09 June 2019

What do we look for when we are trying to find the perfect family holiday? Parents want to know their children are safe & their kids to enjoy activities, pools, entertainment, making friends and eating well & to be able to relax and enjoy their family break & to be able to enjoy a variety of different foods in new locations and try local cuisine with as little hassle as possible. How does booking a family cruise with Royal Caribbean do this? You can sail from the UK so no need to fly The choice of restaurants and bars means there is something to suit all tastes Entertainment shows, kids’ clubs, waterparks, trampoline parks, flow rider, cinemas, arcades, babysitting Great family cabins to sleep up to 4 or adjoining cabins and suites. One with a slide! Family dining times to suit the hungry little people Amazing staff to assist with any special needs including health, behavioural and dietary Itineraries Sailings all over the world with some amazing ports for all the family to enjoy Private Island with slides, zip wire, cabanas and something to wow everyone. And top that off with some great offers to make the perfect family holiday!

05 June 2019

We took the opportunity to try a few hotels in Costa Adeje in February. I have never been the biggest fan of Tenerife due to thinking it was all a little bit British! We found some gems and I was proved so wrong. We stayed in Bahia del Duque, possibly the most beautiful hotel in the area. The service was first class, the views stunning, and the food was great. It was also a great location to access the main promenade and walk as far as you wish. We walked along to the lovely little fishing port of Caleta, where you have a choice of high-priced restaurants mixed with lovely little basic restaurants serving great tapas. It’s a lovely area to sit and people watch with a Sangria! We also stayed at the opposite end of Adeje, closer to Las Americas. This was busier and lots more bars and restaurants but another great location for walking and stopping off for a cold glass of wine and enjoy the views. The cost of eating and drinking out was cheaper than I expected and watching the sun set behind La Gomera was just lovely. Adding it to the list to bring the family.....

05 June 2019

I last visited this beautiful island in 2001 and immediately loved it. I have never seen waters so clear. I grabbed the opportunity to return in May this year, this time to include visits to 7 hotels, experience various excursions and learn more about the island, hosted by Antigua Tourist Board. I took lots of photos, but I still think it’s hard to capture the colours and the beauty of the island. My highlights that I would recommend were: Sunday nights at Shirley Heights – watch the sunset whilst listening to steel bands, purchase local crafts and enjoy amazing BBQ food. Kayaking around the Mangroves – never kayaked before, calm waters and a guide to talk about the animals and plants in the area. Catamaran Cruise – the waters were stunning green, great atmosphere, BBQ lunch, music and opportunity for more snorkelling. Day Tour Jeep Safari – learn all about the Island, lunch where the locals go and see some many areas that you wouldn’t normally see. The hotels ranged from 3-5*and you can choose anything from B&B to All Inclusive. Basic rooms to luxury suites and villas. There is a hotel to suit so many different budgets and some much better catered for families, others more tranquil for couples or friends. Travel to Antigua can also be fine in our summers. Some months are better avoided but it is not Winter only. Antigua is the driest Caribbean island. I am planning a return visit with my family as soon as I can.

05 June 2019

I was so lucky to be asked to join many other agents, VIPs and cruise industry leaders on a 2-night sailing to experience all that this amazing new ship can offer. I can honestly say that the food, service, design, cabins and layout of the ship were amazing. Your typical ocean view cabin has a floor to ceiling window instead of the traditional picture window or porthole you would expect. The design is all about space and light with some stunning modern twists. The main feature of the ship is the Magic Carpet. This is a suspended platform that performs different functions depending on which deck it sits. It can be a restaurant or bar with amazing views or when lowered, it is the perfect exit route onto the luxurious tenders to disembark for your excursions. We viewed fantastic accessible cabins, luxury 2 storey villas with a jacuzzi bath on terrace and we stayed in a cabin with infinity balcony which is perfect to enjoy the views and choose whether to lower the electric window to leave you with a glass balcony. Every bar, restaurant and public area is a design feature with stunning lighting, art and some very "interesting" extra pieces of art that became talking points during our trip.Live music is played on a stage within the rooftop garden on top deck, with planted areas and relaxed seating. For livelier music and Djs, the main deck pool is the perfect place. This ship is going to be a real treat and has a sister ship to follow her in 2020. Message me for more details and some great offers.

