Jakarta is the busy and bustling capital city of Indonesia and home to more than 11 million people. From business travellers looking for a luxury base to leisure travellers seeking a luxurious escape while in town, the choice of five-star hotels can feel overwhelming, with all the major global brands represented across the city. We…

In the heart of one of the most beautiful natural pearls of Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes National Park, lies the Black River Steak & Pasta House restaurant – a place that combines top-notch gastronomy, modern design and a unique natural setting. Whether you are a passionate gourmet, a nature lover or a traveler in search…

Paris is filled with famous attractions: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles, the catacombs, the Pantheon, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre-Coeur. The list goes on. There are so many amazing sites here that you could spend days (heck, even weeks) just seeing the main, most well-known ones. But there’s more to Paris than the sites…

By Joan Torres Leave a comment Last updated on May 30, 2025 The Nenets are an Indigenous people of Arctic Russia, renowned for their nomadic lifestyle and deep connection to reindeer herding in the remote, unforgiving tundra of northern Siberia, in a region named Yamalia. Despite their isolation, it is now possible for travelers to…

If you’ve ever dreamed of flying for (almost) free, upgrading your Economy seats to the much fancier, Business Class, or treating yourself to a luxurious getaway without blowing your budget, learning how to collect Avios points is your ticket there — literally.  Avios is the rewards currency of the British Airways Club (and other airline…

By Joan Torres Leave a comment Last updated on May 29, 2025 South Ossetia is a breakaway republic that declared independence from Georgia in 2008. However, it has only been recognized as an independent country by a handful of states—Russia, Venezuela, Vanuatu, Nicaragua, and Syria—making it one of those “ghost countries” that exist in a…

Stepping out of the shadows of its giant neighbors – Brazil and Argentina – Uruguay is now where it rightly belongs – in the spotlight. This previously undiscovered South American gem is dripping in culture, wine, gaucho life, beaches, and much more. All this crammed into one tiny nation makes Uruguay both easy and fascinating…

Advertiser Disclosure Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. The Platinum Card® from American Express is the OG of premium travel cards. Since its launch in the 1980s, it’s always been known for its exclusivity, suite of perks,…

By Joan Torres 125 Comments Last updated on May 26, 2025 Wanna travel to Pakistan with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Pakistan: September 14th to 27th, 2025 If you ever decide to travel to Pakistan, I promise you that you will have the adventure of…

With over 2,500 listed buildings, Cheltenham’s eye-catching architectural heritage, provides an immaculately preserved tribute to Regency elegance, drawing visitors from afar.  King George lll’s interest in Cheltenham’s warm spa waters alleged medicinal benefits prompted a rush of visitors to Cheltenham, raising the town’s status and making it a haven for the affluent.  Neo-classical splendour, fluted…