sarah lynch travel counsellors

Create Your Perfect Holiday Experience

Welcome to a travel experience that goes beyond the ordinary – a personalized journey crafted uniquely for each client. I believe in the power of personal connections, and I’m here to transform your travel dreams into reality.

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Why Choose Personalized Travel with Me?

As your dedicated tour operator, I collaborate with the best in the industry, from airlines to cruise companies, and even destination management specialists.

Together, we create a tailored itinerary, like a custom-made cake with all the right ingredients. No two cakes are the same; each one is a masterpiece, ensuring your journey is as distinctive as you are.

The Journey Unfolds

Once we’ve perfected your itinerary, I handle all the details – from passport checks to visa assistance, flight seat reservations to special meal requests.

MyTC, the exclusive app designed for you, keeps you informed and organized, providing easy access to all your travel documents and a countdown to your next adventure.

But it doesn’t end there – I work closely with hotels to ensure a seamless arrival, striving for room upgrades and special amenities when possible. I go beyond the basics, offering recommendations for dinner, local attractions, and more.

Peace of Mind, Every Step of the Way

I believe in adding value at every turn – from personalized recommendations to proactive updates. The MyTC app ensures you have all the information you need, including boarding passes and any changes to your itinerary. Even while you’re abroad, a 24/7 Travel Counsellors duty office is ready to handle emergencies, with access to me for immediate support.

Choosing me as your travel advisor means getting the best of both worlds – the personal touch of an individual consultant combined with the strength and influence of Travel Counsellors, a billion-pound industry powerhouse. Our long-term relationships with suppliers mean your travel experience benefits from trust, respect, and unmatched value.

It’s not just about the sum of the ingredients; it’s the care, peace of mind, and tailored service that make your journey exceptional. Trust and peace of mind are my priorities, ensuring you get the best value for your money, without compromise.

Create Your Perfect Experience Today

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Turners Yacht

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We are where good boating happens.

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Yacht Variety

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Prefessional Crew

Luxury cabin, the most comfortable yacht.

Meet The Seagale Crew

James alstair.

First Captain

Houston Tony

Second Captain

James Hilton

George hills.

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Choose Your Suitable Plan

Book your yacht.

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• A: Trafford City, Manchester
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Sarah Lynch

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Sarah holds a bachelor's degree in advertising and a master’s degree in web design from the University of Florida. Her passion is graphic design and is self-taught. The top three places she'd like to travel are India for the food and colorful culture, Morocco for the Islamic architecture, and Iceland for the otherworldly geography (but not the weather!). 

Sarah Lynch

Travel Counsellors Limited | Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom

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Meet Sarah McCarthy - 13 years as a Travel Counsellor

In our second year in business, Cork-based Sarah McCarthy joined Travel Counsellors Ireland. That was in 2006 when her son’s Frank and Danny were both young babies. 13 years later, she juggles raising three children and their fifteen different training sessions a week as well as a very successful travel business! Sarah has been one of the top performing Travel Counsellors globally for the last ten years.

In 2018, Sarah and her family moved into their new home where she added a garden office which she feels has been such a fresh start for her, the family and the business.

Listen to Sarah as she explains about when the kids were younger it was necessary for her to be in the house with them but now that they are older and more independent, she can head out to the back garden and work from her own space without having to check on them every few minutes. Sarah’s flexible work hours mean that she can also work around her children’s increasingly busy schedules and allows her to spend quality time with her family. Being her own boss also means that Sarah can head off to their summer home in Kerry each summer, and her business can continue as normal from there.

Sarah says that the support amongst the Travel Counsellors community is very special and unique. “I am so fortunate to work with such a progressive and supportive company. We all run our own travel businesses, but we are not in competition with each other at all. Each Travel Counsellor is very supportive of each other and are always helping each other out – we all want to see each other get those bookings over the line…”

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Based in Co. Cork

Sarah McCarthy

• Customer stories

It's Nice To Meet You

What I am offering to my clients is a totally impartial, professional, confidential & friendly service, which will far exceed your expectations. I specialise in long-haul travel and have a passion for organising Honeymoons and special occasion trips.

Most importantly I can ensure that you will get the best value and choice for your money, and because we are licensed and bonded your money is safe.

My travels have taken me to many exciting destination worldwide. I have travelled to many countries within Europe and further afield to Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles, Tanzania, South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Australia, U.S.A., Middle East, British Virgin Islands, Barbados, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Cuba.

I am a qualified Aussie specialist and enjoying tailor-making holidays to to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

For the past 12 years I have won the 'Best Travel Counsellor' - Ireland Award and I am also very proud to be one of the top (out of over 2000 Travel Counsellors Worldwide) for exceptional customer service as voted by my customers.

My main objective is to provide you with a friendly and professional service. I pride myself in offering the highest level of customer care and I have built a loyal customer following over the past 18 years, most of whom continue to recommend me to family and friends.

Whether you're looking to relax with the family, or you're ready for a complete change of scenery and want to jet off to your favourite far-away destinations, or discover some new ones, it would be my pleasure to guide you through the various destinations and ensure that you are fully up-to-date with the latest travel guidance.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best Wishes

Whatever your holiday needs I'm here to help you, so simply give me a call or send me an email with your contact details on and I can get things started for you:

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I absolutely live and breathe travel and I love to write about my experiences! Please take a look through my posts - you might find your own holiday inspiration.

14 October 2021

If Iceland is not on your radar then I recommend you add this unique and diverse destination to your bucket list right away. Whether you are looking for a weekend break abroad, celebrating a special occasion in your life or want to head away to somewhere different with the kids, Iceland ticks all the boxes. You should spend at least 3 nights there, although if you want to go at a leisurely pace 4 nights may suit better. For those who love exploring and hiking you could take a car rental and spend up to 10 nights exploring the Island. So my friend and I did a whistle stop trip and let me outline the itinerary below: We flew with Iceland Air direct from Dublin to Reykjavik. The flight duration is just over 2 hours and it takes about 45 mins to reach the city. On the day of our arrival we checked in, dropped the bags and headed down to the Old town of Reykjavik to soak up the atmosphere and it didn’t disappoint. The city has a bustling vibe, loads of beautiful shops, restaurants, lovely bars & cafes. After an early dinner we walked to Reykjavik pier and bought 2 tickets for “Fly Over Iceland” which is simulator ride giving you the feeling of flight. You will hang suspended, feet dangling, and the film whisks you away on an exhilarating journey across Iceland. Special effects, including wind, mist and scents, combined with the ride’s motion to create an unforgettable experience, it was amazing and the best of fun. Later that evening we boarded a Cruise in search of the Northern Lights. Whilst the lights did not put on much a show we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We woke up on day 2 to the beautiful sunshine. Perfect conditions for a whale watching cruise from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík. Whilst we did spot a few Minke whales in the distance, the highlight had to be the many dolphins that circled the boat. Boy did they put on a show. The views from the cruise were breath taking, a truly wonderful experience. After lunch we got the bus to the Blue Lagoon for an afternoon of relaxation and it did not disappoint. We opted for the comfort package which included entry to the thermal baths, Silica mud mask, towel & drink of your choice. In hindsight for approx. €30 more we should have opted for the Premium package which includes all of the above and 2 additional masks of your choice, slippers & bathrobe. I would highly recommend this trip and due to its distance from the city (45mins approx.), I would be encouraging my clients to head straight to the Lagoon on the day of arrival from the airport, or indeed on the way to the airport on the day of departure. For our final day we opted to do the Gold Circle Tour by Super Jeep & Snowmobile - WOW WOW WOW. Our first stop was at Þingvellir National Park, one of Iceland’s most significant historical sites. It’s the home of the country’s first parliament which was founded in 930 A.D. and is the oldest extant parliamentary institution in the world. From Þingvellir, we headed inland towards the highly active Geysir Hot Spring Area with it’s boiling mud pits and spouting hot springs. We then continued on to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. Located on Hvítá river, the waterfall is fed by Langjökull glacier and plummets down 32 meters in two stages into a rugged canyon. To top it all off we drove towards Langjökull glacier, got suited and booted and sped across the glacier on snowmobiles while taking in some awesome views of the peaks and ice surrounding us. This was a full day tour. We arrived back at the city around 6pm. A day I will never forget and a tour that I will certainly be offering to all my clients going forward. After a delicious steak sandwich and beer at a local food market we decided to give the Northern Lights one last go. Thankfully the cruise company invited us back free of charge so we hopped on the boat at 9pm and within 30 mins we were gazing at the Northern Lights of Iceland....what an epic end to an epic trip....

11 March 2020

We kicked off this adventure in style by travelling business class on the British Airways Dreamliner. The full flat bed, incredible food and service was such a treat. On arrival to Durban International my colleagues and I were met by our Partner Destination Management Company who have been taking great care of our clients for many years in South Africa and it was a pleasure to explore the Kwazulu-Natal location with this special company. Mkhuze Game Reserve was our first port of call. Located just under 3 hours from Durban we settled into the Ghost Mountain Inn, a beautiful property located at the foot of the legendary Ghost Mountain, a perfect setting which to explore the dramatic landscapes, exceptional bird life and cultural tribal villages. We were so lucky to be invited into the home of a Zulu family to experienced firsthand their everyday way of life, traditions and culture. Early the next morning we enjoyed a Sunrise cruise on Lake Josini. The spectacular views combined with sightings of hippos and crocodiles was a sight for sore eyes. Our next port of call was Hluhluwe-Imfolozi park, the oldest game reserve in South Africa. En-route we were invited to view the incredible accommodations at Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve and we were greeted by some impalas, giraffe & buffalo. The accommodation here was just breath-taking with individual luxury rented accommodation or luxury pool suites. A couple of cheeky elephants decided to help themselves to some water from one of the plunge pools much to the guests delight. This was a very special property and I would highly recommend especially for a honeymoon or a special occasion trip. Thanda offers game viewing of the “big 5”. Onwards to what I can only describe of a “little piece of heaven” we settled into the 5 Star Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge. This lodge is the only Safari lodge in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park. The lodge is strategically located in an elevated position and commands majestic views over the reserve. Guests can explore the reserve by jeep or organised walking tours. There is a wonderful spa and outdoor pool area where guests can relax after their early morning game drive. We experienced 2 game drives and were lucky to see rhino, giraffe, elephant, impalas & buffalo. We were very sad indeed to be leaving Rhino Ridge Lodge but another lovely surprise was in store, the Makakatana Bay Lodge at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This luxury rustic style lodge on the banks of Lake St Lucia was very much "at one with nature" which I loved. Only 12 rooms, each with a private decking area and outdoor tropical shower and bath. One can enjoy early and evening game drives, private safaris, boat safaris and a full day beach Safari. Our ranger Jaco was a true expert, his enthusiasm and passion for the animals, insects and bird life was a joy to experience first-hand. As you lay in bed at night you can hear the hippo feeding off the property’s foliage which is pretty surreal. The final leg of this wonderful trip and no better way to finish off than a relaxing beachfront location. Umhlanga is a seaside resort town located just outside Durban. Umhlanga and it’s surrounds feature golden sand beaches for 200 kilometres, endless sugarcane fields and rolling hills. We checked into the infamous Oyster Box Resort offering colonial charm and nostalgia of a bygone era but with all the modern comforts and amenities. Stunning gardens, beachfront pool and terrace, delicious restaurants and bars. Incredible spa and a lavish daily high tea with piano accompaniment. A perfect end to a perfect trip. Having already visited Cape Town and it’s surrounds I am delighted to have now experienced what the east coast of South Africa has to offer. With a year round warm climate this location is an ideal combination with the likes of Cape Town, J’Burg, Victoria Falls or perhaps the island of Mauritius. The world is your oyster and the incredible value for money, service and unique experiences that this amazing country has to offer is hard to beat.

08 December 2019

I was incredibly lucky to be part of a small group of Travel Counsellors who travelled to Tanzania to experience the Bush Rover Suites in the Serengeti National Park. You cannot get more unique than this!! We flew with Turkish Airlines who without doubt in my opinion offers the most comfortable in-fight experience in both economy and business class cabins. I also had to opportunity to experience the new airport at Istanbul and WOW it is incredible! We started off with a night and a day in Istanbul. What an amazing city and one I would highly recommend visiting. We had a lovely dinner on the evening we arrived in the old town of Istanbul. It was incredibly authentic and alive with locals socialising in outdoor cafes and restaurants. There was such a lovely vibe and buzz and I thoroughly enjoyed walking through the old, historic city after dinner. The next morning, we visited the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world. Prepare to get lost and embrace this as a part of the authentic experience. If you love shopping and haggling this will be paradise. I also noticed how friendly and fun the vendors were. All in all, an excellent experience and one not be missed in this amazing city. We spent the afternoon on an Istanbul City Boat Cruise. This trip allowed us to see both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul and view the most incredible monuments, private homes, historic buildings and hotels on the riverside. Istanbul is a sprawling city and the city boat cruise and a fantastic introduction and history lesson to this city and I would highly recommend. Whilst my trip was a whistle stop visit, I will most certainly return to Istanbul to experience the city and indeed the incredible airport which is by far the best in the world. Onwards to Tanzania, we flew direct from Istanbul to Dar es Salaam and onwards to Kogatende Airstrip on a small aircraft. Kogatende is the gateway to North Serengeti National Park. Here we were met by the “Tent with a View” team, Travel Counsellors’ partners in the Serengeti. We jump on-board our safari jeep and drove to our accommodation in the heart of north Serengeti experience plenty of wildebeest, zebra, elephants and more on the way to our Bush Rover Suites. The Bush Rover Suites are full working Land Rovers that, once in-situ, fold out and transform into a stunning home. You must see it to believe it, so I have attached loads of pics. The beautiful elevated bedroom has its own balcony looking out to the wilderness. Down the spiral staircase to a lovely wood panelled bathroom and out-door private shower. Solar powered hot water, lights and power sockets to recharge your batteries. What more could one want? Most importantly, unlike fixed camps and lodges, the Bush Rovers move to the right places to provide the safari of a lifetime, to experience splendid isolation in total comfort. When the wildebeest migrates the camp folds up and moves to the next exciting area within the Serengeti destination leaving no trace of human footprint. We had “front seat views” of the wildebeest and it was a mind-blowing experience watching these incredible animals crossing the river just below the Bush Rover Suites. This was truly a “once in a lifetime” experience and I feel incredible fortunate to have being a part of it. We also came across a “kill” where a lioness had a full belly of Wildebeests!!! We saw Rhinos, buffalo, hippo, lions, zebra, wildebeest, hyenas and plenty of vultures hovering overhead. The Bush Rover Suites are without doubt the most special and unique way to experience the might Serengeti. Our next destination was at Little Okavango Camp near Lake Victoria where we were met with peace and quiet apart from the bird song from the most beautiful birds. We had a very tasty dinner followed by drinks, chats and songs around the campfire. Next morning, we were taken to a local fishing village to see the catch being brought in from Lake Victoria and then the fish were laid out for sale by the women of the village. Our tour guide, Amos, a local of the village gave a fantastic insight about life on this famous lake. From here we headed along the lake by boat into narrow water channels which led us to the fabulous Little Okavango tower where we were treated to a delicious brunch and take in the view from of 3 of its decks. We arrived back to the camp by boat and were very sad to be bidding farewell to the incredible staff of Little Okavango Camp and Tanzania. If you’re sense of adventure is calling you and you’re interested in embarking on a Safari trip of a lifetime contact me to find out more!

Having already explored Europe and America with the kids, I wanted them to experience a new culture and what better location than Asia. As myself and my Hubbie honeymooned in Thailand we were eager to return and explore new adventures with the kids in tow! The trip totally exceeded all our expectations. Let me give you a brief outline of our amazing itinerary; Flying with Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi, we had a very comfortable and pleasant in-flight experience. On arrival to the island of Phuket we took an hour-long transfer north to the idyllic province of Khao Lak, located on the gorgeous Andaman seaboard. Khao Lak is a very chilled out, peaceful location and we spent a week on the beachfront enjoying the sun, sea and sand. In the evening the town centre was buzzing with restaurants and shops where the kids learnt the art of haggling! Mid way through the week we decided to do a full day trip to the island of Koh Phi Phi. This was just incredible. Picture postcard location with classic tropical beaches, stunning rock formations and turquoise waters home to colourful marine life. We had the most wonderful day swimming, snorkelling, exploring and the kids experienced jet skiing for the first time which was fab. After a week of re-charging we were collected from our hotel and transferred to Elephant Hills, Thailand’s first luxury tented camp and a “bucket list” experience for my family and I. Located in the stunningly beautiful Koh Sok National Park, the Elephant Camp comprises tailor-make luxury tents located in the rainforest and a floating rainforest camp situated on Cheow Larn Lake. We got to feed, wash and interact with the Elephants at the elephant nature park. We canoed down the Sok River, visited a local market to experience Thailand’s rural lifestyle and in the evening, we enjoyed a local school dance performances and cookery demonstrations. At the floating lakeside camp, each luxury tent came with a double canoe and we had a guided canoe safari, jungle trekking on foot which was a wonderful experience for the kids as they learnt about the rainforest, exotic plants, wildlife and enjoyed an incredible caving experience. Elephant Hills was a truly amazing and memorable experience. We headed onto the island of Krabi for our final 4 nights staying at the wonderful Rayavadee Beach Resort, accessible only via speedboat. Krabi is home to white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, coral reefs, caves and waterfalls. We had an adventurous 4 days snorkelling, abseiling, swimming and chilling. We had a bit of rain during our time here, but it did not “dampen” our experience as the accommodation was top notch and we enjoyed movie evenings in our suite. All in all we had the most incredible time and cant thank the Thai people enough for their kindness and hospitality. Thailand is a truly special destination and we will most certainly return in the near future.

