30 July 2019

Ask me a year ago if I would ever consider taking myself let alone my family on a cruise, the answer would’ve quite categorically been no! Ask me today and the answer is an absolute yes! Why have I changed my mind? Over this past year I have been privileged to have spent time on three cruise ships, all slightly different but with one thing that will just lure you in time and time again – freedom. It seems a strange word if you have never cruised before, but cruising does give you a lot of it. You have freedom to eat in different restaurants, drink at an array of bars, have time away from your children while they play and meet new friends in the kids clubs, freedom to watch stage productions or pop to the casino, to eat when you choose, pop to one of a few swimming pools or the spa and probably one of the most important features of cruising is it gives you freedom to disembark at your destination port and explore or just relax onboard. Cruising has very much been stereotyped but times are changing, and cruise lines are offering more and more facilities and catering more for the needs of families. It is a place where multi-generations can all holiday together but can spend time apart to join in with activities and meet like-minded people of their own ages. When you have a family and start to think about organising a land holiday the thought of getting the scales out and knowing you don’t have enough baggage allowance for everything you need to take with a family is quite stressful. The advantage of cruising with a family is that if you so choose you can embark in the UK and take as much luggage as you can physically carry as you are not restricted on the amount of luggage you take so you can ensure you have everything you need for the children. With the added bonus of your luggage being taken and delivered to your stateroom so that you can start to enjoy your holiday straight away! The unpacking can wait! A cruise ship offers exciting facilities for families to either spend the time together or have some time apart making new friends! Your children can choose to eat with their friends in the kids club while you have a romantic meal for two, perhaps in one of the speciality restaurants or you can all eat together in main dining restaurant or at the buffet which always has plenty of choices. If you have certain dietary requirements don’t feel embarrassed to let the staff know, remember they are there to make sure your holiday is perfect in every way! Family friendly ships come with kids’ clubs which are well run and often educational too! They start with creche facilities and range right through to teenage chill out zones with X-Boxes and their own discos! Some allow you to leave your children on board for a small cost whilst you disembark the ship to explore the port you have docked in, there are also babysitting services for a small charge so if you fancy a night out you know your children will be looked after well. No matter how much you have in common with your family there are always times when one member does not want to join in, on a cruise you can all choose something different and everyone is still happy! Larger cruise ships are best for families and come with climbing walls, ice rinks, sports courts, bowling alleys, waterparks, one has a rollercoaster, another a go kart track, you can go sky diving, trampolining and have a go on the bumper cars plus so much more. There are also dedicated and well-trained staff to help with children who have special needs. One of the most exciting developments with Royal Caribbean is the launch of their new exclusive island in the Bahamas Coco Cay, aptly named Perfect Day. This is a fantastic island which has the most amazing water park, restaurants, chill out areas and Maldives style over water cabanas, I believe other cruise lines are following suit so watch this space!

