12 April 2024

Disneyland Paris. Well it had been on the bucket list for a while so it was time to bite the bullet and finally “do” Disneyland Paris. Under the guise of going to Lille for a night we decided to surprise the kids (aged 7 and 10) once in Lille, that our final destination, was, indeed Disneyland Paris. The big reveal was somewhat anticlimactic. “Where?” “Will they have WIFI? “ “Will it be like the Premier Inn in Tooting? “ (their current favourite hotel, I suspect mainly because of the unlimited pancakes for breakfast) Of course there are many ways to get to DLP as I shall refer to it from now on. Trains, planes and automobiles. We opted for the Eurostar, mostly because I am a huge fan it – comfy seats, almost unlimited luggage, liquids are no problem, and a smooth security/passport control experience at St Pancras. You can choose your seats for free. It’s sustainable. You only have to be there 1 hour before, and you can even take small sharp objects in your luggage. Ie a penknife for cutting up snacks. Just don’t forget it’s there and try to take it into DLP – you will get stopped at security and shouted at for one and all to hear: “Why are you trying to bring a knife into DLP? “ Repeated by my daughter at the top of her voice in case anyone back in Lille hadn’t heard, “Mummy -Why are you trying to bring a knife into Disneyland? “ Sadly Eurostar no longer operates a direct service to Disney – you have to either change in Lille or Paris. We opted for Lille, deciding to spend a night there, so we could have 3 full days at Disney- the TGV high speed train from Lille to Disney takes just over an hour – so by boarding a train at 07.30 we were at Disney before 9!! As soon as we arrived we jumped on a free shuttle bus from outside the station to “Sequoia Lodge” the Disney hotel that was to be our home for the next 2 nights. We picked up our magic passes, dropped our luggage in the storeroom and off to Disney we went! Disneyland Paris consists of two parks – the Main Park and Walt Disney Studios. I think 3 days/2 nights works perfectly. We spent Day 1 at the Main Park, Day 2 at the Studios, and then back to the Main Park on Day 3 to do anything we had missed. I wont go into the details of all the rides – but theres a real mix of stuff for younger and older kids, probably mostly for the under 10s, although the number of adults that visit without children is huge. Our favourite rides were Ratatouille, Spiderman’s Web Adventure and Star Wars Adventure. I think what Disney do really well is the 4D type rides which are much more immersive and interactive. There is a lot of fun stuff and lots of shows/parades/characters as you would expect, although the queues can be really long at times. The longest we waited was 70 minutes. Most rides were 30-50 minutes. For this reason alone I would highly recommend staying at one of the Disney Hotels onsite. We stayed at the mid range “Sequoia Lodge” and I was really pleased with our choice. It’s about a 15 minute walk from the Park entrance. It gets some feedback for being a little dated and tired, but honestly? The kids don’t care. There were pancakes with Nutella for breakfast!!! And a huge bonus is the really lovely swimming pool. (with slide and hot tub) Don’t think you’ll have time for swimming? By 4pm, after 8 hours walking/standing in queues and clocking up 25 000 steps, we were ready for a break. (wear comfy shoes) And the pool is the perfect antidote to tired legs and feet. The kids loved it. But the biggest reason to stay at a Disney Hotel is that you get an hours extra “magic time” . Which means you get into the Parks each morning at 08.30 instead of 09.30 when the general public are let in. Doesn’t sound like a lot. I assure you, that it makes a HUGE difference. You can get on rides with a 5-10 minute waiting time, that would normally be 45 minutes plus. You can get as much done in the first 90 minutes of the day, than you can over the whole of the rest of the day. You can also get photos around the park when its empty and before the crowds descend. So was DLP worth it? Was it better than the Premier inn in Tooting? I’ll be honest, its not our normal type of holiday, but looking back I have a strange inclination to return. The kids absolutely loved everything about it, they coped really well with the queuing, they loved the food (highly recommend PYM restaurant) My son rediscovered his love of Spiderman, my daughter has been watching Frozen on repeat since we got back. It was proper family bonding time, memories made forever, and for that reason alone, it was worth every penny.