18 March 2019

Are you wanting to stay in the UK this year and wondering what options you have for a great break? Holiday lodges, cottages and holiday parks - there are thousands of such options to choose from. You can choose to stay in our beautiful countryside and enjoy lovely walks, great views, explore quaint villages and towns. Maybe you want to take the dog? Plenty of accommodation will allow pets. You might prefer to stay near a beach, enjoying the fresh sea air, stay in a cottage or maybe a holiday park with activities for the family. I can help find something with great self-catering facilities, or somewhere close to a choice of eateries. We can find the right accommodation for you to fit your budget and make sure it has the facilities or the tranquillity you wish for. Theatre Breaks Why not let us arrange for a lovely weekend break including your transport, accommodation, theatre along with any excursions you may want to tie in. We can arrange afternoon teas, special meals, zoo visits, museums and so much more. Rail You can actually have a beautiful steam rail journey in the UK to try something completely different. See our glorious countryside without having to drive, and if you prefer not to travel via coach. UK Cruising We have some amazing cruises that sail around the British Isles. You can choose the right itinerary for you and we use a selection of cruise lines, so you have plenty of choice according to your budget, preferred routing, formality and excursions. Maybe you would prefer to Captain your own boat. There is a great selection to suit two people or many more and you can explore the rivers yourself. Relaxation We can recommend some beautiful hotels in the UK for a relaxing break. If you'd like us to help arrange any meal reservations, spa treatments or tours, we'd be happy to help make your trip extra special.

06 March 2019

We spent an amazing 5 nights in Tenerife and spent a lot of our time walking, investigating and touring hotels. We spent our first 2 nights at Bahia Del Duque which is an amazing 5* hotel and member of the Leading Hotels of The World. I can honestly say that the staff are some of the best I have ever come across. They love looking after their clients and put themselves out to ensure you have an amazing stay. The views were amazing from our room with sea view. We also looked at their luxury rooms in a separate building Casa Ducales - this lovely area has its own pool, gardens and lounge with snacks and drinks available all day. The private villas with pools were just stunning and perfect for families or couples with the most amazing bathrooms. The location is perfect for all of the Costa Adeje area, where you can walk straight onto the beach or follow the Promenade to Las Americas or La Caleta - stunning! We spent a few hours at Hotel Villa Maria Suites in Costa Adeje, which is a resort of the loveliest villas, lots with hot tub or pool, overlooking a great 9-hole golf course and neighbouring the 18 hole course. Villas vary in size so there’ something to suit everyone. All bedrooms have a bathroom, and the 1 bed Villas have 2 bathrooms! There is a lovely little poolside restaurant and bar, shared family pools, main restaurant, kids club and mini market - so plenty of options to eat out or self-cater. Beautiful surroundings and views - amazing service. We walked along to La Caleta for lunch twice and sat with a glass of wine and tapas which was such a lovely setting with real Spanish food. I can offer advice on lots of the restaurants that we tried including a great find with live music every night and amazing Paella! Tenerife has not been on my radar much over the last few years, but this visit has had many WOW moments and I look forward to returning.

15 February 2019

For our festive break, we wanted some guaranteed Christmas sunshine without having to board multiple flights. We’ve visited Dubai a few times and so we opted for Abu Dhabi. It offers so much for families and golfers so it seemed like a great option. During our five-night stay in central Abu Dhabi, we went down to the Corniche Beach on Christmas morning. We had coffees and ice creams with gold leaf on Boxing Day at Emirates Palace, a stunning hotel but also very relaxed with lovely family atmosphere. One of The Fast & The Furious films was shot in front of the hotel. My husband and daughter played golf at Abu Dhabi Golf Course which was a treat, whilst my younger daughter and I lay around the rooftop pool at the hotel. We visited the main shopping mall, which was fantastic. So we then moved to Yas Island, around 25 minutes away. Much more of a tourist area with so many things to do. A great little free bus runs you from every hotel to the Yas Marina Mall, the Grand Prix track, Ferrari World, Beach Club, Waterworld, Links Golf Course and Warner Bros World. Ferrari World is an amazing family day out, the beach club is great, the marina is stunning and the shopping first class. We were fortunate to stay in the Marina Hotel which straddles the Grand Prix track. We had an amazing suite with a wraparound balcony to see (and hear) everything going on around the track. We were here for New Years Eve which was just amazing. Please ask me any questions about this area.

