30 October 2023

How blessed I felt when I was selected by Antigua and Barbuda tourism for my first visit to the beautiful island of Antigua. I can see why they use the phrase ‘the beach is just the beginning….’ A small Caribbean island at just 11 x 4 miles but packed with stunning beaches and beautiful accommodation, fabulous restaurant choices serving the most delicious fresh food, plenty of activities to suit all ages and tastes and above all, the friendliest welcome from every person I met. My 1st 3 nights were at Blue Waters. A family owned, boutique style hotel in the North set on a beautiful beach. A great appeal to British clientele, fabulous kids club and a wonderful wedding destination. No residency requirements and only a maximum of 1 wedding held here per day. Fabulous food from a variety of dining options and you must try the complimentary cocktail making class! On to Tamarind Hills in the East where all rooms feature a kitchenette although breakfast can be booked. Set in a hillside with stunning views over a sandy bay. A great option for larger groups with villas up to 5 bedrooms. Still evolving with new features including a gin ‘n’ fish afternoon in the restaurant. Hodges Bay, in the North was my final home. A contemporary, 5 year old hotel complete with funky art pieces including ‘Boonji’, a 22 foot tall spaceman guarding the pier. A focus on wellness as well as modern ocean front rooms with villas up to 4 bedrooms complete with pool and jacuzzi. The tiny ‘Prickly Pear’ island lies just off shore. Pre bookable by speedboat you can lunch, swim or just watch the world go by. All inclusive is available at many hotels but don’t be afraid of booking with just breakfast included or even room only. Every hotel had superb restaurants on site but my eyes were opened at the variety of local, top class restaurants suiting all pockets and serving the most delicious fresh food. If you’re a seafood lover like me, you’ll be in for a treat especially at Sheer Rocks, Frye’s Beach Dennis Restaurant & Bar, The Anchor Restaurant & Bar and the unique Papa Zouk. If you like steak, head over to Gather for a fantastic choice. Prefer adult only accommodation? Take a look at Pineapple Beach Club, Galley Bay, Hammock Cove or Cocos. Families will feel at home at Carlisle Bay, Tamarind Hills, Blue Waters or Hodges Bay. Don’t leave without a visit to Stingray City where you can get up close to these graceful creatures in the open ocean, Nicole’s Table where you can learn to cook Antiguan style and before you eat what you produce, take in a spot of Rum tasting or a trip up to Shirley Heights where on Thursday and Sunday’s you can enjoy live music and BBQ while watching the sun go down. A few top tips from me – • Driving is on the left as in the UK with reasonably priced car hire available. • Take an all-day boat trip around the Island • An all year-round destination (I visited in October) but hottest and wettest in August and September. • Currency is Eastern Caribbean dollar but US dollars are widely accepted. • Try a Rum cocktail or a fruit punch for an alcohol-free option. I felt safe and above all, I felt welcome! Always a friendly smile and genuine warmth. Will I be going back – for sure!

