19 July 2023

Some of my lovely customers recently went on a big family holiday to Costa Rica in June and were kind enough to send me a blog about the trip. Below is their story about the once in a lifetime Family trip to Costa Rica: We approached Johno with broad ideas of what we wanted for our families ‘big birthdays holiday’ in 2023. He absolutely smashed it with keeping teens & their old folks happy. We played with a couple of ideas, tweaked locations & dates & prices with an ever patient Johno, settling on Costa Rica. Staying in hotels/resorts which is not our usual form of holiday, but with confidence in Johno, we embraced the organised Travel App & schedules for our travels, handed over passport & info needed & Johno sorted flights, tour operators, transfer, accommodation & trips. Easy! We arrived in San Jose, the local operators had been keeping an eye on our delayed flights & were there to pick us up & take us to our first hotel. We were met in person the next morning, by the lovely Evelyn who took care of us from then until we were at the airport on our return – she answered all our questions on culture, language & the hows & whens of Costa Rican life – she was then on WhatsApp to tell us about weather, offering ideas on trips, letting us know when the driver would pick us up, advice on where to eat etc. Just amazing! No pushiness just genuinely there to help. Johno balanced adventure, travel to see different places, & not too long in private/ shared transfers perfectly for us. Our first stop was Arenal volcano, a beautiful resort - Montana de Fuego, with views of the volcano, onsite restaurant, pools & thermal hot spring pools. Spacious individual bungalows, with big comfy beds & deliciously cooling aircon. Temperatures & humidity are wonderful but still a bit of a shock when you come from Scotland. A walking tour up on the lava flow with informative guides, who are happy to show you the wildlife & flora as they go. We saw our first sloth en route! Thrilling white water rafting – a definite must, fun rafting guides who navigate the rapids, hauling those that fall in back into the raft(!), some swimming, lots of splashing, fruit stop on the beach & full beam grins from us all, captured in the photos. As we were here for 3 nights we managed to fit in another walking tour – hanging bridges, above & within the rainforest canopy – spectacular flora & fauna with knowledgeable & enthusiastic guides – well worth doing. Listening & watching the birdlife & monkeys from the balcony with a cup of Costa Rican coffee, was fabulous in the morning & watching fireflies & geckos at night Our next transfer, was shared mini bus to Arenal lake, which we crossed on a foot passenger ferry & collected by another driver on the other side. Up the windy roads up to the cloud forest, so called for being in rain – must have known we had our fair share in Scotland, so rained around us & never on us! El Establo mountain a large resort, big spacious rooms & views over the mountains to the sea, with huge skies & amazing sunsets & lightning storm shows. Fabulous breakfasts with tropical fruits, typical local foods & plenty to do at the resort with a pool & further up the resort, tennis courts & a restaurant. We did the exhilarating looong ziplines from the top of the mountain & again, a fun family day, usually followed by needing to eat & later a wee nap, as the adrenaline deficit kicks in ?? Our last week was spent surfing, snorkelling, drinking cocktails & appreciating shady spots on the beach, in Tamarindo at Wyndham. Temperatures were up to 33C, humidity high & although the sea was warm, still refreshing. The hotel had fabulous view towards the ocean as it was high up on a hill, stunning pool with a pool bar, they have a free shuttle service to their beach club & a downtown drop off for a huge selection of restaurants to choose from. Wonderful shady trees & loungers on the beach, with use of their pool & restaurant. Perfect combo. We did a fantastic catamaran snorkelling trip with dinner, complimentary rainbow & spectacular sunset, as you sip you mocktail, cocktail or beer. Snorkelling was amazing – we saw eagle rays, colourful fish & coral, & from the boat, humpback whales & dolphins. Magical. The people of Costa Rica are really genuine gracious people, friendly, without being overbearing. Proud of their country, free medical & education system, very socially aware & produce all their own electricity! Exporting superb coffee & sugar(cane),pineapples & tropical plants that we buy in the UK. The main language is Spanish, but they are very accommodating with trying as much English as they can. They import a lot, so most consumables & food is expensive. A trip of a lifetime, we all had an incredible time – 2 out of the 4 came back with golden tans! 4 out of 4 put on some pounds! Rested & restored … once we get over the jetlag. Johno thank you! Happy du Toit family, who have celebrated all birthdays well x

