18 September 2023

As one of Europe’s smaller countries, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s best to zip through Slovenia in just a few days and many tour operators design trips doing just that. With charming rustic culture and an abundance of natural treasures on offer, I recommend finding the time to stay longer - you won't regret it. The capital, Ljubljana (lyoob-lyah-nah), makes a great starting point whatever the trip length. It’s beautiful, by day and by night. The clean and tranquil traffic-restricted centre has picturesque Preseren Square and the river Ljubljanica at its heart. Bridges connect the river banks, lined with weeping willows and filled with lively open air bars and restaurants. Weekend markets, street entertainment and live music add to the atmosphere, all watched over by Ljubljana Castle from its hilltop perch above the Old Town. A day or two is sufficient to explore the highlights of the city, but stay longer for galleries and exhibitions, or to hang out riverside and take in the ambience. With its location close to the centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana is well connected to the rest of the country by road and rail so it makes a great base for day trips, but with so much nature on offer across the country, it makes sense to hit the road for longer if you’re able. I headed a couple of hours away to the pretty lake at Bohinj, the largest glacial lake in Slovenia with the soaring Julian Alps as backdrop. It’s a beautiful, peaceful spot with vast crystal clear blue-green waters, surrounded by trees and woodland, dotted with shingle beaches. I enjoyed six nights here – a great base for visiting nearby Bled and the countless outdoor activities on offer in the area. Most of Bohinj sits within Triglav National Park, also home to Slap Savica Waterfall (see below) and Mount Vogel. A cable car (accessible to all) takes you to the Upper Station of Vogel, sitting above 1500 meters, from where the views over the lake and beyond are stunning. From the top, enjoy hikes along lush trails and across passes and valleys for more incredible views. Unfortunately I had to bow out of the hiking as I had picked up a tummy bug, but my friends’ pictures looked great. If you have the energy I would recommend allowing at least a few hours to look around, but take layers as it’s cold at the top! Less energetic options are also available and are no less lovely. I swapped the hike for a gentle walk around the lake (or about two thirds of it, anyway) stopping at lots of pretty coves, and even taking the opportunity for a (very invigorating!) dip in the beautiful crystalline waters. [Side note, should you take a wrong turn, it turns out there are some naturist bathing spots on the lake too. Some of the views I had that day were a little unexpected…] The more well known lake in this area, however, is Lake Bled. In fact, Bled is Slovenia’s most popular resort, and it's the star of the show with good reason! The blue-green lake is home to a picture postcard church set on its very own islet, from where the traditional, colourful Pletna boats glide back and forth. A medieval castle perches on a rocky cliff edge to one side, and some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps act as backdrop. It’s ridiculously pretty. A visit to Bled, whether day trip or for a longer stay, is essential. The summer population of Bled rockets with visitor numbers, so avoid high season if you can, but do come at another time. Nature lovers will be in their element in this area with waterfalls, gorges and lake views surrounding quant alpine towns and villages. Adrenalin seekers are well catered for with hiking, cycling, climbing, paragliding, kayaking and SUP in abundance. For the less active, there is a flat (and wheelchair accessible) lakeside path at Bled, with crystal clear waters for swimming (a little warmer than icecap filled Bohinj!), and boat rides to and from the island, and across the lake. Other nearby points of interest and activities that I enjoyed were: * A group rafting trip on Soca River. Fully kitted up in wet suits and boots, navigating grade 2 and 3 rapids with an informative and friendly guide, this was a morning very well spent. Surrounded by beautiful nature, it was great fun and gets a big double thumbs up from me. * The very gorgeous Vintgar Gorge – so pretty, but so busy! It’s a bit of a tourist trap, walking in line along an elevated boardwalk with the feeling that most visitors were on a mission to pass through as quickly as possible. But if you take your time to take it all in, it really is very beautiful. Iridescent waters, craggy gorge walls, gushing waterfalls; photography heaven and very gram-worthy should you be that way inclined. * Slap Savica Waterfall – again, you’ll queue for the money shot here, but it is a pretty waterfall nevertheless. The entrance is reached by road or an uphill wooded pathway from the lake below, from where it’s a fairly steeply stepped walk to the waterfall viewpoint. * Cycling in the Bohinj Valley – this was lovely, with signposted cycle paths connecting the Lower and Upper valleys. Our tranquil route took us past old buildings, ancient trees and traditional farms, across meadows and past villages with the most picturesque of settings and the now expected (but no less stunning) mountain backdrop. My trip was a small group tour arranged by Intrepid Travel – Slovenia: Hike, Bike and Raft. As already mentioned, I missed a couple of aspects of the trip due to illness, but once again I can very much recommend joining Intrepid for a great way to meet people and enjoy the guidance of a local expert. It’s unusual for Intrepid tours to be based in one spot for as long as this one, but with so many activities on offer in the vicinity, I can see why they stay put this time. If you have longer than a week, or if you are less active, there is more to explore beyond the lakes: pretty Adriatic coastal towns, cliff-side castles, caves, salt-pans, vineyards. In a nutshell, Slovenia is a beautiful, largely unknown gem. Offering pretty cities and nature at its best, it’s compact and easy to navigate; a bit like a mini-Switzerland but considerably more affordable. I really loved it, and I think you would be hard pushed not to love it too.

18 May 2022

As a Travel Agent I’m often asked my favourite holiday destination and it’s a question I always struggle to answer. I’m lucky to have been to many lovely places so it’s impossible to choose just one, but more importantly many of my favourite holiday memories involve specific people or events, so while the destination is important it’s not always the key to a great holiday. With that said, a holiday including a healthy dose of nature and wildlife is always a good place to start for me, and of course these are promised by the bucket load in Costa Rica. It’s a destination that’s been on my radar for some time, pipped to the post a few years ago by Guatemala and Belize as a more cost-effective alternative, but with relaxed entry requirements already in place this year it felt like the right time to go. With my enquiries busier than ever at the start of the year (thank you!), relatively little time to plan thanks to a late booking, and fancying some company, I opted to join an Intrepid Travel small group tour – an easy option for enjoying a selection of the best bits, travelling with a group of like-minded people and a tour leader available to do most of the thinking for me. It was the right choice! Our tour leader, Luz, was a pocket rocket of fun and knowledge, and our group of 16 were soon like old friends sharing belly laughs and giggles every day. So much fun! And Costa Rica really is a fabulous place, living up to its reputation with stunning beaches, lush rainforest, and the richest biodiversity. For me, of course, the nature was a highlight, too plentiful to list in full but some of my best bits were: • the excitement of the day 1 boat journey to Tortuguero NP – spotting our first caiman, followed by lizards, turtles, wading birds, iguanas, river otters … • an early morning canoe trip through the black water canals of Tortuguero NP with entertainment provided by a family of spider monkeys looping through and playing in the branches above, followed by the almost spooky, ethereal quiet of the channels formed by buttress roots and hanging vines, home to lizards, birds, and camouflaged caimans • Tortuguero generally, I loved the chilled, Caribbean vibes and dusty streets • watching troupes of howler monkeys traversing the treetops of the National Park, feeling very relieved when an older group member finally spotted the little one too frightened to jump the gap on its own • spotting colourful toucans (and recognising their calls like a pro) • the riotous sounds of the birds and insects at sunset • the sunsets! • the sky-blue waters of Rio Celeste • being mesmerised by a hummingbird flitting busily between the trees and shrubs in front of our rooms • hanging out in the hot pools near La Fortuna, with a few fruity cocktails and an impromptu poolside salsa lesson (thank you, Luz!) • early morning sloth spotting! Through a telescope as they were too sleepy to come down to say hi, but I did see a mum and baby having a little sleepy stretch, which was the cutest thing! • finding a break in the clouds to enjoy the views from the Cloud Forest at Monteverde and spotting an elusive quetzal! SO happy • sunbathing and wave jumping at the beautiful beaches at Manuel Antonio NP • spotting teeny tiny squirrel monkeys zip through the trees overhead from our lunch stop • seafood extravaganzas! While nature was the main draw for me, it would be remiss of me not to mention the other big attraction of Costa Rica: adventure. Hike, bike, zip, kayak, raft, tube… the adrenalin junkies are well catered for. Some of our group enjoyed tubing on the Rio Celeste, which looked lots of fun and I’m very jealous that I missed it. The Canopy Zip Line at Monteverde would be waaaay too much for my fear of heights but the images were incredible. If you have a moment search for “child runs into sloth while ziplining in Costa Rica” – this was around a week after our group was there and it’s an amazing clip! (and I have it on good authority that the sloth was unharmed). The only little negative thing for me was that on occasion the park trails were busy and volume levels increased to make wildlife spotting tricky, particularly evident in Manuel Antonio NP. I suspect this was exacerbated over the past two years as so many other popular backpacking stomping grounds have been largely off limits, so the demographic was skewed compared to usual years (my full flight out looked at least 70% under 25s). Costa Rica is not a cheap destination so I’m sure the balance will be restored now that other destinations are opening back up, and in reality, there is so much nature on offer in Costa Rica, it’s not difficult to escape the crowds either way. So, will I count this as a favourite holiday? It is up there. It’s a lovely destination and I loved my trip. I was very lucky to share some incredible moments with a great group of people, and I have a wealth of happy memories. Would I recommend a visit? If budget allows, yes, absolutely. Thank you, Costa Rica, and Pura Vida! ***************************************** I hope you enjoy my selection of photographs - I found it very difficult to whittle them down, as you might be able to tell! Close up wildlife photography credit goes largely to Jason and Mark from my tour who have a much steadier hand (and better photographic equipment) than me, and who kindly shared their pictures. Thank you!