11 October 2023

Waterfalls, Black River Gorges National Park, rainforests, wildlife, botanical gardens, coloured sands and of course the now extinct Dodo – Mauritius is known for it all but our aim for a relaxing stay was to enjoy the sunshine, beaches, cuisine and wonderful hospitality. We travelled comfortably on the direct service from London with Air Mauritius in economy. BA also offer a direct route with several other airlines including Emirates travelling indirect. My last visit to Mauritius over 10 years ago, was to the East in March. This time, we travelled early in September and stayed for 9 nights in the North, around an hour from the airport at the stunning Meridien Ile Maurice. Set on a fine sandy beach over a km long, every room in the hotel has the bonus of an ocean view! The North is famous for its sunsets – look at my photos to see why! Mauritius has only 2 seasons, summer and winter! September is nearing the end of winter with daily temperatures a constant 27° during our visit. Sunshine, scattered white clouds and a couple of short spells of rain. Although the evening temperatures were still in the early 20’s, with the ocean breeze and if you’re like me and love to eat dinner outdoors, I’d recommend taking a cardi. Apart from regular beach and local walks, we took a trip into the capital Port Louis for a look at local life. There’s a local bus route nearby but with cabs easily available outside the hotel, we hired a driver for the journey who waited in the city for us until we were ready to return. Ay around 45/60 minutes each way, the return trip was great value at £40 (Driving is on the left, as in the UK if car hire is your choice) Port Louis is a mix of old and new. Vast alleyways of traditional markets selling everything from fruit to fish and household goods to hats but also an upmarket waterfront area with modern architecture and fine dining. A hub of activity, well worth a visit and a ‘must do’ if you like to haggle! Also, interesting to hear Mauritian Creole being spoken as well as French and English. A foodie paradise with a vast selection of fruit and seafood, I had the best octopus ever and also enjoyed spicy curries and sampled buffalo for the first time. Always something for everyone with a blend of European, African and Indian flavours, I also noticed a good selection of plant-based options. We were introduced to a Mauritian tradition ‘Alouda’ A refreshing milky drink which contains basil seeds, sugar and agar jelly. Available on food stalls throughout town but at the hotel, the chef recommended adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream – delicious. Back to our beautiful hotel – a 5*stunner. Our beachfront ‘family’ room on the ground floor was huge, spotless and with many thoughtful extras including a straw hat and sarong! With entry from the front on the ground level, we enjoyed a garden/terrace area complete with sofa to enjoy view over the beach. The blackout curtains, perfect air con and the most comfortable huge bed made for peaceful sleep. Plenty of storage, partitioned lounge area and the biggest bathroom we’ve ever experienced in a hotel room with roll top bath, his n hers sinks, separate toilet and shower. I can imagine a family of 3 or 4 would be very comfortable in this room type. An adult only area ‘Nirvana’ is also available and proves popular with honeymooners. The resort itself is set along the stunning beach with numerous choices of relaxing areas. 3 pools, daybeds, well-padded sun loungers, thatched umbrellas, palm trees, water sports included, outdoor bar areas, spa, indoor lounge area with live music every night, kids club and a breathtaking reception which is open to the ocean view. The attention to detail and hygiene was outstanding. We stayed on a half board basis (Bed & breakfast, room only and all-inclusive also bookable) Breakfast was taken at the buffet restaurant. I liked the outdoor terrace area and also, we were shown to a table every day. Food was of excellent quality with fresh to order cooked options as well as the buffet choices. The fruit selection was my favourite, my husbands was the omelette, fresh breads and curry choices! Dinner was a choice of the buffet or 3 a la carte restaurants – Italian, Mediterranean or Indian. A la cartes were bookable daily or in advance. A good choice of menu options with a few payable extras to upgrade should you wish. All staff were a credit to the hotel. Kind, always smiling and welcoming, smart and nothing was too much trouble. No request was forgotten. Would I return – in a heartbeat! Mauritius is truly a gem. Le Meridien hotel was perfect for our stay but my last tip is if you are planning a trip, choose your location to suit. If you prefer to walk to local restaurants, bars & shops, you might prefer to be a little closer to a main town. Until next time!

06 April 2023

A whirlwind couple of days in Sydney gave us the opportunity to take a trip to the Blue Mountains National Park. Wow, were not disappointed! We travelled with a small group on a journey around 90 minutes out of Sydney. Interesting seeing the scenery change from city to suburbs, passing small villages and even spying kangaroos lounging in some local back yards before spotting the mountains in the distance. A rugged landscape with breath-taking natural beauty and the mountains do indeed have a blue hue! I learnt the reason why. The science behind it being with the forest thick in eucalyptus trees, eucalyptus oil droplets mix with water vapour and dust and scatter rays of blue light. Now you know too. We used one of the many bushwalking trails to make our way down to waterfalls, dipping our toes was refreshing. Some slippery pathways along the way, especially under the rocky overhangs, I’m glad we’d followed instructions and wore good walking boots. More great advice was to take a filled reusable water bottle, hat and do not touch the funnel-web spider webs carefully woven into the nooks and crannies of the rocks!! Seeing such sights as the famous 3 sisters in real life from Echo Point was amazing but in addition to the general beauty and peace of the area, my highlight was the most stunning sunset. Our guide ‘Buck’ had timed our day perfectly, checking the time for sunset so we could be positioned perfectly. I hope my amateur snaps say it all. If you get the chance to visit, grab the opportunity.

