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Jaillan Yehia

Continents


Weekend Shortcut: 48 Hours In Glasgow For Foodies

Written by Jaillan Yehia

I go to Glasgow for 48 hours. It’s no exaggeration to say that all I do during that time is eat – as well as learn just why Glasgow is an urban paradise for foodies. But judging by the reactions of people who hear about my Glasgow foodie weekend, it seems that generally speaking, expectations […]

Discover Scottish Munro Bagging + WIN A SCOTLAND SCRATCH PRINT

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Think you’ve heard of every travel trend going? Well think again. Because there’s a niche new travel trend for keen walkers and hikers who love exploring north of the border: and it’s called Munro bagging. For the uninitiated, Scotland’s Munros are mini-mountains and high hills (3,000 ft or taller) with amazing views of the lochs […]

My Canada A-Z

Written by Jaillan Yehia

After living in Canada for over 3 years I became endlessly fascinated by the little differences in language and culture I came across – and I finally understood why Brits living in North America seem to develop that strange hybrid speech pattern that’s so easy to ridicule. Living overseas taught me a lot about life but it […]

Skiing In Cortina Vs Skiing In Canada

Written by Jaillan Yehia

This guest post is a real departure – I’ve let my Canadian fiancé get a word in for once – to share his experience of travelling to Europe for the first time since moving to the UK:  a weekend skiing in Cortina. He explains what skiing and snowboarding in the Dolomites feels like from the perspective […]

Calling All Carat Collectors: 3 Diamond Destinations For Geezers & Gals

Written by Jaillan Yehia

They’re a girl’s best friend, they’re forever, and they’re timeless. You find diamonds appearing everywhere in our language as well as our jewellery boxes; they’re ‘in the rough’ as well as on the soles of your shoes. They’re the only precious stones which have had world famous slogans invented about them and to which countless well-known terms […]

4 of The Best Places To Buy Avarcas In Menorca

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Maybe you call them avarcas or abarcas, menorquinas or Menorcan sandals –  or perhaps you didn’t really know this special style of sandal had their own name  – I certainly didn’t before I visited Menorca for the first time. Either way we both know that these shoes are super cute. So when I discovered that the Balearic island of […]

Is 2 Months In Thailand Too Long For A First Time Traveller To Asia?

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Savoir Solves is a new section where I answer readers and friends travel questions and dilemmas. This week the question is from friend and reader Andrea, from Vancouver, Canada, who has booked her first trip to Thailand and is feeling apprehensive. She asks whether 2 months is too long to spend in Thailand. Travel Question About […]

Why Cycling For Your Supper Is Super – My Bicycle Holiday To Provence

Written by Jaillan Yehia

I discover a totally different kind of holiday – one where I burn off calories bicycling by day and tuck into decadent suppers without a worry by night, on a self-guided bicycle holiday in Provence. It’s all about wandering through wine country, meandering down country lanes lined with vines and taking time to taste vintages and […]

Things To Do In Thanet: 10 Reasons To Be A Tourist In East Kent

Written by Jaillan Yehia

As well as writing about travel on this very website, I’m the travel editor of a print magazine published in Thanet, a part of England that’s close to my heart. I often find myself bragging about what I consider to be the best corner of my own country to the people I meet when travelling […]

Which Mexican Resort On The Mayan Riviera Is Right For You?

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Mexico’s Mayan Riviera is the go-to holiday destination for North Americans looking for winter sun. But as a Brit who was unfamiliar with the different resorts in this part of Mexico, I wrote this guide to help other Mexican resort newbies pick a place that’s right for them.

In Photos: Brunei’s Beautiful Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

Written by Jaillan Yehia

On a day trip to the Brunei capital I was wowed by a selection of Bandar Seri Begawan’s highlights, from mosques and floating villages to food markets and museums. But the country’s largest mosque, which was built by the current Sultan was undoubtedly the most impressive thing I saw during my short visit to the tiny […]

Antiques & Ales: A Day Out Near Farnham By Bike

Written by Jaillan Yehia

I recently moved to Farnham, Surrey, a pretty market town less than an hour’s train ride from London. Since the move I’ve been to Egypt, Italy, Menorca, the list goes on, but I’ve not made enough time to explore the area in which I actually live, until now. I decided to get out my trusty […]

