14 May 2024

Since returning from my trip to Sicily a couple of weeks ago I have been so busy planning all my clients fabulous adventures, I haven't made time to write a post to talk about Sicily. To anyone that has always fancied a trip to Sicily please read on. I have wanted to visit Sicily for nearly 20yrs, my entire travel career! For this reason I wanted to explore & squeezed in a lot! Our roadtrip began in the NW & finished in the SE starting in Palermo, on to Cefalu, continuing across country through rolling fields, a half a dozen beautiful hilltop towns & a thousand turns in the road until we reached buzzy Catania. Last stop, the luxurious resort town of Taormina. I have written here about Palermo on a previous post, capital city & utterly picture perfect. Ancient, charming & full of character this town is a city break for anyone interested in history, architecture, charming churches & fantastic, traditional Sicilian food. Next stop, a rather hairy drive took us out of Palermo city & on to Cefalu. Driving in Sicily is much like driving in the rest of Italy, everyman for himself & a fair few 'who knows' type junctions! After passing through a rather industrial stretch of coastline we arrived in charming little Cefalu, a pretty seaside town of winding cobblestone streets, people watching & a central Cathedral square. We had planned to stay here 2 nights but April's drizzly weather meant we cut our stay short & headed across country for an impromptu night in Catania city. Catania, although gritty & very 'real' was actually my favourite stop in our roadtrip. With it's crumbling facades, old town squares & a beautiful shopping promenade all in the shadow of Mount Etna it reminded me very much of Arequipa in Peru. It felt a little down at heel in places but the people were friendly, welcoming & proud. You could easily sit back, taking in all the surroundings & feel you were somewhere in South America. Final stop, the hilltop town of Taormina. A very different feel to Catania & Palermo this pretty, shiny town felt more Disney-esque. It was pretty touristy & more expensive than the otherwise reasonably priced towns we had visited up till this point. With bars & restaurants more inline with London prices this felt a lot like the Amalfi coast in places. Cobbled alleyways interweaved with tourist & designer shops. A quick funicular ride down the hill brought you to cute, shingle Mazzaro beach, home to the ultra luxury Belmond Sant Andrea. Just around the bay was 'The Pearl of the Ionian Sea', the nature reserve of Isola Bella. My overall takeaway from Sicily is if you love good food, people watching, history & great architecture you'll adore this island. Don't expect any wild nights out though, the evenings can get pretty sleepy in the shoulder seasons. Ask me for more details on the best itinerary for you, I'd love to chat Lara Harris hashtag#Misslarastravels hashtag#Travelplanningwithlara hashtag#Travelagent hashtag#Travelexpert hashtag#Travel hashtag#Luxury hashtag#Travelcounsellors hashtag#LuxuryTravel

31 August 2023

When the world can look a little crazy always trust a travel professional to have your back, preferably this one! ?? DO NOT LET disruption deter you, travel smart, book with an agent & take the hassle out in the event of anything unforeseen cropping up. If you have ever asked yourself 'Why should I book with a travel agent' the simple answer is this is my profession, years of experience in the industry mean an extensive repertoire when it comes to all things travel, highs & lows! I have booked thousands of fantastic adventures big & small in my 18yrs as an agent, I have weathered my fair share of storms... come to think of it theres been earthquakes/tsunamis/floods & fires too... not to mention Sars/Bird & Swine Flu/Covid! Here are my top tips for making any unforeseen hiccups feel less painful along the way - ??Book with a Travel Agent, if booked with me you can reach me round the clock on Whatsapp/email/Instagram/LinkedIn or by good old fashioned phone call, so always store my number for quick contact in an emergency. Alongside having me, Travel Counsellors also have a 24/7 duty office number, this is great for when time zones are not on side. ???Always aim to have a full charge on your phone & carry a back up charger. If a flight cancels you want to be the first to know so that you have first refusal on any alternative flights offered. ??Never check your useful or valuables items in your suitcase, think chargers/adapters/cameras/laptops... in the event of a delay you will want these to hand. ???I always carry my toothbrush, make up wipes & a few little toiletries in my hand luggage, you never know when these mights come in handy. Plus packing a pair of clean undys in your hand baggage is never a bad choice when it comes to delays. ??If booked with me we have the fantastic MyTC Travel App, it has your entire trip in one place & actually updates you in real time on all the airlines on your booking, so this is very handy when it comes to any pesky schedule changes/cancellations. ??? Ensure you have your your airlines travel apps downloaded, these will update you on any schedule changes/cancellations that might crop up. ?? If travelling with young children always over allow on check in times, especially during school holidays & peak travel dates. The conventional check in times I would recommend off peak are 2hrs minimum shorthaul & 3hrs longhaul, that extra 15 mins in bed will simply stress you out when you are running through an airport! ???Lastly dress sensibly, have a soft layer to keep you warm on board/in the airport & don't undervalue a neck cushion for maximum sleep opportunities! After 2yrs of zero travel during Covid I know the power of travel for me, those I love & every single one of my clients. "To Travel is to Live" - Hans Christian Andersen To travel this beautiful world full of extraordinary people will always be worth it! #Misslarastravels #Travelplanningwithlara #Travelagent #Travelexpert #Travel #Luxurytravel