16 May 2018

Hats off to Air Canada...We arrived At Heathrow airport at 9am to find out that our flight to Vancouver had been delayed by 7 hours. On approaching the ticket desk, the Air Canada representative’s very fast thinking and efficiency resulted in us being rerouted via Calgary on a 10am departure and we actually arrived to a very sunny Vancouver an hour ahead of schedule. We had a very enjoyable and comfortable journey on-board a brand new aircraft. A great start to what was to be an incredible journey. I was lucky to share this trip with my colleague and very close friend Mary. Once we dropped the luggage we found a lovely restaurant/bar directly opposite the hotel with a lovely outdoor terrace so we had a bottle of wine in the sunshine and watched the world go by. It was a glorious evening and I thoroughly enjoyed all the people watching. The next morning bright and early we met with the rest of the group made of up many nationalities. After the initial pleasantries we set off on a whistle stop tour of Vancouver. Starting off with a brief stop at Stanley Park, a big public park in the middle of the City, home to many outdoor amenities including beaches, cycling routes, walking treks and picnic areas. Opposite Stanley Park you will find the cruise terminal, Canada Place. Stunning waterfront location and promenade . We experienced “Fly over Canada” whilst there. This is a 4D simulator experience of the highlights of Canada. It was really cool and I would highly recommend. Next stop, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. This was incredible. I never realized that Vancouver is pretty much located in a rain forest. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vancouver, British Columbia. The reason is simple, there are so many things to see and do! The Bridge crosses to towering evergreens, cedar-scented rainforest air and Treetops Adventure, 7 suspended footbridges offering views 110 feet above the forest floor. The new Cliffwalk follows a granite precipice along Capilano River with a labyrinth-like series of narrow cantilevered bridges, stairs and platforms and only 16 anchor points in the cliff supporting the structure! We only had 2 hours but you could spend much more time and they offer complimentary shuttle buses all day from downtown Vancouver. Next morning..........ALL ABOARD..........the very special and remarkable experience that is The Rocky Mountaineer. A world as wondrous as the Rockies provides a lot of stunning photo opportunities. Our host let us know in advance of any major sightings so we did not have to worry about missing out on any amazing photo opportunities. Onboard the train, we were surrounded by a super friendly team of staff who were truly dedicated to excellent customer service. Our coach had a lovely host who shared engaging stories of the history of the area and surrounds. We journeyed from Vancouver to the quaint town of Kamloops where we stayed overnight and were hosted by one of the local bars for some local beer tasting. Great fun was had by all. Early start on day 2 as we headed off towards Banff National Park via the Rockies. WOW...there are no words for the scenery....incredible.....I always find that the Irish are not easily impressed by scenery because we live in such a scenic country but I was absolutely blown away. It rained for quite a bit of the day and the clouds descended on the mighty Rockies but this didn’t dampen the mood and we even spotted some bears. Next stop Banff, I just adored this resort town located within Banff National Park. On Banff Avenue, the main thoroughfare, boutiques and restaurants mix with chateaux style hotels and souvenir shops. So quaint, I just loved it. We had the most wonderful day trip through the Rockies enroute to the Columbia Icefield Parkway where we stepped on a glacier, this was a surreal experience. The views and photo stops along the way were nothing short of incredible. I was awestruck for the entire day at the sheer beauty of the magnificent mountain range. We were so so lucky to have spent 45 mins at the majestic Lake Louise as our last call for this evening. On day 2 in Banff we took a trip on the Banff Gondola and what I witnessed on top of the observation desk could only be described as a winter wonderland. It was truly special. En-route to Calgary for our homeward flight we experienced a helicopter scenic trip for a final farewell to the Rockies. What an awesome and fitting way to complete such an incredible journey. The Rocky Mountaineer Experience was a truly unique, once in a life time experience and you most definitely have to add this to the bucket list if it is not already on there, put it at the top of the list! I promise an unforgettable and very special experience.

China is a destination that has forever been on my bucket list and as I suspected it exceeded all my expectations. This type of trip was a first for me as I was travelling as part of an escorted group with Intrepid Travel who are specialist in adventure and cultural worldwide group holidays. I travelled with 8 other Irish agents whom I met for the first time at Dublin airport and true to the Irish style they were a fantastic group of people. We were incredibly lucky to experience the exceptional business class service of Finnair who routed via Helsinki. As expected, the attentive service combined with a fine selection of wines, champagnes and delicious meals were second to none and the full lie flat bed was such a treat. After touching down in Beijing, the adventure began. The group’s local tour guide, Jay from Intrepid met us on arrival. His wealth of knowledge, friendly and kind approach certainly enhanced the whole experience. Our two-night stay in Beijing included iconic sights such as Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the World, the Forbidden Palace, Jiangshan Park and we also visited the Olympic Village. Of course, the highlight of the entire trip was visiting the Great Wall. The was just incredible and it certainly gave me a better understanding of what a “once in a lifetime” experience feels like. We climbed right to the top and this was a very proud moment and an excellent bonding exercise for the group. Onwards to the ancient city of Xi’an by high-speed bullet train. This journey took just over 5 hours and the experience was smooth and very comfortable. The imperial centre of China for over 2000 years, Xi’an is such a vibrant and modern city, dotted with many interesting historical sites and I absolutely loved this city. Xi’an is still surrounded by old walls. We hired mountain bikes and cycled the circumference of the wall, approx. 14 kms with many photo opportunities en-route. Afterwards we ventured into the wonderful Muslim Quarter which was alive with hundreds of market stalls and street food ventures. After some serious haggling we all acquired some great deals. We learnt all about the ancient trading route of the Silk Road. We also came across the Great Mosque and we took in the Bell and Drum Towers’ the former built to lock up the dragons which were causing Earthquakes. An hour outside Xi’an is the site of the Terracotta Warriors. WOW. This is a must for all travellers to China. Regarded as one of the important archaeological finds of the 20th century. I will let the photos speak for themselves. Another unique experience was the overnight sleeper train from Xi’an to Shanghai. I did find the train to be quite smoky and stuffy and whilst I am glad I experienced the train I think that next time I will opt for a flight!!!! Shanghai I would consider as the New York of China. Vibrant, modern, busy. I just loved this city. We explored on foot, parts of historical Shanghai, including the Bund with its spectacular array of Art-Deco-style buildings. We did some retail therapy on Luwan’s Huaihai Road, a busy shopping area and popular dining spot. In the evening we attended a performance by the world famous Shanghai Acrobats. Nail biting stuff!! Followed by some lovely cocktails in 47th floor Sky Lounge at the Radisson Blu Hotel allowing us a sweeping view across the city. On our final day we set off to the Water town located about 90 mins from Shanghai. Xitang certainly is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. We explored the gardens and the streets, we cruised the canals which criss-cross the town, sipped some tea at a traditional tea house and visited a local history museum. After our farewell dinner later this evening we got a taxi to the “Bund”, the financial district of Shanghai. The incredible buildings lit up the night sky, what a magnificent sight and amazing photo opportunity. I was very sad to be leaving this wonderful country. As a tourist I really only tipped the iceberg and will most certainly return in the future to explore the countryside and perhaps go to see the pandas and cruise the Yangtze River.

19 June 2017

A Christmas Day surprise for Frank, Danny and Clodagh and boy what a surprise it was! We travelled over the Easter Holidays going direct from Dublin to JFK with Delta Airlines who offer a very friendly and comfortable service. We were met by a limo to take us to our hotel (another surprise and to see their faces...it was priceless). We had 4 nights in New York and I guess if I was to change any aspect of our trip it would be to extend New York by at least a day, ideally two as it really did take the kids a couple of days to recover from jet lag. I had the four days planned as follows: • Friday - Rockefeller Centre (top of the Rock) and Times Square, Diner for dinner • Saturday - Ground Zero, Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty and meeting friends for dinner. • Sunday - The Ride, Hire bikes Central Park, Natural History Museum, lunch at The Boathouse. • Monday - Empire State Building and shop till we drop! Needless to say, nothing went to plan!! I knew I had to go at the kids pace and the jet lag really did knock them at the beginning of the trip. We managed to fit in Top of the Rock, 9/11 memorial, Central Park (we went rowing on the lake and had the best of fun), Hop-on hop-off bus which I would highly recommend with or without kids, very informative and entertaining. I had not planned to do the outlets but all the boys wanted were shoes and sports gear so we made a last-minute decision to include Woodbury Common to the agenda in lieu of Macy's. It's was a good decision, we got excellent value. We did this on our last day as it was a Monday and the shops were relatively quiet. We arrived back at the hotel around 6pm and finished off our stay in the Big Apple in style by visiting Times Square by night and heading up to the top of the Empire State Building close to midnight. New York is spectacular by night and the queues were minimal. Ellis Island will have to wait! We then flew onwards to the Caribbean Island of Dominican Republic for a 12 night stay in the beautiful 5 Star All Inclusive resort, Now Larimar Beach Resort and Spa. We had 2 inter-connecting Deluxe Rooms and they were so spacious we could have fit into one room (at a squeeze). This resort has something for everyone. We were lucky to have been upgraded to the preferred club and so we had exclusive lounges, restaurants, pool areas and a dedicated section on the beach with waiter service. We were truly spoilt. My youngest, Clodagh went to the Explorers Club quite a bit and this kids club ran from 9:30am - 9pm everyday with endless activities and facilities including outdoor cinema nights, camping on the beach, bingo, talent shows, mini-disco and lots lots more. There is plenty for the older kids too including beach and pool volley ball, play station, pool tables, giant chess board, zumba, archery, yoga etc. There is also a Core Zone for teenagers with plenty going on. The beach was without a doubt one of the best I have ever seen and the endless array of water sports kept us busy with complimentary kayaks, paddle boards, sailing boats and snorkelling. You can also book scuba diving courses, parasailing, banana boats and speed boat trips. Plenty of room to haggle for the best value. The entertainment in the evenings was excellent and very varied. There was great interaction between the staff and guests. Food was good, our favourite was the Mexican Restaurant and Castaways Restaurant down by the beach. Whether you are travelling with a family, as a couple or a group this resort has something for everyone. A truly memorable trip for me and my family and I think we might head East for our next big holiday so watch this space…

15 June 2015

After a very comfortable flight with South Africa Airlines we had a fast and efficient transfer via Johannesburg airport and landed in a very wet, windy but beautiful Cape Town. A lovely journey via the Atlantic Coast road we passed by the stunning Camps Bay before arriving at the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.We enjoyed some wonderful delights for lunch at the Market Place, various local vendors selling the most delicious savouries and desserts. Unfortunately the weather was not in our favour whilst in Cape Town so our trip up Table Mountain was cancelled, but then again it's winter in June there so whilst it was very disappointing it was not surprising. After a walk around the Waterfront we headed to the 5 Star Vineyard Hotel. Stunning property on the outskirts of Cape Town, the Vineyard is situated on beautiful landscaped parkland with Table Mountain as back drop. Idyllic setting and an oasis only 20 minutes from the city centre. Next morning we woke to glorious sunshine and headed off on a full day Cape Point Tour. So we drove along a very beautiful coastal route. First port of call was Houts Bay where we boarded a 40 minute Seal Island Cruise enabling us to get a real close up view of hundreds of Cape Fur Seals in their natural habitat. We then proceeded along the coast to Boulders Beach, home to the Jackass penguin colony. South Africa has lost 90% of their penguin population since the 1930s so they are very much an endangered species. I really enjoyed seeing the penguins. Just beyond Boulders Beach we had lunch at the Black Merlin Seafood Restaurant, without doubt the best seafood I have ever tasted. Hake, prawns and lobster, yum, I would highly recommend. Onwards to Cape Point, we drove over the famous Chapman's Peak Drive with a 200 meter drop on one side of the coach and a 200 meter rise on the other. It was the most dramatic drive I have ever experienced, a bit hairy at times, not for the faint hearted!!!! At Cape Point we drove through the natural reserve and took the funicular to the lighthouse where I experienced the most panoramic views of the meeting place of the icy Atlantic and warm Indian Oceans, WOW..... After a hearty breakfast we left the Vineyard Hotel and Cape Town behind us and drove to the Winelands. We were very lucky to visit Babylonstoren, a Cape Dutch farm with vineyards and orchards surrounded by the dramatic mountains of the Drakenstein Valley. Guests staying at the farm have full access to the entire farm so they can choose ingredients and pick from the fruit, vegetable and herb garden. A wide range of activities including spa, yoga, cycling, canoeing, swimming, guided walks and hiking and most important....wine tasting!!! We arrived early afternoon at the quaint and picturesque University town of Stellenbosch. What a wonderful town amidst the many wine farms and vineyards. Very historic, leafy town centre with some fab restaurants, outdoor cafes, art galleries and boutiques. We were very lucky to be taken on a "Foodies and wine tasting walking tour" what a fantastic way to find one's way around this beautiful location. We stayed 1 night at the Oude Werf Hotel. This hotel is ideally set amidst the towns many heritage sights, museums, galleries and vibrant cafe and boutique culture. I would highly recommend Stellenbosch, a very special town. Our next day took us along the Garden Route. This drive was so enjoyable with spectacular sea and mountain views, after around 5 hours we arrived at Knysna. This town is famous for its oyster festival, warm people and the most magnificent views from Leisure Isle to Knysna Heads. The Knysna Heads is the most famed attraction; its treacherous entry into the Knysna Lagoon is where many an ancient vessel met its doom....We set sail on the 'John Benn' for a sunset cruise where some lovely food and refreshments were served. I really enjoyed this little town and would highly recommend a night of 2 here whilst travelling along the Garden Route. The following morning we set off to one of the most famous private game reserves in the world. Shamwari Game Reserve was our home for 2 nights, 2 days and 3 game drives. We stayed at one of the 6 safari lodges called Riverdene and I was very impressed with the welcome, friendliness & enthusiasm of all of the staff. Our game driver managed to find all of the 'big 5' as well as giraffe, zebras, hippos, monkeys, and many more species of wildlife & bird life. We also were very lucky to have a guided tour around the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue & Education Centre. The goal of this foundation is to create an awareness of the horrific way in which wildlife is exploited in captivity around the world. We were very lucky to meet some of the rescue big cats. There is also a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Shamwari. The aim of this centre is to rehabilitate and return all animals back into the wild. It was a very moving experience. If you have the time, I would highly recommend combining Cape Town, the winelands, the 'Garden Route' and a safari experience, this is definitely a 'once in a lifetime' trip which is great value and will give you precious memories to last a lifetime! I hope you enjoy looking through my photos and would love to hear from you if you are considering an "adventure of a lifetime".

22 October 2014

After a wonderful flight experience in Club World with British Airways I arrived at Colombo Airport, Sri Lanka. To say I was excited was an understatement. As a lover of all things cultural and historic I knew that Sri Lanka was going to be a wonderful experience for me. I travelled with 10 colleagues and we had a very busy itinerary ahead hoping to cover the sights of this amazing country in 8 days. We had 2 drivers and a wonderful tour guide, Alanda. Their knowledge, expertise and hospitality was incredible and without doubt enhanced our over-all experience. We spent our first night on the beach staying at the Jetwing Beach Resort in the town of Negombo located only 30 minutes from the airport. Some travellers may welcome this stop for a night or two after a long flight. Onwards to the Ulagalla Wallawwa Resort in Anuradhapura. What an amazing property. Villas built on stilts in the rainforest with a plunge pool and private deck. You can choose to cycle around the hotel grounds or call the buggy service. En-route to Ulagalla we visited the Pinnawela Elephant orphanage. A sanctuary for orphaned and injured wild elephants – it was a fantastic experience. Next morning we visited the Bodhi Tree Temple and the ancient ruined city of Anuradhapura. We were also so lucky to experience an afternoon jeep safari driving deep into the Minneriya wild life sanctuary. It was very special seeing the herds of Sri Lankan elephants and the spotted deer in their natural habitat. We arrived early evening to the Heritance Kandama hotel. This property is very unique in that it was cleverly designed and built into the side of a rock and so the hotel blends in with its nature surroundings. I do recommend that you keep your balcony door closed at night as you may have some unwanted visitors, monkeys and fruit bats! The views from this hotel are spectacular. After an early breakfast we went to visit the famous rock temples of Dumballa and onwards to Sigiriya. This was one of my highlights. We climbed up to the top of Sigiriya rock fortress, the eighth wonder of the world. WOW the views were amazing and Ananda our tour guide was so informative about the history of the Rock. On to the town of Kandy, a town in the centre of the country 500 metres above sea level. The views of the surrounding countryside are just spectacular. We checked into the Cinnamon Citadel Hotel located on the banks of the river Mahaweli and we visited the Temple of the Tooth followed by a traditional Kandyan dance which was very enjoyable. The next morning we drove the short distance to Kegalle to the very, very special Rosyth Estate. This wonderful property is surrounded by tea tree plantations and rubber trees. Neil and Farzanna our wonderful hosts brought us for a guided walk through the tea tree plantations, a local tea factory and a rubber making factory. Their chef, Chandana was so kind to allow us invade his kitchen and educate us about Sri Lankan local produce and his wonderful culinary skills. I would encourage all my clients who want to visit Sri Lanka to stay at Rosyth. It will be an experience that will stay with you forever. Beach time and boy was I ready to relax!! When we arrived at The Fortress Hotel in Koggala just a little south of the city of Galle, I knew I was "home". The beach front setting, the pool, the spa and the amazing bedrooms were so welcoming and I must say this hotel was up there with one of the best beach hotels I have ever seen. Next morning we drove south to the beaches of Bentota stopping en-route in the city of Galle. I loved Galle, very bustling city with good shopping, street vendors, dramatic coastal views. Our final night we stayed at the Centara Ceysands Beach Resort, only accessible via boat. This hotel is ideal for families as it has an excellent animation programme and offers an all-inclusive food and beverage option. But alas all good things must come to an end! Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, herds of elephants, surfing beaches, famous tea and flavourful food best describes Sri Lanka. I had a wonderful and unforgettable adventure and plan to return in the not too distance future.

