25 September 2020

Understanding and adjusting to the new “normal” is not an easy feat in any walk of life, but throw travel into the mix and things can get really confusing! I’ve had lots of people contact me recently who are desperate for a foreign holiday and want to know 'is it safe to travel now?' In reality, it really depends! If we abide by the rules of social distancing, wear face coverings when required, and wash our hands regularly, then it should be completely fine. What’s more, we need to consider the impact that holidays have on our wellbeing; the chance to relax, recharge, and re-connect with our loved ones will give our mental health a huge boost which is very much needed after the challenge of lockdown. I recently visited Portugal and I can honestly say, I have never felt safer when travelling abroad! Without a doubt, I would go again in a heartbeat ( FCDO advice permitting). Yes some aspects of the holiday were a little different, but change can also be a positive thing! Of course taking a foreign holiday during this pandemic is not for everyone, and that’s absolutely fine. Whether you’ve decided to get out of the country as soon as possible, or you’re still apprehensive about travelling in the near future, this blog may help you. I’ve put together some tips for travelling abroad during covid 19. Plan your trip carefully: Do some research before you book your trip. If a destination is experiencing a surge in cases, it’s likely your holiday won’t go ahead due to impending FCDO restrictions. So, if possible choose somewhere with low cases. Also look into restrictions enforced in the resort; do these make you feel safer when planning a holiday there or put you off going altogether? Is everything open as usual there? Who would want to go on a spa holiday if none of the facilities were open and none of the treatments were available?! Currently when making bookings I call the hotels on my clients’ behalf to check what is, and isn’t going to be open to stop any unpleasant surprises on arrival. Keep up to date with the FCDO advice and the entry requirements for the destination: Most countries (and a growing number of airlines) now have set procedures in place which are essential to follow. In most cases, a form is to be completed; some are are done in advance online and some can be filled in on arrival. In some instances, you must provide evidence of a negative covid PCR test a certain amount of time before the flight departs. These can be difficult to arrange and also pretty costly. However, if required, it is essential that you abide by the rules in order to board your flight. It is important that you keep yourself informed with the updated requirements and understand that they change all the time so make sure your information is current. If something isn’t followed correctly you could face a fine, a delay, or ultimately you could be refused boarding and lose your holiday. As a Travel Counsellor I make it my duty to keep you updated with the latest advice. Check you have adequate and valid travel insurance: Everyone knows the importance of adequate travel insurance when travelling. Now, more than ever it is imperative to ensure you are covered. There are an increasing number of policies that cover covid 19 which is great news. Not only do they cover you should you get ill with covid whilst abroad, but they also cover you if you have to cancel your holiday due to you, or a member of your family catching covid before travel. Money is tighter than ever at the moment so make sure your precious holiday is covered for all eventualities. Obviously check the small print as all policies can vary. It’s also important to understand that if you travel to a country against the advice of the FCDO, your travel insurance is likely to become void. Be prepared to quarantine: Rules and restrictions for travelling and quarantine are different in every country and change on a daily basis. Before booking a holiday you need to be aware of any quarantine rules in place at the destination AND on return to the UK. It goes without saying you wouldn’t want to go on holiday if you had to quarantine for the whole time you were there! Consult our Government guidelines for countries that are on the ‘travel corridor’ list, where there is no need for quarantine on your return. However, be prepared that things can change at the drop of a hat and a country that doesn’t require self-isolation on your return one week may require it the next. If the idea of 14 days of quarantine at home on your return is not a possibility, you should NOT be travelling abroad at this time. Don’t travel if you, or someone you’ve been in contact with have covid symptoms: Even if you have planned the perfect holiday and you’re desperate to get away, it’s really important to contain the spread of the virus. If you suspect you have the virus you must self-isolate for 14 days and cancel the trip. Providing your travel insurance covers covid 19 you will be able to claim the cost back and book something else for a later date to look forward to. Health and safety must always come first! Follow the safety rules (they are there for a reason): It’s compulsory to wear a mask in most public places now; including airports, on planes, on coaches and in shops, bars and restaurants. It’s one of the main ways alongside hand-washing and social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus. If you are not keen on the idea of wearing a mask for a whole flight, or when on hot public transport abroad you may not want to consider a foreign holiday at this time. Be prepared for the unexpected: When it comes to foreign travel, everything is up in the air (no pun intended). FCDO advice and travel requirements are constantly changing, destinations are available to us one week then not the next (and vice versa) and flights are constantly getting cancelled or rescheduled. There are luckily still hundreds of holiday options available to us but we need to be prepared for the unexpected. Last minute changes are not uncommon and you just need to be flexible with your plans. Enjoy your trip: Mostly importantly, RELAX and ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY! Once you have decided you want to travel abroad, and you have taken care of all of the necessary details (as mentioned above) you can look forward to an amazing adventure. Let’s face it, nothing beats being on holiday and having fun with your family….it certainly feels like it’s been a very long time coming!

