08 December 2022

Only a 50-minute ferry crossing from the south of Tenerife, and you find yourself visiting another world. La Gomera, an orange shaped island without the mass infrastructure of its nearest neighbour, was the second stop on my Canarian adventure. I arrived at San Sebastian de la Gomera and picked up my hire car before driving the 40 minutes to where I was staying for the next six nights. The village of Agulo, is considered as one of the prettiest villages on La Gomera but to be fair to the other villages, they all have plenty of their own character. There were lots of local places to eat & drink, each with a slightly different take on La Gomeran cuisine and of course Canarian potatoes were pretty much a given. The island is approximately 22 kilometres in diameter, rising to a peak of 1,487 metres at Alto de Garajonay. Driving around the island takes time and patience, and second gear soon becomes your new best friend. I must admit, there were moments when I wished that the romans had invaded but that’s part of the charm of this island. As the roads climb higher you reach a point of almost permanent cloud cover and mist. This results in a natural rainforest which receives up to 125cm of precipitation fall each year. This ecosystem was given UNESCO World Heritage status in 1986 and today the Garajonay National Park offers some amazing hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty but all offering spectacular views of the island and other islands beyond. Each day I headed off to a different corner of the island and the south of the island is where all you beach lovers should visit. Valle Gran Rey is the main resort on the island but a word of caution, if you are seeking the lively atmosphere of Tenerife, you’ll be sorely disappointed. This resort has a more laid-back approach to beach life with a smattering of restaurants, one or two shops selling nick-nacks and a couple of supermarkets. A resort has a long stretch of soft jet-black sand and as the sea lapped the shoreline it was like watching a video in monochrome. Playa Santiago, also on the south coast, is sleepier still but has a enticing atmosphere. The mountain villages of Hermigua, Vallehermoso & Alajero are worth a visit, each has its own character offering stunning views into the distance. As you drive around the island, remember to stop at the various Miradors for breath taking scenery. The capital, San Sebastian, with its colourful buildings is also worth exploring. It was from here in 1492, that Christopher Columbus made his last stop to collect provisions before setting sail for India only to discover the Americas. The main highlight for me though, is Silbo Gomero. A unique whistled language created by the first settlers to communicate with each other along the ravines and valleys. It has been passed down through the generations and since 1999 is a compulsory subject in schools on the island and if you listen carefully, you may hear it whilst you are there.

23 November 2022

If you have always thought that Tenerife was only about beach resorts, fast food, and nightlife, then you’ve either never been or you’ve never escaped the southern coastline. This was my first visit to the island, so I was curious to see for myself what it had to offer. I have never been someone that goes on holiday to sit on the beach as I get way too fidgety after about 15 minutes on a sun lounger, so I hired car, plugged in my sat nav and headed off around the island. Firstly, I headed north-west bound along the TF1, past Los Gigantes (the last resort on the southwest coast) and followed the coast road to a more rugged and greener side of the island. First stop was Icod de los Vinos, to see the famous Dragon Tree. Said to be the oldest tree not only in Tenerife but in all of the Canary Islands. The nearest beach to Icod de los Vinos is Playa de San Marco, a small black beach tucked away at the bottom of the hill with several restaurants nearby and a good place to stop for a coffee and take in the scenery. Next stop was the coastal town of Garachico. With its beautiful blue waters, volcanic rock, and a town with plenty of heritage behind it, it is also known as one of the unluckiest places in Tenerife. Nearly 300 years ago, this town was the toast of the island. It was the gateway to the New World, a major port for the region, plenty of wealthy people living there and even a street made from marble. That was until Mount Negra erupted and lava flowed through the town and straight into the port, thereby stopping its prosperous future in its tracks. As if that wasn’t bad enough it also was also affected by fire and floods, a plague of locusts and outbreaks of diseases. Thankfully, today it is one of the prettier towns in Tenerife and well worth a visit. Other highlights for me were the pretty mountain village of Masca, the beach area at San Andres which is almost deserted and has a stunning mountain backdrop, the drive from historical San Cristobal de la Laguna to picturesque village of Taganana where the road meanders around multiple bends as you climb higher and higher through the clouds watching the vegetation change as you ascend. Vilaflor, one of the highest villages in Tenerife with a pretty town square and spectacular views and of course the capital Santa Cruz which is well worth spending the day exploring the city. If like me, you love to get off the beaten track then Tenerife has plenty of places for you to visit.

