Nicola's Stories

Europe is experiencing a renaissance in train travel, driven by environmental awareness, economic practicality, and a renewed appetite for slow, scenic journeys. High-speed routes, sleeper trains, and luxury rail experiences are redefining how travellers explore the continent. 🚆 The Comeback of the Rails After decades of dominance by budget airlines and highways, train travel in Europe is roaring back to life . This revival isn’t just nostalgic—it’s powered by a potent mix o

A rainy drive, mountain goats and a spa like no other — Nicola’s five-day Euphoria Retreat experience redefines what “living well” really means.

A 5 star train trip isn’t something most New Zealand travellers think about. The Northerner hasn’t really set us up for thinking about trains, let alone luxury trains. So as you walk, post the champagne welcome at The Balmoral Hotel, into the Victorian train station in Edinburgh you get a sense of excitement. And then the piper gets his arms and lungs working and we walk towards the red carpet and the Burgundy train called the Royal Scotsman. Sadly, the excitement meant that

The hill town of Monte San Savino AND Eating at Il Cassero This town is 15 minutes away from where I am staying at Hotel Fontelunga A small , but perfectly formed hill town. A walled city of achievable proportions – i.e. stroll around it in 30 minutes Monte San Savino has been warring with the Florentines, the Perugians and the Sienese since 1306 !!  Delve into the side streets , pass through the centre of the church to a beautiful garden and vista of the surrounding area. Pe

I am so lucky to be in Italy, Tuscany, and specifically the Hotel Fontelunga & Borgo 69. I think all kiwis dream to come to Tuscany. And if you have been once, then to come back (and for me, back again) . And to be honest when I say Tuscany, I include Umbria. Sorry to the Italians who are very proud of their regions! But this part of Italy is so special. I have been driving to some amazing small villages. Always on a hilltop; Monte San Savino, and today Lucignano. Both, no mo

8 Tips on How to Pack Efficiently Roll your clothes. ... Use packing cubes. ... Bring travel-size toiletries. ... Put things inside your shoes. ... Wear your pair of shoes that takes up the most space. ... Wear your heaviest piece of outerwear on plane/bus/etc. ... Pack plenty of neutral colors. ... Zip your suitcase up, then add more to it. Hmm. 3 out of 8 !! So the day started in London. I had to pack 10 weeks worth of travel into a 23kg bag. Not easy for me. Still I did it