30 April 2023

The is trip was another to Asia, our favourite continent and a return to my favourite country, Vietnam – how has it changed since my last visit in 2003. We departed from Heathrow, it was seamless, great that the scanners in T2 now enable you to leave liquids and electronics in your bag, this sped up the whole process so much. From arrival at the terminal, we were seated in the lounge within 40 minutes. I would always recommend a lounge prior to a long haul flight, it enables a comfortable environment to relax and enjoy a few pre holiday drinks and food. As always, a fantastic flight with Singapore Air, and a few hours sleep into the bargain. A short transit in Singapore, just enough time for a coffee and then onto the 2 hour flight to Phuket. A few of my clients opt to stay in Singapore for a few days en route to Thailand, it is a fantastic city to explore and a good transition from the west to Asia in terms of culture. We did not stay in Singapore on this occasion but have done this on previous trips to Thailand and Bali. This trip was a twin centre in Thailand and also Vietnam. Our first stop in Thailand was the Laguna area in Phuket, this is on Bang Tao beach, arguably the most beautiful in Phuket. This area is stunning, with both lagoons and ocean. There are opportunities for every water sport imaginable and hotels which are fantastic for families. We stayed in the Dusit Thani, this was a 15 minute walk to the main shopping/eating area, not far but actually hard work in the heat, so a Tuk Tuk or taxi is recommended, the hotels also do free shuttle services. The main eating/shopping area is a mix of Thai and Western, there is a fabulous Friday night street food market – highly recommended. Lots of opportunities to buy souvenirs or get the infamous Thai suit tailormade! You can easily visit Phuket Old Town and take a boat trip to either snorkel, fish, kayak or explore the islands by long tail boat or speedboat – I can help with suggestions. We then moved to a very different area, Kamala Beach, we have been here before however that was during pandemic times and we stayed in a villa, so wanted to experience a resort holiday. This did not disappoint. We stayed in The Intercontinental – just Wow! This is a 5* resort, which delivers on every level. We stayed in a King Classic Pool View Room but I got the opportunity to view all room types. As well as ‘standard’ rooms, which are far from standard, there are rooms with swim up access, pool villas both two and three bedrooms – these are incredible. It is rare to get such a high quality resort which delivers at such a high standard for both couples and families. Each and every restaurant was outstanding, one which has a Michelin star. If you want solitude and a quiet time, this can be found in a cabana by the infinity pool or if you prefer a bit more going on, call a buggy and head over to the beachside of the resort where there is an upmarket beach bar, kids pool and stunning beach. The kids club was amazing with staff that clearly loved kids, plenty of activities as well as movie down time. The fitness centre was first class and the rooftop tennis court is also available for all. If you want to venture from the hotel, there are a couple of restaurants next door or it is an easy 10 min walk into the centre of Kamala (plenty of taxis available if you prefer not to walk). The centre could be described as ‘rustic or authentic’ with the street food market and the weekly market. It has a host of beachside restaurants and a great holiday vibe with music, beach sports, water sports and plenty of life. It was a joy to see the children playing on the beach swings and adults kicking back in the bars. Whilst in the area we took the opportunity to visit Keemala, this is an upscale resort I have always wanted to see as it is totally unique. Keemala very kindly hosted us for dinner and gave me a resort inspection. It is very hard to describe but I will try and hopefully the pictures help. This resort has 38 villas, each with its own pool. There are different types of Villa and each relates to a Thai story, e.g. the Clay Pool Cottages were designed with the villagers in mind, who need to be close to ocean, the Tent Pool Villas for the farmer who need to be close to nature and the land. The spa is award winning and you can see why when you visit. The restaurant was pretty special, we had a taster menu and every course was a sensation to the taste buds. I would recommend this resort for couples, it is a perfect honeymoon destination, children are allowed, however, there are better family options. There are opportunities to learn about Thai cooking with many of the ingredients being grown in the resort grounds, yoga and lotus flower craft. The resort itself is not too far from the centre of Kamala, however it is on an incline so taxi recommended. Next stop Vietnam see Blog Part 2

