Journeys of a lifetime
Born in the 60s, I’m a Generation Xer.
Travel is the main driving force behind my existence. From my family environment, my work and my hobbies.
It’s my experience of almost 5 decades of travel that I’d like to share with you through my testimonials, advice and insights.
Jacques.
My latest articles
High-Speed Rail in China: Analysis of the World Leader
Fourth installment of my investigation: analysis of the Chinese high-speed rail model and the reasons for its success.
My practical tips for traveling by train in China
Third article in this series: all my practical tips for traveling more easily by train in China.
Night Trains in China: My Experience
Second part of my investigation: I tested Chinese night trains, from classic sleepers to high-speed night trains.
China: what high-speed trains are really like — my test
The first article in my investigation into Chinese trains: my feedback after my daytime high-speed journeys.
Train Travel in China: Complete Guide (Experience, Tips, Model)
Why I traveled 11,000 km by train in China: behind the scenes of the investigation and introduction to the four articles in this series.
Paris–Berlin night train: what is European Sleeper really worth?
Paris–Berlin night train: my review of European Sleeper. Comfort, cabins, prices: a promising experience, but still room for improvement.
Southampton to New York on the Queen Mary 2
Discover our day-by-day Queen Mary 2 crossing between Southampton and New York — itinerary, practical tips, and onboard experiences
Paris – Portsmouth via Le Havre before a transatlantic crossing
Travelogue from Paris to Portsmouth via Le Havre, with practical tips to enjoy the Channel crossing and visit the cities
Berlin–Paris Night Train: Why the Nightjet Was Discontinued
I tested the Nightjet between Berlin and Paris. A full experience review and an explanation for the disappearance of this European night train.
Paris – Berlin by Day Train: My ICE Review
From Paris to Berlin by ICE: 8 hours of high-speed travel. Discover my review, my tips, and what could still be improved.
The Espresso Riviera Rome – Marseille: a Vintage Train to Experience
I experienced the fantastic Expresso Riviera, the vintage luxury train from Marseille to Rome, which is returning in summer 2026!
What Five Years at SkyTeam Taught Me About Airline Alliances
Five years at SkyTeam convinced me that airline alliances bring people closer and transcend borders, far beyond mere business.
Return from Scotland to Paris by Train and Ferry via Amsterdam
Travel from Edinburgh to Paris differently: first-class train, overnight ferry crossing for a mini-cruise between Newcastle and Amsterdam.
Skye, Highlands by Train and Edinburgh: the Best of Scotland
Discovering Scotland between the magnificent landscapes of the Isle of Skye, a spectacular train journey, and the historic charm of Edinburgh.
Paris to Scotland by train: my journey on Eurostar & Caledonian Sleeper
Paris to the Isle of Skye by train: my journey on Eurostar and the Caledonian Sleeper, between breathtaking landscapes, real-life experiences and practical tips.
I worked on international night trains in the 1980s
In the 1980s, I was an attendant on night trains. Here is my account of my international travels in Europe – Part 2
I worked on night trains in France in the 80s.
In the 80s, I was a night train attendant. Here’s my account of my travels in France – Part 1
Cruise Aboard Renaissance: From Naples to Marseille
A cruise? Never! That’s what I thought, until I discovered another way to travel aboard Renaissance: an experience that aims to be retro, focused on the sea and port calls.
Keys to a Successful Independent Trip to Egypt
Contrary to popular belief, traveling independently in Egypt is easy, thanks to a highly developed tourism infrastructure.
Egypt by the sea: Marsa Matruh, Alexandria and Sinai
We discovered Egypt’s cultural and geographical contrasts between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
En route to the little-known oasis of Siwa
The Siwa oasis has to be earned, as it takes nine hours by car to reach it from Cairo. But once there, it’s an enchantment!
Take your time and explore Cairo in five days
Cairo is a megalopolis with 24 million inhabitants. At the end of Ramadan, we explored it for five days. It was fascinating!
Egypt off the beaten track
We spent four weeks in Egypt, discovering Cairo, then the hidden oasis of Siwa, Alexandria, and finally, Sinai.
My train trip from Paris to Puglia: 26 hours of pure enjoyment
From Paris to Lecce by Train via Zurich and Milan: 26 Hours of Delight, My Story and Practical Tips.
Dublin to Paris via Cherbourg by Ferry and Train
I returned from Dublin to Paris by ferry and train via Cherbourg. This is the last in a series of accounts of a trip from France to Ireland via the UK.
London to Dublin by train and ferry via Liverpool and Belfast
I traveled from London to Dublin by train and ferry, with stops in Liverpool and Belfast. The third story in a series from Paris to Ireland.
London by boat and on foot along the River Thames
I spent two days discovering the River Thames, key to London’s development. This is the second story in a series from Paris to Ireland.
The life should be just that: the adult’s tribute to his dreams. dreams dreams
Sylvain Tesson