15 January 2023

In March 2020 I took the most incredible California roadtrip, I don't feel this trip ever really got the enthusiastic post it deserved... so here it is! Flying into San Francisco we drove north on the rugged oceanroad of Highway 1, over the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito up to Bodega Bay. We stayed nearby & dined at the infamous 'Tides Wharf & Restaurant', where they filmed the famous Alfred Hitchcock movie the 'Birds'. I even met a friendly resident seal who liked to pop by & call out for food from the local fisherman. After a quick overnight we headed inland towards the rolling hills of Napa Valley & the Sonoma Wine Country. Book up the foodie 'Napa Wine train', or a private wine tour, these guys really know their stuff so let them know what you want to experience & you'll soon relax into the slower pace of California's world famous vineyards & dining scene. Onwards to Lake Tahoe for my first taste of skiing! We headed to aptly named 'Heavenly' in South Lake Tahoe, this stunning resort is exactly how you imagine a picture perfect ski resort to look. Close your eyes and think of the crispest white snow, ski lifts disappearing into the thick forest... all with a buzzy bar at the bottom to deliver you an ice cold beer! During the summer months the lake offers all the beach & watersport/active experiences you should wish for. Back to San Francisco for the trips finale. We stayed close to the main shopping & tourist centre on Union Square. Having visited San Fran before I knew my favourite spots to beeline for, I adore live music & all things nostalgia so headed to the home of the hippies, Haight Ashbury. Centre of the long-gone hippy culture of the 1960s, this trendy neighbourhood is now a whole new scene with upscale boutiques, vintage shops, cafes & hipster dining, this is one not to overlook. Looking for a fun place for a nightcap, head across to the oldest bar in San Francisco 'The Saloon', not only is it the coolest place to people watch it is also a fab blues bar. Sure, it is a little 'wild west' on first glance, but doesn't that sum up everything a dive bar should be? San Francisco isn't massive & like many big cities it has lots of cool neighbourhoods to explore, but as with all good tourist sites, they must be ticked off & the most important not to be overlooked, the Golden Gate Bridge of course. Start your cycle at Fishermans Wharf, ride along the beautiful waterfront for all the best pics. As you get closer to the start of the bridge this quickly gets steeper, so you may be grateful for an E bike. The bridge is 1.7 miles each way so for anyone cycling with families most definitely opt for the E Bikes. My last stop a visit to infamous Alcatraz of course. This small island was once a fort, a military prison, and a maximum security federal penitentiary, listen to the stories & embrace the history. Ask me for the best stops for your next adventure. #Misslarastravels #Travelagent #Travelexpert #travelinspiration #USA

14 February 2022

Ok ok, I hear you… I am a little biased on this subject but hear me out. Over my 17 years in the travel industry, let’s say I have weathered my fair share of ‘Travel storms’. In no particular order here are some of my most memorable scenarios… trust me they were not always for the best reasons! I’ve rescued clients from ash clouds, arranged airlifts off active volcano sides (yes really), I’ve got clients safely away from Tsunami’s/Earthquakes/Hurricanes & Terrorism aftermath. I’ve worked my career through Sars, swine flu, bird flu & Zika outbreaks! I’ve flown distressed clients home early when their beloved dog had died, sent groceries packs (inc wine & pumpkins) to my client’s home when her family had to be separated by a positive PCR test in resort. I’ve retrieved kids iPads from middle eastern mountain resorts (there were no excuses for skipping homework that week) & organised oh so many birthday cakes & champagne! I’ve booked babies on their very first adventures & some of my most favourite clients their very last. Let’s be honest the last two years of navigation through crazy covid times have certainly been no breeze, most definitely the toughest of my career. I am however the eternal optimist and a firm believer in tough times showing us the best life experiences. Through this last two years I’ve had non-refundable hotels refunded; non-changeable flight tickets changed & through all the muck and bullets of ever-changing testing/quarantine/vaccination requirements, I’ve managed to get some of my most loyal clients on their well-deserved escapes. Through the greatest adversity in our lifetime, we have all been reminded of the most important people in our lives. Reminded of the freedom & sanity granted by the simplest things, a walk-in nature, painting, reading, cooking… an adventure away with those we love. How often I took for granted all the incredible adventures I have booked for my wonderful clients through the last 17yrs, the amazing trips, experiences, and friendships I have been lucky enough to have myself whilst travelling this beautiful world. I will never again take for granted the freedom of travel and I will eternally be grateful of those that supported the travel industry through the toughest time it’s ever known. Book your next trip with a travel agent, you will be surprised how much you have missed us! “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” – Mae West