Weekend Shortcut: A Weekend Of Culture & Consumerism In Cardiff

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Weekend Shortcuts are complete guides to weekends away, written to help you enjoy a perfect short break without needing to do any additional research.  If a weekend in Wales isn’t for you, gorge yourself on my weekend guide to Devon for foodies or slope off to read Cortina, Italy for non-skiers – or simply scroll down for a in-depth weekend guide […]

Signs Of The Times: 6 Of The Best Cardiff Coffee Shops

Written by Jaillan Yehia

During my recent weekend in Cardiff  – my first ever visit to the Welsh capital – I noticed one thing right off the bat; this city is crazy about quality coffee. This list of 6 seriously good Cardiff coffee shops will help you stay sharp while you shop in the city centre, and the signage […]

My Multicultural London: 5 Ways To Experience London’s Diversity

Written by Jaillan Yehia

I just couldn’t concentrate on anything or anywhere but London this weekend, for obvious reasons. So I decided to write my own little post of defiance, to give the tiniest of glimpses, from own my personal perspective, on why London’s AMAZING multicultural energy won’t change no matter how many times we are the focus of attack by those […]

5 Things You Must Try On Mexico’s Mayan Riviera

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Mexico has a well-deserved reputation as a real beach paradise. While living in Canada I realised that vacations to Cancun are, for Western Canadians, what holidays in Spain are for us Brits. In other words, it’s totally normal to go to Mexico and spend a week (or two) at an All Inclusive Resort eating, drinking and […]

Talk Like An Egyptian – Will Tourism To Egypt Ever Change?

Written by Jaillan Yehia

I have at least 8 stories to write by Monday about my recent travels, including some blog posts on my 2017 trip to Egypt. So, like any good procrastinator I naturally sat down at my desk today to do an entirely unrelated task. I stumbled on a piece I wrote for the travel industry magazine Travel […]

Weekend Shortcut: A Weekend In Cortina, Italy For Skiers & Non Skiers

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Weekend Shortcuts are complete guides to weekends away, written specifically to help you enjoy a perfect mini break without needing to do any additional research. This weekend shortcut tells you EVERYTHING you need to know to plan a perfect weekend in the town they call the Queen of the Dolomites; Cortina d’Ampezzo, in Northern Italy. Despite being best known as […]

Days Out In Surrey: Winkworth Arboretum

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Winter had well and truly arrived in the south of England on the day I went for a snowy walk at Surrey’s Winkworth Arboretum. This 149 acre woodland, set around a lake and boathouse, has around 1000 different species of trees, shrub, plants and flowers, with textbook idyllic views of the surrounding Surrey countryside…

Let Me Tell You About Tel Aviv (especially if you’re vegan)

Written by Jaillan Yehia

This guide to Tel Aviv comes from fellow freelance travel writer Rachel Rigby, who explored the vegan cafes, diamond exchanges and biblical connections of the Tel Aviv area of Israel…

Passing On The Travel Baton In Bali

Written by Jaillan Yehia

There’s bound to be a special place in anyone’s heart for the first exotic holiday location to which they ever travel. While my first foreign holiday was to Greece (in typically British style) my first ever experience of a long haul destination was landing in Denpasar airport, Bali, more years ago than I care to admit […]

Fancy Learning to fly a 737 in Devon?

Written by Jaillan Yehia

I went to Devon for a weekend of cream teas and beach walks. But ever one for adventure when I discovered that the UK’s best flight simulator is right here on the south coast, I set aside a couple of hours to try it out. This is the story of learning to fly a 737 in […]

Weekend Shortcut: A Weekend In Devon For Foodies

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Weekend Shortcuts are posts written to help you put together a perfect weekend away without tearing your hair out during the research phase. This weekend shortcut covers everything you need to know for a food-filled 2- day break in Devon, a truly delightful part of South West England that’s simultaneously easily accessible yet somehow feels unhurried and […]

Christmas Travel: Does Devon Have The UK’s Most Historic Mince Pies?

