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Making connections: tokens of love and devotion, or, Tie a (yellow) ribbon ’round the…

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Looking through some photos from our trip to Syria last year (I was motivated to reminisce after skimming through our just-released Syria and Lebanon guidebook), I came across these ribbons tied to the tomb of an important Islamic figure. If you travel around the Muslim world and visit mosques and shrines, you’ll soon start to … Read more about Making connections: tokens of love and devotion, or, Tie a (yellow) ribbon ’round the…

10 things that annoy us about hotels #5 Apples in vases and other silly design ‘trends’

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We get it. You’re a ‘fresh’ contemporary hotel that has fresh fruit and doesn’t mind wasting it by putting it in vases. All throughout the hotel. Sometimes it looks like they’re there for the guests to enjoy, but most times they just look silly. Apples sitting on pebbles in vases. Apples in marbles in vases. … Read more about 10 things that annoy us about hotels #5 Apples in vases and other silly design ‘trends’

Brilliant minds think alike, or, Why so many guidebooks share the same listings: part 2

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By Lara & Terence*If you’ve just joined us, this continues from the previous post so read this first.So, why would these three places now get glowing reviews in an updated guidebook? What do they have in common? The answer: all of these places do excellent public relations. And when you read the reviews it’s quite … Read more about Brilliant minds think alike, or, Why so many guidebooks share the same listings: part 2

Brilliant minds think alike, or, Why so many guidebooks share the same listings: part 1

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By Terence* and LaraSometimes when you visit a restaurant or stay at a hotel recommended by a guidebook, and it’s either nothing like you expected or you’re wondering what the fuss is about, don’t worry, the problem probably doesn’t lie with you. It’s quite likely the fault of a lazy reviewer. When we recently revisited … Read more about Brilliant minds think alike, or, Why so many guidebooks share the same listings: part 1

The Guardian summer holiday travel writing competition: a lesson in the harsh realities of travel writing

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The Guardian’s travel section is running a Summer Holiday Travel Writing Competition which for its runner-ups will also provide a very real (and for some, painful) introduction to the travel publishing industry and the role of the editor. Readers are asked to submit 500 words about their holiday and what made it special, providing as … Read more about The Guardian summer holiday travel writing competition: a lesson in the harsh realities of travel writing