18 March 2024

I have just returned from a multi-centre trip that I put together around some hotel nights that I won at various supplier events last year. I had a few nights in Dubai, followed by a few nights in Bangkok and then I stayed in three different places on the island of Koh Samui off the eastern coast of Thailand. Dubai - I flew overnight from Manchester to Dubai with Emirates and stayed at Address Beach Resort in Dubai. It’s right on Jumeirah beach, next to Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island and close to all the cafes, restaurants and shops so, overall, a great location. It’s a very striking building and dominates the area. It has the highest infinity pool in the world on the 77th floor. The view from here is amazing! While in Dubai I took a day trip to the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi. My first stop was The Louvre Abu Dhabi. The architecture is fabulous and it’s hard to fully appreciate the scale of the building. Packed with beautiful objects and artwork, I particularly enjoyed the current Cartier exhibition which shows the influence of Islamic design on designs for the jewellery. Next stop was the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Again, the scale is impressive as it’s one of the biggest mosques in the world. It seems like every square inch is covered in gorgeous tiles, carvings and inlays. Bangkok - Next, I flew overnight from Dubai to Bangkok. I’ve been twice before but a long time ago. I stayed at HOMM Sukhumvit 34, a brand of Banyan Tree Group, located in a quiet residential street, but just ten minutes’ walk from the Skytrain. My priority was to re-visit the Jim Thompson House Museum which I first visited 20 years ago. The house itself is gorgeous, set in lush, green gardens with exhibitions and objects in lots of outbuildings. There are guided tours of the house in a variety of languages which tell you about Jim Thompson and how he revitalised the Thai silk industry. There’s also a café, restaurant and a shop selling the most beautiful silk items. I also visited the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) which had some interesting exhibitions and installations. The next day I took a boat along the Chao Phraya River and visited Chinatown, an area of the city that I had not been to before. It was nice to wander along the narrow streets jam packed with market stalls and little temples. I stumbled across Samphanthawong Temple on my walk which was great and I then visited the Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit – a solid-gold buddha image, said to be the world’s largest. I love to enjoy local experiences when I’m travelling and found myself perched on a plastic stool on the side of the road eating Pad Thai and a lemon juice for 100 Bhat (about £2!) For a treat and a totally different experience and vantage point, I went to the Moon Bar which is on the top floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel. I enjoyed a Vertigo Sunset cocktail and fabulous views of the skyline of Bangkok. It was hot and humid, so I suggest you pace yourself. Going on the BTS and MRT is a welcome respite from the heat as there’s air-con, plus it’s efficient and you avoid the awful traffic across the city. Koh Samui - A short internal flight on Bangkok Airways took me from Bangkok to Koh Samui. This was my first visit to the island. Along with Phuket, it’s one of the most popular Thai islands for visitors and with good reason. My first stop was Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, located in the north of the island on Bophut beach. A 5-star luxury retreat with lovely, lush gardens / grounds, it felt like an oasis and I didn’t want to leave. It’s located right on the beach and has a pool, spa, several restaurants, a bar and a gym. I did venture out, and a few minutes’ walk away is Fisherman’s Village (the popular weekly market) as well as lots of restaurants, bars and shops along the beach. My next stop was at Avani + Koh Samui which is located in the far southwest. It was very quiet and there was nothing close by apart from one little restaurant / bar about a ten-minute walk along the beach. It had a very relaxed feel to it, again right on the beach, two pools, a spa, a restaurant and a bar. My final place to stay was Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club. As the name suggests, it’s right on Chaweng beach, which is 7km of pure, soft, white sand (and the best beach on the island). It had a much younger, cooler vibe to it, especially with the Seen Beach Club with its own pool, bar and DJ pumping out loud music. There were lots of cafes, bars, restaurants, massage places, money changing kiosks, shops etc within a few minutes’ walk. On my last full day, I booked a 5-hour day trip to visit the highlights of the island. I visited the Big Buddha Temple, Wat Plai Laem (a complex of several different temples), the Guan-Yu Shrine, the Mummified Monk at Kunaram Temple, various viewpoints (of Chaweng beach and Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) and to Na Mueang Waterfall, which offered a totally different side of the island, set in the jungle. It was an easy way to explore the island and to see lots of different sights in a few hours. You are picked up from your hotel (and dropped off) plus the minivan had aircon which offered relief from the heat. Summary - I did a lot of travelling, staying in five different places and taking three night flights, so it was tiring. I did manage to rest and relax as well as explore the local areas of where I was staying and experience the different cultures. Please ask if you have any questions about the UAE or Thailand as I would be happy to share my knowledge and experiences and offer advice.

16 January 2024

Here are my thoughts about the travel trends we’re likely to see in 2024. These are based on my knowledge and experience, reading the travel media and from conversations and feedback from my customers. SUSTAINABILITY / THE ENVIRONMENT - This was included in my travel trends for last year. Climate change and awareness of the impact we all make on the environment continues to be important and one of the key criteria for a lot of people. They are wanting to make ‘green’ decisions when they travel. I help to signpost my customers to make informed decisions and to consider alternatives. This might be travelling by train rather than flying for a short trip, choosing a local hotel that employs local people, sources its food from the surrounding area, has recycling and reducing waste at its core etc. SHOULDER SEASONS - Connected with sustainability and the environment is the increase in interest, and therefore demand, for travelling outside the traditional ‘peak’ seasons. The weather is increasingly erratic and there are more extremes which is encouraging some people to holiday at other times of the year. For example, avoiding the extreme heat in the Mediterranean in July and August, those that travel in the shoulder months of April, May, June, September and October can enjoy more pleasant weather, fewer crowds and are helping destinations to manage their visitor flow (and income) more consistently throughout the year. VALUE FOR MONEY / ALL-INCLUSIVE - In light of the cost of living crisis plus the lasting economic impacts of both Brexit and Covid, disposable income decreased for a lot of people. Customers may want to ring fence going on holiday and commit some of their household budget to this, however I think they will be looking for value for money. Related to this is the rise in popularity of All-inclusive. Customers want to be able to budget for their holiday and by choosing an All-inclusive option this means they can save and know there won’t be any surprise costs while they are away. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is going to influence most sectors and industries in some way in the future. In the travel industry we’re learning how we can use AI to improve our service. In the immediate future I can see AI being used to help with automation and amplification. I don’t believe AI will replace people / travel experts. We provide the personal touch, we know our customers well, we have their best interests at heart, we use our professional and personal judgement based on years of experience all the time – this can’t be replicated by a computer (at the moment!)

05 December 2023

At the end of November my home city of Manchester was host to the Travel Counsellors Conference 2023. Entitled One Team, Travel Counsellors from around the country (and the globe – we operate in six countries), Head Office support staff, suppliers and guests all gathered together at Manchester Central from 24 - 26 November. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet with my fellow Travel Counsellors and to catch up with Head Office colleagues. On Friday and Saturday there was time to meet with a massive range of suppliers at TCTM (Travel Counsellors Travel Market). I was able to ask specific questions on behalf of some of my customers which was really helpful, and it was great to meet people in person to continue to build relationships with our supplier partners. I attended several drop-in sessions on the Friday afternoon, learning more about the opportunity that AI can offer us in the travel sector and the importance of using Phenix (our search and booking platform) to provide personalised travel itineraries for our customers. Throughout the weekend we heard from external guest speakers and from the TC senior leadership team with updates about specific areas of the business looking forward into 2024 and our plans and priorities. We heard from Fearne Cotton, Sara Davies MBE, Chris Brindley MBE, Jake Humphrey & Damian Hughes from the High-Performance podcast, Maggie Alphonsi MBE, Ellie Simmonds OBE, Louis Theroux and Mike Finnigan. They all had different backgrounds, varied industries / sectors, a different perspective and offered inspiration and advice based on their own experiences. And it wouldn’t be a TC Conference without some entertainment and fun. On the Friday night Manchester Central was turned into a festival themed space, complete with fairground rides, food stalls, bars, a silent disco, a chill out area etc. The Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on the Saturday night was an opportunity to talk to other TC’s and supplier partners (Cunard was kindly hosting my table) as well as enjoying dinner and drinks. The venue was transformed into a woodland wonderland with fabulous flowers and trees as table centrepieces. Vernon Kay hosted the evening and the whole community recognised and celebrated the amazing achievements by the top global Travel Counsellors. I learnt a lot and I took away something from all of the speakers. Key learnings / take aways from the weekend for me were: Be kind to yourself, the importance of social media & asking customers for referrals, making a 1% change, the importance of mindset, set goals, build relationships and (perhaps most importantly of all) value yourself. Next year Travel Counsellors will celebrate 30 years. I’m looking forward to playing my (small) part in everything we will collectively achieve in this milestone year. ONE Team!

28 November 2023

Peru had long been on my bucket list and I was determined to make it happen given the last few years and, as I celebrated a big birthday this year, it seemed a great opportunity to make it happen. I booked a group trip with Journey Latin America (JLA). I have previously travelled with them to Cuba, Mexico and Brazil and they are experts in this region with a brilliant range of group and private trips. My flights were with Air France from Manchester via Paris to Lima. I arrived in Lima a day early to have time to get over jet lag and explore the capital. I stayed in Miraflores, a buzzing area of the city with lots of hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants, and right on the Pacific Coast. I loved my visit to Museo Larco – housed in a gorgeous 18th century viceroy’s mansion with lovely gardens, it holds the largest and most important archaeological collection of Ancient Peru in the world. The ceramics in particular were beautiful and so different to anything I had seen before. I also went on a walking tour of the historic centre of Lima, dominated by Plaza de Armas. I then flew to Arequipa (The White City) and was already at altitude. You must take it easy and allow your body time to adapt to the thin air. Altitude sickness is random and can affect anyone, regardless of fitness or age. Arequipa was lovely – almost entirely built from white sillar (volcanic) stone and surrounded by three volcanoes. The Plaza de Armas is dominated by the Basilica Catedral de Arequipa – the widest cathedral in Peru, stretching the entire length of the plaza. I also enjoyed a guided tour of Monasterio Santa Catalina – covering a whole block it was like a city within a city. My journey from Arequipa across the Altiplano to the Colca Canyon was one of vast, empty, bleak (but beautiful) landscapes. At times it looked completely empty, however on closer inspection you usually spotted some alpacas, vicunas and llamas! I enjoyed my first glass of coca tea to help with the effects of the high altitude. In the Colca Canyon I stayed at a gorgeous lodge, with natural hot springs. Up early to get to Cruz del Condor, we sat quietly and waited to spot the condors to glide effortlessly on the thermal air currents. We then hiked along the ridge taking in the amazing views of the canyon. It’s the second deepest in the world and twice as deep as the (more famous) Grand Canyon in the US. My next stop was Puno on the banks of Lake Titicaca, high in the Andes mountains on the Peru / Bolivia border. It’s the highest navigable lake in the world and the largest lake in South America. I visited the Uros islands to visit a family and learn more about their traditional way of life. The ‘floating islands’ are small, man-made islands constructed from layers of totora, a reed that grows in the shallows of the lake. It was fascinating to learn about their day-to-day life. The following day involved a 10-hour train journey Puno to Cuzco on board the Andean Express. The scenery was stunning. We enjoyed entertainment throughout the journey including live, traditional, Peruvian music, a fashion show, a pisco sour demonstration. And not forgetting a 3-course lunch followed later by afternoon tea. I also spent a lot of the time at the back of the train in the observation car to make the most of the fantastic views. The wonderful, historic and evocative city of Cusco was my next destination. Gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley (and a lot more), Cusco represented the geographical and spiritual centre of the Inca empire. In Quechua, cusco means ‘navel’ since it was considered to be the ‘navel of the world’. I loved exploring the city and surrounding area – the beautiful, Spanish influence of the Plaza de Armas, local life in Mercado Central de San Pedro, the arty, more bohemian area of San Blas, mixed in with historic, Inca sights such as Qorikancha Templo Del Sol and Saqsaywaman. The final part of my trip was spent in the Sacred Valley with its breathtaking scenery. I visited Pisac Ruins, located high above the village of Pisac, with its agricultural terraces carved into the mountain sides. It’s very impressive and you can’t help but wonder how they built it all. I also visited the Ollantaytambo Ruins – a fortress and temple dominating the village. From Ollantaytambo we took the train, watching as the landscape changed and we travelled through the rainforest to Aguas Calientes. From here it was a (rather hairy at times) bus journey up to the ‘entrance’ of Machu Picchu. I don’t think you can fully prepare yourself for seeing this stunning Inca citadel in real life. Our guide, Berner, took us all around the site explaining about all the different areas of the city. The weather changes constantly so sit and watch the mist and clouds come rolling in and then disperse as the sun comes out. I stayed in Inkaterra, Andean–style cottages set amid tropical gardens. They offer free walking tour of the hotel grounds exploring the plants (especially orchids), birds and tea plantation which are all brilliant. In summary I had the most amazing time! The landscapes and scenery are stunning and very varied. The people I met, including my Peruvian guide, Berner, and my fellow group travellers, Diana, Martin & Joyce, were fabulous and I loved spending time with them and sharing experiences. The weather was great and I stayed in some amazing hotels. I enjoyed lots of delicious local food and drink and learnt so much about the history and culture of this part of the world. I wouldn’t describe it as a relaxing holiday at all – there were some very early starts, long (and often uncomfortably) journeys, high altitude and a long flight to get there, so it’s definitely not for everyone. For me it reminded me of my passion for travel and visiting different countries. I strongly recommend you add Peru to your travel wish list if it’s not already on it!