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Munch on mince pies made with flour dating back to the Domesday Book I travelled to Devon this December to discover the festive history behind the first Christmas card ever designed. But while in the southerly English county, famous for its beautiful beaches and picture postcard villages, I discovered the area has another incredible – […]

Travel To The Home Of The First Christmas Card

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Christmas crackers, the Queen’s speech, mince pies, Boxing Day, Christmas pudding – England has plenty of festive traditions which are regarded with complete puzzlement by the rest of the world. England also has an even bigger Christmas claim to fame – one that is somewhat of a secret. The first Christmas card was invented right here, conceived and designed in the English county of Devon. […]

Find Your Sea Legs With These 4 Marvellous Maritime Museums

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Let’s face it the idea of visiting maritime museums on your travels could make you feel a little bit sea sick. I love all kinds of museums and galleries, and have been to plenty with nautical themes, but while some are leagues ahead of the competition giving a fantastic insight into travel by boat, others make you want […]

Tobago Time: My Memories Of The Happy Island

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Ever since the British winter took hold, I’ve been reminiscing more than ever about my time on the Caribbean Islands. The ultra laid-back – and happiest  – of all the Caribbean islands is Tobago and even thinking about my time there makes me smile. These are my personal highlights of being on Tobago time…

Discerning Traveller’s Guide to Visiting Mallorca In Winter

Written by Jaillan Yehia

As Autumn turns to Winter, it may not be the most popular time to take to the skies for a flight to the Balearic Islands, which are of course better known as summer holiday spots – but for the discerning traveller that very fact makes it perfect. I share a few thoughts on why I think an […]

Going Glamping: A South East Safari At Kent’s Port Lympne

Written by Jaillan Yehia

I’ve been looking forward to writing about my short break safari at Kent’s Port Lympne Reserve ever since I got home. But every time I sit down to tell you about the experience, I end up getting distracted by all my photos of the cute baby rhino, ickle giraffe and all the other animals they have roaming around […]

Tips For Visiting Antigua In Winter

Written by Jaillan Yehia

When the clocks go back and winter draws in, my mind turns to dreams of escape – preferably to a paradise island. Like many Brits, the Caribbean is what I imagine when I think of palm-fringed beaches and the last time I took a winter break to a Caribbean island I chose Antigua. Here are […]

Where To Eat In Valencia: Spain’s Secret Culinary Capital

Written by Jaillan Yehia

When British Airways’ (then called British European Airways) opened it’s first ever route from the UK to Spain back in 1957, the original destination for those pioneering English holidaymakers was none other than the city of Valencia. Fast forward almost 60 years and many Brits have been to Barcelona, mooched around Madrid and conquered the Costas […]

A Short and Sweet Trip To Iceland

Written by Jaillan Yehia

One of my best friends in the world, recently returned from the trip of a lifetime to Iceland. I was lucky enough to hear all her tips and see her amazing Icelandic photos first-hand, so I decided to ask her to share her top 10 highlights from an epic two-week Icelandic roadtrip right here, to […]

In Photos: 30 Reasons To Love Menorca

Written by Jaillan Yehia

I really fell in love with Menorca on my recent trip to the island – so much so that I am seriously considering a repeat trip very soon, and am dreaming about house hunting there because it’s just that gorgeous. So here are 30 reasons to love Menorca – little insights into why you can and should […]

Pretty Ballerinas Make Girls Holidays To Menorca A Shoe-In

Written by Jaillan Yehia

The very first thing I spy after landing in Menorca, and exiting those double-doors that spit you out of security and into your holiday destination, is a tall pink leaflet dispenser advertising Pretty Ballerinas shoes. Of course like any self-respecting girl, the idea of shoe shopping while on holiday – possibly at a discount – […]

10 Cool Things To Do In Menorca Beyond The Beach

Written by Jaillan Yehia

The island of Menorca is sleepier and more tranquil than its big hitting Balearic neighbours, with a reputation for impeccable unspoiled coastlines and eco tourism that’s a world away from the hedonistic holidays associated with Ibiza and Majorca. Best known for beautiful white sandy beaches and Caribbean-worthy coves Menorca is the chosen destination for many nature-loving […]

Everything You Need To Know About The Everglades Alligator Tour

Written by Jaillan Yehia

At number 2 on my top 10 travel lessons to transform your trips is the importance of getting up close with nature and especially wildlife at any (respectful & safe) opportunity. No matter how much I travel absolutely nothing reminds me of how lucky I am to see so much of the world and puts […]