01 April 2022

Is All Inclusive responsible tourism? At least once a day I have a discussion with a customer about staying in an All-Inclusive property and nine times out of ten, it is with a family. Nothing unusual about that I thought until I recently did some training about responsible tourism, and it got me thinking about how responsible All-Inclusive actually is. In a destination like the Maldives, it makes perfect sense as there are no other alternative options available for dining etc but how about when there are local cafes and restaurants nearby, should the responsibility fall on the hotel to support local people or is this just the way of the modern world? I understand that a hotel is offering a product that customers want but what about what the local community wants? From a family’s point of view the concept of All Inclusive is great, you have one fixed cost and are happy in the knowledge that you have no further outlay of funds, but how responsible is that of the family to not spread the wealth to local outlets? One concept that I recently discovered is a hotel offering a credit which customers can use at a nearby restaurant. On the surface this seems like a great compromise, but I’ve not heard this being used in many other places. Another hotel I have heard of, employs local people into a training programme with a job at the end, thereby supporting the local economy via salaries and giving lifelong skills. Then of course there is the experiential side of tourism. If you stay in a hotel, eat all your meals in a hotel, enjoy the facilities at a hotel, how much do you actually know about the destination that you have just visited? I appreciate that there are an awful lot of people that just want a week in the sun with no worries, but in a modern sustainable world should we be allowed to do that with little thought for the destination we are visiting? So I guess my question is, is there a responsible future for All-Inclusive & what does it look like?

23 March 2022

Working in travel sometimes has a serious side effect of “Destination Envy.” Destination Envy or DE as its scientifically known, can cause a severe case of daydreaming. I recently discover one such property which caused this side effect and felt the need to share. The Brando. It really doesn’t need an introduction as the images will do it without me needing to describe how stunningly beautiful this setting really is, in fact by now you have probably lost the thread of what I am saying because you have early onset DE but stick with me though! Situated on the picturesque island of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia, this 35-villa resort carefully sits amidst pristine nature. One of a dozen small islands, this atoll is only 30 miles northeast of Tahiti so combines really well with its nearest neighbours. You can paddle board or kayak to one of the nearby islands, or scuba dive just outside your own villa. It’s not uncommon to see sea turtles, manta rays and plenty of exotic bird life but The Brando offers an awful lot more. It is home to its very own research station, and you can take a fascinating guided tour of the station as well the rest of the atoll. Children can also get involved with the Lagoon School which has been especially designed for 6–12-year-olds. You can also go whale watching in mid to late summer and deep-sea fishing. This property really is a dream destination and quite frankly with what we’ve all had to endure over the last few years, maybe its time your case of Destination Envy became a reality? For more information about this or any other destination, get in touch to discuss your travel plans.

09 March 2022

I found a lovely property in Olu Deniz on the Southwest coast of Turkey. An area recognisable by its long stretch of beach, its blue lagoon, and a backdrop of pine tree clad mountains. This resort feels more like a village resort than a some of its larger neighbours. The area is perfect for walkers and water sports enthusiasts as well as sunbathers and if you ever fancied hurling yourself off the top of a mountain then this is a great place to go paragliding. For non-paragliders, you can take the cable car up to the top of the mountain to see how impressive the views are without the added adrenaline rush. The cable car opened in the summer of 2021, so now you can reach 1700 metres without breaking out into a sweat. There are several dining options here as well as the launch point for paragliders, but if you can go an additional 100 metres you will have a better vantage point although dining options are restricted at 1800 metres. Further afield is the famous Pammukale Thermal Springs (Cotton Castles), here you can immerse yourself in the healing powers of the springs as they cascade down the mountain side. Over the years they have created lots of different pools which you can sit in and enjoy the views. So regardless of whether you want to chill out for a week* in the sunshine or want to be a little more active, give me a call on 01323 660 109 to discuss.