26 June 2023

I’ve enjoyed a busy few months with enquiries, bookings and customers being away on holiday and have received some lovely testimonials from my customers. It makes everything I do worthwhile and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to help make fabulous holiday memories for my customers. I would like to share a few of them here. A few months ago I helped David and his wife Betsy with their holiday to Valencia in Spain. It was the first time travelling abroad on a plane for their two boys who were both excited and a bit anxious. “We are very busy professionals with two young boys who were in need of a holiday. The children hadn't been abroad on a plane before and our eldest suffers from anxiety issues. We knew that he would experience a mixture of excitement and nervousness at the thought of a first holiday abroad. We weren't sure what to do for the best to meet the whole family's needs from a holiday while being mindful of our eldest's likely anxiety. We weren't even sure where to go. We spoke with Karen Moore at Travel Counsellors for advice and she was superb. Karen listened to us about the interests of the whole family and the concerns that we had about our son's anxiety. Karen identified a number of suitable locations and travel options for us initially and when we had picked what we thought was the best for us she gave us more detailed options on accommodation and dates that were available there. She gave us hints and tips on what to do when we were there and made all the arrangements with the hotel so we didn't have to worry about it. It left us free to focus on our children and making sure that their first experience on a plane was great, which it was. Thank you Karen for all your hard work helping us to relax for our precious family time on our holiday in Valencia”. DAVID AND BETSY DARLINGTON Another customer, Richard Silk, recently gave me this testimonial: “Me and my wife recently decided to take a somewhat short notice holiday over the summer. With us both being very at the moment (and not having a definite location in mind), we thought it would be a great idea to speak with Karen about how she might help us explore options. With a young baby in our life now, our needs have changed with things like flight times and hotel amenities becoming important decision factors. Karen has been fantastic in helping us identify a great choice for our much needed get away that ticks all our boxes. Plus, she’s taken care of all the boring stuff. I can honestly say it’s been one of the easiest holiday booking experiences I’ve ever had. I can definitely recommend Travel Counsellors to anyone looking for hassle free travel advice and I wouldn’t hesitate in referring Karen to my wider network”. RICHARD SILK, MANAGING DIRECTOR, USERISM And I received this lovely testimonial from another customer and business colleague, Erno Horvath: “I always booked my holidays myself. Some went well, but sometimes there were surprises. I didn’t even know about Travel Counsellors before Karen joined our chapter, so I was curious. We met and discussed our preferences; we had some red lines, like a 6.00am take-off, and we also had some preferences, like not spending five hours visiting 15 hotels on a tiny island just to get from the airport to our hotel. In a few days, Karen sent us three options. We narrowed it down to one and discussed further options similar to that one. We picked a hotel in Alcudia on the Balearic Island. It was all-inclusive, with lots of pools, and a hydro park 50 metres away. It was love at first sight; we booked it straight away and only needed to wait around 180 days…and so, we waited and waited and waited. In the meantime, Karen sent me the plane tickets and a bunch of information. However, all I cared about was the day counter: 5..4..3..2..1..GO. Everything went smoothly until we got to the airport and needed to find our private transfer. There was no chauffeur waiting for us the huge ‘HORVATH’ sign. How could that be? So, I panicked and started to search for clues…guess what, everything was there, in the bunch of documents Karen had sent me. There were specific instructions on what I should do and when. If you book a holiday with Karen, there are only two things that she can’t do for you: pack your luggage and read the instructions on what you need to do…everything else is sorted!” ERNO HORVATH, FOUNDER AT OPTIMUM CLICK LTD I’m part of a business group in Manchester who meet every week and we encourage each other to give a testimonial when a fellow member has done a brilliant job. It’s a great way to recognise the expertise and service that has been delivered, whatever the business sector, as these photos show. I’m very grateful to David, Richard and Erno (as well as my other customers) for trusting me with their holiday plans. I ask for feedback and comments from all my customers as part of the booking process. You can read some of these on my website. Do you have an idea for a holiday but don’t really know where to start? Or perhaps you are a busy professional who would like to ‘outsource’ the research, planning and booking to someone else? Or maybe you’re looking for advice and suggestions? I can help with any (and all) of these. Please get in touch.

21 March 2023

I’m back from a wonderful time in South Africa. I first visited the country over 20 years ago and decided it was time to go back! Years ago I stayed in Cape Town for a few days and then travelled to Johannesburg and onto Kruger National Park for a few days of safari. This time my focus was on the Western Cape. I started in Cape Town and after an overnight flight from London Heathrow, I was out and about discovering this fabulous city. To orientate myself and my fellow traveller (who was on her first visit to South Africa) we took the hop on, hop off bus around the city. It was a great way to get an overview of the city, its location and the different areas such as Camps Bay, Clifton, Green Point. I enjoyed walking around the V&A (Victoria & Alfred) Waterfront area, and especially The Watershed, home to over 150 local craft, art & design stalls. The following day the weather was a bit iffy (the tablecloth was most definitely on Table Mountain!) which was perfect timing for a visit to Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA). Housed in a converted Grain Silo building, both the art/exhibitions on display and the building itself are stunning and I loved my visit here. It felt like a window into another culture which is so bright and colourful. Next I had a packed day and visited the Bo-Kaap area – traditionally home to the Cape Malay community and famous for its brightly coloured buildings; Company’s Garden – the oldest garden in Africa and originally a vegetable patch created by the Dutch East India Company in 1652; The District Six Museum – a fascinating insight into the forced removal of mixed race residents from their homes during the apartheid regime and finally to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden where I enjoyed the spectacular setting at the foot of Table Mountain with hundreds of proteas and other species. I also took a day trip around Cape Peninsula. Firstly, Camps Bay, to take photos of the gorgeous view with the Twelve Apostles behind, then to Hout Bay on the west coast and followed by Chapmans Peak Drive along the coast to the Cape of Good Hope (which used to be called the Cape of Storms). Next stop was Cape Point – the most southwestern tip of Africa, followed by lunch in Simon’s Town. Lastly, probably the highlight, a visit to Boulders Beach – home of the African penguin. I loved spending time watching the penguins waddle around, go into the sea and have a snooze on the beach. I stayed in Cloud Nine Boutique Hotel in Tamboerskloof - a green, leafy suburb with fantastic views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill and Lions Head. It was away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre but with a good range of local restaurants and bars within walking distance. I left Cape Town and drove east to the Winelands, stopping en route at Boschendal, one of the oldest wine estates located between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. It has a wine making tradition of more than 330 years and is set in beautiful surroundings. Home for the next two nights was Maison Chablis in Franschhoek. A lovely small house with lots of character, and French influence of course, located in a quiet side street just a few minutes’ walk from the main street and all the cafes, restaurants, galleries and shops. When in the Winelands, you really need to experience wine which is exactly what I did on the Franschhoek Wine Tram. I booked tickets for the Green Line and stopped off at wine estates at Grand Provence, Rickety Bridge, Mont Rochelle and Holden Manz. You can book different wine tastings, cellar tours, lunch etc and take the tram (or bus) in between the vineyards so no-one has to drive and everyone can enjoy a glass (or two) of wine. Leaving the Winelands, I drove further east into the Klein Karoo (Little Karoo) along Route 62 and my next stop for two nights was Oudtshoorn, formerly the ostrich capital of the world. The scenery on the drive was stunning – mountain passes, lush green valleys with orchards and bright red soil. Home was De Zeekoe, a lovely guest house farm, just outside of Oudtshoorn with gorgeous views across the surrounding landscape. From here I visited Cango Caves, the largest show caves in Africa, and joined a one hour heritage tour exploring several different ‘rooms’ dating back some 20 million years old. Ostriches were an important part of the region’s fortune (when demand for their feathers peaked) and I visited the Safari Ostrich Farm for a guided tour to learn more about the largest birds in the world. I also had the opportunity to feed the ostriches. Continuing with the animal theme, I booked to go on a meerkat adventure tour. Up early before sunrise, I joined guide Jody as we learnt more about these small animals. Quietly sitting and observing the family of meerkats as they came out of their burrows to catch the first rays of sunshine was a real privilege. The final stop of my trip was the seaside town of Plettenberg Bay. On the way I stopped in Knysna, one of the top holiday destinations along the Garden Route. Home for two nights in Plett was Robberg Beach Lodge, and, as the name suggests, it was right on Robberg beach – a massive sweep of golden sand from the town all the way along to Robberg Nature Reserve. I walked along to Lookout beach and enjoyed the sea air, ocean views and a slightly slower pace of life here. It’s only a 2-hour time difference with the UK meaning there is limited jet lag after the journey. There are plenty of flights into Cape Town and Johannesburg plus a big network of regional flights to reduce driving time once in South Africa. The driving was easy (they drive on the left) and the roads were not busy. I enjoyed lots of delicious food and of course, as you might expect, the wine is excellent. For us Brits the exchange rate is very favourable at the moment which meant that all the activities I did, petrol, accommodation, eating out etc were very good value compared to home. South Africa is a great combination of cosmopolitan city life and amazing scenery with such a wide variety of activities, from world-class museums, fabulous restaurants and wine, to wildlife encounters of all shapes and sizes plus the most friendly and welcoming people. I would most definitely recommend this country to you all. If you would like more detailed advice or information about South Africa, please get in touch and I’d be happy to help.

24 January 2023

As we’re fast approaching the end of January I thought it was time I summarised my views on the travel trends for this year, 2023. These are my thoughts, based on my knowledge and experience plus the feedback and conversations I’ve had with customers, colleagues and the travel media. SUSTAINABILITY / THE ENVIRONMENT Not surprisingly there is increased awareness of the environment and the impact that travel can have on this, both positive and negative. Tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world's carbon emissions. The sector is working hard to reduce this amount. On the flip side, travel brings a lot of good – educating people, the sharing of ideas and cultures, increased economic opportunities, increased employment options, more support and funding for conservation projects etc. An increasing number of consumers are actively trying to reduce their carbon footprint. In terms of travel options, this might be choosing to take the train rather than flying. It’s possible to make ethical and sustainable choices about where to go, where to stay and where to spend your money to ensure you are supporting local communities and giving back to local businesses as much as possible. For example, checking the green credentials of a hotel (some companies are better than others), choosing to stay in a locally owned hotel rather than a big, multi-national chain, eating out in an independent restaurant, buying locally designed and produced handicrafts rather than buying ‘tat’ that’s been mass produced in a factory. These are all things that I actively try to do when I am at the planning stage of a trip and also once I am in the destination. HEALTH & WELLBEING Another area that has seen an increase is health and wellbeing. I’ve noticed more interest in these type of holidays, for example a retreat, perhaps with yoga and a focus on mindfulness, rest and relaxation. Often there will be no mobile phones / no social media – allowing for a digital detox. These holidays give customers a chance to have a proper ‘break’ from the pressures of modern life and to re-set. I myself have been to Goa in India several times to practise yoga every day and I loved spending time enjoying a slower pace of life and the time on my yoga mat (as well as eating the delicious curries). UK / HOLIDAYING AT HOME This is a trend that started in lockdown due to Covid travel restrictions when we were legally not permitted to leave the country. For many people it was an opportunity to explore their local area and / or places around the UK. I’m finding that customers are still keen to holiday in the UK, perhaps partly because they are choosing to fly less (see the environment point above) or perhaps they are taking a break here in addition to an overseas holiday. In 2021 I enjoyed a fabulous week exploring Northumberland – somewhere that until then I had never visited. The scenery is stunning – I especially loved all the massive, empty, windswept beaches and castles. I’ve also had some great city breaks and days out to places such as Chester, Liverpool, Leeds and York. BUCKET LIST TRIPS With travel having been on hold for a lot of people for up to three years due to the global pandemic, another trend is that this year, 2023, people are keen to go on a big, bucket list trip. They are wanting to tick somewhere off their travel wish list! These are often the big, famous, worldwide sights such as Angkor Wat, the Great Barrier Reef, Rome, going on safari in Africa, the Grand Canyon, seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, the beaches of Bali or the Maldives - the list is endless and very individual/personal. For me, I am doing just this and have booked to go to Peru in September. The country has been on my travel wish list for years and this year I was determined it was going to be at the top of my list and I was going to make it happen. I’ll be visiting Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco and of course Machu Picchu. I can’t wait!

06 December 2022

In November I attended my first ‘big’ Travel Counsellors Conference in Liverpool. Last year there were a series of ‘mini’ conferences across the country due to restrictions and I attended in Manchester and back in 2020 the conference was online due to lockdown. I’d heard so much about Conference from other Travel Counsellors and it didn’t disappoint. The theme of the three days was ‘ALL IN’ and we certainly all were. There was a jam-packed agenda of sessions and keynote speakers throughout the conference. On Friday we heard from other Travel Counsellors who shared their knowledge and experience on a whole range of different topics such as time management, maximising your margin, digital marketing and going for Gold. Travel Counsellors Travel Market (TCTM) was a brilliant opportunity to meet a whole range of fantastic suppliers from around the world and a wide range of products – cruise lines, hotels, destinations, airlines, DMCs etc. It was so nice to be able to meet them in person having spent months emailing or talking on the phone. Throughout the weekend we enjoyed keynote speeches from a range of different external speakers. Paul McKenna kicked off on Saturday with a session about positive psychology and visualisation and shared a few techniques to enable us to put problems into perspective. Next, we welcomed Rebecca Adlington OBE, the Olympic gold medallist swimmer, who shared her story about growing up and competing on an international stage as well as life after retiring from swimming and the work she is doing to give opportunities to others. Work hard and be kind to yourself. Later that day we met Bianca Miller Cole, an entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker. Again she shared her story including a whole range of very impressive business achievements. Focus and determination are key. My personal highlight of all the external speakers was Sir Lenny Henry CBE on Sunday morning. He shared his story and journey from growing up in Dudley to achieving international success and recognition as a comedian, actor, presenter, singer and writer in a very honest and articulate way. He’s also, as you can imagine, incredibly funny. Be kind and be a radiator not a drain! There were great updates from the Travel Counsellors Head Office team outlining priorities and plans for the year ahead. We heard from CEO Steve Byrne and others on the senior leadership team including announcements of the big investment in technology and the ‘back end’ systems that I use every day to find all the different elements of proposals that I put together for my customers. In addition, the Travel Counsellors brand is undergoing a re-fresh to highlight our proposition and values and this will be rolled out in the new year. In terms of entertainment, Friday night was ‘TC World Showcase’ and featured an array of fairground rides, food and drink stalls and entertainment hosted by Vernon Kay. It was a lot of fun with a buzzing, lively atmosphere. Saturday was the more formal evening with a drinks reception, Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony followed by music and dancing. It was lovely to be able to talk to other Travel Counsellors, Head Office staff and suppliers on my table. Sir Lenny Henry CBE hosted the Awards Ceremony and we had the opportunity to collectively acknowledge and celebrate all those TCs that won awards. I came away from the conference feeling tired but most definitely inspired! ALL IN!