26 August 2021

Lonely Planet writes: “The legendary pirates' lair of Omiš has one of the most dramatic locations of any town on the Dalmatian coast. Situated at the mouth of the Cetina River, at the end of a picturesque canyon, it's backed by sheer walls of mottled grey rock topped with craggy peaks.” With such a great review and knowing Omis is less than two hours drive from Split airport, I couldn’t resist including a couple of nights here during my Croatia break. In fact, with the main highway hugging the coastline, our airport transfer made for a lovely introduction to the Dalmatian Coast, enjoying coastal views and passing a new bay at each turn. The coastal-highway traffic slows to a crawl as you reach Omis so it’s advisable to travel early to avoid the worst delays and be prepared to travel on foot or by bike once there. It is a lovely place: the canyon is as picturesque as promised, the old town is small but atmospheric with its maze of cobbled hillside streets, and there’s easy access to a long sandy-shingly beach stretching out to one side. This beach is lovely but very busy in high season, so we wandered along the coast to neighbouring Brzet, home to a smaller pebble beach with fragrant, green pine trees edging the beach in a very cute fashion and providing some very welcome shade. There’s also a rather nice beach bar offering day beds, a great atmosphere and a lovely spot for sundowners. The water here is deeper, crystal clear and as the beach faces west the views of the mountains overlooking Omis are stunning. (Side note, the pebbles are sharp! Beach shoes are on sale in all the coastal towns for a reason and I highly recommend the investment.) Laying back in the water you can just about make out Starigrad Fortress, keeping watch over the town from a ridge 262 metres above. To balance our beach time we took a very early morning walk to the Fortress, for which we were rewarded with stunning views across the coastline to the islands beyond. The light wasn’t in the right place for our photos, but the views were spectacular nevertheless. Onto Trogir, a lovely medieval walled town sitting on its own tiny island, linked by bridges to the mainland and larger Ciovo Island. Just 30 minutes’ drive from Split, it makes a great alternative base - slightly smaller and less crowded, particularly at this time of year when Split can be crowded with cruise daytrippers. As temperatures hit 38 degrees we worried the narrow alleys of the old town would feel oppressive but in fact the high limestone walls and marbled streets offered welcome respite from the heat of the day. The main thoroughfares were busy at times but it was easy to slip away via side alleys to find tranquil hidden spaces and feel like you had the place to yourself. Winding alleys link at open courtyards, home to cafes, bars, shops and restaurants. Large canopies protect from the heat of the day, packed away each evening to allow the night sky in. We had some fabulous meals – delicious breakfast, lunches, cakes and an amazing seafood platter for dinner. So fresh, just perfect! By day and night the courtyards are alive and atmospheric, as is the wide seaside promenade. It’s a lovely place and when you throw in a live band and mango daiquiri – well, you can’t ask for more from a holiday really. Another ideal way to beat the heat of the day is to head to sea and that’s exactly how I spent my final afternoon, enjoying island hopping by speedboat. Crystal clear waters at the Blue Lagoon, fantastic panoramic views over Maslinica on Solta, and a peaceful, sheltered swim off the boat at Duga Bay before heading back to Trogir as the sun set. A very lovely trip that I would highly recommend!

14 July 2020

I hope you are keeping well. To say we’re living through strange times would be somewhat of an understatement! As the world slowly re-opens, I thought I would take the opportunity for a quick catch up and update. The last time I was in touch en masse was to share my Siena travel blog – well, hasn’t a lot changed since then? Please read on for my account of how lockdown has been for me and how Travel Counsellors is adapting moving forward. March and April brought challenges! Italy closing borders marked the start of what would become a whirlwind of regularly changing airline and supplier cancellation policies, obligations, force majeure, and question marks surrounding refunds, vouchers, credit notes and responsibility. Trips were cut short as I rushed to get clients home before airlines cancelled flights, and then the forward cancellations began. The necessity of cancelling trips that I had worked hard to create and that you had been looking forward to was always going to be difficult, but all of my clients accepted this inevitability with good grace and the catch up phone calls along the way very much helped keep me sane. Staying in touch with clients is almost certainly one of the best things about this job. I’m lucky to be part of a business built on relationships rather than volume and this model has helped us immeasurably throughout this difficult period. Travel Counsellors topped another MSE customer satisfaction survey last week, which is a real boost and testament to those relationships. Refunds haven’t always been processed as quickly as we would like with some suppliers dragging their heels but being available to respond to calls and emails has been key to keeping everyone reassured. My clients (you) have been great throughout this difficult period and your patience has been amazing, thank you. May and June were better! Supplier policies stabilised and things settled down. With everything under control I was able to take a step back once in a while to take advantage of sunny days, getting stuck into the garden or heading to the fields or beach for adventures with my dog, Gizmo. I joined the Zoom revolution for a fine selection of quizzes and catch-ups with family and friends. Dad’s 90th was celebrated with a family virtual bake off. Netflix became a best friend, as did iPlayer. Re-decorating my office still hasn’t happened, but all in good time! As with most people I’ve had good days and bad days, energetic days and lazy days; I’ve taken time out to reflect, feel grateful for health, family, a roof over my head and the simple things in life. There have been a few wobbles and challenges along the way, but it could have been worse. The travel industry has of course been badly hit and stories of redundancies and business closures are now increasing daily. It’s a really sad time within the industry, watching so many people face future uncertainty and my heart goes out to those affected. Again, I feel so fortunate to be part of a company that stands in such a strong position moving forward. Our Financial Trust has meant client refunds haven’t come from operational budget, and our homeworking overheads are considerably lower than companies with offices and high street shops. Being self-employed has enabled me to keep working throughout this period while receiving government support and it will allow me to continue working as we move forward, remaining in control of my own destiny. It’s now July and we’re not there yet but the world is slowly starting to re-open, albeit with challenges, uncertainties and a new sense of normal. Some of you are keen to get away so over the past couple of weeks I’ve had a few trips to research which has been lovely! I appreciate overseas travel isn’t top of everyone’s list right now but if you are considering getting away in 2020 and have questions, please feel free to get in touch. Restrictions vary across countries so we’re keeping a close eye on FCO advice and entry requirements, working with hotels and suppliers to understand how they’ll keep you safe while still enjoying a relaxing break. My priority is to know you’ll be well looked after. If closer to home is more tempting this year, we’ve also extended our portfolio to offer a more extensive range of UK based holidays from cottages and lodges, boutique hotels or glamping, to cycling holidays, escorted touring or self-guided rail adventures. There really is something for everyone so please let me know if I can arrange something for you. Our customer feedback tells us 2021 travel is looking a lot more promising and for your additional peace of mind we have introduced our Flexible Promise. This covers most packages and allows you to make free changes up to two months prior to travel, and of course all future bookings will still be protected by our TC Financial Trust along with ATOL and the Package Travel Regulations. Our suppliers are keen to encourage new bookings so we’re seeing hotels offering as much as 50% off, which is incredible! Easyjet release Summer 21 flights on Thursday and many longhaul carriers are offering sale fares so it’s a fabulous time to look and book. Whether or not travel is on your immediate horizon it would be lovely to hear from you, to catch up on your lockdown story which I hope has been OK overall. Fingers crossed we find a way back to normal life sooner than later and can all resume travel to countries far and wide. Until then, continue to stay safe and I hope to catch up with you soon.