24 February 2022

Having explored the majority of Spain’s southern coastline, I keep returning to one particular region, where the beaches are quiet most of the year, the food is affordable and a place that is more locally focused than targeted toward tourists. It’s home to one of Europe’s oldest cities, although it has been claimed to be the oldest. It’s a place where you can go sand boarding, kite surfing and wind surfing. You can drink incredible locally produced wine that you’ll rarely see in the UK, eat home cooked Tapas with fresh ingredients and freshly caught tuna amongst many other fish options. You can explore legendary sites where frontiers began, were fought over, and fell as well as visiting picturesque cliff top villages that offer impressive views across the landscape and out to sea. The festivals here come alive from April and run until October with each town or city hosting its own fair. In May, the region’s most famous Horse show is held whereas in August, you can hear the horses thunder along the beach once the tide has receded. You can also here thunder of a different kind as this area is home to the Spanish MotoGP. It is also home to some of the countries rarest bird life in the 10,000-acre national park, you can sometimes see dolphins and whales just off the coast and you can experience nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of Europe’s sunniest destinations. Where is this magical and diverse place that I speak of? If I told you, the Spanish would never allow me back into the country. I was once told, this coast is for Spanish people so my lips are sealed but if you want to discuss a holiday there, then give me a call and I might share my secret destination with you. PS. The photos might give you a clue!

16 February 2022

When you mention Italy, most people immediately think of Venice, Florence, Pisa, or Rome, but if you have visited these fascinating cities, where should you go next? Situated in the south-eastern corner of the country, is the region of Apulia. This region offers a lot, from lovely beaches to impressive churches, sumptuous food as well as something a little different. So, this area should most definitely be on your radar! Getting there is simple as there are direct flights from several cities in the UK to either Brindisi or Bari. I would suggest hiring a car whilst you are there & rather than staying in one place, explore several options to build your very own fly-drive itinerary. There are plenty of places to stop on your journey, but Gallipoli on the west coast of the Salento Peninsular, is a good place to start. The old part of the town is made up of narrow streets. It has a small but good sand beach ideal for families, a few interesting churches worth exploring & a harbour area. You get to it via the newer part of the town which is connected by a 16th Century bridge. The town is becoming popular with the LGBTQ+ community & has even gained the nickname of “Gay-lipoli”. If you venture along the coast just to the north or south, you’ll find some long sand beaches & plenty of facilities. The good thing with this part of Italy is that no matter where you are on the coast, you’ll find yourself a quiet spot to sunbathe (except of course in August, then you’ve got no chance). The main cities of Lecce & Taranto are also worth spending a few hours exploring. They are full of historical monuments, imposing churches & the highlight for me are the gelaterias! Ostuni, known for its whitewashed old town has a beautiful cathedral, the Duomo di Ostuni. With its elegant rose window & heavy oak door combines Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine touches. Heading north & inland you’ll discover the pretty village of Alberobello which is home to the picturesque Trulli. Trulli are traditional dry-stone huts with cone shaped rooves. They are specific to this region of Apulia & were constructed as storehouses or as homes for the local workers. The majority in the town have since been restored & turned into homes or shops. You can even stay in some as they have been converted into B&B’s. Finally, I would suggest stopping in Monopoli for lunch. The town has that lived in feel but what’s nice about it is that it’s perfect for people watching. From the fishermen catching the day’s haul to the locals going about their business, it’s just one of those places where you can drink in the atmosphere. The town also has plenty to see & lots of historical points of interest but sitting back with a glass a wine, the sun on your bones & good company is certainly the best tonic I can recommend. For recommendations on where to stay, give me a call to discuss on 01323 660 109 or email me at david.cook@travelcounsellors.com