26 June 2019

Lisbon is the stunning capital city of Portugal and is one of the most charismatic and vibrant cities of Europe but is still one of the least visited! It is a city that effortlessly blends traditional heritage, with striking modernism and progressive thinking. As a holiday destination, Lisbon offers a rich and varied history, a buzzing nightlife and is blessed with a glorious year-round climate. I only had a day to explore as I was on a Mediterranean cruise, it was the end of October and still incredibly warm, I loved the atmosphere with the street entertainment and want to go back for a long weekend to explore some more! The city has a welcoming and liberal atmosphere, while still embracing its deep-rooted heritage and extensive history. It will appeal to a diverse selection of ages and tourists; it can form a cultural trip, a nightlife extravaganza, a family holiday, a relaxed city-break or even as a base for a beach holiday. Lisbon, I think, would take around three days to discover and is the ideal destination for a weekend city-break. Or if you so choose, close to Lisbon is a stunning coastline of beautiful sandy beaches and dramatic natural scenery, and many of the region’s finest beaches are only a short bus or train ride away so you could add on a few days to head off to the beach to recharge your batteries! Lisbon has hot dry summers, pleasant springs and autumns, and mild, but possibly wet winters. The best time of year to visit Lisbon is in the late spring (May-June) when the days are bright and sunny, but the temperatures are not so high. The peak season is between June and August, and if you visit at this time of year, you should expect the city to feel crowded, it is strongly recommended that you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. If this is your first visit to Lisbon, it is recommended to be based close to the historic centre; this covers the districts of Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Alfama and the Avenida da Liberdade. These areas are popular with tourists and are within walking distance of the main sights and attractions. Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodre are the nightlife districts and are ideal if you wish to party or are part of a stag/hen do! Lisbon is good choice for a family city break or holiday as there are a wide selection of children friendly tourist attractions, including the outstanding Oceanarium, the colourful trams, and Lisbon Zoo. The Portuguese have a family-focused culture and young children are welcome everywhere, and this includes most restaurants. It is one of Europe’s least expensive capital cities, and offers exceptional value for food, drink and public transport. I had a delicious risotto washed down with a glass of wine and I paid around 15 Euros – not bad for a capital city! And don’t forget to try one their famous “pastel de nata” which is very similar to a custard tart! Entrance fees to historic monuments are sensibly priced, but gimmicky tours (Tuk-tuks, open top buses) are relatively expensive, we chose to take the open top bus for ease of getting around the city in good time as we only had the day to explore, if you have enough time jump on a tram for an authentic experience! I felt incredibly safe wandering round an array of shops. The only issues tourists may experience is from pickpockets or opportunistic thieves, so my advice would be to remain vigilant as you would in any Capital City. English is widely spoken by all of those who work within the tourist industry, and tourists who only speak English will not encounter any language barriers during the duration of their holiday. All transport hubs have English as their second language and this includes railway, the metro and the airport. While dining out, most restaurants and cafes will be able to provide an English menu. The Portuguese rarely expect foreign visitors to speak any Portuguese but are always cheerfully surprised if a few words can be spoken! I personally always like to say “hello/ola” and “thank you/obrigado” in any countries native tongue that I visit, I just feel it is showing respect. I really enjoyed my brief visit to Lisbon and cannot wait to go back to explore it in depth! If you fancy a weekend break or perhaps extend it for an extra few days at the beach, please contact me!

01 June 2019

Planning your honeymoon? I can create inspirational itineraries to leave you with memories that will last forever! Weddings can be challenging to plan. From picking the perfect venue to what to say in the speeches and the some say the hardest part, the seating plan. Traditionally, the happy couple would ask their families and friends to buy them items for their new home, however in modern times, most couples already have plenty of pots, pans, towels, a toaster and maybe even a spiralizer! Instead, why not let your wedding guests contribute towards an unforgettable honeymoon! I understand that no two clients are the same and of course, no two honeymoons and weddings are the same either. As your personal Travel Counsellor, I will tailor your experience to your wants and dreams, creating your own unique experience. Our network of local overseas experts across the globe helps you to not only visit a destination but experience it too. We’ll provide you with a fabulous online website and secure payments portal especially for you, where guests are greeted with a personalised message from you and details of your amazing honeymoon plans! We can also provide stylish guest cards that you can send out with your invitations to let everyone know you would prefer a contribution towards your dream honeymoon. All honeymoon contributions from your family and friends will be deposited into one account. After your wedding, you can either put your guest’s contributions towards the cost of your honeymoon or if you’ve already paid, you can use your honeymoon fund towards excursions, upgrades or even another holiday. This works well as lots of couples are now booking a "mini-moon" first and then go on a bigger trip some months later. I would love to plan your honeymoon there are so many choices! How about a river cruise down the Mekong River with a romantic beach stay in south Vietnam, a tailormade itinerary around Thailand taking in culture, beach and Elephant Hills, a fly/drive to British Colombia taking in the amazing scenery and wildlife and a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer, a trip to Oman to experience Middle Eastern culture and adventure then pop over to the Maldives for luxury and relaxation or the popular Mauritius, Bali, the Caribbean to name just a few! Whatever you choose it will be the most amazing trip of your lives all with the added bonus of Travel Counsellors 100% Financial Protection and me available to you if you need me 24/7! Get in touch today and let’s start planning your dream honeymoon!