24 April 2020

Without a doubt, the awe-inspiring Temples of Angkor are the biggest draw for people visiting Cambodia, but this enchanted land has got so much more to offer. From lush dense jungle, tropical beaches, an intoxicating history, and some of the most big-hearted people you will ever come across, Cambodia really is an underestimated jewel of South East Asia. The suffering this country endured in the hands of the Khmer Rouge only 40 years ago is simply unimaginable. Two million innocent people were slaughtered by Pol Pot, equating to one fifth of the country’s population. Yet unbelievably, this is a very happy nation and Cambodians always have a smile on their faces. Coupled up with the twinkle in their eyes, I felt instantly welcomed and at ease from the moment I arrived. Ironically, for a country with such a devastating history, I have never felt so much peace. When to Visit November to March is the dry season in Cambodia and weather-wise, the best time to visit. This is obviously the peak season though so prices are at a premium and attractions can get very busy. The Southwest monsoons from May to October brings 75% of the County’s annual rain and can see an average monthly rainfall of up to 27cm. Cambodia remains hot all year round with temperatures averaging around 30C. Getting There The journey is approximately 14 hours from London, and there are no direct flights into Cambodia. The most popular routes will see you flying via Singapore, Bangkok or Hong Kong. This gives you the perfect opportunity to have an extra city break and maximise your Asian adventure. Currency The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel, however the US Dollar is used just as widely. In fact, when we were there the dollar was by far the most preferred payment method with the locals. To be safe, I would take a combination of both. My Recommended Highlights: The Temples of Angkor Located just outside of Siem Reap, the UNESCO-listed Temples of Angkor are the largest religious monuments in the World. The Angkor complex extends over 400 square kilometres and consists of approximately 1000 ancient temples, including the famous Bayon Temple, Angkor Thom and of course, Angkor Wat. I’d definitely recommend spending 2 whole days in Siem Reap to soak up the ambience and give these temples the justice they deserve. Any less and you will be rushing too much, anymore and you risk becoming “templed out”. An even better idea is to use a (pre-arranged) local guide and their tuk-tuk to ensure you get the absolute most out of the experience. The guide will also help with navigating the local hustlers who are ridiculously relentless. Watching the sun set over the crumbling, vine covered Ta Prohm Temple was a truly spellbinding experience and provided me with a firm tick when it comes to my travel bucket list. Genocide Museums Genocide is not the most pleasant of topics, especially when in holiday mode but it’s an integral part of Khmer history that just can’t be ignored. It’s important to learn what this nation has endured in order to understand how it has shaped it’s people. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum S-21 is a former school in Phnom Penh which was converted into a barbaric prison and torture centre during the Pol Pot regime. The Killing Fields are where thousands of innocent people were systematically murdered in horrific ways. I will never forget seeing the glass prism with thousands of skulls on display. Definitely not for young children and probably not for the faint hearted either as these ‘attractions’ are a true testament to cruelty. However, it is a very interesting and incredibly moving experience. Made even more poignant for us when we found out that our tour guide lost his father to the regime – simply for wearing spectacles. Coastal Cambodia No trip to Cambodia is complete without adjusting to the flip flop state of mind that the idyllic southern islands just off Sihanoukville can offer. Sat in the Gulf of Thailand, this is literally where the pristine white sands are lapped by the turquoise water. Ridiculously laid back, Koh Rong, Koh Russey and Koh Krabey could not be more different from the bustling, over-crowded cities. Not only can you do some world class snorkelling in these crystal-clear waters, it’s also a good base to explore the lush jungle interiors. This is your place to disconnect from the chaos, reconnect with yourself and enjoy the best selection of tropical fruit you will ever come across in your life. For many years now, Cambodia has been a popular stop along the South East Asia backpacking route but it really needs to be recognised as a holiday destination in it’s own right. This is a county that has so much to offer for anyone looking for a mixture of culture and beach and has local people waiting to welcome you with open arms. It really is no surprise that Cambodia is known as the Kingdom of Wonder.

