My new years resolution for 2011 was predictable enough, to travel more. 2010 was difficult to beat, I spent some time traveling to Australia, Fiji, Japan and Madrid. For someone with a full time job to contend with, it wasn't bad going.January - New … [Read more]
The Great Pyramids of Giza, Cairo, Egypt will always be one of the wonders of the world—at least as long as they stick around, which they're likely to do for a good while longer! The one and only "Great Pyramid", also know as the Khufu or Cheops … [Read more]
So, it's that time of year yet again. It seems to come around quicker every time or maybe I'm just increasingly busy these days. I'm leaving London tonight to head home for Christmas in the North West. I'm looking forward to a relaxing Christmas … [Read more]
My first close-call in the Philippines was when I flew into Manila in October of 2010 the very same day as super typhoon Megi, one of the most intense tropical cyclones ever recorded. I’d checked the news daily before catching my flight, and didn’t … [Read more]
Way back in 2006 TravMonkey was born out of a passion for travel and a desire to spill all the knowledge that I had aquired when traveling. In those days the online travel blogging community seemed pretty tiny compared to where we are today, to me it … [Read more]
London, the capital of England is steeped in history and covered in grand architecture. Whilst being renowned for fabulous theatre shows and superb shopping it has much more to offer than just a handful of landmarks. For those that haven't got time … [Read more]
In the winter of 2010 I traveled to Orchha, India, a small village about four hours by train or bus south of the city of Agra (site of the famous Taj Mahal), in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Orchha was founded in 1501 by Rudra Pratap Singh, who became … [Read more]
After making that life altering decision to go long term travelling, my first thought was "How do I tell my Mum?". My second thought was "How do I tell my boss?" and my third thought was "How do I get better at taking photographs?". The first two … [Read more]
After a few days in Cusco enjoying the lively social scene I was ready for some fresh air and exercise. Not really sure what conditions to expect on the Inca Trail I did what all good travellers do, I got myself down to the market and bought some … [Read more]
The small, spiritual village of Rishikesh (population 80,000), in northern India’s Uttarakhand state, sits at the base of the Himalayan mountain range and straddles both banks of the young Ganges River. It is a designated sacred site, the home of … [Read more]
Australia is synonymous with many things; Rolf Harris, red earth, kangaroo burgers, things that can kill you... a lot in fact, but not necessarily art. Oddly enough, despite its short modern history, if there’s something other than BBQs and surfing … [Read more]
Handing me his business card outside Seattle's Showbox venue, Dougie said to me “So, while you're in town, how about we go for a drink?” I'd just haggled him down the price of a ticket to see a band I love, The Foals (a sold out gig) and here he was, … [Read more]