06 March 2025

Boston is the perfect size to explore on foot and is full of history, charm, old and new. Every neighbourhood has a distinctive feel so it’s worth spending time in each. We arrived at the Langham hotel located in the financial district, this hotel is in a perfect spot to explore and nothing was more than 15mins away for places to eat, drink and sight see. I would highly recommend this hotel for location, service, pool and the Langham club. Boston has the oldest public transportation subway in the country. The “T” is straightforward to use and can be used to visit the areas of Harvard, Cambridge and many more places on the outskirts of the city, Otherwise, this town was made for walking! The city is extremely compact and if you stay in a central location, most attractions are within a 30-minute walk. The Liberty Hotel looks out to the Charles River in the historic Beacon Hill neighbourhood. The Library’s claim to fame is that it was once a prison WWII captives, and even Malcolm X. The unique architecture and prison cell remains add an edge to a beautifully designed hotel and at Christmas time they hang Christmas trees upside down, great place to grab a bite to eat or a quick drink. Take a Walk Along the Freedom Trail - just follow the red brick path. The highlights of this 2.5-mile walk include Faneuil Hall, Old North Church, Paul Revere’s House, some very old burial sites, the USS Constitution, and Bunker Hill Monument, but even if you’re not a history buff you’ll come across attractive parks, street performers, beautiful Harbor views, and some great places for food, little Italy is wonderful. The Seaport in Boston - You’ll find trendy restaurants, aquarium and plenty more places to see, lovely walk around the sea edge and the place to be for the New Years Eve. Go to Fenway Park! We did a guided tour of the park even if you are not a Red Sox fan, there’s an energy here that is very unique! It’s the oldest major league ballpark still in use, so history and nostalgia are definitely a factor. Beacon Hill is a historic residential neighbourhood, taking a walk deeper into Beacon Hill, the Federal-style row houses, brick sidewalks, and cobblestone streets make it particularly picture-worthy. Keep an eye out for Louisberg Square and Acorn Street! Boston you have been perfect for our New Year 2024 city-break and we shall be back.

06 March 2025

We flew from Liverpool on this magical trip .... the Snowmobile Voyager this brings to life the highlights and landscape of true finland. We were met by the operator and transferred onto our coach for a 2-3hr journey (which sounds dreadful!, but let me tell you its not, and so worth it). Arriving at our hotel our first impressions were wonderful, a true scandic/finnish style accomodation, luxury touches, fantastic views and perfect position to wonder out to the 1 supermarket, 2 bars - this is truly a wonderful peaceful place, you see nothing for miles and miles just snow capped mountains, frozen lakes, and very little people only the ones on our trip did we tend to see. The highlight of this trip was the snowmobile & northern lights. We zipped along frozen rivers, weave across the Arctic tundra, and delve into the pristine snow scenes that stretch to the horizon. And what a backdrop to our snowmobile adventure this is! – a very special place indeed, where unspoiled nature and fresh adventure awaits. Truly a perfect 3 night/4 days away experiencing lots of wonderful adventures and learning all about the reindeer, local life and best of all the northern lights came out to play. This is a trip which I highly recommend and words, photos do not give it justice.

11 September 2019

Sensational South Africa We arrive in Cape Town after a wonderful flight with Qatar and are met by our ground handler to transfer us to our first hotel on this 18 day adventure! The hotel and location in Cape Town are wonderful, with views of Table Mountain from our pool and some quirky bars and restaurants all within walking distance. Unpacked the bags and off we go for our 4 nights in this fabulous place. Table Mountain is the best view in town, but the cable car to the top doesn’t run if there are high winds or clouds – so if it’s a clear day get up there quick! We did this on our first day so we wouldn't be disappointed. The city sprawls over a large area, so the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus is a good way to get around Cape Town on a budget. Buses run up to every 10 minutes and cover several different routes – there’s a city tour covering the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain and Camps Bay, a mini peninsula tour via Kirstenbosch, Imizamo Yethu Township and the beaches, and a Constantia wine tour which is the one we did. A great way to see everything and explore at your own pace. We hired a driver for the day to take us to Boulders Beach which offers up something the others don't – a large colony of African penguins! One of my many favourites, they are so cute and it was magical to see them in the wild. Onward to the furthest point for a ride on the Flying Dutchman Funicular (alternatively, the more active can walk up the steep hill) we reached the old lighthouse at Cape Point, the farthest tip of the peninsula, for a most dramatic panorama of powerful waves lashing against the soaring, jagged cliffs - breathtaking. We then followed the Garden Route which is a must if I do say so myself. From wonderful landscapes to perfect wine tasting and not forgetting the Ostrich farms - it's amazing to see so many of them in one place/region. We finally reached Port Elizabeth for a quick 1 night stop before our next adventure the BIG 5! Our safari was a 3 night all singing all dancing 5 star luxury water lodge experience, which was just amazing and getting to see all of the BIG 5 game was incredible, the smells the scenery were breath taking - words cannot describe or give this place justice. Our memories and photos taken from our trip for our honeymoon say it all, we will definitely be back South Africa. It's been a pleasure from start to finish couldn't of wished for a better place to spend together on honeymoon. Highly recommend for all ages, families, couples, and singles this country has everything to offer.