30 June 2023

Weekend in Venice? Here are 10 must do activities: 1. Explore the Splendor of St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco): Immerse yourself in the architectural grandeur of St. Mark's Square, the bustling centerpiece of Venice. Marvel at the resplendent St. Mark's Basilica and the venerable Doge's Palace, epitomizing the city's historical and cultural legacy. 2. Embark on a Gondola Excursion: Engage in the quintessential Venetian tradition by embarking on a gondola ride through the meandering canals. Absorb the serene beauty of the city from a unique vantage point, appreciating the romantic ambiance and architectural marvels that line the waterways. 3. Visit the Illustrious Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale): Traverse the hallowed halls of the Doge's Palace, an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of Venetian political authority. Delve into the opulent chambers adorned with captivating artwork, and gain insight into the historical significance of this venerable institution. 4. Discover the Grand Canal: Embark on an enchanting voyage along the Grand Canal, a magnificent waterway that winds through Venice. Aboard a vaporetto (water bus), relish the panoramic views of majestic palaces, elegant bridges, and historic churches that grace the canal's scenic route. 5. Wander through Enchanting Neighborhoods: Traverse the labyrinthine streets of Venice's diverse neighborhoods, each possessing its own distinct character. Explore the idyllic charm of Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, and San Polo, allowing yourself to succumb to the allure of hidden alleys and picturesque squares. 6. Cross the Famed Rialto Bridge: Traverse the iconic Rialto Bridge, an architectural masterpiece that spans the Grand Canal. Admire the structural magnificence while reveling in the vibrant atmosphere that surrounds this celebrated landmark. Nearby, the Rialto Market offers an immersive culinary and cultural experience. 7. Explore the Serene Islands: Embark on an excursion to the neighboring islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Murano beckons with its renowned glassmaking tradition, Burano enchants with its vibrant colorful houses and intricate lacework, while Torcello captivates with its ancient relics and tranquil ambiance. 8. Indulge in Venetian Gastronomy: Delight your palate with the tantalizing flavors of Venetian cuisine. Partake in the gastronomic delights of cicchetti, relish in exquisite seafood dishes, savor the creamy decadence of risotto, and sate your senses with the traditional sarde in saor (marinated sardines). 9. Appreciate Art at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Enthusiasts of art shall find respite at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, housed within the stately Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. This esteemed gallery showcases a superlative assembly of modern art, featuring masterpieces by luminaries such as Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí. 10. Attend Vibrant Venetian Festivals: Fortuitously timed visits to Venice may coincide with illustrious festivals like the Carnival or the Venice Film Festival. Immerse yourself in the fervor of these spirited events, where the city truly comes alive, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and artistic inclinations. Venice's allure extends beyond these recommendations, encouraging intrepid explorers to uncover their own cherished experiences amidst the city's timeless charm and captivating allure.

11 August 2020

During December 2019, I was lucky enough to be invited on, what we call in the trade, a ‘Fam’ trip to the East coast of the Dominican Republic, sponsored by Playa Hotels and British Airways. These familiarisation trips are where we get to check out the destinations and hotels that we sell, to give us that detailed product knowledge we need to provide the best service to our customers - they are also a lot of FUN! I was doubly excited as I used to work in the North of the island in Puerta Plata years ago, so was very much looking forward to going back. We all met up at Gatwick airport, raring to go but we were missing one of our new group of friends... Having waited as long as we could, we checked in, went through to departures and finally received a text from our missing party member - she had somehow tagged onto a different Fam trip that were going to visit the Palladium group of hotels in Dom Rep - she had checked in with them and started to get to know everyone. We had her back now and proceeded to tease her for the rest of the trip about this! After the obligatory beverage in departures, we headed through for an on-time departure to Punta Cana. As always the BA crew were excellent and looked after us for the nine hour flight out to resort. I always quite enjoy the journey on long haul flights; making the most of watching the latest movie releases and catching up on a bit of reading. Dominican Republic is a Spanish speaking country on the second largest island in the Caribbean; an island called Hispaniola that it shares with the French speaking country, Haiti. For our first two nights we were guests at the Hyatt Zilara & Ziva, two brand new 5* luxury hotels just 15 minutes from the airport in the resort of Cap Cana. The property is in two sections, the Zilara being the adult only section, and the Ziva perfect for Families. The facilities in the properties are superb, with a 1400 sq. ft. fitness centre that puts my local fitness centre to shame. There is a great choice of restaurants and the attention to detail in décor throughout is something else. From Journeys, serving Indian Cuisine featuring its own train style seating, to Tempest Table, serving Asian cuisine with a Mongolian grill and Teppan tables. The facilities include a 26.900 sq. ft. spa and the Canapolis Water Park which boasts a lazy river with grotto cascade, water cannons and five slides. Next stop was a one-night stay at the Sanctuary Cap Cana, which is five minutes from the Hyatt and a totally different style of property. Built in a Spanish colonial style, this elegant hotel recently had a $45 million modernisation and features 5 bars, 5 restaurants and a world class spa. You can book rooms either in the traditional castle part of the property or the new blocks added in 2019. Our final stay was at the Hilton La Romana (formerly Dreams La Romana) a firm favourite with UK and Ireland holiday makers and has just undergone a multi-million dollar full refurbishment - they stripped it back and is now virtually a brand new hotel. It is split into two sections, a Family and an Adult section, with amazing shared facilities including a full waterpark. The Family section wasn’t quite finished when we were there but the General Manager took us round for a hard-hat site visit. We all had a surprise when all the builders turned out to include the hotel animation team and they turned into a Flash-Mob (dancing to the hotel’s theme song) it was so much fun! Then they laid on a stunning meal with a building work theme complete with great entertainment. The work is all finished now so you will find the property in its full renovated glory and the team just as fun and attentive! The marvellous hosts at AMG marketing and Playa Hotels had one final treat for us on the final day in Dominican Republic and we took a cruise out to the beautiful island of Saona, no trip to the East coast is complete without a trip here. The cruise’s emphasis is on fun, fun, fun with free flowing “Cuba Libres” (rum and coke) and beer. Saona Island is the quintessential Caribbean paradise, where we enjoyed the beautiful white sand beaches and more delicious food. That marked the end of our 5-day trip. I made lots of new friends and reminded myself how much I love to travel - especially to the Caribbean. If the Dominican Republic appeals to you or, specifically any of the hotels I’ve mentioned, please drop me an e-mail or give me a call and I can send you a quote - there are some great deals there that I can thoroughly recommend.

