TRAVEL DIARIES
My Travel Diaries series will inspire you
Welcome to ThePrivateTraveller.com, where every journey is a tale waiting to be told. Step into a world where adventure knows no bounds and wanderlust guides the way. In our travel diaries, we invite you to join us on an immersive exploration of the globe's most enchanting destinations, where each page unfolds a new chapter of discovery, culture, and awe-inspiring experiences.
Find your travel inspiration with my Travel Diaries!
Embark with us on a voyage beyond the ordinary, as we share our personal odysseys and insider insights, igniting your passion for exploration and inspiring your next unforgettable adventure.
Cilantro Restaurant Review: Authentic Indian and Bangladeshi Cuisine on Edinburgh’s Leith Walk
Nestled on Leith Walk, Cilantro is a delightful restaurant serving authentic Indian and Bangladeshi dishes just minutes from the St. James Quarter. Despite its modest exterior, this cosy eatery stands out for its incredible menu, quality ingredients, and welcoming atmosphere. Here's why it’s worth your visit.
Mahe Highlights: A Day Trip Through Seychelles Largest Island
While Seychelles is known for its world-famous beaches, Mahé offers so much more beyond the coastline. From the bustling capital of Victoria to the panoramic views from Mission Lodge and the rich botanical treasures, a day trip reveals the island’s hidden gems of culture, history, and nature.
Discover The Radhuni: A Hidden Gem Indian Restaurant Near Edinburgh
Located just a 25-minute drive from Edinburgh, The Radhuni in Loanhead is a true hidden gem for lovers of authentic Indian cuisine. As a finalist in the Scotsman’s Scran Awards, this restaurant offers a vibrant ambiance, an extensive menu with delectable vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and exceptional service. From the flavorful Dhal Puri to the rich Malayan Chicken, every dish is a celebration of Indian culinary traditions. Whether you're looking for a cozy meal for two or a group dining experience, The Radhuni promises an unforgettable journey of flavors. Don't miss the chance to discover this award-winning spot!
Exploring Zanzibar: Unveiling the Top 7 Adventures in Paradise.
As the sun-drenched shores of Zanzibar welcome travellers with their pristine white sands and turquoise waters, this exotic archipelago nestled in the Indian Ocean whispers tales of ancient cultures and tantalising adventures.
Who is Otis Dublin - Flight Attendant and Social Media Content Creator.
I first noticed Otis’ Instagram account (@otis.dublin) in a post by the legend that is Captain Chris (@CaptainChris) back in September 2020, aptly titled ‘Instagram Bromance’ - they both work for Virgin Atlantic.
Exploring Oasis: Unveiling Palm Springs and Modernism Week
I’ve been a huge fan of Palm Springs from my very first visit which must now be at least fifteen years ago. I’ve been back a few times since and have loved every visit, regardless of what time of year it is. In 2020, we were so lucky to visit during Modernism Week, just really before the world started closing down due to the Covid pandemic.
Embark on an Exotic Journey: Unveiling Seychelles Through the Lens of The Private Traveller
Being a big fan of holidays to the Seychelles, I was really delighted to see that as of March 25 (2021) they will reopen to every other country, except South Africa.
The Interview with Virgin Atlantic’s Captain Chris - The Life of a Pilot during Covid Times
Captain Chris Pohl is a Senior Captain with Virgin Atlantic, and is responsible for training other pilots on the Airbus A350 aircraft (a long-range, wide-body equivalent to Boeing’s Dreamliner). He qualified at the age of 19 in Australia and started working for Virgin in 1993 but had moved to the UK earlier (in 1990) following an Australia-wide industrial dispute.
Journeying Through Uncertainty: Long-Haul Travel Tales in the Era of Covid
Travel has obviously been severely restricted since March 2020 with Covid lockdowns/travel bans, but as well as some local trips we also managed to get away (short-haul) to Croatia in August.
Indulge at Gleneagles: Exploring the Culinary Charms of Restaurant Andrew Fairlie and Beyond
Having meant to have spent the week at Le Sirenuse in Positano Italy but due to Covid restrictions applied late on we had to cancel, we decided at short notice to book a few nights at The Gleneagles Hotel near Auchterarder followed by The Fife Arms in Braemar.
Adventures in the Adriatic: Exploring Croatia's Finest Hotels with Leading Hotels of the World
Having had a number of trips cancelled during the lockdown period and not wanting to (yet) book anything further afield or too far in advance, I opted to book 8 nights in Croatia split equally between Dubrovnik and Hvar, with a night en-route at the Sofitel London Heathrow.
Roaming the Skies: Exploring the New Flying Regime Post-Covid
The last international flight we took was back in February, returning from LAX having visited Palm Springs and Las Vegas. March through July seemed to have passed in a blur, and here we are in August returning to the skies but with a very different service.
Horizn Luggage Chronicles: A Private Traveller's Insight and Honest Review
I’m a huge luggage fan, well to be honest - a fan of anything associated with travel. I already have some Tumi and Rimowa pieces and love those brands, but the check-in cases we had were really too bulky for our first post-lockdown trip to Croatia, where we would travel on a high-speed ferry between Dubrovnik & Hvar and needed a case that would be easily manoeuvred on and off a ferry.
Hidden Gems: Japan - An Insider's Alternative Top 10 Travel Picks
I’ve been to Japan twice now and loved both trips - there are so many things to do, see and experience with amazing, wonderful people. Other than the people, the sites and the incredible punctuality here are just some of my alternative top 10 reasons to visit.
Vienna Unveiled: A 72-Hour Journey Through Austria's Imperial Jewel
On our first day I had booked tickets to go and visit Schönbrunn Palace (https://www.schoenbrunn.at/en/), this was located about a 20 minute drive from our hotel, Hotel Sacher Wien. I
Empower Your Wanderlust: Mastering Independent Travel - A Comprehensive Guide
Lots of people often ask me how (1) I can book everything myself and (2) am I not conferenced about not booking through a travel agent? The answers to (1) is simple - the internet, and the answer to (2) is no, I’m not concerned at all and I would much rather be master to my own destiny.
Skyward Sojourns: Chronicles from the Business Class of Cable Car Adventures
Sugarloaf Mountain is a peak situated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the mouth of Guanabara Bay on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Rising 396 m above the harbour, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar.
Exploring the Uncharted: Madagascar Chronicles - Part One: Journeying to the Jewel of the Indian Ocean
Highlights of a recent trip to the wonderfully unique island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.
Enchanting Escapades: Chronicles from Magical Madagascar
Amazing landscapes and unique wildlife on the 4th largest island in the world.