11 September 2019

If you are visiting Bruges for the first time and are not sure where to start with planning your trip, then this post is for you. DAY 1: We start our journey from the UK travelling from Manchester by train to London Euston to connect onto the Eurostar from St Pancreas to Bruges – this was all done with ease, great service, easy check in and fast security check. Arrived late afternoon into Bruges for check in at the hotel, followed by a quick wonder around the city not forgetting sampling the thing we came to taste beer & chocolate before heading for dinner at Bones (fantastic place to eat) and early night. DAY 2: City tour with its cobbled streets, crooked bridges, meandering canals and World Heritage-listed medieval buildings, Bruges is so pretty it’s almost too good to be true. We took ourselves for mid-morning boat trip which took in the sights for a different point of view – The Rozenhoedkaai stop is where you want to head to get that postcard perfect shot of the canals, swans and boats. Later that day Bruges is full of places to drink beer, but if you want to see how it’s made, then you need to visit De Halve Maan (aka The Half Moon). This family-run brewery offers 45-minute tours and takes you along narrow passageways and up ladders to the brewery’s roof for views across the city. You’ll see how they make their beers and end up by tasting their Bruges Zot blond beer you can even lunch at the brewery restaurant which uses their brews in traditional dishes, we sampled a sharing plate which was lovely. DAY 3: You can climb to the top of the 83-metre Belfry Tower up 366 narrow, steep spiral stairs which is in the main square - the 360-degree views across the city at top are spectacular. From here, we went to Grote Marktthen then onto the side streets to explore Bruges’ pretty squares, you’ll never get lost as it's so compact. In the Burg, you’ll find the Staduis (City Hall) with its impressive golden vaulted ceiling and painted walls which tell the story of the history of Belgium. There’s also the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a double-decker chapel which has a Romanesque church down below and a neo-Gothic church up above. Just around the corner call into 2be, a bar and beer shop which sells brews from all across Belgium, and has them displayed in a huge ‘wall of beer’ along the side of the building, we opted for the tasting menu (6 different beers starting with 13% up to 20%+) which was fun sat out with the sun shining on the terrace overlooking the canal, which is one of the best vantage points to watch the tour boats sail by. Go for a walk through the enchanting Minnewaterpark and the Beguinage: Two must-see places of interest. Bruges will immediately enthral you… DAY 4: Homebound - Bruges is the perfect place and would highly recommend and will be back. Bruges is just perfect for a weekend break – easy to get to and explore on foot, and bursting with charming streets, fantastic beers, boutique chocolate-makers and canalside bars. So if you fancy a sweet couple of days, here’s how to spend the perfect weekend in Bruges. My top places to eat in Bruges: That’s Toast, Sanseveria Bagelsalon, In’t Nieuw Museum, Pieter Pourbus, Bistro Bruut, Nomad, Lizzies waffles My top places to drink in Bruges: Vino Vino, Pigeon house, Blend, Le Trappiste, De Garre, De Halve Maan

15 August 2019

Day 1 – myself and husband arrive at Pisa Airport on arrival collected the car (little tip the car firms are not on airport but a short journey ride away by shuttle bus) onwards for our 2-hour car journey to the medieval area of Campagnatico which will be our home for the next 3 weeks. This place is unknown Tuscany, small local charm with one local store and a great wine cellar selling his own Tuscan sausage & cheese which is a must to try with paring of the wine – highly recommended even for a visit. Day 2 – As the Italian say/call Grubby Grossetto which I must say is not how it is a great city with lots to offer and just beyond is a lovely beach for a quick soak and local bite to eat – spend a day or 2. Day 3 – Punta Ala - hidden gem of the beaches along the coast, luxury, small marina and fine local places to dine along the beachfront – fab ice-cream (gelatine) and cobbled streets, would defiantly recommend staying here. Day 4 - Monte Argentario is a peninsula connected to the Maremma region by three strips of land, passageways that enable easy access to the island of Giglio, Giannutri and Montecristo, all islands in the Tuscan Archipelago – today we spent half day on the beach and then headed into the town of Porto Santo Stefano which is a charming destination with an impressive seafaring tradition as well as being the most important town in the Monte Argentario area. The town, north of the headland, occupies the picturesque bay dominated by the Spanish Fortress, with open fish markets and plenty of places to eat and drink. Day 5 – Montepulciano and Montalcino both wonderful places to visit and sample some fine wine, great walk under the city to how they house the wine and long before this was used to escape/passages from intruders and used for torture. Pretty places and small cobbled streets to take time over lunch or grab a morning coffee sat enjoying the views of the mountains. Day 6 – Saturnian, Sovana, Sorano & Pigliagona – having a morning of enjoying the thermal spa’s and rejuvenating the skin! Then taking in the 18th century picturesque towns along the way with a little afternoon sampling the local the pizza! Day 7 – rest day after having a very enjoyable week visiting lots of many hidden gems, towns and UNSCEO regions. Day 8 – Pimbino – Ferry port for other islands Day 11 – Siena lovely city with lots of arts, culture and roman, wonderful evening spent leisurely people watching sat on the Palazzo publico/Piazza del campo – the hotel was a pleasant walk down into the main square with lots of places to eat and drink. Day 12 – San Gimignano pedestrianized hill town this is UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site, medieval manhattans wealth = 14 still spike its skyline. Wonderful day and evening spent staying at the Relais Santa Chaira which was approx. 5/10min walk to the centre and once within the walls everything is very close by, best gelatine in world they say is produced here and tasted fantastic. Day 13 – Volterra is a small medieval town, it still remains with Roman baths and a theatre are best seen from the viewing point here, great small town with some wonderful, quaint coffee shops and grab a panini before heading off to the chianti wine region. Day 14 –Pisa for the leaning tower a must see and if you fancy a day looking around Pisa I would suggest half a day to enjoy and then head out of town as not much else to see or do, much more in Florence and surrounding area’s Day 15 – Roselle this is the only fully excavated Etruscan town in Tuscany, the remains of the Etruscan walls and houses lie next to the roman Amphitheatre and baths, you can walk around the grounds and read all about the history, well worth a visit – followed by heading into Grosseto to visit the remains housed in the museum and then a bite to eat. Few little villages visited on the way back to the villa Day 16 – Beach day followed by a visit to Port Ecrole for a little bite to eat, small fishing town again a hidden gem away for the tourist/s Day 17 – Florence Day 18 – Last day to take in the views and hospitality. Home time and I must say it’s been a pleasure Tuscany and we will be back