28 June 2019

1. Be flexible with your dates and duration - Although you may want to save that extra annual leave day, it's worth acknowledging you will pay a premium for that Saturday morning flight, especially when it's the first day of the school hols and the rest of the country wants that too! 2. Think and communicate with your fellow traveller about what's most important to you - This might sound obvious, but I so frequently receive calls from my clients unsure on what their partner wants vs what they want. If your other half visualises a sophisticated Seville city break and you are thinking more of a Las Vegas day to night party vibe you won't please everyone. 3. Decide on an approximate and realistic budget - Be willing to have a little flexibility here. Remember the prices you paid for your 18-30's in 1999 is obviously not going to cut it in your 4* all-inclusive family break. When considering the overall 'package', think about board basis and inclusions. An all-inclusive stay will obviously be more than a self-catering, but the overall 'value' might be far better. Do be sure to do your research on local costs if opting for self-catering. 4. Narrow down your top 3 destinations – It’s easy to think that getting dozens of quotes for different destinations/hotel and board basis options all over the world will help. In reality it's not comparing apples for apples and you will end up suffering from brain overload, just when you need your mind to be super clear. 5. Trust the professional advice and rates provided; we are on your side - I have been a Travel Agent across all types of the travel business for over 13 years. In those years the landscape of the travel business has changed 10 times over, especially in the last 5 years. I've seen enormous airlines fail, many start-ups and 'new' companies come and go, alongside a few that have flourished! Always remember the crucial rule of thumb... if it sounds too good to be true, it almost always is! Only book with reputable and licensed travel agents. Needless to say, if you book with me you can rest assured you are 100% financially protected under the Travel Counsellors Travel Trust. Ask me today for some fantastic late deals for your perfect holiday! #Misslarastravels #Travelplanningwithlara

20 June 2019

Yes, it may seem like a bold statement but based on my last handful of long-haul flights and a few simple but effective tips I feel like I might finally have this jet lag thing conquered! Why do we get jet lag? Jet lag, also called desynchronosis and flight fatigue, is a temporary disorder. The side effects can hit our bodies pretty hard, leading to extreme tiredness, indigestion, bathroom habit changes/bowel issues, loss of appetite, memory and general concentration issues. Jet lag effects can vary depending on our age, state of health and stress levels. What can we do to help adjust to our new time zones and most importantly what can we do to control the effects of jet lag on our bodies? Having flown many airlines and across a range of travel classes, sleep conditions do tend to vary depending on which airline we fly with and which direction around the world we are headed. Our bodies are better equipped to manage longer days than they are shorter ones, so the expression ‘West is Best’ really is true when it comes to jet lag. Another obvious difference to how the effects can feel on our bodies are the conditions around us, I am sure we all agree that those in Business Class probably got a fair bit more sleep than those in Economy Class… not sure if that is the flatbed or the Champagne! Fear not, regardless of what class you fly here are my 'Top 10 Tips' on how to best fight jet lag – 1. Get plane spotting - You don’t have to be a plane-spotter to know that A350s and A380s are two of the best planes for anyone wondering how to beat jet lag. Hi-tech humidification systems help the air retain moisture and LED lighting systems capable of creating 16.7 million shades of colour simulate natural phases of the day, helping stave off jet lag. Another perk is an air purification system which renews the air every two minutes, unsure what aircraft your flights are on… ask your travel agent. 2. Try to get in some good ZZZ’s the night before you travel, this might sound obvious, but I too often fail on this one myself. Between finishing last minute work to washing and packing, I frequently find myself getting into bed at 3am with a taxi pick up due at 6am! Do as I say not as I do and your body with thank you. If you need some pro packing tips check out my blog https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/lara.harris/Profile-Blog/TheArtofPackinglikeaPro 3. Break up your trip where possible. Indirect flights may seem like an unnecessary delay to your journey but not only are they kind on your wallet they can be a wonderful way of battling jetlag. Most major airports now have pre-bookable lounge and shower facilities, not to mention some incredible duty-free shopping! Want more from your airport… check out Singapore Changi airport http://www.changiairport.com/. Awarded best airport in the world for the 7th time this year! This £951m development comes complete with suspended trampoline, giant slide, indoor forest, hedge and mirror mazes, “foggy bowls” (a children’s park with mist clouds to chase) and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall! 4. ‘Happy hour somewhere in the world… right?’ Sadly, the correct advice here is to avoid that pre-flight tipple. Tempting as it is to start your well-earned trip with a pre (or inflight) G&T, it’s worth noting the effects of alcohol at altitude do significantly increase tiredness and cause dehydration, making it even harder to beat the inevitable jet lag. 5. Relax – I am the worst for trying to squeeze in extra work whilst onboard. My advice is always to get any work done as soon as you get on board, limit your time and stick to it, then close the laptop for the rest of the flight. The blue light, altitude and concentration don’t make for a restful flight, leaving you tired and cranky on arrival. 6. Avoid caffeine and head for the H20 – Artificial caffeine-based stimulants will affect your ability to sleep, leading to a longer jet lag recovery time. Your body functions best when it’s hydrated, so drink plenty of water, a member of cabin crew once told me this and it’s stuck with me. It really makes a difference and is a great way to offset the effects of jet lag on your body and skin… although it doesn’t make you so popular if you are sat in the window seat! 7. Avoid sleeping tablets – These are an artificial sleep aid and can leave you feeling fuzzy on arrival, not ideal when faced with a stack of questions and that scary looking guy at immigration! Bring your own herbal teabags and request hot water on board for a more natural sleep aid, I love the ‘Pukka, Natural Night time’ with oat flower and lavender. 8. Change your watch the minute you board, this will get your mind in line with the local time zone at your destination. 9. Don’t overeat – It’s easy to forget that you don’t need to eat every meal given to you onboard. It’s always a novelty to have a meal put in front of us that we haven’t had to cook right? Remember when your body is digesting it’s still very much awake. For the most rest I would recommend picking up a few of your own healthy snacks before boarding and limiting your main meals to when you are hungry, not just feeling peckish. Once you land do your best to eat and sleep in line with the local times. Our bodies keep moving even whilst we sleep, so don’t give them a reason to stay away. Eat little and often and try to align the main mealtimes… oh and don’t forget the water… lots of water! 10. The Placebo effect? On a Virgin Atlantic flight to LA recently I bought these ‘Liquid Oxygen Drops’ https://retailtherapyshopping.com/liquid-oxygen-drops? At around £15 they weren’t cheap, but I knew I had a lot of friends to catch up with when I landed, so I thought I would give them a try. I am not entirely sure if it was the placebo effect, but I was honestly so surprised at how these kept me going. Normally an LA flight will have me in bed by 7pm… not this time, dinner, drinks and a live music venue later I held out till a healthy midnight finish. Seriously impressive! I also used these on my recent trip to Puerto Rico and again kept going, I have just run out but will most definitely be buying some more on my next flight. With a slightly salty flavour they aren’t amazing to taste but equally not offensive either. Ten drops directly under your tongue and away you go (can be added to water if you prefer). For tips, advice or inspiration on planning your next adventure get in touch today, I’m available around the clock. #Misslarastravel

