Author: Shared Suitcase
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El Laurel Café and Taberna, Granada, Andalucia
El Laurel Café and Taberna in Granada falls short, plain and simple. Spain is known for its exceptional food and particularly for its ingredients. This place stands in stark contrast to that reputation. The service, to be fair, was the one redeeming aspect. Our waitress, the only staff member that seemed to be working on this Saturday was clearly overwhelmed but did her best to manage the situation with professionalism. Unfortunately, no amount of good service can salvage subpar food.…
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Prague Astronomical Clock: Timeless Old Town Treasure
The Prague Astronomical Clock (or Prague Orloj) is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, drawing crowds from all over the world to the city’s Old Town Hall every hour. It’s a masterpiece of medieval engineering—a blend of timekeeping, astronomy, and art. If you’re in Prague, standing in the Old Town Square to watch the hourly show is a quintessential experience. Here we look at the clock’s history, and how it works, in a bit more detail. Brief…
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St. Vitus Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece at the Heart of Prague Castle
St. Vitus Cathedral is undoubtedly one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks, and it stands as the crowning jewel of the Prague Castle complex. It’s visible from pretty much anywhere in the city and is quite handy as an orientating point! With its soaring spires, intricate carvings, and breathtaking stained-glass windows, it’s not just a place of worship, but a story of some of the Czech Republic’s and Bohemia’s rich history, artistry, and architecture. Apparently there’s been atleast three distinct buildings…
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Venice in 3 Days: Iconic Sights and Local Secrets
There are few places in the world as unique and enchanting as Venice. After 10 days of traveling across Italy, we spent three unforgettable nights in this romantic city, which was every bit as magical as we’d imagined, even if a bit soggy at times. From our stunning canalside balcony at My Rialto Palace to the peaceful respite at Ca Tessera Venice Airport, Venice offered the perfect blend of exploration, culture, and relaxation. Where We Stayed: My Rialto Palace and…
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How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Your Trip in 10 Tips
Travel insurance is one of those things people often overlook until it’s too late. We’ve been lucky, but have heard stories from friends, and from Kirsty’s time working for a travel company, which put the relatively small cost of insurance in to perspective. This isn’t financial advice and you need to look at your own circumstances. But with that said, here’s how we go about choosing the best travel insurance for our trips – hopefully this at the very least…
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How to Avoid Illness Abroad: 8 Tips For Staying Healthy
Staying healthy on the road isn’t always easy, especially when you’re in unfamiliar places with different foods, climates, and hygiene standards. We’ve had a few run-ins with travel sickness, so here’s how we try and stay healthy while travelling. 1. Stay Hydrated It sounds simple, but staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy while travelling. Airplane cabins, hot climates, changes in routine and simply being busy enjoying yourself can all lead to…
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Prague Old Town Hall Tour: 4 Amazing Reasons Not To Miss It
When wandering through the cobbled streets of Prague’s Old Town, it’s hard to miss the striking Old Town Hall—a historical gem that has stood in the heart of the city since the 14th century. While the hall itself is a beautiful blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture, what truly makes it an unforgettable experience is the chance to go beneath the surface, quite literally, with a guide tour that reveals the hidden history of Prague’s past as part of Prague…
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Review: Fenix Greek Restaurant, Amazing Aesthetic in Manchester
Really fantastic setting and service (Chelsey was our main contact and was awesome) with food to complement, from the guys behind Tattu (which is also worth a visit), writes Elliot. First things first and to get it out of the way, I’ve had better food. If you’re absolutely looking for Michelin Star food, go and find somewhere with a Michelin Star. The food is good here and very nice, but it’s a whole package deal and the aesthetic provides a…
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One Day in Verona: Romance, History, and Hidden Gems
Verona wasn’t originally high on our list – we were basically looking for somewhere to spend a day between Bologna and Venice as part of our 10 night Italian train trip. But, after spending a day here, we wished we had more time. It’s a city that blends ancient history with charming streets, offering everything from Roman ruins to scenic hilltop views and fantastic food (Amarone Risotto!). Though often overshadowed by Venice or Milan, Verona has a lot to offer—so…
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Wake Up to Giraffes: Chester Zoo’s New Luxury Lodges Look Incredible
Chester Zoo’s new luxury lodges look amazing. We’re not even being paid to write this! The Reserve is a brand-new safari-style lodge experience set to open in August 2025. The recently revealed artist’s impressions showcase an incredible African-inspired getaway, offering guests the chance to stay right next to some of the zoo’s most iconic animals. It’s safe to say we’re intrigued – here’s why this looks like an unforgettable staycation. A Unique Wildlife Experience in the UK There’s probably nothing…