27 June 2017

Have you thought about considering Mauritius for a family holiday, Couples, Honeymoon or Wedding? Well I can tell you, you wouldn’t be disappointed there is so much more to Mauritius than just white sandy beaches and clear blue sea! My trip started with checking in at Manchester Airport for our 12hr flight to this wonderful island, on arrival we were met by our very own ground handlers connections which welcomed us with opening arms, fully air conditioned vehicle and a cool bottle of water for the next part of our journey ahead. We arrived at our first stop the Belle Mare Plage and what a great first impression. Chic, relaxed design, we were welcomed with a lovely local drink whilst checking in and taking in the wonderful surroundings. This hotel has everything to offer, from leisurely time on the beach, to Championship golf course, hiring bikes, luxury spa, gym and many other activities to keep you busy and not forgetting the little one’s kids club. Rooms were spacious, stylish with great amenities, variety of room types available to suit couples, families and large parties in the luxury villas. This hotel has seven distinctive restaurants and six hip bars all in easy walking distance around the complex and prime locations. A couple of my favourites were The Deer Hunter situated on the golf course and Blue Penny Cellar an exclusive a la carte located in a sophisticated wine cellar, another favourite was La Spiaggia which is situated in the Villa complex. Moving on from here, our second part of this wonderful journey was Constance Prince Maurice - “Essence of sheer luxury” a romantic hideaway, luxurious and outstanding hotel – words cannot describe how gorgeous this hotel is. Did you know that this hotel is the only hotel in the Indian Ocean to have the largest “Wine Cellar” and what a privilege it was to have a wine tasting evening which was so memorable. 5 star dining and a peaceful hideaway setting - my favourite is the floating restaurant and bar over the lagoon where you watch the sunset and can sometimes get a glance at the pet “shark” which may come out to play! Rooms are outstanding in wooden stylish design, some on stilts over the lagoon others offering beach, and garden views. The hotel offers golf, water sports, or like myself you can pamper yourself at the U Spa which was truly a delight, or try your hand at cookery class - a very entertaining afternoon. Whilst in Mauritius we also had the opportunity to sample a couple of day excursions provided by Connections, our local ground handlers, one being a speed boat trip for snorkelling, private island BBQ lunch, lighthouse and the waterfalls. This I can highly recommend as you get to experience Mauritius by sea. Another was a small trip around the capital Port Louis, Pamplemousse botanical gardens (largest tortoises I’ve seen for a while) and having lunch at a local Mauritian creole restaurant which is owned and run by the same family for years. This island has something to offer everyone of all ages. I can highly recommend this destination, a truly stunning place whether for couples, families, single travellers or looking to celebrate that special occasion look no further as this destination and the people are amazing - you wouldn't be disappointed. I could go on but I won’t, you’ll have to get in touch if you want to find out more and let me get you booked!

