25 March 2023

Dominican Republic March 2022 I spent 4 nights in the TRS Turquesa Hotel and 3 nights in the Grand Palladium Punta Cana hotel, (both situated in the Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa). There are 3 Grand Palladium Hotels in the resort. The Bavaro Suites, Palace & Punta Cana plus the TRS Turquesa Hotel, which is adults only and has butler service! You can use the facilities of all the hotels in the resort. A fabulous day trip to Saona Island I also spent a day at the TRS Cap Cana hotel in the exclusive gated community of Cap Cana. which is about 30 minutes away from the resort in Punta Cana This was a trip that I was lucky enough to go on with the Palladium group, to stay and visit their hotels in the Dominican. I went with a group of Travel Agents, these resorts did not disappoint, it caters for adults and families, located on a beautiful beach. Perfect for a honeymoon The rooms are spacious at the TRS you have a Jacuzzi bath in the room, plus a separate shower, and if you are feeling lazy you can get your butler to even run your bath for you. Little Golf buggies take you around the resort, there is even a train which appealed to the adults as well and the children. The spa onsite as an array of treatments where you can indulge yourself

08 July 2019

We stayed here for 1 night 2 days, at the Old Phuket hotel in the Sino Wing – Deluxe room. A large resort but the rooms could do with a bit of updating, features include Jacuzzis, pools and views of the mountains. You are a stone’s throw from Karon Beach, which provides access to water sports. The shops are within walking distance, you can eat, shop, the sea food restaurants are very fresh you can pick your own lobster from the tank. Street food is also available. We also went to the Simon cabaret show, we choose VIP seats which I would recommend, the show was excellent, if you want a photo after the show you can pose with members of the cast at a cost of 100 baht’s per performer.

06 July 2019

We spent 5 nights at Apsara beachfront resort and villas in Khao Lak. We stayed in a pool villa. The resort is nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty where the tides of the Andaman Sea flow into a lush lagoon and mangrove forest, against a backdrop of forested mountains. This Khao Lak beachfront resort features two distinct zones on either side of the beautiful lagoon connected by an iconic bridge. The Resort Zone has a lively ambiance while across the bridge at the Villa Zone the village setting offers privacy and quietude. To reach your villa a golf buggy takes you there. You collect it outside reception and dial 0 when you want collecting to go to the main resort. You go across the bridge and en route your view is of the sea. There is also a restaurant which for breakfast is only for villa guests and provides waiter service. At lunch and dinner this can be used by all guests and provides an a la carte menu. The pool villas are totally enclosed and private. You have a bedroom, living room, dressing area with double sinks, toilet and wardrobes. The shower is an outdoor rain shower, which is lovely. The villa is spacious and would sleep 4 comfortably. Being able to take a swim as you wake up before breakfast was lovely. You have a patio area, plus sun loungers, and a mini bar that is replenished daily. There is a spa on site, that provides a list of services. Villa guests receive a 30-minute free massage. We did indulge in a couple’s massage which was very good. The restaurant on the main site was excellent; beachfront location, staff were attentive, and they also do happy hour 4pm-6pm which is good value. With this hotel you are about 25 minutes from any town, which is a factor to bear in mind, if you like having a stroll into the local village. There is a market three days a week, not expensive by taxi. There is also the tsunami museum which you can look at to see the events in photos. We also took a trip to James Bond Island, visited the floating village, plus sea caving was brilliant. All arranged before we left.