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How to Keep Your Devices Charged While Travelling in 7 Tips
How to keep your devices charged while travelling is a perrenial question – certainly in the more modern era (which is a bit sad actually!) Whether you’re navigating new cities, planning your way round, showing boarding passes, snapping photos, or simply keeping in touch with loved ones, staying charged can be essential when you’re traveling. We’ve all been there – staring at a phone with 5% battery left and knowing you’ve got your boarding pass in your digital wallet for…
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Zika Virus, Travel and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know Before Travelling in 10 Steps
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you may or may not have heard about the Zika virus and its potential risks. FYI Kirsty had, Elliot hadn’t – so it was a bit of a shock when we had to alter our plans to account for it! Zika has been a major concern for travellers to certain parts of the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. As frequent travellers ourselves, we wanted to share what we know about…
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The Clam-Gallas Palace: Prague’s Amazing Baroque Hidden Gem
Tucked away in the heart of Prague, the Clam-Gallas Palace (Klam-Gallasovský palác) is one of the city’s quietest and most underrated attractions. During our visit, we were the only ones there, which was a refreshing change from the usual crowds of tourists flocking to the major sights. And trust me, this hidden gem is one that deserves much more attention. A Brief History of the Clam-Gallas Palace The palace had existed for many years before it was brought together through…
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Pisa Unveiled: Secrets, Sights, and So Much More Than the Tower
Pisa might be most famous for its Leaning Tower, but it’s far more than just a one-sight city. During our short visit, we found a vibrant and historic place with much more to offer than we’d expected. Our short but sweet visit, following a flight from Manchester, provided us with an unforgettable glimpse into the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. While we didn’t have much time to explore, there’s plenty to share from our whirlwind trip. Where…
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Florence Hotel: Casual Rinascimento Firenze
We had a fantastic stay at the Casual Rinascimento Firenze. The location is really hard to beat—it’s just a short walk to both the main square and the Uffizi, so you’re right in the heart of Florence but still tucked away in a quieter spot. It made sightseeing so easy, and it was great to be able to pop back to the hotel in minutes whenever we needed a break. The area around Casual Rinascimento Firenze felt really safe, even…
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Bologna’s Sanctuary San Luca: Is It Worth It?
If you’re wandering the streets of Bologna, you may notice the Sanctuary of St. Luke (Santuario di San Luca) sitting majestically atop the hill. With its stunning views, rich history, and the grand Portico di San Luca, the sanctuary is more than just a religious site—it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Bologna. Our visit to San Luca was a surprisingly worthwhile experience, which showed us more of the city and rewarded us with some great views! If you’re planning a…
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Basilica of San Petronio – Massive Masterpiece in Bologna
When you step into Bologna’s vibrant Piazza Maggiore, the towering Basilica of San Petronio immediately demands your attention. Its massive scale and intricate design make it one of the most impressive churches in Italy, apparently among the ten largest in the world and largest brick gothic church (however, we felt it feels smaller and less imposing than the Duomo in Florence!). But San Petronio isn’t just about its size—it’s a treasure trove of history, art, and unique features that make…
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Bologna: Discover Italy’s Beautiful, Delectable City For The Soul
Bologna—often overshadowed by the likes of Rome and Florence—turned out to be a truly delightful surprise during our recent Italian road trip. Nestled in the heart of Italy, Bologna feels like a city that hasn’t been overly polished for tourists. It has a welcoming, authentic charm, with layers of history, art, and food that completely captivated us during our short stay. Where We Stayed: Urbanicooh Azzoguidi – Torre Asinelli View We couldn’t have asked for a better location than the…
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How To Travel to Other EU Countries Once in the EU – 6 Tips
If you’ve ever traveled within Europe, you know that one of the biggest perks of being in the European Union (EU) is the ease with which you can hop from one country to another. For example, we’ve done several fun day trips, like traveling from Budapest to Vienna, and it’s always been an absolute breeze. But the question is: Once you’re in one EU country, can you freely travel to others? The short answer is yes—you generally can! We outline…
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Budapest: Secrets, Shadows, and the Spirit of the Danube
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a city where history, architecture, and vibrant modern life come together beautifully. We visited in November, when the crisp autumn air set the stage for a winter wonderland filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of the festive season. The Christmas markets were out in full force, offering mulled wine, chimney cake, artisanal crafts, and plenty of holiday cheer. Our stay at the Hotel Prestige, a brilliant boutique hotel right in the heart of…