05 October 2022

I’ve recently returned from a lovely week spent exploring the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. It was my first visit to the country and I stayed in Split for a few days and then Dubrovnik for the rest of the week. I stayed right in the heart of the Diocletian’s Palace in Split in Hotel Murum (a boutique, heritage hotel with just seven rooms), a gorgeous old building just two minutes from Peristil. The room was lovely and looked out onto a courtyard, there was a delicious breakfast and all the staff were very friendly and helpful including recommending (and also booking) local restaurants for dinner. Before arriving I had booked tickets for a walking tour of Split. We met by the Grgur Ninski statue, just outside the Golden Gate (one of the entrances to Diocletian’s Palace) and spent a very enjoyable and interesting two hours learning all about the history of the Palace. After the tour, it was great to explore the Palace some more by wandering around (and getting lost). It’s a UNESCO world heritage site and is very much lived in. I loved the combination of history and heritage alongside normal day to day life. I visited the cathedral of St Domnius, one of the best preserved ancient Roman buildings, originally built as a mausoleum for Diocletian. Peristyle (Peristil) is the ‘main square’ of the Palace and was packed with visitors both day and night. It was very atmospheric to sit in the square and listen to live music in the evenings. The Riva (waterfront promenade) is a lovely part of the city to wander along or find a bench or a seat in one of the many bars or restaurants and enjoy people watching. The walls of Diocletian’s Palace are on one side and the harbour on the other. I walked up Marjan Hill to the Mestrovic Gallery, which showcases the work of well-known Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. There are loads of fabulous pieces beautifully displayed. From there it’s a short drive to a great little café / bar (Vidilica) at the top of Marjan Hill with fabulous views. It was definitely worth the walk up the hill for the views across the city to the mountains behind and out to sea. A few months before travelling I booked tickets on the Krilo ferry from Split to Dubrovnik. It cost about £30 per person and took about 4 hours. It stopped at islands all along the Dalmatian coast – Brac, Hvar, Korcula and Mljet before arriving into Dubrovnik. It was a great way to see the coastline of Croatia and some of the islands. There is a little takeaway café on the ferry where you can buy tea, coffee, drinks and snacks. In Dubrovnik I stayed in the Hotel Excelsior which is a few minutes’ walk outside the Old Town through the Ploce Gate. It’s a historic villa built in 1913 and takes full advantage of gorgeous west-facing views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. I loved sitting and watching all the boats going in and out of Dubrovnik Old Harbour and the light changing on the walls of the Old Town. Up early (to beat the crowds and the heat), I walked the City Walls and Forts starting from Ploce Gate (in the east). It was a great way to get a sense of the city and the forts that were built all along. You get fabulous views all the way round. There are a few little cafes en route should you want a sit down and a rest and to enjoy the views. Another UNESCO world heritage site, Dubrovnik Old Town is a great place to wander around. I walked the length of Placa (Stradun), the main street, with the Large Onofrio Fountain (a very unusual circular fountain built in 1438 with carved sculptures / faces delivering drinking water through their mouths) at the western end and the City Bell Tower at the eastern end. St Ignatius of Loyola Church is at the top of a grand flight of stairs and has impressive frescoes displaying scenes from the life of St Ignatius. Rector’s Palace is another popular sight, a 15th century Gothic Renaissance palace and now home to the Cultural History Museum. I really enjoyed escaping the crowds by exploring the back streets. There were lots of little cafes, bars and restaurants in the side streets off Placa which felt a bit more authentic and less touristy. On a more serious note, I also visited the War Photo Limited, which offers an insight into the region’s turbulent past through photographs. Often shocking and disturbing, it was good to be reminded of the past and the struggles that many people have faced. On my last full day, I took a boat trip to the island of Lokrum - a nature reserve about 10 minutes by boat from Dubrovnik old harbour. There’s lush forest and it’s quiet and peaceful (and cooler) compared to the city. It’s popular with locals as a place to enjoy nature, sunbath and swim in the crystal-clear sea. There are also a few restaurants and cafes on the island so it’s perfect for a half or full day trip. I enjoyed lots of delicious food and wine during my holiday. The cuisine is a real mixture of difference influences from nearby countries. You’ll see lots of fish and seafood on the menus as well as pasta and risotto. My favourite (Croatian) wine that I discovered is posip, originally grown and produced on the island of Korcula, just along the Dalmatian coast. It was very busy pretty much everywhere although it is possible to escape the crowds in some places (and it’s worth getting up early to get a head start before the majority of visitors arrive). I can totally understand why Croatia is so popular as it’s a beautiful country and I would definitely like to visit again and explore other areas.

30 May 2022

CLIA Conference 2022, Southampton, UK Having been postponed for two years due to the pandemic, last weekend I was finally able to travel to Southampton to attend the annual CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) conference. CLIA is the world's largest cruise industry trade association. It represents 95% of the world’s ocean-going cruise capacity and they serve nearly 30 million passengers annually. I travelled from Manchester to Southampton and stayed at Moxy Southampton. Before the conference officially started, I attended a special Travel Counsellors training event with partners Regent Seven Seas Cruises. It was great to learn more about this luxury brand and their product offering. On the first full day of the conference I visited MSC Virtuosa. This is a big ship – over 6,000 passengers plus crew. The firsts for this ship include the longest LED Dome at sea and the largest shopping area on board at Galleria Virtuosa. The ship also boasts the most sparkly staircase ever in the Infinity Atrium with thousands of Swarovski crystals in each step. After lunch and the first conference session, I attended a trade fair and met lots of different cruise lines and associated businesses. Up early on Saturday morning for a visit to P&O Cruises' Iona. Quite a different feel on this ship, more understated and calmer. There’s SkyDome – one of the star attractions of Iona - a brand new design which aims to bring the outside in and includes a swimming pool which transforms into a stage at night ready for entertainment shows, a fabulous infinity pool, conservatory mini suites plus the ship has its own gin distillery. After lunch there were business sessions, guest speakers and an industry update. Later I enjoyed an evening gala dinner at Southampton Guildhall. On the final day I went onboard Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas. Again, a different look and feel on this ship – more family friendly with a focus on entertainment and facilities. If offers the North Star, a capsule that lifts 300 feet above the sea, Flowrider, RipCord by iFLY, H20 zone water park, bumper cars etc as well as places such as Wonderland offering speciality dining. I then attended the final conference sessions, Aldo Kane gave a special guest talk and we heard from industry experts to close the conference. Overall, it was a fantastic opportunity to visit 3 ships in 3 days. There was a lot to look at and learn. Each cruise line has a different proposition and I now know much more about this sector. Please get in touch if you are thinking of going on a cruise and I’ll be happy to help.

25 April 2022

Last month I enjoyed a very last-minute short trip to Dubai, UAE. I was in need of a break, a change of scenery and was hoping to enjoy some sunshine too. I flew with Emirates direct from Manchester to Dubai. My flight was less than half empty flying out, but full coming back. It was all very straightforward and easy. I stayed at Palm Tree Court, JA The Resort which is located on Jebel Ali beach. I booked all-inclusive and had a sea view with a balcony which was lovely. My accommodation was set in beach villa style, low rise blocks, which was definitely the right choice for me. The gardens/grounds are impressive, it’s right on the beach and there’s lots of choice of restaurants and bars and other facilities (golf course, equestrian centre etc). Beach Hotel and Lake View Hotel are also located on JA The Resort. You could easily stay here for a week and not venture out! I stayed quite a distance from the rest of the city, especially Deira and Bur Dubai which are northeast of most of the other places to visit, so that’s something to bear in mind. The Dubai Metro is efficient and cheap however it doesn’t go everywhere and there can be long walks at connecting stations / to reach your final destination. I went on the Dubai tram around JBR and on The Palm Monorail. The city is really designed for cars. Taxis are usually widely available (however beware, I had to queue for almost 40 minutes to get a taxi from Dubai Mall on Saturday evening). The skyscrapers, especially the Burj Khalifa, are amazing. The scale of it is mind boggling! I’d looked on a map before I went but to be honest I hadn’t really got my head around the distances involved. I loved the ‘old’ area of Deira and Bur Dubai as it felt more authentic and different to home. Remember the UAE is an Islamic country so be respectful and adhere to local customs and laws. The weekend was Friday and Saturday however at the beginning of this year it moved to Saturday and Sunday to align with the global economy, so the weekend now starts on Friday afternoon. There’s pretty much guaranteed sunshine, especially during our winter, which makes it a good choice of destination for some winter sun without a really long flight (7 hours from the UK). In my view it would be far too hot to visit in the summer. My advice is to think carefully about which area of the city you want to stay in and what you want to see and do while you are there (if anything – you might just want to relax on the beach or by a pool and not do much!) Please get in touch if you’re thinking of a trip to Dubai.

30 March 2022

Two weeks ago I was excited to be on board the brand-new Virgin Voyages ship, Valiant Lady, in Liverpool. I was invited to a preview before she sets sail with passengers in the Mediterranean this summer and then the Caribbean during winter. It was the first time I had been on a cruise ship, so I was keen to explore the whole experience and learn more about what makes cruising so popular. The ship is operating exclusively for adults only so it’s not the choice for the whole family but perfect if you want some time away from your own children (or other people’s). Outside Space/Decks - There are lots of different spaces on the decks with various seating areas, some with tables and chairs, others with deckchairs, comfy seats, sun loungers etc so there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine or to work on your tan or just enjoy the views. There are several pools on different levels of the ship if you prefer to have a dip to cool off. Each area has a different look and feel so I think there would be somewhere to suit everyone. Eating & Drinking - There are a whole variety of eating and drinking places (more than 20), available during the day and into the evening. They range from formal restaurants to more casual spaces such as tea/coffee places, a hot dog stall, pizza, ice cream parlour etc. I had lunch in Pink Agave, a Mexican restaurant and I really enjoyed it. The food, especially the cochinita pibil, was delicious. There was a really nice, relaxed atmosphere and the service was great. Entertainment & Activities - There is pretty much something for everyone on board. There are several gyms / exercising spaces, including a running track on the top deck as well as a spa. There’s a nightclub, a casino and a big entertainment space. I enjoyed the ‘show’ Duel Reality which was a new interpretation of Romeo and Juliet with a circus twist and included some amazing stunts. Cabins - I visited a whole variety of different cabins on board. I thought they were all cleverly designed with clean lines and not cluttered to maximise the space. A lot of the cabins have outside space and all those with a balcony had a hammock in trademark bright ‘Virgin’ red of course which was a nice touch. Some of the largest suites were very impressive with bathrooms bigger than mine at home! Environmental concerns - Cruising often faces a lot of criticism in terms of environmental concerns. Virgin Voyages is the first cruise line to achieve carbon neutrality from the first day of commercial operations and converts engine heat to electricity. They use state of the art technology to optimize fuel and energy. On board there is no single use plastic, disposable products are sustainably sourced and there is onboard recycling. Food and beverages have been responsibly sourced and I was pleased to learn that there are no buffets - food is made to order to minimise waste. The best way for me to describe Valiant Lady is like a mini floating city. I was impressed with what was on offer and I may just have to book my first cruise to fully experience the ship. If you would like to hear more about Virgin Voyages or are considering booking a cruise, please get in touch.

26 January 2022

I am just back from a very enjoyable week travelling around Egypt on my first ever visit to the country. I booked last minute (due to other work commitments) onto the Premium Egypt tour with Intrepid. I flew with Lufthansa from Manchester via Frankfurt to Cairo. In advance of travelling I had checked all entry requirements for Egypt, transit passengers in Germany, any specific requirements from the airline and those for returning to the UK. I had applied for an Egyptian visa, had proof of my vaccination status, ordered my foreign currency and booked my day 2 arrival test for returning home. On arrival into Cairo my first impression was that it was a crazy city – there are virtually no road markings and everyone just drives wherever they want! With a population of 21 million people, there are a lot of cars! The city reminded me of a mixture of India, Marrakesh and Fes in Morocco and also Damascus and Istanbul. My first full day was visiting the Pyramids of Giza on the west bank of the Nile. Surely one of the most famous sights in the world and the only remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. I felt very thankful to be able to see and experience (we climbed up inside the Great Pyramid) this amazing sight. I then visited the Egyptian Museum – packed full of ancient Egyptian artefacts. Tutankhamun’s death mask was stunning! All that gold! An early morning flight took my small group far south to Aswan. Here we travelled over the Aswan Dam and visited Philae which was painstakingly moved stone by stone to higher ground before the dam was built and the whole area flooded. I then boarded Le Fayan, home for the next three nights, as we travelled from Aswan along the Nile to Luxor. It was my first time on a cruise and I thought the boat was excellent. My cabin was well designed with a large window, there was an open-air top deck (great for watching life go by along the river), the food was excellent and all the staff were friendly and helpful. I had the opportunity to visit an essential oils / perfume house to learn more about the ancient Egyptian use of aromatherapy and oils which was fascinating and very informative. There were several oils unique to Egypt (for example Lotus) in addition to some more familiar ones such as jasmine. I also visited a spice and herb specialist and again learnt a lot about the different uses for various spices and herbs. En route from Aswan to Luxor we stopped to visit Kom Ombo – famous for being the only temple dedicated to two gods – Horus (falcon) and Sobek (crocodile). Early the next morning we stopped at Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus. It’s one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt and the roof is still intact giving it a very different feel to other temples I visited. Upon arrival into Luxor (known as the largest open-air museum in the world), I visited Luxor Temple on the east bank of the Nile just before sunset. It was the largest and most significant religious centre in ancient Egypt in what was then Thebes and today it’s beautiful and very atmospheric. The following day I ventured across to the west bank and to the Valley of the Kings. The barren, mountainous landscape hides some amazing sights. I visited several of the royal tombs – all different in terms of decoration / hieroglyphs - including Tutankhamun’s tomb. It was great having seen his death mask and inner coffins in the Egyptian Museum, to see where they were discovered. Next I went to the Temple of Hatshepsut – built for a female pharaoh (queen) – and considered a masterpiece of ancient architecture. The scale is impressive and it seems to blend into the mountains behind. The Colossi of Memnon are also massive. Back on the east bank of the Nile is Karnak Temple (linked with Luxor Temple by the Avenue of Sphinxes), thought to be the largest religious building ever constructed. The scale of it all is mind boggling! I flew from Luxor back to Cairo and explored the area of Islamic Cairo, including Ibn Tulun Mosque and Khan el-Khalili (the souq) – a labyrinthine of tiny alleyways packed with stalls selling everything imaginable. On my last morning I visited the Islamic Art Museum which is full of gorgeous, patterned tiles, ceramics, woodwork, calligraphy etc. I enjoyed some lovely food during my trip and I feel Egyptian cuisine probably doesn’t get the recognition or praise that it deserves. As part of my Intrepid itinerary we were invited into several local homes to find out more about their lives and culture and to enjoy some delicious home cooked food. As expected, alcohol isn’t widely available. I felt safe during my week travelling around. There have been terrorist attacks in Egypt in the past so it’s best to keep an eye on the latest FCDO advice and to be sensible as you would in other countries and at home. Overall I had a fantastic time in Egypt. It made me realise that international travel is possible and safe. After a difficult (and very restrictive) almost two years I am more than ready to explore lots more amazing destinations around the world in 2022!