05 March 2020

With beautiful piazzas, historical monuments and a wide selection of restaurants, bars and cafes, and just two hours by train from Pisa Airport (at an affordable EUR15 each way), Siena is an ideal choice for a weekend getaway Our early afternoon arrival at Pisa allowed time for a quick detour to visit the famous tower (and to attempt and fail badly at the classic leaning stance photo!). Beautiful blue skies and early spring sunshine provided a good excuse to linger with a gelato, enjoying the Pisa posing from a nearby sunny spot. Continuing to Siena, we couldn’t have been more delighted when we saw where we were staying – a beautifully restored 16th century apartment, with views over terracotta rooftops to the distant Tuscan hills. Think gnarly high beams, exposed brickwork and quirky antique décor and you get the picture. We all loved it. Siena has many such characterful buildings so it’s easy to “live like a local” for a few days and I recommend doing just that. Siena itself is truly lovely too. A walled city set over three hills dramatically topped with towers and churches, filled with ancient architectural gems, and vibrant streets housing quirky boutiques, cafes, delis and pasticceria (pastry shops). The gothic architecture, high pink stone walls and heavy wooden doorways lining the streets and alleys are perfectly balanced with wide piazzas, striking monuments and pretty fountains. Beautiful Piazza del Campo marks the heart of town (getting lost in the winding alleys seemed to prove to us that all roads lead to Campo!) and our first afternoon was happily spent lingering over a long lunch here, watching the world go by with the sun on our backs and the magnificent Torre del Mangia straight ahead. The guidebooks warn that food here doesn’t match the views, but our antipasti platter was spot on if a little more expensive than the norm. Our gelato with a view may have been the most expensive I’ll ever have… but all worth it. Piazza del Campo is people watching heaven and I would have been content to sit there all afternoon. Siena is a small city and many of the streets of the historic centre are almost entirely pedestrianised so it’s easy to explore on foot. Our wandering included a visit to impressive Siena Cathedral, an ornate Gothic beauty decorated with alternating white and black marble stripes, the symbolic colours of Siena. The first glimpse of this striking design as we rounded a corner was quite special. The Duomo can be climbed from 1 March (perfect timing) for stunning rooftop views, and a wander through the interior was rewarded with ornate columns and busts plus a stunning mosaic pavement followed by incredible frescoes within the Piccolomini Library. I would have very much liked to have laid down for a little while to absorb the ceiling's masterpieces but I fear it would have been frowned upon... More wandering led us to a few unexpected but perfect vantage points for stunning views across the city, and a little hidden gem of a restaurant where we enjoyed the perfect pizza and a delicious local red. Our time wandering was well spent but actually I don't think you could go far wrong here. All in all we had a very lovely few days and I would thoroughly recommend Siena for a short break or a few days’ stop on a longer Tuscan holiday.

11 February 2020

On Friday 31 January 2020 Regent Seven Seas’ brand new, ultra-luxury Seven Seas Splendor took to the high seas for the very first time and I was incredibly privileged to be one of the lucky few on board. Regent represents absolute luxury at sea and that’s exactly what we were treated to throughout our stay. All suites are spacious with good-sized balcony, walk in wardrobe, double vanity bathroom and lounge area as standard so you can’t go far wrong, but upgrades are available for more space, wrap around balconies, 24/7 butler service and additional luxurious touches. Our tour of the ship took us to all levels of accommodation and WOW! the top-level suites have literally everything you can think of – even a grand piano! They are huge and stylish, with plush furnishings, beautiful décor and I’d happily live in one for the rest of my life, Amen. But the suites are just a part of the picture; the public areas, corridors, bars and restaurants have the same attention to detail with stunning artwork, chandeliers and plush fabrics at every turn. The service is impeccable, the staff are lovely and welcoming, and the food – oh my, the food… Over the three days Regent tried to ensure everyone sampled a variety of restaurants and alongside delicious lunches at the Pool Grill and scrumptious breakfasts at La Veranda, I was treated to evening meals at: Compass Rose, the largest of the speciality restaurants, kitted out with huge chandeliers and Versace dinnerware; Chartreuse, offering chic, fine-dining with a Parisian flair; and Prime 7 for a succulent and oh so tender filet mignon grand finale. Each meal was exquisite, and each restaurant had a lovely ambience. Regent is all inclusive so any of these perfect dining experiences can be enjoyed as often as preferred although advance reservations are recommended for the speciality restaurants. The all inclusive doesn’t stop at fine dining and top shelf drinks either, there’s also the opportunity to select from a wide choice of shore excursions at each stop (of which there are many on each of Regent’s port intensive itineraries). Our taster cruise took us from Ancona, Italy across to Dubrovnik, Croatia where we had the best part of a day to explore before continuing our journey along the Italian coast all the way to Rome. The various included excursions at Dubrovnik ranged from tuk tuk tour, countryside escape, coastal towns and village visits – plenty to whet the appetite. I opted for a relaxed visit to the Old Town and a chance to walk the city walls without the crowds of high season and it was the perfect introduction to such an interesting and pretty city. Back on board I was also lucky to sample the Culinary Arts Kitchen with a short cookery class. There is a supplement for these classes but with top chefs, high tech equipment and the swankiest kitchen I’ve cooked in it was lots of fun and an added extra I’d recommend. Our visit was perfectly timed to enjoy the sunset (with a mandatory glass of bubbles) while we cooked, and it rounded the day off perfectly. All in all this was a really lovely experience and I can’t sing the praises enough. From the moment we set sail, leaving the twinkling lights of Ancona behind us, waking up to the terracotta tiles of Dubrovnik on day two, to skirting the dramatic Italian coastline on day 3 (we even passed a smoking Stromboli) every step of the journey held a new treat. If you love the luxury and comfort of a top hotel, the delights of fine dining and the opportunity to visit new cultures and explore a range of cities I know you’ll love Regent Seven Seas. I’m converted – please give me a call if you would like to be too!

09 December 2019

When I mentioned I was heading to Iceland last week, most people wished me luck with seeing the Northern Lights, and the tour I was joining was called “Northern Lights Escape” – when did Iceland become all about the lights, I wonder? Don’t get me wrong, the lights are incredible if you’re lucky enough to experience them but in my humble opinion if you’re only going to Iceland to see the lights, you’re missing a very big trick. I knew Iceland would be beautiful, I’d seen the pictures and heard the tales of friends that have visited before, but Iceland is a different world and it’s a spectacular one at that. My expectations were exceeded, and it’s not often I get to say that! Arriving mid-afternoon, the view below was of a frozen, dusty landscape with very few signs of life. Honestly, I thought we may have diverted to the moon. As we approached the airport a few roads and houses came into view along with a few jets of steam from what I think was a thermal power station but don’t quote me on that. Even with more signs of life it still looked very ethereal! The drive from the airport to Reykjavik gave a better hint of what was to come with the first of many beautiful sunsets across an untouched icy landscape. Over the next five days we would be spoiled with similar picture postcard views at every turn: a frozen wilderness with snow capped mountains and huge boulders lining the open roads; raging waterfalls with icicles framing their edges; steaming, bubbling pools with explosive geysers reminding you that this is an island of volcanoes after all; gigantic glaciers with the most beautiful ice blue caves and glacial lakes, and giant, sparkling icebergs making a break for freedom to the sea beyond only to crash back to the black sand shore amidst the power of the waves. At this time of year when conditions are right the light is perfect. Shorter days make it essential to get the timing right and if you do you’ll be rewarded with the most beautiful landscapes framed by a stunning sunrise or sunset. Vivid pinks, oranges and reds lighting up the sky and making the icy landscape sparkle – perfection! A quick top tip: Diamond Beach is beautiful as the sun starts to dip but it’s also full of coachloads of tourists competing to get the best possible selfie. For a more tranquil sunset head across to the lagoon and watch the sun dip behind the floating icebergs and sea beyond – if you’re lucky you might spot a seal ducking and diving too. For me the essence of Iceland lies in its nature and untouched wilderness but cute towns like Vik are also well worth a stop (head to the microbrewery for some interesting beer tasters and tempting bites), and buzzing Reykjavik is about as cool as they come. Brightly coloured streets, cool graffiti, public art dotted around; an array of bars, restaurants and eateries with a cool but casual vibe – everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Even the karaoke bar was hip, with a barman host moonlighting as veritable rock god, and a diverse crowd, some of whom are surely Bjork’s best mates! All in all, Iceland is one of my new favourite places. It’s not cheap but it’s worth every penny! Oh, and we saw a few wisps of the lights too.