30 December 2013

HANDS DOWN; this is the most beautiful location I had ever visited. Heaven on Earth!! Seychelles is made of an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. The Granitic Islands of the Seychelles cluster around the main island of Mahe, home to the Capital Victoria, and its satellite islands of Praslin and La Digue. These three islands contain the majority of Seychelles tourism as well as its most stunning beaches. And I was extremely fortunate to visit all three islands. We started on the island of Mahe, home to the international airport and to 90% of the total population. Mahe is lush, green and mountainous with many spectacular viewing points. The port city of Victoria is home to beautiful colonial buildings, museums, Botanical Gardens, markets, bars and restaurants. I would recommend a city tour taking in a market. Overall I found that the standard of accommodation is excellent as is the personal service and food. Whilst the majority of hotels are on a half board basis, the beverages are not as expensive as I had initially anticipated. Similar to Ireland a bottle of wine with dinner starts at €24.00, a cocktail at the bar €9.00 or a glass of beer €7.00. At all the hotels I stayed in they offered complimentary water and tea/coffee facilities in the room. So a honeymoon couple would need a budget of approximately €100 - €150 per day to cover all beverages and lunch. In Mahe we stayed at the 5 Star Constance Ephelia Resort, a stunning resort, ideal for both couples and families. We then went onwards to the island of Praslin, a 1 hour fast ferry trip from Mahe or 15mins by sea plane and I was lucky to experience both. Praslin is the 2nd largest island in the Seychelles. A leisurely tour around the island will take about 2 hours. This island is the site of the fabulous Vallee De Mai, one of Seychelles two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The island is also home to exquisite beaches, two of which feature on the top 10 list of World's best beaches. We ate lunch at a local beachfront restaurant and the food was amazing as was the hospitality. 20 minutes fast ferry from Praslin brings you to the island of La Digue. WOW, my highlight...La Digue is an island where time stands still and time-honoured traditions such as travelling by ox-cart and bicycle are still king. There are no cars on the island and we explored mainly on foot. The friendly atmosphere of this intimate island is what I fell in love with. The hotels are intertwined with the local homes and villages so you are living amongst the locals who will greet you with warm smiles. So whether it is relaxing on a beach, pedalling to your local restaurant, or buying some local wares....as they say on the Island, "La Digue is more than just an island, it's a way of life". My visit to Seychelles was a memorable experience and a country I will most certainly return to. I have uploaded more photos than usual as I could not stop taking snaps. Please call me for best rates and to personally arrange your holiday here. Enjoy!!

I headed to the resort of Cascais on the Lisbon coast for a 4 night break in September with my Mum and I must say it was spectacular. The resort that once was a fishing village is now one of Portugal's most famous holiday destinations. The tradition remains and this is the beauty of the town. Cascais is steeped in history and offers some of the most exquisite natural and architectural sites. Cobbled streets, winding lanes leading to small museums, beautiful gardens, new marina and a pedestrianised old town dotted with designer boutiques and seafood restaurants. There is a stunning sea-front promenade ideal for walks, running, picnics or simply watching the world go by. There are many glorious beaches dotted along this route. If you are a keen surfer, Guincho's Beach is world famous and one of the biggest beaches in Cascais. Nightlife was quite vibrant with plenty of bars to choose from. I also found the restaurants to be excellent and quite reasonable. As a lover of seafood I found the local produce to be delightful and there was no shortage of local cafes and pastry shops. Whilst we had a "lazy" relaxing few days, there is so much to do in Cascais including golf, sailing, surfing, tennis and fishing to name a few. Many other areas of interest are easily accessible from Cascais as the town is on a main rail route. We took the train to the city of Lisbon for the day. The train station is located right in the centre Cascais so walking distance from our hotel and 30 minutes later we found ourselves in the centre of Lisbon. Lisbon is one of the world's great historical cities. On a beautiful seafront setting it is a paradise for walkers and photographers. It is quite a small city with a lively cafe culture. It is home to beautiful gardens, parks and esplanades and it reminded me of a mini Paris. In the centre of the town there are 2 magnificent squares framed by arcades and a historic arch that offers a panoramic view of the streets in between; stunning. We hit the shops for a few hours and found the shopping to be very reasonable and dined for lunch al fresco. All in all we had a great day out. Another "must" whilst in Cascais is a visit to the Unesco World Heritage listed centre of Sintra. Wander through the narrow streets amongst the historic Palaces, Castles, Monasteries and monuments. It is hard to tire of this beautiful architectural and historic landscape. I would highly recommend Cascais for all holiday makers.

29 December 2013

I visited Abu Dhabi on a city break and conference in May. My husband and I stayed at the magnificent beachfront Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel. Our suite overlooked the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; a breath-taking view. After spending the first day relaxing by the pool, we decided to partake in a city tour. We saw the Jebel Ali Port, the biggest man-made port in the world, stopped outside the Grand Mosque for some photo opportunities and then we then continued to the Women’s' Handicraft Centre to admire the skill of the local ladies making traditional handicrafts. We continued through the city viewing the city's oldest building, the Qasr al-Hosn Palace built back in the 18th century. We drove along the beautiful Corniche and then visited the Heritage Village (a journey to the past to explore life before oil was discovered). After all the culture, it was then time for some fun and no better place than Yas Island...WOW was my reaction! We enjoyed cocktails at the roof terrace of the magnificent Yas Viceroy Hotel overlooking the luxury yachts and Formula 1 race circuit after a tour of the Formula 1 race circuit, where my husband enjoyed the Kartzone. We spent an afternoon at Ferrari World, a theme park with thrilling rides, exciting attractions, themed shops and restaurants. Whilst there we both experienced the World’s fastest Rollercoaster with a speed of up to 240km/h, launched 52 meters into the sky, what an adrenaline rush!!! Finally, we spent the day at the Yas Waterworld, it really is the ultimate water adventure, hands down the best Waterpark we have visited and we have being to a few, including the Atlantis in Dubai. It was so much fun, and we relaxed in style in between rides as we hired a Cabana. Each Cabana offers cooling fans, towels and a food and beverage delivery service; the only way to go!! Abu Dhabi really has something to offer all tourists, fabulous shopping, year round sunshine, sandy beaches, endless choice of restaurants and nightlife, and plenty of activities. I would absolutely highly recommend Abu Dhabi as a winter sun destination or a short stopover point en-route to your final destination or to relax on the way home.

30 October 2012

I was extremely lucky to have the opportunity to travel to Mexico and experience first hand what this amazing destination has to offer. Because the majority of my business is organising Honeymoons, Weddings and that "special occasion" trip, I was very eager to see if the 5 Star Luxury properties that Mexico boast lived up to their reputation. I don’t usually delve into detailing individual properties when writing travel journals, however as Mexico is such a popular destination with my past and present clients I simply have to give you a brief synopsis of my favourites. 5 Star Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa – stayed at this property for 4 nights and had a wonderful time. I loved the entrance to this hotel and the walkway down towards the pool and beach. Also loved the room layout, it was different and really worked. There was a great buzz to this resort and the live music in the lobby in the evening followed by nightclub was excellent for entertainment. I was lucky to see a wedding down by the beach, it looked amazing. All in all very good experience and would highly recommend to couples, groups and families alike. 5 Star Secrets Capri Riviera Resort & Spa - Beautiful property with a Italian feel to it, the beach was quite narrow but that will not deter me in selling this property. Again I loved the layout of the pool area and the 2 beach front restaurants. The lobby area and restaurants had a definite “WOW” factor. A huge plus for this property is its location, only 10 minutes in a taxi to downtown Playa Del Carmen. 5 Star Zoetry Paraiso De La Bonita - Stunning property. 10 out 10 of for all aspects. A truly very special hotel which focuses on well being with a luxurious feel & a very intimate atmosphere. The Suites are stunning, all ocean front with fine quality decor throughout. I would be very careful when recommending this property, whilst I would recommend to honeymoon couples, I feel that it would be too quiet for younger clientele. 5 Star Secrets Maroma Resort & Spa. The minute I entered the lobby I knew I had "come home". This is one of my biggest selling properties for weddings and honeymooners. All I can say is “WOW WOW WOW”. The personal service is second to none and it’s also located on an award winning beach. This is the one property that continues to wow my clients and exceed expectations. Of course it doesn’t stop at the hotel experience; Mexico has loads to offer in terms of activities, excursions, historic sites etc. We swam with dolphins which was surreal. We visited the Mayan Ruins, as a lover of all things historic this was a highlight for me. We spent a day at Xcaret, world famous ecg-archeological site. It boasts Mayan ruins, a dolphin show, horses, a farm with tropical birds, butterflies, bat caves and a stunning beach. We went snorkeling in the famous caves and the well known underground river. With over 53 activities to enjoy it is a great day out. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. I just can’t wait to plan my next trip.

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful locations I have visited....I was blown away by the sheer beauty of the island itself, so lush and green, mountains, valleys and waterfalls, powder white sandy beaches and coral reefs. The Mauritian people are so hospitable, always a friendly face and a smile and wonderful service. Whilst I know that the majority of visitors to Mauritus for the most part enjoy the sunshine, relaxation, hotel hospitality and beaches I personally explored part the island and all it has to offer so let me share my experience with you; On a tour of the Island's South West with breathtaking scenery, we began a magnificent journey with a visit of the Trou aux Cerfs, an extinct volcano for 700,000 years with a 280 foot deep crater. We then travelled through the Plaine Champagne forest, stopping at the Grand Bassin, a sacred lake to the Hindu community. After the sacred lake, we drove through the verdant mountains stretching toward the coast at Black River Gorges and its waterfalls. The rum part next, where we were let into the secrets of the manufacture of agricultural rum, with a chance to taste it at the end of the guided tour followed by lunch in its restaurant called L’Alchimiste. This restaurant had the most spectacular views (see photos). We then viewed the magnificent Chamarel waterfall and the Seven Coloured Earths. Its name was inspired by the soil, which is layered in hues of yellow, blue and red, a unique geological curiosity. The Casale Nature and Leisure Park was a full day trip where we went quad biking for 2 hours through the national reserve where we came across Zebras, Ostriches, African Antelopes, deer, Wild Boar and many exotic birds. We were lucky to be able to pet some Zebras and a Stag. After the quads we had a yummy lunch at the restaurant which again had the most spectacular views. After lunch we went Zip Lining through the forest; I was never so petrified in my life but felt amazing afterwards. This was the longest Zipline circuit in the Indian Ocean, the last zip line was over 400 metres long; I still cannot believe I did it! One morning I got up at 6.30am to go swimming with the wild Dolphins. This really was a unique and incredibly moving experience swimming with the Dolphins in their natural environment in the open sea. I also tried my hand at water skiing, a service offered complimentary by the majority of hotels on the island. The water ski activity includes a short boat trip to the starting point inside the lagoon where I get the skis, wear a life jacket and get ready to start the water skiing. I was very pleasantly surprised to find I was up and skiing on my 2nd attempt, it was an amazing feeling. We also had time to relax and enjoy the sunset on the beach in the evenings, played some tennis and explored the immediate area around the hotel by mountain bikes. I was lucky to stay in two amazing 5 Star Luxury properties the Lux Le Morne Hotel and Beachcomber Paradis Hotel, both wonderful properties. Service and food was top notch, especially the seafood for which the island is renowned for. All in all an amazing experience and certainly a destination to which I will return in the very near future.

24 November 2011

How would I describe Boston; historic, cultural, quaint tree-lined streets, great hospitality, compact city so easy to walk around, Duck Tours, shopping, great restaurants and vibrant nightlife. I was lucky to be stay at the Taj Hotel, right in the centre of Boston. The transfer from the airport took about 15 minutes. Checked into the hotel, very traditional "old world" hotel and finished to the highest standard. The hotel was dotted with chandeliers and also had a Chanel shop & Burberry just across the road! My room had 2 queen beds and was very clean and again in keeping with the hotel very traditional decor. The beds were very comfortable and they had Molton Brown toiletries in the bathroom, very luxurious! The views from the hotel were incredible and overlooked the "Boston Common" which is a central public park in Boston. The hotel bar area was very cosy, like being in a large dark oak living room. I had dinner the first night at the hotel and the food and service was amazing. I didn't think they could do better until I had breakfast the next morning, WOW best I ever had! After a very friendly chat with the hotel concierge, I was off on a Duck Tour. You must be wondering what a Duck Tour is?! The fun begins as soon as you board your "DUCK", A W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle. First, you'll be greeted by one of our legendary tour ConDUCKtors, who'll be narrating your tour. Then you're off on a journey like you've never had before. You'll cruise by all the places that make Boston the birthplace of freedom and a city of firsts, from the golden-domed State House to Bunker Hill and the TD Banknorth Garden, Boston Common and Copley Square to the Big Dig, Government Center to fashionable Newbury Street, Quincy Market to the Prudential Tower, and more. And, as the best of Boston unfolds before your eyes, your ConDUCKtor will be giving you lots of little known facts and interesting insights about our unique and wonderful city. And just when you think you've seen it all, there's more. It's time for "Splashdown" as your ConDUCKtor splashes your DUCK right into the Charles River for a breathtaking view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines, the kind of view you just won't get anywhere else. This was a fantastic way to see Boston, our tour ConDUCKtor Ray was very chatty & knowledgeable. On the tour I was so impressed with the design and architecture of the buildings throughout the city from the 19th century historic buildings to the modern sky scrapers. The parks and harbour areas were stunning. Next, some shopping, Filenes & Marshall's are excellent for discounted designer wear. Or if you prefer the large department stores don't miss out on a visit to the Prudential Mall. You can't go to Boston without visiting Cheers Bar so that was next on the agenda. Incidently they didn't know my name!!!! But they had yummy cocktails and of course a souvenir shop where I just had to buy a tee shirt. Another absolute must in Boston is Quincy Market (also known as Faneuil Hall Marketplace). In the heart of Boston, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is adjacent to historic Faneuil Hall down by the waterfront and park of Boston's "Freedom Trail. Food stalls, photographic exhibits, shops, restaurants, bars, carousel for the kiddies. The food stalls were laden with exotic coffees, fresh seafood, baked breads, gourmet desserts to name a few delights and the atmosphere was electric with outdoor entertainment to enjoy while you feast on the scrumptious food. On my final day I took a walk through the common adjacent to the hotel. The colour or the trees, locals exercising and walking their dogs, feeding the ducks, watching the many squirrels scarper through the park was surreal, little did I expect to find such tranquility in the middle of a city. They were just constructing an ice skating rink in the middle of the Boston Common for the Christmas season. All in all I had a wonderful few days in Boston, as a lover of all things historic I think the history and wonderful buildings stood out most for me, and of course the hospitality. A million miles away from New York in my opinion, a much more laid back and friendly feel to this beautiful, enchanting city.

Dubai is a unique destination, one of the few cities in the world that has undergone such a rapid transformation and is one of the fastest growing cities on the Earth. How would I describe Dubai...Cosmopolitan, exciting, dramatic, fun, amazing and beautiful. I spent 4 nights in Dubai and explored the beach areas, the city and the desert. I stayed at the stunning 5Star Westin Mina Seyathi Beach Resort located directly on the famous Jumeirah Beach. Our wonderful Deluxe Ocean View Room had breath-taking views of the ocean and the famous Palm beyond. The hotel has an excellent spa, private beach club and you simply must sample the eateries, especially the Bubbalicious Westin Brunch every Friday..WOW.. The 4 days were action packed with a little time each afternoon for a quick dip in the ocean. We toured the city taking in the magnificent Water Fountain display (for those of you who saw the Bellagio Fountains in Vegas, you ain’t seen nothing yet!) We took a sneak peak at the 6Star Armani Hotel. There is a viewing point from the Armani overlooking the fountains; that is amazing. We popped into the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower. We took the lift to the observatory deck (124 floors up) and the views were phenomenal. Definitely one of my highlights. We had a bird’s eye view of all of Dubai, including The Palm and The World. We also spent one of the days at the Aquadventure Waterpark at The Atlantis. It was such fun and yes I did do The Tower of Neptune (never again!!). My husband is like a child when it comes to water parks so whilst he did a second round on all the water rides I relaxed with a cocktail and a book on the private beach. One evening we headed into the desert for an evening of authentic Arabian entertainment including dinner. I would highly recommend this and can arrange it for you. Of course no trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to the local souks. Located in the Deira area of the city, they offer the buyer an array of gold, leather, spices and textiles. The colours, the textures and the local bartering I found fascinating. On the last day we made our way to The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping malls with over 1,200 shops. But it’s not just shops; it is home to a luxury hotel, 22 cinema screens and dozens of restaurants and cafes. Here you will also find the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. And wait for it.. Whilst I hit the shops my husband decided to spend a few hours skiing at Dubai's indoor ski centre! We had a wonderful time in Dubai and I would recommend it to all travellers, couples and families alike.