30 April 2023

Next stop Vietnam! Check out Family Easter Trip to Asia Part 1 for the Thailand part of this trip A short flight from Phuket and we arrive in wonderful Hoh Chi Minh City aka Saigon. It has been 20 years since my husband and I visited, when we visited the first time in 2002, we had to return the following year as we needed to see more of this wonderful country. The people have always stuck in my mind as the most beautiful, kind and humorous. For my 14 year old son, this was his first visit and the most anticipated of the whole holiday, he has a special interest in history and was very keen to learn more. Due to time pressure, we only stayed in Hoh Chi Minh. We stayed in district 1, it is like the west end in London, the best location as well as the most expensive – however it is relative, beer was still less than £1 a pint! Our time here was action packed, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Street Food, Markets. Our family highlights differ here, mine and my husbands was definitely the Motorbike Street Food Tour, this may be because we had done the other attractions on previous visits, our son’s was the Cu Chi Tunnels. Ho Chi Minh is manic by anyone’s standard, you need nerves of steel to cross the road alone, but worth every minute. Vietnam’s population is 98 million, of which 10% live in Ho Chi Minh. It has changed, almost beyond recognition, in 20 years. There are now pedestrian crossings – with green men, sometime vehicles even stop! There are now cars, previously only motorbikes, cars are still outnumbered by motorbikes. There are many hotels, lots of 5* options, it is very tourist friendly and so welcoming. The coffee shops and restaurants are so much more than they used to be i.e. street side carts and now think high tea at Betty’s! Our motorbike street food tour was incredible, we each had our own guide, so this is perfect if you are travelling solo, as a number of our group were. We had 12 lady riders and we were pillion. These ladies were amazing at navigating the Saigon mayhem and we felt safe at every point, my son’s rider was only a few years older than him! As you are riding through the evening, the guide is giving some fabulous insight into life in Vietnam and they each have their own story to tell. My rider was brought up in the Mekong Delta and had a university scholarship in Saigon, she did the motorbike tours as a part time job whilst studying and post grad, stayed in Saigon for the job opportunities. She now has a flower shop and still does the motorbike tours in the evening. It was interesting to hear how the culture is evolving, e.g. previously it was expected that any daughters would marry and then live with their husband's parents. The new generation of women are not necessarily complying with that expectation and they prioritise ensuring that they are financially independent which enables them to make their own decisions. We had five food stops, at each one we got together with the others in the group (max. 12) and enjoyed the amazing food and a drink. Each food stop is sampled by the owner of the bike tour company, he demands the best food and standards – it is important to get the right supplier for this excursion, from both a safety and content perspective. Anything booked with me has had safety and standard checks. We opted for a private guide for the Cu Chi tunnels and were so glad we did. We were able to skirt around the huge groups and access everything privately and have our guide's insight. When we visited this attraction 20 years ago, there were a handful of visitors, this is definitely not the case now, you need to get there early to benefit from less crowds and the cooler temperatures. The attraction has changed significantly, for the better, there is so much to see and learn from that harrowing time for the people of Vietnam. A new kid on the block for Ho Chi Minh City is the Ben Nghe street food market, recently relocated from the Ben Thanh market location. The new venue is fantastic, immaculately clean, a huge variety of food choices, Vietnamese and many other options. We ate here every day we were in Saigon. My son loved being able to navigate the stalls and choose both his food and the many soft drink options from fruit smoothies to bubble tea, whilst we were happy for him to wander in the safe environment whilst we enjoyed an ice cold beer or cocktail. The markets here are fantastic with opportunities to buy goods which are made in Vietnam, we stocked up on great quality T Shirts and my husband on golf clothing. There are also some unique handmade goods which are unique to Vietnam e.g. lacquered bowls and cotton lingerie bags. There are some tips for navigating the market and ensuring that you are in the right area to get the fair prices, I can help with this. Has Vietnam changed, absolutely – it is more modern however has no less charm and will still be my favourite country with THE most special people. It is important that you have an expert to guide your through a journey in Asia, to make the most of both your budget and time. Please get in touch if you would like to enjoy this adventure.

