It's Really Like
Climbing the dunes at Sossusvlei is Namibia's signature experience. Here's what it's really like, when to go, and how to tack...
26 Jun 2024
Best Places to Stay in Bogota
Discover Bogotá's top neighborhoods, from historic La Candelaria to upscale Zona Rosa. Find the best hotels for every budget ...
05 Jun 2024
Fort Lauderdale or Miami: Which Should You Choose?
Two South Florida beach cities, half an hour apart, with very different vibes. Here's how Fort Lauderdale and Miami compare s...
21 May 2024
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá: Colombia's Underground Wonder
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is a church carved 180 metres inside a salt mine near Bogotá. Here's its history, how to visi...
07 May 2024
Top Tbilisi Nightlife: Best Bars and Clubs to Visit
Experience Tbilisi's dynamic nightlife - explore historic bars, world-class clubs like Bassiani, and hidden gems. Discover to...
18 Apr 2024
Is Suzhou Worth a Day Trip From Shanghai?
Suzhou's gardens and canals are just half an hour from Shanghai by high-speed train. Is the classical garden city worth a day...
19 Mar 2024
Whale Watching in Hermanus: Best Time, Spots and Tips
Whale watching in Hermanus is among the best on Earth. Here's the best time to go, the top spots along the Cliff Path, which ...
05 Mar 2024
Zermatt: The Car-Free Village Beneath the Matterhorn
Zermatt is a car-free Swiss village beneath the Matterhorn, with world-class skiing and the Gornergrat railway. Here's what t...
27 Feb 2024
Good Places to Stay in Istanbul: Top Neighborhoods and Hotels
Experience Tbilisi's dynamic nightlife - explore historic bars, world-class clubs like Bassiani, and hidden gems. Discover to...
19 Feb 2024
Nanshan Ski Resort: The Easiest Ski Day Trip From Beijing
Nanshan Ski Resort is the most popular ski day trip from Beijing, with slopes for every level, night skiing, and a big terrai...
30 Jan 2024
Gudauri vs Bakuriani: Which Georgian Ski Resort Is for You?
Georgia's two main ski resorts suit very different travellers. Here's how Gudauri and Bakuriani compare on terrain, atmospher...
16 Jan 2024
Is Gudauri the Best-Value Ski Trip in Europe?
Georgia's Gudauri offers big-mountain skiing at a fraction of Alpine prices. Is it really the best-value ski trip going? Here...
12 Dec 2023
Is Geneva Worth Visiting (and Is It Really That Expensive)?
Geneva has a reputation as expensive and a little dull. Is Geneva worth visiting? Here's an honest look at the Jet d'Eau, the...
05 Dec 2023
Top Tips for Navigating Yerevan Transport
Navigate Yerevan transport with ease! Discover buses, metro, trolleybuses, and taxis. Get fare tips, plan your journey, and e...
17 Nov 2023
Is George a Good Base for the Garden Route?
George sits in the middle of the Garden Route with its main airport and easy access to the coast. But is it the right base? H...
24 Oct 2023
Why Belgrade Has Such a Wild Nightlife Reputation
Belgrade is famous across Europe as a party city, thanks in part to its floating river clubs. Where does the reputation come ...
10 Oct 2023
3 Days in Mexico City: Your Ultimate Itinerary for an Unforgettable Trip
Explore Mexico City in 3 days with our ultimate itinerary. Discover top sights, cuisine, cultural gems, and great neighborhoo...
22 Sep 2023
Chasing the Namaqualand Flowers in Springbok
For a few weeks each spring, the semi-desert around Springbok explodes into wildflowers. Here's how to time and enjoy Namaqua...
29 Aug 2023 Is Zipolite Still Mexico's Most Laid-Back Beach?
Zipolite built its name as Mexico's original free-spirited, clothing-optional beach. As word spreads, does it still live up t...
15 Aug 2023
Discover the Safest Cities in Colombia for Your Next Adventure
Discover Colombia's safest cities for travel, from colorful Cartagena to scenic Salento. Enjoy vibrant culture, stunning natu...
25 Jul 2023
Durham, North Carolina: More Than Just Duke University
Durham is known for Duke, but the former tobacco town has reinvented itself with food, art, baseball, and history. Here's the...
27 Jun 2023
Has Porto Montenegro Changed Tivat for the Better?
A superyacht marina turned sleepy Tivat into the Bay of Kotor's most glamorous town. Has the transformation improved it, or s...