26 August 2018

Had I ever considered a River Cruise? No Was France on my list of places to visit? No Did my 3-day Uniworld Educational end up being one of the most fascinating trips I’ve ever done? Absolutely yes. Everyone who fancies a relaxing break with some amazing excursions being thrown in should try a River Cruise. We were so lucky with the weather and we couldn’t have asked for better hosts than James Howlett and the team onboard River Royale, we were spoilt, as were all their passengers. The food, drink and service were second to none. The choice of excursions was fantastic and would suit all ages and paces. My balcony room was just gorgeous and included beautiful l’Occitane bathroom products. We had an amazing visit to Libourne, a family Chateau tour with wine tasting and a top deck party with our Captain as DJ. I was fortunate enough to be in the great company of a handful of other agents including TC Lesley Berry and we all had an amazing time. River Royale is being upgraded to a supership ready for 2019 and I’d love to see the changes as she is already a beautiful ship. I would recommend Uniworld to all, they also do Generations Cruise itineraries which are more suitable for bringing the children along. Don’t be put off by what may at first seem like a higher cost, and make sure you look at all of the inclusions: UK Flights or Eurostar, transfers, food, drinks and excursions.

07 June 2018

I had always understood that Italy was extremely expensive as a destination until I visited and found some real gems. I was lucky enough to see Naples, Sorrento, Pisa and Lucca. I travelled by train, boat, bus and taxi to ensure that I fully experienced their transport options. We flew into Naples and got the bus to the train station, this was a bit of an experience, as was the train journey to Sorrento so I am happy to offer advice on this. Friends found a lovely hotel in Naples which sits high above the port. We found food far cheaper than expected and yes, it’s true that a pizza or pasta does taste different in Italy. Our first meal was in Sorrento where the streets smell of flowers and fruit trees - beautiful! We paid around €30 each but that was three courses, wine and Aperol Spritzers - it could have been the best meal I have ever had. We also visited the homemade Limoncello shop where we met the mother and daughter who make the liqueur and the amazing bottles. Well worth a visit. Pisa was not as I expected. The area surrounding the leaning tower was much smaller than I thought it would be, but more beautiful with the gorgeous lawns around it. There are some lovely streets with a huge choice of little restaurants where you can have a light lunch for under €10 including a drink. There are some aspects of Pisa to be aware of, so I would happily talk through these to ensure you are safe. Lucca is not often mentioned but is the most amazing town both outside and inside the town walls. It has a sense of peace and tranquillity with small running streams and lots of greenery outside the walls. Once you go inside the walls, the squares and the buildings are just gorgeous. Again, we had an amazing lunch (Calzone pictured) and still much cheaper than expected - you could sit, eat, drink and people watch for hours. There are also lots of interesting little shops to wander around, so you could easily spend a day here - bliss. I now need to work out when I can return to Italy and do I visit the same gorgeous areas or find more new gems!