11 January 2012

'Trains are wonderful... to travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and rivers, in fact, to see life' - Agatha Christie No truer words written. My recent travels brought me to Asia to experience the wonderful Eastern & Oriental Express. Here is my story. After arriving in Singapore I spent 3 nights in this wonderful city staying at the luxury 5 Star Shangri-la Hotel. As well as relaxing by the hotel pool surrounded by the expansive tropical grounds I found time to experience what Singapore has to offer. Singapore’s historic ethnic quarters are surrounding by soaring skyscrapers, shopping centres and natural beauty. However there is more to Singapore than the urban glitz. Ramble in the rainforest of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to the west, and wonder at the wildlife on a night safari at Singapore Zoo to the north. Decide if a Singapore Sling is worth the hype in the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel, well I did the Singapore Sling, in fact I did three and they were best I ever tasted, as for Raffles hotel, wow “a sight for sore eyes”. For those who would like to experience the city from a birds eye view, I would highly recommend you take a trip the Singapore Flyer. The world’s largest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer offers you breathtaking, panoramic views of the Marina Bay, city and beyond. Of course no trip to Singapore would be complete unless you experience the famous Clarkes Quay where the Singapore River comes alive at night. Clarke’s Quay is buzzing with life and activity. The waterfront play host to a colourful kaleidoscope of restaurants, wine bars, entertainment spots and retail shops. When the sun goes down, you don't have to look far to discover some of the city's trendiest nightspots. On check-out from the hotel I found it difficult to contain my excitement, I was boarding the Eastern & Oriental Express. The Eastern & Oriental Express departs Singapore’s Keppel Road station in the morning. Having been welcomed onboard, my personal butler, Kitt introduced himself and made us feel so welcome. Within an hour we departed Keppel Station for what was to be the most amazing journey. Through rainforests and paddy fields, past golden temples and misty mountains, we travelled straight to the heart of Asia. A unique and unusual way to experience ever-changing scenes and to discover a new and thrilling world – both on board and alongside the train. The journey on board the Eastern & Oriental Express from the elegance of Singapore to the excitement of Bangkok through the heart of South East Asia and Malaysia, with visits to colonial Georgetown, Fort Cornwallis and the infamous River Kwai was an experience that I will never forget. And what better way to end this amazing trip but by 3 nights in the city of Bangkok; one of the most cosmopolitan, contrasting and, above all, compelling of Asian cities. A city of dazzling temples, street markets around every corner, gleaming palaces, shopping malls, famous nightlife and everything in between. We checked into the 5 Star Banyan Tree Hotel, a wonderful property with exceptional service. Dropped the bags and off to explore the city and sights. The hotel concierge organised a half day excursion to Thonburi Klong & Palace with lunch at Supatra River House. We travelled by long-tailed speedboat on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and Klongs (canals) of Thonburi. Disembarkation at Tha Chang pier, then short walk to a small fruit & flower market then to The Palace. That evening we have dinner on-board a river cruise, enjoyed the culinary delights amongst the night lights of Bangkok. We also took in a tour of the Grand Palace & the Temple of the Emerald Budda, Thailand most sacred site. The Grand Palace was not only the seat of the king and his court, but contained within its crenellated walls the entire government administration. The palace served as the official residence of the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century. The Banyan Tree houses a famous roof top restaurant and bar called Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar. We were lucky enough to get a reservation for what was a wonderful experience, Vertigo is unlike any other bar-cum-restaurant in the world: some 61 floors above the streets of Bangkok, this open-air rooftop lounge gives true meaning to the word 'vertigo' as it grants views that simply take your breath away. A trip I will treasure forever.....

24 November 2009

From the moment I landed at Muscat International Airport I fell in love with the Country of Oman. Oman is one of the oldest civilisations on the Arabian Peninsula and retains all its Arabian character from its people to its architecture. I found the country to be exciting and vibrant with a wonderful climate and beautiful beaches. And as a lover of all things historic, I explored the ancient and modern traditions of the Omani people with fascinating sightseeing and scenery. The Capitol City of Muscat is like an oasis in the desert, a modern city that is the crowning jewel and capital of Oman. It’s split into three distinct regions – Old Town, Muttrah and Ruwl. I recommend you head to Muttrah for the excellent souk (or market). It’s a bit of a labyrinth but your efforts at navigating its twists and turns will be rewarded with bargains. Pick up frankincense, earthenware, spices, incense, gorgeous fabric, handicrafts and jewellery and do expect some playful bartering in the process. Take a break with some halib (tea with milk) or sulaimani (black tea). The Corniche district is famous for inexpensive eateries. This area is also beautiful by night. Dine waterside along the promenade and watch the lights bounce off the waves. During your stay a visit to the Grand Mosque is a must. It is one of the largest Mosques in the world and features some wonderful art work, chandeliers and a one piece carpet covering the entire prayer hall measuring 4,300 square metres (which has earned it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records). What stood out for me whilst in Muscat was the city's medieval appearance with two old Portuguese forts, walls, and the royal Al-Alam Palace standing out in the city skyline. They are a sight to behold at night time under the lights. From Muscat, you’re in a prime spot to explore the Oman coastline. Its natural beauty is best discovered walking along the beaches where you can see local fisherman working for their daily catch and kilometres of open space. Oman's beaches are clean and beautiful. The best beaches in glamorous Muscat are Qurum and Al-Bustan, offering long stretches of golden sand. With 1700km of coastline, there are superb snorkelling and diving opportunities. I viewed and stayed in some amazing hotels along the coast including Al Bustan Palace, The Chedi, Grand Hyatt and Shangri-la, luxury personified! The hotels are of the highest standard and during your stay there are an abundance of great excursions to enjoy. During my stay I visited the souks, the Grand Mosque, went on a day trip on a speed boat to view the various forts that are dotted along the coastline, saw wild dolphins, turtles and had a wonderful lunch on a deserted beach. A truly memorable experience, a Country I will definitely return to in the very near future.

22 October 2008

My most recent travels has taken me to the Caribbean island of Barbados, and what a trip! The Island of Barbados is recognised around the world for its sheer natural beauty, the richness of its culture and above all the friendliness of its people. Barbados has three quite distinct coastlines: the fashionable West coast has fine long stretches of sandy beaches with calm waters protected by coral reefs and ideal for water sports. Many luxury hotels are dotted along the coast, where evenings tend to be quiet and sophisticated. The South coast has many excellent sandy beaches too. There is lots going on here and you are never too far away rom the next bar and restaurant. The East coast is scenic and unspoilt. Atlantic waves crash into the rocky shore; an impressive sight. This is a great place for a day out, however, swimming is not recommended owing to dangerous currents. The one thing that I have learnt about Barbados is that its not just about the sea and the sand, there is so much more to this tiny island. Whilst I did spend alt of time lying on the powder white sandy beach and swimming in the crystal clear waters I also explored the island and had a lot of fun. One day I went on an Island Jeep Safari and explored the historic interior of the island with its sugar cane factories and old plantation houses. Another day I was zip trekking through the forest, not for the faint hearted!! The zip line is 100ft off the ground and you move over 8 platforms and enjoy beautiful views of the island. I personally felt a great sense of achievement having completed this and it was so much fun too. Having swam with Dolphins in Australia I was very excited to hear that I could go swimming with turtles. Barbados is home to a healthy population of hawksbill and leatherback turtles. Once endangered by over-fishing, these great creatures are now protected and monitored throughout the Island. I headed out on a catamaran one day and swam with the turtles, of course again the crew on board were fantastic hosts, another fun day whilst we sailed to the sounds of Bob Marley. At night, there is a vast choice of restaurants for every taste and budget. And if you're still raring to go after all that then there is another Barbados of waterfront bars, night-life, music, gaming - and more than 1,000 rum shops to consider. (Rum was actually first distilled in Barbados) Barbados is an island that caters for everyone; honeymooners, families, singles alike. What really stands out for me about this wonderful island is its natural beauty and the hospitality of its people. Having been there it is easy to understand why this island has so many return visitors. Tempted????

You probably guessed that travelling is my passion and one of my top destinations visited so far has to be Cuba. Cuba is a fasinating island that is rapidly growing in popularity due to its great mix of cultural heritage as well as some of the finest beaches with miles of soft white sand and clear warm waters. Add to this the warm and friendly multiracial people, the Cuban passion for music and dance, famous rum cocktails and balmy tropical nights and you have all the ingredients for a wonderful holiday. On my travels to Cuba I spent the first 3 nights exploring Old Havana, it was amazing, reminded me a little of Rome but 40 years ago. Its like going back in time. Around every corner you will find vintage cars, locals young and old sitting on the pavements watching the world go by smoking huge Cuban Cigars, magnifient colonial architecture and many museums. Whilst in Havana, I visited a Cigar making factory, went to see the hotel room where Earnest Hemingway spent the last years of his life and did a guided tour of the city where the local representative explained all about Fidel Castro and the political situation. Did you know that Fidel Castro is believed to have over 80 homes throughout Cuba, he keeps moving from house to house and no-one ever know his exact location. Onwards from Havana to the Colonial town of Trinidal De Cuba, this was the "real Cuba" for me. Trinidad is a town located in Central Cuba and in my opinion is like a museum in itself. Historic Trinidad is famous for its lovely cobblestone streets, pastel coloured houses with elaborate wrought-iron grills, as well as majestic palaces and plazas. On the day of our arrival into Trinidad we went on a tour of the old centre, whilst walking down the cobblestreets we came across a funeral. It was amazing to see all the locals dressed in black, bear foot walking behind a rusty old pick-up truck that carried an old battered box which was the coffin. They were chanting some words and there were many bear foot children running behind who seem to be amazed by the tourists. At one stage I took out a packet of mints and before I knew it there were over 10 children surrounding me looking for a sweet. Ill never forget that moment. The last part of our trip was spent in the luxurious beach resort of Varadero. Stunning 5 star resorts line the world famous beach all of which are based on an All Inclusive Meal Plan. Varadero has been offically designated as one of the top 10 beaches in the world, which I experienced first hand and believe me the beach is out of this world. Cuba, for me is a country that I will definately return to. It is a wonderful honeymoon destination as well as a family destination. I hope you enjoyed reading about my wonderful experiences and I have tempted you to visit....... Tip: If you are travelling to Cuba bring some pens and soap with you, these are luxury items in Cuba and very hard to come by. To see the locals faces light up when you give them these gifts is a wonderful feeling.

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Sarah McCulley Holidays

Creating holiday memories to last a lifetime

My name is Sarah McCulley, and I am an independent travel agent at Travel Counsellors.

I began working in the travel industry in 2004, and specialise in worldwide holidays with the personal touch.

Whether you are looking for a luxury beach escape, a cultural tour, a family holiday or even a round-the-world adventure, I am here to look after all your travel needs - from the moment we first speak, whilst you're away and right up until you're safely back home. And I love hearing all about your trip and getting your feedback!

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It's Nice To Meet You

If you are looking on my page you are thinking of travelling. Good idea!

As you may imagine in my role as a Travel Counsellor I do get to travel a lot which I love. The location of UAE where I live makes it so easy to get around the globe hence I have plans to travel this year to Rwanda, Japan and Greece and also cruise. And of course, UAE is also a great destination for visitors, so I feel lucky every day to live in such a vibrant and culturally diverse place with many Emirates and properties to explore.

Originally, I'm from Bolton where Travel Counsellors was born. But prior to moving to Dubai, I was in Warwickshire, a beautiful county in central England. From there I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time travelling both for leisure and business and over time I have enjoyed visiting 70 countries. Trying new foods, meeting new people, witnessing different cultures and experiencing all that the world has to offer. Just thinking about it excites me!

My extensive travel experience and my customer service background give me a wealth of knowledge to be able to assist you with your own travel plans. In 2019 I reached the status of 'Gold Travel Counsellor' which within the business puts me in the top 10 of all Travel Counsellors worldwide. It makes me proud that I achieved this along with the One Team award at our annual conference, so I know that both my customers and teammates love what I do for them. My business has evolved over the past 10 years. As it has grown I have started to work with a small team of passionate travel professionals, and it's great to have their experience on hand too for your trickier questions and requests.

Nowhere is too far or too difficult. I can get you to wherever your dream destination is, whether it be Europe for short-haul, the very close Indian Ocean or a far-flung destination like Fiji. A quick weekend escape, family holiday, much-needed business trip or a 3-month adventure, the choice is yours and I will be delighted to help you on your way.

So where is it that you considering right now? Please get in touch. I love to chat with you about how I can help.

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I absolutely live and breathe travel and I love to write about my experiences! Please take a look through my posts - you might find your own holiday inspiration.

08 August 2023

This summer we decided to mix visiting friends in Canada with a trip to the Calgary Stampede. And since we had already done the long flight, we decided to check out a bit of California too. We did this in just 2 weeks which I know for many wouldn’t be enough time, and in hindsight, we’d have preferred longer, but we did get to see a lot and had a great experience. We Flew from Dubai to Calgary (ask me about the route change). The flight departed in the early hours of the morning but we took advantage of the DUBZ luggage collection service, so we just walked straight through to departures on arrival at the airport. Whilst the flight is long it is good timing and we arrived at our hotel in Calgary by mid-afternoon to enjoy the best of the day and evening without any real ‘jetlag’ issues. We stayed in a lovely old hotel which is ideally located in the heart of the city and conveniently for us, just walking distance from the Calgary Stampede ground. The Stampede, marketed as ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’ is an amazing event of fairground, Rodeo, equestrian show, music festival, agricultural competition, circus, and entertainment. A feast for the senses, the event takes place every year for 2 weeks in the same place, and we were there for the last couple of days of the 2023 spectacle. We embraced the fun of wearing cowboy boots and hats as most tourists there did. The city is alive with all shops, bars and restaurants getting involved over the period which is a wonderful time for the tourists pouring in. Although it is noticeable how many locals move out until the excitement is over. Following our time in Calgary we headed into the Canadian Rockies which are only a couple of hours drive away depending on where you choose to stay. We were based in the mountains of Banff, and we spent time walking and taking in the beauty of Banff, Cranmore, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Bow Falls. Whilst the cable car in Banff had me wobbly at the knees (heights aren’t my strong point), the views from the summit of 6 mountain ranges and the walk along the high boardwalk were pretty spectacular. It’s a part of the world I was looking forward to seeing and very happy we made the effort. This was our second time to Canada though and we finally saw Elk, so that was a huge tick in the box for the wildlife lover in me. Sadly no bears though. From Canada, we did the 3-hour flight to San Francisco. We timed this badly and arrived at a 2-hour hire car queue and another 2-hour drive to Napa Valley which should only have been around 60 minutes. So we were a little frazzled on arrival to our hotel but the warmest of welcome from the hosts at the lodge soon had us relaxed as did the lovely accommodations with views into the beautiful countryside and vineyards. Vineyards are what we visited for, and we had a fabulous day with a private driver and guide visiting some of the best the region has to offer learning about California winemaking and the grape varietals on offer. We even experienced a beautiful private picnic in the vines would be a perfect setting for any special occasion. From Napa, we headed back to stay in the city of San Francisco to meet up with another friend and take in some of the famous sights. We were unlucky with fog so despite seeing and crossing the Golden Gate Bridge many times, we couldn’t get a decent photograph! A highlight of the stay here was the trip to Alcatraz. History lovers amongst you will enjoy a visit to this little island just a mile off the mainland, known primarily for its use as a federal prison, but in fact, has a much broader history. Important note – you MUST pre-book. We learnt a huge amount in the few hours we stayed on the island, incredibly interesting and very sombre. To lighten the mood, we enjoyed a boat trip around the bay, after spotting the famous sealions. We were joined by playing dolphins, another treat for wildlife-loving me and quite a surprise as we didn’t expect them so close to shore in a busy harbour. Now taking advice and experience in other destinations, when driving south we decided to avoid the motorways and instead take the scenic route. This did generally pay off and we saw a lot of California’s natural beauty. But it also added to our journey time on one day when a massive landslide had closed the road and with no alternative through the mountain, we had no alternative to double back on ourselves back to the start. This shouldn’t let anyone be put off, just to perhaps check locally before embarking on any car journey. Also, regarding driving, we did consider taking an open-top car but decided against it at the very last minute. This we were glad of as the weather was surprisingly changeable along the route and very importantly, we were told constantly – ‘don’t leave anything in your car.’ Our final destination was Los Angeles as it was from there we would fly home. So, our route took us to Monterey, Carmel Valley, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pfeiffer Beach, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara then LA. Everywhere was lovely! Everything you see on the TV and in films. As we were doing the entire trip in just 2 weeks we didn’t spend enough time in each of the places we went, so I would recommend stays of 2 nights or more along the way to take in more and properly explore the area. And, next time I would also venture further south from LA, heading to San Diego at least and also check out Orange Country which those of you with kids might enjoy as it’s home to Disneyland. However we did end our trip in LA after we'd completed the typical tourist things such as a photo of the Hollywood sign, a tour of celebrity homes, the Sunset Strip, stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Park and the famous Observatory, Beverly Hills and amongst other things, a concert at Hollywood Bowl. All of which I would love to do again in particular the Hollywood Bowl which is an iconic venue unlike anywhere I have attended before, and I would encourage you to check out performances in advance of your arrival. We were so lucky to be able to get tickets to a Quincy Jones birthday tribute with some great performers including John Legend and Stevie Wonder which was a huge surprise. LA has a really fun vibe and the excitement of tourists is visible while they are constantly looking out for famous faces. I found myself doing just the same right up until the point we left for our 16-hour flight back to Dubai. We didn’t spot anyone, so will have to go back!