01 December 2021

Last week I travelled to Murcia in Spain to visit my family. This was my first trip abroad since Brexit procedures have been in place as well as my first flight for 11 months. I hope the following summary of my experience is helpful. I flew Manchester to Alicante on easyJet. The experience at Manchester Airport was straightforward. Everyone was wearing a mask, keeping their distance and there were hand sanitisers available throughout the terminal. It was quieter than 'normal' (ie pre-Covid) although this may have been the time I was there (I was on one of the first flights to depart in the morning). Paperwork was checked at check in for the flight (for Spain this was a health control form - to be completed up to 48 hours before arrival into Spain) as well as the usual passport control. Upon arrival at Alicante it was pretty quick to get through passport control (despite us no longer being in Europe) plus there was an additional check where they scan the QR code on your health control form. Again very straightforward if you have the correct paperwork. Be aware that there are various restrictions on what you can now take into Europe since Brexit (for example no meat or diary products are allowed - check online for up to date information). The airport was quiet and there were hand sanitisers throughout, all passengers have to wear a mask and were encouraged to keep a distance from others. On my return I had already completed the UK passenger locator form (to be completed up to 48 hours before arrival back into the UK), I had evidence of my vaccination status (via the NHS app and a paper copy as a back up) and I had booked my Day 2 lateral flow test. At check in for the flight it was very comprehensive and they checked my flight ticket, passport, vaccination status and passenger locator form. Again, no problems if you have all the paperwork completed in advance. Both flights were almost full and it was mandatory to wear a mask. The vast majority of passengers were adhering to this and announcements were made during the flight (and this was very clearly stated in all pre-flight communication from the airline). While I was away there were various government announcements regarding travel. Luckily for me I was back in the UK before any changes were implemented however this clearly shows if you do travel abroad you need to keep up to date with ever changing rules and regulations. Sometimes changes happen with just a few days notice. Of course this is yet another reason to book your holiday with a trusted travel expert such as me. Overall the travel experience was different to 'usual' but with planning and preparation of all the required paperwork and ensuring you meet all the entry requirements of each specific country, I feel that travel is still very much possible as well as enjoyable. For me I was able to spend time with my family after almost a year and to help a special little girl celebrate her 4th birthday.

29 June 2021

I’m just back from a week exploring the wonders of Northumberland in the UK. I’d never been before and loved the massive (empty) beaches, the big skies and the castles! I stayed in Warkworth, a small village located a mile or so inland along the River Coquet complete with its own castle. It was a good base to explore the surrounding area. During the week I walked various sections of the Northumberland Coastal Path – it stretches for 100km from Cresswell in the south to Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north – and offers some of the best coastal walking in Europe. Day One was Warkworth to Alnmouth and the weather was gorgeous with blue sky and sunshine. I even dipped my toes in the sea although it was rather nippy (I had to remind myself it was the North Sea). Another impressive coastal walk was from Seahouses north to Bamburgh Castle. For a lot of the walk along the beach you can’t actually see the castle which feels odd considering how large it is. When you approach the castle it’s very impressive and dominates the area and village. A different view was experienced on a long walk from Newton by the Sea south to Craster via Dunstanburgh Castle and back again. The beaches all along were fabulous and I loved the view of the castle ruins as it looks like it’s melted against the hillside. Craster was the perfect spot for lunch before the walk back again. The furthest south I ventured was to Druridge Country Park, Druridge Bay and south to Cresswell (the southern most point on the Northumberland Coastal Path). This beach was virtually deserted – social distancing made easy! Another day I went on a two-hour boat trip to the Farne Islands from Seahouses. Unfortunately we were not able to land (due to current Covid restrictions) however it was still fascinating to see and watch all the wildlife on the islands – seals, puffins, razorbills, guillemots and gulls. I also spent a day in Alnwick, visiting The Alnwick Garden and Alnwick Castle. Both were great and enjoyable. The fountain cascade is lovely and the walled garden had loads of beautiful flowers and interesting water features / sculptures dotted around. Plus I now know about poisonous plants after a visit to The Poison Garden. Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in the UK (after Windsor Castle) and is home to the Percy family. It’s featured in lots of films and TV series so you might recognise bits if you’ve seen the first two Harry Potter films, Downtown Abbey or Blackadder. During the week I enjoyed some lovely food and drink. Highlights were fish and chips at the seaside in Seahouses, afternoon tea in Bamburgh, fresh fish (seabass) at The Fish Shack in Amble, the famous crab sandwich at the Jolly Fisherman in Craster plus I also enjoyed two yummy ‘proper’ ice creams in Warkworth (at Morwick Dairy) and Spurreli in Amble. I took a few picnics when I was out and about walking on other days. I would recommend Northumberland to anyone looking for some fresh air, exercise, big wide-open spaces, stunning beaches and history / heritage. I very much hope to return.

12 March 2021

Today (16 March) I’m celebrating a year since I took the plunge and started a new chapter in my life (and career) and started the Travel Academy training programme with Travel Counsellors. I’m not sure I could’ve timed this to be any worse?! One week before the first national lockdown started and with travel being restricted for the vast majority of the past year, a new career in the travel industry has definitely not been easy. Do I regret my decision? No. Would I do it again? Yes. Am I still in business? Yes. Am I determined to make a success of my business in the years ahead? Absolutely. I’ve spent a lot of time (32 weeks to be precise) working my way through a whole variety of online training modules. I’ve joined group online training sessions with my fellow Travel Academy new starters as well as studying at my own pace. The training has covered such a lot of information from business principles, tips for being self-employed, the Travel Counsellors brand and vision, learning about the available technology and an immersion in the travel industry in terms of background, structure, key organisations, partners and suppliers etc. I’m well-travelled (I’ve visited more than 50 countries) however there are still a lot of places I don’t know so I’ve spent time this past year learning about some of the countries and regions that I know less well. Travel Counsellors works in partnerships with destination management companies all around the world (these are the experts on the ground) and with regional or national tourist boards, airlines, cruise operators and hotel suppliers. I’ve been on virtual tours of some amazing properties across the globe, experienced the range of activities on offer in far flung places etc. Although travel has been restricted for a large portion of the year I’ve worked on enquiries and bookings for a variety of customers. Destinations have included a cruise around Japan, a trip to Australia for a family wedding, a week break in the south of France, a summer holiday in the Channel Islands, a city break in Spain, a two-week adventure in Texas, USA, a luxury getaway in the Caribbean and a winter holiday in Lapland. I’ve been engaging with customers on social media. I joined Instagram in March last year and regularly post inspirational photographs from my own travels. I’ve just finished a countdown of my Top Ten Favourite Countries which I found very difficult to do as how do you decide which countries to include?! I’ve really enjoyed seeing which images are popular and interacting with people. My Facebook Travel Counsellors page is a mixture of my own travel photography, travel advice (particularly during the time when restrictions were changing regularly) and content linking to specific destinations or products. My LinkedIn posts are more business focussed and have included travel advice around Brexit and the implications on travel for British passport holders. I’ve enjoyed writing a range of different blog posts including My Travel Biography, highlights from my trips to countries such as Norway, Cuba, Brazil and Japan as well as writing about my first international travel experience in a post Covid world. I hope people find these blogs interesting, informative and inspiring. E-newsletters have been sent to all my customers on a regular basis. They provide ideas and inspiration for future holidays. In addition, they offer reassurance and information about key aspects of travel such as financial protection. Understandably I’ve not been able to attend any networking events or conferences as these have been put on hold. Hopefully this opportunity will be possible later this year. It’s definitely been a challenging year at times. I’ve been reflecting on what I’ve learnt (I’m far more resilient and determined than I thought I was) and I’m now looking to the future. Restrictions are starting to be lifted, the vaccination programme is well underway, procedures are being put in place and international border arrangements are being negotiated to allow us to be able to travel safely. I plan to be busy researching, planning and booking travel within the UK and abroad for all my customers. Please get in touch if I can help with any travel or holiday ideas you have. Happy 1st anniversary to me! And happy holidays to you all for the future!

21 March 2021

These five fabulous European cities are not necessarily less well-known, however they are not capitals. I found it difficult to choose just five! 1. Istanbul, Turkey I loved my trip to Istanbul years ago and its stayed top of my list of favourite European cities ever since then! The influence of the East is everywhere and I love that the city is strategically located at the crossroads of both Europe and Asia. Topkapi Palace is one of the top sights and is a massive museum complex and palace, demonstrating the power and influence of the Ottoman empire. I especially loved all the patterns and colours. Aya Sofya (or Hagia Sophia) has a fascinating history – it’s been a cathedral, a church, a mosque and a museum. The Sultan Ahmet Camii (The Blue Mosque) is another must see. Rustem Pasa Camii (Rustem Pasha Mosque) is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been inside. It’s tucked away and quite tricky to find however I recommend you make the effort to find it. The interior is breath-taking with gorgeous tiles, wood carvings, carpets, patterns and colours. I enjoyed walking around the Spice Bazaar (an assault on your senses for sure) as well as the Grand Bazaar. The Beyoglu district of the city is worth a visit. Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage) is a beautiful covered arcade and Nevizade Street is packed full of bars and restaurants which really comes alive in the evenings. 2. Krakow, Poland Krakow is the second largest city in Poland but feels relatively small compared to a lot of other European cities. The main square, Rynek Glowny is lovely with gorgeous Medieval buildings all around. The church, St Mary’s Basilica, is incredibly ornate inside – there’s not an inch that isn’t decorated. And The Cloth Hall is evidence of how important and wealthy the city once was. Wawel Hill with the Cathedral and Royal Castle are worth exploring as is the Jewish quarter, Kazimierz. Whilst in Krakow I took a day trip to Auschwitz and Birkenau. Both of these are the location for some of the most horrific activities that took place during World War II and it’s not easy to see the evidence, however I also strongly feel it’s really important to learn about history even if it is uncomfortable at times. I would definitely recommend you go if you are staying in Krakow. I also went on a half day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine which was interesting, fun and something a bit different. 3. Bergen, Norway I enjoyed my time in Bergen when I visited in 2019. Bryggen is lovely, packed with beautiful colourful buildings along the waterfront and a great place to wander around. I took the funicular to the top of Mount Floyen and enjoyed a great view across the city. I walked down through the forest back into the city to get a different perspective and could appreciate how close the city is to the surrounding landscape. For a small city there’s a lot of art and culture on offer. I enjoyed visiting the KODE art museums. Edvard Munch is probably the most famous Norwegian artist and his work is a lot broader than ‘The Scream’. The Silver Treasure gallery (in KODE 1) is gorgeous and definitely worth a visit. Another must-see is Fisketorget (the fish market) with loads of fresh fish stalls as well as cafes and restaurants. Bergen is also perfectly placed as a gateway to the fjords. I had limited time but went on the famous day trip ‘Norway in a Nutshell’. It’s a long day out (and a lot of travelling) but worth it. You purchase the ‘package’ and all the tickets for all the different methods of transport (train, coach, boat, train etc) are included. It was lovely to get out of the city and see some more of the country. The weather wasn’t the best however I still managed to enjoy the scenery of Voss, Myrdal & Flam as well as the cruise along the fjords. 4. Porto, Portugal I visited Porto in 2019 and felt it was more laid back and relaxed than Lisbon. There are plenty of ‘sights’ to see however it’s also a great place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. The Dom Luis Bridge is an impressive sight across the River Douro and connects the Ribeira area with the Via Nova de Gaia. You can walk across the bridge or take the tram (be warned the tram line is very high up). Ribeira is great to mooch around its little streets and up and down the hills between the river and the cathedral. Rua de Flores was probably my favourite street - packed with lots of independent shops, cafes and bars in gorgeous buildings. And don’t miss the Palacio da Bolsa which has the most gorgeous architecture and designs inside. Porto (as well as Lisbon) is famous for its azulejos (beautiful Portuguese ceramic tiles) and they are everywhere. Sao Bento station and Las Capela das Almas are particularly worth visiting for the stunning tiles. I booked to go on a cellar tour and port tasting at Graham’s, one of the oldest port houses, which was really interesting and informative as well as good fun. I also enjoyed a boat trip along the River Douro. 5. Barcelona, Spain I’ve visited Barcelona a few times and I would say it’s most well-known for art and architecture. Buildings designed by the famous Catalan modernist architect Antoni Gaudi include La Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila (La Pedrera), Casa Batllo and Park Guell. They’re all fabulous, very different and definitely worth visiting. Walking along La Rambla, a lovely tree-lined pedestrianised street which connects Placa de Catalunya to Port Vell is a must-do. The market (Mercado de La Boqueria) is housed in a gorgeous building and worth visiting (located just off La Rambla). I enjoyed visiting both the Fundacio Joan Miro and Museu Picasso, which showcase modern art works of their respective namesakes. On my second visit to the city I went on a guided tour of Camp Nou, the home of FC Barcelona. I’m not a massive football fan however the stadium was very impressive (it’s the largest in Europe) and it was great to be able to go ‘behind the scenes’. Definitely one to recommend for sports fans.