14 September 2022

Crete is a popular destination for British tourists, particularly in the summer months when temperatures are high and there's plenty to do. I spent 10 days on Crete with my husband and 14-year-old son and had a great time. Here is why I think you'll love it too: There is something for everyone. What is there not to like about Greece, the people, the food, the scenery, crystal clear water and stunning beaches – to name a few! The island itself is large and there are many places to visit and things to do. You could spend a week here just exploring the coastline and never get bored. It is well known as a safe place to visit too so it makes an ideal holiday choice if you have children or want somewhere you know they will be safe on holiday. Getting there is easy. There are plenty of direct flights from the UK or you can incorporate getting here as part of the adventure and combine it with another Greek Island or indeed the mainland and travel here by ferry. Lots of my clients have chosen this option and loved the variety. The weather when you arrive will depend on what time of year you go. If it's summer, it will be warm and sunny with plenty of blue skies. If it is winter, then expect rain and windy days as well as some snow in the mountains. We flew to Heraklion, the main city of the island and it was around one hours drive to Elounda, which was our base on the East Coast. The airport was in Heraklion, the main city of Crete. We had expected it to be small and remote, but it turned out that Heraklion is quite a big place—it has its own port and everything! It can take some time to drive around Crete if you are renting a car or taking a bus, but it's worth it. There is so much more to see than just beaches! The scenery is stunning, especially on the drive from Heraklion in the north to Agios Nikolaos in the east, then further along through Elounda and into Plaka, overlooking Spinalonga. Crete is a large island, but you don't need to go too far off the beaten track to discover some of its amazing sights. The biggest city on Crete is Iraklion, and it's here that you will find where most people arrive to venture down the coast to visit one of Crete's most famous landmarks: Spinalonga. This fortified island was built by the Venetians in the 16th century and was inhabited until 1958, latterly as a leper colony. We love visiting historical sites and seeing places that you only know through books or TV. Crete was no exception. I have read lots about the area and one of my favourite books is 'The Island' by Victoria Hislop, it was fun recreating the trip the character made to Spinalonga, from Plaka. The village of Plaka is around three miles from Elounda, you can walk, but not recommended with children or at night. If you don't fancy the walk, it is very easy to get a bus or taxi. Plaka is a must see in this area, it is steeped in history and is now a very pretty fishing village. You can get a ferry from here, across to Spinalonga, I would recommend getting a guide to take you around Spinalonga, it is fascinating to see how this was a town in its own right and how the lepers lived here. You can also spend your summer days at the beach, where you’ll find plenty of sand and water. If you prefer something a little less active, consider taking a donkey ride through an olive grove, or visiting the local zoo to see the animals that live on Crete! If you’re traveling with kids, you should visit one of the many parks and swimming pools. Most are equipped with slides and playgrounds that will keep them entertained for hours — as well as provide some much-needed rest for tired parents! The beach at Elounda has plenty of water sports to keep all ages entertained. Whilst we stayed in Elounda on the East Coast, I took the opportunity to visit several properties in Elounda and the surrounding area. At Travel Counsellors, we have a great presence of Direct Contract hotels, and it was great to see them in person and discover how each one would suit different type of travellers. We took the opportunity to enjoy the water sports in Elounda, the beach is beautiful and only steps from our hotel. We also took a trip to Agios Nikolas by public bus (it was very luxurious!), much busier than Elounda but worth a visit. Agios Nikolas hosts a multitude of shops, tavernas and bars, you would not struggle to fill a day here. Cretan food is famous for its olive oil, honey, herbs and cheese. That is why you'll find many dishes on Crete that are made with these ingredients. Cretan wine is very palatable and served mainly in a carafe to accompany dinner. The tavernas in both Plaka and Elounda were all superb, I do have a few favourites which I can share with anyone who is visiting. My favourite was one tucked in an old village outside Elounda, you would have to know how to find it and it is worth it, you can either climb the 800 metres or get a taxi to drop you close by –getting back into town is a walk downhill, the shortcut is a goat track – torches necessary! Snorkelling is one of the most popular summer activities in Crete. The waters around the island are teeming with colourful fish and other sea creatures, making it easy to take a break from your beach lounger to go snorkelling or swimming. But if you are looking for something a bit different, ask me about some unique locations on Crete that offer beautiful views along with their beach experiences. Crete is a great holiday destination for people who enjoy beaches, sightseeing and amazing food. The island of Crete, one of Greece's most popular holiday spots, it has it all: miles upon miles of pristine beaches, stunning natural beauty, and an abundance of ancient ruins. Family holidays are one way we reconnect with each other; it is much harder to be grumpy or stressed when you're on holiday, even with a teenager! It is so important to book a holiday that will suit everyone. Crete has so many different accommodation options, from 3* typically Greek accommodation, to the marvellous 5* properties where you will have the ultimate luxury and every facility you need for both adults and children. Travel Counsellors boast many Direct Contract properties on the Island, which I was able to visit on my trip and therefore can tailor recommendations, based on your needs - there is no substitute for first hand experience and recommendations.