14 January 2019

New Orleans in July is hot and humid, so it’s best to make like a local and take it slow! The people are just one of the things that makes the Big Easy the fabulous destination it is. You’ll find smiles a plenty, wonderful story-telling and plenty of laughter everywhere you go. This trip was just a taster at four nights, but I loved every minute and we packed in plenty. With a direct service from Heathrow, NOLA is very easy to reach and while the airport on arrival is a little like stepping into a time warp, the new terminal due to open in 2019 promises to improve the arrival experience. In fact, New Orleans itself feels a bit of a time warp in places, or perhaps just grittier than most other US cities. Its rich heritage is in abundance: Creole food, jazz music, street dancing, colourful buildings and a laid-back pace of life. The older parts of town transported me to the Caribbean or Cuba but turn a corner and you’ll find the latest trendy air-conditioned bar or boutique shop - it’s quite an eclectic mix. We wasted no time getting into the spirit of NOLA life, heading straight to Bourbon Street in the French Quarter on our first evening. Wander past neon fronted bars with your drink of choice in hand, the beat of live music pouring from a nearby bar or busking band; catch a beaded necklace flung down from a balcony. July is officially off season but there are still plenty of tourists out on the streets enjoying the party vibe. We made our way to Pat O’Brian’s, home of the Hurricane cocktail; New Orleans is where the cocktail was invented so it would have been rude not to! Our recovery the next morning was made easier with a leisurely jazz brunch at The Court of Two Sisters, which I can heartily recommend. A delicious, extensive buffet and a lovely atmosphere in a quaint courtyard filled with fountains, plants and vines, rounded off with the soothing tunes of a jazz quartet. Perfect! Feeling invigorated we headed out to wander the streets of the French Quarter. This part of town wasn’t hit by Katrina, so you’ll find plenty of original buildings full of character with French and Spanish heritage: cast iron balconies and terraces with pots of hanging flowers, hidden courtyards and Creole townhouses full of antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, bars and restaurants. Spot buskers along the way, tap dancing on a sidewalk or pulling in a crowd for some impromptu pavement jazz – generally accompanied by a few flailing, shirtless bodies gyrating to the beat! It’s quite a spectacle that’s sure to raise a smile, and I have no idea how they do it in that heat! If the heat is too much for you to bear while exploring, join a mule-drawn carriage tour and spare yourself the swollen ankles. But NOLA isn’t just the French Quarter. Hop on a streetcar, hire a bike or join a tour to explore the suburbs. We had time for a short tour which took us to one of the huge gothic cemeteries just out of town – literally hundreds of tombs and burial chambers, all above ground because the land is too swampy for six feet burials. Hearing stories along the way we passed through the leafy suburbs of the Garden District, admiring colourful houses and grand columned mansions (trying and failing to spot famous residents like Beyoncé and Matthew McConaughey), and took a stop at the lovely City Park with its sculpture garden and trailing Spanish Moss. Out of town it’s well worth including a plantation visit or two. We headed to Oak Alley and Houmas House Plantations and heard the stories of both masters and slaves. Situated alongside the Mississippi the air is fresher here and the gardens are beautiful, with tree lined entrances leading to the “Big House”. Enjoy a delicious meal with excellent southern hospitality, and if you have the time, extend your city stay with a night or two here for a change of pace. You’ll also find swamps on this side of town, and where there are swamps there is plenty of wildlife. From our swamp boat trip, we spotted racoons, turtles and, of course, alligators! Plenty of them too and hearing the stories of the trappers and taking in the views from the boat makes this another highly recommended activity. Our final night was another unmissable treat, with a sunset dinner cruise on Steamboat Natchez, “the last authentic Steamboat on the Mighty Mississippi!”. Again, fabulous live jazz, a great atmosphere, delicious food and a lovely way to pass a few hours. From the river to Frenchman Street for a spot of shopping in the artisan outdoor night markets (which I loved – could have done with another evening here!) and a final hit of live music, cocktails and dancing. This is a less trashy option than Bourbon Street, you’ll find no neon cocktails here! It’s no less fun though and the live band we came across on a nearby street corner were fabulous as was the accompanying street party. Big (sweaty) smiles all round! One final day to try to recover before our evening flight back to Blighty. More street wandering, a spot of discounted shopping in the outlet, a well-earned foot massage and a last cheeky cocktail at the circular Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone. Take a seat at the famous revolving bar, adorned with twinkling lights and gilded mirrors – don’t mind if I do! Lonely Planet says, “The things that make life worth living – eating, drinking and the making of merriment – are the air that New Orleans breathes,” and that just about sums it up. I love NOLA, and I’ll be back! Thank you to Travel Counsellors, New Orleans Tourism, Louisiana Tourism and British Airways for making it happen.

14 January 2019

Lapland in December is just beautiful. There wasn't as much snow as there would usually be at this time of year but there was still enough to create picture postcard views at every turn - frozen lakes, snow dusted trees and crisp landscapes. The short daylight hours and low light make for the most incredible sunrises and sunsets, with stunning colours - gorgeous! The small alpine town of Levi was our base, from where you can ski, sled, snowboard, husky ride, reindeer sleigh and even laser quest in the snow! All of which would be reason enough to visit at this time of year, but I was here for something even more special and that was to meet the actual, real Father Christmas at his home. Santa's Village was definitely the trip highlight and where we were able to mingle with elves, make Christmas decorations and (delicious) gingerbread biscuits, wander through igloo tunnels, have a nose at the elves' homes and school, and a chance to meet Santa's reindeers (Rudolph was busy, but Vixen was there). And then the absolute highlight for all, the opportunity to meet Father Christmas. I managed to regress to age 5, became a little shy and was a little lost for words when the moment came (those who know me well will understand how unlikely this is) but it was really quite magical and a lovely experience. A very big thank you to Inghams for this lovely opportunity and for being fabulous hosts. Inghams are a great choice for Lapland, offering great value, regional UK departures and the opportunity for longer, more relaxed stays than most alternatives. They're one of a few favourite operators that I work with - it's important to understand the different options out there to make sure you choose the right one for you. Lapland is a once in a lifetime for most so it's essential you get it right! If you are planning a trip yourself, please get in touch and I'll happily run through the various options with you.

01 September 2017

The incredible spectacle of the Northern Lights dancing around the sky has been high on my wish list for some time so I snapped up the chance of a place on a Hurtigruten Seminar at Sea. Along with the incredible opportunity to see the Lights I would enjoy a taster of Norway’s beautiful coastline and learn more about the Hurtigruten product. Alongside operating as a daily ferry and freight shipping service along the 1500 mile Norwegian coastline, Hurtigruten offer a selection of cruises between the coastal towns of Bergen and Kirkenes. There are plentiful stops along the way to explore the pretty coastal towns, plus organised shore excursions and activities. The Hurtigruten experience is quite different to most other cruise operators, so don’t expect evening entertainment and formal dress codes. Expect comfortable private en-suite rooms, a friendly and experienced crew, delicious food (amazing seafood!), a laid back, informal atmosphere, stunning views and interesting stops each day; plus the chance to chat with fellow travellers from near and far. Visiting in December meant that there were just a few daylight hours each day. This would be the wrong time of year to visit if you want to fully appreciate the beauty of the Norwegian coastline but seeing distant specs of light transform into pretty towns with each new stop was really quite magical. Add to that the pretty Christmas lights twinkling in most windows and town squares (it’s traditional for these to be put up on 1 December), giving way to twinkling stars reflecting off the waters and snow-covered shores and I don’t think it could have been prettier. Our trip started in the coastal town of Tromsø, somewhere I would be happy to spend more time (along with the rest of the Norway, in fact!). It’s a lively university town with plenty of pubs, bars, restaurants and shops, in a very pretty setting with snowy mountains all around. It makes an excellent base for visiting the nearby wilderness, home to a plethora of outdoor activities at all times of year. We sampled a dog sledding excursion – it was amazing fun being whisked along by the gorgeous and crazy dogs and the scenery was stunning. Loved it! We were also treated to a few other shore excursions throughout the voyage: *Visiting Nordkapp (the North Cape), the most Northernmost point in Europe and a huge windswept expanse of white which felt almost eerie. It seemed we might get blown off the headland at any moment and watching the wind swirling the snow into drifts was mesmerising. *We also paid a visit to the Russian Border which felt a bit surreal, and was made more so when we realised the sun was setting on one side of us and rising on the other. Weird! *At Kirkenes we were whisked away from the main group for a visit to the Snow Hotel in the making. Super cool in both senses of the word – amazing to see the efforts of the sculptors and more so to see one of the builders working in a t-shirt when it was -13 degrees! In fact this was mild for the time of year which meant they’d had to bring in snow machines to ensure they got everything finished in time for opening a few weeks later. Along with the snow rooms and Ice Bar, this hotel has a chalet style main building with the most picturesque setting overlooking a frozen lake – truly gorgeous. It would be well worth extending a trip for a few nights here. *Visiting Hammerfest for a few hours gave us the chance to see another pretty coastal town with some lovely frozen views. Also the chance of a selfie with a polar bear and you can’t ask for more than that. Reading back through my notes makes me realise how much we were lucky to experience, but the trip didn’t feel rushed at any point. There was the perfect amount of time at each stop and the different excursions gave us a great insight into the destination. The time on board was really relaxed (even with seminars!) so the trips are perfectly balanced. Of course the big advantage of visiting at this time of year, other than the snowy Christmas card scenes, is the best chance to experience the wonder of the Northern Lights. For the best sightings you need clear, dark, unpolluted skies and the colder it is, the better! We weren’t disappointed… When the lights appear news quickly makes its way around the decks, but to be sure no one misses out the crew announce them each time – there’s even an optional wake up service throughout the night. We were lucky to have clear skies most nights which meant that we were spoilt with plenty of sightings of the Lights, and they really are magical. It was relatively mild for the time of year which meant to the naked eye the lights had no colour, but watching the white wisps dance across the sky was still magical enough for me. High tech cameras with slow shutter speeds picked up green and magenta swirls and it became addictive watching the formations dance across the lens with each new photo. All in all this is a trip I would highly recommend – whether to enjoy the Northern Lights, to experience Coastal Norway, or indeed a bit of both. Travelling by ship gets you away from any light pollution so it’s perfect for the Lights; it’s a quick and convenient way of seeing so much of the beautiful Norwegian coastline and it’s a great opportunity to meet locals as they hop between towns with the ferry service. A big thank you to Hurtigruten for giving me a spot on this fabulous trip. I really loved it.

