In the northern parts of Europe, on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager, Copenhagen brings a weekend of coffee, colour, and clouds to every traveller’s exploration of the happiest country in the world. The once ancient Viking village is now undeniably one of the most sophisticated and peaceful yet energetic and cordial parts of Scandinavia without being an overcrowded metropolitan where herds of tourists populate the streets and pollution punctures the air. In fact, the serenity of this capital is what shocked me the most. It is rare to find yourself in a place where there is a perfect balance between human life and the natural world.  But hey, balance…

As the famed modern art collector, Peggy Guggenheim once said: “it is always assumed that Venice is the ideal place for a honeymoon. This is a grave error. To live in Venice or even to visit it means that you fall in love with the city itself. There is nothing left over in your heart for anyone else.“I do not disagree. Venice is a destination of undeniable beauty. However, one thing I loved about visiting the city was leaving it to explore the nearby islands. Murano Island, Burano Island and Torcello are just three of many alluring places that make for a perfect day trip across the stunning Venetian Lagoon.  This…

The chance to escape to the beautiful and historic paradise of Venice and adore its landmarks is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The sinking city is an unending collection of bridges and boats that was once a refuge for Romans fleeing successive invasions, and by the 13th century, the Republic of Venice was the most prosperous settlement in Europe. From today’s perspective, it’s not difficult to see why, and the island’s wealth is more apparent than ever.   Despite the growing fears of global warming that have led to an increase in annual floods, Venice and its landmarks remain a popular travel destination. Many, including me, go in search of peaceful…

Barcelona was everything I imaged while somehow also being nothing I thought it would be. Perhaps my biggest shock was the city’s architecture. Due to the iconic attractions in Barcelona like the famed Sagrada Familia, I pictured a place dominated by dramatic and extravagant buildings, and although this is not far from the truth, as you wander parts of city, you will be met by simple structures that may remind you of Asian cities. Nevertheless, the destination offers everything you would want for a Spanish adventure – a welcoming and delightful place with lively urban beaches, an endless collection of parks, incredible cuisine (hello patatas bravas), vibrant nightlife, and magnificent sacred architecture.…

Whether it be Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty or the many other enchanting fairy tales written by the Grimm Brothers, they were all set in the dense Black Forest of Germany’s Baden-Wurttemberg state. Growing up with these stories, it is no surprise a visit to Baden-Baden and the Black Forest was something I had always wanted to experience. Stuck in time in all the right ways, Baden-Baden is a colourful and welcoming spa town within the Black Forest region, where exquisite architecture blends into a striking setting dominated by mountains and forestry. It is no surprise why a wild imagination graced authors who lived…