27 September 2021

Thursday 9th September 2021 saw Princess Cruises sail Regal Princess on her 1st 7 night UK sailing since global cruise suspensions were lifted. We were so happy to be on board. If you are regular cruise passengers as we are, I hope sharing our positive experience will answer some questions and build your confidence. Princess have introduced the Medallion Class App onto which passengers upload all pre travel requirements (including proof of vaccination, passport etc) that would previously been entered onto a cruise personaliser. Be patient! I found the process slow to start with but once I understood the navigation, found it to be a useful introduction. The cruise was available to Covid-19 vaccinated UK residents only. Before boarding at our chosen time slot at Southampton, a free of charge PCR test had to be taken at the port for anyone arriving on foot or being dropped off and if arriving in your own vehicle, at a dedicated test centre around 2 miles away. Face masks must then be worn to enter the terminal building where you wait until you receive a negative result to show before check in procedures start (Boarding will be denied if testing positive with 100% future cruise credit provided) Seating is spacious and plentiful. Check in was well spaced and screened and here we picked up our ‘Ocean Medallion’. This replaced what we would have known as our key card and can be worn around the neck on the lanyard provided or if preferred, you can purchase a wrist strap or clip. No more putting my card down and losing it and an innovative way to eliminate anyone else needing to touch it. You simply tap it on a reader to make a purchase or when leaving/returning aboard and it automatically picks up a signal to unlock your cabin door on approach. Clever! The rest of boarding and security was as usual but with awareness of space. It was a privilege to be on board again and when mobile anywhere inside the ship, face masks were required. All staff always wore face masks. I noticed many more automatically opening doors, lifts were restricted to 4 passengers, only accommodating more if the group was one party. Expect a very different safety drill which takes place in 3 parts. 1) Watch a short safety video when you first enter your cabin 2) At your leisure (but by a given time) go to your appointed muster station to check in with staff using the Ocean Medallion. 3) Listen to the Captain’s announcement prior to leaving port. I noticed far less ‘touchables’ in our cabin. All menus and information are found on your interactive TV screen (interactive screens are also at various locations around the ship) and via the App. A kettle with tea & coffee making facilities was a new addition to our Princess experience and we could still order any additional items needed such as extra hangers, plug converters etc to be delivered to the cabin. Sanitising stations were plentiful throughout and even hand washing facilities at the entrance to the buffet restaurants. For me, one of best introductions is no more self-service buffet! Apart from being kinder to my waistline, as all food is served to you from behind Perspex screens, I can be sure of hygiene standards and that no other passenger has touched/put back food or mixed utensils etc. Cutlery is prewrapped in napkins and handed to you. We prefer to choose anytime dining at the regular restaurants. Our table for 2 request was always accommodated and with a short wait on only 1 occasion. Reservations can also be made and amended via the App. No self-service drinks are available in the restaurants, all are served by staff. No more queues at the bars, again a member of staff will take your order and bring your drink. The same applies on the pool deck where sun loungers were well spaced and wiped down between uses. I was pleased to see any pre used towels (provided) constantly whipped away. Being a UK coastal in September, the pool water was on the chilly side and although I saw no restrictions, guests using the pool were conscious of allowing space to their fellow passengers. Hot tubs were large and again although I saw no restrictions, there were never any more than 4 guests at one time. Altogether a calm, safe and relaxed experience with excellent customer service. We were hugely aware of the attention to health protocols and on a ship size of 4000+ passenger capacity at just over a third full, we encountered so much personal space. I’m sure there is so much more to tell you so please feel free to contact me with any questions which I’ll honestly answer. I'll have to get an overseas cruise booked in now as I’m sure you’ll need more feedback!

20 September 2021

Jersey has been on our ‘list’ forever and we finally got the chance to visit in early July for a 9 night stay. Covid measures at the time included completion of a pre departure form 48 hours before arrival and proof of double vaccination status via the NHS App. A free PCR test was conducted at the airport and although we had to stay in our hotel room for a few hours until we received a negative result, this is no longer a requirement (Please check current requirements at the time of travel) We stayed at ‘Golden Sands’ beachfront hotel in beautiful St Brelade’s Bay - it’s well worth paying the upgrade for the spectacular sea view with balcony which looks over one of the best sandy beaches I’ve seen in the world. A substantial choice was included at breakfast with formal and casual dining areas and for an afternoon treat, a Jersey cream tea at £7 per person. A handful of very good restaurants were within a stone’s throw (our favourites being Jersey Crab Shack, Sugareef and the hotel’s own Golden Sands restaurant) but if you venture further afield, you’ll discover a whole host of dining options. On average £20 per person would cover a main meal. Alcohol and soft drinks prices a little dearer than mainland UK. You must try out some of the local fresh seafood and of course if in season, delicious Jersey Royals! If you haven’t hired a car for convenience, the local, efficient bus service (face coverings necessary) is very cheap at pretty much £2 for each journey. Top Tip – take a photo of the bus timetable so you don’t miss your return! If you’re going to use the bus every day for more than a few days, invest in a weekly pass. Most bus routes start or end at St Helier (Liberation Square) which has a bustling high street should you need any retail therapy. The temperate climate makes walking comfortable and on a small island, easy to navigate. Maps can be picked up free of charge at the airport and in most hotels. We were able to take an easy walk to the lighthouse at Corbiere which took around 1.5 hours and a short 30 minute but more strenuous climb over to idyllic Beauport Bay. If you’re a history buff, do visit the Jersey War Tunnels. Previously used as an underground hospital by German Forces during World War II and now a fascinating insight into Island life at that time “The true story of life in Jersey during the German occupation. The hardship, the heartache and the heroism, in the words of the people who were there.” For water sports enthusiasts kayak, paddle board and blokarting were a few of the activities we saw in action around the bay and even the local schools bringing children down for water and beach games. Less active attractions include heritage museums, Elizabeth Castle, Jersey Zoo, Botanic Gardens, Lavender Farm and even a Brewery. A flight of less than an hour from London took us to a charming gem of an Island. I hope this first visit won’t be our last.