In Photos: Queen Of Fallas For A Day

Written by Jaillan Yehia

This isn’t exactly a news flash, but we girls like getting dressed up. And from the moment I arrived in Valencia I was determined to do one thing (besides eat paella): dress up in the famous Fallas festival costume, and become a Spanish Queen for the day. And here’s another thing about girls; we already think […]

The Rice Is Right: Why Everything You Know About Paella Is Probably Wrong

Written by Jaillan Yehia

It shouldn’t be bright yellow, or fluffy, it isn’t intended for dinner and it’s not supposed to be synonymous with seafood. In fact, technically it’s not even a Spanish dish.  Even though the first food that springs to mind when you think of Spanish cuisine is probably paella, the dish has been bastardised beyond all recognition to a point where […]

Hide Your face With Spanish Lace: The Story Of The Valencia Fan

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Despite the well-documented love affair we Brits have with the Spanish coast, I never went on a family holiday to Spain as a child. Yet one of my most treasured possessions as a little girl was a delicate handheld Spanish lace fan.  So when I was given the opportunity to meet a traditional Valencia fan […]

Diamond *Experts* Are A Girl’s Best Friend: A 7 Step Guide To Diamond Buying

Written by Jaillan Yehia

It’s like a dream come true for a girl to visit not just one but 12 Italian jewellery stores and learn about gem stones, design and precious metals from classically trained Roman jewellers. It’s even more perfect when these happen to be Rome’s best hand-crafted jewellery boutiques, all on the official list of the 28 best shops in Rome. […]

It’s Official: These Are The 28 Best Shops In Rome

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Italy is of course famous for food, but its cities are also celebrated for iconic fashion, classic style and luxurious shopping. So when I was asked to spend a weekend in Italy, meet the 28 best artisans in the Eternal City, and visit the best shops in Rome, it was an invitation I was unlikely to turn down. Here’s what […]

Yogi, Bare: My Week At A Mexican Yoga Retreat

Written by Jaillan Yehia

‘You may well cry in class; lots of people do,’ says Wendy, who will be my yoga teacher for the next 6 days at a Mexican Yoga retreat near Cancun. ‘No I bloody well won’t’ I think to myself, ‘I’m English’. Wendy is the dictionary definition of a Californian goddess, all flowing golden locks, sun-kissed […]

Banyan Tree Mayakoba: The Perfect Place To Stay On The Mayan Riviera

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Mexico’s Riviera Maya isn’t short on publicity for its vacation charms, and the entire Yucatan Peninsula isn’t exactly bereft of 5 Star hotel options.  So chances are if you’re headed to this area of Mexico you already know exactly what you want, and that’s likely to be a luxurious haven of relaxation encompassing the holy holiday trinity of sun, […]

Valentine Hotel Hotlist: 6 Sexy Places To Spend Time With A Special Someone

Written by Jaillan Yehia

A romantic weekend away for Valentine’s Day – sounds like a great idea in principle, right? But as anyone who has tried to book even a simple night away with their partner already knows, the process of finding the perfect hotel for romance isn’t all hearts and flowers. You’re searching for seclusion and sophistication in […]

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Tuscan Wine…But Were Afraid To Cask

Written by Jaillan Yehia

I’ve been asked the same two questions consistently since I began travel writing. Firstly: How do you make money? Secondly: What’s your favourite country? The answer to question 2 is Italy! (question 1 would take more than a single word to answer!). It may be an utter cliche to say that the best things about Italy […]

All I want for Christmas is……To Visit 10 European Christmas Markets

Written by Jaillan Yehia

At the start of winter I usually struggle with the idea of weekends away to colder European countries – ever clinging onto that last bit of winter sun. But that all changes come Christmas when I’m a sucker for short breaks to snowy cities and can’t wait to hit the European Christmas markets to stock […]

5 More Things You Should Know About Iceland

Written by Jaillan Yehia

I recently wrote a post sharing some of my favourite things about Iceland and called, rather unsurprisingly, 5 things you should know about Iceland. But of course in compiling this list I ended up thinking of way more than just 5 things that I really believe all travellers, including you should know about Iceland. So, […]

A Hip Weekend In Houston – 48 Hours In H-Town

Written by Jaillan Yehia

I begin my weekend in Houston like any average tourist, knowing this city has been singled-out by its history of space exploration, is the very definition of a sprawling US metropolis, and that it’s famous for oil and gas. Fast forward 48 hours and I’m wearing my H-Town T-shirt with pride, clutching a NASA fridge magnet and nursing a hangover which underlines […]