28 June 2017

My lovely mum celebrated her 80th birthday earlier this year and we wanted to round off the celebrations with a weekend away. I’ve inherited her love of nature’s scenery so the Swiss Alps were our choice. Having stayed at Chedi Chiang Mai (now Anantara) and visited Chedi Muscat, I was confident Chedi Andermatt would be just the treat we were after and it more than matched expectations. At the heart of the beautifully dramatic Alps, and to the edge of quaint and unassuming Andermatt, the hotel successfully fuses Asian influences with an Alpine setting to create a tranquil, contemporary and elegant feel. There’s a feeling of exclusivity but without pretensions, and the service is impeccable, friendly and welcoming. We really loved it. Our journey from Zurich Airport was around 2 hours by train, with incredible scenic views along the way. The train network is efficient, clean and timely – as you would expect from the Swiss – and with station information points available to provide printed route planners and timetables it was very straightforward. On arrival at Andermatt station we were met by a friendly Chedi driver who whisked us to reception, and shortly afterwards we re-joined our bags in our stunning Grand Deluxe Room. Our large and welcoming room was fitted out with all mod cons, balanced with sumptuous furnishings to sink into (very welcome after a fairly long travel day). A swanky glass fireplace connects lounge to balcony, from where there are incredible views across the village rooftops to snow-capped mountains – what better way to spend our first evening than enjoying the balmy Swiss mountain air with a glass of red, a few delicious Swiss choccies and stunning views. Perfect, in every way. A very delicious breakfast set us up well for a busy day 2 and a day trip to Lake Lucerne. Our Swiss Railpass covered all train journeys throughout our stay and the 2 hour or so journey whizzed past as views went from snow-topped peaks to alpine village to lakeside views. The pass covers most forms of public transport so we were able to enjoy a steamboat cruise across the lake, gondola from lakeside to Pilatus, 2132m above, and cable car rides all the way back down; a wonderful and fun way to take in the scale of the lake and its surrounds with spectacular views along the way. With a delicious lakeside lunch thrown in for good measure, and sunshine throughout, we couldn’t have asked for more. Day 3 was all about enjoying our immediate surroundings both at the hotel and Andermatt village. After a short walk around the village the clouds continued to roll in which gave us the perfect excuse to hide away in the wonderful spa area of the Chedi, relaxing poolside to rejuvenate after yesterday’s exertions. Once again every detail has been thought of and the facilities and furnishings are spot on, creating a calm and relaxing space. The clouds cleared early evening allowing for a lovely stroll through the old village’s charming, traditional streets, accompanied by the sound of the river racing through the heart of the village, and a few cow bells jangling from a field above. I was half expecting Heidi to wander past at any moment! We were heading to locals’ favourite, Gasthaus Ochsen, to enjoy one of the best fondues in town in a traditional guesthouse. The atmosphere was charming, the food delicious and our trip was rounded off perfectly!

04 May 2017

My previous visit to Marrakech included a lot of eating (I do love a tagine!), enthusiastic bartering and shopping within the souks, a fair bit of getting lost within the winding alleys of said souks, and a spot of sightseeing in and around the walled city of the Medina. I had such a lovely time that I promised I would be back, and I was lucky enough to return this year. The Moroccan Tourist Board hosted this trip (thank you!) for Travel Counsellors and treated us to a packed itinerary with three nights and days in Marrakech, and a final night at the coast in Essaouira. It’s a short 15-20 minute drive from Marrakech airport to the Medina so we found ourselves heading into the dusty maze of the souks within just a few of hours of our arrival. Allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy getting lost within the labyrinth that is the Medina – expect souks filled with a colourful mix of leather, glassware, spices, carpets, silks, lanterns - and keep a wary eye for locals whizzing past on bikes! Emerge for air and you’ll likely find yourself at El Djemaa el-Fna, a vast square home to entertainment in the form of snake charmers, acrobats, dancers and more, surrounded by restaurants and roof top cafes – the perfect spot for watching the sunset with a soothing mint tea, as it turns out. After enjoying the views from one such terrace, we were led to nearby Salama, a contemporary restaurant spread over three floors, offering classic local food with a modern twist plus plenty of entertainment along the way. Fez hats greeted us at each table and the plentiful meze and freshly baked breads turned out to be just the start of a delicious feast, the highlight of which was the lamb – slow cooked and melt in the mouth – truly delicious! With dancers to entertain us when our bellies were too full for more food, it was a great evening and one I would recommend for a taster of all things Morocco. Day 2 took us just outside the city to the very lovely Beachcomber Royal Palm – a tranquil golf and spa resort around 20 minutes’ drive from the Medina. Along with golf enthusiasts, this would make a great base for families or those on a longer trip not wanting to be in the thick of the Medina for the duration. Set over vast grounds, with views across the 18-hole golf course to the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, this luxury resort has a relaxed, contemporary feel without losing the sense of where you are. Returning to the Medina we next visited the opulent Royal Mansour hotel. Full of Moroccan character with sumptuous, luxurious touches, it’s a unique property. It’s hard to believe you’re on the edge of the Medina as it feels so peaceful. A stay here is not to everyone’s budget but it’s possible to visit as a day guest at the pool if you need a break from the sightseeing and shopping, or to celebrate a special occasion consider a meal here – our lunch was the best meal of the trip. Taking a break from the hotel visits, we next put our cookery skills to the test at La Maison Arabe’s cookery school. Starting with a demo on how to make the perfect mint cuppa (and it’s more complicated than you could imagine!) and followed by a swift lesson in tagine cookery, it was a great introduction and the tagine was top notch. Day 3 gave us a chance to escape the city and head for the hills, with a visit to the stunning L’Amandier Hotel in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The design of the private villas here is in keeping with the red Berber style of the surrounding countryside, and the setting is hard to beat. Perfect for a two centre with Marrakech, L’Amandier is just an hour’s drive from the city. It’s a perfect base for countryside walking, cycling or simply relaxing and enjoying the fresh air and spectacular views. Our final day took us two hours west, via the obligatory argon oil cooperative stop, to Essaouira (say essa-weera, or es-sweera in Arabic), the “Wind City of Africa”. The pace of life here is much slower, and within minutes of arrival I felt instantly more relaxed. The wind and waves of this stretch of coast make it a popular spot for wind and kite-surfers, and the wind means that the beach is unlikely to be filled with sun-worshippers, but the hotels have well thought out designs with strategically placed walls and wind breaks, so it’s not impossible to laze near a pool if you’re in need of R&R. Otherwise be content to wander the spice-scented lanes of the walled medina, enjoy the various art galleries and boutiques, dine out at unique and quirky restaurants, seek out colourful street art or watch fishermen at work at the nearby port. Ours was just a fleeting visit but I loved what I saw, and again I’m left feeling that I want to come back for more. Morocco is a wonderful place – only three hours from the UK but offering a vastly different culture. While I was familiar with Marrakech as a perfect long weekend destination, with a stay in a unique riad within the medina, this trip gave me a different perspective and an appreciation of why you might choose one of the larger resort style hotels outside the city walls. With its location in North Africa there seems to be a widespread misconception about safety in Morocco which is a great shame. In fact it takes its safety seriously, with guards and scanners at the entry to the airport and all hotels, and a great safety record. The people are as friendly as they come and I wouldn’t have any hesitation recommending this destination to anyone and everyone.

