02 June 2024

My favourite island in Greece is Santorini and the beautiful sunsets you can see from Oia, but what I particularly love is catching a ferry and visiting a few Greek islands in one holiday. Island hopping in Greece is a fantastic way to explore the diverse and stunning Greek islands. Each island offers unique experiences, from ancient historical sites and picturesque villages to beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Here are a few key things to consider when planning your island hopping adventure: 1. Plan your route as some islands have direct ferry connections, while others may require transfers. 2. Book ferry tickets in advance. 3. Pack light to make it easier to move between islands. 4. Stay flexible as weather or ferry schedules can sometimes change. There are a few things I love about the Amalfi Coast including driving along the winding coastal roads – be it in a very nimble Fiat 500 – and heading out on the water to Capri on a gozzo boat. Touring the Amalfi Coast is a breath-taking experience, offering a combination of stunning coastal views, charming towns, historical sites, and delicious Italian cuisine. Whether you're hiking scenic trails, exploring charming towns, or relaxing on beautiful beaches, here are a few key things to consider when planning your touring adventure: 1. Best time to visit is in the shoulder season for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. 2. There are many ways to travel around the area, including hiring a small car, which gives you flexibility, but be prepared for narrow, winding roads and limited parking or rent a scooter, which can be a fun way to navigate the narrow streets and find parking more easily or just use public transport and taxis as a convenient alternative. 3. Book accommodation in advance, and consider staying in less crowded towns for a more relaxed experience. Copenhagen’s charm is best experienced on foot, where you can immerse yourself in its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty from its historic castles and cobblestone streets to its cutting-edge architecture and vibrant culinary scene, Copenhagen is a fantastic city for a walking tour, with its compact size, pedestrian-friendly streets, and numerous parks and waterfront areas. Just make sure to wear comfortable footwear, be prepared for the unpredictable weather (although when I visited the city it was a beautiful sight of bright sun in a clear blue sky – perfect for seeing the sights on foot!), and have a navigation app to hand to find your way and discover hidden gems including the magical Tivoli Gardens that can be transformed into an enchanting wonderland for music festivals and theatre shows, or cultural events.

02 May 2024

I have been very fortunate to have visited all three of May's 'where to go when' destinations, and they all have created some cherished memories for myself, my family and friends. So, I figured this month, I would pick and share a favourite memory from each destination with the hope of giving you a little taster of why you should visit these fabulous places. The problem will be where to go first! Borneo is renowned worldwide for its orangutans, but for me there is another adorable creature native to the island which you can also see at the rehabilitation and conservation centre in Sepilok, Sabah – a Sun Bear the smallest bear species in the world with its distinctive crescent-shaped patch of sunshine on its chest. Obviously it is a bear and you don't want to get too close, but they do look so adorable! Sepilok is well worth a visit as it not only offers you the chance to see these animals up close, but also educates visitors about how the centres are contributing to supporting, rescuing, and rehabilitating orangutans and sun bears, which still face threats from habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade today. It's heart-warming to know that efforts are being made to safeguard these unique species. South Africa is a home away from home for us, and the penguins at Boulders Beach are adorable, but for me, the perfect destination in Cape Town is where you can take your best holiday photo ever of Table Mountain! The iconic photo of Table Mountain across the bay has to be taken from Bloubergstrand Beach, and nestled amongst these beautiful surroundings is The Blue Peter - a famous pub that offers stunning views of Table Mountain from its pub garden. The Blue Peter provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable time enjoying drinks and good food with family and friends. It is said that the pub got its name from a ship's bell that used to hang outside, which was rung whenever a ship sighting was made. If you ever find yourself in Cape Town, a visit to The Blue Peter is definitely worth it for the views and the experience! My favourite memory of Cape Verde is watching sea turtles nesting, when the female sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the sand dunes, finding out about sea-turtle conservation efforts on the island, and naming a hatchling 'Bob'. Hopefully Bob is still happily 'bobbing' around somewhere in the Atlantic! Visitors to the island may be able to witness loggerhead turtles nesting between June and October or watch as the sea turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests from August to December. Once the hatchlings emerge, they instinctively head towards the ocean, guided by natural cues such as the reflection of the moonlight on the water. This journey is perilous for the tiny turtles, as they face numerous obstacles on their way to the sea. Conservation efforts on the island aim to reduce these risks by protecting nesting beaches, minimising human disturbances, and implementing measures to reduce predation and artificial light pollution from hotels etc. If you would like to know more about these destinations, as well as any insider tips and travel recommendations, please do get in touch as I would welcome the opportunity to create your dream holiday.