Articles by Siegfried Mortkowitz

Siegfried Mortkowitz

Siegfried Mortkowitz

Siegfried Mortkowitz is an experienced journalist and published poet whose work spans culture, travel, and society. With years of reporting and a lifetime of international travel, he brings depth and perspective to his writing, blending sharp observation with literary craft. His interests in jazz, French wines, and global culture inform his approach, while his commitment to thoughtful storytelling continues to shape his work. @siggy759

Zurich On A Budget: How To Enjoy The World's Priciest City Without The Pricetag

Budget Guides

Zurich On A Budget: How To Enjoy The World's Priciest City Without The Pricetag

By Siegfried Mortkowitz

11 MIN READ

Brighton on a Budget: London by the Sea Without London Prices

Budget Guides

Brighton on a Budget: London by the Sea Without London Prices

By Siegfried Mortkowitz

12 MIN READ

The Ultimate Guide to Scandinavia's Perfect Fall Shoulder Season

Inspiration

The Ultimate Guide to Scandinavia's Perfect Fall Shoulder Season

By Siegfried Mortkowitz

12 MIN READ

Grape Expectations: Inside Tuscany's September Wine Harvest (La Vendemmia)

Inspiration

Grape Expectations: Inside Tuscany's September Wine Harvest (La Vendemmia)

By Siegfried Mortkowitz

13 MIN READ

Caribbean on a Budget: How to Do Hurricane Season Right

Inspiration

Caribbean on a Budget: How to Do Hurricane Season Right

By Siegfried Mortkowitz

10 MIN READ

How to Travel Patagonia: A First-Timer's Guide to Chile & Argentina's Wild South

Inspiration

How to Travel Patagonia: A First-Timer's Guide to Chile & Argentina's Wild South

By Siegfried Mortkowitz

10 MIN READ

Set-Jetting: How TV Shows Like The White Lotus Are Reshaping Travel Bookings

Inspiration

Set-Jetting: How TV Shows Like The White Lotus Are Reshaping Travel Bookings

By Siegfried Mortkowitz

10 MIN READ

Why So Many Trips Disappoint: The Gap Between Instagram and Reality

Inspiration

Why So Many Trips Disappoint: The Gap Between Instagram and Reality

By Siegfried Mortkowitz

10 MIN READ

Viral Travel Hacks, Fact-Checked: What Actually Works in 2026

Inspiration

Viral Travel Hacks, Fact-Checked: What Actually Works in 2026

By Siegfried Mortkowitz

9 MIN READ

Fukuoka, Japan in July: The Under-the-Radar Summer Destination Many Travelers Prefer to Kyoto

Inspiration

Fukuoka, Japan in July: The Under-the-Radar Summer Destination Many Travelers Prefer to Kyoto

By Siegfried Mortkowitz

12 MIN READ

Via Transilvanica: The Long-Distance Hike Through Romania That Everyone Is Talking About

Inspiration

Via Transilvanica: The Long-Distance Hike Through Romania That Everyone Is Talking About

By Siegfried Mortkowitz

13 MIN READ

Why Travelers Are Skipping Lisbon for Porto (and Amsterdam for Antwerp)

Inspiration

Why Travelers Are Skipping Lisbon for Porto (and Amsterdam for Antwerp)

By Siegfried Mortkowitz

11 MIN READ

Latest

Machu Picchu Without the Tour Package: How to See Peru's Icon on Your Own (and for Less)

Machu Picchu Without the Tour Package: How to See Peru's Icon on Your Own (and for Less)

Here's what the tour operators don't tell you. The ticket to Machu Picchu is a state ticket. You buy it yourself, on the Peruvian government's own website. Nobody has to sell it to you with a hotel, a guide and a lunch attached.

10 MIN READ

Azerbaijan: The Land of Fire You Haven't Seen on Your Feed Yet

Budget Guides

Azerbaijan: The Land of Fire You Haven't Seen on Your Feed Yet

Azerbaijan is an easy, affordable weekend trip from Europe: Baku's Old City, the Caspian boulevard, mud volcanoes and mountain villages, without the crowds.

13 MIN READ

What Is a Transit Visa? How to Know if You Need One for Your Layover

Travel hacks

What Is a Transit Visa? How to Know if You Need One for Your Layover

What is a transit visa? It is a short-term permit to pass through a country, or just its airport, on the way somewhere else. It doesn't let you visit. Whether you need one depends on your passport, airside or landside transit and layover length. Run the 3-question check below before you find flights.

8 MIN READ

Zurich On A Budget: How To Enjoy The World's Priciest City Without The Pricetag

Budget Guides

Zurich On A Budget: How To Enjoy The World's Priciest City Without The Pricetag

Zurich is the most expensive city in the world, according to Numbeo's 2026 cost of living index, which leaves out rent; that makes it more relevant for visitors, since tourists don't sign leases.

11 MIN READ

Best AI for Flights in 2026: 9 Tools That Search (and Book) Flights

Budget Guides

Best AI for Flights in 2026: 9 Tools That Search (and Book) Flights

The best AI tools for flights show you the latest ticket prices and let you book the fares you see.

12 MIN READ

Best weekend city breaks in Europe: 10 cities worth flying to

Inspiration

Best weekend city breaks in Europe: 10 cities worth flying to

A weekend city break is the cheapest way to feel like you've been away: two days, one city, no annual leave burned. But which European cities actually repay a short trip? These ten do, and every one of them is short-haul from most of Europe, so you can fly out Friday evening and land back Sunday night.

15 MIN READ

Find Cheap Seats This Week: Best Last-Minute Flight Websites for 2026

Travel hacks

Find Cheap Seats This Week: Best Last-Minute Flight Websites for 2026

The best last-minute flight websites include Kiwi.com, Skyscanner, Google Flights, lastminute.com, momondo, and it’s also worth checking the main budget airlines. While your destination will be one of the biggest factors that affects the price of your spontaneous European holiday plans, how you search for flights matters just as much. Using nearby airports, combining routes with multiple airlines, and staying flexible with your destination are all common tactics that can help.

10 MIN READ