18 November 2020

In November 2019 we took a short trip to Southern France to watch the Worcester Warriors play Castres in the European Challenge Cup. We decided to stay in Carcassonne which is around an hour and a half from Castres, but it was well worth it. Carcassonne should really be on everyone's bucket list, one of the most amazing medieval castles you will ever see, just stunning and all with sight of the

18 November 2020

In April 2019 I was part of a group of Travel Counsellors who visited Boston and Cape Cod as guests of the Massachusetts Tourist board. We had an amazing time and I really enjoyed visiting a part of the US I hadn't been to before. Our first two nights were in Boston City and we stayed at the gorgeous Four Seasons Hotel in Back Bay overlooking the public gardens. The rooms were amazing, very spac

20 July 2015

I was lucky enough to travel to the Island of Gran Canaria in June courtesy of the Spanish Tourist board. Although I had been before, many years earlier, I didn't stray far from my hotel which was such a shame as this lovely island is very diverse and well worth exploring. We were based in the south of the island in Melonares, close to the sands dunes of Maspalomas. A lovely promenade now lin

29 May 2015

I was lucky enough to be invited on to the new P&O ship Britannia for its launch party. Britannia is a really lovely ship with amazing on board facilities. Britannia offers three main signature restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner daily. There's also plenty of other eateries to tempt you though from “Grab & Go” outlets and relaxed buffet dining around the clock to s

29 May 2015

We travelled out to Mexico in May 2015 for the Gold Travel Counsellors conference in Cancun. We extended the trip by five nights and spent the first part of our trip at the lovely Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Resort on the Riviera Maya. Just a 20 minute journey from the airport this resort is really quite unique in Mexico being a small boutique property with just 45 rooms, all of which are de

19 February 2014

We travelled up to Gleneagles for our annual Gold Travel Counsellors Dinner on the 8th February and stayed for two nights at this top quality resort. Situated in the most stunning location, just a 45 minute drive from Edinburgh Airport, Gleneagles is a perfect destination for golfers, spa lovers and those looking for a relaxing weekend with excellent service and food. The resort is also very fam

27 October 2013

Our family holiday this year was a Mediterranean Cruise aboard the Norwegian Jade. We flew from Birmingham to Venice (my second trip to this amazing city this year!) and had a one night pre-cruise stay in the Hotel Kette. We then joined the Norwegian Jade as she sailed the Mediterranean, calling at Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos and Izmir in Turkey. The ship was very comfortable and the staff on b

27 October 2013

Earlier in October 2013 I escorted a small group of Worcester Warriors fans to Geneva for the Amlin European match against Oyonnax, which was just an hour’s drive over the border into France. We stayed at the Cornavin Hotel in Geneva which was conveniently situated right next door to the rail station. The hotel was ideal and had a wonderful panoramic breakfast room on the 8th Floor with fantas

17 June 2013

We travelled to Abu Dhabi this year for our Gold Travel Counsellors Conference, and stayed at the Fairmont Hotel. Abu Dhabi is an up and coming destination, just over an hour’s drive from Dubai. It isn't quite as developed yet as Dubai, and has lots to offer for both stopovers and longer holidays. Take time to visit Ferrari World where you will find the world’s fastest roller coaster or take a

17 June 2013

We travelled to Muscat in Oman for a few days holiday before attending the Gold Travel Counsellors conference in Abu Dhabi, and what a great choice it was. We stayed at the Lovely Shangri La Barr Al Jissah Resort and we had a fantastic stay. The Shangri La is actually made up of three hotels, all in the same bay along a lovely stretch of sandy beach. The Al Waha is the more family friendly of t

30 November 2011

I was lucky enough to travel to Kalkan, Turkey in October with a group of Gold Travel Counsellors. We stayed at the lovely boutique Likya Residence in Kalkan and took the opportunity to see a variety of other hotels and villas in the area. Kalkan is around an hour and a half drive from Dalaman Airport and is a small upmarket resort, just perfect for couples or families. Set into the hillside,

08 June 2011

This was my first visit to Dubai, and it was great to see a few of the hotels and really get a better idea of the city and the beach areas. We stayed at the fantastic Westin Mina Seyahi Hotel and had an executive sea view room with balcony. This hotel was very much to my taste, the building itself was quite colonial looking and just eight storeys high (tiny by Dubai standrads). It was beautif

12 May 2011

Looking for a relaxing break in the UK? Then look no further than a canal boat holiday. We spent three lovely days sailing on the Grand Union Canal near Northampton. It was a fantastic few days. We stopped each night to eat in a different pub and ate lunch alfresco moored on the canalbank. Going through the locks was a bit daunting, but easy once you got the hang of it. The boat was a bit cr

21 April 2011

Marrakech is a fabulous choice for a long weekend or short break. We flew from Manchester and spent four nights in this fascinating city, staying in a beautifully converted Riad within the medina walls. It was an oasis of calm in the midst of a busy city, and the pool and spa gave us lots of opportunities to relax. On our first morning we headed off with our guide for a walking tour of the city

02 April 2011

We travelled down to London to see War Horse which has received rave reviews and we weren't disappointed, the show was fantastic and very moving. We stayed at the Radisson Edwardian Sussex Hotel, which is just off Oxford Street, so ideally situated for anyone wanting to shop! The hotel was quite small, but very comfortable, I would certainly recommend upgrading to a Deluxe Room, as these were qu

02 April 2011

We have just seen Peter Kay at the O2 in London and stayed at the Crowne Plaza Docklands hotel, which is ideally situated just two stops on the DLR (Docklands light Railway) and the Jubilee line from the O2. The hotel was excellent and very convenient and I would certainly stay there again. The company that I used to book the package has it's own box on the VIP level of the O2 which was fantas

02 June 2010

I was lucky enough to be onboard the Celebrity Equinox for it's launch in July 2009. This is the sister company to Royal Caribbean Cruises, and the ship was fantastic! Having travelled on the Independence of the Seas with my family I would say that the Equinox would be the perfect choice for couples or families with older children. The decor is very plush and there is a fabuolus choice of spe

02 June 2010

In May 2009 we sailed to the Canaries aboard the Royal Caribbean ship “Independence of the Seas”. This is a fabulous choice for passengers of any age, especially families or those looking for lots of on board activities. We embarked at Southampton, and so within a couple of hours after leaving home we were in our cabin and on holiday! We set sail and had our first day at sea, followed by a st

01 June 2010

Ayubowan! I was lucky enough to travel to Sri Lanka last month with the Sri Lankan Tourist Board. It is an amazing destination, with fantastic scenery, stunning nature reserves and fabulous historical monuments. Sri Lanka is now a peaceful destination following the cessation of civil unrest in the north in 2008 and is an ideal destination to combine sightseeing with a stay in one of their t

17 September 2008

If you are looking for beautiful white sandy beaches, clear blue sea and plenty of fascinating things to see and do then Thailand is the destination for you. We spent a wonderful week there in November 2007, staying first at the Centara Krabi Bay Resort in Krabi for five wonderfully relaxing days. This hotel is set in its own bay and can only be reached by boat. It is in the most stunning locat