24 July 2019

Vibrant, cultural and stunning scenery with so many experiences to pack in you might ask where to stay in Bali? After loving what we saw on a brief day visit from a cruise port of call, choosing where to stay for a 2 week break proved tricky but we set our sights on Ubud, Sanur and Seminyak. Following a 17 hour flight, around 90 minutes north of the airport Ubud gave us a feel for the cultural side of Bali. Famed for its arts and crafts, markets, rice paddies and even a Royal Palace we also watched the cheeky antics of the Balinese Long Tailed Monkey at the Monkey Forest. Plenty of choice for restaurants and bars and lots of shopping opportunities amongst the busy streets. We stayed at Ubud Village Hotel, a peaceful little haven and centrally positioned in the heart of Ubud. On to Sanur and we enjoyed the journey through local villages until we reached the coastal resort of Sanur in the southeast. A former fishing village, Sanur is Bali’s oldest beach resort. We found it to be laid back and relaxing with long stretches of golden sand. Take advantage of travel options over to the Gili Islands or even Lombok from here or just enjoy the sunshine as we did. Our hotel right on the beautiful beach and within pristine landscaped gardens was the Puri Santrian. For our final week we travelled west to Seminyak. A busy, upscale beach resort with top class restaurants, high end boutiques and luxurious hotels. We enjoyed the most amazing sunsets from the vast sandy beach while the local children flew kites. The Elysian, a boutique property with less than 30 private villas, was a perfect hidden secret away from the bustling streets with a fabulous restaurant. Our spacious villa had its own private pool within a walled garden - a perfect couples getaway. The service amongst the best we’ve experienced in the world and an excellent spa. With so many resorts to visit, there will be somewhere for all - young or old, single or couples, family or groups of friends. We visited in May when the skies were clear and sea warm – hot days with virtually no rainfall but there’s never a bad time to visit. A blend of cultures mainly Christian, Muslim and Buddhist see a strong faith and is evident from the daily offerings to shrines all around with so many ornate temples dotting every route. Food is simple, fresh and delicious with something to suit all tastes and pockets. Be prepared for a warm welcome.

10 June 2019

You don’t want to stop travelling overseas just because you now have children and what’s more, you still want quality accommodation, great facilities and a little time for yourselves to relax. Great kids’ entertainment and occasional supervision for your children can be important. Plus, top tips on how to avoid the having a stressful journey with the children. 1. Pace yourself. Go with the flow and don’t pack in too much. Build in rest days and be realistic about what you might see and do. 2. Travel is great for broadening the mind, even if you’re a five-year-old. Start getting your little ones prepared for their holiday by treating it like a project. Read a guide book to them or watch a DVD or perhaps even try some of the local traditional dishes you may expect at your destination. Encourage them to keep a holiday journal, collect photos, ticket stubs and draw pictures of what they have seen and record new words they may have learned along the way, and give things a try. 3. Research and prepare a “things to do and places to go if the weather isn’t great” list. This is particularly good if travelling out of season in the February or October half terms. 4. If possible check in online as knowing you are sat together will give you piece of mind and you can often turn up a little later to airport if you have checked in, leaving less time to entertain your child before boarding. 5. Choose a hotel that caters for children. Kids clubs can give parents a welcome break but make sure you check what ages they take, what hours they operate and that they are running at the time of year you are visiting (many only run for the high season). 6. Take a buggy or pram, even if your child is now walking - it can be handy as they can double up as places to rest from the heat or if up a little later than usual to rest in a restaurant, for example. 7. Check the hand luggage restrictions before travelling, including the latest rules on carrying liquids, gels and creams, which will more than likely include milk and nappy cream for example. Chances are you will be able to carry them, but they may have to be stored in a specific way and not carried over a certain quantity, as the rules change so often it’s always worth checking close to travel. 8. Requesting a ground floor room if available is often a good idea many rooms lead onto gardens giving extra play areas 9. When flying it’s helpful to have something such as a boiled sweet to suck on to drink during take-off and landing. Make sure you have plenty of ways to entertain your little one such as crayons, books and their favourite toy. 10. Enjoy! If you book with me at Travel Counsellors I can help arrange several of these.