22 March 2016

Guatemala is a beautiful country and these pictures of Antigua City and Volcan Acatenango are from the first week of my holiday. Hiking the latter was so very hard but with the reward of Volcan Fuego erupting next door it was worth all the pain! There are no direct flights to Guatemala from the UK so we connected via Atlanta to Guatemala City with Virgin and Delta. An hour's shuttle on arrival brought us to Antigua, the former capital city, and an attractive one at that with a magnificent setting: surrounded by three volcanoes, the city boasts beautifully renovated buildings alongside tumbledown charm; pretty pastel facades and cobbled streets. We were lucky that our stay coincided with some of the preparations for Passion Week, and we came across a big procession on the Sunday with hundreds of purple-robed men carrying a huge float through the cobbled streets - a very sombre affair and a little unnerving to the uninitiated as the float swayed from side to side, the weight bearing men appearing almost trancelike. Preparations were also in full swing for the Easter week carpets: coloured sawdust, flowers, fruits and vegetables laid out for the procession to pass over. Easter is a big event in the Guatemalan calendar and the excitement was palpable as families lined the streets and hawkers sold their goods in the squares. A great atmosphere, almost carnival-like. On to the more challenging part of our Antigua visit, with a hike to the peak of nearby Volcan Acatenango. This was hard - really hard! We joined a local operator, Old Town Outfitters, for our overnight hike, who thankfully offered local porters to help carry packs and food - true lifesavers, I wouldn't have made it without them! The first stage of the hike led us along steep, dusty farmer's trails where every sliding step forward felt like an achievement. It was a relief to enter the second phase: old-growth tropical cloud forest with fresh air and firmer ground under foot, and plenty of flora to admire as you took another breather! The altitude definitely played a part on this hike and with every few steps I could feel my heart pounding in my ears. As we left the cloud forest the morning clouds had lifted and we were greeted by sunshine as well as spectacular views across the Cuchumatanes mountain chain and across to Volcan Pacaya. This was the (marginally) easier phase of the trail with a less steep climb through temperate coniferous forest and tropical dry forest. The views from here definitely helped, as did the thunderous booms from nearby Fuego, letting us know our hiking wouldn't be in vain. On reaching our campsite the clouds had returned so while we could hear Fuego there was nothing to be seen. We took to our tents for a well-earned rest, and on poking heads out of tents an hour or so later we were delighted to see the clouds had dropped and Fuego was visible in all his glory. As the sun set the puffs of smoke accompanying every thunderous roar were transformed into the best firework display you could imagine, with lava spurting from the crater, creating trails down the mountainside. Easily the most spectacular sight I have been privileged to see. Nature at her most awesome. The fireworks continued throughout our campsite dinner and the booms continued throughout the night. On more than one occasion we jumped awake in a mild panic, convinced the lava would reach across to us! After very little sleep we rose early for the final stage of our summit. A sand and gravel scree-trail all the way to the top. And I thought day one was hard! As the sun started to rise behind me I ploughed on, counting each step for motivation. It was steep, it was cold, it was slip-sliding hard. But just as the sun peaked above the horizon I made it to the top, just in time for 360 degree views of the Guatemalan highlands to come into view. A stunning sight and definitely a well-earned reward! Now all I needed to do was make it back down...

21 August 2015

A promised visit to a friend living near Edinburgh gave me a good excuse to see a bit of Scotland having never been before, and a chance to stop off at the Lake District to break the long drive. Having had a bit of a wash out summer so far, the thought of camping was a little daunting, but thankfully the British weather held up for the most part and it was a fabulous trip. It's sometimes easy to forget the beauty of our homeland - this trip was a great reminder of how stunning our countryside is (particularly when the sun is shining!). Car packed, dog (Gizmo) lazing comfortably on back seat, we set off. After a rather long and arduous journey with M6 delays, the idyllic sight of sheep grazing and mountains rising was just the thing to lift my mood. The Lake District greeted us with sunshine and we set up camp near Pooley Bridge on Ullswater in time for a quick walk to the lake's edge for sunset. A clear night meant star filled skies followed by a bright and early start ready for a beautiful sunny day ahead. The 6 mile walk from Pooley Bridge to Howtown takes you over Barton Fell Common and bracken and sheep filled fields, with stunning views across the lake to Helvellyn Range. Picture postcard! Plenty of photo stops along the way made it an easy wander and the Ullswater Steamer gave us an excuse not to walk back. The perfect start. Day 2 was a bit grey so we headed out in the car to see some nearby sights. Keswick is a lovely town - packed with tourists and, oddly, dogs! Gizmo made many friends that day! Our wander through the town brought us to Derwent Water with the chance for a splash (Gizmo, not me) and a stretch of the legs. Back into the car for a ridiculously scenic drive sandwiched between Lake Thirlmere and Helvellyn Range to Ambleside and Lake Windermere beyond. Bowness was lovely but very touristy so a quick dinner stop was enough to recharge us for yet another stunning drive, passing through Glenridding and along the shores of Ullswater. Along the way we happened across a waterfall sign, so stopped for a walk up to the pools at the top of Aira Force - a lovely, tranquil spot. Next stop Edinburgh! Catch up with pal time, a bit of festival fun and a few sights along the way. A lovely city that I'll be visiting again for a chance to explore more! Cairngorms National Park next and another lovely, scenic drive and sunny arrival. Can't ask for more than that! Glenmore Forest Park was our home for the next three nights, sitting on the edge of Loch Morlich, near Aviemore. More good fortune as the sun was high in the sky for our first day, so we set off on the Ryvoan Trail to get a feel for the mountains and forest surrounding us. A lovely walk, taking us to a hidden alpine lake, along forest trails and with picture perfect lake views on the final stretch. A warm afternoon meant a packed beach and a very hot dog, so we set off for a leisurely stroll around the lake. Great views along the way, plenty of cooling spots to break the journey and wild blueberries en route to keep energy levels up! Another grey day 2 but this time we kept on foot and chanced the mountain weather with a walk up Ryvoan Bothy. Steeper than expected, and with pesky midges making stops a chore, the climb was a little tougher than anticipated but we made it to the top with good spirits still intact! Drizzle kicked in for the walk down so the views were compromised a fair bit, but still a lovely walk offering a sense of the scale of the beautiful Cairngorms NP. Nature was at its best on this trip and we had a lovely time. The first of many road trips for one woman and a dog, I think! (more pictures on Facebook)