21 May 2019

My overview & highlights to the most incredible 9 night ‘work’ trip to Puerto Rico, The US Virgin Islands & finale in Scottsdale, Arizona. Part 1 & first stop: Playful Puerto Rico! Even after 13 years in the industry I always feel the same just before a Fam Trip (familiarisation trip), a little nervy, teary and excited all at once. I guess that is the adrenaline kicking in, right? After a quick introduction and my usual struggle to remember everyone’s name, we are whisked through LHR T3, VIP style to the boarding gate. Moments before we step onboard we are surprised with our fresh boarding passes… complimentary upgrades to BA’s luxurious Club Class!! With a champagne welcome we settled into our White Company linen, rifling through the matching White Company toiletry kits & I took the obligatory Social Media selfie, to let my clients & friends know I was off on a new adventure #Misslarastravels Having travelled long haul in Economy many times the immediate & biggest highlight for me was our fully flat beds, this with the prospect of arriving well rested and refreshed to San Juan, Puerto Rico. As a travel agent my friends assume, I get to fly everywhere for free, sadly this just isn’t the case. I do however get to enjoy the occasional flight or room upgrade to ensure I am offering the most up to date product info to my clients. So, here is my quick-fire overview to the destinations I explored and my favourite hotels along the way – San Juan, Puerto Rico - Pretty Pastel old town architecture & Pina Colada playful nights The first thing that struck me about Puerto Rico is how incredibly warm, friendly and hospitable the people of Puerto Rico are. Every stop we were greeted with beaming smiles and stories of personal experiences and proud revivals post Hurricane Maria in 2017. It’s also where the Pina Colada was invented which my mums favourite cocktail. The locals have worked amazingly hard to return Puerto Rico to its former 1960s glory. Throughout the 1960s, Puerto Rico became a beacon for American tourists and entertainers, and none more so than the luxurious hotel we were fortunate enough to stay at the El San Juan. The El San Juan, Curio Collection by Hilton was always the grand dame of authentic Puerto Rican hospitality and entertainment. During the hotel’s first three decades, internationally renowned headliners performed on its stage each week, including Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Eddie Fisher, Carol Channing and Liza Minelli, among other icons of the time. Fast forward to today, and El San Juan Hotel remains a timeless Puerto Rican icon, seamlessly blending the best of San Juan’s luxury, fine dining, spectacular sunsets and oh such comfortable beds! Check out my Instagram page www.instagram.com/misslarastravels/ to see Jose, El Juan’s award-winning mixologist teach me to make a Rum Old Fashioned at their iconic Rum Bar, complete with Coconut Water Ice - yum! We spent our morning exploring the attractive old town area of San Juan with its pretty pastel coloured homes, rubbed shoulders with forts, fountains & tasted piragua snowcones to cool us down in the 30-degree heat, the welcome sea breeze made this feel easy though. Mid afternoon saw us try out the local surf... wow. To all those that used to watch Home & Away as a child, I can assure you those surfers made it look so easy! In reality, even standing upright long enough to catch a wave is pretty tough. Tighten your core... ignore the salt in your eyes and channel your inner Cameron Diaz as she sashays her way from the ocean... pah, nope! Regardless of my terrible inability to get up on more than one wave, Waterworlds San Juan were incredible teachers and their patience was endless. Definitely worth looking up the team when you visit. You would think all that excitement was enough for one day... well, our group, as it transpired suffered from major FOMO. To those not familiar with this 'Instagram term', it’s the acronym for ‘Fear of Missing Out’… by the end of the trip this resulted in some major sleep deprivation all round! The combined FOMO effect did however bring us straight into the heart of the action, as we headed into San Juan’s nearby old square - La Placita Santurce. Now, this is where to go for life as the locals see it… highest high heels on cobblers are obligatory & extra points for hot pants & crop top ensembles. Couples and strangers Salsa the night away into the early hours and the warm gentle breeze mean bars and street parties blend into one. An absolute must for anyone heading to Puerto Rico! For those wanting a little more tranquillity, less rum and traditional Caribbean views I thoroughly recommend taking the catamaran day trip to Cayo Icacos Nature Reserve. Barefoot Catamarans are the first choice, fabulous friendly staff, plus an expert eye for spotting the local dolphins & huge sea turtles. There are so many other fantastic things to say about Puerto Rico but I guess the biggest, most important one is in a world of disposable this island deserves a true chance to rebuild to its former 1960s glory. Remember: this is an island that just under 2 years ago, was so severely damaged it has taken almost 2 years to fully reopen to international tourism. The charming & beautiful people, wildlife and island deserve our tourism and support to restore that former 'Blue Eyes Sinatra' sparkle. Being just a short 2-hour, 35-min direct flight from Miami, why not check it out next time you are planning that trip to sparkling South Beach? Ask me for more details on the perfect hotel & itinerary for you.