03 December 2022

A Little Introduction to Mauritius This pocket of paradise is located in the Indian Ocean and is a perfect all year around destination. There are certain areas to avoid in the summer months due to the wind, so do take advice. Mauritius often gets confused with The Maldives, whilst they are both in the Indian Ocean, they are very different destinations. Whilst the island itself is known for the glorious beaches, lagoons and coral reefs, it also has rainforests, hiking trails, waterfalls, dormant volcano, national parks and much more. There are direct flights from London and indirect from most regional airports. We flew from Birmingham via Dubai, this makes an excellent twin centre option or if you just want to get to Mauritius, the connections are great. Another great option is Mauritius twinned with a Safari in South Africa. The airport is in the South of the Island, we stayed in the North but it is only a one hour transfer. The scenery on the drive to our resort was incredible – breath-taking views. We stayed on the North West coast at Beachcomber Victoria resort. I knew the resort would be beautiful, however it exceeded all expectations. It is 4* resort with 5* service. We opted for the All Inclusive and we could eat in either the buffet or a la carte restaurants. The buffet restaurant was unlike any buffet I had seen. There was waiter service for your drinks and beautifully decorated tables. The food was outstanding, there was even lobster and fillet steak so re think any pre conceived ideas about buffets. The Italian restaurant was our favourite, we spent many an afternoon with a bottle of Rose admiring the view after eating the best Italian cuisine. There was also a Fish restaurant which was in a stunning setting for dinner. Victoria also has an adults only area, with both Swim Up and Ocean View rooms, it is away from the main resort, which is very family orientated and has it’s own adults only pool, bar and restaurant, however guests here can also enjoy all the facilities in the main resort – so the best of both worlds! There is a supervised kids club in a shaded area on the beach as well as a teen club. The All Inclusive also incorporates all water sports, including water skiing, paddle board, small sail boats, kayaks and glass bottom boats. There were also lots of land sports and fitness classes. No reason to get bored here! We stayed in a couple of different room types and also I looked at all room types so can advise depending on your requirements. The island really lends itself to exploration. A tour of the south is a must, don’t miss Chameral where you can learn how the Rum is made and get the opportunity to sample. The seven coloured earth is a natural phenomena which is another must see. A Catamaran trip can be enjoyed from both the north and south, you might be lucky and see the dolphins. If shopping is your thing, you can easily reach the beautiful resorts of Port Louis, La Morne and Grand Baie. Christmas My son was initially reluctant to break tradition and be in warmer climates for Christmas. Would it be like Christmas? It was. The hotel was decorated beautifully, Christmas trees on the beach was a new experience for us. We had an amazing Christmas meal (yes there was Turkey) carol singers, live band playing Christmas music, fireworks and the big man himself visited and each family got a gift. We left behind Covid fear in the UK, wet & cold weather and escalating fuels bills to go to a much more relaxing environment where we all felt like we ‘switched off’. Would we do it again? In a heartbeat. I have booked many Mauritius holidays for couples and families, all ages, as well as experiencing it myself, whilst I was there I visited many hotels and can advise on the right option for you.