06 July 2019

At Elephant Hills we stayed for 2 nights in the main camp and 1 night at the river camp. What a fantastic experience! We were picked up from Surat Thani airport, transfers are included as standard, and driven to Elephant hills which was around 2 hours. The greeting you receive is very warming, we received our keys and walked to our tent which even has a hammock outside if you want to just swing and listen to the noises being made by the wildlife there. We participated in the unique, international award-winning, ethical elephant experience on our first day. After lunch we were off to see the elephants and a trip by canoe to the Mangrove which we did first. This was amazing seeing the Banyan trees and having various wildlife pointed out to us. Then we went to the elephants - you could see them as you approached, just wandering free. We watched them play in the water, then we washed them. After this we prepared their food and fed them by hand, it was a fantastic experience. We spent our third night at the one-of-a-kind Rainforest Camp on Cheow Larn Lake – one of the only floating luxury tented camps on this planet. Six of us were driven to the river, where we boarded a long tail boat sailing for around an hour until we approached this tranquil setting with over water tents on a lake. We were greeted with a drink and shown to our tents. Only an overnight bag is needed. After lunch we went by boat to climb a mountain, capturing some beautiful scenery. When at the top, we entered a cave bursting with wildlife, we then returned to camp, where we went swimming in the lake which was so warm also the fish were also swimming freely below your feet. Dinner was served in these wonderful surroundings, also very personal as there were only 6 of us, just chatting and enjoying the peace and quiet. Next morning, we took kayaks out with our guides and paddled down the lake, before going back to where some of the day trippers and those having the overnight experience were. We all enjoyed lunch, before leaving and transferred on to or next destination. A true escape from the modern world. Search for wildlife in the jungle, float in self-paddle canoes, explore the forest on foot or just relax at the camp. This truly is nature at its finest! A totally wonderful experience!

30 June 2019

I spent 3 nights staying at the Rembrandt Hotel in a Terrace Suite, which had incredible views of Bangkok. They have a cocktail bar situated at the top which gives some great views over Bangkok. Breakfast was very good with lots of variety. We did have a massage here which I would say was ok, I think you could have got more for your money in a salon which there are in abundance. The hotel is well situated to get about easily, near the shopping centre, we also took a stroll down the street which has the bars, shows which are performed by lady boys, who all looked stunning. Bangkok is a vibrant place with lots going on a great stop for a few days, I would recommend, deciding on what you want to see before going, and having that all in place as there is so much to do in a couple of days. Full day visit of Bangkok like a local private tour: We took the sky train, and glided through the city to reach the river, where we took a short boat trip to Tha Tien Pier starting with a visit of Wat Pho. Wat Pho is home to more than one thousand Buddha images, as well as one of the largest single Buddha statues: The Reclining Buddha. You will likely hear the monk's morning chanting ritual emanating from the main hall during your visit. Which we did hear. We continued our walk to Wat Phra Kaew, known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and one of the most respected temples in Thailand. The next unmissable stop was the Grand Palace, home of the Kings of Siam of the Chakri Dynasty, originally built by King Rama I. We walked to the fascinating Amulet market. For a bit of adventure, jumped on a Thai tuk tuk to visit Wat Saket and climbed the 334 steps to the heavenly Golden Mountain, which offered incredible view over Bangkok. We then took a Saen Saeb taxi boat to discover the Jim Thompson house, home of the famous founder of Jim Thompson Thai Silk. (Unless you know who Jim Thompson this could be missed.) One last ride by the sky train brought us back to our hotel after a day full of striking emotions. Apsara Dinner Cruise With intimate dining the boat takes around 20 people, we were greeted with a welcome drink, shown our seats and served a lovely 4 course Thai dinner, while sailing up the river and taking in the sights of Bangkok by night. We had a half day at the vibrant Damnoen Saduak floating market by long-tail boat private tour, an early start with about an hour drive to our long tail boat, then through the water to the market. Our guide was fantastic, he advised not to buy as we came off the boat as theses were higher prices. The whole place was fascinating, you do need to barter in order to get a good price, usually start at half the price or a bit lower, until your happy at the price. Be prepared to walk away, there are lots selling identical goods.