01 November 2023

Let's talk the Swiss Riviera Whilst many business travellers will be familiar with Geneva as a destination , how many have enjoyed the opportunity to venture down the lake to the area known as the Swiss Riviera? A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to be hosted on a joint Swiss Tourism/Inghams fam trip to get to know this region better. And whilst I have visited Switzerland many times, this was an area that was fairly unfamiliar to me. And what an incredible area it is! The Swiss Riviera stretches from Lausanne to Montreux and encompasses the beautiful World UNESCO Lavaux vineyards perched on steep hills with a dramatic view of the lake and the Alps on the other side. Then you reach Vevey and its old town, passing La-Tour-de-Peilz before ending in Montreux, its casino and of course Chillon castle. Lausanne, situated just 35 minutes from Geneva by train, is home to the World Olympic Committee and , as such , has a fascinating museum dedicated to all things Olympian, which is situated in a prime position on the shores of the lake. Not to mention a wonderful restaurant with panoramic views to the Mont Blanc Massif. Lausanne’s mediaeval old town is home to Switzerland’s largest Gothic Cathedral, and the city also has a fine arts museum as well as numerous restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. This is after all, the French part of Switzerland, where fine dining and delicious wines are to be found in abundance. The Swiss do not produce enough wine to export much – they like to keep it all to themselves, and once you have tasted it, you will understand why. On to Vevey, which has a lovely, relaxed vibe, with cafes, bars and restaurants aplenty on the shores of the lake. Its also home to the Chaplin museum: Charlie Chaplin chose Vevey as his home for the last 25 years of his life, and the house (mansion) where he once resided has been turned into a fascinating museum. Just up the lake, is Montreux, which hosts its famous Jazz festival in July every year. Chillon Castle (Switzerland’s most visited attraction) is to be found on the lakeshore, just a few minutes outside of the town. Montreux also has a fabulous Christmas Market and is the starting point for both the cheese and chocolate trains which visit the Gruyeres cheese factory and Cailler (Nestle) chocolate factory respectively. From here it is also possible to embark on numerous alpine excursions. So next time you're in Switzerland, why not embark on a mini adventure along the Swiss Riviera. I promise you will not regret it! And if you would like me to tailor a bespoke trip to the Swiss Riviera or beyond, either as part of a business trip or a leisurely escape, then please don't hesitate to get in touch. #ineedSwitzerland

