Author: Michael Regan
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Our life in Sichuan: from the everyday to the extraordinary
We spent an academic year in Sichuan, experiencing the highs and lows of everyday life in China while exploring Chengdu and its extraordinary surroundings – from parks and panda reserves to mountains and ancient towns.
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A whistle-stop tour of Almaty, Kazakhstan
Discover Almaty, Kazakhstan, on a three-day stopover: from bustling bazaars and Soviet architecture to mountain lakes, gorges, and hills.
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What to avoid when visiting Valencia – and what to do instead
In this local’s guide, I provide recommendations on what to avoid in Valencia – and what to do instead – to maximise your visit while minimising your visitor footprint.
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A day trip to Australia’s Blue Mountains
Just two hours west of central Sydney by train, Australia’s Blue Mountains are a vast expanse of rugged rock, dense forest, and towering waterfalls.
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Three days in Tasmania: a whirlwind tour of Hobart and Maria Island
Tasmania’s capital city often serves as a basecamp for visitors spending a week or more touring the Australian island state. Yet even a short visit to Hobart and its surroundings can provide a rewarding holiday experience – particularly for lovers of nature and wildlife.
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Three Southeast Asian cities I can’t get enough of
Southeast Asia has something for every kind of tourist – from the most casual to the most intrepid. While I’ve previously ranked my favourite smaller destinations in the region, in this article, I discuss the three Southeast Asian cities I’ll simply never get bored of…
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Kuala Lumpur: a city of contrasting cultures
Situated at the coastal midpoint of Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is an international metropolis whose multifaceted identity is a captivating collage of native Malay, Chinese, Indian, and British colonial influences.
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Touring Iceland’s Golden Circle during its coldest winter in over a century
When my partner, Maria, and I visited Iceland to tour its Golden Circle in December 2022, we were prepared for bracing conditions. It was only after arriving that we discovered this was the region’s coldest winter in more than a hundred years…
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Spirited Away: the Ghibli-esque magic of Jiufen
Anyone travelling to Taipei should have this former mining village high on their to-do list.
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New Zealand, land of natural contrasts: part three – the South Island’s wild west
In the third and final entry of this three-part New Zealand travelogue, I reflect on the epic conclusion to the 16-day tour.