03 June 2019

Arrive Bangkok for 3 days, staying at the Rembrandt Hotel. Trips arranged in advance Tour: Full day visit Bangkok like a local private tour Itinerary: Today, you will take the SkyTrain, also known as the BTS and glide through the city to reach the river, from where you can take a short boat trip to Tha Tien Pier starting with a visit of Wat Pho. Wat Pho is home to more than one thousand Buddha images, as well as one of the largest single Buddha statues: The Reclining Buddha. You will likely hear the monk's morning chanting ritual emanating from the main hall during your visit. You will continue your walk to Wat Phra Kaew, known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and one of the most respected temples in Thailand. Your next unmissable stop will be the Grand Palace, home of the Kings of Siam of the Chakri Dynasty, originally built by King Rama I. Afterward, you will continue walk to the fascinating Amulet market. For a bit of adventure, jump on a Thai tuk tuk to visit Wat Saket and climb the heavenly Golden Mountain, which offers an incredible view over Bangkok. After that, you will travel aboard a Saen Saeb taxi boat to discover the Jim Thompson house, home of the famous founder of Jim Thompson Thai Silk. One last ride by BTS or taxi will bring you back to your hotel after a day full of striking emotions. Meals included: Lunch Notes: • Full day private tour with English speaking guide • Duration: 8.00 - 15.00 hrs. • When visiting temples: ladies should wear a short-sleeved top with full-length trousers or knee-length skirt. Gentlemen should wear trousers and a short-sleeved shirt for religious reasons. No shoes are allowed into the temple Inclusion service: English Speaking Guide, Roundtrip transfer by local transport from/to hotel in Bangkok, Entrance fee, Lunch, Water Tour: Apsara Dinner Cruise Inclusive of: Welcome drink, Thai set or buffet dinner Embark: 08:00pm Disembark: 10:15pm at River City Pier, Gate 2, Pier 3 Transfer: Private round trip transfer from hotel in Bangkok to River City Pier, by private air-conditioned minivan without guide Tour: Half day Vibrant Damnoen Saduak floating market by long-tail boat private tour Itinerary: In the early morning you will go to the floating market Damnoen Saduak that attracts curious visitors since centuries thanks to its remarkable practice for the buy and sale of products on almost the whole stretch of water. Jump in a long-tail boat and glide gently on the canals in the midst of hundreds of little boats filled with all possible goods, from juicy fruits to colourful material. The living and often crowded labyrinth of canals is the best place to watch locals during their work. Do you want tropical fruits or a beautifully carved Buddha? Try it on your own and see how good your negotiating skills are! Notes: • Tour type: Half day morning private tour • Tour duration: 07.00 – 13.00 hrs. • Transfer duration Bangkok – Damnoen Saduak: 1.5 – 2 hrs. Inclusion service: English Speaking Guide, Private roundtrip transfer from/to hotel in Bangkok, Lunch, Water Elephant Hills Khao Sak Flight from Bangkok to Surant Thani. Transfer to Elephant Hills Klong Sok, Panom District, Suratthani 3 Nights, 4 days full board in Thailand’s first luxury tented camps while the activities are a perfect mix to give you an excellent insight into all aspects of Elephant Hills – elephants, canoeing, mangrove swamps, jungle lake explorations and rainforest walks. Every day is different and there’s always something new to explore. Transfer to the Aspara Beach front Resort & Villa. Staying in a Pool Villa, for a relaxing 5 nights plus a full day excursion. Excursion: Full day James Bond Island & Sea Cave Canoe SIC Tour Itinerary: "James Bond Island, Sea Cave Canoe, Panyi Village, Mangrove Forest and Monkey Temple!" One of the most popular tours from Khaolak! Everyone knows James Bond Island from the movie, The Man with the Golden Gun! This famous island and Panyi Village are two places that are not to be missed! You will see the dramatic limestone islands, breath-taking views, one of the best mangrove forests in Thailand. Explore sea caves by canoe. Visit the Panyi fishermen village where you can see the local sea gypsy people going about their daily routine. Be prepared to be amazed and don’t forget your camera! • 07:00 to 07:30hrs - Pick up from your hotel • Tranfer to Phang Nga Bay and board a traditional Thai longtail boat to go to the mangrove forest • Visit the famous James Bond Island • Visit Panyi Island and learn of its history and the lifestyle on the floating village • Lunch at Panyi Village • Next, sea cave canoe to witness the beautiful limestone caves with magnificent stalactites, stalagmites, turquoise lagoons and stunning cliffs • Visit Wat Suwan Kuha, the famous cave temple with many monkeys around • 16:30 to 17:00hrs - Return to your hotel Inclusion service: English Speaking Guide, join roundtrip transfer from/to hotel in Khao Lak Soft drinks, Thai lunch and national park fee. Private transfer to Phuket for the last 2 days Hotel in Phuket: Old Phuket Karon Beach, Sino Wing Deluxe room with daily breakfast for 2 persons. Hotel is a stone’s throw from the famous golden sand Karon Beach, and still close enough to visit Phuket town. Transfer: Private transfer service from Hotel in Phuket to Phuket airport, by Private air-conditioned minivan with English Speaking Guide