07 June 2023

Embarking on a journey from Calgary to Vancouver is a magnificent way to experience the diverse landscapes of Western Canada. This road trip takes you through the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies, serene lakes, charming towns, and finally ends in the vibrant city of Vancouver. If you just do one road trip if your life, this is the one to do! Calgary. We made it! Finally arrived in Banff after a 90 minute drive from Calgary airport to blazing sunshine after a very long day travelling. Huge thanks to Air Canada for a seamless flight and to Banff Aspen lodge for a lovely room and warm welcome. Trying to stay awake for as long as possible, the kids are long gone. First long haul flight for them and they were superstars. 5pm here, 7 hours behind the UK. Time to crack open a beer and admire the view. Banff National Park: Banff National Park is a natural wonderland that will leave you breathless. Explore the picturesque town of Banff, surrounded by majestic peaks. Take a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for incredible vistas and rejuvenate in the warm waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake: Don't miss the iconic Lake Louise and its stunning turquoise waters, as well as Moraine Lake with its awe-inspiring Valley of the Ten Peaks. Take a Gondola lift from the ski resort for amazing views of the surrounding area, and you may even spot a bear from the gondola or charlift! Jasper National Park: Continue your journey to Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Drive along the renowned Icefields Parkway, where glaciers, emerald lakes, and towering mountains abound. Make sure to stop at the Columbia Icefield, where you can take an unforgettable ride on the Ice Explorer and walk on the Athabasca Glacier. Discover the beauty of Maligne Lake and its famed Spirit Island, and keep an eye out for wildlife encounters along the way. The Icefields Parkway is a stunning drive, and it would take a month to explore all the trails, waterfalls and lakes along the route. Do not miss however, Peyto lake and Bow lake, Clearwater: As you leave Jasper, head south towards Clearwater, a small town nestled in the heart of British Columbia's Interior region. Clearwater is the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park, known for its pristine waterfalls, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. Don't miss the breathtaking Helmcken Falls, Dawson Falls, and the picturesque views from the Clearwater Lake viewpoint. Dive on in, its said there's turtles in this here lake, although I didn't see any. I had the lake all to myself, apart from a few geese. Canada Geese, naturally. Whistler: Continuing west, make your way to the world-renowned mountain resort of Whistler. Nestled in the Coast Mountains, Whistler offers a myriad of outdoor activities year-round. In summer, enjoy hiking, mountain biking, ziplining and golfing amidst stunning alpine scenery. In winter, hit the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, one of North America's premier ski destinations. Explore the vibrant village, indulge in gourmet dining, and experience the thrill of adventure in this mountain paradise. We didn't want to leave! Vancouver: Conclude your journey in the vibrant coastal city of Vancouver. On the way visit the Sea to Sky Gondola at Squamish. Embrace the cosmopolitan atmosphere as you explore neighbourhoods like Gastown, Yaletown, and Granville Island. Discover the natural beauty of Stanley Park, a sprawling urban oasis with scenic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. Stroll along the seawall, visit the historic Capilano Suspension Bridge, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Robson Street. Don't miss Grouse Mountain either- with its trails, lumberjack shows, high ropes course and resident Grizzly Bears. Enjoy world-class dining, diverse cultural experiences, and the beautiful beaches that Vancouver has to offer. Conclusion: A road trip from Calgary to Vancouver is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines the majestic mountains of the Canadian Rockies with the coastal splendour of Vancouver. From the breathtaking beauty of Banff and Jasper National Parks to the tranquility of Clearwater and the excitement of Whistler, this journey promises unforgettable experiences and awe-inspiring vistas at every turn. As you reach the vibrant city of Vancouver, you'll be captivated by its lively ambiance and coastal charm. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and let this epic journey through Western Canada create memories that will last a lifetime.

06 May 2023

If you're looking for sun at Easter time, then the Canaries are a pretty sure bet. Lanzarote is the most northern of the Canary islands, and with Fuerteventura directly to its south, it could easily be combined as a twin centre. (there are frequent ferries) We however decided to stick to Lanzarote for our 8 day holiday. We opted for Costa Teguise on the east coast of Lanzarote, just a short 20 minute hop from the airport. Costa Teguise is a smaller resort than Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen to the south and has a really lovely relaxed feel, its very popular with families, and has a couple of beautiful sandy beaches. We stayed at the H10 Suites, Lanzarote Gardens, which is a 3 minute walk from Las Cucharas beach with numerous shops, bars and restaurants within easy walking distance. Things I especially loved about the hotel: It has a baby club as well as kids clubs for various ages 3 pools (2 heated) aswell as 2 playgrounds Great choice of food with plenty of fresh fruit and salads, and a separate buffet area for young children Spacious suites with comfy beds, plenty of storage and a microwave and fridge. Really friendly and helpful staff 3 minutes walk from a beautiful sandy beach. Interconnecting rooms available. A balcony to enjoy a tipple or two. It was full of families, so definitely not the place to come if you want to avoid children, but if you do have kids, especially young ones, this is the place for you. Our days were spent mostly on the beach and by the pool, but we did hire a car and venture out for a day and I'm really pleased that we did. Lanzarote has an almost wild west feel about it, with cacti and volcanic landscapes, there is certainly plenty to see and do. Top of the list has got to be Timanfaya National Park, the Volcanic National park, with amazing moonscape type scenery - not that I've been to the moon. :) You can drive to the visitor centre, where you are put on a bus that drives you around the narrow roads of the National Park, with commentary and photo ops along the way. This takes about 40 minutes, and then once back at the visitor centre, they conduct a few experiments to demonstrate that the earth is indeed bubbling hot just a few metres down, beneath your feet. There is also a cafe that serves drinks, snacks and lunch. And of course a gift shop where you can buy a whole array of volcanic related items. Next, it was the camel stop, which the kids were especially excited about. I'm not keen on animal tourism, however these camels looked happy and healthy, Or as happy as a camel ever looks I guess. We went on a short 20 minute camel ride up a hill to see some views and back down again. The kids were especially happy when their camel, which was in front of mine, weed and nearly got me in the face. Then we were off to see Playa Blanca - one of the main resorts on the island. It felt a lot busier than Costa Teguise, but also has a lovely sandy beach and this is also where you can catch the ferry to Fuerteventura. We stopped briefly at Papagayo beach on our way home; its a bone rattling 15 minute drive along a dirt track, but is a beautiful little beach, worth the effort, if you have a car. Then back to the hotel. Overall we really enjoyed our week in Lanzarote - it has beautiful landscapes if you want to go out and explore, but equally is perfect if you just want to fly and flop. Hasta la Vista Lanzarote!