25 August 2022

It was with a small amount of anxiety that I woke to board my very first Disney cruise. As a seasoned cruiser, I was eager to get back on the water. But not really knowing much about Disney I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I was travelling solo but joining a group of industry professionals from various countries, all embarking on this Disney adventure onboard Disney Magic. Research told me Magic was the first and remains the smallest of the Disney fleet with a capacity of 2,700 passengers. There are now 5 in the fleet including the newest, Disney Wish which I heard a lot about and sounds amazing. Boarding was very quick and easy in Copenhagen so within minutes of arrival at the port I was being welcomed on board with cheering and clapping whilst my case was being delivered separately to my stateroom. What a lovely welcome aboard that was, immediately highlighting that this cruise line is different from the others. My stateroom was a verandah, midship which was ideal for me as I do like to open the door and sit outside in the fresh air. There are several options depending on budget and personal choice including accessible cabins and 2-bedroom suites. The accommodation is a good standard with all the amenities you may need, with plenty of storage space and power sockets. There is a mini fridge and in the higher category suites there is a stocked bar, however, room service is 24/7 with no service charges and, both hot and cold soft drinks are freely available in dedicated places around the ship. Imagine your kids on free-flow soda! And ice cream! So, I am imagining you want to know about two main things - food and entertainment. Let’s start with food. Disney operates a rotational dining plan. So, each day your dinner will be in one of three main dining areas unless you are opt-out to a premium restaurant or to a more casual option. Restaurants are semi-formal/smart casual, and whilst we did have a formal evening on board, it was a personal choice how formal to be. I won’t spoil them for you, but each of the restaurants has a couple of different ’shows’ so you will always see something new at dinner. And honestly, I was completely mesmerized by some of them. Nice touch with this style of dining - you always retain the same table number. And the same service team who rotates with you, so they get to know you and your preferences which is lovely. By our second meal, they knew everyone’s name. There is an excellent selection to choose from and the menu does change. Breakfast and lunch also have a variety of options for diners with no reservation required. Mickey waffles seem to be the most popular dish as I saw almost every plate at breakfast had Mickey's face on it. In addition to the readily available soft drinks, ice cream and cookies are also included to the delight of many kids and adults. Entertainment. Well - it’s impressive. We used an onboard app which showed the daily schedule which was absolutely jam-packed with things to do. It was easy to highlight the things I liked the look of and then the app would send me reminders so I didn’t forget to go. Quizzes, karaoke, films (indoor and out) which may if you are lucky include a Disney premiere not yet out in the cinema. Dance classes, cooking classes, fitness and wellbeing classes, sports events, parties..you name it - Disney does it. Like with most cruise lines there is an evening ’show’ and there are two timings, so you get to see it regardless of your dinner time. The quality of this entertainment is fabulous. Not only the Disney classic performances but also specially hired for the sailing entertainers, such as magicians and comedians. They also have ‘After Hours’ which is an adults-only area in the evening with entertainment that may not be suitable for the youngsters and adults can relax without them. There are a few adult areas on board including a restaurant and pool. What surprised me is how many adults there are onboard travelling without the children. It seems Disney really is ‘for all ages.’ Disney characters are around the ship to meet and greet guests and have photo shoots all through the day. Small queues do form for the popular cast members but they are short. The first time I found myself in a queue I felt guilty about taking up a space a child should have had. I soon got over that when I saw a half of the line was adults and they are every bit as welcome to get involved. So get involved I did, loving wandering around to see the characters - and check out their extensive wardrobe as they always seemed to be wearing something new. This is a real treat and something that you don’t get to do anywhere else. Even staying at Disney theme park you may have to pay and queue for long periods to get close to these famous characters. If you don’t want to be amongst the characters you don’t need to. There are plenty of safe spaces around to avoid the full-on Disney theme and as I have already mentioned, adults-only areas too. Much of the theming is actually hidden. Disney fans love searching for ‘hidden Mickey’ but if you aren’t looking for it you just won’t see it. Or head to the tranquillity of the onboard spa which really is something special. So would I go back on board? IN A HEARTBEAT. Disney cruise is fun for everyone. But it’s just that little bit better for the Disney fans. ’That’s the Disney Magic!'

07 December 2020

My story of the Seychelles trip is broken into 2 parts. This first one being about the travel experience. Part 1 On 27th December my husband and I embarked on our first holiday of 2020, thanks to the Coronavirus spoiling all of our previous plans. We had booked before the restrictions came into our lives. And whilst all year I had hoped it would go ahead, I couldn’t be sure even until the last evening before we travelled. This is because travelling to Seychelles from Dubai during this period meant being able to submit a negative covid 19 certificate and then a completed declaration. I can’t help deny the 48 hours before departure I did have a little bit of anxiety. For no other reason than I didn’t want anything to get in the way of me and the perfect white sandy beaches of Seychelles! Fortunately for us, our approval was granted, and we were heading on holiday. Whilst it was a nerve-wracking few hours, I am very glad to have completed the process for myself now, so I can advise you from experience when it comes to getting your approval. So, on to the airport. I wasn’t too sure what to expect from the check-in and boarding experience. I had already chatted to plenty of friends and customers about their own experiences which varied dramatically. For us, it was good. The perspex screens at the check-in desk didn’t negatively impact the interaction and in general, throughout the airport customers were physically distancing. There was a lot of cleaning going on all around us including the luggage belts and trays at security. Most retail and F&B outlets in the airport were open with the noticeable exception of non-airline lounges. Boarding was in zone order and did seem a bit less frantic than it can be. I was a little surprised by the appearance of the crew wearing full PPE. I knew it was going to happen, but it wasn’t the usual welcoming sight I was used to. But otherwise, the team did as they always do, which is their best to ensure everyone was happy. We had to wear our masks all through the flight unless earing/drinking, which I wasn’t looking forward to. But, since we weren’t moving around or exerting any energy, I hardly noticed it. On landing, in Mahe we found that we would be disembarking in small groups of 30, so as not to crowd the arrivals hall. This did mean it was slower than normal. But once in the arrivals hall, the procedure was efficient and smooth with everyone having the temperature checked before we got to immigration. I’d booked a VIP meet and greet service. Whilst this didn’t save us a vast amount of time, it was nice to have a welcoming face and a queue jump. I’d recommend it. I’d also recommend our mode of transport if you choose to head to one of the islands. We had booked the private helicopter transfer to our hotel on Praslin. This was a real treat. Our VIP transfer handed us over to the Heli operator who swiftly got us in the car transfer to the helipad. Our pilot was ready and waiting, despite a 2-hour delay, and within 15minutes we were in the air headed to our hotel. The return was equally as smooth, Back to the airport where the process was efficient. The flight was good and we landed back in Dubai on time. In Seychelles, we had a PCR test to be able to leave, but we didn’t pay for the certificate which is much more expensive than many other places. So this meant we needed another test on arrival. And I am happy to say this process was quick and straight forward too. Just before immigration those of us without the certificates were directed to a test area. There was only a couple of people in front of us and the whole process too under 10minutes. A bit of a queue for immigration as the e-gates remain closed at this time, but we had retrieved our bags and arrived home within 45 minutes of the plane landing. If this is travel during a pandemic – I like it!

My story of the Seychelles trip is broken into 2 parts. This second one being about the holiday experience. Part 2 At the hotel, the team were waiting for us by the helipad. I didn’t notice them at first as I was busy taking a video of our arrival. Because it was spectacular and I loved watching the daily arrivals from the beach during our trip. A very warm and friendly welcome, wave the pilot off again and a short buggy to our villa where we were shown around and checked in with no waiting around. We were staying at the beautiful 5* luxury Raffles Praslin. And I do mean beautiful. The two of us became amateur photographers for the week taking non-stop photographs. Above and under the water – testing the waterproof capability of the iPhone! This is a stunning resort with Indian Ocean and island views. Lush greenery, aquamarine water and white sand. A few ‘Instagramable’ photo spots around the resort including the lovely pool area. Along with lovely wildlife with geckos, bats and birds galore, giant tortoises to feed and a tiny little island Tenrec, which we had to 'google' as we had never seen one before. Marine life in abundance too and whilst they didn't like to be filmed we saw a lovely group of baby sharks. It is quite a small property but somehow there was plenty of space and even though occupancy was pretty high, it didn’t feel it at any stage. Like other places, we have stayed in Seychelles our villa had a small private pool. And the living space was mainly outdoors too. The large lounge seating area, dining table and sundeck area all outside with the bedroom and small seating area indoors. A lovely large, bright bathroom with a ‘bath with a view, and to my delight, an outdoor shower. I don’t think I will ever tire of showering outdoors, often joined by a few geckos. So, this area along with our cabana at the beach, and the pool area was where we spent most of our time. During this pandemic travellers to Seychelles from both UAE and UK were currently restricted to the resort for the first 7 days of the trip until in receipt of a negative covid test taken on day 6. The hotel facilitated the test for us, so nice and easy but it did mean we didn’t get to see much outside of the resort as we also left on day 7. 7 days of food at the same resort may, in other properties, put me off. But not here at Raffles Seychelles. The food was good and varied. Breakfast was part a la carte and part assisted buffet. Lunch/all day a la carte snacks and meals were available poolside or in the villa. And dinner could be a la carte too or take part in the various theme nights, such as Japanese, Creole or Lobster. We couldn’t fault the cuisine in terms of quality or choice. And the setting for our dinners was just wow. Our seventh day came around all too quickly and after a final afternoon around the pool and saying fond farewells to the team, we were whisked away again in the helicopter back to Mahe. We had arranged a driver to take us to Eden island for a few hours before our late flight home. And we were happy to see that this marina area was full of life, with busy bars and restaurants, showing us that Seychelles is definitely open to visitors. Whilst we relaxed and loved our tranquil island idyll, for may of you exploring this lively area may appeal and I'm happy to share my experience of that with you too.

23 December 2019

Saudia Arabia recently launched much easier access to visit the Kingdom for leisure and business travellers. So like many people I was intrigued to know more about this country and what it would have to offer me in terms of leisure. In November I took the opportunity to visit for an event. The first step - the visa. Obtaining the visa on line was very quick and easy. The website is very clear, in English and user friendly. It is pretty expensive. But, the visa is valid for 12 months multiple entry. After my experience I will use mine again. Then what to wear! It's well documented that the rules have relaxed so international, female travellers no longer need to wear an abaya. But just as the rules have changed I was anxious to understand the reality. So I called a number of friends and associates who had been travelling to the country to understand their experience. I was told not to worry. Just wear modest clothing but no need to wear an abaya or headscarf (although they all said they have one with them 'just in case.') I should say that I was travelling with my husband, not as a solo female. I didn't feel that I was treated differently though due to this. It's really strange looking out of the window when coming in to land. This is clearly the desert! I know living in UAE I am in the desert but this really looked vast and baron. The journey from the airport to the city of Riyadh was similarly just desert. I had taken a jacket to wear on landing in the airport. But my short sleeves didn't even attract a sideways glance from anyone. In fact I felt completely anonymous despite the traffic in the airport being predominantly male. Immigration was fairly slow. There was no big queue. Just an odd process. It was almost like I never had an e-visa and was doing the whole process all over again. This process was very friendly. Within the immigration area I must had heard 'welcome to Saudia Arabia' at least 5 times by each official I met with what seemed a genuine smile. Photo and fingerprint taken, I was allowed into The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The airport is pretty small and easy to navigate. There is an information desk with a good English speaker and various staff on hand to help confused looking tourists. Since we are used to it in UAE we opted to use Uber and the pick up zone is clearly marked near Careem and the taxis. Uber is more like in Europe and US in terms of the vehicles we found, being a bit hit and miss on the standard. And in the airport journey and others, we did find communication fairly hard as the drivers had very minimal English. They were all very friendly though and keen to help with luggage, so I won't hesitate to use again on the return. Despite travelling with my husband, he hates hotel check in procedure. So it was me that dealt with all of this formality. As at the airport I didn't feel out of place as a woman, and the check in staff did communicate well and were welcoming. We were at an international big brand hotel. What was interesting though, as we have different names, they were looking for 2 rooms not just one as they assumed we aren't married. So that is worth bearing in mind. On this occasion I just saw some of Riyadh. Like many parts of the middle east it is interesting to see huge malls with lots of big European and American brands sitting in some very traditional Saudi areas. It's a real blend of character. We visited an event in Al Diriyah a heritage area. What I can say is when Riyadh puts on an event, they really put on an event and we were blown away by the quality, size and scale. With thousands of people in attendance at all times I felt safe and comfortable. Never out of place and never judged for my attire. We saw groups of men and groups of woman alongside mixed groups all there to have fun. And everyone embraced the environment and performances. Certainly Saudia Arabia from what I have seen so far is very different from what I am used to. But far from uncomfortable and in fact seemingly very open to change and to international visitors. Based on this experience, I will definitely go back.

09 June 2019

In the new year, Travel Counsellors ran an incentive for all TCs to win a place on an educational trip to Antigua. An educational trip is a travel Trade visit to understand a location and properties to enable us to promote it more knowledgeably. The Caribbean has been a favourite destination of mine for many years with my husband regularly being told that’s where I want to retire to. So imagine my delight on finding that from over 1600 Travel Counsellors in 7 countries, I won one of the 20 spaces. The trip was planned for mid May and all I needed to do was arrange to get to Gatwick in readiness for my Virgin Atlantic sponsored flight. After an evening getting to know some of my fellow travellers in the restaurant at Sofitel Gatwick, a firm favourite airport hotel for me, I met the larger group the next morning at the Virgin check in area. The group was split nicely so half travelled economy and the other half premium economy and we would switch on the way back so we got to experience both. It’s 6 years since I last flew Virgin but after this experience I am sure I won’t leave it so long next time. The economy experience was comfortable and with some nice surprises as we were presented with ice lollies, afternoon tea and then sweeties before landing. The kind of thing many airlines used to do in ‘the good old days’ but have stopped in times of cost cutting. The premium economy seat coming back too was a great experience with a comfortable wide seat, good menu choices and a 2 way leg/foot rest for added comfort. Whilst the flight was good it didn’t prepare us for the very warm welcome on arrival. It’s good to know the treatment I can expect for my guests once they disembark. The Antiguan tourist board ensured we were fast tracked through immigration so that once we were reunited with our luggage we could meet our hosts in the arrival hall with refreshing cold towels and water. A swift transfer to the waiting vehicle and we were on our way to the first hotel. I won’t give too much away about the properties we stayed at but if after reading this you want to know where would be best for you, do get in touch. We stayed at 3 hotels and visited 4 more so I have plenty of information. The first property was our base for 4 nights. Hodges Bay the new, stunning, contemporary design hotel on the north coast. The second was Curtain Bluff. A more established property with Antiguan character and charm welcoming repeat clients as they have fallen in love with the location and easy lifestyle. We ended our stay at Carlisle Bay. An all suites property on the turquoise blue water with the backdrop of the forest which was simply beautiful. Having visited these and other properties one of the things I learned whilst in Antigua for a week is there really is something for everyone. I had never really associated Antigua with tennis. But if you want to learn this new skill or develop your existing game, courts and professionals are readily available for you. As are beaches. One of my favourite facts is that Antigua has 365 beaches. One for every day of the year. It makes retirement sound even more enticing! Something else I never knew about the island was that it has mangroves. The North Sound Marine Park is home to beautiful mangroves, calm waters, starfish, sea cucumbers and upside down jelly fish. A fantastic afternoon was had kayaking. With a rainforest those that wanted to could head out for a hike. And some of the more adventurous in our group chose to zip line at Antigua Rainforest Zipline which we had passed a couple of times whilst touring the island. We did the 4x4 island tour which was great fun and really informative. Also colourful, as we found the locals are lovers of colour so the houses are pained in interesting combinations such as purple and yellow, green and pink...you get the idea. On our tour we visited Shirley Heights lookout with fabulous views of English Harbour. We were a couple of weeks late for the Antigua Sailing Festival, but if you are a keen sailor that would be a great time to visit. We went back to Shirley Heights to party. In typical caribbean style the locals do like to dance, eat, drink and be merry. So the Shirley Heights Bar-B-q nights with the rhythm of the steel band whilst watching the sunset is a really good place to get started. Snorkelling, swimming and watersports galore are on offer all around the coast so there is fun to be had everywhere. And those that want to understand more of the country’s history, I’m sure you will enjoy a trip to Betty Hope sugar plantation. One of many old sugar mills dotted around the island but this has sympathetically been turned into a museum so we had a somber few hours learning of Antigua’s past. Our visit in May coincided with the published ‘rainy season.’ But having seen 5 minutes of rain only twice in 7 days I think it’s fair to say that Antigua is an all year round destination. So something to consider next time you are considering your next getaway. Let me know.

18 March 2019

When I was invited to attend an event in Langkawi about luxury travel, I jumped at the opportunity. It's somewhere I had never been to and having only been to Penang in Malaysia before I figured it was a great time to do a little more. So after a brief discussion my husband and I decided to start my trip with a short break in Kuala Lumpur. Choosing a hotel was quite a daunting task as I didn't know the city at all. In the end we decided on something mid range in the city's 'Golden Triangle' which is basically the commercial, shopping and entertainment hub. Shopping wasn't on the agenda but seeing the sights and having fun was so the location was perfect for us, walking distance to most things including the Petronas Twin towers and the Menara KL Tower. Both towers offer great viewing opportunities and worth doing even though we are used to the height of the Burj Khalifa! For the most part we walked around the city to see Chinatown and the Sultan Abdul Samad building, but we did also venture further afield - just 25minutes in a cab - to see the famous Batu Caves, the site of a Hindu temple and shrine. It's only 272 steps to the top, it's much easier coming down. It was fun to watch the monkeys here, stealing drinks and food off the unsuspecting tourists. As dedicated 'foodies' we decided to use a guide to walk us around some of the city's vast array of street food vendors. This was a great decision. A gentle pace over 4 hours with stops to try lots of interesting foods produced by the locals. Most of it we loved but there was the occasional 'interesting' snack. We completely filled our time in KL and we didn't get to use the lovely large pool at the hotel, bigger and more inviting than seen at most city hotels. Next stop was Langkawi. Just an hour hop on a plane for KL, I did get to use the pool and the beach in Langkawi. With a clear island feel the pace was slow and relaxed. With a number of hotels to choose from I had always thought it was really just a 5* luxury location but actually found there was a really good range of properties with something to suit everyone. My first hotel wasn't beach front but it was just a 5 minute walk and the view then was simply beautiful. Pantah Tengah I felt was the perfect location for anyone not wanting to spend all the time in a resort hotel. There was a little stretch of bars, shops and restaurants frequented by locals so a real authentic feel. Wow, the spices in the food are hot! After a couple of days R&R here it was onwards to the area of Kuah. Here I was staying on the lovely beach front and enjoyed a long walk when I wasn't working or watching the local monkeys fight. This area is around 45 minutes from one of the main attractions of the island which is the Skybridge and Langkawi cable car. I am scared of heights but not one to miss out I quickly got myself first in line to board vertiginous 15minutes ride to the top of mount Mat Cincang. Here I joined the Skybridge, the longest free span and curved bridge in the world. I shocked myself by walking along it, but I did, suspended from a 82m high single pylon hanging 100m above the ground. Not for the faint hearted! Up here viewing the beautiful landscape was a further reminder of how lush and green Malaysia is. It couldn't be more different from Dubai.