08 April 2019

We've all been there, rolling our eyes at the person in front who decided it was a great idea to wear their 18-eyelet lace-up boots to the airport! Don't be that person, follow my top tips below for making airport security feel like a relaxed experience. 1. Wear slip on or easy zip shoes. This might seem obvious but not for all... remember if they're tricky to put on sitting down, they'll be far harder whilst balancing on one leg with a queue of people behind you! 2. Lose the belt/costume jewellery. Remember the term 'less is more' when dressing for the airport, unless you want a full airport security pad down! 3. Pre-pack all toiletries that can't be bought at the airport. Remember 100ml max in an easily accessible, clear zip-up bag. Be ready to decant it into an airport approved plastic bag before you hit Passport checks. 4. Make your hand luggage work hard. Invest in a lightweight wheeler or holdall, ideally with an external pocket for easy access to laptops/iPads. My personal favourite is good for business and small enough for Ryanair 'IT Luggage The LITE 4 Wheel Soft Cabin Suitcase'. It's just £30 and weighs in at a featherweight 1.6kg so allows you to squeeze in that extra pair of shoes! 5. All done... time to head to your pre-booked airport lounge. Escape the duty-free mayhem and relax into your world of calm at one of the luxury pre departure lounges! #Misslarastravels #Travelplanningwithlara #airport #business #heathrow #luxury

14 March 2019

I try to travel over my birthday every year, luckily for me that falls in April and is a great turning point in the seasons with both long and short haul destinations being very accessible. Spring is in full bloom and the days are getting longer, for this reason call it denial or distraction, I prefer to get a year older exploring somewhere new. Over the years I have covered some pretty cool Italian road trips, American adventures, Mexican beach holidays and cultured city breaks. For my last birthday I decided to experience some Spanish cities with a mix of Salsa, Gypsy Jazz, sightseeing and Alhambra Sunsets. The route looked like this - 2 nights Granada, 2 nights Cordoba, 3 nights Seville, 4 nights Marbella/Puerto Banus and then Malaga. At 602km drive, this totals up to around 7.5hours driving time. Don’t let that put you off though, these drives are pretty and well spread out, so the average drive time sits at around 1hr 45 mins between cities. If you’re a fan of using your BA airmiles or just prefer to fly BA, you’ll enjoy this route - with flights direct from LCY into Granada and returning from Malaga to either LHR or LGW there’s plenty of opportunity to redeem (or collect) those precious airmiles. Granada You could be forgiven for thinking you might be in Morocco here, leathers and coloured fabrics lining the cobbled streets and the strong scent of incense twists up into the hillside. As you wander through the snake like streets you will visually see the architecture change. The modern buildings give way to brightly coloured, fabric coloured walk ways. Allow your nose to be your guide, led by the spices and aromatic pull of the Moorish, old quarter of the city - Albaicin. Top tips for this city • Head up to the El Mirador de San Cristóbal in time for sunset, the uphill walk is quickly forgotten once you see the red of the evening sunset totally encompass The Alhambra Palace and city below. People watch the beautiful Granada Gypsy families as they sell their hand made jewellery, play live music and generally chill into the evening sun. For a real authentic taste of Granada pre-book a trip to the Caves set high into the hillside and experience Spain’s finest live flamenco! • Order a drink in traditional Albaicin eateries and make the most of the complimentary ‘house tapas’, often consists of breads/olives or house stew! Córdoba A cute buzzy little city with a flair of its own, Lonely Planet calls this city ‘a natural film set’ and I know what it means. The Moorish feel continues here, once the capital of Islamic Spain and western Europe's biggest, most cultured city. Every turn delivers you into a new square or flowery patio, more cobbled alleyways bring you to quaint eateries and bars, perfect to sit and watch the world go by. This city has no shortage of wonderful tapas bars and even when you get lost (which you will), you find yourself being glad of it, as you discover more of Spain’s most fantastic foodie fusions. My top tips for this city • Visit during the ‘Cordoba Flower Festival’ or ‘Battle of the Flowers’ in May – with patios filled to bursting with beautiful hanging baskets & unique parades featuring flowers as the key elements. This is held to herald the beginning of a month of festivities in Cordoba. • Take a walk along the river at sunset and see the ‘Roman bridge of Córdoba’ glow. Seville ‘The city of a thousand doors’, Seville is full of striking buildings, maze like alleyways and oh so many beautiful, ornate doorways. A perfect mix of fantastic shopping, traditional tapas and medieval lanes. At the heart of that historic centre is a colossal Gothic cathedral. Flamenco clubs are small bit mighty and keep the intimacy and intensity of this centuries-old tradition alive. Fear not there is a fantastic ‘open all hours’ nightlife scene here and in the true style of a Spanish night out you can expect to dance into the night and return home at 5am! My top tips for this city • Check out the utterly delightful and unforgettable Plaza de España, if it’s a hot day be sure to dance in the fountains! • Skip the horse an cart and take the bicycle tour of Seville and see the city through the eyes of one of the local guides. • Head to the pretty riverside ‘Puerto de Cuba’ for evening drinks, there is an outdoor nightclub attached if a little dancing appeals! Marbella Marbella & Puerto Banus need little introduction. The jewel in the ultra-sparkly Costa Del Sol’s Crown, these two uber swanky resorts are a short 15 mins drive apart and stretch along the coastline. Marbella has two distinct halves, the ‘Golden Mile’ with its beachside collection of star-studded clubs, super shiny restaurants and ultra-luxurious hotels. Come nightfall you can leave the flip flops behind, the flappy lashes and sparkly Louboutin’s are very much at home in these affluent party playgrounds. As a real contrast just a couple of blocks back from the water are the charming passages that lead to Marbella Old Town. With twinkly fairy lights leading the way, you find a small maze of restaurants and bars. Locals and tourists blend side by side with tasty seafood and tapas dishes the order of the day. Puerto Banus, just a short taxi ride from Marbella ups the ante in terms of all out bling, with supercars & superyachts this place is far from understated! In the same way Vegas impresses with its sheer gold clad grandeur, Puerto Banus is a real eye opener of how ‘the other half live’. With short flights, fine dining and cocktail bars galore peak summer season does have a tendency to attract large groups so do make your dinner reservations in advance. My top tips for this area • To avoid the crowds and party scene head for these resort in the shoulder season to really get the best of them. April, May, June and September, October all hold the temperatures well with warm sunny days. • Keep the car hire on an extra day or so and explore neighbouring Estepona, with its pretty white building and old town it’s definitely worth a day trip. • Be sure to take a little time to enjoy Malaga before your flight home, aim for an evening flight and spend the day exploring this understated city before you fly home. I have the most wonderful memories from my adventures in Spain, the people warm and welcoming, the food is phenomenal, and the sun is always shining! For a tailored trip for you and your favourite people please ask me for details. #Misslarastravels #Travelplanningwithlara #RealSpain