26 October 2022

Ever heard of the Alentejo region of Portugal? No? Well, me neither until a few weeks ago when I was fortunate enough to be invited by the Portuguese Tourist Board on a "familiaristion" trip of the region. And so it was that I found myself at Heathrow at 6am on an autumnal Wednesday morning, checking in for the 8am TAP Air Portugal flight to Lisbon. The Alentejo region of Portugal is the region between Lisbon and the Algarve in the South, stretching from the endless sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast with resorts like Comporta in the West to the Spanish border in the East. It is known to be very laid back, even by Portuguese standards, rural if you like, and makes a relaxing contrast to the hustle and bustle of Lisbon. But people are waking up , and this once sleepy region is coming into its own, thanks to boutique wineries and amazing gastronomy using local produce. After landing in Lisbon we drove for a couple of hours south to Troia, where we embarked on a beautiful boat trip on the river with a Portuguese "light lunch" Portuguese "light lunches" we were soon to discover consist of at least 7 courses, with plenty of local wine to wash it down with. Salt cod is a very popular ingredient, as is pork and lamb, lots of egg based desserts as historically the nuns and monks had plenty of egg yolks left over from starching their clothes with egg white. Hence a plethora of egg based delicacies such as pastel de nata. After disembarking from the boat, we headed to Comporta, one of the main beach resorts with a huge expanse of white sandy beach, backed by the Atlantic. Then it was off to our home for the night - the very stylish Octant hotel in Santiago do Cacem, with more delicious food and wine. The Octant hotels are beautifully design focussed but also with a big emphasis on gastronomy. The next morning it was off to Beja, capital of its region in Roman times when it was known as Pax Julia. There are some interesting Roman ruins to behold aswell as the tallest bell tower in Portugal. We also visited a fascinating convent, I would highly recommend taking a guided tour if you visit Beja, as we learnt so many fascinating facts about its history. After our morning tour it was off to Quinta do Quetzal for a superb "light lunch". Quinta do Quetzal is well known in the region for its fine dining, in a beautiful award winning restaurant overlooking the vineyard, and with a somewhat bizarre art gallery in the basement. Then it was off to the beautiful hilltop village of Monsarez before heading to our home for the night, the 5 star Mar de Ar hotel in Evora, the capital of the region. The next morning there was just time for a quick dip in the pool, overlooking the aqua duct (17km long, dating back to Roman times) before a guided walking tour of the world UNESCO heritage city of Evora. So much to see. Churches, (including an ossuary), convents, Roman ruins, markets and tiny back streets that I could happily get lost in for days on end. No time for that however! It was off to Fita Preta, another beautiful winery, housed in a cork clad building, with a mediaeval place next door. Another spectacular lunch paired beautifully with the local wine. Then off to the hilltop village of EvoraMonte, where we were hosted by Alison who runs an idyllic 4 bedroom b and b. Then we were off to the Torre de Palma Wine hotel, our home for our final night. The Torre de Palma is a family run boutique and slightly quirky hotel on a wine estate, again with amazing food and wine. The next morning we headed to VilaVicosa, a town close to the Spanish border, with streets literally paved with marble as this is the centre of the Portuguese marble industry. Then off to Estramoz for the Saturday farmers market, a final lunch at Gadanha restaurant, famed for its desserts and home to the airport. So how would I define the Alentejo region? Relaxed, amazing food and wine, heaps of history, and just far enough off the beaten track to be largely undiscovered. But not for long - this sleepy region is waking up - and has so much to offer.