13 Jun 2023
Balkan Road Trip - Exploring Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Serbia
Embark on an unforgettable Balkan road trip through Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, and Serbia. Explore captivating history, stu...
18 May 2023
How to See Venice Without the Crowds
Venice is magical but famously crowded. Here's how to see the Grand Canal, St Mark's, and the floating city at its best, by t...
25 Apr 2023
Why Swakopmund Feels Like a Slice of Germany in the Desert
Swakopmund is a surreal pocket of German colonial architecture between the Namib dunes and the Atlantic. Here's its history, ...
11 Apr 2023
Is a Doha Layover Long Enough to Leave the Airport?
Stuck with a connection in Doha? Here's how much time you really need to leave the airport, see the city by metro, and get ba...
21 Mar 2023
Panama City: Where the Canal Meets the Skyline
Panama City pairs a glittering skyline with a world-famous canal and a colonial old town. Here's what to see in the Panamania...
28 Feb 2023
Why Houston Might Have America's Best Food Scene
Forget the barbecue clichés. Houston's extraordinary diversity has made it one of the most exciting places to eat in the Unit...
14 Feb 2023
Itinerary for a Week in Tbilisi
Discover the enchanting allure of Tbilisi, Georgia. Explore historic streets, indulge in culinary delights, and immerse yours...
15 Jan 2023
Why Sarajevo Feels Like Two Cities in One
In a single street, Sarajevo shifts from an Ottoman bazaar to Austro-Hungarian Europe. Here's the story behind the line where...
08 Dec 2022
Itinerary for a Week in Tirana
Tirana, Albania - A captivating blend of history and modernity. From Skanderbeg Square to vibrant markets, immerse yourself i...
06 Nov 2022
Is Milan Worth Visiting, or Just for Fashion and Football?
Milan gets a reputation as Italy's business and fashion city rather than a tourist stop. Is Milan worth visiting? Here's an h...
25 Oct 2022
Shkodër: Albania's Laid-Back Lakeside City
Often skipped for the coast, Shkodër is one of Albania's most rewarding cities, with a lake, a hilltop castle, a bike-friendl...
18 Oct 2022
Shanghai's Bund: Better by Day or by Night?
The Bund is Shanghai's must-see waterfront, but should you visit by day or after dark? Each has its own appeal. Here's how to...
27 Sep 2022 Is Kotor Worth It When the Cruise Ships Are In?
Kotor is stunning, but cruise ships can flood its tiny old town. Is it still worth visiting, and how do you dodge the crush? ...
16 Aug 2022
Kolmanskop and Lüderitz: Namibia's Desert Ghost-Town Coast
On Namibia's remote coast, Lüderitz mixes German colonial charm with Kolmanskop, a diamond ghost town being swallowed by sand...
19 Jul 2022
Is the New York Subway as Confusing as It Looks?
First-time visitors dread the New York subway. Is it really that hard to figure out, or does it click faster than you'd expec...
22 Jun 2022
How Many Days Do You Need in Paris?
Wondering how many days you need in Paris? Here's an honest breakdown of what you can see in one, three, or four days, and ho...
08 Jun 2022
Is Raleigh Worth Visiting? The Case for North Carolina's Capital
Raleigh rarely tops travel lists, but North Carolina's capital has a quiet appeal, free museums, great food, and green street...
30 May 2022
Can Women Drive in Dubai: What You Need to Know
Yes, women can drive in Dubai without restrictions since 2018. Learn about legal requirements, safety tips, and job opportuni...
18 May 2022
Is Singapore's Hawker Food Really Worth the Hype?
Singapore's hawker centres get endless praise. Are the open-air food courts actually that good, or is it just marketing? An h...
20 Apr 2022
Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch: What First-Timers Should Know
Stellenbosch is the heart of South Africa's wine country. Here's what first-timers should know before a day of tasting, from ...
29 Mar 2022
The Case for Skipping the Tube in London
The Underground is the fast way across London, but it hides the city from you. Here's why walking and riding the red buses ca...
12 Mar 2022
Do You Need a Satellite Phone in Namibia? A Self-Driver's Guide
Do you need a satellite phone in Namibia? After being stranded in the Namib Desert with no signal, here's an honest look at c...
05 Feb 2022
How Many Days Do You Need in Beijing?
Beijing is huge and its sights are spread out. Here's an honest look at how many days you really need to do the Great Wall, F...
25 Jan 2022