08 August 2018

For most of us, travelling has been the most exciting part of our summers since we were kids. Whether that meant all of you having a Home Alone-style headcount before clambering into the Sierra Estate for a road trip to France (as in my case), or your cab picking you up at the crack of dawn to head to the airport. Rest assured our parents had their routines down to a fine art. Holidays are something that require a fair bit of planning, from choosing the perfect destination to narrowing down the best hotel right through to packing all the essential, this all requires time and energy. Think back to your childhood. Do you remember the days someone else packed for you and you just had to get up? Ah the blissful memories! Packing can feel like a daunting task for even the most experienced of travellers so here’s my quick-fire packing ‘check list’ of dos and don’ts for all durations to help make for a stress-free experience. Preparation – five days before • Order your currency or organise a currency card in advance. Airport exchange rates and commission charges are terrible so always take time to research this. My favourite is Thomas Exchange in central London, they do delivery door to door too. • Invest in some good quality small and medium ‘megalite’ light weight cases. I prefer soft cases with outside zips for easy liquids access and expandable zips to allow for purchases (and bad packing) on the way home. My cases are from IT Luggage and I have found them fantastic. Remember you will always fill your case so I would say opt for a medium bag for 7 or 14 nights. • A colourful luggage strap makes your bag stand out on the baggage reclaim belt so is worth the investment. It also significantly reduces the risk of seeing your knickers on the conveyer belt if your zip breaks! • Buy a TSA friendly padlock. This means if your suitcase needs to be opened by security after it leaves you it won’t mean them cutting off the lock! • Use your inflight toiletries bag or a small make up bag to tuck all your loose charging cables and headphones. Packing – 24-48hrs before • First and foremost, stagger your packing – ensure any last minute online clothes orders are due allowing for any delay in postage and wash your clothes a few days before, so you have the full choice of what you want to bring ready to go. • I tend to have my suitcase open from a few days before, I sling everything I want to take in and then do the ruthless cull at the final stage. • Remember if you are staying in a 4 or 5* hotel they will have all toiletries, adapter plugs etc available for you. • Pack a lightweight scarf, these are great for keeping the chill out on long flights and double up as a poolside sarong or evening shawl. • Think ‘Parisian chic’ and go for neutral colours and prints, with a few statement pieces plus accessories thrown in. This logic works for ladies and gents. Sticking to this means mixing and matching is easy, resulting in you packing less overall. I personally love long maxi skirts and vest tops plus a few day to night maxi dresses, remember to bring leggings as they are so comfy for long flights and road trips as well as being great for any impromptu hiking/horseback riding/skydives that should take your fancy! • Always ask your travel agent for the best excursions prior to departure, we have access to better rates and won’t give you any hard sell which you can sometimes experience locally. • Remember there are very few places in the world you would travel to where you can’t buy top up bits like cardigans and extra layers – don’t over pack, go lighter and use it as an excuse to buy a couple of unique pieces locally. I love that a lot of my clothes and jewellery have been bought in weird and wonderful places, it also means there is far less chance of seeing someone else in the same dress you bought in a back-street market in Marrakech or downtown New York boutique at your next summer wedding! • An old favourite – roll don’t fold! I can’t tell you how much more can be squeezed in with this simple trick. Don’t go crazy on the shoes • Take one pair of light weight leather flipflops that can be used from poolside to sightseeing, on to dinner and drinks. • Only bring a maximum of one pair of heels/smart evening shoes – remember unless you plan to take taxis everywhere in a city/resort you don’t know well you are unlikely to be wearing your highest heels or smartest brogues to navigate cobbled alleyways or high curbs. I personally think wedges or espadrilles are the best choice here. • Bring one pair of trainers/converse for chillier days or in the event of rain showers. • If heading on a city break a waterproof mac weighs almost nothing but keeps you dry plus really blocks out the wind in the event of a chilly morning excursion. The Big Day - Airport Tips Many airlines now enforce a strict hand baggage policy, depending on whether you have opted to travel light for a couple of days or have the luxury of checking a bag and taking a hand baggage wheeler plus a handbag/laptop case (as is the case with BA) this may differ. Hand baggage regulations are changing all the time with a recent alteration to the carriage of powders to the USA. As a rule, always speak to your travel agent about anything you are unsure of with good time before your departure. • All airlines enforce the 100mls maximum liquid allowance so when I travel I like to grab all my extra bits airside, buying miniatures like deodorant/sun cream/toothpaste etc means they do not form part of your baggage allowance on the outbound leg. • For perfumes I love my miniature travel pump atomisers, you simply pump them onto the top of your regular perfume and take your favourite perfumes away in a teeny tiny bottle - much more practical. I find mine lasts me around five days so if you are going for a little longer maybe buy two in different colours and take your two favourite scents with you. • Download the Kindle App and your favourite books to your phone or iPad for on the go reading, gone are the days of dragging heavy books around in your beach bag. • Take advantage of the great duty-free rates airside and invest in a pair of sunglasses with polarised lenses, Aviator and Erica Ray Bans are my favourites – super chic and light on your face too. Check out my pages for future travel inspiration - www.facebook.com/misslarastravels www.instagram.com/misslarastravels https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-harris-45237161/ Happy travels!

