The European Insider

How do you conjugate the Spanish verb 'to be lost?' What's the cheapest way to fly from Stuttgart to Oslo via Ibiza? If you're planning on a European holiday, it pays to speak to the insiders. Enter travel writer extraordinaire David Whitley.

David's love affair with Europe started on a debauched interrailing trip whilst at university. He won the Guardian newspaper's student travel writer of the year award and has since clocked up 42 European countries and counting...

The European Insider

Ethnic food in Europe: the best cheap eats 13/01/2009 11:00:00 AM, David Whitley

Its easy to find great ethnic food in Europe. Check out this round-up of the best of the best.

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In defence of chain hotels 8/01/2009 10:39:00 AM, David Whitley

Sometimes an unremarkable hotel with a comfy room at an affordable price is exactly what you need. Skip the 'boutique experience' and sell out to a chain.

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Europe's most overrated spots 22/12/2008 5:24:00 PM, David Whitley

Across the planet, you will find those "special" places the locals will vehemently insist are the "best in the world". Alas, the general rule of thumb is: the more the locals beat their chest with regional pride, the less interesting the place will be.

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The European Insider's top 10 for 2008 17/12/2008 2:06:00 PM, David Whitley

You can't move for end of year lists at the moment — albums of the year, films of the year, news stories of the year, you name it. And never let it be said that I'm not prepared to leap upon a passing bandwagon. So, in no particular order, here are my top 10 European discoveries of 2008.

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Europe's Christmas markets: don't believe the hype 17/12/2008 10:58:00 AM, David Whitley

There are some travellers that really enjoy going through markets whilst abroad. For me, it depends on mood, but on the whole I figure that they're full of utter tat that I'd never buy at home, so I don't really see why I should spend my valuable holiday cash on them.

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Cultural tourism in Europe 10/12/2008 9:26:00 AM, David Whitley

It's amazing how many people regard being exposed to, or immersing themselves in, a different culture as one of the key priorities when travelling. Unfortunately, this is usually taken to mean staying with Thai hill tribes or spending time in an Amazonian village. I'm happy to go on record now to say this type of tourism is awful.

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Advice for Aussies travelling to Europe via Bangkok 1/12/2008 2:55:00 PM, David Whitley

For those living in a cave, Bangkok's airports are currently closed. They've been occupied by thousands of yellow-clad protestors who some are bizarrely insisting on calling "pro-democracy campaigners" (even though their aims and demands are the polar opposite of democracy).

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Unfair European stereotypes 26/11/2008 9:53:00 AM, David Whitley

It would be fair to say that certain European nations have stereotypes attached to them that just won't go away.

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Easing the pain of a day on a plane: how to make the flight to Europe more bearable 19/11/2008 12:21:00 PM, David Whitley

For Australians, by far the worst thing about going to Europe is the length of time it takes to get there. Or more specifically, having to spend around a day cramped up in a plane. Unfortunately, there is absolutely no way of making this journey a pleasant one. I've done it far too many times now (including, on one occasion, twice in six days. That was lovely). I'll be straight up with you; I've learned a few ways of making it slightly less hideous, but there's only so much you can do. Unless you're in first class in your own personal lounge, being fanned and having grapes popped into your mouth, then it's a day of discomfort.

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Go East: the highlights of Eastern Europe 10/11/2008 11:23:00 AM, David Whitley

In recent years Eastern Europe has opened up, and is becoming increasingly popular. It's a little more hit-and-miss out that way (there are some truly grim Soviet cities, hotels can be poor quality and a Cold War service ethic can prevail) but there are some absolute diamonds waiting to be discovered

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