Articles written by John Howe

Christmas crackers are a staple of the British Christmas dinner table. Crackers developed from an idea by Tom Smith a mid-18th century confectioner.

Dec 15, 2009 - John Howe

New Year's Eve is a time for celebrating the arrival of a new year there are many traditions associated with New Year's Eve, here are common NYE celebrations.

Nov 7, 2009 - John Howe

Writing travel articles is a challenge and the writer must have a number of fundamentals in mind.

Nov 1, 2009 - John Howe

Gibraltar has a long and turbulent history that is often reflected in its stamp issues a recent set highlights some old and interesting views of The Rock.

Oct 30, 2009 - John Howe

Hand washing is an excellent way to prevent infections, but when soap and water are not available alcohol-based hand cleansers are a good alternative.

Oct 20, 2009 - John Howe

Press trips for travel writers are an enjoyable perk of the writers' job but it is important to maintain good journalistic etiquette and ethical standards.

Oct 14, 2009 - John Howe

Visionary, campaigner, activist and social reformer Florence Nightingale was all of these and she created the modern profession of nursing.

Oct 5, 2009 - John Howe

Many new expatriates to Thailand ask is; "Is it possible to buy land and build a house?" The short answer to that question is a resounding 'No,' but all is not lost.

Oct 3, 2009 - John Howe

Holiday Inn has been in the hospitality business for over fifty years. It is responding to challenges in business travel by improving and up-grading its properties.

Sep 26, 2009 - John Howe

Thematic or topical stamp collecting is increasingly popular amongst serious philatelists and hobby stamp collectors.

Sep 23, 2009 - John Howe

Acne is a distressing condition that can occur in adolescents and adults. Acne may leave scars and marks that may last for life but treatment is available.

Sep 22, 2009 - John Howe

Special occasions demand special stamp issues but for everyday use the common-or-garden definitive stamp is the workhorse of the worlds' postal system.

Sep 17, 2009 - John Howe

Packing for a trip or a holiday should not be left to the last minute. Thoughtful packing and careful planning what to take will save time and lighten the load.

Sep 12, 2009 - John Howe

To the delight of friends and families everyone has Mondegreened at sometime or another. A Mondegreen is the mishearing and singing of song lyrics with humorous results.

Sep 2, 2009 - John Howe

Erectile dysfunction or impotence is debilitating and distressing for many men and their partners; simple life style changes and treatment can solve the problems of ED.

Aug 24, 2009 - John Howe

Aspirin is one of the cheapest drugs on the supermarket shelves; it has been hailed as a wonder drug since it was first made by Bayer at the end of the 19th century.

Aug 24, 2009 - John Howe

First Aid can be a life saver or at least reduce further injury and pain. When going to unfamiliar countries always be prepared for the odd minor injury or emergency.

Aug 16, 2009 - John Howe

Inheritance Tax is complex, plan for your partner's death and the future financial well-being of the family and self. Failing to plan for IHT may be financial tragedy.

Aug 16, 2009 - John Howe

Welsh food is a distinctive cuisine from snacks of Welsh cakes and Welsh Rabbit and a breakfast of bara lawr through to a dinner of delicious roast Welsh lamb.

Aug 14, 2009 - John Howe

The gay scene in Taipei, capital of Taiwan, is expanding, exciting and energetic offering dance, disco and karaoke for even the most jaded of gay disco bunnies.

Aug 6, 2009 - John Howe

Christmas stamps are now ubiquitous and used by many to send send Christmas cards to friends and relatives. They add a decorative and festive touch to the Xmas mail.

Jul 26, 2009 - John Howe

Grand Hyatt Hotel Singapore sits at the trendy pulsing heart of the city and offers a range of exciting cuisines to tempt the taste buds. The latest offering is "mezza9".

Jul 26, 2009 - John Howe

Now one of the world's best hotels Singapore's Fullerton Hotel retains the Palladian grandeur that graced its first incarnation as Singapore's General Post Office.

Jul 12, 2009 - John Howe

Singapore's Fullerton Hotel has a fine selection of eateries from a simple sandwich at the Courtyard a full Chinese or Italian repast at the Jade or the Lighthouse.

Jul 10, 2009 - John Howe

Ultraviolet light not only damages skin, exposure to UVA and UVB causes eye damage too. It is important to choose sunglasses carefully to reduce damage caused by UV rays.