30 April 2019

Your journey begins as soon as you embark the ship, which will become your comfortable base camp at sea. The first thing you will notice is the atmosphere on board. As the peace and tranquillity of the scenery and relaxed pace takes hold, you will find your senses to everything around you enhanced. All ships have large lounges and deck space, offering perfect views to the changing scenery, creating a proximity to nature that takes your breath away. Many of them also have floor to ceiling windows, ensuring you never miss a thing! They are purpose-built to bring you closer to nature and wildlife, to encounter unforgettable experiences and to make memories. Not your common cruise – these ships carry up to 500 passengers at most. Life onboard is famously relaxed, there’s no formal attire for dinner, and no casinos or cabaret shows either. The focus is on the off-the-beaten-path ports that steer clear of the tourist traps, avoiding much larger ships that pour thousands of guests ashore at a time. Each ship has wonderful restaurants, bars, cafes, observation decks and panorama lounges, but they also possess different styles and offer something truly unique. No matter which ship you choose, they all provide the same intimate travel experience with their own informal atmosphere. Single guests, couples or groups are welcomed as part of the family. Striking up conversations with fellow travellers about shared experiences, mutual enthusiasms, excursions and nature is part of the voyage. Guests can find plenty of cosy nooks around the ship for some quiet time, reading, learning about the area or simply admiring the never-ending scenery. Included in the fare is breakfast, lunch and dinner, they also offer a three course Vegan dinner! Most of their ships have an Expedition team on board, with an Expedition Leader and team members who are experts in nature, guiding, hiking, culture and history. Together with the ship’s hotel management, they are your hosts on board. Every day they provide lectures, photo programmes, story-telling and evening gatherings. They will enthusiastically share their knowledge and passion on a variety of subjects including biology, history, geography, culture and science. Here are some essential items to bring along with you, whatever the season: • Binoculars • Camera and memory card • Comfortable everyday shoes • Wool sweater or fleece • Passport and/or ID card • Sun protection • Sunglasses • Swimwear • Credit cards • Wind and waterproof jacket and trousers • Mid layer jacket • Thermal underwear • The dress code aboard the ship is relaxed and casual, and you are not expected to dress formally for meals In winter, spring and autumn, it can also get quite cold so make sure to pack warm clothes: • Winter boots with good grip • Spikes • Thick winter jacket • Warm hat and gloves • Woollen socks • Scarf • Woollen sweater or fleece We live on a truly beautiful planet, Hurtigruten’s 126 years of maritime history also places them in the unique position of leading the way in sustainable travel and corporate social responsibility. 15 metric tons of plastic end up in the world’s oceans every day. If the trend continues, this number will double in the next 10 years. This means that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans. I am so pleased to say that on 2nd July 2018, Hurtigruten celebrated its 125th birthday by banning ALL single-use plastic, fleet-wide, which was an industry first, they also organise beach clean ups on their Expedition Cruises if any passenger wishes to take part they are always more than welcome!