10 October 2022

What springs to mind when you think of Sicily? Lemons, Mt Etna, Mafia, Gelato, Pizza, Ancient Greece, Mediterranean seas, fresh seafood, olives, vespas, pebble beaches. It was time to investigate! Accompanied by 5 trusted friends, I embarked on a girls weekend to Taormina in southern Sicily. Flying into Catania, our transfer was ready and waiting when we arrived and we were whisked off to Mazzaro in less than an hour. Taormina is located on hilltop ledge, Mazzaro is at the bottom by the sea, the two are connected by road, footpaths and a cable car. We were staying in a hotel very close to the cable car, (The Baia Azurra) so were able to enjoy the beach with the town easily accessible. The first evening was spent exploring the town and eating a fantastic spread of local cheese and meats, washed down with the local wine at "La Bottega del Formaggio" . La Bottega del Formaggio is a small nondescript looking deli down a backstreet. But appearances can be deceptive and beyond the threshold is a rooftop terrace with the most amazing sharing platters on offer. I highly recommend it, for authentic local delicacies, at a very reasonable price. The next day we took a citybysee hop on hop off bus which explores Taormina and the surrounding area. Now I do love a hop on hop off bus as a really good introduction to a new destination, even if you don't do any hopping and just stay on for the full circuit. Very relaxing if you have a slightly sore head from the night before. :) In Taormina, they even include a "Godfather" tour of film locations, where scenes from the infamous film were shot. Next it was the jewel in Taormina's Crown - the ancient Greek amphitheatre which is amazingly intact and offers spectacular views over Mt Etna and the whole of the surrounding area. Photos just cannot do it justice, with the amphitheatre by the smoking peak of Etna in the background. Despite being early October, the temperatures were hitting 25 degrees so we headed down to the beach at Bella Isola for a quick dip in the sea. The crystal clear water meant that little fishes were clearly visible and this is a great area for snorkelling as well as chilling out on the pebble beach. After a quick refresh at the hotel we headed back into town for a cocktail, at one of the many street bars, perfect for sitting and watching the world go by. The following morning there was just time for a little souvenir shopping, and a final wander around the town centre before heading back to the airport and home. Although we fitted a lot into our weekend, there was so much more to see- tours of Mt Etna, Boat and snorkelling trips, the beaches at Giardini Naxos, Syracuse just down the coast and of course, plenty more gelato eating and wine drinking to be done. I guess we'll just have to go back. Arrivederci Taormina!

05 September 2022

I love Eurostar. I really do. I think they are brilliant at what they do. London to Paris in 2 hours 20 minutes. City centre to city centre. So this year, with a train mad 9 year old, we decided to get the train to the Alps rather than fly, taking the Eurostar to Paris, stopping overnight to break the journey, and do a spot of sightseeing. We then hopped on a TGV high speed train to Geneva the following day. Why do I love Eurostar so much? It's city centre to city centre. No transitting out to airports, no airport chaos, no endless queues. Granted, you need to arrive at St Pancras 90 minutes before departure. (at the moment - less if travelling in business premier) Once there you scan your boarding pass, pass through security and passport control, and voila you're set to go. Your luggage is included ( 2 bags plus hand luggage in standard class) No waiting around at baggage reclaim. Big comfy seats with free wifi and charging sockets (when not travelling through a tunnel) Its exciting for the kids, you can walk around, use the toilets and visit the buffet car whenever you feel like it. There's direct trains to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, from where the whole of Europe is your Oyster. I'm already planning my next trip - a nice little weekend in Ghent!