Jul 7, 2009 - John Howe

Stem cell therapies are used to treat chronic and congential conditions and promise a future bright with hope too in cosmetic treatments. But just not yet.

Jul 1, 2009 - John Howe

Tea drinking came from China to northern Europe via Portugal and Holland but it was the British who took to tea with a passion. Tea has many varieties to suit all tastes.

Jun 29, 2009 - John Howe

Ever since mankind felt the first pangs of pain or suffered illness and malaise, herbs and spices have been used as remedies to treat maladies.

Jun 17, 2009 - John Howe

Despite the treasure trove of travel information, hotel and destination reviews available on the Internet the handy pocket sized travel guide remains the most convenient.

Jun 8, 2009 - John Howe

Italy's largest island Sicily has more than just warm Mediterranean beaches to offer, its mountains are abundant with flora and fauna and full of medieval villages.

Jun 4, 2009 - John Howe

Koh Samui, Thailand's third largest island offers five star hotels and restaurants, silver-sand beaches, crystal clear sea and marine life galore.

Jun 4, 2009 - John Howe

St. Valentine's Day is time when lovers exchange tokens of love and fidelity and to receive cards that intrigue with their anonymous avowal of amorous intentions.

May 27, 2009 - John Howe

Singapore's Changi Airport is selected as the world's best airport, transiting through Changi Airport is enjoyable and stress free with free cinema and a swimming pools.

May 22, 2009 - John Howe

Metro Manila is the epicentre of the Philippines gay community and home to a very vibrant gay area and some might say the 'scene' is second only to that of Thailand's.

May 21, 2009 - John Howe

'What can I get you to dink, sir?' takes on a whole different meaning at the 360 Bar in Bangkok's Millennium Hilton Hotel.

May 19, 2009 - John Howe

Sir Rowland Hill's 1840 reform of the British postal system not only introduced the Penny Black and Two Pence Blue postage stamps but also a letter sheet.

May 19, 2009 - John Howe

Steep Holm in the Bristol Channel is just under half a mile from East to West, and only a quarter of a mile wide - its highest elevation is 256 feet.

May 12, 2009 - John Howe

Fed up of being surrounded by families with noisy and distracting children in tow, then the ultimate in adult-only accommodation awaits on Thailand's Samui Island.

May 12, 2009 - John Howe

Koi Restaurant on Sukhumvit Road, bangkok serves excellent and authentic Japanese food at reasonable prices.

May 6, 2009 - John Howe

Scots-born designer Alex Lamont has two loves in his life: Thailand first and running a close second, designing and manufacturing fine art decorative materials.

May 6, 2009 - John Howe

There are few things to match an island retreat and Lundy in the Bristol Channel offers a perfect away-from-it-all holiday.

Apr 27, 2009 - John Howe

Dijon is famous for its mustard but there is more to this quaint French town than mustard; shopping, vineyards and a rich history await the keen traveller.

Apr 18, 2009 - John Howe

Bangkok's shopping malls are like anything found in any city. But what tourists seek most in Bangkok is a visit the street and night markets of which Bangkok has many.

Apr 8, 2009 - John Howe

The Plaza Athenee Bangkok is an ideal business hotel and offers much to the leisure tourist too.

Apr 7, 2009 - John Howe

Gazpacho has a long history being first made during the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. It is essentially unaltered since and maintains its popularity.

Apr 6, 2009 - John Howe

Bangkok has a network of transport options ranging from the Skytrain, metro, taxi, tuk tuk, motorcycle taxi, buses, and even commuter boats.

Apr 5, 2009 - John Howe

Malacca the name echoes with intrigue and romanceconjuring pictures of ancient privateers plundering Portuguese galleons, the town has a fascinating 600-year history.

Mar 29, 2009 - John Howe

With stunning views over Bangkok the Banyan Tree Hotel has some of the city's best restaurants: Vertigo (international) and Pier 53 (international/fusion).

Mar 17, 2009 - John Howe

Personal postcard is a great way to say "I am thinking of you", a thoughtful handwritten message, a carefully selected scene can gladden a heart more than an email or SMS

Mar 12, 2009 - John Howe

Bangkok has many fine dining restaurants and a number of these are al fresco eateries, however there is none better than the Centara Grand Hotel Red Sky.

Mar 9, 2009 - John Howe

Thailand is a beautiful country with unbeatable beaches, mountains and endless expanses of deep green paddy-fields. Thais are gentle, generous and eager to please.