20 September 2018

WOW. WOW. WOW. This is the word of the trip. Alaska is wonderful. Spectacular. Interesting. We spent 11 nights sailing the Inside Passage on Seabourn Sojourn. And to be honest, I don't know where to start on writing a blog. So I am going to let the photos do the talking. Some of them aren't great quality as my camera can't see what my eyes do. But trust me, it was sensational. Please contact me to know more. [email protected] +971 55 438 6868

10 April 2018

We visited Krakow very briefly tagged onto a business trip. It was February and there was snow on the ground although we managed to escape more in the time we were there. At the time of Travel we had to fly via Warsaw which is available with Emirates from Dubai but now there are direct flights available with FlyDubai and it’s just 6hrs direct. If you travel from UK there are lots of options at about 2.5hrs. The city is around a 30minute easy journey from the airport and we had checked into a lovely little boutique hotel between the Jewish quarter and the main old town market square. This meant that most things were in easy walking distance for us. We put in a lot of steps during our short trip and we wanted to walk as much as possible so we didn’t miss anything. Krakow is a really pretty city with a lot of history and historical buildings to explore. One of which was the old Schindler Ceramics factory now housing a museum telling the story of Oskar Schindler and the Jewish prisoners. A visit here was a sobering experience as was a visit to to the Ghetto Heroes Square monument with 33 memorial chairs symbolising the plight of the Polish Jews. Following these visits we chose not to visit Auschwitz but this is very easily accessible from Krakow around 1hr away. Another worthwhile trip is Wieliczka salt mines which is listed in the UNESCO register. We chose to stick closer to the city and enjoyed our frozen walk up to medieval Wawel castle in a dominant position looking down and protecting the city. Also Krakus Mound, the pagan ritual site, which is the highest point I the city with wonderful panoramic views. So there were we enjoying seeing the sights in the snow so we did need warming up. Enter the Polish food and beverage outlets! As always when travelling we did want to try some traditional fayre which is still very popular and available in most bars and restaurants. We were amused to arrive on the day of an annual “Fat Thursday’ celebrations so were offer a sweet treat wherever we went which was lovely. Borscht, a hearty sour soup was a winner for me along with a variety of dumpling dishes such as Pierogi. All washed down with a Polish hops brew or wine learning that whilst it’s not a massive industry, the country does have good local wineries. The trip was very short but we packed a lot in and really enjoyed ourselves. If you get the opportunity Krakow is well worth a visit.

17 January 2018

I cannot tell you how excited I was to be going to Hong Kong for New Year. Kong Kong had been on our 'must visit' list since arriving in UAE and somehow we just hadn't got there in 5 years. So we decided to treat ourselves and visit in style for New Year. Business class flights and a high end hotel stay. So we were booked on Cathay Pacific business class and into Mandarin Oriental hotel. We left on a night flight at almost midnight arriving late morning into HKG. The airport was fast and efficient and within 45 minutes of landing we were in our pre-booked car en-route to the city.Everyone had told us to use the train for transfers but after a night flight we thought we would just want a simple solution. But having taking the train on the return it is true to say we found it very easy and fast. On arrival at the hotel I was shocked. It was SO noisy in the lobby. It was bustling with people and they all spoke very loudly. I had to get used to this as I found that everywhere we went people were really loud talking to each other or even just into the mobile phone. Check was was great. Friendly and efficient and thats how we found all of the Mandarin Oriental team to be throughout our stay. Nothing was too much trouble, they wanted to make sure we were happy all of the time. We loved the handwritten notes and gifts of sweets received in our room each day. On NYE we had a chocolate champagne bottle containing chocolate truffles. It was Amazing! We both only have positive things to say about the Mandarin Oriental. Despite our night flight we were keen to get out and about so after admiring our view (we chose a Marina view room with a huge window) we headed out to Victoria Peak. It was a very busy time of year so we did have to queue for the tram for quite some time. But it was worth it as it's a really steep climb with fabulous views. The tram is now just a way to get to the peak but used to be a standard method of transport and the original old stations and still marked.The view from The Peak is spectacular as it's the highest point in Hong Kong and we could see 360degrees views of the vast city. We spent the whole afternoon here before heading off for a sumptuous Michelin Starred Chinese dinner at Man Wah back at the hotel. Walking back we couldn't help but be in awe of the location - surrounded by all high end shops such as Cartier, Harry Winston and Gucci, and immediately across from the harbour, central district was perfect for getting around. On Saturday we went to meet some friends living in Hong Kong for brunch in the Lan Kwai Fong area which is a famous area for drinking and nightlife. This area was buzzing with people having fun and we managed to get a table at a roof top bar with great city views. The thing were learnt was when walking along a street looking for fun places to be, instead of looking straight ahead - look up. So many outlets are high up in the buildings, they could easily be missed. Later in the evening we headed off to the Kowloon night market to see what the locals were buying. It was chaotic; busy and noisy and fun of life. We sat and had some refreshments in the middle of the market to watch the comings and goings all around us. Later we went off to a fortune teller, but that's another story! We were in Hong Kong for a very short time so we had to pack in the most popular attractions, the most famous probably being the 112ft high Tian Tan Buddha statue reachable by the 360 cable car on Lantau island. We opted for the glass bottomed cable car so we maximised what we could see. It's not for the feint hearted though. Once again we had to queue for a while but again it was worth it as it was a stunning journey. Looking down we could see the walking trail up to the Big Buddha. It would be brilliant to do for those who enjoy good walk, the trail will take around 6hours. The cable car was a more reasonable 30minutes between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping arriving into a cultural village with shops and restaurants and roaming cows- really! We strolled through the village before climbing the 268steps up to see the Buddha. The 268 down again to visit the Po Lin Monastery was much easier! OnNew Years Eve itself the city was buzzing. People were coming in from everywhere to the harbour front in readiness to watch the fireworks display at midnights. The bars and restaurants including those at the hotel had various countdown parties and tables with good viewing were booking several months in advance at premium prices. We had planned ahead so we stayed in the hotel doing a bit of a bar crawl before heading off to see the fireworks from our Marina View room at midnight. And what a view it was. We saw (and heard) the whole display which was spectacular as expected and lasted for several minutes celebrated by everyone watching along the harbour front and on the boats in the water. It really was a lovely way to start a new year.

07 January 2018

I was lucky enough to go and visit a new country in December with some colleagues from the industry arranged by our preferred tour company. It was a bit of a whirlwind trip visiting lots of hotels so we could see what was offered by both the city of Yerevan and also the mountain destination of Tsaghkadzor. We travelling on FlyDubai direct from Dubai to Yerevan. These are great value flights and it was a comfortable trip of just 3hours. FlyDubai offers business class as well as economy service. We arrived to find it around 2degrees. Cold! There was snow on the ground in many areas and we were told that the main snowfall would land arrive in just a few weeks. Preparations for this were in progress particularly in the mountains for start of ski season. If you are after a winter holiday with guaranteed snow, Armenia is one to consider particularly in January. Following the cold the very noticeable thing was how festive everywhere was. A huge Christmas tree was being erected in the main square and there was a small Christmas market. Every hotel had a lovely Christmas display and advertising Christmas menus. Interestingly we learned that the Armenians celebrate Christmas Day on January 6th as in history tells all Christian churches did until 4th century. Christian history is evident all over the city with a variety of churches, temples and monasteries which are all open to visitors and quite beautiful including Garni & The Temple of Garni, Garni Gorge and the Monastery of Gerghard. Even on the short journey to the city from the airport there were numerous historical monuments to take note of and revisit. One of the finest and most visible is the stairway of limestone 572 steps housing the Centre of Arts and there are some great pieces of art available to be viewed at the bottom to tempt visitors in. In Victory Park at the top of the Cascades we saw the 'Mother of Armenia' monument looking down and protecting the city. This park is in commemoration of Soviet Armenia's participation in 2nd World War and hold a museum to this. Also beautiful is Lake Sevan which is the largest lake in the country, at high altitude which great fishing opportunities and relaxing along shoreline beaches. On the final day we visited the ski resort of Tsaghkadzor. Whilst we were there to see the region in ski season the mountains come alive in the summer with lots of outdoor, family activities. This is where the city dwellers go to spend their weekends and time off. It's just about 1dr drive from the airport so an easy destination from UAE. The resort has 27km of slopes on elevations of 1,800 - 2,800m for a variety of abilities.The types of accommodation here vary from self-catering style chalets to 5* hotels with all kinds of activity on offer for apres-ski with a bowling alley and a shooting range amongst the options along with heated swimming pools in most. In all the areas we visited we found the food to be simple and delicious. Everything is locally sourced and if the fast food takeaway chains are your preference you will struggle to find them in Armenia giving way to locally grown vegetables. English is widely spoken so it is very easy to communicate with the very friendly people who are happy to have a growing tourism industry, very proud of their culture and keen to show off what they have to offer.

09 July 2017

I have had a few conversations recently with people telling me they didn’t even know Azerbaijan existed until they saw it represented the Eurovision song contest a few years ago. But more and more people are keen to get to visit the city. Having now visited myself it is somewhere I would highly recommend and I hope to go back. In early June the city was bright, sunny and warm. I actually visited with friends during Ramadan. Interestingly for a Muslim country, there were no restrictions on entertainment or consumption and the city was alive with people enjoying the beautiful parks and the old walled city. The old town is gorgeous! Mainly pedestrianised and very easy to navigate on foot, visitors can take a walking tour (with a guide or self guided) to take in all of the history. There is so much greenery, a real change from Dubai and both locals and tourists take time to sit and enjoy the well tended floral displays and trees. On the banks of the Caspian Sea, if you are a fan of Caviar this is where to try it or buy some to take home being sure of it’s authenticity. The authentic Azeri food was also one of the highlights for me. We visited a tiny restaurant offering traditional fayre and the host was so keen that we got to try plenty of dishes, he served us a feast. Flavours that we had never tasted before were delicious and we washed it down with locally produced wine which was so so good. We didn't speak each others language but the host did his best to share with us details of the Azeri traditions surrounding the dining culture which we were very interested in. What's more, it's such good value and the hospitality we encountered was wonderful with all restaurant and bar owners keen to share their story and introduce us to new flavours. If you are more about the new than the history, Baku offers this for you too. With a lovely modern city centre with all of the brands a shopaholic could wish for and all of the modern entertainment venues and eateries you want from a big city. Indeed those of you who are fans of motor sport will find it is relatively good value to visit for the Baku Grand Prix. Getting around is easy. For Uber users it is available at a very low cost as are taxis. And those of you preferring to walk will be happy with the well done underpasses that go deep underground but have escalators to save the legs and take you to street level again. Then when you want to get out and see a bit more, there are some really interesting tours available to places such as Gobuststan nation park with historical petroglyphs, caves and mud volcanos or perhaps Ateshgah Fire Temple. Only 3 hours direct flight from Dubai, if you are looking for somewhere a little different, give Baku a try.

23 February 2017

I’ve visited Athens a couple of times previous but only on my way to or from a Greek Island or a cruise. This time I decided I wanted to really see what the city had to offer. Visiting in February meant that the tourist season hadn’t kicked in so thankfully no long queues to any of the attractions. On the other hand it was pretty chilly so I was glad of boots, gloves and a scarf. One of the things that attracted me to Greece was food. Simple yet delicious is how I had remembered it and thats exactly what I got. My first meal sat alone waiting for my friends to arrive was a bowl of olives, a plate of feta and a carafe of red wine. Perfect! Over the course of the next 4 days I tried the traditional Moussaka, vine leaves, fresh fish and halloumi dishes, amongst others and was never disappointed. Sitting there alone on that first day in Athens I realised how infrequently I get to do that and experience places alone. It was actually lovely to be able to watch, see and explore a little by myself and whilst I was delighted when the rest of the group arrived I would say this is a city that a lone traveller would really enjoy. We were lucky and were staying in a hotel with fabulous views of The Acropolis. It really is a wondrous sight. And of course getting closer to explore is a ‘must-do.’ Whilst it is high on a hill it certainly isn’t a strenuous walk so very easy for everyone to visit. And there is now a fabulous museum to explain more about it’s history. Great when it rained! There was a lot to pack into the few days we were there but 2 more attractions really stood out. We did a walking tour with an audio guide of the original Olympic Stadium. It was an incredible insight into athletics of old. And also we loved watching the changing of the guard at the Parliament Building. Very different and intriguing to watch. Athens is a really easy city to navigate and get around. There is a very good public transport network which is clean, cheap and easily accessible. For those that prefer a car taxis are easy to hail and even Uber has an established operation there. Just 5 hours from Dubai and 3 from London it’s a perfect place for a meet up and I will definitely go back. Ps…Halloumi or feta with honey and sesame is not to be missed!

13 September 2016

After quite a lot of planning, in August I headed out on a girls weekend to Romania. I flew into Bucharest directly from Dubai with FlyDubai. The flight times were good and we arrived mid afternoon. I wish we had pre-booked a car transfer, the taxi system is chaotic and the ticket machine that runs the system didn't work properly. Not many people had much English language so it was difficult to communicate. On the plus side, there was a cafe/bar where we could get refreshed whilst getting organised. The airport was about 25minutes in the car from the city and the journey was pretty trouble free. Unlike being a pedestrian. Even on the zebra crossing, cars appeared to have a right of way. So we had more than a couple of near misses! I advise caution and care crossing the roads. The city of Bucharest we found to be quite grey and uninteresting whilst walking around so we took the opportunity of the frequent and good value Big Bus tour to see the sights. We had some great restaurant tips and found the food to be largely hearty, meaty dishes washed down with some lovely, and very cheap Romanian wine. Just what the doctor ordered! After a couple of days in Bucharest we took a train to Brashov. On arrival at the station we were amused by how old the trains were. But ours was spacious and comfortable. I do recommend 1st class which didn't cost too much more. The journey was lovely and we saw some beautiful scenery as we passed through the countryside and mountains. After finding our lovely hotel and freshening up, we headed out into the old part of the city. It was lovely with a real medieval feel. Fountains, outdoor cafes, street vendors and pretty architecture has our attention. Like Bucharest we found the service a little slow but everyone was friendly and keen to please. On our second day here we headed to see Dracula's Transylvanian castle. Bran Castle is quite an attraction and the queues were long so we were pleased with our decision to have a guide with Q-jump. The tour is interesting and the grounds of the castle are lovely so it's an easy way to spend a day. And, if you fancy a little shopping for souvenirs, there's also a little market for buying gifts to take home. Perfect!

23 August 2016

I cannot lie, 3 days without luggage because the airline lost it wasn't a good start. But, I didn't let that ruin the trip. We started in Gibralter which is the island known as 'The Rock' due to the huge rock that's the landmark. Separated from Spain by a small border it really is England in the sunshine with high street shopping, pubs and fish'n chip shops. The island is known for the Barbary Apes upon the rock that can be very cheeky and will steal your belongings of you don't watch out. We stayed on a docked cruise ship so our room was a cabin which was quirky and fun. Great service and lovely harbor views too that we enjoyed and we would definitely stay there again. It's really quite interesting to be able to walk in and out across the border between Spain and UK. From Gibralter we drove to Cadiz. We decided to avoid the highway where possible and we drove along the coast road. We were in no rush and wanted to see the sights. We some some lovely villages and clearly good surf towns based on the number of surf shacks and surfers around. Cadiz is an interesting mix of old and new. We walked along the old city wall and along the long stretch of white sandy beach at La Victoria. We had wonderful tapas served in cafes where very little English was spoken. We had no idea what we ordered as none of us speak Spanish, but it was fabulous. The reason for the trip to Cadiz was to see the Tall Ships in the 2nd stage of their 3 part race from Antwerp to A Coruna. They were a pretty spectacular sight and the bonus was we could actually board the ships and take a look around. There was a real festival spirit in the town over this weekend with parades, music and parties. After Cadiz we visited Torrox. The town centre is very pretty with white-walled houses clinging to the steep slope on which the town is built. From the top the views are pretty spectacular as they are on the cliff road through Frigiliana which is the coast road we took back down to the coast. Torrox Costa is a tourist hotspot particularly for the Spanish who visit as it is widely considered to have the best climate of Europe and it's also known for regular festivals and traditions which are celebrated throughout the year. For our final night we travelled inland to Ronda which is a mountaintop town. The journey offered stunning scenery as we drove through the mountains before arriving in the pretty town set dramatically above a deep gorge. Here the views were spectacular and I did enjoy simply sitting on the balcony of the hotel room and looking out over the countryside. We didn't go in, but the Plaza de Toros, (18th-century bullring), is one of the key attractions in the area. And people were clearly enjoying the trips around the town in the horse and cart that could be hired close by. We strolled through the very pretty park with the well maintained duck pond that was the focal point. And enjoyed fabulous traditional food with local wine in one of the many pretty little restaurants with stunning views. And then it was back home to Dubai for a rest!

