12 July 2023

I’m just coming back down to earth after an incredible week living in and exploring the Amalfi Coast with G Adventures. If you want to explore the Amalfi Coast with a small group of like-minded people while being hosted in a beautiful location and being looked after like one of the family then this holiday is for you! This 7-day “Local Living Sorrento” tour not only had a fantastic, varied itinerary with just the right balance of activity and relaxation, but it was also led by the most amazing guide (or Chief Experience Officer, CEO) - Elisabetta. Elisabetta was charming, caring, energetic and very knowledgeable about the local area, as well as Italian culture and history. She looked after us all so well, we just didn’t have any concerns or worries at all from the minute we met her. Our transport was organised and on time, tickets for attractions were bought and ready to go, she cared for one of the group when they fell poorly and she even went out of her way to book my friend and I into a hotel to use the pool on our ‘free day’. Our group of 12, including my friend and I was really varied in terms of age. We were all English-speaking from Canada, Australia and the UK. We all got on really well and had an absolute ball from the word go. As well as an amazing tour leader, the location of our ‘home’ and our hosts for the week were also without fault. Our home for the week was il Giardino di Vigliano in Massa Lubrense, a ten-minute drive from Sorrento. Our host was Luigi, a man of many talents: lemon farmer, exporter, limoncello expert, minivan driver and waiter! Luigi’s family cooked four-course dinners every evening for us, which were delicious and tasted all the better thanks to the incredible views over the sea from the terrace. We both agreed that we entirely ‘switched off’ during this holiday and that was entirely thanks to the people looking after us. In terms of highlights of the trip, the Path of the Gods hike was certainly one. Arriving early in the morning to avoid the fierce heat of the day, we grabbed a quick espresso in the little village of Bomerano and set off. I think it’s safe to say that we were relieved to see misty conditions on the trail which kept the air nice and cool. Our guide for the day, Vincenzo was really knowledgeable about the local plant life and history of the people living in the area and gave us a great commentary as we enjoyed the views over the sea from high up on the path. Parts of the trail were narrow and the ground was uneven in places so a good level of fitness and decent walking shoes are a must. When the trail ended at Nocelle, we enjoyed a lemon granita before tackling the 1,700 steps down to sea level. We all had very wobbly legs at the end of this ordeal, but arriving in the seaside town of Positano made up for all the pain!! Another highlight for me was the boat trip to Capri on our own private boat for the day! Covered in cushions it was the perfect place to sunbathe and relax. Before heading across the water to Capri we hugged the Amalfi coast, even stopping to enjoy a refreshing shower from a freshwater waterfall! We visited different coves and enjoyed a swim in the Med both on the way and way back. As the sun was setting our hosts treated us to a beer and we finished the crossing with a little shot of limoncello. Luigi was at the little marina to collect us and take us back for another delicious dinner. That day was really unforgettable. My friend and I agreed that this really was a taste of la dolce vita, a millionaire’s lifestyle at an accessible price. Practical tips: take plenty of euros for tips and instances where restaurants and cafes refuse cards – most places seemed to prefer cash and were sometimes a bit put out if you used cards. Other places were fine, so it was a bit of a mix. The Path of the Gods trail is challenging, especially the steps at the end. Taking the route from Bomerano to Positano at a slow and steady pace took us at least four hours. You must take sturdy trainers or walking shoes. July is very humid, expect to lose a lot of water when active so take an insulated bottle with you and refill often!