27 April 2019

Accessible/Inclusive Travel – Why booking with me will be different Being confident enough to continue to travel, have you found one of the biggest problems is trying to get travel agents to understand that you are unique to me. Being treated as a ‘disabled traveler’ rather than a traveler with unique problems. This may have meant missing out on travel experiences and limited the locations that were being advised by the travel agent. Instead of asking me my specific requirements. Having undertaken further specialist training this allows me to open so many doors for people to explore the world, no matter what their barriers are. Whether it by via land, sea or air, adventure or relaxation, I can help keep the well-travelled, travelling well. When your life changes beyond any expectation, a lot of people get around to thinking about how they would love to go back on holiday. Then doubt sets in: ‘Where do I start to plan this kind of trip?’ ‘Is it even possible?’ ‘How can I do it?’ The short answer is yes you most definitely can! Here are a few things to consider helping you on your journey. Whether it’s a country cottage stay in the UK, a culturally enriching city break in Europe, soaking up the Spanish sun, cruising around the Mediterranean or an exotic distant shore, skiing in the Alps, arranging your much-deserved holiday should be an enjoyable experience packed with anticipation of visiting places new. Historically, for many with additional access and mobility requirements it has rarely been anything like that! But it doesn’t have to be that way and with appropriate planning and preparation, arranging your time away should be a pleasant and stress-free experience. So how best to achieve that? Well, a crucial start point is to create a check-list to ensure you are being asked all the right questions by your travel organiser. And you should be armed with a list of important questions that you should be asking them. QUESTIONS AS YOUR TRAVEL COUNSELLOR I NEED TO KNOW: I will ask you also to complete a form that provides me with all the information I need to complete to the airlines. Where would you like to go? When would you like to go and for how long? Best UK departure airport or cruise port for you? Who will be travelling (adults/children and their ages). Details of party member/s with additional requirements to include: sensory problems, mental/emotional needs, nature of condition (e.g. amputee). Details of any mobility aids to include prosthetics and how they may be carried if not worn during the journey? Wheelchair make and model/height/length/width/weight for powered wheelchairs – battery type and if Lithium-ion, its wattage per hour. Type of assistance you may require at the airport/cruise port/station such as wheelchair, airport buggy, use of an Eagle Hoist, which will seat you in your seat and this avoids the use of manual handling, making it more comfortable for you as the traveler. An ambulift to aircraft door (to avoid steps), carry-on to seat using special chair designed to access aircraft aisle Boarding and in-flight requirements – aisle chair/cabin class. Accommodation requirements – villa/hotel/apartment/cruise cabin. Bathroom requirements – wet-room/grab rails/bath with seat etc. Mobility aids? Hoist/profiling bed/shower chair? Any additional requirements that I should know about? Transfers from the airport, port in specially adapted vehicles WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT You will always be able to speak with just me during the planning and booking process. All your money will be 100% financially protected and I will provide you with 24/7 support whilst away. Lots to do, but with a world of exciting travel opportunities just waiting to be explored, your planning and preparations will ensure you have the wonderful holiday you deserve. And as a travel professional ready and waiting to provide you with the perfect holiday that meets your travel dreams and ambitions and of course, your specific access and mobility requirements. Making travel accessible. Everywhere. For everyone.