13 March 2020

My relationship with Barbados has become quite comical over the years. It’s more of an obsession. A constant desire to be back on the land of the flying fish and I can only go so long before my next visit is inevitable. If you have been fortunate enough to visit Barbados, you will understand what I’m talking about as you will already have felt the magnetic pull of the island. With a history that is rich, welcoming locals that are infectious, a landscape that is vibrant and beaches that are obscenely beautiful, Barbados really does have it all. And with just an 8 ½ hour direct flight from London, a holiday there couldn’t be easier. To top it off, you can even drink the tap water!! When to Go The temperature rarely drops below 28C and is sunny all year round. No wonder the locals love life so much! December, January and February are traditionally the peak times to visit but the Island becomes busier and prices can soar. The Summer months tend to have patchy rain and the odd hurricane warning. Spring is my absolute favourite time to go, the Island is less busy, the weather is good there are always great deals to be found. Where to Stay This really is down to personal choice. Holetown and Speightstown on the West coast are traditionally the most popular resorts to visit. With the calm, turquoise Caribbean Sea and powder white sand, it offers the perfect setting for relaxing, snorkelling and turtle spotting. The famous Sandy Lane Hotel is located here along the west coast. The East Coast sits on the Atlantic Ocean. Although stunningly beautiful, the current is strong and swimming there is not for the faint-hearted. If you are a surfing enthusiast, east coast Bathsheba is the place to be. Then there is St Lawrence Gap, lovingly referred to as “The Gap”. Known for its fine restaurants and lively nightlife, it’s where various cultures meet and mingle, late into the early hours. My Favourite Restaurant Barbados is packed with phenomenal gourmet restaurants with a lot of them frequented by celebrities and the high society. The variety of options is astounding. But I can tell you my favourite in a split second; Zaccios Restaurant in Holetown. Think more beach bar/diner than fine dining and more flip-flop than Jimmy choo but the fresh food, rum punch cocktails and laid-back atmosphere are exactly what Barbados is all about. I couldn’t tell you much about the menu because I never read it. I have the same dish; a flying fish sandwich EVERY SINGLE TIME I go…..and it never ever disappoints. Nor does the view of the sunset for that matter, as the bar literally sits on the beach. My Top 5 Must-Dos on The Island Hire a Mini Moke Before kids, this was our most favourite past time. We’d grab a mini moke and just head off around the island, stopping for a swim when we saw a particularly inviting beach (although they are all picture perfect) or a cold beer when the sun got too much. Nothing quite beats driving around paradise with the warm breeze running through your hair and the remains of salty sand clingy to your skin. You can drive around the whole Island in 3 hours and the difference between the millpond west to the rough rugged East coast is astounding. We still like driving around now, but these days we have a sensible hire car with proper seatbelts and booster seats. St Oistins Fish Fry For a truly authentic Bajan experience, don your board shorts and flip flops and head to St Oistins on a Friday night. All the locals, and many tourists gather to eat fresh fish, and the famous macaroni cheese. The fish is grilled or fried to order and it’s delicious. Accompanied by live music, a cold Banks beer and an electric atmosphere it is an evening not to be missed. Barbados Wildlife Reserve By far the most quirkiest wildlife reserve I have ever visited. I’ve loved it with, and without kids, it really is a lovely place. The deer, monkeys and tortoises all roam freely around the park and you often have to step over the tortoises as they certainly won’t move for you. Feeding time is particularly fun as they all innately know where and when to go to get the fruit and it becomes somewhat of a race. My Kids still laugh when remembering the monkeys bouncing off tortoise shells to get to the feeding point quicker. Snorkelling and Turtle Spotting Glass bottom boats are so much fun, and my young children loved the chance to see the tropical fish and the turtles from the comfort of the boat. If you like swimming and snorkelling though you will have plenty of opportunity to see amazing marine life by simply swimming in the shallow waters from the beach. The turtles are super friendly and tend to stay around the same areas at the same time of day so spotting them (with a little guidance from the locals) couldn’t be easier. Gospel Sunday Brunch at The Crane Hotel For a very special treat you should head to the Crane Hotel on the East Coast for their Sunday gospel brunch. The amazing live gospel band play whilst you enjoy a fantastic spread of never-ending breakfast. The omelettes are particularly delicious! There are 2 sittings to choose from, but you definitely need to book in advance as it is very popular. After enjoying far too much food we spent the day relaxing on Crane Beach ….definitely the way to spend a lazy Sunday in paradise! So, if you haven’t been to Barbados before, I strongly recommend you add it to your travel bucket list to find out exactly what this majestic Island has to offer. I might even see you there as I feel like I’m due a visit any time soon.