21 March 2017

Valencia on a long weekend - it’s no surprise that Spain is one of my favorite countries. I’ve visited Spain over the years many times and travelled to different Spanish cities on multiple occasions. In fact, Valencia is one of my top favourite cities I have visited. We opted for a short break in Valencia to relax enjoy the wonderful city and to relax and take in the fantastic beach, enjoy some quality local drinks like horchata, and take a ride on a rented bike through the city’s most unusual park — the former River Túria. We discovered something unique about the city - that their local food was a little bit different than other areas of Spain - known for the paella this is where it was born. Their green spaces were also bigger and easily accessible, and their architecture was both weird and majestic — the city captured my innate interest for someplace unique. I was mesmerized by the creativity, by the specialness of the city. Stumbling from cool café to cool café, I found Valencia to be one of those cities that had all the trendy trappings of a big city, but is approachable and easy-to-discover like a small town. Even as Spain’s third largest city, after Madrid and Barcelona, and with its prime location on the Mediterranean, it offers the same pleasures of the other Spanish cities but often cheaper and more affordable. Magic. Valencia’s most famous tourist attraction is the weird - but wonderful - City of Arts and Sciences complex. The complex consists of several buildings for cultural and educational activities, including a science museum, aquarium, planetarium and IMAX cinema - it’s perhaps the most iconic symbol of the city. Inside the Turia river bed - the City of Arts and Sciences towers over the city as this strange, alien-like series of structures. It’s free to wander around and great for a selfie! Definitely worth a visit for a short break or even a long week away - one city which I will be going back to very soon.

11 March 2017

In May 2016 myself, Andy and Charlie started with our adventure down to Southampton to start our journey on "Adventures of the Seas" cruising around Spain and France for the week. First impressions of the ship is how big it is, but what a ship once you enter; smart, clean and fantastic facilities and show stopping entertainment onboard. Our first port of call on this journey was Bilbao and for a city it had lots to offer, from the football stadium to the old town, to churches and museums, and is a great city to easily travel around on foot. Back on board you can choose from surfing on the wave machine, to relaxing by the pool or having a well deserved spa treatment, there is something onboard for all ages - even a library for some peace and quiet! I cannot fault the food, from breakfast buffet to lunch around the Med to 5 star cuisine service in the evening, I would definitely say you will find something on the menu and if you don't they will make it for you. This is just a quick overview of the time I spent onboard and off the ship, it's such a great way to travel and see so many wonderful places. I highly recommend it, and if you would like to know more, feel free to get in touch.

04 August 2016

Independence of the Seas is based in Southampton, England and sailing mostly 10- to 14-night Mediterranean or Canary Island cruises. In the winter, Independence of the Seas will follow a sequence of four- and five-night short Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Everglades. We joined the ship at Southampton for our 7 night France & Spain Cruise - having booked an Ocean View Family cabin I was pleasantly surprised how large and great amenities it offered and how quick the embarkation was. The ship is one of the largest in the fleet and on this particular cruise full to the rafters! - from first impressions, the ship had everything to offer us as a family, from the Rock climbing wall to the golf simulator, ice rink and not forgetting the Spa!. Most of the activities require pre-booking and at times were very busy and I felt not all were good value. An immediate good find was Vintages Wine Bar on the Royal Promenade deck, The Royal Promenade extends almost the internal length of the ship from deck 6 to deck 8 and is the centre of considerable activity, for both food outlets and entertainment…Something for everyone from Ice cream parlour, pizza 24hrs and coffee & Tea which was available free throughout the day/night. The Main Dining Restaurant/s is a three-tiered level affair, each level being given a different name… Access between each level is by the staircase. We had chosen My Time Dining which allows you to book and enjoy a table on your own with the family, though the 1st & 2nd sitting dining areas also allowed you to dine with friends, family and other guests. As on most cruise ships, the waiting staff were both very friendly and efficient, the food served was reasonable for the amount of passengers to cater for. Entertainment, we found the liveliest bars in the evening were the Olive and Twist, The Dog and Badger pub, Vintages Wine Bar and Boleros all offering something different for each passenger from quiz evenings, dancing, karaoke and child-friendly events, Seating at most bars during the evening was never really a problem. Headliner and Production Show times staged in the Alhambra Theatre were reasonably good overall, though, as with a lot of cruise lines, the actual value does depend on personal taste and this we found was pitched at about the right level for the majority on board. The Independence of the Seas readily appeals to the mass market value for money cruise and ticks all of the boxes for families looking for good value, great food, and lots to do on or off the boat. Overall a great family holiday sailing the seas!.

22 June 2016

I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to visit this amazing, wacky place called Las Vegas at the beginning of December with some Travel Counsellor colleagues. We travelled from Manchester with BA Business Class service, followed by our connecting flight from Heathrow to Las Vegas McLaren airport. I was extremely impressed with their modern fleet of aircraft, great food on board and excellent service. Their choice of seat back entertainment was some of the best I have experienced, and all this together made the flight an excellent experience. Las Vegas is the best place to let loose and have fun. Leave the world behind and immerse yourself in the endless entertainment options, world-famous restaurants, beautiful resorts, and more shopping than you could do in a day. From the classic casinos of Fremont Street to the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, there’s something on offer to exceed your wildest expectations. Las Vegas has some of the most spectacular shopping in the world - The Forum Shops at Caesars, Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, and much more. And after all the shopping and entertainment, there are still hundreds of amazing restaurants to satisfy your appetite. Dozens of internationally recognized chefs have restaurants in Las Vegas, with dishes as varied as the accolades they receive. Try the award-winning meals while you explore all of the other things that Las Vegas has to offer. Until you actually visit Vegas yourself it’s hard to imagine what this place is truly like. This town is 24/7 and it’s only till you sample this amazing place that you realize no one does sleep!! Whilst visiting I had the pleasure of sampling a handful of hotels on the strip - all had something different to offer, from the boutique-style hotels to the large MGM, all offering food, bars, gambling and much more. We had the pleasure of staying at the Wynn/Encore which was beautiful, lots to offer and two of my favorite things was seeing Le Rêve - The Dream and not forgetting one of my best bits, Sinatras - he was truly lovely to listen too with your favorite cocktail in hand. You couldn't go to Vegas without stopping off at the grand canyon, and I must admit, the best way to go and see this magnificent place is by helicopter - breathtaking - this was one of my many highlights. Whether it’s your first time in Las Vegas or you’re a frequent visitor, a little planning never hurts. Now you’re ready to make some memories in the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’! If you really want to know more about this fantastic place, feel free to call me for a chat.