16 August 2022

Being passionate, as well as knowledgeable makes our local partners invaluable. Here I share a two-week Costa Rica itinerary that our friends at Encounter Latin America crafted for my client who loves coffee, dancing, taking boat trips and wildlife! Guess what? She loved it. Arriving in San José you'll be staying in a high valley between green volcanic mountains. With some beautiful 19th century architecture to admire, independently owned coffee shops brewing local beans, several parks and museums to explore, there's no chance you'll miss an opportunity to enjoy authentic Costa Rican culture. Make sure to stop for a casado (traditional plate of rice and beans, beef or fish, plantain and salad) or a freshly brewed coffee and soak up the atmosphere of the Central Market. Salsa music is something Ticos (Costa Ricans) are serious about! In the evening go out to a local salsa bar and learn in the field! It's a great way to meet the locals and is an important part of Costa Rican culture. Otherwise visit a local bar for beers & bocas' (traditional platters of smaller portion sized local meals to accompany a drink). River journey to the Northern Caribbean Tortuguero is 'Central America's Amazon' and can only be reached by boat. By lunchtime you'll arrive at your lodge where the staff will welcome you with a refreshing cocktail. Visit the colourful village of Tortuguero where you'll learn about the lifestyle of the residents, shop for local Afro-Caribbean handicrafts, and take in the Caribbean atmosphere. Don't miss the delicious banana cake and spicy pastries, as well as the beautiful souvenirs on sale in Tortuguero village. Everything you buy in the village will help sustain both the local community and the turtle protection project. Jungle boating As you glide through the creeks and lagoons, you'll be able to see all sorts of birdlife, as well as monkeys, caiman and river turtles. Tortuguero is the primary nesting site for the Green Turtle and during the turtle season (roughly July - October) embark on the night tour to see them. Arriving early on in the season you may be lucky enough to see the larger Leatherback Turtle also come ashore to lay their eggs. Don't worry if you're not in Tortuguero during the turtle nesting season as there is plenty of wildlife to keep you occupied. If you visit later in the season (November – January) you might have the pleasure of witnessing the baby turtles make their first dash into the waves. Calypso in the Caribbean Travel by boat back through the verdant waterways of Tortuguero to the port and hit the road as you make your way to the Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo and set your playlist to Calypso! This little Creole town is a fascinating melting pot of Afro-Caribbean, BriBri Indian, Tico and Creole cultures as well as a significant European population made up of travellers who came to Puerto Viejo, fell in love with the town and never left. If you can't wait to feel the warm, white-sand and crystal clear Caribbean waters why no grab a tuk-tuk or rent a bike and head out to nearby Punta Uva or Cocles, where you'll find the best beaches. In the evening you’ll enjoy an eclectic mix of cultures as well as some tasty European fusion cuisine, before the pace picks up with some lively bars that will introduce you to the Caribbean vibe! Puerto Viejo is an ideal location for exploring and relaxation and gives you the opportunity to get to know a more off the beaten path destination and the beautiful yet less developed Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. While there take the 40 minute journey to the pristine Cahuita National Marine & Nature Park, which is home to an incredible array of wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, raccoons, snakes and even wild cats. Onwards to the Arenal Volcano As you approach the town of La Fortuna, one of the first things you'll see is the Arenal Volcano. Although it is no longer spewing out hot lava your first sighting of the sleeping giant will always be the most memorable as it rises up high above the surrounding landscape. Embark on the unforgettable Sky Hike high up in the verdant forest surrounding the Arenal Volcano. Accompanied by a nature guide you'll gain a unique insight into the native flora and fauna and get incredible views down into the rainforest below. Today is your chance to spot birds and howler monkeys which will be at your own eye level! Once you’ve completed your Sky Hike soak in the warm waters of the area's hot springs situated just at the foot of the Arenal Volcano while listening to the calls of the rainforest around you. This is truly a heavenly experience! Venture to the Cloud Forest Leaving Arenal and La Fortuna behind, you will continue your journey across the lovely Lake Arenal before heading up into the lush, green cloud forest high of Monteverde. The small town of Santa Elena sits as the gateway to the beautiful Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (it’s a cloud forest rather because of its altitude: the forest juts up through the clouds). The area is known as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics and Santa Elena itself is reminiscent of a tropical Switzerland, with its charming wooden houses and alpine climate. As the sun begins to go down and the light mystically disappears from the sky, you'll be picked up from your accommodation to start your Coffee Tour with a Twilight Nature Walk. With around 90% of its 26,000 acres completely untouched by man, more than 100 species of mammals live in the Monteverde Reserve but, you better watch your step as 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles can also be found here, both venomous and non-venomous! Experiencing the peaceful darkness of the Cloud Forest is both an eerie yet thrilling experience as more than 60% of the Cloud Forest life awakens at this time. You'll also see the change of guard as the daytime wildlife rushes through the forest to find a final snack before going off to bed. Journey to the Golden Beaches, then home! Today you will head out to Guanacaste's Golden beaches. As you drive you´ll see the dry lowlands of Guanacaste gradually opening up to the Pacific Coast. The countryside around is dotted with small authentic villages where people still live a traditional Costa Rican way of life. Potrero and Sugar Beach are laid back beaches with super-soft sand and a relaxed Tico character. Enjoy your last hours of heaven, homeward-bound tomorrow!

