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Cotswold Grange is quintessential Cheltenham. Created from light honeyed Cotswold stone in 1856, for its affluent merchant owner to enjoy its high ceilings and spacious dimensions, the house’s grand facade captured the confident style of the mid-Victorian era. Located within a peaceful conservation area close to Pittville Park, today Cotswold Grange is an independent boutique hotel…
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When I was growing up, I wanted to be an archeologist. I loved history (and still do), and the thought of uncovering temples and tombs in jungles excited me. I used to read books on Greek and Roman history and have discussions with my history teacher, even as young as 13. In short, I was…
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By Joan Torres 361 Comments Last updated on May 14, 2025 Wanna travel to Syria with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Syria on: May 9th to 16th, 2025 This travel guide to Syria was originally written after my first visit in 2018. Since then, it’s…
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New Zealand usually reminds people of heart-pumping adventures, bungee jumping off Queenstown’s bridges, white-water rafting through wild rivers, and hiking wild alpine trails. While yes, these exhilarating experiences portray one aspect of our country, another side of New Zealand exists, one of thoughtful contemplation, cultural immersion, and sensory indulgence that unfolds at a gentler pace.…
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The timing couldn’t have been better. It was the week of the launch of White Lotus Season 3, and the hotel-themed show was filmed on the island of Koh Samui, where we were staying. The atmosphere was electric, as was our anticipation. So off two friends went in search of our own White Lotus experience,…
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Most people aren’t born savvy travelers. It’s something that only comes with on-the-road experience. Travel savviness is a process born of missed buses, foolish behavior, cultural unawareness, and countless tiny errors. Then, one day, you begin to seamlessly move through airports and integrate yourself into new cultures like a fish to water. In the beginning,…
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I’m a big fan of Daily Drop. It’s a points, miles, travel, and credit card newsletter created by my friends, Kara and Nate (they run a big YouTube channel of the same name). Daily Drop keeps you informed about the latest news and information around points & miles, as well as updates across the airline…
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Over the years, we’ve walked many of the Wainwrights — the 214 fells in the Lake District, immortalised by Alfred Wainwright’s meticulously hand-drawn guides. Some are towering peaks such as Scafell Pike (England‘s highest mountain) and Helvellyn, while others, like Troutbeck Tongue, are more unassuming, their magic found in their solitude, their setting, and their…
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By Joan Torres 90 Comments Last updated on April 29, 2025 Wanna travel to Mauritania with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Mauritania: December 23rd to 30th, 2025 How to get a visa, budget & costs, cultural facts, moving around, how to find accommodation, top experiences…
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By Joan Torres Leave a comment Last updated on May 8, 2025 Wanna travel to Russia with Against the Compass? Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Russia on: September 9th to 16th, 2025 (Russian Caucasus) – APPLY NOW Sept 18th to 24th, 2025 (Arctic Russia) – APPLY NOW Today,…