22 June 2016

Fancy something a little different for a short city break with lots of character, the finest German beer, wonderful food and a lovely place to visit for the Christmas markets? The City Municipality of Bremen is a Hanseatic city in north-western Germany, which belongs to the state Free Hanseatic City of Bremen or shortly Bremen. Home to the Bremen Town Musicians, worlds of discovery, Hanseatic heritage and aerospace expertise – Bremen is a destination with a wide-ranging appeal. An old city can still be young at heart! The Schnoor quarter, Bremen's oldest district, is a maze of lanes lined with little 15th and 16th century houses. Pretty little half-timbered houses dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with narrow lanes between the rows of buildings. The name of the quarter may allude to the fact that the houses are lined up like pearls on a string, Schnoor being Low German for Schnur (string). Another interpretation of the name is that this part of the old fishermen's quarter, right by the river Weser, was where the rope makers used to live. Visitors can browse for arts and crafts and handmade gold, rest their legs in one of the many cafés and restaurants or buy a souvenir to take home. The most magnificent building on the market square is without doubt the town hall. In front of it stands the proud statue of Roland, which symbolises the freedom of the city. Both have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Turning clockwise on the Hanseatic Cross near the statue, you can see St. Peter's Cathedral, the State Parliament and the Schütting guildhall. Just past the Schütting, a narrow lane leads to Böttcherstrasse. On the western side of the Kontorhaus shopping arcade follows a row of beautiful gabled buildings. You can do walking tours during the day or try the evening spooky tour or travel along the river by cruise. There are so many options and a city which is small in size but with lots to do, see and taste! Not forgetting this footballing temple with its four iconic floodlight masts which can accommodate 42,100 fans. To get to Werder, Bremen's riverside stadium in the heart of the city, you can walk, cycle, get the tram or even travel by boat. The Stadium, home of Werder Bremen football club, is located right on the banks of the river. It’s a beautiful walk along the river and you can stop off for a refreshment along the way. There are plenty of places to eat around the square or along the river, central hotels to choose from and easy transportation from the airport – it is an ideal city break for spring, summer or winter.

22 June 2016

Finally wrote a trip report about my 7 days in Barbados. This was our first trip to Barbados and we absolutely loved it - great beaches, great food and great people! Even the Cricket which we were lucky to go and watch on the 1st day was an amazing experience to see England v West Indies test match at Kensington Oval. Flew from Manchester airport with Virgin Atlantic, great service on board and was able to sample the extra legroom seats in Economy outbound and the Premium Economy service on the return which we were surprised and were able to fly in the "bubble" which was a great experience as it’s a smaller cabin and felt quieter, more intimate. We stayed at South Beach Hotel which offers a gorgeous location, easy access to the beach, and access to the south coast’s boardwalk. There is one swimming pool, great bar area, lovely restaurant and the location is very near to St. Lawrence Gap (an area with lots of restaurants and fun nightlife), easy access to public transportation and plenty of bars and restaurants within walking distance if you don't want to venture further. South beach offers white sand and beautiful warm Caribbean water, it has a long stretch of public beach, with ample sunbeds and umbrellas plus a great bar offering rum punches, beer and lots more, it also offered simple West Indian and other selections of food at lunch time. One thing I would definitely recommend was the Catamaran Cruise where we were able to snorkel around a small shipwreck/reef and swim with the turtles (truly amazing) and a large variety of fish, great day out with lovely crew, lots of food and plenty of rum!! Highly recommend a trip to Oistins (Friday night fish fry in Oistins, a small fishing village) you can take the local bus, we found lots of people and rows and rows of stalls selling food, mostly fresh fish, crafts and beer. We decided to sample several different dishes, eating delicious flying fish, salad and my very favourite macaroni pie, Barbados’ version of macaroni and cheese. After dinner, we sipped Banks Beer and listened to live music, watching people dance and celebrate. Another recommendation would be the beautiful restaurant Champers which sits atop the cliff. A great spot for a romantic dinner or a cocktail! And the views and sounds are amazing in the evening, all in walking distance from South beach. The south coast of Barbados features an excellent public transportation system of small mini-vans that stop frequently and cram as many folks in as possible. Each ride is $1 and usually includes some fun music. Great way to see the island and get you about from place to place. So much more to list - what a wonderful place for relaxation, great beaches, lovely people, and not forgetting Mount Gay Rum!