29 April 2019

There are many different expedition cruises and there is one out there for everyone. The person who wants to go to the Galapagos is not necessarily the same one who wants to go to the Kimberley in Australia or the Arctic! Would I send you to see penguins in the Arctic? The first lesson in expedition cruising: Penguins are in the South, Polar Bears are in the North! Or if you wanted to swim with wildlife I certainly wouldn’t send you to the Kimberley in Australia as the waters around Northern Australia are rife with Salt Water Crocodiles so you cannot enter the water! However, I am told that snorkelling with Sea Lions in the Galapagos is Magical! Expedition cruising is all about small ships. The last thing you want in remote spots is to be sharing the space with thousands of others. In Antartica only vessels carrying 500 passengers or fewer can take people ashore and no more than 100 are allowed on land or ice at the same time. The latter rule also applies to certain areas in the Artic. In the Galapagos, ships can hold a maximum of 100 passengers and itineraries are carefully planned. Most ships have an Expedition team on board, with an Expedition Leader and team members who are experts in nature, guiding, hiking, culture and history. Together with the ship’s hotel management, they are your hosts on board. Every day they provide lectures, photo programmes, story-telling and evening gatherings. They will enthusiastically share their knowledge and passion on a variety of subjects including biology, history, geography, culture and science. Here are some destinations to whet your appetite! Artic - the region is made up of 8 countries at the top of the world. Rather than a continent, it's an area enclosed by an imaginary circle that radiates out from the North Pole, Encompassing the Svalbard archipelago and parts of Norway, Russia and Canada. Arctic cruises include voyages around Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago; along the west coast or Greenland; or through the Northwest Passage. There are also one-off sailings to remote islands and Arctic Russia. Itineraries should be regarded as guidelines, as the actual route sailed depends on ice, weather and wildlife. Arctic cruises operate in the summer, from the end of May to September, when the sea ice has melted enough for ships to get through. Temperatures can reach up to 10 celsius on land but most likely will be hovering just above freezing, especially when cruising between the ice or close to glaciers. It's all about giant icebergs, polar bears and walks ashore where only a few thousand others have been. This is the realm of the Polar Bear. Numerous species of whales inhabit the Arctic, while Orcas migrate here in summer. Cruisers can also expect to see seals, walruses, Arctic terns, guillemots, gulls, puffins, kittiwakes and other sea birds. Antartica – is a frozen continent surrounded by Oceans at the bottom of the earth, Antarctica is the seventh continent, with the South Pole at its centre and it’s about as remote as it gets on this planet- it’s thousands of miles from Ushuaia, the port town at the bottom of Argentina. Crossing the Drake Passage from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula takes almost two days and two nights. There are flights, but for many ‘conquering’ the Drake is part of the Antarctica experience. The shortest cruises stay in the Antarctic Peninsula, while longer ones go further into Antarctica, or add South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Cruise ships visit between October and March, which is summer in Antarctica but still very cold, with temperatures ranging from around -8C to -4C. You will need gloves, scarves, hats, jumpers and rubber boots (these can often be rented from the cruise line) Most lines supply wind jackets. It’s all about the penguins and the unspoilt landscapes, with snow-covered mountain and icebergs the size of houses, as well as narrow fjords such as Lemaire Channel (nicknamed Kodak Gap because it’s so photogenic). Kayaking among icebergs and camping on land is unforgettable. Penguins are guaranteed and you can expect millions of them. Adele, chinstrap and gentoo penguins live around the Antarctic Peninsula. Those visiting South Georgia and the Falkland will also see King penguins. Antarctica is also home to whales, orcas, seals, albatrosses, skuas and a host of other seabirds. Norwegian Coastline - ships are uniquely designed to explore the Norwegian coastline in the most comfortable way. Whichever season you choose to sail, during the Springtime reawakening of the coast, over the long, sun-drenched days of Summer and the Midnight Sun into the amazing palette of Autumn glow, or for the soul-stirring spectacle of the Northern Lights in Winter. Galapagos Islands - a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. It's considered one of the world's foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing. A province of Ecuador, it lies about 1,000km off its coast. Its isolated terrain shelters a diversity of plant and animal species, many found nowhere else. Some of the wildlife you may see would be Galapagos fur seal, sea lion, rice rat, Blainville’s and Curvier’s beaked whales, tortoise, green sea turtle, land and marine iguanas and lava lizard to name just a few! If you are a wildlife enthusiast then an Expedition Cruise would be perfect for you. It is certainly on my bucket list! In my next blog I write about why you should choose a Hurtigruten Expedition Cruise.

