03 October 2023

There are so many reasons to visit Vietnam: fascinating history, beautiful scenery, and of course the impressive culinary scene. Popular Vietnamese dishes are becoming increasingly available in the UK but nothing compares to trying authentic Vietnamese cuisine in the country itself. Jen (your fabulous Travel Counsellor) and I were chatting recently about the best food we’d had in Vietnam and came up with the top five Vietnamese dishes you absolutely won’t want to miss. 1. Pho No trip to Vietnam would be complete without a bowl of pho. This delicious noodle soup is one of the most famous and popular Vietnamese dishes. There are plenty of variations but in general noodles are served in broth with herbs, spices and slices of meat. Your pho will usually also be accompanied by a bowl of fresh herbs, chilli sauce and lime wedges, so you can tailor it to your own tastes. This combined with the regional variations mean it’s well worth trying pho everywhere you go and finding your favourite. 2. Bun Bo Hue Pho is far from the only noodle dish on the menu in Vietnam. Bun Bo Hue, the traditional dish of the former capital Hue in central Vietnam is a tasty beef and noodle soup, fragrant with lemongrass. Just like pho, once you’ve tried this aromatic rice noodle soup, you’re probably going to have it a few more times and the usual accompaniments of spring onion, lime and chilli sauce mean you can enhance the flavours that suit your taste buds. 3. Banh Xeo Sometimes referred to as ‘Vietnamese crepes’, these thin, crispy pancakes should definitely make your list of dishes to try while in Vietnam. If you come across these sizzling away at a street food stall, don’t be deceived by their simple appearance. These tasty rice flour pancakes, which can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, are one of the best Vietnamese dishes there is. If you’re visiting Hue, be sure to try the region’s speciality Banh Khoai. These pancakes are similar to Banh Xeo but slightly thicker and smaller. 4. Banh Mi Vietnam’s history has had a huge influence on its food culture. One of the most famous examples of this is Banh Mi. This tasty sandwich demonstrates the French-influence as banh mi is a type of baguette. Meanwhile the fillings can often be a real fusion, including a mixture of meats, vegetables and condiments, from pâté to chilli sauce. Whichever fillings you opt for, there’s no doubt that banh mi makes the perfect lunchtime snack. 5. Ca Phe Trung There are so many amazing Vietnamese foods, but no list of Vietnamese dishes would be complete without mentioning Ca Phe Trung, or egg coffee. It might not sound the most appetising idea but once you’ve tried this velvety smooth caffeine hit, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been drinking egg coffee your whole life (and why there still isn’t an egg coffee shop back home!). So, there we have it, five of the best Vietnamese dishes to get your taste buds dancing with delight. This list, however, is far from comprehensive and Vietnam truly offers a unique and tantalising opportunity for foodies. What’s more, there is a huge variety of ways to immerse yourself in a Vietnamese culinary adventure. From thrilling vespa tours in Ho Chi Minh City to cooking classes with local families, street food tours in Hanoi to more rural farm-to-table experiences, there’s certainly something for everyone. Have we tickled your tastebuds? Contact Jen to find out more and get planning your Vietnam tour. Written credit to Sarah Bowtell of Zanjabeel Translations.

