Just like the city of Istanbul, Turkey has one foot firmly planted in modern Europe and the other in the ancient Asia. Asia? Yes, the city of Istanbul straddles two continents – Europe and Asia. A visit will combine the mysteries of the East with the modern touch of the West.

Worried about how safe it is to travel in Europe? A few simple precautions will keep you breathing easy during your trip.

Less is more! The Less burdened you are the less vulnerable you will feel when travelling, especially when travelling alone. Start by not bringing so much STUFF with you. Mentally rehearse your trip beginning with how are you going to lug your stuff to the airport.

Who knows what your vacation might include....an earthquake, tsunami or hurricane are all possibilities. But if you pack a few emergency essentials you can then forget about possible disasters and just enjoy your holiday.

Only one weekend in Paris and you're afraid you won't be able to see all the highlights? Don't worry! You will have plenty of time to see the icons of this fabulous city, and still have shoe leather to wear home.

When you think of Portugal, do you think of islands? You should. Portugal has some unique island environments that will amaze you.

Did you know that the poet laureate Tennyson is the second most quoted writer after Shakespeare according to “The Oxford Book of Quotations.” Can’t think of a single line you would credit to Lord Alfred? How about? “Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do or die.”

For centuries religou pilgrims have sought accommodation in convents or monasteries. Today's 21st century traveller sill has that option. Low prices, good food, comfortable beds and quiet settings make staying in a religous guest house an excellent and affordale option for the traveller.

Don’t just sightsee London’s history, spend a night in true historic style at The Langham Hotel. Opened by the Prince of Wales (later, King Edward VII) in 1865, train travel was becoming a fact of life in Europe and the need for a new kind of accommodation was emerging.

One of the first best sellers of the 21st century was Dan Brown’ “The DaVinci Code”, part thriller, part conspiracy and a whole lot of action thinly covered with illusions to religious history, the book has something for almost everyone, including the arm chair traveller and those ready to explore