12 October 2020

Back in 2017, the top of my bucket list of places I wanted to visit was Alaska, the largest state in the USA. In my previous life, where I worked as the head of the product department for a tour operator, I was lucky enough to be invited to go on an educational trip with Iceland Air and the Pursuit Collection - I jumped at the chance. The tourist season in Alaska is very short, usually from mid-May until mid-September - we were just going to catch the end of the season and I was very excited! We were to travel out on the 13th and back on the 18th September 2017. So, first thing to cross my mind was ‘what to pack?’. Well, at the end of the summer season it is still cold, so winter walking gear seems the best attire; not quite ski gear but you do need warm clothing. We all met up at Heathrow airport to catch the Iceland Air flight to Anchorage via Reykjavik. A popular choice when visiting Alaska is to stay a couple of nights in Iceland on the way to see things like the Blue Lagoon or drive the Golden Circle. We were on a tight schedule so we only had a couple of hours in Reykjavik airport before we were off again to our destination. The flight and connection were very easy - Reykjavik Airport was undergoing a renovation so there was not much to do there but that should be all finished by now. Alaska is the largest US state and five times larger than the UK with a population of only 700,000 people and half of those live within the Anchorage metropolitan area. On arrival we headed off to the town of Talkeetna; a town formed in 1916 when the area was designated headquarters for the Alaska Railroad. We stayed in the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, a large 212 room lodge that offers outstanding views of Denali and the Alaska range. The Towering River Rock fireplace is a stunning centre piece; a magnificent 46-foot fireplace created from of rocks from the Matanuska River. The next day, after a good rest, we headed off to the Denali National Park, learning loads more about Alaska during the course of the day. Up until the mid 1800s Alaska was part of Russia. According to the locals, Russia decimated the otter population for their thick fur and didn’t see any value in keeping hold of it once they were gone so they sold it to the USA in 1867 for $7.2 million or about 2 cents per acre. I think the U.S. Secretary of State William Seward got a great deal there and you will be happy to know the otter population is now thriving once again. The Denali National Park is a 6-million-acre national park with the 20,310 feet high Denali Mountain at its heart - the highest mountain in North America. The tour into the park was great: wide open spaces and watching out for the Alaskan big 5 - grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and dall sheep! We stayed overnight in the Denali Cabins: just eight miles from the National Park. Nestled in the wilderness, these 46 cedar cabins are an idyllic setting. In the morning, we were off to the Denali Translation for a trip on the world-famous Denali Star - Alaska Railroad’s flagship train - for a beautiful journey on the glass roofed train back to Talkeetna. With hardly any light-pollution, this location is perfect to see the Northern Lights but unfortunately, on this occasion, we didn’t get to see them. There were so many highlights on this trip, but the next part was probably top of my list. We headed to the K2 Aviation offices and got ready for an hours flight in a small 12-seater aircraft to go and see the Denali National Park and mountain range from the air. This was spectacular and the pilot was great; flying over the glacier was an unforgettable experience. Back to Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge to warm up by the fire and a good night’s sleep. The next day we took a nice walk into Talkeetna town itself for a huge breakfast in the Talkeetna Roadhouse; this place was great fun and had atmosphere in abundance: a great spot for a hearty breakfast. Next up, it was back into Anchorage for an overnight stay at the Hilton Anchorage; a well located hotel in the city and a short walk to the train station. This is where we headed to for the Coastal Classic Train to Seward which offers another hearty breakfast en-route. On arrival at Seward, we headed down to the harbour and picked up the Kenai Fjords tour where we saw a vast range of wildlife: seals, otters, whales, puffins and even a pair of Golden Eagles. The Alaskan wildlife was incredible. After an amazing tour, we headed of to our final hotel of the trip - the Seward Windsong Lodge: a serene estate nestled into the ancient Exit Glacier Valley just outside of Seward. The 180 comfortable guest rooms are entwined with the boreal forest and the Resurrection River. It was a perfect base camp for exploring the natural wonders of the nearby Exit Glacier and Kenai Fjords National Park – both by land and by sea. Our last treat was a walking tour to visit the Exit Glacier Area. Exit Glacier is the primary destination for visitors to witness, up close, the power of the glaciers - to see a glacier up close and personal was an amazing experience. It is also the home to the Exit Glacier Nature Centre. 5 days in the stunning Alaska was an experience I will never forget and a destination I can thoroughly recommend.