24 August 2023

I’ve been travelling solo with my daughter since she was 6 months old so here’s my advice if you are thinking about flying with a baby. 1. Check your baggage allowance. This may sound obvious but with no standard rules in place, what you can and can’t take for an infant varies from airline to airline. Scheduled airlines are more likely to offer an additional weight allowance for an infant, either as an extra checked bag or, to be spread across the bags of other adults flying. Low cost and charter airlines tend to be less generous and may only give you a weight allowance if you upgrade and purchase a seat. Then there are the additional permitted items. It is common for airlines to allow you to check-in up to two additional items to be carried in the hold. This could be a pushchair, car-seat or even a cot. But beware, there are likely to be a weight and size limits which differ from carrier to carrier so don’t assume because you have taken it on one plane, it will be permitted on another. 2. The restrictions on carrying liquids onboard, doesn’t apply to milk, food, and boiled water. Which means that you can carry in your hand luggage, an amount deemed to be ‘reasonable’ for the length of your journey. In my experience, ready made bottles make taking milk onboard a whole lot easier. Food can be a challenge if you’ve reached the weaning stage with no option to sit as you would at home. I’d recommend suck pouches where possible and loads of snacks. 3. You can pre order ready made bottles of infant milk at many UK airports and collect airside, but you do need to do this at least 7 days before you fly. This means you’ll have less to carry through security and can replace any you may have already used for the journey home. Not all makes are available so if your little one is planning on being a frequent flyer, it’s worth doing your research and starting off on a readily available brand. 4. Take a sling/baby carrier. These are great for navigating your way through security. They are usually designed not to include any metal so you can walk through the scanners without an issue. If you are not taking a buggy on the plane (more on this later) then although you can usually keep your buggy with you until you board, you’ll have to wait for it on the luggage belt at your destination and the walk to get there can be a long one. 5. Surprise surprise, there is no aviation standard for taking your baby wheels onboard so in reality, only a very small number of pushchairs are permitted, despite many brands advertising they are cabin friendly! Whilst being able to use a buggy straight off the plane is a bonus, this is really the only time you will benefit. Instead, I would recommend thinking about your destination, the terrain and how much you’ll use the buggy as you may be better off just to take your everyday option and check it into the hold.

18 August 2023

The teardrop island is one of my favourite countries, and due to a climate that varies from region to region, it’s a destination that can be visited at any time of the year. Small enough to experience the highlights in a two-week trip and offering so much diversity, there really is something for the whole family. Steeped in history, the cultural triangle is a must for anyone looking to experience the ancient Singhalese kingdoms. Visit Dambulla, a vast cave temple complex with 150 well preserved Buddhas, locked away from the elements. Cycling is a fantastic way to see Polonnaruwa, an ancient city of ruins and imposing grand white stupa’s, adorning the temple tops. A visit to the area isn’t complete without time spent at Sigiriya, an imposing rock, once the foundation of a kings palace. I’d recommend getting up early to climb to the top, where you will be rewarded with far reaching views and fresco paintings. For wildlife lovers, choose to go in search of the elusive leopard in Wilpattu or Yala National Park. And if like me, Elephants excite you then Udawallawe is the place to go. A lesser known area is Sinharaja Biosphere, home to much of Sri Lanka’s endemic species which makes it an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts. Head to Galle on the south-west coast and while away the hours wandering around this pretty fort town. Influenced by the British, Dutch and French, there are numerous historical points of interest and buildings with a lifetime of history to admire. When your feet are weary, take a rest at one of the many cafes or restaurants before exploring the variety of boutiques. For me, the central region affectionately known as ‘tea country’ is a magical place. Green, lush and cooler than the low lands. Take a magical train ride through the countryside, visit a working tea factory, hike a mountain or relax and take in views that extend for miles with a cup of soothing Sri Lankan tea. Kandy, a vibrant and bustling city and home to the Temple of the Tooth. Here, what is said to be a relic of Buddha’s tooth is paraded around the complex twice daily. With tourists and locals flocking to the temple, it’s a busy event. I would recommend attending the evening session as I did, as you’ll also get to see authentic singing and dancing. For something a little more sedate, why not head to the Peradeniya royal botanical garden, situated just 5.5km from the centre of Kandy. This tranquil delight is home to more than 4000 thousands plant species, including an exquisite collection of orchids. In my opinion something not to be missed. Of course, there are no shortages of beaches in Sri Lanka, for a standalone holiday or to end a touring adventure. Passikudah is a popular choice for families with its shallow waters and laid back feel. Swimming and snorkelling are both possibilities here. On the south-west coast you’ll find the beaches are more popular with accommodation to suit every style and budget.