22 June 2016

This was a quick Easter short break just the two of us. We had decided to book into Seahorses which was a lovely small fishing village, close to all of the major sites which I would recommend to see and do. You can saunter along the bustling harbour of this colourful fishing village and browse an Aladdin’s cave of shops in this popular seaside holiday resort, even have some famous fish and chips! Board a Billy Shield or Serenity boat trip bound for the Farne Islands, one of the UK’s top wildlife experiences. During the breeding season around 150,000 seabirds vie for space here. Encounter curious grey seals that make up one of the country’s largest colonies. Sup a pint of Farne Island ale in a friendly inn’s beer garden overlooking the islands themselves and take in the sights of Bamburgh Castle and Holy Island. On the road to Bamburgh Castle stop off for some great picture opportunities or have lunch in one of the many local pubs, with tea rooms along the way. The castle sits on a basalt outcrop overlooking the Farne Islands and Lindisfarne. It is home of the Bamburgh Castle Aviation Artefacts Museum. Another one not to miss is Alnwick Castle for a day to really fire the imagination. Discover sumptuous state rooms, the medieval Knight's Quest arena, dragons and magic. Did you know that many TV shows and films were filmed here, the most famous being Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. It is a wonderful place and there is great scenery not to be missed. There is so much more to this wonderful area of Northumbria with clean beaches, lovely harbours, great castles and fantastic national trust and heritage sites.

22 June 2016

In September 2014 we travelled to the Island of Kos in Greece for a week away to re-charge our batteries. This time it was just the two of us; myself and my partner Andy. During our stay we visited some wonderful resorts around the island by hiring a scooter and being able to wonder throughout the streets and small coves to relax on the beaches and swim in the turquoise sea that would give the Caribbean a run for its money. The resort of Tingaki where we stayed has magnificent views and is 2 miles from the coast of Bodrum which from our hotel you overlook. We also visited Kefalos which combines old and new, it’s thoroughly traditional with its sugar-cube houses, ancient ruins and timeworn windmills. The capital Kos Town wears its history well the Romans, Ottomans and Italians have all left their stamp here in the architecture and ruins, while a 15th-century castle plays up to the resort’s Medieval roots, you’ll see traditional and lively bars and the harbour-side restaurants and marina area are a must to enjoy some traditional Greek dishes and wash down with a glass of Ouzo - it's a place to watch the world go by. Kos offers all-round great value and is a great place to go over the summer season without breaking the bank, such friendly people, great hospitality, it caters for couples, singles and families. I would definitely recommend a visit to this beautiful island.

22 June 2016

I discovered the French Rivera last year celebrating my dads 70th Birthday during a short break. Getting to Nice couldn't be easier, with regular flights from Liverpool, Manchester and London and only an hour away with great temperatures throughout the year. Once you arrive, you can catch a train directly from the airport to the city centre or taxi transfer (approx. 20mins). You will discover a modern, but still quaint city, which retains a lot of old fashioned charm or take a stroll down Promenade des Anglais. There are hotels to suit all budgets, with breathtaking views of the sea or city. You can walk through the old town to Castle Hill with breathtaking views of the city or visit museums and art galleries. There are plenty of bars and restaurants offering mouthwatering seafood dishes at very reasonable prices, do try the Mussels. The next day, we took a train from Gare de Nice Ville station, and headed firstly to Cannes and then onto Monte Carlo, The track hugs the shores of the coastline, and around every corner you discover another breathtaking vista. Monte Carlo was stunning in every way, we sat at a bar overlooking the Grand Prix course/tunnel watching the world go by and the super cars driving passed, the casino square was a great place for camera action and taking a little peek inside. Ahead of the Cannes Film Festival and the Carnival of Nice. Each year, it brings a magical atmosphere to the Principality, really kick-starting the summer season, a very cosmopolitan atmosphere and huge amounts of visitors all budgets. So why not discover for yourself ... Give me a call and I will help you plan a trip!!

11 March 2016

MARRAKECH – Last August, I planned a seven-day, family holiday trip to Marrakech, so we could celebrate the birthday of my Mum's 70th surprise. Marrakech, it turns out, is the ultimate family trip to suit everyone. We took in the museum/shopping/spa, wonderful gardens and it was to missed a day trip out with our very own private guide to the Atlas mountains which was incredible. Marrakech is easier to get to than people think (a 3-hour flight to Marrakesh from the UK, followed by 15 minute drive to the centre), and the scene is wonderful. For shopping: I love it! and the historic souk is another thing. From studded leather bags, candy-coloured slippers, kaftans, tea glasses, embroidered tunics, hand-sewn linen napkins, perfume bottles, and ceramics - everything you can buy under one roof at amazing prices. We booked into a fantastic hotel just on the outskirts of Marrakesh, It suited us all and the food was fantastic, something for everyone's taste buds. Getting around: You'll can walk to most places you'll want to go, and taxis are cheap and plentiful when you need a ride. IF YOU ONLY DO THREE THINGS 1. Walk the souks. 2. Visit the Atlas Mountains - even see Richard Branson's property. 3. Have drinks on the roof of Riad el Fenn. This is a wonderful destination for a city break, family holiday, romantic getaway.