29 June 2018

In my thirteen years in the travel industry I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many spectacular places around the world. I’m so frequently asked where my favourite place in the world is. That question has so many possible answers depending on my mood, energy levels and the time of year. I would say for many reasons New York has a huge part of my heart. It really has a pulse all its own. The energy flows steadily throughout the seasons but really comes alive as it creeps out from under winter’s shadow. The city air in spring gives you that feeling you had in your teens - like anything is possible. The crisp chilly mornings, cloudless blue skies and smell of fresh coffee are everywhere you go. There’s a morning buzz as New York emerges from its snow-covered winter into the spring blue, the atmosphere shifts and the city and its people are revived like the fresh start of a new year. From the thrift shops on 77th to the luxury of 5th Avenue right down to the boutiques and sample sales of the East and West Village, this place is a shopper’s dream. The luxury hotel bars and swanky roof bar scene sits alongside a vast, expanding independent foodie scene. Famously dubbed ‘the city that never sleeps’ this city has no need to demand our attention but like a supermodel its effortless chic gets it anyway. In the summer, Spain and her elegant cities are always my first choice. They offer so much variety and charm in equal combination. From the Moorish arches of Alhambra to the beaches of Barcelona you will feel the warmth of the people. Their love for all things fun - lunchtime dining with friends becomes a frenzy of squeezing tables together, sitting on laps when seats have run out and wine and laughter are absolutely the order of the day. The nightlife is not for the faint hearted. An average night out in a Spanish city starts with dinner around 10pm (earliest), drinks flowing and dancing - with your average club staying open till at least 5am! Madrid often gets forgotten as the ‘working’ capital city but don’t let its serious façade fool you, Madrid is one of the prettiest cities in Spain. With its grand architecture nestled alongside tiny tapas joints, meandering next to busy offices it’s very much a city that runs without tourism, for me this is a huge part of its allure. People watch from the boating lake, ride bikes alongside hipster skateboarders and watch the world go by, ice cream in hand/face in El Retiro Park. As with a lot of Spain the city is very reasonably priced to eat and drink, with most bars including free local tapas with afternoon drinks. Another huge plus is it’s also very walkable, which is appropriate as it has some fabulous shoe shopping! Visiting over a weekend, look out for the famous El Rastro Flea Market every Sunday and public holiday. Home to over 1000 vendors selling everything from vintage purses, flamenco records and movie posters to local handicrafts this market is not one to miss. Running through the picture perfect old town region from Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores the buildings alone are worth the wander through. For autumn sunshine I would always head to my happy place, sunny California. Now don’t get me wrong LA, the City of Angels has a hard side. As the song goes ‘working as a waitress in a cocktail bar’ is all too true here and it took me four trips to LA before I ‘got it’. A little like the guy you friend zoned years ago, always seeming to reappear telling you how pretty your hair looks at just the moment you need to hear it. LA never seemed to disappear for me and finally on my fourth trip I found it impossible not to fall in love, I discovered Santa Monica and Los Angeles beachside! LA is a big space linked by huge snakelike freeways. It’s most definitely not a city where you can walk from A to B but it is super easy and cheap to take Ubers. In fact, I made a great friend and heard many funny stories from locals in the back of Uber pools! Only 15 mins from LAX airport Santa Monica is the classy, smoothie drinking/yoga clad, designer boutique big sister of neighbouring Venice Beach. Santa Monica has the pretty pier, the Route66 sign marking the end of the infamous route66 of by gone America and the luxury shopping and dining scene. Venice is edgier, tattooed, muscle bound but with a real sense of community at its core. Weekly Farmers Markets, dog walkers and local buskers blend effortlessly. Venice has an up and coming art scene with many new galleries popping up all the time & street art visible on almost every street corner. I personally love both for their huge contrast and at just 10 mins up the beach from each other you get the best of both whichever end of the beach you choose. The best bit, what feels like a million miles from the bright lights of Hollywood and its world-famous sign is actually only around 30 mins in clear traffic, so this is the perfect base. For the perfect winter paradise, I would always head to the stunning, island escape of the Maldives. From the moment you step onto the seaplane you feel like a celebrity, flying over pure blue ocean you look down at these tiny, paradise islands and realise what a world away city life is. Landing at the tiny hotel jetty you are immediately greeted by friendly faces and a welcome drink and cold towel (depending which resort you pick) before checking in and booking that long awaited massage. The biggest decision at this point is whether to have the massage overwater or underwater – yes that’s possible! As a vegetarian I have on occasion struggled on my travels on the dining front and was a little worried I might have limited choice here. This couldn’t have been further from the truth, as my slightly snugger jeans told me on the return flight home! Margarita in hand, toes in the silky white sand and only ocean and dolphins for as far as the eye can see… this is my kind of heaven. For personal recommendations around your budget and holiday vision don’t hesitate to get in touch. Looking for inspiration or just love all things travel check out and follow my social media pages using the links above.