06 March 2019

We left the Sofitel in Cambodia to begin the start of our trip to board the stunning Amadara ship. This is a fantastic ship. The staff, food and excursions while travelling were truly a fabulous delight. It was an exciting 7 nights on board where there were various daily excursions for you to take part or simply relax on board. There's a sundeck with pool and every detail was taken into consideration. During the week we sailed on the Mekong River and captured some amazing sights and memories of this part of the world. Taking part in the organised tours as we stopped along the way, among the many was a silk farm where you could see silk being made, then you could shop at your leisure. We also visited an island and were invited into the home of a local family to see how they live a very simple but full life. On our final evening we had a wonderful farewell party which was amazing. We finished in Vietnam, where we stayed an extra 5 nights. During that time, we had an evening food tour by night exploring the delights of street food on motorbikes. A day with a private guide visiting the Sai Gon Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple. The markets are amazing, there is so much life in Vietnam, restaurants they had different offerings dependent on your tastes. It is a city that has everything, and we could have stayed longer to explore further. Priceless memories that will stay with me forever and we will return.

15 October 2018

Sofitel Angkor - Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort This hotel has everything you could wish for in a 5-star hotel, the staff as so attentive, as you enter the hotel the smell of fresh flowers is divine. Getting into the tourist area of Pub street is so easy by Tuk Tuk, they have on site being able to whisk you away in minutes. Set in landscaped gardens on Charles de Gaulle Avenue, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort is the closest Siem Reap hotel to the ruins of Angkor Wat. Which we visited and watch the sunset from This unique Siem Reap Cambodia hotel is situated near traditional markets, tourist attractions and the airport. Enjoy the many features of Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort, including 238 rooms, a swimming pool, which provides a swim up bar, Jacuzzi, spa, five food & beverage outlets, the Phokeethra Country Club, and a world class 18-hole golf course. We stayed in a Prestige Suite which is 90sqm. You can unwind in your own living room, looking out to the lush green garden, enjoy the breeze from your own private balcony. The Prestige Suite features our king-sized bed, espresso machine, guest bathroom and spacious bathroom with a television, and beautiful Hermes amenities. We stayed here for 2 nights before embarking on our river cruise down the Mekong. Would I recommend this hotel in Cambodia? Most definitely – it’s one to stay in.