23 May 2022

If you’re desperate for sun, but can’t afford to take a week off work then you should seriously consider flying over to Ibiza for a long weekend. Flights with Jet2 from Stansted are a great option, departing on Fridays at 08:00, arriving just before lunch and there are currently three return flights on Mondays, so there are a few options if you want to extend your last day there. The weather was absolutely perfect for us in mid-May, sunny, but not humid and a lovely breeze. You just needed a light jumper and jeans in the evening to keep the chill off. We found the Ibizan people super friendly and they all seemed to be so happy to have tourists back on their island. Service was impeccable across the board. We stayed at the W Hotel, located in Santa Eulalia del Rey, a compact seafront resort with plenty of bars, restaurants, independent shops and a lovely marina. Transfer time from the airport was around 30 minutes, so we were by the pool just a few short hours after leaving Stansted! The hotel itself is really funky, playing chilled music at all times and a resident DJ there every day with tunes to keep you happy by the pool. Pool service was excellent, the pina coladas and bowls of chips were my favourites! Our room at the W was very stylish, which seems to be the standard for Ibiza. There are gorgeous soft furnishings everywhere, I calculated that there must be more than 200 cushions in the lobby! We were lucky enough to be hosted for drinks and lunch at The Standard hotel in Ibiza Town itself. The Standard is the haunt of models, designers and artists of all kinds. It has 53 rooms and suites, with a rooftop bar and pool called Up and ground floor restaurant called Jara , which was buzzing on Saturday night. The food was excellent and a glass of organic cava was only six euros! The ME Ibiza, wow, this hotel really feels special – the strapline “LAID-BACK LUXURY MEETS THE SOUL AND SPIRIT OF IBIZA” perfectly sums up the ME experience. The décor is neutral and understated, but warm and friendly. The swimming pool looks out to the sea and pine trees frame the vista. The rooftop bar is a huge open space with panoramic views over the sea. The sunset was beautiful. All in all a great weekend… I’m now booking flights to go back next May!

23 April 2022

We recently returned from two weeks in Mauritius over the Easter holidays. We stayed at two five-star resorts: the Beachcomber Trou aux Biches and the Constance Belle Mare. Both resorts were excellent and we were very much in ‘perfect holiday’ territory. It was our second time there, the first time was on our honeymoon in 2008. This time there were two extra people with us! Our son (9) and daughter (12). Mauritius is a great destination if you’re travelling with children in the Easter holidays and I say this for a few reasons: April weather in Mauritius Temperature was in the high 20 degrees Celsius daily, without exception and a gorgeous, slightly cooler temperature in the evenings. It was fairly humid but there was a breeze most of the time. Not only that but none of the days were cloudless, so we got some respite from the very hot sun! in fact, it rained every day we were there, which sounds bad, but it was not like it is in the UK where it rains and generally stays miserable all day. Sometimes it even rained while the sun was out, but quickly stopped. Flights Flight time is around 11 hours and with Air Mauritius we received excellent service on both legs – one of the stewards even remembered all our names from the word go! The kids were given branded backpacks with baseball caps, activities, pens and games on the way out and bags with tin pencil cases and games on the way back, which was a bonus. They also served a great curry! Time difference One important thing to consider, especially when travelling with kids is time difference. Jet lag is miserable at the best of times and if you’re the kind of person who struggles without sleep then Mauritius is a winner because there’s only a three-hour time difference. For us this meant we adjusted immediately into local time, no waking up at 4am and falling asleep in your dinner! Mauritius with kids Although we stayed in five-star resorts we did not feel uncomfortable with the kids in tow. In fact, the hotels were well-geared to accommodate and entertain them. Our son absolutely loved the kids club at Beachcomber Trou aux Biches, which had a really good weekly schedule of activities, including snorkelling, cycling, T-shirt painting and henna tattoos. If you’re considering taking your family to Mauritius, don’t hesitate! We flew with Air Mauritius and stayed at the Beachcomber Trou aux Biches and the Constance Belle Mare. Contact me to find out more about our stay, I’d be happy to help you plan your own trip.

