Experienced Travellers Inevitably Go Minimalist
It’s a truism that the more seasoned we are as travellers, the less we carry. And we start to get pretty adamant about it, to the point of proselytizing. We can and do pass this message on until we’re blue in the face, to anyone who will listen. On this site, I’m constantly reminding readers: …
Wheeled Backpacks for Girls: Cute Designs that Will Roll Through the School Year
What are the cutest, funnest backpacks for girls with the convenience of wheels? We’ve put together photos of the designs along with our thoughts on what are the most durable and useful options for middle and high school use (plus one smaller option for younger, elementary-age girls). As we’ve reported on the best rolling backpacks …
Cheap Eurostar Alternatives: Low Cost Tricks for London-Paris & More
When it works, Eurostar can be lovely experience, but of late it’s been awful. With the French train strikes earlier this year and the heat wave shutting down trains this summer, even the Eurostar itself has advised against using their own service at several points. Here then is a quick guide to the alternatives for …
The Most Durable Rolling Backpacks for High School — and Which to Avoid
We’ve taken a thorough look at the rolling backpack options for teens ages 13 and up (and we have a recommendation for elementary-age kids too). Our main goal was to find the most durable and practical option to recommend for middle and high school use, as well as for short overnight trips. We looked at …
All About How Wi-Fi Works on Renfe AVE Trains
A laptop connected to the Wi-FI on an AVE train Yes there is Wi-Fi on most of the Spanish high-speed trains known as AVE. For now, these are the only trains in Spain’s Renfe train network to have Wi-Fi internet. The Wi-Fi is free on these trains; it is included in the ticket price for …
The Experience Onboard Renfe AVE Trains
Spain’s national operator Renfe offers high-speed trains named AVE on routes between a number of major cities. They offer an excellent, comfortable, low-carbon alternative to flying. For example, the Barcelona-Madrid trip on AVE is just 2.5 hours, which makes it faster than flying when you figure in the time for getting to the airport and …
Luggage Restrictions On Trains in France — What to Know Before You Go
If you’re used to travelling by plane and thus conditioned to worry about the size, weight, and contents of your baggage, you’re in for a treat. Luggage restrictions for French trains are generally much more relaxed. The main rule is to not be taking so much that you can’t carry and stow it on your …
Love = Murder? Balkan Romance (and Serbian Grammar!) as Understood in the Song “Ubiću Te”
If you love someone should you kill her? Probably yes, according to one Serbian-language song. Magnifico’s tune “Ubiću Te” is a frenetic ride into romance, and translates as: “I Will Kill You.” On this blog I’ve long suggested that you should all pour yourself a rakija, eat some cupi, and learn some Serbian. But taking …
Rolling Carry-On Backpacks: We Love the Osprey Meridian 60L, But There Are Alternatives
It rolls! But it’s a backpackers’ pack! And it’s also small enough to be a carry-on! This combination of features is what I’ve found absolutely ideal for my nomadism; I’ve travelled constantly with one small rolling backpack or another for the past decade. I have also been updating this article for several years as we …
What Is Ouigo? And Is France’s Budget Train Worth the Ride?
Do you wish your train rides could have the same cramped seating and nickel-and-diming for extras as a low-cost airline? French train operator SNCF supposes you do; and voilà, they give us Ouigo. Ouigo is actually nowhere near as bad as a budget airline, though the experience is a bit more trying than a standard …