23 June 2015

Southern Cypriot Charms with Cyprus Tourism Cyprus Tourism were keen to prove on this trip that there is more to Cyprus than lazy sun-drenched beaches and I’m pleased to report they succeeded! In fact, Cyprus is brimming with history and culture, stunning landscapes and coastal scenery, delicious culinary delights and friendly and hospitable locals everywhere you go. We had three bases for our trip, all in the South: Agia Napa, Lemesos and Pafos, with side trips and excursions from all making for a packed itinerary. Southern Cyprus is really easy to get around, whether by local bus/coach or by hiring a car (driving on the left). Cyprus’ East is famous for lovely beaches, sunbathing and party time but it offers plenty more to boot. The main holiday season starts from May so our visit was just before the party hoards arrive, but with a monastery in the heart of the town Agia Napa definitely offered more culture than I’d expected. The Monastery is free to look around and creates an interesting juxtaposition to neighbouring Central Square, home to the many bars and nightclubs! The Thalasso Museum was an unexpected pleasure too, filled with natural history and island stories. For kids there’s a treasure hunt – an enjoyable way to escape the midday heat for an hour or so. As more of a nature lover, Cape Greco Coastal Path was the real highlight of the East for me, with stunning views from the cliff tops across turquoise waters, coves and sea caves; an ideal spot for hiking or cycling, benefitting from the cooling sea breeze. It’s also possible to get up close and personal to the coves by kayak. On to Larnaka for a spot of shopping (plenty of little tourist shops along with familiar big brands) followed by a delicious lunch with sunny sea views. Larnaka’s hub is its promenade ‘Finikoudes’, with restaurants, cafes and bars galore – a buzzing area and the perfect spot to eat, drink and people watch. Moving inland we found a more traditional side to island life during our visit to lovely Tochni Village. Swapping beachside resorts for stone houses clustered across the hillside; winding streets and flowering shrubs, cacti and trees, this is a really picturesque part of the country. Perfect for a scenic drive and lunch, or for the more active, cycling, horse riding and nature trails are plentiful. Next stop Lemesos (Limassol), a lively, cosmopolitan city offering beachside resorts, ancient cities to either side, and an historical centre home to a 14th century Byzantine Castle along with a great selection of bars, cafes and restaurants. The perfect spot for a long weekend and for longer trips it’s a perfect central base for exploring further afield. Our first full day trip took us to the stunning Troodos Mountains. With lovely views across the valleys of Lemesos and Larnaka, and the greater Masaoria plain, this is another dramatic contrast to the coastal resorts and cities. Alongside the plentiful natural beauty are wine trails and some of the island’s most important medieval frescoed churches. Troodos is also home to numerous pretty little villages with cobbled streets, terraced slopes, an array of artisan shops and plenty of tavernas should you need to re-charge the batteries. Definitely worth a visit. Next stop, Ancient Kourion, perched on a hillside with stunning views across patchwork fields to the sea beyond, and home to the remains of an ancient settlement and a reconstructed Roman Theatre. Walkways guide you through the various remnants with Roman foundations and mosaics still visible. All pretty amazing, particularly those spectacular views. From here we wound our way to Pafos for our final stay. This stretch of road follows the coastline and is really stunning, with plenty of scenic stops along the way including Aphrodite’s birthplace, a particularly beautiful spot. A journey for the Sunday driver in you! To the west of Pafos lies the Akamas Peninsula, a designated National Park and home to gorgeous lagoons and secluded bays, limestone cliffs and valleys. The terrain here is rough and unsealed so a jeep safari is recommended, or for the more energetic (and adventurous) there are walking and mountain biking trails. Our exciting jeep safari took us across plains covered in flora and fauna, and along mountain roads with slightly terrifying bends. Again the scenery was just stunning. With more time there are gorges and beaches to explore – again, well worth a visit. Our day was rounded off nicely with a visit to a traditional village home for bread making, music and a delicious home cooked meal with our friendly hosts. Back at Pafos there was just time to explore some local highlights, with visits to UNESCO’s Tombs of the Kings (a vast complex of burial grounds dating from the 4th century), Pafos Archaeological Park (home to a great selection of third-century mosaic floors) and pretty Pafos Harbour. All really interesting and just a few of the historical sites to see in this part of the country. It really was a jam-packed itinerary and a great introduction to the array of sights and activities available. Just a snapshot of the photos here - visit my Facebook page for many more. A big thank you to Cyprus Tourism, Aegean Airlines, Adams Beach Hotel, Amathus Beach Hotel, Almyra Hotel and the various operators and restaurants that hosted us throughout the trip. Spoilt once again!

08 December 2014

I first tried skiing in my early 20s and I loved it - but I was pretty rubbish! Naturally a wimp, it took me a long time to feel comfortable sliding on two planks and progress was slow. I’ve toyed with the idea of skiing trips since, but the potential cost combined with the thought of starting from scratch has held me back. When an opportunity arose to sample a Mark Warner “Learn to Ski” holiday, I jumped at the chance, and I’m so glad I did because I loved it again, and surprised myself at how much I remembered. It’s a bit like riding a bike, I guess. Mark Warner trips are usually 7 or 14 nights, but ours was just a short taster for 3 nights. We stayed at Chalethotel Le Val d’Isere, overlooking the main street in the heart of town, and a few minutes’ walk to the base of the slopes. A chalethotel is a great option, combining the friendliness and full catering of a chalet with the privacy aspects of a hotel, and with the great location of ours we couldn’t have wanted more. Val d’Isere is truly lovely! It’s the most popular wintersports resort for Brits and it’s easy to see why. The setting is beautiful: a picture postcard alpine town set with a tree lined main street, dotted with cafes, small shops and restaurants both on piste and off. Linked to neighbouring Tignes, guests have access to a vast ski area offering high quality, snow-sure slopes for all levels. Our ski instructor from Oxygene was excellent – really friendly and patient, and he put us all at ease straight away. There wasn’t time to get really stuck in on this trip, but this little taster was enough to remind me how much fun skiing is. It was also a great opportunity to experience a different resort, sample Mark Warner hospitality and remind myself what I’ve been missing out on! I won’t be leaving it as long next time…

01 October 2014

My first cruise, and what a fabulous experience Celebrity provided! I was lucky to be one of twenty Travel Counsellors invited to enjoy the first half of Celebrity’s 12 night Mediterranean Cruise. Alongside the chance to enjoy the facilities of this lovely ship, with stops in Le Havre and La Rochelle, Celebrity provided an On Board Seminar with training exercises most days offering us a full insight into the Celebrity experience. The training we received was invaluable for really getting to grips with the Celebrity product – what’s included, what our clients can realistically expect to pay on board, the extra value of upgrades and understanding the value of the various campaigns we see throughout the year. Alongside classroom time we were given a ship orientation, visiting a sample of the different staterooms available, the kids club, speciality restaurants and behind the scenes with a Galley Tour. We had the chance to question various ship managers, and were even treated to a talk from Oz Clarke, visiting wine boffin (and lovely chap)! The a la carte evening meals were always of an excellent standard, but a highlight for everyone was our visit to speciality restaurant Qsine, which turned into a four hour dining extravaganza, sampling delicious treats from around the world (including sushi lollipops and strawberry fields, no less). Foodies are advised to factor in a few visits to the speciality restaurants as a very worthwhile treat! Last but not least, we were very spoilt with an invitation to enjoy a champagne reception on the Bridge with the Captains as the sun set over La Rochelle. Lovely!

09 August 2014

After a night in Marrakech I joined an Exodus small group tour (Atlas Panorama) and headed for the hills! This part of romantic Morocco is the ideal place to get away from it all. Hidden deep in the High Atlas Mountains are the crumbling remains of the great fortress-palace of Telouet, where we stopped for the most delicious tagine lunch. No time for a siesta, we continued our drive through the picturesque Tijhza Valley, across the impressive Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2260m), before arriving at the lush and remote village of Tijhza. Staying in a simple but pleasant gite, we took in the spectacular surrounds each day with walks straight from the front door. The relaxed pace allowed us time to enjoy the scenery of the mountains and learn a little about the way of life for the Berber people. Our guide, Yasin, was simply lovely and nothing was too much trouble. His knowledge of the area and the local people was second to none and he led us to the most picturesque spots, which I'm certain we couldn't have found without him. Our treks took us off the beaten track, where the only people we passed were goat and sheep herders. From here we headed back to Marrakech and reality! A visit to the tranquil Majorelle Gardens helped lessen the blow before I immersed myself fully into the sights and sounds of the markets, the bartering and the buying! Great fun and great bargains to be found.