Feb 24, 2009 - John Howe

Cardiff Bay has been transformed from a grimy coal exporting sea port to an area of exclusive houses and chic eateries and pubs. The former Tiger Bay is now trendy bay.

Jan 27, 2009 - John Howe

Travelling with children can be stressful as they become easily bored when left idle in the back seat of a car. Be prepared with some games and pastimes to amuse them.

Jan 27, 2009 - John Howe

It can be difficult to entertain children of any age on a long journey, but the well prepared parent will plan to ensure a peaceful and relaxed time.

Jan 27, 2009 - John Howe

Bangkok, Chiang Mai and especially Pattaya have large and sometimes raucous gay venues not to everyon's taste. Kho Samui offers a quiet gay alternative.

Jan 26, 2009 - John Howe

The financial crisis of 2008 may continue into least 2009, this may mean bargain fares and hotel deals for the savvy traveller but beware the pitfalls and hidden charges

Jan 18, 2009 - John Howe

The "Rest Detail Resort" Hua Hin's newest beach-front resort hotel offers a level of luxury and sophistication with a solitude that is perfect for a quiet get-away break

Jan 9, 2009 - John Howe

Thailand's Hua Hin has many luxury resorts and spas but the Asara Villa and Suites is among the best in in this royal seaside town. Indulge in umitigated luxury.

Jan 6, 2009 - John Howe

St Valentine's Day is for lovers but some will be spending the day in lonely isolation. Here are a some suggestions for single people to enjoy St. Valentine's Day.

Jan 6, 2009 - John Howe

Many slimmers believe that a quick fix diet is the best way to lose weight and to keep it off, but they are wrong. Effective dieting means losing weight gradually.

Dec 30, 2008 - John Howe

Kho Samui has a small but vibrant gay bar scene but much quieter and laid back than the gay venues of Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Mai much sanook is to be had.

Dec 29, 2008 - John Howe

Like them or loath them Christmas popular songs have been sung from Victorian times and Britain has produced some of the more shmaltzy Xmas songs.

Dec 26, 2008 - John Howe

Golf in Thailand has been one of Asia's best kept secrets many courses have been designed by professionals like Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Gary Player and others.

Dec 25, 2008 - John Howe

Thailand is still a safe holiday destination with many interesting sights. Here are some recommendations of when to go and how to get around.

Dec 11, 2008 - John Howe

Welsh love spoons evolved from ordinary wooden spoons used in cooking and to eat a traditional cawl but came to represent love, faithfulness and a desire to stay as one.

Dec 4, 2008 - John Howe

Giving up smoking is not going to be easy but a plan and a strong intention will definitely make a difference.

Nov 26, 2008 - John Howe

From veneers to implants, dental bridges to crowns, cleaning and polishing to a full dental makeover Thailands dental hospitals and clinics offer good value for money.

Nov 26, 2008 - John Howe

First introduced on the trans-Atlantic routes this extra level of comfort and privacy will be available on Thailand flights at the end of January 2009.

Nov 25, 2008 - John Howe

Get the best from a doctor by making notes, asking questions, reading about the condition and being informed about the illness. A health savvy patient asks questions.

Nov 20, 2008 - John Howe

Bangkok has many different dining experiences from sky-high restaurants to street food stalls to diner cruises on the Chao Phraya River.

Nov 17, 2008 - John Howe

From the Nightwatch to the Rikjsmuseum to free classical music concerts, a medival community to carillons, barrel organs Amsterdam has a host of free entertainment.

Nov 13, 2008 - John Howe

Bangkok is more than just go go bars and a 24/7 night life, must sees are the Grand Palace, Wat Po, Wat Arun, the Emerald Buddha, the Crocodile Farm and the Snake Farm.

Nov 9, 2008 - John Howe

Good dining restaurants are easy to find in Bangkok but none gives a bird's eye view of central Bangkok like the Centara Grand's 55th floor eatery Red Sky.

Nov 5, 2008 - John Howe

Centara Grand Hotel at Central World Plaza augments Bangkok's fine dining experience with the pan-Asian Restaurant called Ginger, where the gamut of Asian cuisine awaits

Nov 5, 2008 - John Howe

Sir Roland Hill was responsible for the introduction of the Penny Black postage stamp to Britain an idea that spread across the world and had great consequences.