14 February 2022

48 hours in……Copenhagen! One of the first things that will strikes you about this picture postcard city, is that it is very walkable. Some streets are very much old world with cobbled streets and colourful houses, whilst other areas are uber modern and reflect Danish chic. Nyhavn is simply beautiful. Originally an old port, with plenty of stories to tell you can easily spend a few hours just wandering the streets exploring the various shops and cafes that are there. Tivoli Gardens is also a popular spot. Open from mid-April to mid-September these gardens have been here in one form or another for 100 years and now you can jump on one of over 20 rides at this lively amusement park in the heart of the city. There are plenty of eateries as well as live entertainment, so it’s great for the whole family. The city is also home to several beautiful palaces well worth making the effort to visit as is the Church of Our Saviour, which is an impressive example of a 17th century Baroque church. Of course, the most famous landmark is the Little Mermaid. She has sat overlooking the harbour since 1913. (Of course, Folkestone has its own version of the Little Mermaid if you find yourself down by the Kent coast, but she hasn’t been there quite as long). Food of course is big part of the experience for me and my top tip whilst you are there is to try the local favourite “Stegt flaesk med persillesovs”, it’s crispy pork with parsley sauce and potatoes. Vegetarians and Vegan need to not worry either as Copenhagen has quite a few restaurants ready to whet your taste buds. Anyone with a sweet tooth? Well, you are in the home of the Danish Pastries! If you are still at a loose end and want to escape the city or you have longer than 48 hours, then you can easily hop on the train to Malmo, Sweden just across the water.

01 February 2022

Working in the travel industry, I often get asked “Where is your favourite destination that you’ve been to?” It’s a question that still makes me stop and think mainly because each destination is like comparing apples with pears, but it got me thinking about how we define favourite. Is it somewhere that has amazing scenery or an incredible cuisine or is it simply a moment in time that brought us happiness? I suspect it’s a combination of those things, but one thing is for sure, I can definitely say with certainty that I’ve had many “favourite” holidays. The good thing about being asked this question though, is that you are reminded of where you have been in order to think of a favourite or two. I remember the places with incredible sights that take your breath away as well as the places that don’t live up to the hype. The places that look better in the photos and the places that look better in reality, the places I visited without any expectation of what I would experience and the places I had high expectations of only to be slightly disappointed. Holidays ARE amazing things, they take you out of your comfort zone, they educate, they help you unwind and above all they create memories. As a Personal Travel Counsellor my job is to create those memories, and nothing excites me more than receiving a photograph from someone whilst they are away telling me how much they love the hotel I’d recommended or that they went to visit a particular place I suggested that was incredible. For me, working in travel is not just about what I enjoy, it’s also about what I can pass on to someone else. Finding those hidden gems off the beaten track. Thankfully, the time of when holidays were seen as a luxury are way behind us, these days they are a necessity and part of improving our overall mental health and I know that for many the pandemic has had a serious impact on that. So, wherever you are on your journey and whenever you are ready, I am here to help you return to travel and enjoy a much-needed holiday! So of course, my question to you now is where is your favourite destination(s) that you’ve been to?

