Welcome to when in the area, a travel blog sharing hotel reviews, travel stories, and practical tips from my journeys around the world.
Having stayed at more than 40 Hilton properties across Europe, I share first-hand hotel reviews based on my own experiences. As a Hilton Honors Diamond member and a long-time British Airways Executive Club Silver member, I also write about making the most of hotel loyalty programmes, Avios, airport lounges, and elite travel benefits.
Whether you’re looking for your next hotel, planning a holiday, or simply searching for practical travel advice, I hope you’ll find something useful here.
A Little About Me
I’ve loved travelling ever since I was a university student. Over the years, I’ve explored destinations across Europe, China, Southeast Asia, Central America, and many other parts of the world.
When I was a student, I spent 40 days backpacking around Europe with nothing more than a 60-litre rucksack, staying almost exclusively in youth hostels. Since then, my travel style has evolved considerably. Today, I enjoy discovering exceptional hotels, relaxing in airport lounges, and, whenever possible, travelling in business class.
Since moving to London in 2013, I have travelled extensively throughout Europe while working as a landscape architect. My profession has given me a particular interest in historic towns, public spaces, gardens, and the relationship between people and place. Many of my travel stories therefore go beyond sightseeing, exploring the landscapes and cultural backgrounds that shape each destination.
What You’ll Find Here
On this blog, I share:
- Honest hotel reviews, with a particular focus on Hilton properties
- First-hand experiences of hotel loyalty programmes and elite benefits
- Practical travel tips to help you travel more comfortably and get better value
- Travel stories featuring architecture, gardens, local culture, and memorable experiences
Every photograph on this website was taken by me during my own travels. Rather than using stock images, I hope these photos help convey the atmosphere of each destination as it really was.
If my articles inspire you to visit somewhere new, choose a hotel with confidence, or simply travel a little more comfortably, then this blog has achieved its goal.
As a landscape architect, I also hope to encourage readers to look beyond the tourist attractions—to notice the gardens, streets, public spaces, and landscapes that give each destination its own unique character.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future articles, I’d be delighted to hear from you. Questions, comments, or enquiries? Feel free to get in touch here.