Nov 4, 2008 - John Howe

They have become so ubiquitous to the Christmas celebration that it is easy to forget that the Christmas card is nearly 200 years old and Christmas stamps a lot younger.

Nov 3, 2008 - John Howe

TUI the worlds largest tour operator plans to increase its market share by introducing new products and increased flights to Thailand's major tourst resorts.

Oct 31, 2008 - John Howe

Christmas pudding and mince pies are central to any Christmas feast. The traditions of these two Christmas desserts are ancient and reviered.

Oct 28, 2008 - John Howe

Gay venues are springing up in Singapore so much so that the city state now has a vibrant gay nightlife with some exciting and lively bars, pubs and discos.

Oct 28, 2008 - John Howe

There are two homes associated with Dylan thomas his Swansea birthplace and his Laugharne retreat, both are open to visitors and five Cwmdonkin Drive to paying guests.

Oct 26, 2008 - John Howe

Dylan Thomas was an exceptional poet, essayist and broadcaster, whose life was a whirlwind of poems and pubs. His most famous work Under Milk Wood is as popular as ever.

Oct 25, 2008 - John Howe

Thailand's third largest island has some surprises in store besides the popular beaches of Chaweng and Lamai Samui has a quieter side and many things for the Kids to do.

Oct 22, 2008 - John Howe

Mozart's Jupiter, Clarinet Concerto, Sinfonio Concertante and the Marriage of Figaro overture were a fitting first performance of the Siam Chamber Orchestra.

Oct 21, 2008 - John Howe

A little over twenty years ago Thailand's third largest island, Kho Samui, was a quiet backwater known only by the local fishing communities and the odd back packer.

Oct 21, 2008 - John Howe

The Preah Vihear temple has been in the news recently because of its World Heritage status, the conflicting claims and a disputed border by both Thailand and Cambodia.

Oct 19, 2008 - John Howe

Theft from hotel rooms does happen and it is traumatic and costly. But action can take to reduce the risk of theft or loss from your hotel room.

Oct 15, 2008 - John Howe

Plants and trees play an important role in the telling of the Christmas story. Among them are the Christmas tree, the Yule Log and the mstletoe, iIvy and holly.

Oct 15, 2008 - John Howe

Many modern Christmas traditions have their origins in antiquity in ages before the birth of Christ and indeed before the ancient Romans one such is Santa Claus.

Oct 15, 2008 - John Howe

The North Wales countryside and coastline are spectacular attractions for film and TV companies looking for spectacular and atmospheric outdoor locations.

Sep 8, 2008 - John Howe

Some of the best and most memorable TV and movie locations have been shot in the spectacular countryside and coastline of North Wales, making a star of the country too.

Sep 8, 2008 - John Howe

Bars come and go many of them unremembered but one erstwhile Bangkok gay club is still fondly remembered by many an ageing bar fly. The Rome Club was one of a kind

Sep 7, 2008 - John Howe

From its early beginnings in the late 1960s early 70s Silom's Soi 4 has been at the core of Bangkok's gay beer bar and pub scene.

Sep 5, 2008 - John Howe

Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea are potential killers and not just from exasperated partners taking matters into their own hands. So beware: snoring can kill.

Sep 4, 2008 - John Howe

The Bangkok Nursing Home or BNH has cared for Bangkokians and visitors for over a century and still is one of Asia's best hospitals.

Sep 4, 2008 - John Howe

It may not be the Big Apple but Bangkok is a thriving and vibrant capital city with a reputation for hard playing. The Tarntatawan Hotel offer respite for the carouser.

Sep 2, 2008 - John Howe

Allergies may be derided by those who do not have them but they ca be a hindrance to sufferers and the symptoms and consequences can range from minor to life threatening.

Sep 1, 2008 - John Howe

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common STIs and it takes its toll on the health and well-being of both sexes. But Chlamydia is easily and quickly treated.

Sep 1, 2008 - John Howe

Thais like to have fun and no more so than on the many public holidays the Kingdom celbrates, from New Year to Songkran, to Loy Krathong is good for some Thai-style fun.

Aug 28, 2008 - John Howe

Concord Massachusetts is the birthplace of modern America, here the first British deaths in the American War of Independence occured and a nation was born.

Aug 27, 2008 - John Howe

Think of travel insurance as acting as a financial safety net that will protect you against the many things that can go wrong on a trip abroad.

Aug 26, 2008 - John Howe