20 January 2018

We are fortunate enough to have a direct flight with Emirates from Newcastle to Dubai which is great for a holiday to Dubai but also much more. There are great flight connections to lots of Far East destinations, Australia, Indian Ocean and other Middle Eastern destinations. You can opt to stop overnight in Dubai to break up your journey and stay in the International Airport Hotel which means you remain airside ready to depart to your next destination next day. Dubai has been a popular holiday destination for over 20 years and was the first area of the UAE to attract British holidaymakers. Each new hotel aims to be bigger and better than the last for their views, vast rooms and suites and there are plenty of Gold and Michelin star restaurants. Although, it is still possible to visit without breaking the bank. There is also a lot more to do there than people realise. Skiing, shopping, spice souks, gold souks, swimming with dolphins, waterparks, jeep safari, dinner in the desert, visit the world’s tallest building and watch a Bellagio-standard fountain show below. Amazing golf courses, aquariums, zoos, catamaran cruise, dinner on a dhow cruise, LEGOLAND, city tours, helicopter tours and much more. I can happily advise and book any excursions having stayed in Dubai three times. Just along the road there is Abu Dhabi. Now almost as popular as Dubai with lots to offer. Why not visit Yas Island and see the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit? Stay in a room overlooking the circuit itself or book a track day. Yas Island has a good selection of hotels and an amazing waterpark. Some of the hotels include free admission to the park when staying with them. They also offer a range of meal plans to suit all budgets. Or Jebel Ali? A short drive from Dubai but the hotels here offer great value for money if you are happy to have luxury surroundings and facilities without the price tag that you pay on The Palm or Jumeirah areas. There are some amazing all-inclusive hotels in this area with lots of sports and activities Included to keep the whole family entertained. Or Ras Al Khaimah. A slightly longer drive from Dubai but this area also offers a lot. You get a lot more for your money here due to it being a little further out of Dubai. There are still beautiful 5* all-inclusive hotels with gorgeous beaches, huge bedrooms, top quality food and drink, great golf courses, so a great holiday destination. All of this is possible from our daily Emirates flight. The rest of the world has opened up from Newcastle!

04 January 2018

Don't fancy a long flight? Want sun pretty much all year round Don't have a huge budget? I have the answer. Nerja in the Costa del Sol. Beautiful beaches with water sports, comfortable beds, fish restaurants, clear waters and delicious paella. Gastronomy - Every nationality of restaurant, free tapas with drinks. Some of the cheapest food I've come across. Ice creams are to die for - Oreo, Tiramisu, Nutella and Dime Bar. Sangria and wine cost around 2-3 Euros a glass The views are stunning – there are no other words. Entertainment - street musicians and entertainers perform every evening. Excursions - Visit the local caves, have lunch in a beautiful mountain village and head for the stunning Sierra Nevada. Transport – There are loads of flights to Malaga so plenty of choices when you want to fly. Huge Accommodation choice - large hotels, boutique hotels, apartments and villas. You can't fail to return relaxed and the flight is only around three hours. Nerja, Costa del Sol. Heaven.

12 September 2017

We've been to Belek for the past five summers and this hotel tops everything. As a Travel Counsellor, I thought we should try a different part of the world next year but we have decided to head back to Belek after enjoying the Regnum so much. Food and Drink The main buffet was quite busy but with an amazing selection of food and top quality. The a la cartes were lovely and peaceful with table service and a fantastic selection to choose from. Beach restaurants are lovely for a change of scenery and fantastic choice and quality with pizzas, pasta, salad, calamari, toasties, fruit and loads more. All drinks are top brands and all available in all bars including the pool bars, beach pier and served to your sunbeds. The cocktails are amazing. The Patisserie is an oasis of calm, serving speciality coffees, cakes and handmade chocolates. We met the boys at the golf course for lunch (via a free hotel transfer) and enjoyed sparkling wine and an amazing steak sandwich, overlooking the Championship course. Pools and Beach You can choose an area that suits you. Next to the slides, the little kids’ waterpark, lazy river or wave pool. Under the shelter of the trees next to a waterfall, by the main pool with luxury beds, on the beach (beautiful imported sand), the adults only pool with swim up bar. There is somewhere to suit everyone. Rooms There are beautiful big bedrooms which are immaculate. There are huge bathrooms and walk in wardrobes. Activities There is free access to Land of Legends, high rope course and zip wire in hotel grounds. I am told that the two golf courses are fantastic and are the best they have played in Belek. There are good green fee discounts for guests. Kids Club There is an amazing arcade with bowling alley, adults party, animatronic dinosaur party, pier party with DJ and laser show. Hotel and Grounds These have to be seen. The whole place is immaculate and there is so much glass for views over the golf course and the sea. The reception is beautiful and there are photos everywhere of world leaders at the G20 summit there, which they are rightly proud to have hosted. I only used the Spa area for showering on our departure and regret not visiting there earlier. The fountain shows every evening are unbelievable and a must-see. The staff were all great but I have to make a special mention to Irem of Guest Relations and also Mehmet from the Terrace Bar who made our holiday. This hotel is perfect for visitors who like everything done just right, there is so much for families, couples, singles and groups. It’s a great golf location and is ideal for golf trips outside the summer season. We look forward to returning next year!