21 March 2021

Here is my pick of my favourite European capital cities. It was hard to select just five! 1. Rome, Italy This is probably the most ‘popular’ choice in my top five. Rome has some of the most world-famous sights such as the Colosseum, Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Roman Forum etc. The architecture and history are stunning and world-class. There are photo opportunities on every corner and street. I definitely feel it’s a city that everyone should visit. For me the highlights were the Colosseum – the sheer size and scale of it and how it still dominates that area of the city. And I think because I had seen so many pictures and films of it, it felt great to actually see it and experience it in real life. I also absolutely loved the Gallery of Maps in the Vatican City. There’s so much to see and every inch of the walls and ceilings are covered in maps and paintings and decoration. I could easily have spent hours in here! There’s more to the city than the famous sights and I liked escaping the crowds and wandering around the back streets in local neighbourhoods. I tucked into the best pizza ever in a tiny restaurant in Trastevere and I remember the gelato being very nice too. 2. Lisbon, Portugal My trip to Lisbon was my first ever visit to Portugal and I really enjoyed my time in the capital. The tram is a great way to get around the city and Tram 28 is the most famous route – it’s very atmospheric to rattle along the narrow, steep streets in a bright yellow historic tram. There are also several elevadors dotted around the city (very steep funiculars) which are great to go on plus they also save you having to walk up all the hills! Castelo de Sao Jorge (the castle) is a must see and you get great views from the top. The district leading up to the castle, Alfama, is one of the oldest areas of the city and is good to mooch around along the narrow streets. The Praca do Comercio is a very impressive and grand square right on the waterfront. You get a sense of the wealth and power that the city once had. I took a day trip out to the suburb of Belem. It’s worth getting there early to be one of the first inside the Monasterio dos Jeronimos (a massive Gothic monastery with fabulous carvings, tiles and stained glass). I also visited the Museu Coleccao Berardo (great modern art), stopped off for a delicious pastel de nata (custard tart) from Pasteis de Belem (one of the most famous bakeries in Lisbon), and then walked down to the water to look at the Padrao dos Descobrientos statue and Torre de Belem. 3. Stockholm, Sweden I visited Stockholm in 2017 and it was my first time in Sweden. I loved the variety even though it’s quite a small capital city. Gamla Stan (the old town) is great to wander around with beautiful buildings and squares. The Nobel Peace Prize museum (Nobelmuseet) was fascinating to visit. Kungliga Slottet is the Royal Palace and the official residence of the Swedish monarchy. The interiors are lovely with tons of exhibits to look at. The city has loads of great museums and galleries. I really enjoyed the Moderna Museet (great modern art and cool outdoor sculptures), ABBA: The Museum (no explanation needed, great fun), Fotografiska (for fabulous photography), Vasamuseet (a maritime museum with the remains of the Vasa, the only almost intact 17th century ship ever to be salvaged) and Skansen (an open-air museum showcasing Swedish life across the country). I also went on a boat trip around the Stockholm archipelago. It was lovely to see all the hundreds of little islands that make up the archipelago. It’s really green and wooded and a popular place for locals to have their summer homes where they escape the city. 4. Tallinn, Estonia Tallinn is quite a small capital city however this makes it great for a short break. My trip was the first time I had visited one of the Baltic states. The Old Town is beautiful and especially Raekoja plats (the main square) with the Town Hall and surrounded with gorgeous merchant houses. I really enjoyed walking around all the Lower Town Walls. There used to be 66 towers along the city walls and about 20 remain today. The whole Old Town is lovely to wander around and take photographs. I visited Kadriorg Park and KUMU art museum which had some great exhibitions and art. I also explored the Kalamaja district. It’s a regenerated area of the city where deserted soviet-era buildings and factories have been restored /renovated. There’s now lots of cafes, bars, restaurants, galleries and shops and it has a really nice vibe. During my time in Tallinn I went a (long) day trip to Helsinki, Finland. The ferry takes just over two hours and it was a great opportunity to visit another city and country (even if just for one day). 5. Berlin, Germany I only stayed for two nights so it was very much a flying visit to Berlin and I would like to visit again. The city left a big impression on me even in such a short space of time. The main reason for wanting to visit was to see the Berlin Wall (what’s left of it) and key points like Checkpoint Charlie as well as the ‘grander’ sights such as the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag. None of these disappointed. It’s such an important city in recent European history and you really do get a sense of the history and the past as well as the regeneration (and moving forward) in places such as Potsdamer Platz. The Jewish Museum Berlin is really interesting and informative and I feel it’s a must visit when in Berlin. I visited with a group of friends and we enjoyed quite a few bars and restaurants in different areas of the city. Kreuzberg sticks in my mind as we had a really lovely Turkish meal before going to various bars for a few drinks. We also experienced the more traditional beer gardens and beer halls.

29 October 2020

6.Brazil Brazil is such a massive country it was difficult to decide where to go / what to do. I loved the variety from the big cities with their truly iconic sights to natural wonders to gorgeous white sandy beaches and the vast Amazon jungle. Rio de Janeiro is one of the most famous cities in the world and doesn’t really need an introduction. The view from Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) is one of the best views I’ve ever seen. Copacabana beach was fun to walk along and watch the locals enjoy life. My first view of Iguacu Falls was from the plane on a flight from Rio to Foz Do Iguacu and I don’t think I could appreciate the scale of it until you get closer. The power and volume of water is breath-taking. Staying on a floating lodge on the Amazon river in the middle of the jungle was an amazing experience. The highlight here was catching a piranha while fishing (I was the only one to be successful). I loved the city of Salvador with all the African influences. It had a very different feel to other places and it was filled with music which added to the atmosphere. Yummy food included local specialities churrascaria, moqueca, pastel de nata, an enormous variety of tropical fruit plus there are Caipirinhas for sale everywhere! 7.Australia Another vast country. I spent a month travelling around and visited four main ‘destinations’ and I’ve hardly seen any of Australia when I look at a map. Like Rio, Sydney is a world-famous city and seeing the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Bondi beach, taking the ferry to Manly etc were fabulous and I really enjoyed my time here. A possibly controversial opinion is that I think my favourite city was Melbourne. I loved all the art and culture, the food and drink, the different neighbourhoods and it felt more like somewhere I would choose to live. A road trip along the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne offers spectacular scenery all the way along. I stopped off ‘in the middle’ to visit Uluru and experienced watching the sunrise which was magical. I also enjoyed a day hiking in The Olgas which are nearby and have a similar ‘look’ with distinctive red earth and scrubby bush. Finally to Perth, often quoted as being the most geographically isolated city in the world. I really liked the city, particularly all the galleries and museums and the gorgeous Kings Park and Botanic Gardens. In addition, I was lucky to go on a weekend break with friends further south to Margaret River and Busselton and loved visiting the vineyards (and sampling the wine of course) as well as all the wonderful beaches. 8.Malaysia Malaysia is unique because it has such a mixture of different cultures and influences - Malay, Chinese, Indian and British – and I had a great holiday here. The country is geographically varied too with lots of different options for things to see and do. You’ve got Kuala Lumpur, a massive city with high rise skyscrapers like the Petronas Towers plus sights such as the Islamic Arts Museum, Masjid Jamek and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. Then Penang in the north west with its lovely colonial buildings and delicious street food. Next the gorgeous white powder sand beaches of the Perhentian islands. Followed by a hot and sweaty jungle trek in Taman Negara and after all that, some respite from the heat, in the cooler climate of the tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands. The different cultures have influenced the food here too and there’s such a wide variety of delicious dishes that I enjoyed including Nasi Lemak, Nasi Goreng, Rendang, Laksa, tandoori chicken and murtabak followed by cendol for dessert. 9.Spain Spain is the country I have visited the most to date, partly because I’ve had family living in the region of Murcia for the last ten years or so. Aside from visiting family, I’ve been lucky to experience a lot of fabulous Spanish cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, Bilbao, Palma, Murcia, Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Ronda. Great history, art, architecture and culture in all of these. In the south you’ve got the additional influence of the Moors and their legacy in spectacular sights such as The Alhambra in Granada and the Mezquita in Cordoba, both of which are stunning. The country is probably more well-known as a beach destination, especially for us Brits, with hundreds of miles of coastline and lovely beaches. It turns out I haven’t been to that many Spanish beaches so perhaps that’s something I need to address in the future. In addition, I’ve got to mention the delicious food and wine that I’ve had over the years including paella, gazpacho, jamon, manchego, tortilla, croquetas, albondigas, flan, Rioja (red and white), Priorat, Verdejo and Albarino. 10.New Zealand I went to New Zealand quite some time ago, back in 2003, however it’s still one of my favourite places I’ve ever been. It’s a very long journey but it’s definitely worth it when you get there. I think it’s probably the spectacular scenery / landscapes and the wildlife that I loved the most. Some of my most memorable experiences include swimming with dolphins in the wild, whale watching, hiking on a glacier (Fox Glacier), seeing the bubbling mud pools and geysers at Rotorua, canoeing along the beautiful coastline of Abel Tasman National Park, white water rafting on the Kaituna river, experiencing thrills on the Shotover Jet and flying in a tiny plane over Milford Sound. The scenery all around Queenstown is gorgeous plus you get amazing views from the TranzAlpine train on its journey from Greymouth to Christchurch. I didn’t spend all my time outdoors and also enjoyed the cities of Wellington and Auckland. And of course I can’t finish without mentioning the fantastic food and wine – there’s more to New Zealand than just lamb and Sauvignon Blanc!

29 October 2020

1.Cambodia Cambodia has a special place in my heart. I first visited in late 2010 when I travelled through northern Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. I loved it and wanted to go back! In 2012 I took a sabbatical and chose to volunteer in Cambodia. I lived in Phnom Penh for two months working at an orphanage for several disabled children and HIV positive children who had been abandoned by their family. I then worked for a marine conservation charity on the island of Koh Rong for a month. I spent my evenings and weekends exploring the local areas as well as other parts of the country. The most wonderful thing about Cambodia is the people. They’re so friendly, warm and welcoming despite the relatively recent horrific suffering they experienced at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. Phnom Penh has plenty to see and do such as the Royal Palace, the National Museum, Central Market, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, “The Killing Fields”, Tonle Sap Lake and the Chong Kneas. It’s a busy city but a lot less frenetic than somewhere like Bangkok. Angkor Wat is surely one of the most famous (and most visited) sights in the world. It’s possible to escape the crowds by visiting very early and there are loads of smaller temples to explore. Smaller towns such as Battambang, Kep, Kampot and Kampong Cham are worth visiting and then there are the beaches of Sihanoukville and the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem for some chill out time. 2.Italy I have to admit that Italian cuisine would probably be top of my list of reasons why I love the country. Think of all the delicious pasta, risotto, pizza, ragu, arancini, gelato, tiramisu, cannoli and not forgetting the wine (Sangiovese, Grillo, Pinot Grigio, Nero d’Avola, Primitivo) – heaven! Closely followed by food would be the history, culture and architecture in the cities, especially Rome. So many famous sights – The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Vatican City, the Pantheon, Roman Forum, I could go on. So much history. So many photo opportunities. I’ve loved visiting smaller cities such as Florence, Siena, Pisa, Bologna and Palermo and had an equally great time in these places. I’ve also enjoyed the beaches / coast at Sorrento, Capri and Cinque Terre, the picturesque landscapes and hilltop villages of Tuscany, rolling hills covered with vineyards in Emilia Romagna and farm stays in the Sicilian countryside. 3.Mexico There may be a theme emerging as I think food and drink is also one of the best things about Mexico! Loads of freshly made dishes (and nothing like Tex-Mex) such as tacos, mole, tamales, enchiladas, plenty of avocados and of course Tequila and Mezcal. I had always wanted to see Chichen Itza, one of the most famous Mayan sites and it didn’t disappoint, although overall I think Palenque was probably my favourite Mayan site that I visited. The history and culture, especially of the Mayans and Aztecs, is so different to my own and I found it fascinating. All the Mayan sites I went to were impressive in their own way. I loved the towns and cities too – Mexico City is a massive, crazy city with lots to see (but nightmare traffic), and I especially liked Oaxaca, San Cristobal de las Casas and Campeche. At the end of my trip I spent a day relaxing on the beach on the Riviera Maya which was beautiful (but not authentic Mexico for me). 4.Japan I’ve travelled extensively around Asia, visiting Japan last year (2019) and can confirm that it really is very different from anywhere else. A large part of this is due to the Edo period where the country was in self-isolation from the rest of the world and any external influences for over 250 years. As expected, Tokyo is a mega-city and very full on. The size of it is mind-boggling (you get a bit of an idea from the top of the Tokyo Sky Tree Tower with views across the city all the way to Mount Fuji). There’s such a contrast between the ultra-modern of Tokyo and the ancient temples of Kyoto. Always stunningly beautiful, they’re a glimpse into Japanese history and culture. I loved seeing all the art – gorgeous ceramics, paintings, drawings, woodwork, calligraphy, kimonos etc. The Japanese people are very polite and respectful, they love to follow rules and etiquette and have structure and precision in so many aspects of life. It was captivating to watch things like a traditional tea ceremony and I feel it helps to explain how the Tokyo Metro can function so efficiently in a city with approaching 40 million people. Again I have to mention the delicious food and drink. Such a lot of choice and very tasty (and surprisingly affordable), plus where else in the world can you eat bright green KitKats?! 5.India India can be a crazy place, travel can be very hard going and the poverty is upsetting however it’s also an incredible country. I’ve been five times and there is still so much more for me to see and experience. Both Kerala and Goa in the south are very beautiful and are much more relaxed and easy going so I think they would be good for a first visit to India. I didn’t do this – I arrived in Delhi by myself before joining a group tour a few days later which was definitely not an easy option but certainly an experience. I had wanted to see The Taj Mahal for years (it’s on the front cover of a book I got as a present when I was younger entitled “Wonders of the World”) and the first time you catch sight of it is unforgettable. Varanasi was one of my favourite cities on my first trip to India and I also enjoyed a few days spent sailing along the river Ganges. The state of Rajasthan in northern India is surprisingly colourful despite there being a lot of desert. The forts and palaces are imposing and often beautifully decorated with tiles, carvings, frescos and stained glass. You can also stay in converted palaces giving you the opportunity to experience what life might have been like for the Maharajas in the past.