01 July 2017

Just a couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to call a 6-night stay at Universal Studios work. Familiarising myself with the properties and products I book is probably one of the biggest highlights of my job! I visited this June with a group of 27 other travel agents, staying at the luxurious Loews Sapphires Falls which is one of the fabulous Universal Resorts properties. Universal have a real variety of hotel styles from the great value 50’s motel style of Cabana Bay, the island escape of the Loews Royal Pacific and the ultra-cool Rockstar Hard Rock hotel there really is something to suit every taste. Most Universal hotels offer express tickets to give you early entry to the parks and a chance to see the parks at a more leisurely pace during peak dates. Each hotel comes with its own story behind it which the staff are only too eager to tell you - be sure to ask about Jake’s plane outside the Loews Royal Pacific. This trip was a jam packed 6 nights exploring Universal's varied accommodations & all the brilliant rides and attractions of Universal Studios - including Harry Potter World! We had the full tour and went on almost every ride, my personal favourites were the Revenge of the Mummy, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon & the white-knuckle Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit! We were so lucky to get the full ’VIP Experience during our time at Universal Studios, if your budget permits I would highly recommend this VIP upgrade. You wouldn't believe how fast you get on to the rides, taking back door shortcuts, hearing all the stories behind the rides and being whizzed straight to the front of the queue was a real luxury. A definite must for those short of time, or patience! We also opted for the Universal Dining Plan which was so stress-free, it offered flexibility and choice across many restaurant choices and food stands across the park. It was fantastic value and a must for families on a budget, the snacks and meal portions were very generous… just check out the size of my ‘snack’ donut at Moe’s Tavern! There are so many highlights but my favourite part of the trip was 100% seeing Harry Potter world up close. Having never read the books or seen the films I initially felt I might not 'get it'. Within two minutes of walking into the famous Diagon Alley I was greeted by the fire breathing dragon and a magical little man who waved his wand at me then called me a muggle - I immediately felt like a kid again. This place is so magical and interactive for children of all ages - including big ones like me! I particularly enjoyed our day at the new Volcano Bay waterpark, the slides and general feel of the park was relaxed. The whole day was made easier by the ‘Tapu Tapu’ wristband which allowed you to virtually queue and come back to each of the rides when it was your turn to ride. For night-time entertainment 'The Blue Man' group is a real family affair of music, lights and imagery plus and a little dance off at the end! Whilst our days were busy exploring the parks our evenings were a real contrast, hopping on the complimentary water taxi from our hotel along the pretty waterway to City Walk was easy and enjoyable. This can also be done as a leisurely 15 mins walk, if you are keen to feel you have earned your dessert! There is a wide selection of restaurant and bar choices along CityWalk, as a vegetarian travelling is often a struggle but I found dining easy here - the portion sizes are not for the fainthearted though! My favourite meal of the trip was at The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar. Billed as surf and turf meets burger you would assume a vegetarian might struggle. I was so impressed with the variety and in the end opted for a bowl of the fried pickles and the delicious Treehugger Roll washed down with a chilled Margarita. Dinner and drinks on CityWalk were a similar price bracket to London with starters being $7-10/main courses between $12-15, do however bear in mind the portion sizes are big so sharing is absolutely possible. I was a little naughty on this trip and only brought back a key ring souvenir for my dad, instead I saved all my pennies for the brilliant shopping at the Premium Outlet Mall and the Florida Mall on route back to the airport. For the designer junkies amongst you the savings really are huge and I would recommend taking a few extra dollars for these stops. A car hire would be recommended for families with luggage wanting to split their stay with Disney/Miami or the beaches a little drive away, equally Uber taxis are freely available and very reasonably priced. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Universal and would highly recommend it to playful couples of all ages and families alike. Should you ever need any pointers please don’t hesitate to get in touch, I would love to help!