01 April 2022

I love Paris – I love it so much that I left home at 18, took a flight (no Eurostar in those days!) and lived there for a year with a family I’d never met before! I returned in my twenties and spent another three years working and living there. In my opinion it’s just the perfect destination for a long weekend celebration so if you’re planning to do something special for a ‘big’ birthday, consider Paris! Why do I love it so much? Well, it’s not just the architecture (although it is beautiful), it’s the unique way of life. France is our nearest continental neighbour geographically but we are just poles apart when it comes to culture and lifestyle. One of the best things is that the city feels much smaller than most capital cities in terms of seeing the sights and there are so many things to enjoy while you make your way round: concierges sweeping their doorsteps in the morning with bleachy water, men standing at the zinc bars of cafés and brasseries either with an espresso or a beer in hand depending on the mood, the lively street markets with the smell of all that delicious cheese! Then, look up and see the Eiffel Tower towering over you! I like to do a mixture of things when I'm away, mixing in a bit of luxury and a bit of the every day, so my perfect itinerary would start at Pigalle where you board the No.30 bus and head in the direction of Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou. Jump off at Trocadero and buy a macaron at the café Carette (my French boss used to say they were the best macarons in Paris), to get a view of the Eiffel Tower from the opposite side of the Seine or get off at the Tour Eiffel stop itself. On the way you get to tackle the crazy roundabout at the Arc de Triomphe safe in the knowledge that you’ll survive the traffic! At the Eiffel Tower stop and lunch at the decadent Jules Verne restaurant on the second floor (it has its own lift with concierge!) then jump (or roll!) onto one of the sightseeing boats which are moored on the jetty next to the Pont d’Iéna to see the city from the water. It’s such a great perspective. Then, in the evening take a cab to the edgy Oberkampf District and visit Cafe Charbon (109 Rue Oberkampf) established in 1863 and with decor to match. The cafe is straight out of the Edith Piaf epoch and packed with young locals. They serve great food and cocktails at reasonable prices from 8am to 2am every day of the week (happy hour 4.30-8pm). As I said that would be my perfect itinerary for a day in Paris, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea! If you need help planning a trip to suit your preferences I’d love to put my first-hand experience to use so you get the perfect celebration! We travelled to Paris on Eurostar and stayed at the enigmatic, luxury Saint James Paris hotel – the city’s very only château!

21 February 2022

If you’re lucky enough to have a holiday booked to the Maldives then after landing at Velana International Airport you’ll reach your resort either by speedboat, by seaplane or by domestic flight. Here are a few tips based on my experience of a seaplane transfer… The Maldives is a hugely dispersed group of 26 islands (or atolls) taking in 35,000 square miles of territory (including the sea) so when it comes to transfers you simply may not have the choice. Some resorts like the Six Senses Laamu are so far away that you need to take a domestic flight then a speedboat. However, if you do get the choice between boat and plan, here are a five reasons why a seaplane transfer might be for you: 1. Saving time – seaplane transfers are around five times faster than a boat transfer would be. 2. No sea sickness – if you tend to suffer from sea sickness then the seaplane transfer would avoid this. 3. Seaplane transfers are booked directly by the resorts and not by you as the passenger, so this simplifies things for the traveller. 4. The experience – you may not have spared much thought for your transfer, given that your flight from the UK is 10 to 11 hours long, but believe me it’s an experience you won’t forget. The feeling of landing on water is exhilarating! While you might have misgivings as the plane taxies up to the pontoon don’t worry your pilot will have done this hundreds of times. 5. The views! This can’t be overstated – the Maldives is one of the most Instagram-able destinations there is, the view from the air is unforgettable. What better way to start your holiday than gazing down at bright blue paradise islands from the air and playing the “guess which one is our resort?” game? Travel Counsellors is currently offering 20% Discount plus Reduced Seaplane Transfers at LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives Travel Dates: 01 March - 22 December 2022 Book By Date: 28 February 2022 T&Cs: Blackout dates 10-24 April 2022. Excludes Temptation Pool Water Villa and LUX* Villa.

09 February 2022

I was lucky enough to visit Sri Lanka with my husband a few years ago and I can’t wait to go back. I have so many memories that have stuck with me every since. This is the beauty of doing a tour, you get to experience so many things in one trip. Ten-day itinerary We were picked up by our private chauffeur at Colombo airport at the start of our ten-day trip. We travelled up the coast turning inland, stopping along the way to visit temples before arriving at the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is a beautiful UNESCO world heritage site where you can see well-preserved ancient ruins, including intricate stone carvings of animals. We then travelled down towards Sigiriya the “Lion Rock”, a 200 metre high natural rock phenomenon. If you can manage the 1,200 steps to the top you can see ancient, perfectly preserved rock paintings on the way. Just when we thought we'd go to the top we were asked to carry bags of sand for the last part to help the locals who were in the process of restoring it!! That nearly finished us off! Leeches, elephants and turtles! Other memories include a stay overnight in the rain forest and my husband Gary finding a leech on his foot during dinner(!), a train ride up to the tea plantations and a stay overnight in the mountains above the clouds, a batik workshop, a turtle nursery on the beach and spotting wild elephants at the side of the road… every day we also experienced lots and lots of incredible food and hospitality. Spicy Sri Lankan food, huge portions The food was tasty across the board. I remember that I was not very keen on jackfruit and some of the vegetables were difficult to identify, but on the whole the food was great. The tradition is to serve lots of small bowls, sometimes at least a dozen! It was quite a challenge finding room for it all... Our last night was in Galle at a boutique hotel on the beach. By that point we were so used to spicy food that we even sprinkled chili on our breakfast before going to the airport! The Sri Lankan people were wonderful to us, kind and welcoming, all in all a GREAT trip and one I’d love to design for you using one of our local tour companies on the ground.