24 January 2022

Ever since I was child, I wanted to see the Northern Lights. They look so magical when they are on television that it has always been a dream. So, ten years ago, some friends of mine and I decided to visit Finland, above the artic circle to try and experience them for ourselves. It was late November, and we caught a flight to Kittila Airport via Helsinki arriving mid-afternoon. On arrival we were met by our driver Helga who advised us the journey time was about 45 minutes and the roads were in good condition. (It’s all relative). We put all our luggage in the boot of the car, and we headed off. On leaving Kittila, the roads soon became snow covered with tyre marks where everyone had been driving on the same bit of the road in each direction, but Helga was a good driver and familiar with snowy driving conditions even if from an outsider’s viewpoint it didn’t always appear so on the surface. We arrived at our accommodation in Äkäslompolo in the early evening and decided to drop off our luggage and head into the centre for some food. We were located a 15 minutes’ cautious walk from the centre. After dinner, we walked back to where we were staying whilst admiring the scenery and smiling when the occasional reindeer wandered across the road. Accommodation was a spacious log cabin with its own wood burner, sauna, living room and kitchen on the ground floor and bedrooms upstairs. It was warm, nicely laid out and had views of the woods to the rear of the property with no garden fence so periodically we could hear the bells from a reindeer as they wandered past. It had a balcony, which was covered in snow. Not ideal for sitting out on but good for chilling a bottle of wine quickly. Now it might sound bizarre, but we weren’t quite sure how easy or difficult it would be to see the Northern Lights so the second evening we headed away from any light pollution to see if we could see them. Unfortunately, we didn’t so after a couple of hours we headed back to the cabin to relax. During our stay we were out most of the day visiting various places of interest, the temperature varied between 0 degrees and -20 degrees. The views were amazing, the air had a stillness to it and although it was cold, with the right clothing you didn’t really notice too much. There are plenty of activities to keep even the most adventurous person happy. You can explore a lot on foot or enjoy any of the following activities (weather dependent), snowmobile safaris, cross country skiing, reindeer farm, Husky sledging, Snow Village, e-Bikes for cycling on the snow, Horse Riding, and Ice Swimming. In the evenings there are several pubs serving food or there was a local supermarket for those that like to cook. We worked out on day two it was easier to take the sledge to the shop to help carry the bags back to the cabin. It wasn’t until day five of our weeklong trip that we finally saw what we were hoping for. We needn’t have bothered try to find the Northern Lights on previous nights, as the moment we stepped outside our front door they were visible. Like a river of green flowing in the sky, the sight was magical and such a beautiful setting to have seen them for the first time. We stayed outside watching them for well over an hour as they meandered across the sky. What I particularly liked about this part of Finland, was that it felt very local, not geared up for mass tourism, a really authentic experience, and simply breath-taking. If you’ve never seen the Northern Lights and I know many people don’t see them, I can definitely recommend Äkäslompolo as a place to visit.

16 January 2022

When I first visited Sri Lanka, it was in the days when tourists were unable to visit the north, so I viewed Sri Lanka as a one or two-time visit destination. In those days there was a well-trodden route stopping off at various points around the bottom half of the country. The day I arrived, I made my way to the hotel in Colombo to get some sleep, adjust to the time difference and explore the city. The following day, I caught the train from Colombo Station and made my way towards Kandy. The train journey was slow but it’s an excellent way of seeing the countryside as it meanders along the track. It’s also a good way of meeting the locals. On arrival in Kandy, a car and drive met me and took me to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Although the Orphanage was a nice visit, I felt slightly uncomfortable that this wasn’t anything more than a performance show rather than an authentic experience. In lots of ways, it was good for me to see the orphanage as it has made me appreciate the authenticity of animal welfare, and I would never recommend it to anyone as a place to see Elephants especially as there are several other places in Sri Lanka that are far superior. After the orphanage, I checked into my hotel and spent the next few nights based in the area so that I could visit the impressive Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa UNESCO Heritage Site. Exploring the cave temple at Dambulla is a must as it so well preserved and climbing the rock at Sigiriya whilst avoiding the anger from some of the local monkeys is also worth the effort, as the views from the top are breath-taking. I also made a point of exploring the ruins at Polonnaruwa with its dagobas (shrines) and Gal Vihara (rock temple) and its four main carvings cut from a single piece of granite. A minimum of half a day is needed to explore this beautiful site. After spending time here, I headed to Nuwara Eliya, a town set high up in the hills amongst the tea plantations. The most important thing to remember in Sri Lanka is that the temperature on the plains is a lot warmer than it is in the tea plantations so bring a fleece and a jacket with you. Whilst I was there, I visited a Tea Plantation and saw the processes of making the tea which I found interesting. I can still smell the aroma from the processing machine, that smell of pure tea was stronger than anything I’ve smelled in a UK supermarket. We drink enough tea here in the UK, so it was a no brainer to learn about where it comes from and how it is made. After Nuwara Eliya, I made the long journey down towards the south coast where I spent the rest of my time relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze. I have since been back to Sri Lanka multiple times and really fallen in love with the destination. There is so much to see and experience, so my original thought of it being a one-time visit destination really does not do it justice. Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, offering some incredible beaches, some amazing wildlife experiences, some incredible food if you are willing to try things, and some wonderfully friendly people. Accommodating ranges from small boutique properties to larger hotels so everyone is taken care of. Riding on a Tuk Tuk of course is a must do experience and now there are apps available, so you don’t even have to leave your hotel room to order one. My top tip though? Order a traditional Sri Lankan curry, it takes several hours to make so order it in the morning so that the kitchen can prepare it for your evening meal and remember to ask how spicy or not you like it.