25 March 2019

On arrival at Southampton Docks the MSC Bellissima graced me with her enormous presence. What a magnificent ship on the outside, I couldn’t wait to embark, and I wasn’t disappointed! Check-in was quick and simple with lots of staff to point you in the right direction! After handing my paperwork over, my photograph was taken and I was given my key card which lets you embark and debark the ship when in port, it opens your cabin and is your payment card when purchasing anything onboard. Bellissima by name and by nature, this beautiful ship took my breath away with her magnificent Swarovski staircases glistening in the Atrium, a lovely setting and a great place to meet up with friends with live music playing to guests on arrival. With a capacity for welcoming 4,500 guests onboard it didn’t feel overly crowded with a double-deck inside promenade, an array of shops, restaurants and bars and featured an incredible 80 metre LED Sky Screen projecting different skies and patterns that change throughout the day. There are 10 different types of cabin and I was very lucky to have been given a balcony (14220) which was plenty big enough for two people. A comfortable bed, a sofa that turned into a bed, interconnecting door and plenty of storage space for a two week stay, and the wardrobe included hangers and a safe. The bathroom included a good size shower cubicle with more storage space to keep your toiletries. The room itself had good size TV, a fridge, telephone and every cabin has its very own “Zoe” MSC’s virtual personal cruise assistant! The patio door slide style opened onto a compact balcony with two chairs and a footstool. If you feel like treating yourself then The MSC Yacht Club is for you with luxurious accommodations spanning three decks, private facilities and butler service round-the-clock with its own solarium, a small swimming pool, a large lounge and a restaurant. There were bars and restaurants aplenty, you certainly wouldn’t go hungry or thirsty onboard! Speciality restaurants such as Hola! A Spanish Tapas Bar, Kaito Sushi Bar and the Kaito Teppanyaki Restaurant and an American-style steakhouse Butcher's Cut to name a few. The main dining room where we ate in the evening was divided in two by a corridor and featured a mirror and glass-encased wine cellar. Here, you could choose from a set menu which is changed daily and on Deck 15 there is the Marketplace Buffet which is open 20 hours a day. I had breakfast and lunch there and it didn’t disappoint. For entertainment, Cirque de Soleil perform two exclusive shows six nights a week in The Carousel Lounge which has a circular stage and comfy chairs surrounding it. There is also the London Theatre with semicircle tiered seating and stage at the front which will show West End style shows and a Casino for those who love a dabble on the tables or slot machines. For the more athletic there is a sports complex for games like basketball, tennis, volleyball and football (the complex doubles as a nightclub in the evening) a state-of-the-art gym and to relax and unwind, a luxurious spa. The main Pool Deck features a 25-metre pool and at night the pool is illuminated with special lighting. There is a 10-metre indoor pool with a dome that can be opened when the ship is in port or when the sun is out. The Aft Pool on Deck 16 is transformed into a dance space at night. For the children (and adults) there is an aquapark, a rope course which sits 80 metres above the water, F1 racing simulators, a virtual reality maze, full size bowling alley and lots of arcade games. The kids' areas were incredible! Separate rooms for different age groups, including a baby room and a teen chillout area. They are kitted out with all sorts of amazing toys and technology including LEGO, board games, X box’s, Play Stations and a “music booth”. All the family facilities are situated in the same area on the ship. It was so easy to find everything onboard and if you did get lost there are numerous large touchscreens around the ship where you can find information including a ship map and what the weather is that day! I had a fabulous time staying overnight and exploring the ship, she really is as beautiful as her name implies!

18 September 2018

A sprawling city of contrasts, I would recommend choosing a flight that arrives early in the morning and a stay of at least three nights to tour this fast-paced Asian capital. With modern high-rise buildings sprouting from a shabby developing-world city where many of the locals live in wooden shacks and use narrow waterways (klongs) for transport, it really is an incredible sight. Famous as a world-class shopping centre for designer names, it also has a reputation for having one of the world's seediest and most explicit sex industries. It was very hot, sticky and congested but that is part of the fun travelling in Bangkok. Don’t be put off, the ordered chaos definitely keeps you on your toes, it is essentially a safe and welcoming city! The Sky-train monorail and metro underground provide an easy and traffic free way to get around parts of the city with metered taxis and tuk tuks giving you an experience you will never forget! Tuk tuks are relatively cheap as long as you agree a price before getting in and make sure you hold on! We stayed at the Rembrandt Hotel in a Superior room which overlooked Bangkok’s stunning cityscape. With just a short stroll to the monorail and taxis and tuk-tuks parked all around the street outside the hotel, transport was easy to find. Our room was clean and spacious with an enormous bed, a beautiful marbled bathroom and a traditional Thai wooden floor. Complete with the usual mini-bar, cable and satellite TV, LCD flat screen television and free high-speed Wi-Fi with the added bonus of a phone that you could take out with you. I phoned home and sent messages via Facebook completely free of charge. I had been to Bangkok in 2003 so had already been to numerous temples and excursions. This time we decided to take in some nightlife and went by tuk tuk to Soi Rambuttri which had been recommended to me by my friend Lyndsey, we weren’t disappointed. Part of Rambuttri runs parallel to the famous Khao San Road and is the total opposite with leafy Banyan trees shading the pavements. It is a well-known place for backpackers and a lot more peaceful with guesthouses, restaurants (ranging from fish and chips to authentic Thai food), bars (with bands playing in every other bar), street food (ranging from corn on the cob to insects on sticks) and street entertainers. The road was used mainly for the street vendors, entertainers and tourists strolling along taking in the atmosphere. The road curved around in a horseshoe shape and as we strolled along stopping for drinks at various bars and listening to the bands playing, it really was a party atmosphere. The bars closed in the early hours and we had had such a great time we decided to walk over to the Khao San Road which had a totally different atmosphere with packed bars full of tourists and young Thai girls “trading for affection”. We sat outside again watching the world go by it was a lot busier than Soi Rambuttri but no less entertaining, we had a couple more drinks before heading back on a hair-raising journey by tuk-tuk to our hotel at 4am! Vertigo Restaurant and Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree, Bangkok was recommended to us by my friend and fellow Travel Counsellor Rebecca and it didn’t disappoint! Vertigo offers an al fresco dining experience set atop a roof terrace 61 floors up in the popular Banyan Tree Hotel. With 360-degree views of Bangkok, it really is the most amazing view and a visit is a must. I have a terrible fear of heights and was extremely anxious as we started our ascent in the lift to the 59th floor (thereafter you must walk up the stairs to the 61st!) Although it is all open I felt extremely safe and was able to enjoy the magnificent views, service and a delicious meal with champagne on a beautiful warm night. If you don’t want to eat there you can still enjoy the views from the Moon Bar adjacent to the restaurant. Bangkok’s evening entertainment didn’t disappoint, and I would recommend visiting both Soi Rambruttri and the Vertigo Restaurant and Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree in Bangkok.