04 February 2019

I feel like I am going home when I visit Greece. Not only due to the warm welcome, sunshine, clear blue sea and skies but also the great variety of meals I enjoy at traditional Tavernas. Often family run serving good quality home cooked dishes from fresh, seasonal and sometimes home-grown ingredients. Here are 10 of my favourites – 1. Greek Salad – Chopped fresh tomatoes, chunks of cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, green pepper and olives are tossed together with a slab of feta cheese to top off. I like this served with a drizzle of local olive oil and a chunk of fresh baked crusty bread. 2. Kleftiko – Every island has its own take on this but oven baked lamb on the bone is slow cooked (sometimes in paper or foil) with potatoes, peppers, feta cheese and juicy tomatoes. 3. Giant Beans – ‘Gigantes’ beans (like a butter bean) baked in a fresh tomato, olive oil and finely chopped onion sauce. Oregano adds a unique flavour. 4. Moussaka – Layers of baked aubergine, minced lamb, sliced potatoes and béchamel sauce are baked together until the top is golden. A really filling dish. 5. Fresh grilled fish/seafood – with a fresh catch coming in every day, there’s nothing simpler and tastier than a fresh whole fish charred over hot coals. Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. 6. Stifado – A hearty stew of chunks of beef and baby onions in a rich tomato sauce. 7. Souvlaki - A firm favourite! Skewers of chicken (or pork) chunks, chargrilled over hot coals. 8. Tzatziki - A simple dip made from Greek yoghurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil and dill. Often served as a starter with crusty bread or as an addition to many of the above. 9. Baklava – A sticky sweet treat. Layers of crisp filo pastry and finely chopped nuts soaked in a syrup or honey. For a sweet tooth, a small slice goes a long way. 10. Greek Yoghurt with honey – Whether your choice is for breakfast or as a simple dessert, fresh Greek yoghurt and a good dollop of locally produced honey, delicious and fresh. 11. Dolmades – You are thinking she said 10 favourites! Well number 11 is a choice I don’t enjoy and is not for me but it’s such a Greek favourite that I can’t leave it off the list. Dolmades are vine leaves stuffed with herby rice (sometimes minced lamb too) and rolled into little parcel like shapes before being simmered. I must get my next trip booked!

19 November 2018

What happens at a Travel Counsellors Conference? Our annual event was held in Glasgow this year and it gives us an opportunity to catch up with our fantastic Head Office team, suppliers and old friends, find out what’s new in the TC world and be inspired by first class speakers – and let’s not forget, enjoy fabulous entertainment and over £100K of prizes to be won. With this year being no exception, I enjoyed marvellous hospitality on my first visit to Glasgow - although there was no spare time to explore the sights, there was a great ‘buzz’ and fierce proudness all around. A casual first day meeting the HO team and taking part in supporting seminars was topped off with an evening served with comfort food treats (with choices including mac ‘n’ cheese, prawn cocktail and trifle) and accompanied by our host Ben Shephard. ‘The Greatest Showman’ hits were belted out by the TC Choir then an amazing performance by Craig David (I got right to the front of the stage!), all rounded off with what I hope is to become a regular feature, the highly anticipated silent disco, courtesy of Celebrity Cruises. Steve Byrne our much-loved CEO threw us into our second day’s events. I gained words of wisdom from inspirational speakers including the hilarious generational talk by Dr Paul Redmond - Nisha Katona asked us to ‘Take a leap of faith’ and Jim Lawless encourages us to ‘Act boldly, live real and know fear’. A ‘Pow Wow’ session to meet hundreds of our loyal suppliers including Rocky Mountaineer, APT, Emirates, TBI and TWX was unmissable. Thistle and Tweed was the stunning formal evening theme opened by the amazing Red Hot Chilli Pipers, we enjoyed a delicious 3 course meal and Marti Pellow took me back to my youth (I wriggled my way to the front of the stage - again!) Rounding up the last day, Sir Chris Hoy’s message is ‘Give your absolute best’. Over 3 days I was struck by the positivity of everyone I met, the willingness to help, share experience and knowledge and the attention to the tiniest details to make sure the time taken out of my business was worth every minute. I feel privileged to be part of the TC team and bursting with motivation for my next year with you. Look out Manchester, we’re coming for you in 2019!