12 May 2016

I had visited Sri Lanka before. Just to Negombo area on a long girls' weekend which was perfect with some lively bars and restaurants for our evenings out. On this, my second trip, there was a whole different experience planned. Travelling with colleagues to learn more about the history, culture and geography of the area. 6 nights and 6 different hotels and another 9 for lunch and dinner. It was a packed schedule with some long journeys and a lot of walking, but what a fabulous experience. On day 1 we visited the Pinnawela elephant orphanage. We watched baby elephants being fed milk and we watched the older ones enjoying playing in the river. It was interesting to see these fabulous animals up close and take a selfie or 2! We also headed off to the Unesco World Heritage site of Dambulla cave temples. The view from the temple at 350ft is pretty spectacular. Waking early on day 2 we were faced with climbing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. My word that was good for the legs! Only a couple of colleagues were fearless enough to go right to the top of this famous fortress built in the 5th century, and the sense of achievement they felt afterwards was visible. We had all earned our lunch by then. Onwards to Kandy the cultural centre where we were shown the Dalada Maligawa- the Temple of the sacred Tooth relic of Buddha. The ceremony with dancing and drums is quite unique. On day 3 we had a very long drive along mountainous roads seeing tea plantations and waterfalls along the journey then stopping to watch tea being made. There was some stunning scenery so the cameras were put to good use. All the way to Hatton we drove - 'little England' to experience the hospitality of a private bungalow. Then the rain came so we didn't get in the pool. Day 4 was hosting the highlight for me: a jeep safari into Yala National park to see Sri Lankan wild animals at home. We saw peacocks, elephants, wild boar, flamingos, deer and even a leopard taking a nap in a tree. Dinner in the evening was the icing on the cake at a jungle retreat. Whilst enjoying our main course a water buffalo wandered past us just 50ft away, although some of the girls were less keen on finding the Cobra that had been spotted in the bushes. Off to Galle on day 5 driving along the coast and spotting all the surf spots. We visited Galle fort with the 350yr old Dutch church and the old lighthouse. Whilst we didn't have time to go and watch the famous art of masks being made we could see the factories and outlets everywhere. Our final day dad us taking a look at some of the popular resorts in the coastal towns of Hikkaduwa and Bentota, and seeing the turtle hatchery which is ever so popular with visitors to the region. Then we headed up to the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo for a city tour seeing the merging of the old and the new. Also understanding the true multi-cultural society when we could see Christian churches, Muslim mosques and Buddhists temples all in close proximity. Having spent 7 days there I know that's it's just not long enough to enjoy everything that Sri Lanka has to offer. So I am already planning when I can go back.

29 October 2015

Having visited lots of beautiful hotels in UAE since I moved here, it takes quite a lot to impress me. Well this place did. It's the only place we have visited where my husband said he could stay for several days, a week even, as he really felt 'on holiday' and there was so much to do. We decided to drive from Dubai and there is no doubt, it's a long drive. But once arrived at the jetty which is around and hour and a half from Abu Dhabi, the stress dissipates. We checked in at the jetty quickly and our bags were taken, we were told to relax. So we did. And we did until the time we left again 2 days later. The ferry trip is around 20minutes and they show a video of what to expect from the island. It goes very fast and at the other end we are met by an air conditioned coach for another 20minute drive time. Along the journey we are all wildlife spotting and we are all a bit overcome by the rugged landscape. We arrived at Desert Islands by Anantara and were warmly greeted. After the initial introductions we didn't pass by the reception area again during our stay without being greeted by name. We were shown to our room which was lovely, with one of the best hotel showers I have ever had experience of, and a pretty garden terrace. And then we retired to the lovely pool with great drinks service. The activities desk has plenty of things to offer guests to do. Watersports, sandsports, sailing trips and perhaps the most exciting for me, the wildlife drive. We opted for very early in the morning as we had been advised we had more chance of seeing more animals. Great advice! Our informative guide pointed out various interesting facts about the island and landscape but most importantly took us to the animal 'hangouts.' Giraffes, cheetahs, oryx to name a few. And not from a distance - from right next to our vehicle. It was amazing. Again the guide was really very informed about each of the animals and could answer all of our questions. She, and all of the other staff we encountered were very enthusiastic about their work, the resort and the island. It was infectious enthusiasm, and I cannot wait to go back!

27 August 2015

We had dinner outside. Outside in August! If you live in the Middle East you will know how wonderful that is. On checking in to this wonderful hotel, the hostess told us that the temperature in this part of the world rarely goes above 33 degrees. Bearing in mind that on Jumeirah beach in Dubai on that day it was 47 degrees this was brilliant news to us. We were shown to our room pointing out the hotel’s gym, spa and restaurants en-route. We didn't use the very well-equipped gym but we did use the spa and it was bliss. It was very tranquil with all Balinese, expert therapists and we found ourselves not wanting to leave. But we did. How could we not make use of the glorious pool? It was a beautiful temperature, slightly cooled and the views were spectacular over the mountain and gorge. And surrounding the pool were plentiful loungers and daybeds with optional curtains for privacy and to block out the sun. Below the pool is a stone Jacuzzi and once inside you can't see or hear anyone else. If the Jacuzzi was too hot and the pool too cold (they weren't) we could always pop inside to the slightly warmed indoor Jacuzzi pool. Nothing was too much trouble for the hotel team. If we wanted or needed anything they were there. Unobtrusive but observant and friendly, we knew that they really wanted us to enjoy our stay. The chefs were pretty impressive too. There is just a main dining room and a lounge offering lighter meals. Both are spacious and well designed. The menu is fairly limited but the quality is excellent and we were delighted to find that the prices weren't 5* hotel inflated. I cannot deny that it was a little odd having dinner without a glass of wine with my meal. As yet the hotel doesn't have an alcohol licence so cannot serve, but they were happy to let us take our own so we could keep wine in our fridge in the suite and they kept us topped up with ice. They also kept us hydrated all day with plenty of complimentary bottled water. For us the hotel was pure relaxation. But for those that prefer to get out and about seeing the sights or enjoying the terrain, the hotel has bikes available and will happily help you discover the area with outdoor pursuits or discovering the cultural and culinary traditions.

20 April 2015

So many people know that the Anantara brand represents good quality and exceptional service. This is certainly what we found at Anantara Qasr al Sarab, desert resort. This is a resort that many of my clients aspire to visit and the feedback made me want to go. So when I found a free weekend in the diary, I was booked, packed and ready to go. I hadn't anticipated the long journey. It took around 3 hours from Dubai Marina. That's not so bad but there was not much to see on the way. So my advice is take snacks and drinks and if you are travelling with kids, plenty of games. The approach into the hotel was something else. There is a gate through which we drove to find ourselves on a path through the dunes. Not a short path though. Several kilometres of sand dunes rolled out before. It was the kind of image that you see of postcards and photographs. On the way back we stopped the car for a photo. And our four wheel drive almost got stuck as the soft sand sunk, so bear that in mind if you fancy a picture too. We arrived hungry and thirsty and just wanting to chill out. Not a problem. The staff at this resort were on hand to make sure that's exactly what we could do. We were welcomed and guided into the lavish reception where instead of going to a desk we were seated with refreshments and were introduced to our hostess. Once the formalities were taken care of we were taken on a buggy by our hostess to our beautiful room. It was of a high standard with everything we might consider. A large balcony with great views and in the bathroom, a party sized bath! And on the bed kissing swans made of towels and a scattering of rose petals. A lovely touch. Down at the pool we received more efficient and friendly, unobtrusive service. Complimentary water, sunglasses cleaning, cold towels, ice lollies and fruit. We wanted for nothing. We enjoyed some food and some drinks and were treated like VIPs around the large, busy but relatively quiet (volume wise) pool. Out of the pool and on a lounger we couldn't help but smile at the view. The water with floral border was lovely with the backdrop of a typically Arabian style building and around us more of those impressive orange, rolling sand dunes. Unfortunately for us because it wasn't windy enough we couldn't go sandsailing. But this was just one of the activities that was available to us when it wasn't just relaxing that we wanted. And no matter what we wanted, there was always someone on hand to help. The restaurant choices are lovely. If you really want to go for Romance you could try Dining by Design, where a table for two will be served exclusively in the dunes. We preferred the Suhail rooftop steakhouse where we had a choice of beautiful dishes in a gorgeous setting and received attentive service. We loved that because it was dark we had illuminated menus. It made us giggle but made choosing from the extensive wine list much easier. Bearing in mind the location it wouldn't have surprised us if the drinks were overpriced and not great offerings. But in fact we found good quality red at a very reasonable price. So in summary we had a lovely weekend. Next time, I'd like to go for a few more days to make the journey more worthwhile. And I think a nice 2-3 bedroom villa so we could share a bar-b-q on our terrace with friends is a definite must.

29 May 2014

My trip started on a train journey from Malaga. The scenery was stunning. Miles after miles of undulating fields, oranges and olive groves with very few people in sight. It took just under 2 hours into SANTA JUSTA station which is modern and easy to navigate. I visited Seville just for 2 days and it wasn't enough. It's just lovely. We were helped out most certainly by beautiful sunshine and blue skies in May so sitting outside one of the many pavement cafes was easy and fun. We went as a couple and it felt so romantic. As an animal lover I usually hate seeing horses being forced to cart people around but here in Seville they all appeared to be well cared for and loved. Gardens were lush green, there are lots of parks and flowers were in bloom every where we looked. The city was noticeably colourful and happy. We were surprised to find how big the city is. But we were delighted with how easy it is to navigate. Lots of areas are pedestrianised and there is a tram system to help the legs if required. There are also lots of easily accessible bikes for hire, which is a popular choice of transport for the locals, I guess because it's so flat. We chose to wander around on foot and we were pleased that we did as we felt we saw lots more than we could have done. The union of modern architecture into the glorious, historical buildings work well, particular as there are very few high rise structures. We enjoyed a one hour trip along the River Guadalquivir which was lovely and relaxing although we were unimpressed with the commentry, so do make sure you challenge the guide if you choose to do this. The Cathedral offered a much better experience despite the long queue to get in. Buying a city card will reduce the queue time so worth considering. We enjoyed sitting with some Tapas and a glass of local wine. I've visited a number of places in Spain and enjoyed a wide variety of tapas, but I have to say that in Seville it was the best I've had. It was great value and large portions so don't order too much! Although we found the vendors, who spoke very little English helped us out and told us if they thought we were over ordering. The menus are very varied and it was easy to try many wonderful dishes we've not had before but will seek out again. Similiarly for the wine, try the house offering which we always found to be delicious and cheap. I can't beleive it's taken me so long to visit Seville. I'm already looking forward to next time.

22 May 2014

I recently found myself enjoying an unexpected weekend in Al Alain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took exactly 1.5hours from Dubai Marina to reach the centre of the town, and we filled our time of the journey watching lots of camels in the desert either side of the road. I'm not sure what I expected from Al Ain but I was pleasantly pleased with what I found. It's known as 'The Garden City' due to its greenery and following my visit this now makes sense as I saw trees and plants, perfectly manicured wherever we went. Other noticeable factors were the lack of high rise tower blocks, as there are controls over the height of new buildings. The only thing imposing over the city is the Jebel Hafeet mountain, which makes a stunning backdrop. And, the history of one of the world's oldest permanently inhabited settlements was clearly visible as we saw a number of historical monuments and forts, quite unlike the tourist attractions of nearby Dubai. For those who really want to know more about the heritage of Al Ain there are a number of museums and an Arts Centre. My visit was brief so I didn't get chance to take a look, but maybe next time...

09 April 2014

I've been looking around my house at some of the souvenirs I have from my travels. I love bringing reminders back from my holidays but sometimes I make mistakes. Have you any holiday shopping disasters? Here are a few of mine- 1, Istanbul tall lamp. I toured the Grand Bazaar many times and then haggled extensively to get the exact coloured glass shades that I wanted. Finally price agreed and I was free to take my purchase home. It was a huge and heavy bundle consisting of a box of glass and a large metal frame wrapped in black bin bags that not only looked ridiculous but I struggled to carry. The haggling with the merchant was nothing compared with the debate with the airline to let it on the plane! Eventually I did though I enjoyed it's beauty for a couple of years in Warwickshire before the lamp had to move home again. Shipped to Dubai amongst furniture and shoes, it now looks slightly less at home in our very contemporary lounge. How funny did I find it though to find the very same lamp available in all of the souks here. 2, Marrakech rug. Better known in my house as the 'rug of death' as every time someone stepped on it, the grip was lost on the floor underneath and balance was tested. A group of friends and I went on a day shopping in wonderful Marrakech. I went into the rug shop with no need nor desire to buy a rug. However after being plied with tea (which I hate) and biscuits I appeared to forget who I was and parted with several hundred pounds for a "beautifully hand made, genuine wool" rug in a size big enough to carpet an entire lounge. Too heavy to lift and carry, I parted with yet more money to have it shipped to UK. I was delighted when it arrived at my house in Yorkshire. Until the first slip. By the 3rd slip the rug was relegated into a largely unused room, and it didn't make the cut when it came to shipping to Dubai. I think it's now flooring in another friend's tent! 3, Dubai camel. On my very first trip to Dubai in 2002 I decided I loved the place and I didn't want to leave. I'd done little shopping though surprisingly for me, so at the airport it was important to me to buy a souvenir of the trip. Sand pictures, fake handbags and pashminas were everywhere but really not what I wanted. So I was delighted when I found in a 'high end' gift store some ornamental camels made from camel hair and decorated with blankets and baskets just like we had seen on the beach. I chose one with a friendly face and home with me he went. How I have been mocked about my 'trashy' ornament since then. It appears this is the tackiest possible item to buy and I'd him proudly displayed for years. I did bring him home to Dubai...but he hides away in a bedroom to avoid being mocked again! 4, Spanish cheese knife. Wandering around the small streets of Nerja for about the 100th time on one of my many visits I found a shop I hadn't seen before with lots of lovely trinkets and niknaks in the window. Particulartly eye catching was a stainless steel knife in the shape of a mouse. But shop was closed so I had to return the next day en route to the airport because I NEEDED that knife. For a frequent traveller though I had forgotten a basic fact: I was flying with hand luggage only. On arrival at the airport still happy with my early shopping experience, I turned red in the face when asked if I had any banned items in my bags. That knife was not getting on the plane. Fortunately my mum lives near Nerja and was able to purchase a second knife for me which was successfully shipped to England and then later it was shipped to Dubai. I don't even eat that much cheese! Fortunately I've made some good decisions too and have lots of fun reminders of my amazing trips. Hopefully I'll collect more over the years to come on many more adventures.

25 March 2014

We decided that we needed a break away from the "Bright Lights of the Big City.' After pouring over pages and pages of short breaks and trying to make flight times work we decided to go closer to home and opted for a the short drive to Abu Dhabi instead. We narrowed down the search and based on pure reputation alone we decided to try Eastern Mangroves by Anantara. Many would be put off by this hotel not being on the beach, but as we have access to the beach all of the time we didn't think we would mind. And we didn't. It made a lovely change to sit at the pool looking at greenery and birds instead of sand and high rise buildings. And we were stunned by the quiet. On driving in we were nervous as it was straight off the main road. But once inside you wouldn't have known the road was there and it was very peaceful. A couple of planes came overhead but we hardly noticed them although our ears did prick up at the sight of a low flying helicopter. We still don't know what it was doing! Staff appeared to glide rather than walk and everyone spoke in smooth and calming tones, rather like in a spa. Eastern Mangroves by Anantara is a small hotel, but we never found it to seem busy or be falling over other guests. All of the staff were excellent making a real effort to know us and to ensure we had a great time. There are only 2 restaurants but the food quality was excellent and there was a great selection. We joined in Friday brunch on the terrace which was very impressive and it was nice to watch other guests going out on the boat trips or in Kayaks from here. Our room was very comfortable. We didn't pay extra for the Mangroves view - we should have because the view of the road from our room didn't entice us outside! But the balconies on the rooms with a view had plenty of use as it was a stunning scene. The room itself was large and well decorated with neutral relaxing tones and the black out curtains ensured we had a great night's sleep. We left after our stay feeling refreshed and relaxed, so we will definitely return next time we need a little break away.

05 January 2014

I spend a lot of time in Torrox near Nerja on Costa del Sol. My mum live's there so it means I get to be looked after for a while! Over the years it's become like my own second home. 44 kilometres east of Málaga between Vélez-Málaga and Nerja, protected by the Sierra Almijara and Tejeda mountains, it has a very temperate climate. In fact, Torrox is widely accredited as having ‘the best climate in Europe’ which is a key attraction for many visitors including myself before I moved to Dubai. Torrox Costa is a beach resort overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The impressive Ferrara Playa is a frequent recipient of the prestigious EU Blue Flag with numerous bars and restaurants of all types as well as Roman ruins and a lighthouse, ‘El Faro’. Further inland is Torrox Pueblo, a picture postcard village of white-washed houses nestling on the hillside and with a character all its own. A great place just to wander aimlessly, enjoy a nice refreshing drink at one of the pavement cafes or sit in the square, Plaza de la Constitución, and watch the world go by. There is accommodation and dining to suit all tastes in this area, from luxury hotels and fine dining to serviced camping site and beach snack bars. Whilst Torrox is a magnet for European tourists it still maintains a traditional Spanish feel with many of the locals speaking only Spanish and menus not translated into English. It makes choosing lunch a lot of fun!