24 September 2020

I’m lucky to have visited India several times (five in total to date) and there’s still so much for me to explore. It’s an enormous country (as well as the world’s largest democracy) and very varied so there really is something for everyone. Here are some of my highlights / recommendations: Delhi The capital, Delhi, is a full-on, very busy, noisy and dirty city. There are some fabulous sights such as The Red Fort, the Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India), India Gate and Qutub Minar which are worth visiting however I wouldn’t say Delhi is one of my favourite Asian cities in the way that Bangkok, Phnom Penh or Hong Kong are. If you’re visiting Rajasthan or The Taj Mahal then you’ll probably fly into/out of Delhi. The Taj Mahal One of the wonders of the world. Not much more I can say except you have to go and see The Taj Mahal for yourself. It’s one of my best travel highlights ever! If you have time, try and see the Taj from different viewpoints at different times of the day as it changes colour as the sun comes up and goes down again. Also visit Agra Fort and The Baby Taj. Varanasi I stayed in Varanasi on my first visit to India which was a road trip from Delhi to Kathmandu in Nepal. It’s regarded as sacred by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains and is the spiritual capital of the country. I enjoyed people-watching on the ghats (riverside steps) that are all along the banks of the Ganges and I found it atmospheric and fascinating. The funeral pyres along the river are a vital part of the city and out of respect I chose not to go too close to these. Rajasthan The state of Rajasthan covers a vast area and is world famous for its forts, palaces and Maharajas. I visited all the main cities including Jaipur (known as the Pink City) with the beautiful Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort and City Palace, to Udaipur (the White City) and the waters of Lake Pichola and the Lake Palace, the Blue City (Jodhpur) and its impressive Mehrangarh Fort and to Jaisalmer in the heart of the Thar Desert dominated by a massive Fort situated on the top of a hill which is stunning when lit up at night. Despite there being so much desert, Rajasthan is a really vivid and colourful state. The light is beautiful which perhaps brings out the vibrancy of colours. It’s also a great opportunity to stay in some fabulous former palaces and forts and experience what life might have been like for the rich and powerful of yesteryear. Kerala I visited Kerala as part of an organised group tour a few years ago. At the end of the trip I stayed in Kovalam for a few days by myself. It’s a very green and lush part of India (in contrast to the dry, red desert of the north, especially Rajasthan). It has a more relaxed feel and it’s easier to travel around. Floating along on a houseboat on the backwaters is lovely and peaceful. I really enjoyed visiting the city of Cochin – an interesting mix of cultures and history. Kovalam is a great beach resort – plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants which is popular with Indian tourists as well as foreigners. The food in Kerala is fantastic with lots of fresh fish and loads of vegetables (again, quite different from the north). I think Kerala would be a good introduction to India for a first-time visitor. Goa I’ve been to Goa twice, both times to the lovely beach of Agonda which is in the south of the region. I went to practise yoga every day, enjoy the sunshine and eat curry. I stayed in a small family owned wooden hut (which are taken down before monsoon season and then re-built every year) located amongst palm trees and set back from the beach. Agonda is laid back and peaceful with no ‘nightlife’ as such. There are a few restaurants and bars along the beach and also along the road which runs parallel to the coast (there are small shops along here too). The beach itself is several miles long and is sandy with sun loungers and umbrellas dotted along belonging to cafes and restaurants. I thought Goa was relaxed and easy going and would therefore make another good option for a first trip to India. Summary Travelling in India can be hard going and the poverty is often very in your face and upsetting (I think more so in the north rather than the south). I think it helps if you really want to visit India (i.e. you have a passion/interest/desire to explore and experience the country) as well as being prepared for feeling uncomfortable at times. Some of the sights are truly breath-taking, the history, traditions and culture are fascinating, the scenery is lovely, the food is delicious and the people are often friendly and welcoming. It’s certainly a place that’s a full-on experience for all your senses!

14 August 2020

I really enjoy visiting museums whether I’m at home or on holiday. I love to learn about different aspects of life and/or a country and be inspired by beautiful objects or fascinating stories. I found it quite hard to choose just five museums that I have visited over the years (also see my top five favourite art galleries blog!) 1. People’s History Museum, Manchester, UK I must declare a bit of an invested interest as I worked at PHM for over 10 years. It’s the national museum of democracy and tells the story of revolutionaries, reformers, workers, voters, citizens and radicals who championed (then and now) for change, rights and equality. The world-famous collection of banners is beautiful and striking in design and you may well recognise badges and campaign posters from certain eras (depending on your age) plus there’s a programme of changing exhibitions and events. The topics and issues covered by the museum are still so important and relevant to life today – it’s a must visit. 2. Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo, Japan I could easily have spent all day in here! It’s an enormous museum (it has the world’s largest collection of Japanese art) with so much to see. We focussed our time on the Honkan (Japanese Gallery) which gave us a great overview of the key aspects of Japanese art. There’s a fab brochure ‘Highlights of Japanese Art’ which guides you through all the different rooms. It’s difficult to say which were my favourite objects but I especially liked the stunning painted screens, the gorgeous kimonos, the pottery / ceramics and the delicate line drawings. The design and look and feel of what I saw was very different to British art however I loved that I could see specific influences and cross overs. 3. National Anthropology Museum, Mexico City, Mexico Another massive museum and again so much to see. I really liked the building itself (minimalist in style with a lovely courtyard where you can escape from the sun and heat) and it contains the world’s largest collection of ancient Mexican art as well as exhibits about present-day indigenous groups. It was a great insight into a culture which is so different to my own. The galleries cover everything from the Toltecs and Zapotecs to the Maya and Aztecs. A lot of the objects are really impressive and imposing – both in terms of size and date of origin. The Aztec gallery, full of monumental stone sculptures, is probably the most familiar for a lot of people and showcases the famous Aztec Calendar, commonly known as the ‘Sun Stone’. 4. Chester Beatty, Dublin, Ireland This place is perhaps a bit of a hidden gem, and used to be called the Chester Beatty Library, however I would recommend you visit. It’s located in the grounds of Dublin Castle and they have a fabulous collection of manuscripts, rare books and other treasures from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. For me the display of Qur’ans (which date from the 9th to the 19th centuries) was the highlight. I spent such a long time admiring all the beautiful Islamic scrolls and illuminated texts – the detail, colours and patterns were just exquisite. It certainly inspired me to hunt out more Islamic inspired art and design whenever I am travelling. 5. Museum of Communism, Prague, Czech Republic This museum is at the other end of the scale and is small but absolutely fascinating. It tells the story of the post–World War II Communist regime in Czechoslovakia. It offers an immersive look at life behind the Iron Curtain, covering both the good and bad aspects of the Communist era and ends with the Velvet Revolution of 1989. I had studied modern European history a few years before my visit and had a real interest in this period in history and particularly in light of what had happened across Europe in the late 80s. I also felt a personal connection to the story as one of my friends at the time was Czech and her early life was under the Soviet regime, however she later had the opportunity to learn English in school (after 1989) and then to study in the UK which is how we met.

14 September 2020

I have just returned from a trip to Spain to visit my family. I thought it would be helpful to write about my experience of international travel in light of Covid-19. Often it’s the fear of the unknown that stops us from doing things so I hope this account will offer reassurance and encouragement. BEFORE TRAVEL It’s essential you check the specific entry requirements for your destination. For example, to travel to Spain, you are required to complete an online health questionnaire prior to travel and to obtain a QR code which you show either on your mobile or on a print out on arrival at the airport. As pre-Covid-19, you should also check your passport is in date and ensure you have valid travel insurance. AT THE AIRPORT (MANCHESTER) I was at Manchester airport very early for my flight (5.00am) and it was very quiet. There are signs everywhere to remind people to keep their distance, to wear a mask/face covering and to use hand sanitiser. Everyone I saw was wearing a mask and people were keeping their distance from other passengers. There are hand sanitiser stations all around the terminal from check in, after security and in the departures lounge. At the check-in desks / bag drop area, Easyjet staff were asking all passengers their destination and requesting evidence that they had completed the necessary health forms (ie a QR code for Spain). I suspect you would be denied check-in if you could not show that you had completed the required arrival information. Despite it being quiet everywhere, it was very busy at security with hand luggage being screened and I felt that social distancing wasn’t really being adhered to in this area which was a bit disappointing. At departures in Terminal 1 there were a few shops and restaurants open (Boots, WHSmith, Pret and a bar/restaurant) however quite a lot of were closed (NB it could be that more open later). OH THE PLANE Boarding the plane was quick and easy. My flight felt empty with only about 50 people (approx. 25% of capacity) however flights to some destinations are full. All passengers and staff have to wear a mask at all times when on the flight. There was food and drink available to purchase (from a slightly reduced menu) and when eating and drinking you are permitted to take off your mask. You have to pay by card/contactless and no cash is accepted. Passengers can use the toilet however they asked that only two people queue at any time and you must wear your mask. Several announcements were made to remind passengers of the new ‘rules’ and everyone was adhering to these. AT ARRIVAL AIRPORT (ALICANTE) I arrived into Spain at Alicante airport. Passport control was as usual via the electronic gates. After this there was a new area for scanning the QR codes with the health declaration of all arrivals into the country. The local Guardia were also checking that all passengers were wearing a mask and keeping their distance. The airport was very quiet and baggage arrived very quickly. There were distance markers everywhere and hand sanitisers available throughout. There were a few shops open in arrivals although you were encouraged to not wait around and to leave the airport as soon as possible. IN DESTINATION (MURCIA) In Spain masks are mandatory when you are outside at all times, eg walking along the street and in shops and when you go into bars or restaurants. It is very strictly enforced by the local police. My trip wasn’t a holiday and I was mostly at my brother’s house looking after my niece, however we did go out a few times. At restaurants you must wait to be seated and only once seated and your drinks have arrived can you take off your mask. All places had reduced capacity with tables having been removed (much like in the UK) and all serving staff were wearing masks. You scan a QR code to look at the menus and they encourage contactless payment where possible. We sat outside away from other people and it felt safe and we enjoyed our meals. The city of Murcia was really quiet but this was probably partly because a lot of locals were still at the coast and were just starting to return to the city for the start of school and work. We also went to the beach and people were respectful and were spaced out along the sand. You didn’t have to wear a mask when on the beach (but you must when walking to / from the beach). RETURN JOURNEY Alicante airport was very quiet for my return journey and it only took about five minutes for the bag drop. Security was quiet and very quick as was passport control. There were signs and markers everywhere and hand sanitiser available. Announcements were made frequently in both Spanish and English to remind people to keep their distance and to wear a mask at all times. ON THE FLIGHT My return flight was busier and was at about 60% capacity. Again, masks had to be worn at all times, tea, coffee and snacks were available to purchase (payment by card) and disembarkation from the plane was strictly row by row to minimise contact. ON ARRIVAL BACK INTO THE UK Prior to arriving into the UK you must complete a UK passenger locator form online. Once completed the form and QR code are emailed to you or in your files on your phone and you must have this to show if / when requested on arrival. I wasn’t asked to show this information and went through passport control and baggage reclaim quicker than usual (I assume because there are a lot less flights at the moment). Spain is currently not on the list of exempted countries which means I am now self-isolating at home for 14 days. Overall my travel experience was good. I felt safe throughout and it was actually quicker and easier than ‘normal’ in some respects due to the reduced number of passengers at the airport and on the plane. There are procedures and systems in place to ensure that everyone (passengers, customers, guests, staff) are as safe as possible throughout the journey and once you get to your destination. It was a bit uncomfortable wearing a mask in 32-degree heat but it’s something you have to accept and you get used to it. I feel I now have more confidence and would consider travelling somewhere else in the coming months.

16 June 2020

I found it hard to decide on my top five for this list – it could easily have been more. Art galleries and museums are an important part of my life and especially when I travel. They are often the driving force for me wanting to visit a city or destination. 1. Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), Doha, Qatar I visited Doha in January this year (2020) and the MIA has immediately gone straight to the top of my list of favourite art galleries! It was also the main reason for visiting the city. For me both the building and the objects were equally impressive and stunning. It was designed by I.M. Pei (who also designed the Pyramid at The Louvre in Paris) and draws much influence from ancient Islamic architecture. The galleries are in themes, such as pattern, calligraphy, science and others are by date and origin (ie Iran & Central Asia, Syria, Turkey etc). I absolutely love the colours and patterns used in Islamic art – I spent hours in here and took so many photos. An absolute must see if you are in Doha. 2. Musee D’Orsay, Paris, France I first went to Paris years ago and at the time I was very much into Impressionism and artists such as Monet, Pissarro, Sisley, Seurat, Renoir etc and so I thoroughly enjoyed seeing so many ‘famous’ paintings in real life which I had only previously seen in art books. Sometimes the scale and size of a painting can be such a surprise when seen in the flesh. The Musee D’Orsay is housed in a former railway station on the Left Bank of the Seine that was extensively renovated. It’s a beautiful space and really shows off the art. I’ve since been back to visit and would definitely go again. 3. Tate Modern, London, UK I visited London on day trips during my childhood and Bankside Power Station was a run-down building that I’d never really taken any notice of. It was a revelation to then visit Tate Modern when it opened in 2000 (I lived in London at this time). The Turbine Hall is massively impressive – the sheer size of it. My favourite installation is probably the hanging sun of Olafur Eliasson’s The Weather Project which was so atmospheric. I’ve seen some fantastic exhibitions at Tate Modern including ‘Matisse Picasso’ and ‘Rodchenko & Popova: Defining Constructivism’. Plus I love the view across the river to St Pauls Cathedral and the walk on Millennium Bridge (which I still call Wobbly Bridge!) 4. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, USA I spent five days in NYC about ten years ago and visited a lot of the museums and galleries and MoMA was my favourite. It seemed like every room you went into there was another iconic modern art piece, from Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans to One: Number 31, 1950 by Jackson Pollock to Girl with Ball by Roy Lichtenstein plus light installations, sculptures, celebrated photographs etc. You could easily spend hours in here. 5. Guggenheim, Bilbao, Spain Similar to Doha, my main reason for visiting Bilbao in northern Spain a few years ago was to go to the Guggenheim. Designed by Frank Gehry it’s such a famous and iconic building and it didn’t disappoint. I loved all the different shapes and the way the colours change in the light. The sculptures and art installations outside are great too – I especially liked Puppy and Tulips by Jeff Koons and Gabriel Orozco’s Ball on Water sculpture. In my opinion I thought the building and art installations were much more interesting than some of the art on display inside.