09 January 2022

Several years ago, I was planning to go on Safari in Tanzania and was looking for somewhere to break up the journey so as I had never visited the UAE before, I decided to stay for 3 nights in Dubai. Now as a traveller with a pale complexion and not a fan of sunbathing or shopping, I had always thought “what’s the point of visiting Dubai?”. After many hours of research, I discovered that there is quite a lot, it’s just that a lot of people visiting do like the beach and shopping and never get much further. I would like to point out at this juncture that there is nothing wrong with either activity as there is plenty to keep you amused, it’s just not my thing. To ease myself in gently, I decided to book myself onto a hop on hop off bus tour of the city and surrounding area. Now before you click on another link and think, what is this guy going on about, I found it rather fascinating. I learned about the history of Dubai from its humble beginnings as a fishing village, to its depleting oil reserves, and its plans of being a global player not only in tourism but also as an economic powerhouse mid-way point between Asia, Africa, and Europe. I learnt a lot more besides, but I came away feeling like my newfound information had put the city into context a little. I stopped on route at the usual shopping centres of course and took a Dhow Cruise along Dubai Creek, went tobogganing at Ski Dubai and saw the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab & the Dubai Fountain. I even found time to visit Wild Wadi Waterpark. With Dubai Parks, Dubai Aquarium, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark & Legoland also available in Dubai, there are plenty of activities for the family as well, so if the places I visited aren’t your thing there is plenty more choice available. Another important thing for me is to find amazing places to eat. Hotel food can be just that but finding a hidden gem down off the beaten track is always part of the experience for me. I asked a few people if they could recommend somewhere to eat and after checking the reviews online, I settled on a restaurant not too far from the Creek area. It had chosen a very unassuming Pakistani Restaurant, nothing special to look at but of course the moment I walked in it became apparent I was not on the main tourist trail. A really friendly waiter greeted me, recommended some food based on my likes and dislikes and I waited for my order. I had of course got overly excited in my ordering process and enough food turned up for what felt like about ten people. The flavours were amazing, each dish lovingly prepared but without the finesse of a luxury hotel. I consumed as much as I could and thanked the waiter for his recommendations. I walked back to my hotel feeling like I didn’t need to eat for another week but was definitely worth the detour. Dubai has a vast range of restaurants to suit any tastes and if familiar brands are your thing, then they have plenty of those from. The malls can be great for lunchtime snacks as well, but I always like to try somewhere a little different even if its only once during my stay plus it also puts money back into the local community. Reflecting on my visit to Dubai, I should probably have visited before but had assumed it was all about families, shopping, and sunbathing. I have newfound respect for the destination and would not hesitate in recommending it to someone to visit especially if you are prepared to get under the skin of a very polished surface.