16 August 2018

The beautiful island of Madeira, a small island off the western coast of Portugal is an emerald paradise with mountainous landscapes and sun-drenched, traditional villages. You’ll be able to spend your days exploring the striking countryside and your evenings in the vibrant bars and restaurants. Madeira is widely known as the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’, which becomes obvious when you visit and are instantly taken away by its breath-taking beauty. Funchal Airport’s runway is carved into the side of a mountain with a steep slope on one side and a 200ft drop into the sea on the other. Half the runway is actually built on stilts as there was not enough land to build a runway of sufficient length! We stayed, along with our friends at the Pestana Carlton Ocean Resort Hotel in the bustling capital of Funchal in February – Carnival week! Our hotel was located just up the hill and a 10-15 minute stroll to the main attractions, it was the perfect setting for all of us to relax and enjoy a week together. A bus stop and taxi rank outside the hotel also meant easy access to transportation. There are activities and things to do and see all week during Carnival week, we chose to walk into Funchal on the Saturday evening when the full procession was on. It really was a carnival atmosphere with music, floats and costumes providing a feast of entertainment, we had a fabulous time enjoying the festivities and joining in dancing in the streets with the thousands of other locals and tourists who had ventured in to Funchal. We took the cable car up into the mountains to Monte from just outside of the Old Town in Funchal which had an array of shops, restaurants and bars for all taste. The cable car ride was outstanding with 360* views of Funchal. Julie and Michael left us to head off to another cable car to visit the Botanical Gardens while the rest of us sat outside a Café and had lunch, the views were breath taking. After lunch we walked round to the “basket of Monte” where Caroline and Wendy queued for their ride in a basket sledge. (A tradition dating back to the early 19th century when they were used as a means of transport by the residents who wanted to travel quickly from the village of Monte to the city of Funchal) I didn’t have a go but really wish I had now as the girls said it was great fun! The rest of us walked back to the cable car for the panoramic ride back to Funchal. A little tip – take an extra layer as there is a drop in temperature when you reach the top! We also picked up the open top tour bus outside our hotel which took us on a circuit into Funchal and along the coast road, we got off at a fishing village had lunch and went for a walk before returning to the hotel to relax and swim in the indoor pool. An attraction that’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, is the Skywalk on the cliffs of Cabo Girão. Jutting out of the side of some of the highest cliffs in Europe (580 meters above sea level), the glass walkway offers incredible views of the Madeira coastline, Funchal and the town of Camara de Lobos, those of our party that went said the views were incredible and not to be missed if you are brave enough! If you are interested in hiking or long walks in the forest, the Levadas (meaning water channels) is a must. Built at high altitudes, the channels capture the water from the rainfall in the mountains all over the island. These impressive structures allow locals and tourists to go deep into the forest by following its trails. There are many Levadas and trails that will take you to an unspoiled and exceptional world of nature. Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Funchal on 5th February 1985, and as we walked along the promenade we came across Pestana CR7 Hotel and Museum, if you are an avid Manchester United/Real Madrid fan I’m sure this would be a must on your visit. All in all, we had a fabulous week on the beautiful island of Madeira, the weather was quite warm for February although a jacket or jumper was needed at times. It didn't matter where we were the views were always outstanding and we all agreed Madeira is definitely worth a visit.