28 May 2020

In light of the current circumstances with Covid-19, travel within the UK will be an option for us all before we are able to go abroad, so I’ve taken a look at my home city of Manchester and why you should consider visiting. Manchester has been my adopted home for over 15 years now. I moved here for a new job in 2003 and have lived here ever since. And contrary to the media, I can confirm that it doesn’t always rain here! I should probably also declare to having an invested interest (and probably being a bit biased) as I was Marketing Manager at People’s History Museum for over 10 years and more recently worked for Marketing Manchester – the regional tourist board promoting the city and region to the world. Here’s a brief summary of some of my favourite things to see and do: People’s History Museum (PHM) – the home of ideas worth fighting for – national museum charting 200 years of ordinary working people’s history. Really informative and thought-provoking galleries and changing exhibitions - you can easily spend a few hours in here The Town Hall – one of my favourite buildings – very impressive both inside and out (filming often takes place in here as a replica for the Palace of Westminster in London) – currently closed for a big refurbishment which means you can’t visit and have a nosey inside which is a shame The Whitworth – great art gallery with permanent galleries as well as changing exhibitions – recently extended and now featuring a lovely café which appears to float out amongst the trees in the park next door Central Library – another fab building and next door to The Town Hall. The Reading Room is a circular very ornately decorated room Midland Hotel – famous for where Mr Rolls met Mr Royce and another impressive building King Street – mostly a pedestrianised street. Make sure to look up above the shop and restaurant fronts to see a great mixture of architecture through the ages. I’d recommend Kala or El Gato Negro for top quality food and drink. Northern Quarter – a regenerated area of the city with tons of independent cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. Well known for its street art and alternative vibe. Check out The Castle, Cottonopolis, Tariff & Dale, Common, La Collina and Mackie Mayor. Ancoats – probably the ‘newest’ area, just to the north of the Northern Quarter – gorgeous old buildings, warehouses and factories are being renovated and it’s a cool, laid back neighbourhood to hang out in with lots of fab cafes, bars and restaurants. My favs include Rudy’s, Elnecot, Sugo Pasta Kitchen and Hanging Ditch Wine Bar (who also have a branch next to Manchester Cathedral). Salford Quays – home to The Lowry and Imperial War Museum North (IMWN) plus Media City and the BBC. It’s worth hopping on a tram for the short journey out of the city centre to this area. Surrounded by the old docks it’s got a bit of a different feel to it (and is often windy and a bit chilly across the water!) Music - the city is rightly famous for its music scene (and all the bands and musicians that it’s inspired). We’ve got everything from massive venues (Manchester Arena) to intimate clubs, well-known gig locations (I like Manchester Academy, The Ritz and The Apollo as they’re much more atmospheric and you’re closer to the action) to world renown classical music halls (such as the Bridgewater Hall). Sport - I can’t really ignore sport even though for me it’s not a big draw. The city is massively popular with sports fans - two world-famous football clubs (MUFC & MCFC), LCCC, National Cycling Centre, Manchester Aquatics Centre plus not forgetting the option of walking along the network of canals or out in the surrounding countryside. In addition, the city is home to the National Football Museum if museums are more your thing (rather than the game itself). Accommodation - if I was visiting Manchester then I would recommend staying right in the centre so you are close to the main sights, great cafes, bars and restaurants and good transport connections. Options include The Midland, The Edwardian Manchester, Malmaison, Hotel Gotham, The Principal, King Street Townhouse, Motel One (Royal Exchange or Piccadilly). Or there are serviced apartments at Roomzzz at the Corn Exchange, Staycity at Piccadilly or Citysuites Aparthotel. Getting here / getting around - the city is really well connected across the UK by rail, road and air. Manchester city centre is pretty compact and walkable in about 30 minutes. If you’re venturing a bit further out, say to Ancoats or down Oxford Road to the Whitworth, allow a bit more time. Metrolink is our tram system – really easy to get around – buy tickets on the platform or use contactless before you board a tram. There’s plenty of buses too.

05 June 2020

Doha in Qatar is probably mostly thought of as a stopover destination en route to Australia, South East Asia or India, however I would definitely recommend you visit the city for longer. I went for a week at the end of January with my mum and there’s certainly plenty to see and do. We flew direct with Qatar Airways from London Gatwick (they also fly from Manchester and London Heathrow). It was ideal to escape the grey and cold of the UK with clear blue skies, sunshine and about 22 degrees - perfect. Our hotel We stayed in Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels – eight small hotels which are dotted around the souq in gorgeous renovated old buildings. All are within walking distance of the stalls, cafes and restaurants as well as the (brand new) metro. Our hotel was Al Jomrock, the closest to the Corniche with fantastic views over to West Bay. The room had all the facilities you would expect with some lovely Middle Eastern design touches/influences. Staff couldn’t have been more friendly or helpful and speak excellent English (although they appreciate you speaking a few words of Arabic). Must Sees Souq Waqif You could easily spend days wandering through Souq Waqif. There are lots of different areas to the souq – birds, fabrics, spices, nuts, household goods etc. We enjoyed watching people going about their business and shopping for a whole variety of items and taking lots of photos. The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) MIA was probably our main reason for visiting Doha and it didn’t disappoint. The building itself is stunning (I would recommend you join the free guided tour at 2pm on Saturdays) and the artefacts from around the Islamic world are just beautiful – all deserve your attention and a lot of photos! There’s a nice café on the ground floor and IDAM (an Alain Ducasse restaurant) is on the top floor and both have lovely views across the water. The National Museum of Qatar This museum only opened in March 2019 and again is an impressive building. It’s designed to look like a desert rose and all the angles somehow blend into sand dunes. The galleries were well designed and really informative and you could easily spend several hours here. There’s a very good museum shop with items inspired by the collection and Qatar’s history and heritage. The Corniche A walk along the Corniche is another must-do. The view of all the high rise of West Bay changes as you get closer. The scale is so impressive (a lot are 50+ storey buildings) and it makes Manchester look very old and low rise! The mix of architectural styles makes it really varied with much more personality than you might expect. The Pearl After five nights in Souq Waqif we moved a few miles to the Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel on The Pearl (this is Doha’s equivalent of The Palm in Dubai). It’s a five-star luxury hotel on its own secluded island, with several restaurants, pools and its own private beach. This area of the city has a very different look and feel and was a change from the hustle and bustle of the souq. Day Trip We booked a half day private trip via our hotel concierge to go into the desert and in particular to see the famous Khor Al Adaid - the inland sea - which borders Saudi Arabia to the south. It was great to get out of the city and see some more of the country. The last 30km of the journey are over the sand dunes which was a fun experience (and not too scary). The stillness and quiet of the dunes was really striking and I found it beautiful. The food Another highlight was the food we enjoyed during our stay. It was delicious and a real mix of Middle Eastern cuisines – lots of hummus, flatbreads, grilled meats, fresh flavoursome salads etc. They’re really into their fresh juices (including mocktails) which are very tasty as well as coffee but note that alcohol is really restricted (it’s only available in five-star hotels and very expensive). I thought Doha was a fascinating mixture of old and new. Plenty to see and do, delicious food, friendly people, safe, easy to get around, clean and only 7 hours fly time from the UK. An ideal destination for longer than a stopover.

16 June 2020

I spent a week in Norway in July last year (2019) and this was my first visit to the country. We flew into Bergen (and got a fantastic view from the plane over hundreds of little islands across the archipelago – a stunning setting for a city) and then flew home from Oslo, both with Norwegian Airways. Our Hotel in Bergen We stayed at the Clarion Hotel Admiral in Bergen. Our room was facing the water with a great view of all the colourful buildings of Bryggen. It was lovely to be able to sit and watch all the boats and ferries coming in and out of the harbour. The hotel was in a really good, central location and we walked to all the main sights. Bergen - Things to See & Do • Bryggen – beautiful colourful buildings along the waterfront. Great for wandering along • KODE art museums – several different locations in renovated buildings. Edvard Munch is probably the most famous Norwegian artist and his work is a lot broader than ‘The Scream’ (in KODE 3). The Silver Treasure gallery (in KODE 1) is gorgeous and definitely worth a visit • Funicular to Mount Floyen – great views from the top. Walk down through the forest into the city • Fisketorget (the fish market) – lots of fish! Plus lots of cafes/restaurants Norway in a Nutshell We did the famous ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ day trip which was highly recommended to us. You purchase the ‘package’ and all the tickets for all the different methods of transport (train, coach, boat, train etc) are included. Everything is very well organised and connected. It was lovely to get out of the city and see some more of the country. The weather wasn’t the best however we still managed to enjoy the scenery of Voss, Myrdal & Flam as well as the cruise along the fjords. Bergen to Oslo We left Bergen and took the train to Oslo for the last few nights of our holiday. This journey through the mountains is often described as one of the best train journeys in the world. The views were fantastic and it was mostly comfortable for a seven-hour journey. Our Hotel in Oslo In Oslo we stayed in the Comfort Hotel Grand Central. We were lucky and from our room we had a view straight out to Oslo Opera House. Again the hotel was central and within walking distance to most of the main sights and right next to excellent public transport. Oslo – Things to See & Do • Oslo Opera House - striking building both inside and out. Good view from the top. • Viking Ship Museum – interesting to learn more about the Vikings and see the ships as well as objects uncovered during excavations • Ferry ride across the harbour to/from the Viking Ship Museum – nice views of the city from the water • Astrup Fearnley Museet (Museum) – another striking building and full of modern art in light, spacious galleries • Barcode Project - massive re-development of super cool architecture • City Hall, Royal Palace & Parliament – dominating, impressive buildings • The Waterfront - new museum dedicated to Munch opening soon I really enjoyed my week in Norway. The two cities were very different and it was lovely to see at least some countryside / spectacular scenery on the Norway in a Nutshell day trip and on the train journey between the two destinations. It was easy to get around, clean, efficient, friendly people who speak excellent English (my Norwegian was rather limited), delicious food, especially fish and salmon and (as expected) it was expensive. I’d love to go back and explore further north especially along the coastline and the Lofoten Islands.

05 June 2020

I visited Japan in March / April 2019 and booked my trip more than a year in advance to secure a place during the peak time to visit - cherry blossom season! I travelled with my friend Dawn and we joined a small group escorted tour (Ancient & Modern Japan) with Exodus Travels. We flew with Emirates from Manchester via Dubai into Osaka (for Kyoto) and returned home from Tokyo. We saw and did so much I don’t really know where to start or what to include! Below are a few highlights from each place I visited: Kyoto • Kinkaku-ji Temple (ie The Golden Pavilion) – beautiful temple & gardens • Traditional tea ceremony – fascinating to watch and take part – the precision and purpose in every single aspect of the process is amazing • Gion District - famous for geishas although you don’t really see them on the streets anymore as it’s mostly ‘tourists’ who have hired the costumes Nara • Todai-ji Great Temple – an enormous buddha in one of the largest wooden buildings in the world Miyajima • Itsukushima-jinja – this is exactly like the pictures you have seen – an iconic sight Hiroshima • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum - horrific history however important to see and the museum was really informative and thought provoking Japanese Alps • Takayama - lovely town to wander around – wooden low-rise buildings, little shops, cafes, bars and restaurants Matsumoto • Matsumoto-jo Castle – very impressive • Yayoi Kusama art installations – big, bold, colourful outdoor artworks Yudanaka • Snow monkeys – captivating to watch /observe them Hakone • View of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi – another iconic view Tokyo • Tokyo National Museum – I could’ve spent all day in here! So many beautiful objects • Tokyo Sky Tree Tower – amazing views across the whole city and across to Mount Fuji – get there when it opens to avoid the queues / crowds • Shinjuku – visit at night-time – neon lights, high-rise, very busy The food For many people food is one of the main reasons for visiting Japan. I felt I didn’t know an awful lot about the range of different options before my trip. I am now most definitely a convert. There’s such a variety of good quality and tasty experiences out there - from enjoying a bowl of steaming ramen perched at the counter in a tiny restaurant down a back street in Kyoto, to a feast of many different dishes beautifully presented in a ryokan in the countryside, to a three course lunch with wine in a Michelin starred restaurant in Tokyo! Accommodation Hotel rooms are generally very small (I guess because space/real estate is at such a premium) with clever space saving features and pared back Japanese influence/design. In all the cities we stayed in centrally located hotels which meant we could walk to restaurants, sights or were near to public transport. I would definitely suggest staying in a ryokan for a few nights which is a traditional Japanese inn and a great way to learn more about the culture and traditions. Culture/language/getting around The Japanese were very friendly and polite and this is largely due to their culture. There are a lot of rules and etiquette to follow – if in doubt just observe the locals and follow them! Everywhere is so clean and despite the language barrier the public transport is easy to navigate (especially in Toyko and Kyoto) as the maps and signs are in English. The Shinkansen (Bullet Train) is highly impressive and super-efficient and it’s hard to believe you are travelling at 200mph! If you can learn a few words of Japanese it really helps when the interacting with people (even if you can only say thank you) and I sensed it was appreciated. I also felt really safe throughout the two weeks. Costs The perception is often that Japan is a very expensive travel destination. I would agree that the flights, hotels and transport were pretty pricey, however we were pleasantly surprised that food and drink was good value and surprisingly affordable (and delicious). I’ve travelled extensively, especially around Asia and although it’s an oft quoted cliché, Japan really is a completely unique destination. It’s a mesmerising mixture of old and the ultra-modern.

28 August 2020

I visited Brazil for just over two weeks in October/November 2018. I travelled on a private journey which was perfect as my mum and I were able to personalise our trip and do exactly what we wanted to do (which is what I do for my customers now). We flew with British Airways direct from London Heathrow to Rio de Janeiro in Premium Economy (and it was worth the extra cost for more space and comfort on the 12-hour flight). Rio de Janeiro Rio doesn’t really need any introductions – it’s such an iconic city with so many famous sights. We stayed on Copacabana beach in the Porto Bay Rio Hotel which proved to be a great location, plus we had a fabulous view of the beach from our balcony. We had a guided walking town of the downtown area on our first morning to see places such as the Escadaria Selaron, Catedral Metropolitana, Theatro Municipal and Mosterio de Sao Bento. We finished in Santa Teresa, a nice area in the hills which has an arty/alternative vibe and lovely views. One of the must-sees is to travel up Mount Corcovado to Cristo Redentor. There are amazing 360-degree views of the city and surrounding area as well as the statue itself – it is one of the best views you will ever see. Another day we explored the Jardim Botanico, a peaceful place and great to escape the heat. And of course we followed in the footsteps of James Bond and took the cable car up Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain), luckily for us without Jaws following us. Iguassu Falls We stayed on the Brazilian side in the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas which is the only hotel within the Iguassu National Park. It isn’t the cheapest option but absolutely worth it as you have access to the park and the waterfalls before crowds arrive in the morning and again once they’ve all left for the day. It’s a beautiful hotel with lovely gardens, a swimming pool and several bars and lounge areas. We explored the Brazilian side by ourselves, following the paths and got to experience the waterfalls at different times of the day. In addition we did a full day trip over the border to Argentina to view the waterfalls from the other side. Garganta do Diablo (Devil’s Throat) was massively impressive and we walked miles seeing all the different waterfalls. The Amazon Jungle Next we flew to Manaus which is the gateway to the Amazon jungle and continued our journey to our lodge. We saw the famous ‘meeting of the waters’ (where the Rio Negro and Rio Branco meet) on our journey. We stayed on a floating lodge which was really atmospheric and it also meant there were a lot less bugs and creepy crawlies (definitely a plus point). During our stay we did several trips from the lodge with our guide. One of the most memorable was a boat trip to go piranha fishing – I was the only one in the group that caught one! We visited a local family to find out how they live and what they grow on their land and we did a trek in the jungle. Our guide explained about the plants and wildlife and what life is like for locals. Apart from these trips there was nothing to do except relax in a hammock and listen to the sounds of the jungle - perfect. Salvador Our next stop was the fabulous city of Salvador in Bahia. It’s such a great mixture of African and Portuguese influences. The main area of interest is Pelourinho (the old town) and we spent hours wandering around the lovely colourful streets taking photos. We had a guided walking tour of this area on our first day to learn about the history and main sights. We stayed in Casa do Amarelindo, a lovely boutique guesthouse with lots of character and in an excellent location. On specific nights of the week the streets are filled with music. It’s such a great experience to watch these famous Afro-Brazilian street bands practice their drumming skills. The rhythms are captivating and some of the performers are very charismatic. Be warned - it’s very loud! Praia do Forte We left Salvador and travelled about an hour by car to the beach at Praia do Forte to relax for a few days. We stayed in a pousada, which is a local style accommodation, right on the beach. A short walk away was Projeto TAMAR, a turtle sanctuary and rehabilitation centre. A good place to visit to support their work and to see a variety of different turtles swimming around. Food & Drink Caipirinhas are for sale on the street and in bars everywhere. You must try at least one! Going to a Churrascaria is a Brazilian institution and really good fun. It’s not one for vegetarians or vegans (even though the salads are fantastic) because the focus is on the meat which is brought round to your table for you to choose what you would like. The array of tropical fruit and juices was fabulous and so tasty, especially for breakfast. There are regional specialities too, such as Moqueca in Salvador/Bahia, which are great to try. We also enjoyed some delicious ice cream and one or two pastel de nata. Safety I had some concerns about how safe it was to travel in and around Brazil. I did a lot of research and assessed the risks alongside other big cities such as London and New York to put things into perspective. You are advised to take care when out and about and not wear expensive jewellery or flaunt a big, expensive camera (if you have these items) and you need to be aware of who is around you which is the same as you would in any major city. We didn’t experience any issues or feel unsafe although this aspect was more on my mind than usual. Planning & Getting Around The distances are vast. We took a lot of internal flights as well as our international flights to and from Rio. Getting to our Amazon Lodge was quite an experience involving so many different forms of transport – after the flight into Manaus it was a minibus, a boat, a 4x4 and finally a speedboat, but it was worth it. I would suggest you schedule in some time to recover from all the internal travelling. Brazil offers such a diverse holiday – whatever you’re interested in – big cities, stunning landscapes, amazing wildlife, beautiful beaches – so think carefully about what you want to see/experience and how long you have for your trip.