03 January 2022

I first went to Greece in the early 90’s to the island of Mykonos. It was the year after they filmed Shirley Valentine, so of course I made a specific trip to see the beach, the bar she worked in and hotel that she stayed in. Mykonos was a lot less developed than it is today but that memory of Mykonos with its brown scorched landscape in August, the fresh Greek salads and Octopuses hanging up on the line will stay with me forever. Every time I return to Greece, and I have multiple times, I try to search out that authentic Greek island experience without the mass tourist trappings. The great thing about Greece, is that with so many islands, it is easy to find. Personally, I tend to fly into and out of an island with a direct flight from the UK, spend the first night on that island so that you aren’t trying to connect with a ferry and leave the following day. A two-week holiday is perfect for exploring at least three islands and the ferry network in Greece is easy to navigate despite the momentary chaos at the port making sure you get on the right one. Each island has its own personality. Some islands have stunning scenery, some have amazing food (not all Greek Salads are made the same), some have wonderful walks and trekking, some have meandering streets which are only wide enough for a donkey or motorbike but whatever you want to get from your holiday, Greece most definitely has the answer! I would of course tell you my favourite island, but then it wouldn’t be the idyllic retreat that I know it to be, and everyone would want to visit.

27 December 2021

Having been lucky enough to have friends living in the USA, I have on many occasions explored this area of Southern California. After a long flight to Los Angeles and once you have collected your hire car, it makes perfect sense to start your journey here. Most UK travellers base themselves in either West Hollywood or Santa Monica, as it is easy to explore the local area on foot. I like to explore the districts of Melrose and Fairfax as it offers some boutique shops and quirky coffee shops, but Beverly Hills and Sunset Strip are easily accessible. As you have the car, my top tip would be to drive to the Getty Centre situated just off the 405, if you love your art, your architecture, or enjoy great views then this is a good choice as it offers great views of both the city & coast. From LA, drive down the 405 and onto the 5 heading south towards my favourite city San Diego! On route the beaches of Long Beach, Huntington Beach & Laguna Beach are great to break up the journey. Similarly, when you are near to San Diego you can stop off at the pretty coastal town of La Jolla (pronounced La Hoya), with its white picket fences and cute beach houses it has long been a popular place to live for those who can afford it. The Cove is also a good place to spot Seals and Sea Lions. Now, whether you want a beach stay, or a city stay is entirely up to you and how you want to enjoy your time here. For a city stay, I would recommend basing yourself in or near the Gaslamp Quarter. Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, theatres, and nightclubs if that’s your thing. If, however you prefer a beach stay then Mission Beach is a good spot with its mix of locals and tourists, you can spend the day people watching or hire some rollerblades and skate along the boardwalk. La Jolla Shores is also a good option but remember this is a bit further out of town and slightly sleepier. San Diego is a family friendly city. Kids will love La Jolla Cove for the Sea Lions and Seal watching, San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, the USS Midway Museum (a floating museum and home to 29 restored aircraft, flight simulators, flight deck and theatre), and of course you can’t go to San Diego and not watch a game of baseball at Petco Park, with a spectacular back drop of the city.

17 December 2021

Thailand is one of those destinations that from the moment you arrive you can immerse yourself in a completely different culture and be fascinated by all the different sights and sounds. The country will challenge your senses. The smells after a heavy downpour to the small fires lit by the roadside are distinctly Thailand. You can travel anywhere else after that and if you smell that again, it will transport you back to where you were. Sounds are something else, Thai culture can be loud, so be prepared for car horns, shouting from market sellers amongst other things but its all part of the experience and after a while you will barely notice them. Taste, well this is my favourite. Whether you like spice or not, there is something for everyone and my top tip would be to avoid the restaurants and find yourself a little roadside pop-up food stand. The food is generally more authentic but of course you might have to be friendly to a local passing dog eager for some scraps. Don’t worry though, they are all very friendly. So, if you have never been to Thailand, you really don’t know what you are missing and is definitely somewhere to add to the list!