22 February 2022

Travelling abroad during Covid restrictions, just how stressful is it really? After my little jaunt to Tenerife last week I thought it would be useful to share my own experience. Along with a few tips for those considering travelling to Spain but still a little unsure about the rules. It may sound a bit of a faff, but it really was very straightforward, even with kids and - not particularly tech-savvy - grandparents in tow. As long as you’re prepared with the correct paperwork it is worth every minute. We had a fabulous time enjoying the sun, delicious food and fabulous wine. And after two years the children were thrilled to be back on a beach and splashing in the pool. The below is based on my own experience of travelling to Tenerife during February half term. Entry requirements differ for every destination and are of course changing all the time. Rest assured when you book with me I’ll guide you through every step specific to your destination's requirements. Also, there are now no tests to do on return. Just lots and lots of laundry! Six Tips for Spain 1. For Spain, including all Canary and Balearic islands, there is no testing whatsoever required for entry (as long as you’re fully vaxxed) 2. You must complete the Spanish travel health form (SPTH) before your outbound flight. This can seem like a daunting task - it’s pretty long and there are a few ambiguous sections. However, it’s actually straightforward once you get going. I have a useful step-by-step guide I can share which makes the whole process super easy and means you'll avoid any pitfalls. 3. The SPTH generates a QR code which you need to show to enter Spain. However, we were not asked to show this again at any other point during our holiday apart from at hotel check in. Nothing was required for entry into restaurants, bars, theme parks etc. 4. Mask wearing is still pretty strict in Spain, even for children. Very few people wore them outside though and were not required at the beach or pool apart from at the bars. 5. To return home you must complete the UK Passenger Locator Form (PLF) within 48 hours of your inbound flight. This is a very simple form and you can add children to your own form. 6. I strongly recommend you either print this UK PLF form or save it to your phone’s offline ‘files’ folder so that you can easily access it at the airport. I saw so many passengers delayed at check-in trying to connect to the internet to access their PLF. You should also save (or print off) your NHS Covid pass in case you’re asked to show this at the airport (we were). Happy travels!

29 December 2021

If you want to be savvy and plan ahead for your 2022 travels, now is the perfect time to schedule your holidays strategically to allow you to make the most out of your annual leave. By booking holidays around these key dates you'll be able to get the most out of your annual leave in 2022, allowing you to spend more time exploring the world. April 15th –24th. Take 4 days leave for a 10-day holiday April weather in the UK is unpredictable at best. One minute we could see sunshine poking through the clouds and the next we’re hit with snow showers. Leave the uncertainty behind with a trip to the Maldives where April temperatures average between 27-31 degrees meaning you can spend your days soaking up the sun out on the soft white sand, and your evenings sat out on the deck of your private overwater villa under the blanket of stars in the pitch-black night sky. Alternatively, head west across the Atlantic to Mexico where temperatures sit around a similarly tropical 30 degrees and the idea of home seems a million miles away. Expect warm and gracious hospitality, fresh punchy cuisine and exotic wildlife. May 30th – June 12th. Take 8 days leave for a 14-day holiday A massive boon for anyone that likes to feel that they’re getting a little extra, the Queen's Platinum Jubilee will be marked by a four-day weekend next year, creating the perfect gap in the calendar for an adventure and where better to head than the good old USA on a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. Head over to the west coast to discover the highlights of California and Nevada on a road trip that will allow you to experience the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, sample delicious Mexican flavours in beautiful seaside San Diego, stand in awe above the magnificent Grand Canyon, try your luck along the Las Vegas strip, hike through Yosemite National Park and soak up the rustic charm of Napa Valley wine region. Aug 27th – Sep 5th. Take 4 days leave for a 9-day holiday Over August Bank holiday weekend take the short flight down to southern Portugal to the delightful Algarve. A long-standing favourite amongst European travellers, the Algarve has a depth of attractions that few regions can compete with, from the pleasant climate and golden beaches to the championship golf courses and delightful dining scene which utilizes the bountiful produce of the neighbouring Atlantic ocean and features no fewer than eight Michelin star restaurants. If you’re ready to venture further afield and experience an entirely new culture, one which beguiles visitors and opens their eyes to new possibilities, take this opportunity to visit Bali on a twin-centre adventure. We recommend splitting your trip between a beachside resort such as Seminyak, where a collection of cosseting accommodation options awaits, and the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud, where you will experience the mystical Hindu traditions which make this island so unique. December 24th – 2nd Jan. Take 3 days leave for a 10-day holiday Following the joy of Christmas, take advantage of the bank holidays that succeed it by jetting off for some extended time in the sun. If beachside relaxation is what you need following a busy festive period, then the island of Barbados beckons. Sink your toes into the warm sand of the Platinum coast as the Caribbean Sea creates a soothing melody and the sun sets on another day in paradise. Alternatively, if you’re hungry for adventure then South Africa is the place to visit. Shark diving, safari drives, bungee jumps, surfing and scenic coastal rod trips are just a few of the activities that make the rainbow nation unmissable.

29 December 2021

Full disclaimer: I love all things Italian. The food, the wine, the people, the weather. I even met my husband on a ski trip in Italy. I've visited Milan many times for work and enjoyed being a tourist in Rome and Venice. But my favourite part of Italy is the beautiful Amalfi Coast. I first fell in love on my honeymoon a decade ago and have since been back seven times. Most of my trips have been childfree (thank you grandparents!) longs weekends away with my husband, and there's no doubt the beautiful coast and stunning culinary scene make for a romantic break. We’ve enjoyed Positano, Ravello and Capri as a couple, but the place I keep to returning to is Sorrento. And the great thing about this area is that it has something for everyone. Just before Covid stuck we enjoyed a week in Sorrento and nearby Sant'Agata with both my parents and our two young children. And boy was I grateful we snuck this trip in before everything closed down! Now, it helps that all eight of us adore food. My four and six year olds love nothing more than tucking into olives, pizza, pasta and gelato, so I had no fear they’d get bored. It’s true much of our activity centred around eating and drinking. We really are spoilt for choice on restaurants. Michelin-starred Don Alfonso with its ancient wine cellar is well worth pushing the boat out for if it’s a special occasion. Even better, almost all welcome children with open arms. One of the best-kept secrets of Sorrento is Marina Grande - just a 10 minute scenic walk from the centre of town. The marina boasts a numbers of beautiful waterside seafood restaurants frequented by locals (always a good sign!) – Trattoria Emilia is a personal favourite. We all enjoyed many leisurely lunches here boat watching and people spotting. Marina Grande also has a super fun beach, which is a fairly rare find in the area. Granted it’s not golden sand, but it’s small, enclosed and safe - perfect for children to swim and splash around in. Don’t forget your bucket and spade! But what about my parents? Was there enough for them to enjoy the trip? Absolutely. One highlight was a trip to an olive oil factory. Tasting is compulsory! The children enjoyed sampling the balsamic vinegar too. Mum also never tired of visiting the many shops selling local linens and limoncello. Not sure how many tablecloths one person needs! And of course, no trip to the Amalfi Coast is complete without a visit to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. My son is obsessed with earthquakes and Dad loves all things history. So this was a trip that ticked all the boxes. It was a hot and exhausting day but worth every second. In fact, this trip probably deserves its very own blog post…watch this space. So, there we have it. My whistle-stop guide to the Amalfi Coast and why it really is the perfect choice for all ages. I’d love to help you explore this magical destination. So email or call me for a chat and I can find your perfect Italian holiday.