12 August 2015

Myself, my partner and Charlie (12yr old son) travelled from Manchester with Emirates airlines. On arrival in Dubai we grabbed a taxi outside arrivals and were taken down to THE PALM on Jumeriah where we were staying at the ALANTIS ON THE PALM. Our first impression was that it was an amazing place. We couldn’t quite work out how they built it on the water. The greeting we received from the staff was superb. The reception area was beautifully decorated in gold and red, so it had a true Arabian feel. After a speedy and efficient check-in we were even given an early check-in room which was located on the East Tower wing. It was a lovely room with pleasant decor, and a large bathroom which opened up into the bedroom. So, ladies if you wished to have a bath and watch TV it could be done! Our room was located on the 10th floor with views overlooking the Sea. There was enough space for two adults and one child to live comfortable like kings and queens for the week. So, let’s get to the most important bits! The water park is amazing, even I became a BIG kid for the week. There are so many areas to choose from! We loved the Lazy River and the Leap of Faith did look great, but I have to admit I wasn't brave enough and did chicken out! We also visited Dolphin Cove which is right next door and got a quick look at the dolphins, very cute. But, if you do fancy chilling around the pool or beach area there is ample space and fantastic facilities within the hotel. There are also so many restaurants to choose from and again I can honestly say all were superb. We did venture out for the day and evening and took ourselves down to the OLD gold souk which is an experience in itself. Then we made the trip to the New Town and amazing downtown area to see the Burj Khalifa and the dancing water fountains – this is a must! So much more to tell you all about, but you will have to experience it for yourselves or contact me, it’s good to talk!! I look forward to hearing from you.

10 November 2014

Weekend break in London for myself and husband, we travelled to London from Stockport with Virgin trains, all on time and a great service, the reason for our break was to see and celebrate Remembrance Sunday and the poppies display at Tower of London which we had bought our very own hand-made ceramic poppy. As you can see, we finally saw the poppies, both on Sat night and early Sunday morning. Absolutely amazing and well worth going down for. Our hotel "Guoman Tower Hotel" couldn't have been more convenient, we got a high floor and a wonderful view of Tower Bridge and the Thames. It did rain which was a shame as we went to Greenwich by boat, but we still enjoyed it and it was fine and sunny on Sunday. We went down to Whitehall but couldn't get near the Cenotaph so went on to Horse Guards Parade and saw everyone marching there. It was lovely to have been part of it! Very moving experience. Well worth a visit to see.

19 June 2014

Cork boasts a wealth of beautiful, charming and picturesque scenery, perfect for families, couples and small groups looking for a short break getaway. I travelled to Cork with my partner over Easter this year and was amazed at the friendliness and hospitality shown. From the airport we jumped into a taxi which took us straight into the heart of Cork and our hotel. The city is easy to walk around by foot and one of the most talked about attractions which you should not miss is the English Market. "In my opinion this is the best covered market in the UK and Ireland” - Rick Stein. Good for the food lovers and sampling some great food. We also travelled out to Blarney Castle which you cannot go to without kissing the Blarney Stone. According to legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of the gab (great eloquence or skill at flattery). Another adventure was out to Kinsale. Once a medieval fishing port, the historic Kinsale is one of the most picturesque, popular and historic towns on the south west coast of Ireland. It has been hailed as the gourmet capital of Ireland, with no shortage of cafes, pubs and restaurants to suit every taste and budget. We ate at a little place in the centre which was lovely and had a few of the ‘black stuff’ as they call it and then headed back home to our hotel. All this was possible by public transport which was easy to use, inexpensive and great to see the sites location out of Cork. With so much choice on offer, this city is one I would recommend for short breaks, even a stopover if you decided to do a road trip around Ireland. It’s a great place to visit.