11 September 2018

A 3-night stay in Budapest gave me enough time to look at some well-known sights and find some lesser known ones. Around 40 minutes from the airport, this historical city is split by the mighty Danube into two sides ‘Buda’ and ‘Pest’ we stayed at the 3 Corners Art Hotel, a very central 3* on the Pest side and a perfect base to start exploring. Easy to navigate on foot but the hop-on-hop-off bus offered great value at around £20pp for 2 days travel as well as a short river cruise included. There’s a huge Café culture present so be sure to stop off for a coffee and delicious cake. The streets come alive in the evening with restaurants catering for every taste and wallet. Do try a refreshing local beer or a chilled Hungarian wine. You might be familiar with the spas and public baths, the fabulous architecture on every street, the many bridges crossing the river, the sight of the stunning Parliament Building set on the banks of the Danube but do you know about some of the other monuments there such as the Shoes on the Danube? These are my top 5 memories from my visit…. * Gellert Hill and Liberty Statue – A fabulous viewpoint to see the whole city * Shoes on the Danube - Bathed in sadness, a memorial to the many that were shot here by militia during WW2. * Central Market Hall - Budapest's largest indoor market, built in a neo-Gothic style. Dozens of stalls selling fresh produce, spices and sausages as well as household goods and trinkets. * House of Terror – Not for the faint-hearted, a museum containing exhibits related to the fascist and communist regimes in 20th-century Hungary. * Parliament Building – The seat of the National Assembly of Hungary. A magnificent piece of architecture. Would I return? Yes, and I’d like to explore the ‘Buda’ side more next time.

21 April 2018

Mumbai or Bombay – whichever you prefer to call it, a melting pot of culture and sights and my first visit to India in March 2018. Many things struck me during my two days there, architecture similar to London, colourful markets, fabulous food, a fast paced and growing city with so many people. Investment being made in new apartment and office blocks and a subway system underway. My eyes were opened to a very different way of life. A fantastic tour which I arranged through my supplier TWX took me to the Gateway of India, Dhobi Ghat outdoor laundry, Taj Hotel, the Hanging Gardens, High Court, Gandhi's home, Victoria Terminus and so much more. Learning about the history and experiencing a very different culture left a lasting memory. A 5am start on my second day took me to the fish market, vegetable markets, a flower market and a Hari Krishna Temple. All my senses awakened – a remarkable experience. Seeing the traditional methods of fishing and then the display, preparation and auctioning of the catch. The rainbow colours of the flower market, I have never seen so many flowers before – such an important part of Indian life. The welcome at the temple and the uplifting atmosphere. In Goa, my incredible guide Nevis introduced me to this beautiful part of the world. With its Portuguese heritage and colourful buildings, an ocean of calm with white sand beaches. Palm trees and small villages, stalls at the side of the road and beach shacks offering excellent food. Festivals abound and striking white churches were dotted along our journey along with lakes and green fields. Do be prepared try some local food, meet friendly people, experience a different culture, see picture book sights and remain open minded. A lasting memory.

28 November 2017

If you have never cruised before or just want an opinion of an Norwegian Cruise Lines cruise ship, then read on. Alaska being our destination, NCL are more relaxed in dress code. Dress up or down as you wish, and it suited us perfectly for the layers we needed to keep out the chill. We cruised Alaska onboard the spacious Sun in a well-tended balcony cabin on deck 10. Plenty of storage space even in the bathroom and room under the very comfy bed for our (5!) cases. The shower room was neat with plenty of fresh towels, soap and shampoo/conditioner dispensers but the small shower cubicle might feel a little challenging if you need more space! Now very important for us ladies – a full length mirror was great for checking my thermal layers, but you might want to take your own hairdryer. The one in the cabin was not very powerful and attached to the wall with a long stretchy tube that I kept pulling off. Beware - only two plug sockets, one US two flat pin and one Europe two round pin so a little electrical rotation is necessary. The balcony with two chairs and a small table was covered, great for the region we were sailing and fantastic for spotting whales or just watching the world go by. Tea and coffee making facilities meant we could always have a hot cuppa there was also a fridge if we needed to attack the minibar (Extra charge). A continental breakfast was available to order every day in the cabin – other room service from the great choice had a small charge. So many places to dine – we were spoilt for choice. From the sports bar serving burgers and comfort food, the deli area with pizza ovens and sandwich station, to the buffet with a multitude of hot and cold choices to the traditional restaurants with a daily changing wide choice of menu. Also, at a supplement, there are six a la carte restaurants including Teppanyaki, but the Steakhouse was our favourite. Bar areas were scattered around. I could enjoy bubbly at the champagne bar, a nice beer in the Sports bar or maybe a cocktail in the Observation Lounge, many accompanied by a live band, pianist or solo artist. A variety of shows could always be found in the theatre or maybe bingo or a flutter in the casino might be your choice? On deck, the brave ones used the pool whilst sailing by snow-capped peaks or the chickens like me used the hot tubs. On bright days, this was a spacious area to enjoy the sunshine, nice ice cream too! For those needing pampering a spa was the choice or the gym if you prefer to burn off the calories. Children were catered for with their own entertainment arranged and kids’ clubs to join. Single guests could choose to dine with fellow solo travellers if they wished. There was also a passenger travelling with a service dog. Welcome aboard fun, sail away parties, fantastic on-board lectures by park rangers, trivia quizzes, internet cafe and so much more. All this contributed to a perfect cruise experience – I’m looking forward to my next one already.