Classic Canadian Lake Camping At Weaver Lake BC

Written by Jaillan Yehia

If you’re looking for a scenic yet rustic Canadian camping experience, within a 2 hour drive of downtown Vancouver – and one that doesn’t require a 4×4 to access – this small picturesque lake offering trout fishing, boat rental and hiking near Harrison Mills, is a great option for adventurous locals and holidaymakers alike. Let me tell […]

4 Famous European Places You Can Also Find In Florida

Written by Jaillan Yehia

I’ve been craving a trip to Florida lately – but not simply to visit the more obvious tourist meccas of Orlando, Miami and the beaches. After doing a little bit of research on Florida I discovered a surprising range of options in the Sunshine State for a European like me who is living in North […]

5 Things You Should Know About Iceland

Written by Jaillan Yehia

The first time I visited Iceland I was blown away by the Nordic nation’s mysterious mix of Scandinavian-style scenery spread across a vast canvas of North American proportions. As I plot a return visit, I’m reminded of my favorite things about the utterly unique island nation – here are the top 5 things I think […]

24 Hours In Calgary – A Day Horsing Around Cowtown

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Of all the clothes I own (in case you’re wondering, it’s a lot) those I buy on impulse, in a supermarket-sweep stylee, are the things I end up loving. Maybe it’s the fact that when you’re in a hurry pure instinct takes over, but I’ve shopped for an outfit in 30 minutes in Manila and made better boutique […]

Drive The Entire USA West Coast (& back again) In 3 Minutes

Written by Jaillan Yehia

I’ve been a little quiet on the blog lately – that’s because I’ve been been planning adventures and spending time thinking about a few of my favourite things. Yes, I do love raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens as much as the next girl (unless the next girl is actual Julie Andrews) and while […]

The Travel Tipping Point: Patagonia, Chile

Written by Jaillan Yehia

I am a big believer that 3 is the magic number. The so-called rule of three exists because as humans we are constantly looking for patterns and 3 is the smallest number that can constitute a pattern to our brains. It just so happens that 3 is the killer combination for many things – comedy […]

The Perfect Place To Stay In Sedona: The Amara Resort & Spa

Written by Jaillan Yehia

It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey, right? Well sometimes, wrong. When the destination is Arizona’s famed scenic and sacred red rock panorama, specifically the high class hippy hiking mecca of artsy Sedona, and that final section of your journey is a spine-tingling first glimpse of looming rocks under the cloak of darkness, […]

My Top 4 Stars And Stripes Photos For July 4th

Written by Jaillan Yehia

I usually have my own special reason to celebrate American Independence Day  – just like the famous movie title, my little brother was born on the 4th of July. And while he isn’t American (or even English like me) and is now far from being a little boy, he did turn out to be a […]

10 Tips To Help Cut The Cost Of A Holiday To Canada

Written by Jaillan Yehia

They say the best things in life are free, and that really does go double for the land of the double-double (that’s a Canadian way of ordering coffee to the uninitiated) – but with these money saving tips, you could cut the cost of that Canadian coffee as well as every other aspect of your trip to Canada, in […]

24 Hours In Salt Lake City – A Sinful Saturday In The City of Saints

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Utah’s capital may be best known for the Church of The Latter Day Saints, but this one million-strong metropolis makes an equally suitable city break setting for would-be sinners in search of urban indulgence. From quirky shopping to secret street food, luxury hotels to lattes, it’s time to check-in your preconceptions at the door and […]

My Mayfair Lady – A Local Girl’s Guide To London’s Exclusive Square Mile

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Most people think of Mayfair and imagine upscale hotels, the beautiful boutiques of Dover Street Market and the high-end establishments of Shepherd Market but take it from a local girl, whether you’re more of a Professor Higgins or an Eliza Doolittle you can still find your fun in Mayfair…

not My First Rodeo; 10 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Cloverdale Rodeo

Written by Jaillan Yehia

‘Don’t worry, it’s not my first rodeo‘ replied my friend as I apologised for leaving her alone in the stands while I got a closer look at the horses and the real life cowboys performing in front of me. She almost certainly wasn’t the first person to make that joke at the Cloverdale Rodeo and […]