02 November 2021

The Turkish Riviera AKA The Turquoise Coast This is an area of Europe that I love, it has something to offer for everyone and having just returned from another trip, I thought I would share my experience. This time I travelled with my family (husband & son) as well as a family friend, so 2 adults and 2 x 13yr old boys. Once you see that crystal-clear water, it is very obvious how the area gained it's name - Turquoise Coast. We spent most of the holiday in and around Kalkan. This little town is one of the most picturesque I have ever visited. As the town is built on hills, if you had mobility issues, you would make use of the many taxis available. We have been to Kalkan at various times of the year, and the hills are certainly more of a challenge in the summer heat, however this time, the pleasant evening temperatures of circa 18°, made it very manageable. Even if the summer heat is too much, taxi’s are very easy to get either at the rank or by pressing a button in the street and one will appear within a minute, they are happy to do even short journeys and you will be met with a smile. There are excellent restaurants in the area, and we sampled many dishes, the best being the fresh fish. We were very fortunate to be in Turkey on Republic Day (29 October); this is a national holiday which celebrates the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, on 29 October 1923. We enjoyed the celebrations from a rooftop restaurant, enjoying the best view of the parades and fireworks. Apparently, nearby Kas, is the best place for the celebrations – next time we know where to go, however, we were impressed by Kalkan’s efforts. The beach in Kalkan is white pebble and is stunning with lovely beachside restaurants and bars, you would need to go a little further afield to get sand. There are many Beach Clubs in the area, most will provide a complimentary transfer. Some of the Beach Clubs are more tailored to adults but most provide a great option for kids, with inflatables, sea trampolines, pedalos, kayaks etc. You pay a small amount for your sun lounger and then have the full use of the facilities, it is just food & drink to pay on top, again it is inexpensive. Kaputas beach is on the road between Kalkan and Kas (10 minutes outside Kalkan), this must be reached by many steps, so not suitable for all. You can get the bus from Kalkan to Kas and it stops at Kaputas on the way. This is a stunning beach and is often referred to as Turkey’s finest. It is very popular with both locals and tourists. A great activity near here, is to Sea Kayak over the sunken city, 3000-year-old ruins which are clearly visible with the clear sea. There is the famous Blue Cave to visit here too. Patara beach is also within 20 minutes’ drive of Kalkan, again reached by bus or taxi. This is part of a National Park and has a rich collection of birdlife and is a breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead turtle, known locally as Caretta Caretta. The turtle’s nest between May and October, during those months the beach is closed at night to ensure no disruption to the nesting turtles, you will see their nests protected by cages during the day. The ancient sites of Patara is also reached from here. This is a must see, consisting of a Roman Theatre, the partially restored main street of Patara as well as the city ruins. Going on a boat trip is a ‘must do’ in this area. It is possible to either charter a boat or go on a boat trip, from Kalkan. On this occasion, we had friends staying in Dalyan, so we decided to charter a boat together and meet in Gocek, around 1.5 hrs from Kalkan. Gocek is a beautiful harbour town which is not to be missed, six stunning marina’s, various coves, beautiful beaches and pine coves. This is definitely a town I would recommend spending a few days in, it is unspoilt and enjoys protected status, which ensures there are no high-rise buildings. The yachts on display here would rival Monaco! We chartered a boat, with friends, and enjoyed the 12 islands for a full day, dipping in and out of the sea, enjoying the boat and the amazing local cuisine on board – there was certainly enough to occupy several 12-13 year olds. A highlight for the children, was the visiting ice cream man, hitching up to our boat and having all the options our ice cream man in the UK would have, but with the novelty value! We only had the boat for a day, however, there are some fabulous options for longer trips on board yachts and gulets. We self-catered, in a Villa this time, however, on previous trips have stayed in various hotel options from 5* All Inclusive to smaller family run hotels, I can give recommendations on all options and have travelled this coast both with and without kids as well as with extended family and Grandparents – there is something for everyone and a fabulous option for out of season sunshine! I will do a future blog covering the coast a little further down, incorporating Fethiye and Dalyan, equally as beautiful with lots of different holiday options.