08 August 2017

Be prepared for stunning scenery, get up close to wildlife and pack for all seasons. We enjoyed a once in a lifetime Alaskan cruise in May and had such an adventure. Sailing from San Francisco our first glimpses of snow-capped mountains were on approaching Ketchikan, one of the most South eastern cities in Alaska. A town full of colorful buildings and a green forest backdrop, we were surprised at the bright, warm sunny day that greeted us. No thermals needed here. Seaplanes seem to be a popular mode of transport and a short drive out of town took us to our forest Zip line adventure. My first step off a 70-foot high platform was nerve wracking but if the 82-year-old lady in my group of 6 was brave enough to do it, then so could I! Soaring through the treetops was exhilarating. This is where we caught our first Bald Eagle sightings too. Did you know… Ketchikan has the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles? Well, you do now. Juneau, the capital city of Alaska cannot be reached by road from the rest of Alaska due to the surrounding rugged terrain. Everything and everyone are transported by sea or air. We were greeted by rain and mist on a very gloomy day, thermals were needed as well as waterproofs! After a drive out of town, we were met by the amazing sight of the Mendenhall Glacier. It was here that we donned oilskins and wellies to climb aboard a river float to paddle closer to the Glacier and then a gentle river rafting trip through rapids whilst spotting eagles nests in the surrounding trees. I was looking forward to the hot cider and salmon dip at the finishing line! Glacier Bay National Park – awesome! A national park on water and stunning up close sights of blue tinged Glaciers and silently floating icebergs. You can see the layers of ice (a bit like seeing the rings of a tree) rising above the crystal-clear water like an ice cliff. Park rangers explained that Glaciers are formed from layers of snow compressed over many years into thick ice masses. Unbelievably, they flow like very slow rivers, grinding rock from the land each side and below on its travels. The silence is stunning until a huge chunk of ice ‘calves’ away from the mass and crashes into the sea below. Can you believe that Glacier Bay is over 5000 square miles in area? Roughly the size of Connecticut. Skagway – Gold rush memories were in 1 year, the town grew from a few tents to 20,000 gold seekers. The town's buildings replicate those from the Gold rush days along its boardwalk. A vintage passenger train winds around the mountain to the White Pass Summit. We took a ride out to the Yukon traveling through stunning scenery changes. Lakes, waterfalls, tree covered gorges and snow-capped mountains and the most stunning sight of bears, wandering along the roadside. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Whale watching in Icy Strait Point - a breathtaking experience on the brightest of days. Bobbing up and down in the bay on a small, well-equipped boat then hearing and seeing the spout of a humpback whale surfacing right in front of my eyes. We spotted a mother and calf gently gliding through the water, then treated to the picture book sight of a huge tail fin disappearing beneath the surface. Glacier Wind Charters, a family owned and well-run tour company were our choice for this fantastic experience. This small town is simply stunning, a backdrop of towering rainforest and snow topped peaks. We saw (and heard) the world’s largest Zip Rider here, 300 feet above the ground and speeds of 60mph. Icy Strait is locally owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation with 1400 Alaska Native Shareholders. I recommend a nice cold beer at the Icy Strait Brewery. We saw the green rainforests of Sitka on a gray day. They say you can experience all 4 seasons in one day here. A cultural and political hub of Russian America in the early 19th century explains the Russian influence here. A beautiful Russian Orthodox Church in the center of town with shops displaying Russian Dolls. Also the home of the Tlingit Native Americans, our guide was proud to explain her heritage and beliefs. Ornate Totem Poles towered above us, each telling a story. We visited the Raptor Centre with its modern raptor hospital – a center where injured Bald Eagles are treated and cared for, they are bought or collected from all over Alaska. Such majestic creatures. We also stopped off at Fortress of the Bear and saw up close the spectacular orphaned bears in its care. A one of a kind in Alaska. All in all a once in a lifetime experience with some of the most picturesque scenery I have ever seen – a photographers dream and a must for any wildlife enthusiast. The cost of living is high, fuel and food expensive due to the cost of importing it but famous for Salmon and delicious seafood too. In every town, we visited we met with proud and helpful locals ready and waiting to share their knowledge. As I said at the beginning, pack clothes for all seasons. Layers are perfect and waterproof outerwear and walking shoes my best buys along with my trusty winter thermal undies! Alaska 2017.