12 September 2022

Anybody who knows me well, knows that Switzerland is probably my favourite country in the whole world, the one that I return to time after time. I guess it feels like a second home, having worked my first Winter season there when I was 18, and returning many times since, both to work, and to play. Its my absolute favourite destination for a Summer family holiday. So what's so great about Switzerland? Cable cars, chocolate, picnics in the mountain air, streams, lakes and mountain huts, ropeparks, swimming pools, amazing playgrounds ( I get the feeling Swiss councils are not as cash strapped as UK ones!) goats, grasshoppers, squirrel trails and marmots. There is so much for kids to enjoy, the whole country seems to be geared up to being Outdoors. Then there's the food - cheese and chocolate, Rosti, Fondue, raclette, very tasty wine - Switzerland does indeed have Europe's highest vineyard, and they produce very tasty wine, they just don't produce enough to export it. And scenery so stunning no photo can ever do it justice. Anyway, back to Verbier - I had never been before, so I was excited to see what was on offer in this famous Winter resort. The Summer season is much calmer than than the Winter season and has a much more relaxed atmosphere, but even I was surprised how peaceful Verbier was. Its a very traditional looking resort, with streets lined with wooden chalets, restaurants and bars a plenty, a few supermarkets and lots of outdoor and boutique shops. In the Summer months it is popular with walkers, mountain bikers and paragliders, aswell as families. We spent most of our days taking cable cars up the mountainside, having a picnic lunch with bread and cheese easily bought from the supermarket, followed by a leisurely walk to a mountain cafe for an afternoon drink, then a walk/cable car back down to Verbier. There are some lovely bisse walks (a bisse is an ancient irrigation channel, so just a manmade steam really) - the kids loved playing pooh sticks in them, and before they knew it they would have walked several miles without a single grumble. For the slightly more challenging walks, chocolate proved to be a great motivator, as did the promise of a fizzy drink or icecream at a mountain cafe. They also loved the outdoor swimming pool, refreshing as it was, the mini golf and the ropepark. It is also possible to take trips to Lake Mauvoisin and to the local alpine dairy to see how the local cheese is made. Switzerland has the reputation for being expensive, I would argue it offers amazing value for money, in terms of what you actually get. The best things are indeed free- the fresh mountain air, the spectacular scenery, amazing mountain walks and hikes. Getting there is easy- either by plane, train or automobile, the Swiss transport network is integrated and well organised. Eating out is probably the biggest cost, so we tend to limit this to once or twice per holiday and self cater the rest of the time. Swiss supermarkets are well stocked with all the staples and things that are easy to prepare. One way to keep costs down is to choose a resort that incentivises Summer travel by including things like cable car rides for free and giving discounted entry to local attractions. Contact your friendly travel agent for more details! Switzerland invented "wellness" before the term was ever conceived. Switzerland IS wellness. For over 100 years patients have been heading to Swiss clinics in the mountains to heal and recover (most notably from TB.) And today that is still the essence of a Summer escape to the mountains. Fresh air, good food, exercise, amazing scenery and time to unwind, together as a family. Time to breathe. And that, for me, makes it the best value destination in the whole world.

02 August 2022

Its funny how things turn out sometimes isn't it? Especially with holidays. 10 years ago the thought of an All Inclusive holiday would have filled me with absolute dread. Fast forward 10 years and 2 kids later, All Inclusive started to seem positively luxurious. No Cooking? Or cleaning? Or even thinking? No mental load whatsoever. No "but this pizza is too spicy" "these chicken nuggets don't look the same" Simply go back and get something else. Bliss. And did I mention the wine on tap? So we decided to venture into the world of All Inclusive. And we chose the Dunas Suites in Maspalomas Gran Canaria as somewhere that looked nice, low rise, spread out with good reviews, especially for the food. We didn't regret it. Whilst a very large resort, comprising of suites and villas, it never felt too crowded, except perhaps at some meal times. With 5 pools, and an entertainments team, the kids lived in their swimming costumes and our 8 year old particularly enjoyed the pool games. The food was good, with a huge choice and a different theme each night. Even so, I think any buffet type service is going to get a bit samey by the 8th night. But overall it was much better than we expected for an all Inclusive, with lots of fresh food, and some dishes such as fish and steak cooked to order. The kids loved the slushies and frozen yogurt in the afternoons and we loved the generous gin and tonics! The Dunas is about a 20 minute walk away from the beach. The beach area is famous for its sand dunes and there is a huge expanse of sandy beach. Being the Atlantic, the sea is a little rough, so not suitable for very young children, but fine for the older ones. Our 5 year old was very happy just paddling (supervised) or building castles in the sand. If you want to explore further afield, taxis are cheap and plentiful, the Aquapark was a huge hit with our kids. Its located about 15 minutes from the hotel by taxi, (6 euros by taxi) and seemed well run with lots of slides of varying scarediness. Our 8 year old son declared it as the 2nd best day of his life! (but he couldn't tell us what the best day was) It is also possible to hire cars at the hotel if you would like to explore the island for a day or two. (there is a company in the hotel foyer every morning - they do need 24 hours notice) All in all I would definitely do it again, the sheer relaxation that All Inclusive affords, not having to think about a single thing , having it all taken care of, especially with kids. Here's to next time!