24 July 2020

I visited Cuba for a two-week holiday in late December 2016 into January 2017. I travelled with my mum on a private journey organised for us by Journey Latin America which was perfect as we planned our itinerary to suit our interests and needs (just like I do now for my customers as a Travel Counsellor). Here are some of my highlights: Havana As you might expect, Havana, the capital, is packed full of beautiful, crumbling buildings giving you a sense of what it would’ve been like in its heyday. Old classic cars are everywhere which add to the atmosphere. We spent a few hours travelling around the city in a 1948 bright red Chevrolet – great fun and a must do. Museo de la Revolucion is a great introduction to the history of the country, Museo del Ron (Rum Museum) shows you the process of making rum and you get to sample some at the end and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes showcases some of Cuba’s best art and design. It’s best to walk around to explore some of the back streets, especially around Habana Vieja (Old Havana) and to see famous buildings such Capitol Nacional, Gran Teatro de la Habana, Paseo de Marti and Catedral de San Cristobal de la Habana. It’s also worth going to the Vedado area to visit Hotel Nacional, Coppelia (for ice cream) and Plaza de la Revolucion. Santa Clara Santa Clara is perhaps Cuba’s most revolutionary city and is best known for being home to the Che Guevara Mausoleum. The adjacent Museo Histórico de la Revolución documents the life of the Cuban revolutionary leader. The city is also home to Monumento a la Toma del Tren Blindado, created in memory when revolutionaries derailed an armoured train in 1958 which led to the end of Batista’s dictatorship. Trinidad Trinidad is a gorgeous town surrounded by beautiful countryside. We loved wandering around the little streets packed with multi-coloured houses taking photos. The main sights are Plaza Mayor, Convento de San Francisco de Asis, Iglesia Parroquial de la Santisima and Museo Historico Municipal (which has a great view from the top of the tower). We took a day trip to Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills) and learnt more about the sugar plantations, the sugar industry and the associated slave trade. We stayed in a home stay in Trinidad and enjoyed staying somewhere more authentic and supporting local people directly. I would recommend this during your trip to Cuba. Cienfuegos We stopped in Cienfuegos to visit the Jardin Botanico (worth taking a guided tour to learn more about the native plants) and Parque Jose Marti (impressive main square in the city). Nearby is Bahia de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs), the site of the famous failed US invasion and Museo de Playa Giron documents the incident. We also visited Criadero de Cocodrilos (lots of crocodiles) and enjoyed a boat trip to Boca de Guama. Las Terrazas We then stayed for two nights in Las Terrazas, a pioneering ecovillage in a Unesco biosphere reserve after a reforestation project in the late 60s. It was interesting find out more about the local community and way of life. We enjoyed walking / hiking in the countryside as well as cooling off in the Banos del San Juan (natural bathing pools). Vinales Valle de Vinales is famous for its mogotes (dome-like hills) amongst the flat plains and for its cigars. We went on a cigar tour at a tobacco plantation which explained the cigar making process and we were given the chance to try a few cigars. The views of the local countryside are stunning. It’s definitely a good idea to get out of the town and up to various viewpoints – we caught a local bus and walked and it was easy to get around. We stayed in another home stay here and again enjoyed the opportunity to talk to a local family and find out more about local life and we also enjoyed some delicious food (we were there for New Years Eve and they served us a banquet!) Varadero Our last stop was the beach resort of Varadero. It was nice to relax for a few days after a lot of travelling. The beach is lovely and sandy with palm trees and gardens along the shore. For me it didn’t really feel like Cuba so it wasn’t an authentic experience. Food & drink You’ll find pina coladas, mojitos and cuba libre on the menu everywhere. You should also try Guarapo, fresh sugar cane juice – refreshing but sometimes very sweet. Moros y cristianos (Moors & Christians) is the Cuban version of rice and beans and surprisingly tasty. Other classics include Ropa Vieja and crème caramel. The food was a lot better and more varied than we were expecting. Planning Cuba is a very large country so I would think carefully about what you want to see / where you want to go. Some of the distances between destinations are massive. I would suggest exploring other places after a few days in Havana to get a better understanding and feel for this beautiful and varied country.

09 June 2020

These are my top ten favourite beaches that I’ve been to around the world. I’ve included a few closer to home, so not all of them are in far-flung destinations! 1. ‘Mad dog beach’, Koh Rong, Cambodia I lived on the island of Koh Rong whilst volunteering for Marine Conservation Cambodia in 2012 and the island wasn’t geared up for tourism at this point. ‘Mad dog beach’ was about a 20-minute walk over a big hill from our accommodation and got its name (not surprisingly) because there was a not very nice dog that you usually had to navigate past before reaching the beach. Once at the beach there was nothing (no bungalows, no facilities) and no-one there, it was just beautiful. Clear blue warm sea, soft sand and totally peaceful. On up to date maps the beach is sometimes called Lonely Beach (and it’s on the north coast of the island). 2. Brighton, West Sussex, UK I grew up near Brighton so I had to include it in my Top 10 Beaches. Yes its got pebbles and isn’t sandy but it makes up for this with the atmosphere and energy of the city. You can literally smell the sea on your walk down towards the beach (and you’ll often feel the wind too!) There’s always lots going on along the promenade so it’s the perfect place for a stroll before sitting in a deckchair with an ice cream (or maybe a hot chocolate in colder climes). Brighton Pier is all bright lights, music, rides and amusement arcades so head there for fun and people watching. Also explore The Lanes and North Laine - lots of small streets packed with cafes, bars, shops and restaurants with a great independent and alternative vibe. 3. Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil One of the great city beaches in the world. For me even the name is evocative! The beach is a wide sandy curve over two miles long and doesn’t disappoint. There are stalls selling drinks, fruit, snacks (and bikinis) all along the beach front. There’s usually a game of beach volleyball or beach football going on somewhere. I enjoyed walking along the beach or sitting with a drink and watching Rio’s residents enjoying their leisure time and topping up their tans. 4. Agonda beach, Goa, India I’ve stayed in Agonda in south Goa twice and really loved my time practising yoga and eating curry every day. It’s really quiet and peaceful and feels safe. It’s not a party place at all but there are small cafes and restaurants serving delicious curries, salads and lassis, either right on the beach or along the quiet road that runs parallel amongst the palm trees. Most of the accommodation is in little wooden huts that are taken down every year before the monsoon and re-built once conditions allow. The beach itself is several miles long and sandy with sun loungers and umbrellas dotted along belonging to each restaurant or group of huts. 5. Ngapali beach, Myanmar Myanmar is not often thought of a beach destination but the coastline is gorgeous and undeveloped. I added an extension to Ngapali after a two-week trip exploring the rest of the country. You can only reach the beach by taking a (short) internal flight making it fairly inaccessible, however this also means it’s really quiet and laid back. There are little restaurants and bars all along the beach - lovely to walk to in the evening and sit right on the sand for a drink or dinner. 6. Bondi beach, Sydney, Australia Another one of the great city beaches in the world. I found it hard to choose just one beach as there are so many in Sydney! I visited Australia in June (their winter) so it wasn’t really sunbathing weather, however it was perfect for enjoying one of Sydney’s (or the world’s?) most iconic urban coastal walks. The walk from Bondi beach to Coogee beach takes about two to three hours and you get to see beautiful beaches, stunning cliff tops and amazing views all the way along. 7. Isle of Iona, Scotland, UK The beaches of Scotland can most definitely look as stunning as any beach in the Caribbean or South East Asia on a bright, sunny day. I went on a Three Isles excursion from Oban which visited the islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa. Out of the three, Iona has the best beaches – turquoise water and fine white sand. The weather can change quickly so make sure you come prepared and wear layers. 8. Coral Bay, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Malaysia I stayed here for a few days in a rustic cabin resort on Coral Bay which is quiet and low key (the other side of the island is more ‘lively’). Sandy beach, palm trees, blue sea, sunshine – a lovely tropical setting. The most activity I remember doing during my stay was taking a boat trip to go snorkelling – the water is crystal clear and we were very lucky to see a turtle swim along the seabed right beneath us which was wonderful. 9. Rethymno, Crete, Greece My first visit to Crete was a last-minute week away just before starting a new job a few years ago. I stayed in an apartment with rooms grouped around a pool and set right on the beach. It was about a 20 -30 minute walk along the beach to the town of Rethymno which was great. Nice and relaxed in the daytime but near enough to the pretty town to wander around in the afternoon or evening. Lots of lovely little tavernas serving delicious food - Greek salad, mezze, souvlaki, moussaka etc as well as shops and galleries for browsing. 10. Varadero, Cuba I enjoyed a few days in an all-inclusive resort in Varadero at the end of a two-week holiday having visited Havana, Trinidad, Vinales, Las Terrazas, Cienfuegos and Santa Clara. It’s a beautiful sandy beach with palm trees along the edge – the perfect place to chill out and relax after a lot of travelling. It offered a very different side to Cuba – in fact I would say it wasn’t really obvious you were in Cuba at all (apart from pina coladas and mojitos being on the menu) so for me, not an authentic Cuban experience, but a very nice beach.

28 May 2020

From a young age I’ve had an interest in the world around us. I’m the daughter of two geography university graduates so I grew up with quizzes about capital cities of the world, the states of America, counties of England etc so that may help to explain. When I was young I remember staying with my grandparents with my younger brother during school holidays. Some years we hired a cottage/holiday home in places like Pembrokeshire or Cornwall so I remember playing on the beach (often in full waterproofs and wellies) and exploring the local area. At 16 I went on a plane for the first time as we went on our first ever ‘package holiday’ to Corfu in Greece. I remember being excited but also a bit nervous about flying and it seemed very different. We enjoyed playing on the beach, swimming in the sea, went for walks, ate lots of Greek salad and souvlaki and went on a few day trips to explore the island. My first ‘big trip’ was to the States. After finishing university and working for two months to save up some money, my boyfriend and I decided on a road trip from New York to Los Angeles by Greyhound bus (we didn’t have much money). We saw some amazing sights and I certainly better understood the size of America after travelling for days across the Mid-West where the scenery doesn’t change at all! Fast forward several years and, newly single, my first more adventurous and exotic trip was to India and Nepal (Delhi to Kathmandu overland) with a small escorted group, mostly because I had always wanted to see the Taj Mahal and was fascinated by the East. It was a full-on experience. Sometimes terrifying – arriving in Delhi by myself and trying to get around and sometimes magical – seeing the Taj Mahal for the first time, wandering the back streets of Varanasi, hiking in the Kathmandu Valley. I’ve been back to India several times since and there’s still so much more for me to see and experience. In 2012 I negotiated a six-month sabbatical from my marketing job. I lived in Cambodia for three months (I had previously visited on a holiday and loved the country and the people) volunteering firstly in the capital Phnom Penh for an orphanage for severely disabled and HIV+ children and then on the island of Koh Rong working for a marine conservation charity. The work was difficult at times, however I loved the opportunity to live in another country and go off exploring at the weekends. After my volunteering I travelled through Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia. It was definitely hard coming home and going back to work! Over the years I’ve enjoyed many European city breaks with friends and family to places such as Tallinn, Rome, Berlin, Istanbul, Stockholm, Porto, Bilbao, Paris, Bruges.…I could go on! The combination of history/historic sights, architecture, museums & galleries, different cultures, delicious food & wine, music, the people and often lovely weather is a winning one. I find it hard to answer when someone asks me where’s my favourite place or country. I think it’s perhaps better summed up by some of my best ever experiences which include swimming with dolphins in the wild (New Zealand), hot air ballooning at sunrise over Bagan (Myanmar), enjoying live street music in Salvador in Brazil, seeing the light show at night on Hong Kong island, flying over Everest & the Himalayas (from Kathmandu), enjoying the best ever pizza in Trastevere in Rome, seeing the Taj Mahal for the first time, watching sunrise over Angkor Wat in Cambodia, riding in a red 1948 Chevrolet around Havana (Cuba), seeing turtles hatch at night on a beach in Costa Rica, participating in a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, Japan and many more. For the last ten years or so my brother, sister in law (and more recently my niece) have lived in Murcia, Spain so I visit them as often as I can and fit this in around my other trips/holidays. I’ve been lucky enough to have visited over 50 countries, however I still have a long travel wish list and hope that I’m able to continue to travel for many more years to come. What’s your favourite destination? Your best ever travel experience? Where’s next on your bucket list? I would love to chat about your ideas, so please get in touch.