04 July 2017

If I tell you I have visited the city of San Francisco at least half a dozen times, then you might understand it holds a special place in my heart (I also have lovely family close by!). A recent 4 night stay in May was no exception. Arriving into the city by air will give you a bird's eye view of what’s to come, seeing the ‘Streets’ of San Francisco from above and maybe even a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. We were treated to four days of glorious sunshine although I needed a jacket for the cooler evenings. We stayed at the ‘Argonaut’ hotel down on Fisherman’s Wharf area, a perfect position to explore on foot as we didn’t hire a car this time and close to trams and bus routes too. Our room was large and well equipped, a nice restaurant, cosy lounge area and great hospitality. We made use of a 1 day hop on hop off bus ticket, taking in a couple of loops from a breezy top deck. A great way to see the city if you are short of time but also, to get your bearings and learn so much from the on-board guides. You will see Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square (great for shopping!), Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 (hear the vocal sea lions) and so much more. A day further afield with family took us to the Frances Ford Coppola Winery and a drive through some beautiful scenery on the way. In the past, we have made visits to the friendly town of Sonoma with its pretty town square, Bodega Bay with its stunning shoreline and the wine country of the Napa Valley. All within an easy drive. The Redwood forests are close by too. No visit to San Francisco would be complete without a trip to the infamous Alcatraz! We took in a spooky evening tour, a completely different atmosphere than daytime and such amazing views of the city and bay area. Make sure you book it well in advance. You could also take in a baseball game and see the mighty ‘Giants’ or spend some time at the Academy of Science, even a Segway tour or cycle across Golden Gate or Bay Bridge. We had great fun at the Sunday drag show at the Starlight Rooms (In the Sir Frances Drake Hotel) – give it a try, hilarious. Heard of ‘Lombard Street’? The famous crooked street with 8 hairpin bends. In need of burning some calories, we trekked to the top from where the views are just stunning. The walk back down was so much easier. Plenty of great eateries made it hard to make decisions. Excellent breakfast diners, fabulous fresh seafood (try Clam Chowder), tempting Italian, of course fast food and for me, an ice cream sundae at Ghiradelli’s is a must. Something to suit all tastes and pockets. So, whether you have a week or just a weekend there truly is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Go and see for yourself why it remains top of my list.

06 April 2017

I have just returned from a wonderful week in Cyprus hosted by ‘Cyprus Tourism Organisation’. I think everyone knows Cyprus for great summer holidays, blue skies, beautiful beaches and top hotels but maybe it wouldn’t be top of your list for a winter break? Think again. Whether you have just a long weekend or a six week long stay, there is plenty to see and do. My first stop was Ayia Napa and a stay at Nissi Beach Hotel. Fabulous sea views from my balcony, the hotel was just far enough from the main town to suit families as well as couples. A great sandy beach, well tended gardens and a great range of food added to my stay. It is well worth a visit to the Monastery and Thalassa museum in town and I’d recommend the ‘Limanaki’ restaurant at Ayia Napa harbour for a delicious, freshly cooked meal (I had whole sea bass). Contrary to popular belief, Ayia Napa is not just suited to young clubbers! A short distance away you will find the caves at Cavo Greko with crystal clear water popular with divers and the town of Protaras with its seafront promenade lined with palm trees, very popular with people out for a stroll. Larnaca has the luxury of a main town flanked by a long sandy beach, bars and restaurants. Why not visit Agios Lazaros Byzantine Church and see the tomb of Lazarus and treat yourself to lunch at ‘Yefseis en lefko’. Delicious baklava! Limassol can be reached by the old seaside road (don’t be afraid to hire a car, they drive on the left just like in the UK), I stayed at the Elias Beach Hotel with its fantastic pool and views. The old town is beautiful with a marina, harbour and market. A short drive through beautiful countryside brings you to Zambartas winery. The first time I had sampled Cypriot wine. A picturesque old village named Omodos with its cobbled main street offered several traditional shops and tavernas, the ‘To Katoi’ being my choice with the most delicious Meze. A stunning view from the Kourion archaeological site led onwards to Petra tou Romiou (the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite) before reaching the Almyra hotel in Paphos with its clean, calm lines and emphasis on wellbeing and the Annabelle next door looking more classic. Paphos is a mixture of old and new. It has been chosen as ‘European Capital of Culture’ for 2017 and therefore a lot of investment can be seen as well as archaeological sites, an old town and beautiful harbour lined with a huge choice of restaurants. My choice was the ‘Pelican’ for a tasty fish meze – real pelicans arrived part way through which caused a stir, particularly when one tried to help himself! Cyclists, birdwatchers or yoga enthusiasts would love the peace and tranquillity offered by ‘Cyprus Villages’. A selection of picturesque, simple, traditional accommodation with an emphasis on fresh home grown produce and relaxation. Why not give Cyprus a try, you can even get married there!