23 March 2022

Agra is a little like marmite, you either love it or hate it. Home to the magnificent Taj Mahal, and popular with Indian and foreign tourists alike, it is one of India's truly unforgettable experiences. The Taj Mahal was commissioned by emperor Shah Jahan in 1631, to be built in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died on 17 June that year, while giving birth to their 14th child. The Taj Mahal was constructed using materials from all over India and Asia. It is believed over 1,000 elephants were used to transport building materials. It took the efforts of 22,000 labourers, painters, embroidery artists and stonecutters to shape the Taj Mahal, and cost about £70 billion to build in todays money. Some iconic buildings prove to be somewhat disappointing in the flesh. Underwhelming if you like. Not so the Taj Mahal. It exceeded every single expectation I may have had about it and then some. The intricacy of the work close up. Awesome. Spectacular. Stunning. But back to Agra. By the time i visited Agra I had been backpacking around India for several weeks. I was becoming accustomed to unwanted attention. So when a cycle rickshaw driver started following me, it came as no surprise. I politely declined his services, however rickshaw drivers are nothing if not persistent, and instead of ignoring him, I decided to chat with him as I walked along, him cycling beside me. After all he was only trying to earn a living. “Where are you from madam? “ “England” “England? OOoh lovely jubbly madam. Nassar Hussain very good man. “ We chatted for a few more minutes and then he was off, to find a fare. The following day I was at the train station. (Indian train stations are a very reliable source of toilets, chai and tend to have very good Thalis too) Met with the usual throng of rickshaw drivers as I exited the building, one voice stood out from among the crowd. “Oh hello again madam, Nassar Hussain very good man! “ The other drivers all cheered in agreement. For my remaining time in Agra, no matter where I was, or what time of day, I would hear shouts of “Nassar Hussain, very good man madam ” echoing around me as any and every cycle rickshaw whizzed by. But they never gave me any hassle or grief. Just a cheery "Nassar Hussain, very good man, madam" To this day it puts a smile on my face. India can be like that.

18 January 2022

The last two years have been a little challenging for international travel to say the least. Fortunately it has given us an unparalleled opportunity to uncover hidden gems right here in the UK that may have otherwise have remained buried. One such area which commonly flies under the radar, in my opinion, is Pembrokeshire in South Wales. Breathtaking beaches, such as the award winning Barafundle Bay and Broadhaven South are positively deserted compared to their counterparts in Devon and Cornwall. Centuries old Castles offer an alternative day out if you tire of the seascapes. Think Pembroke Castle (birthplace of King Henry 7th), Manorbier Castle, Carew Castle to name but a few. We based ourselves in Freshwater East, a small village about 20 minutes south of Pembroke itself. Freshwater East does have a great beach itself, but the real jewels in the Pembrokeshire Crown are to be found just a few miles along the coast with the beaches of Barafundle. (previously voted in the worlds top 10 best beaches), and my personal favourite, Broadhaven South. The reason I love Broadhaven South beach so much, is not just its sheer expanse, but that it is so family friendly, with soft flat sand, rockpools to explore, and even an icecream van in the carpark! Our two kids aged 8 and 5 absolutely loved this holiday, and frequently ask us when we will return to the "Wales House" There are numerous choices of accomodation to please everyone. From glamping to stays in castles, hotels and self catering options of all shapes and sizes. The world is opening up again. I, for one, cannot wait to explore foreign shores once more. But I am so grateful to Pembrokeshire, to the "Wales House" and the magical memories that were made there, in a Summer when the world seemed to be closing down. And a part of me cannot wait to return.