24 April 2014

We started at Manchester and Dubai Airports and wanted to let others know that we had a most amazing, unforgettable holiday at Samburu Tented Camp last week. Everything from the accommodation to meals, game drives, evening talks, kids club, service and staff were without exception, excellent. Even the transfer company included were just fantastic. We travelled with eight in our party with ages ranging from 9 to 71, and every one of us enjoyed every minute and were made to feel special. My granddaughter Evie who had her ninth birthday was treated to a very special celebration dance and singsong with all the kitchen and serving staff taking part whilst we were there. Something she will never forget. Mark who was 40 and myself, 70, also celebrating our special birthdays enjoyed birthday cakes and celebration on the following night of our trip, something which the Kenyans do very nicely. The wildlife we saw was exceptional, from lioness' and cubs, wild dogs making a kill, giraffes in large numbers and what must have been at least 100 elephants with as many as 10 to 15 baby elephants all coming down to the river on a very hot day. The highlight was seeing a female leopard at very close quarters when we had all but given up on sighting one on the trip. Our driver Sebastian was exceptional in the way he looked after us and managed to locate so many animals, too many to mention, and his knowledge of the wildlife which was second to none. All our meals were amazing, beautifully cooked and presented. My daughter commented that the children, Robbie (12), Lizzie (10), and Evie (9) had never eaten so much so enthusiastically. Our compliments to the Head Chef who even found time to show us his kitchen garden where they grew their fresh veg, and Dennis our waiter who was absolutely charming, especially with the children. On the final game drive, when Jen and family had left to go back to Dubai, Mark and I were told that something had been arranged for us at the end of the last game drive. It was a Sundowner, yet another amazing experience. We watched the sun go down from a high point behind the camp and were treated to drinks and snacks. They even had a portaloo and hot running water! I hope I have managed to convey what an unforgettable holiday experience we had, all thanks to your personal attention to detail and recommendations. We have all said we must go again in the not too distant future. Our stay at Samburu was outstanding in every way, faultless. The transfers to and from Nairobi were perfect to every single member of staff we came into contact with. All in all excellent service in making our holiday a trip in a lifetime. Thanks so much for all your help and patience in organising a very special holiday. We have some truly magical memories to keep forever! Thank you, will always use you again in future! Margaret, Mark, David, Jen and family

04 February 2014

My clients sent me their own blog and I wanted to share with you their fantastic experience. Here goes…. We would most definitely recommend the Radisson Blu as having the best views in the area, they offer a free shuttle bus which is an excellent service, so makes staying at the Radisson very easy to get around Cape Town and beyond. The hotel is easily accessible to walk to the Waterfront which takes approximately 5-10 minutes. We ate out 9 nights out of 10 at restaurants at the Waterfront. You just can't go wrong for choice and value, and similarly the drinks and bar meals within the hotel were very reasonable. The Business Class Ocean View room which we stayed in had a living room area and bathroom both of a good size. We were in Room 319 and had fantastic views, it appears that all the uneven numbers are on the sea, pool and harbour side whilst the even ones are on the back of the hotel facing Table Mountain. The "business class" add-ons amount to free water, a Nespresso machine and a daily newspaper. The spa area and treatments were lovely, I could definitely recommend the facial treatment. If you wish to be pampered do book in advance as you would not be disappointed. We visited various places and these are just a few I would suggest to do. The one day Best of the Cape tour down to Cape Point, Boulders Beach for the penguins, then Stellenbosch for lunch and tour of winery, Robben Island and a walking tour of the town if you are interested in the history of apartheid and Mandela. On another day we took the cable car up Table Mountain. The best way to get there is on the Red Route bus which takes you to the foot of the cable car, which is quite high up already. It’s a great way to get around. Overall though we saw absolutely no trouble and didn't feel threatened anywhere. We would definitely go back to South Africa and to this hotel. You have to go to experience the hospitality of this country, its one to put in your "top ten places to visit". We loved it all.

21 November 2013

This was a very special birthday surprise from my partner Andy who whisked me away without me knowing anything at all until the day we checked in at London Heathrow and WOW I was totally overwhelmed. It was an absolutely amazing trip from start to finish. He had booked us seven nights at Mombasa beach with two night’s safari. The hotel Southern Palms lie's on Mombasa’s south coast and sits on the dazzling white sands of Diani Beach, nestled amidst ten acres of tropical gardens. It is a great resort for a relaxing beach holiday, with its two large swimming pools, a choice of restaurants and an exciting range of facilities. The staff were friendly and could not do enough for us; the service was superb. We then travelled and were lucky enough to have a private driver for our trip to the National Parks of Tsavo East and Tsavo West, together forming one of Africa's largest wilderness reserves. Tsavo as a whole consists of 10 million acres of pure wilderness, incorporating savannah and hills and an extensive river system. The sheer scale of Tsavo gives you a chance to really get away from it all, to explore the wild in total solitude. On safari here we could not believe our eyes as we saw absolutely everything including large herds of elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, lots of graceful giraffes. We were even lucky enough to see a lion, plus loads more. Words cannot describe this wonderful place. Tsavo is also a birdwatcher's paradise with numerous species of weavers, hornbills, sunbirds, rollers, and raptors commonly seen. Our first game lodge was the Ashnil HoteI which is located in Tsavo East and is superb, close to Aruba Dam, with several watering holes nearby that attract wildlife and at night lots of elephants. There is no need for an alarm clock here! The hotel and game drive is second to none. A perfect safari lodge for your next Kenya visit. The second game reserve we were lucky to stay is a classic stone built lodge which was one of the first lodges to be built in Tsavo National Park and overlooks its own waterhole, which is visited by a variety of wildlife at any time of day. Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge is located within the Tsavo West National Park and the service and views from here are incredible. On clear days Kilimanjaro can be seen in the distance which is unbelievable. Words cannot explain the experience we had nor can the pictures capture the beauty of this country. I would defiantly recommend this type of holiday to be on your top ten places to visit "bucket list". It was truly amazing!