06 March 2014

A relaxing break in the sun before the hustle and bustle of Christmas was just what the doctor ordered. Shame no-one got the message about the sun! A late southern monsoon hit Thailand for almost the duration of my trip but I'm happy to report spirits weren't dampened too much - massages, great food and a few sundowners definitely helped! I had visited Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the Eastern islands on a previous holiday, so this trip was geared towards the west coast beaches and a well-earned rest, however I allowed for a couple of nights in Bangkok to break my outbound journey. As I had seen a good few temples and wats on my last visit, I booked in for a half day cycle tour around the canals for a different perspective. Cycling along busy roads isn't for the faint hearted but with two guides accompanying our small group (and stopping traffic every once in a while) I felt I was in safe hands. For the most part we avoided traffic anyway, cycling along canal paths and through the winding lanes of floating villages. Bangkok is a fast paced and frenetic city so this little trip was a great escape from the norm, and a lovely way to adventure into the parts of the city you wouldn't usually see. A great way to start my trip! From Bangkok I headed to Krabi from where most head straight to the beach, but I opted to use Krabi Town as my base for a few days instead. It's a nice little place with a couple of food markets, a weekend night market and some great value restaurants. It's pretty low key and felt very much a working town rather than tourist spot, compared to nearby Ao Nang. It's easy to get around and a quick boat, taxi or songthaew ride gets you to the nearby beaches at Railay and Ao Nang. The boat journey to Railay was lovely, passing beautiful limestone outcrops along the way. The two beaches here were busy with day-trippers but that didn't take away from the beauty and I'd highly recommend a visit. It's possible to stay on the island too if a relaxing break is the key objective. A day trip to James Bond Island is an essential for most Krabi visitors. Without doubt it's mass tourism at its finest and you are herded with the masses, but there's a reason why everyone visits - the scenery is stunning. A drive through the countryside takes you to the longboat dock, from where your boat trip passes through calm waters and rocky outcrops - with most on board debating if every small outcrop is THE James Bond Island. Of course when you reach the real island you know all about it - even if you miss the very big sign you won't miss the very many tourists testing their best James Bond/Bong girl pose (and if you can't beat them...). From Krabi it's just a couple of hours by car and ferry to Koh Lanta which offers long stretches of golden sand beaches and a slower pace of life than Krabi. Whether you want to party or find a quiet spot to relax, Koh Lanta can cater for you. I stayed on Long Beach with places to stay, eat and drink stretching along the length of the bay alongside requisite massage huts. In spite of the rain clouds I had a lovely time in this friendly spot and batteries were fully recharged. From Koh Lanta I hopped across to Phi Phi Island which was the prettiest spot on the trip. The main beach has been taken over by the backpacker brigade and party time but it's not hard to find a quieter spot if this isn't your thing. Longboats will ferry you around or a half hour walk along a scenic coastal path brings you from town to Long Beach. A walk up to the Lookout is well worth the effort for stunning views over the island, and a wander through the sandy streets of town will find plenty of shopping opportunities for the keen haggler. A very wet ferry ride later and I'd reached my last stop - Phuket - and the very lovely Pavilions for a treat on my final night. Even the rain couldn't stop me enjoying a dip in my private pool - I was used to it by then anyway!

17 September 2012

From Dom Rep to Antigua for a contrasting experience of the Caribbean. Where Dom Rep had more of a Spanish feel, the British influence is all around in Antigua. Antigua is also one of the Caribbean's smaller islands and it feels like everyone knows everyone here. With its economy so reliant on tourism you can be sure you'll be well looked after, albeit in Caribbean time! The island itself is beautiful, with idyllic beaches everywhere you turn (one for every day of the year, they say) and being so small it's easy to get around and explore. With such lovely hotels the temptation would be to stay put for the duration but there's plenty to do outside your resort, particularly in the evenings. Friday nights see Nelson's Dockyard transfrom into the venue for Seafood Friday with music and seafood served under the stars. Delicious food and a good night out, but the highlight for me was Shirley Heights Lookout which hosts the "biggest and best" party every Sunday. We arrived just in time to watch the sunset over English Harbour, before joining in the party with a ridiculously energetic steel band followed by live music on stage. I loved every minute but if you prefer to avoid the crowds there's a more laid back version on a Thursday evening. After our Sunday night exertions we were given time to relax on Monday with a full day Catamaran trip - the Island Circumnavigation tour. A great way to see the island from a different perspective and see for yourself just how many beaches there really are!

02 July 2012

Just a quick working visit but we certainly packed a lot in! We visited plenty of hotels, mainly larger resorts with lots of activities available, lovely palm fringed beaches and all inclusive deals to tempt you to stay put for the duration of your stay. The food wasn't great but for location and value for money, you can't go far wrong. It's worth forcing yourself off that sun lounger to leave the resort once or twice though as Dom Rep certainly has plenty more to offer. Set on the most geographically diverse Caribbean island, Dom Rep boasts virgin alpine wilderness, tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, cultivated savannas, wide expanses of desert and everything in between. We sampled some of this on an Outback Jungle Safari tour which headed inland to visit a local home and cocoa plantation, took a quick stop at a local school and ended with lovely Macao Beach for a chance to cool off in the waves. Our guide was excellent and very informative and the tour was a great chance to hear about the country, its history and people. We also fitted in a half day catamaran trip to Saona Island. It was lovely to be out on the water, and lazing on the deck with a rum in hand was a working day I could probably get used to! Back at Punta Cana we found time for a quick taster buggy ride through Punta Cana Ecological Foundation; a private, protected area of lowland subtropical forest covering 1,500 acres dedicated to conservation, scientific research and recreation. Sadly we didn't have time to see all that the reserve offers, but the buggies were lots of fun and a short walk to one of the freshwater lagoons was a great opportunity for cooling the toes! Next stop Antigua...

24 January 2012

After trekking through the jungle of Sarawak for a fortnight, a little R&R was needed! A stay at the Shangri La Rasa Ria was just what the doctor ordered. The Shangri-La Rasa Ria is an exclusive resort set on Pantai Dalit beach, surrounded by 400 acres of lush tropical vegetation and its location ensures you retain a feeling of where you are, albeit with the advantages of the numerous facilities the resort has to offer. The absolute highlight for me was the Orang Utan Conservation Programme that the resort houses, which allows guests the chance to see the orangutans up close at feeding time. The programme houses the orangutans at stage 2 which means they are all very young and playful - I could have watched them all day!

24 January 2012

I love Borneo! Split into two areas: Sabah and Sarawak, with Brunei in between, Borneo is a part of Malaysia that focuses on wildlife and nature in its many national parks, offering beautiful beaches and an opportunity to relax. The people are lovely, the scenery is beautiful and nature is all around you. After a wonderful trip to Sabah in 2003, I couldn't resist the temptation to go back and visit what I'd missed in Sarawak. I wasn't sure the trip could match the great times I had on my previous visit but it was every bit as good. I joined a G Adventures tour which took us from Kota Kinabalu to Kuching, visiting rainforest canopies, jungle wildlife, caves and mountain trails along the way. Highlights included an overnight stay in a longhouse with a chance to meet the community there (where all the children seemed to be named after footballers - we met a 2 year old Wayne Rooney!), floating along the Melinau River, trekking the Headhunters Trail (no heads en route, thankfully), and witnessing the swirling bat exodus from Deer Cave in Mulu National Park. From Mulu we flew on to Kuching which is a great base for a few days, with its relaxed setting on the banks of the Sungai River, souvenir shops aplenty, a lively eating and drinking scene and four national parks within day trip distance. As a group we visited Bako National Park where we were lucky enough to spot proboscis monkeys chilling in the trees along with a group of orangutans swinging through the tree tops. Having only seen orangutan in a sanctuary on my previous trip, it was a really special moment seeing them in their natural habitat. A couple of extra days in Kuching after the tour gave me a chance to pick up some bargains at the many handicraft shops, and a little more trekking at Gunung Gading National Park along with a refreshing dip under the many waterfalls along the way.

24 January 2012

A lovely week of rest and relaxation. I arrived in style, taking a helicopter transfer to the North of the island before a short road transfer to the BodyHoliday Le Sport, home for the next five days. If budget allows I would highly recommend cutting your journey time with a helicopter transfer. The views are spectacular, the ride's exhilarating and it's the perfect pick me up after an exhausting flight. The BodyHoliday is a wonderful experience. Based at the North of the Island on a virtually private beach, it combines an all-inclusive resort experience with a Wellness Centre providing a range of spa treatments, all included in the package. I was truly spoilt! My days were mainly spent lazing on the beach and being pampered in the spa, but it wasn't all relaxation. A range of activities is also available to keep the more energetic entertained, of which I sampled the walking and bike riding (which on a mountainous island like St Lucia is definitely not all relaxation!) and yoga. The restaurants and bars were great - my favourite being the piano and champagne bar - and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, particularly at TAO restaurant (voted by Condé Nast as one of the top 60 tables in the world). Top tip: pre-book your daily treatments and visits to TAO restaurant as these are popular! My final two days were to be spent further South at the Jalousie Plantation. I hired a taxi for an afternoon to see a little of the island between resorts and we followed the coast South. The views were simply stunning. Cove after cove of picturesque coastal towns and beaches, backing onto miles of unspoiled rainforest and eventually the majestic Piton Mountains. The Jalousie Plantation sits between these mountains in the majestic Valley of the Pitons: 192 acres of magnificent rainforest, stretching down to the white sands of Sugar Beach. It's setting is absolutely stunning and I happily spent my days watching the comings and goings from the beach, gazing out to sea and snorkelling amongst the sealife at the foot of the mountains. Perfect!