21 July 2018

In July, we experienced my first ever river cruise - sailing along the magnificent Danube from Prague to Vienna, with the US based company, Tauck. We travelled from 20th to 31st June with a two-night stay in both cities and seven nights on the river. Our journey started at the Intercontinental Hotel in Prague - with its premium location (just a short walk from the old town and Charles Bridge) and rooftop bar where you are treated to uninterrupted views of the city. Welcome drinks were served on the rooftop where we met our fellow passengers followed by dinner in a private room. After two days of architectural wonders, our coach took us to Straubing where we boarded the MS Joy and the start of our cruise. With Tauck, we kept the same coach drivers throughout the whole tour. The MS Joy was indeed a joy - a beautiful ship, well designed with plenty of space all furnished to a high standard. It had the main restaurant but also a more informal café/bar called Arthurs, where you could eat breakfast and lunch and have drinks throughout the day. We had a loft cabin which was split level, giving you plenty of room. The most amazing feature was its floor to ceiling window which made the cabin unbelievably light and airy. Over the course of the next seven days, we docked at Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Grein, Durnstein, Tulln, Bratislava and Vienna. This is an excellent itinerary taking you through the most stunning parts of the Danube including the Wachau Valley. Despite being a busy river, in some ports, we were the only boat in town. A variety of excursions had been organized along the way with at least two choices each day, sometimes three. They were not just limited to the town where you had docked. For example, I took the trip from Regensburg to Munich where we visited the impressive BMW Museum and showroom and the many splendours of the city. From Linz we went back to the Czech Republic to visit the ancient medieval town of Cesky Krumlov which includes Krumlov Castle. Here you experienced a private tour inside the castle, followed by a private lunch and entertainment, one of the largest castle complexes in central Europe embracing 40 buildings and palaces. In contrast, the visit to Mauthausen Memorial, the site of an infamous World War II concentration camp was an incredibly moving experience. Once again, a private tour guide gave an in-depth talk, which gave you an incredible understanding of what happened within the camp. Passau is the quintessential Bavarian town, and the magnificent views over the confluence of the three rivers and Slovakia's capital Bratislava. How can you fail to be impressed by Vienna? Lavish baroque palaces and wide boulevards, the fabulous Museum of Music, where you can conduct the orchestra. Schonbrunn Palace, the Vienna Woods, a city full of style and sophistication, if a little pricey. We finished the holiday on a high with a gala dinner at the Palais Pallavicini, where we were wined and dined and entertained in style by the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra, plus ballet and opera, a special Tauck exclusive. I would recommend a carriage ride around Vienna, the 40-minute trip was spectacular. I cannot recommend Tauck highly enough. Their attention to detail and organization were faultless with excellent customer service. This was an all-inclusive holiday and the quality and choice of the food and drink onboard was fantastic. There were opportunities to sample the local cuisine which involved a lot of meat! The schnitzels were delicious. Great wine and apricot liqueur tasting too. My first experience of river cruising was amazing, and we felt very extremely well looked after. The staff made the effort to know your name and your favourite tipple. I can highly recommend this type of holiday. Fellow passengers were friendly and engaging and it was interesting to see three families onboard with children in their early 20's, demonstrating that river cruising is not just for the older, retired generation.

21 July 2018

Fuerteventura's Gran Hotel, 5-Star Atlantis Bahía Real My husband and I stayed here for three days as a treat for our anniversary, driving from the bottom of the island where we were staying. From the moment we arrived in our hire car, there was someone to park it for us in the underground car park, our cases were taken from us and we were welcomed with a drink as we checked in. Upon entering our Double Deluxe Sea View room which was stunning, there was a bowl of fruit in the room to say welcome. The view from our room was directly looking at the private beach, where staff bring your drinks to you. The beach is near Corralejo Natural Dune Park and with wonderful views of the islands of Lobos and Lanzarote. The food in the restaurant made you feel like a child in a sweet shop, the choice was immense. For every course, meat was cooked in front of you to order. Every course we ate was cooked to the highest standard and superb. On day two, which was our anniversary, we went to the spa. While waiting for our massages we used the pool, sauna and steam room. The facilities are those you would expect in a top-class spa. While relaxing on our balcony afterwards we heard a knock at the door to find the maid had brought us a bottle of champagne to help us celebrate our anniversary. After a lovely breakfast where champagne is served daily, our car was brought back to us, to drive back up to the top of the island. I cannot fault this hotel, the staff and facilities in any way. Our stay was fantastic and an anniversary to remember, I would have no hesitation to return here.

28 June 2018

TThe Eagle Hoist has been available and is bookable when you book your plane ticket for passengers travelling out of London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester. The great news is that those travelling from Birmingham airport, now have the same hoist. This lifts a person out of their wheelchair and onto a plane seat whilst maintaining their dignity always, so there is no need for a person to manually handled. This is also much better for the ground crew as the machine takes the weight of the passenger. Obviously, this depends on the size of the aircraft, as not all aircraft are currently suitable. This machine is found in most of the large airports in Australia and the USA, you do need to be mindful that not all the airports where you are landing, will have an Eagle Hoist. The important message is that you are aware of this information if you know anyone that you feel may benefit from it, then please share this information, as this will encourage more people to ask the more they see the Hoist in operation. I am happy to help assist with this part of the journey with anyone who books their travel with me so that I can do all the co ordinating between the aircraft and the ground crew, to ensure you have an enjoyable experience getting on or off the aircrafts coming into these airports.