13 June 2013

My partner and I cruised on Norwegian Sky in the Bahamas. I had never cruised with NCL before so wasn't sure what to expect but I wasn't disappointed. In the weeks before we set sail I was able to check in online to speed up the boarding process. It worked very well and embarkation was quick and easy. Unlike other some other cruise liners, this was casual and relaxed without any 'fanfare' as we boarded. We were able to quickly go and check out our cabin. We had a balcony cabin mid ship. It was exactly as we had expected with plenty of storage and space saving designs. The bathroom, whilst small, had a powerful and good sized shower. When we had checked in online we also took the opportunity to pre-book the speciality restaurants. Each night of our cruise we dined in these restaurants rather than at the main buffet. Each of these restaurants, whilst having a limited menu, served excellent food and there was a very good wine list to choose from at prices to suit all budgets. With so many bars to choose from it was hard not to keep moving around. It was great to move around the ship taking in the variety of entertainment available. We also made use of the very good spa facilities. Prices were similar to any 4* hotel spa and the treatments were a similar standard. We enjoyed each port around the Bahamas on our cruise so we weren't on board much during the day. But when we did stay on board we had no trouble getting a space out on deck or a seat in the bars. This was a small ship for a short cruise. But no quality of service has been lost and we look forward to cruising NCL again.

19 June 2013

I visited Singapore with some friends to celebrate my birthday. There were 14 of us in the group and each and every member of the party found something about Singapore that they loved. For some it was the glamour and opulence of the hotels. I particularly loved The Fullerton which was grand and imposing. We enjoyed the most spectacular brunch here with a vast array of the fresh seafood and exquisite sushi. Others preferred the wonder of the more modern and elaborate buildings. Such as the spectacular three tower Marina Bay Sands with 'Skypark' across the top. Many loved the historic and cultural elements of Chinatown, a bustling area with small shops and restaurants serving cheap and tasty dishes. We also enjoyed the culinary delights of the Hawker centres. Local food stalls in a collective area a little like a food court. Not 5 star but a feast for the eyes! All of us were wowed by the Singapore Flyer, the world's largest observation wheel. As it was my birthday we had a private capsule and a champagne toast. The service was as good as the views. There was so much to do we couldn't fit everything in. We were there for three days but I wish we had gone for more. I will next time. We'd been told that it would be horridly humid in September but we actually found it quite comfortable and we spent a lot of time walking. However, most people take the cheap and easily accessible cabs. There are hotels to fit every budget and the room standards are very good. Location makes a big difference to the cost, but from my experience it is so easy to get around, hotel location wouldn't be my biggest priority.

I hadn't expected Istanbul to be so cold! A friend and I visited in April and hoped for sunshine. Instead we wrapped up warm and instead of walking to the sights, we hopped on a city tour bus. What a good decision. The bus took us to all of the main historical attractions and many less known sights. Mosques, museums, monuments and towers galore. The operator was friendly and the multi lingual commentary meant everyone is catered for. We managed to lose ourself for an entire day in the Grand Bazaar. There are over 60 streets and 5000 shops selling a variety of local goods, gifts and jewellery. Every stall holder wants visitors to go and look at what they have to offer. They do everything then can to entice you in but they remain friendly and will leave you alone if you ask them to. We dined in local restaurants where we were entertained by traditional, folk musicians. Then later we found plenty of bars and nightclubs to suit all tastes. After the hustle and bustle of the city we then moved for a couple of days on Princes Islands. We took a ferry which was comfortable and fun. It was a great experience to walk or explore in horse and carriages as no cars are allowed on the islands. It was like stepping back in time and a complete contrast to the city. Boat transfers around the islands are frequent and inexpensive. This gave us an opportunity to hop around and try a number of beach clubs and beaches. We had a very relaxing time on the islands. No nightclubs here!

Visiting The Algarve in July means long, hot days. Not a cloud in the glorious blue sky from 7am to 7pm. There is something for everyone here. Young or old, wanting to party or relax, The Algarve is a playground of luxury hotels to more affordable apartments and stunning villas with private pool. If you don't want to spend time relaxing on one of the many sandy beaches in rocky coves, there is shopping, watersports, sailing or what about a game of golf on beautifully manicured courses. Meander around the Marina at Villamoura having lunch in the many excellent restaurants all around the water. Rummage around the tiny streets of Albufeira picking out somewhere to try the local port. Or maybe nip to the waterfront at Portimao to have sardines from the fishing boats cooked fresh for you straight from the daily catch. I stayed near Praia da Oura, which gave me great access to both old and new town Albufeira. Albufeira is an old fishing village with a relaxed feel with a lovely central square surrounded by places to eat , drink and shop. The ‘Strip’ in the new part of town is not for the faint hearted! Full of lively bars, partying visitors and neon lights, this is the place to go if you are in the party spirit. Lots of other towns are villages are a short drive from Albufeira. I found them all interesting each with their own style and character. There are also lots of different beaches around the area. Some with lots of activities for children and others more secluded and quiet. I would recommend hiring a car to explore the area more. Car hire is good value and the roads are easy to navigate.

Do you believe in Father Christmas? You will by the time you leave Lapland! What an amazing adventure for children. I have never seen such excitement before. As the plane started to land and the kids saw snow out of the windows, the atmosphere started to build. But nothing could have prepared me for the giddiness of the little ones when Elves, yes Elves, greeted us as we reached the terminal. First stop was collecting everything we needed to keep us warm. Well it was -20 degrees! Then the journey to the hotel keeping an eye out for Rudolf in the bushes as we passed. Many of the hotels offer chalets away from the main accommodation. This is where we stayed. Small but comfortable and very cosy. We had a wet room and a sauna which was great for relaxing those aching muscles after a full day of fun. And fun it was. Skiing, sledging, reindeer riding, skidoos, husky dog rides, snow games, and of course snow ball fighting. The highlight for the children though was a visit to Father Christmas. The real one of course! With Rudolf and his helpers, and gifts for everyone. We were lucky enough too to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) whilst we were there. A spectacular natural light show. Whilst this can't be guaranteed there is a high chance of witnessing this phenomenon when visiting in Dec/Jan. The plane journey home was quiet. Almost everyone slept, exhausted after such a wonderful adventure.

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Based in Coulsdon

Sarah Coombes

• Customer stories

It's Nice To Meet You

Hello, I’m Sarah and I’m a Travel Counsellor based in Coulsdon, Surrey with my partner John and our daughter Esme.

I have much personal travel experience to draw on when helping you plan your own adventures. My time spent travelling around South East Asia, Australia and South America after finishing university is the root of my passion for travel. This led me to start working in the travel industry in 2004. Before becoming a Travel Counsellor early in 2019, I gained 13 years experience as a travel consultant with a large independent travel agency. During that time I continued exploring the world, both independently and with organised group tours. I have visited diverse regions in the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe and Oceania, enjoying spectacular scenery, culture and wildlife in nearly 60 countries.

I pride myself in offering fantastic customer service and will always do everything I can to personalise your perfect holiday or business trip, based on your requirements and making use of my personal travel experiences and the extensive knowledge gained whilst working in the travel industry. I can help you with a variety of styles of trip from a European city break to a once in a lifetime trip around the world, beach breaks to trekking, from adventure tours to cruises, safari to skiing. Whether it be a special occasion like your honeymoon or anniversary or even a wedding abroad, a big birthday, a retirement treat or you just need a holiday, I will be able to help with your plans. Get in touch to chat about your travel ideas and I will tailor unforgettable travels around your interests and wishes and turn them into reality.

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12 December 2023

We were lucky enough to visit Lapland recently and it was a wonderful trip - a completely different holiday to anything else I’ve been on. There are some great activities (and we got to meet a certain person who gives out presents at Christmas time) but just being there is an amazing experience in itself. You’re up in the Arctic Circle so the sun never officially rises in winter - which isn’t to say it doesn’t get light but you get a beautiful half light which combines with the stillness of the forests to create a truly magical atmosphere. We stayed for three nights and I would recommend staying for a few nights if you can as it makes for a relaxed experience. We’d had a late night prior to travelling due to a very excited five year old being unable to sleep, then an early fight from Gatwick. Once we had arrived and checked in, we were taken to a traditional Sami Kota, which is a cosy wooden roundhouse. We had a tasty buffet meal and were lucky enough to meet some real elves, who let us into a secret - they had lost Santa’s list! Luckily all the children were very keen to help find it. After a long day we went back to our cabin and had a great night’s sleep, only just waking up in time to make it to breakfast. Our first full day was free so we took the opportunity to explore Saariselka, the nearest town to our accommodation. Santa’s Lapland provide their guests with all-in-one snow suits and a pair of snow boots so we were warm and comfortable as we wandered around. Our daughter got to run around and make snow angels and we all got to enjoy some freshly baked cinnamon rolls. We had a nice couple of hours chilling out when we got back to our accommodation. We stayed in a Glass Igloo Cabin in the Star Arctic Hotel, which are cosy cabins with a glass roof. Although it was too cloudy to see the aurora borealis while we were there, it was great fun just watching the snow falling on the cabin and getting a wide angle view of the surrounding landscape. After another good night’s sleep, it was time for a busy day of activities. Everything is on one site and you are free to wander around and get involved with whatever takes your fancy. The exception was the husky sledding which needed a set time slot. Our turn was first thing in the morning and the dogs were full of energy and raring to go. Being in charge of a team of huskies speeding through a forest in the Arctic Circle is a great way to start the day. OK, I’ll own up - when I say, “being in charge,” I think the huskies knew exactly where they were going. It was great fun though and my favourite experience of the trip. The highlight for our daughter was probably the mini skidoos - a bit more exciting than scooting to school in suburban London. There is, of course, one more little adventure I should mention. One of the activities was a reindeer sleigh ride and would you believe it, as we were gliding through the snow we spotted a couple of elves… and, you guessed it… a gingerbread cottage. Could this really be the home of the actual Santa Claus? It was indeed and he even had the letter our daughter had written to him. She was relieved to find out that she had been good enough that year so went away with a little present given to her by Father Christmas himself. We had one more activity left for the last morning - a chance to drive some snowmobiles. This is definitely one for the grown ups. We found them pretty easy to drive and just as with the husky sledding, it was great to be out in a landscape very different to drizzly Britain in December. It was an amazing trip for all the family. Just being there is a great experience in itself, but add in all the activities and it really becomes a trip that will be fondly remembered for a long time. There are many different options for visiting Lapland so get in touch to start planning your big adventure 020 3292 0515 [email protected]

21 November 2023

We wanted to get away for a bit of sun in October half term and having never been to Lanzarote we opted for Princesa Yaiza in the south of the island, which I had heard great things about. The hotel is brilliant for children. The Kids Club, Kikoland, is well set up into different age groups. Each group has their own little house with an age appropriate playground and in some cases a small pool as well their own timetable of activities throughout the day. These areas are positioned around a larger pool so if the kids only want to do one activity you don’t have to go far for a sun lounger. The activities range from face painting and crafts to water games and movie time. The characters, Hooky, Cooky and Kiko, pop round the restaurants at breakfast to say hello too. As we were there late October may activities were Halloween themed and we ended the week with a Halloween themed gala dinner and show which was fantastic. In addition to the kid’s club there is also a good soft play room which over 4’s can be left at. Esme went here every day, possibly spending more time there than in the pools! Esme’s favourite thing (which could not be missed!) was the nightly mini disco We had to make sure we ate early to make sure we got her there in time! Also at Kikoland there are a number of sports courts, which are used for activities for the older kids club age groups and can also be booked by hotel guests to use with their families. It isn’t just about the kids activities, there is alwo plenty to keep the grownups busy The Animation Team offer all sorts from yoga and pilates to Water aerobics. There are a huge number of dining options for dinner including three different buffet restaurants: the main one with a different theme each night and a number of a la carte restaurants offering Teppanyaki, Italian, Tapas and fine dining. The food was excellent throughout our stay. The rooms are lovely and spacious - all suites. Our suite had one bedroom and a living room with a sofa bed plus a good size balcony. For larger families the family suites offer two bedrooms for more space. We did find time to leave the hotel and explore the island. We hired a car for a day and found the driving easy. We headed to a volcano which has a fairly flat circular walk around the base, the Volcan del Cuervo and went to a quiet spot on the coast for lunch, Playa Quemada. There is lots more to explore around the island and we would probably stay further north next time to see a different area, though it would be difficult to find a hotel that offers all the things so perfectly for Esme

15 September 2023

Whilst being back at fantastic family hotel MarBella Corfu this summer I popped next door to her beautiful adult only sister, Nido. So beautiful and peaceful, built on the hill like a village. All low rise, small blocks of spacious rooms. All sea facing with the choice of terrace, whirlpool or private pool. This property comes on bed & breakfast or half board basis (next door is All Inclusive), with a few local tavernas to pop out to for meals and local towns to bus or drive to for an explore this is a perfect spot for anyone who loves a bit of luxury to go back to after a days sightseeing. Get in touch for more information and to plan your stay. 020 3292 0515 [email protected]

13 June 2023

Whilst Celebrity Cruises do not really push themselves as a family friendly cruise line, they are actually a great option for families wanting a bit of luxury but not needing all the bells, whistles, ice rinks and rock climbing of sister cruise line Royal Caribbean. Outside of school holidays you wouldn’t usually find many kids on board but we met plenty during our May half term break to the Norwegian Fjords on Celebrity Silhouette, often as part of multi-generational family groups . The kids club, Camp at Sea, is smaller than other cruise lines might offer but has a wide range of activities for the kids to do together, tailored to their different age groups: 3-5, 6-9, 10-12 and the 13-17 teens. There are also activities put on for the whole family such as scavenger hunts around the ship. The temperature in Norway was only about 12°C but we still used the heated outdoor pools, though the hot tubs were a necessity to bring body temperatures back up! Fortunately, the adult only solarium with the indoor pool did have a couple of ‘family hour’ sessions each day so that Esme was able to get in her multiple pool fixes a day. Meal times are also great for kids, with their own menu (with the usual kids options) in the main dining room, Grand Cuvee and a kids corner at the buffet with burgers, fish fingers and chips as well as the pizza and pasta section to keep them happy. I should mention that grown ups cruising without kids don’t need to worry - there are plenty of quiet corners on the ship as well. Our cruise to the fjords had some great stops - the Norwegian ports we stopped at were all within 15 minutes walk of the centre of town. All of them offered spectacular scenery in the area around the port as well as beautiful views sailing out of port (and on the way in, if you get up early enough!). With the little one in tow we didn’t feel the need to take any of the shore excursions which went further afield, though I did hear some fantastic reports from people that did take them. There are also hiking options close to the ports. Evenings worked well for us, eating early following by a little entertainment from the house bands in the grand foyer area followed by one of the fantastic shows in the theatre. The shows in the theatre were very varied on our 7 nights cruise, magician Matthew McGurk put on two different shows as did rock tenors Rebel. The Celebrity singers, orchestra, dancers and acrobats had different shows on 4 nights, each showing at 7pm and 9pm. One of the highlights of any cruise is the food and we found plenty of excellent options . In addition to the included Oceanview Café buffet restaurant and the main dining room Grand Cuvee ( which both offer breakfasts, lunches and dinners) we also had breakfast a couple of times at the peaceful Spa Café and enjoyed a burger lunch at the Mast Grill (both of which are also included). We also had enough onboard credit included (thanks to a special offer when we booked) for a couple of specialty restaurants. Tuscan, right at the rear of the ship is Italian: steaks, pizzas, pastas so works well with small ones in tow. Its setting makes it the perfect choice for dining when you are sailing out of port so make sure to check your cruise schedule before booking your specialty restaurants. The other we tested out was Le Petit Chef at Qsine, which combines animation with fine dining . I wasn’t the only parent who purposely booked this for the last night to avoid being pestered to go back again! It is best to book your specialty restaurants in advance for a wider choice of times and also better prices. We really enjoyed the experience of waking up somewhere new each day. All in all this was a great cruise and would highly recommended for anyone liking a bit of luxury, great food and the opportunity to explore beautiful destinations. Get in touch to discuss your own cruise adventure. 020 3292 0515 [email protected]

10 October 2022

We don’t normally go for all inclusive but Esme loves a kids club, so we opted for a couple of different hotels in Corfu with premium all inclusive offerings and found a lovely villa for our stay in Paxos in the middle of the trip. The all inclusive at Grecotel Daphnila Bay and MarBella Corfu are premium in that they include a la carte restaurants plus wine and spirit options rather than just the basics. Other than the overeating that is hard to avoid when every meal is a buffet or three courses (I have NO will power!) I find that staying at an all inclusive doesn’t really encourage you to get out and about and explore the destination, it’s culture and food though we did get out a little. All inclusive is a great way to try lots of different food and drink and both hotels had an excellent choice of Greek food and wine as well as plenty of other options from around the world. You could easily spend the whole holiday enjoying either of these hotels, but we decided to head out from the Grecotel for a day’s exploration. We hired a car so we could explore the north of Corfu, heading first to beautiful Agni Beach and then to Kassiopi, which is a lovely town to wander around. We explored the harbour and then took a walk to some nearby beaches. There are also castle ruins to visit on the hill for a history fix in Kassiopi. Corfu town is another beautiful place for a wander, with a selection of museums in the area to cover all interests. Our stay in Paxos was completely different to Corfu. We ended up choosing a villa with a big enough pool to properly swim in, a good choice for this time of year when the water is still warming up. We hired a car so we had freedom to explore, though I don’t think this is really necessary unless someone in the group isn’t too good walking up hills. At busier times of year I imagine that parking is terrible, so as long as you are staying a short walk away from one of the three villages (which would also mean you’re close to some beaches), you could use taxis, or take the local bus which heads up and down the island a few times a day. Each of the three villages would be a great base. Gaios, close to the ferry port, is the largest village with a small but good selection of shops, including a wonderful butchers for your BBQs. There are plenty of restaurants around the town square, which is right on the water and where the boats depart for Antipaxos. Loggos where we stayed is the smallest – still with good dining options right on the water, shops, bakeries and boat hire options (if you fancy hiring your own for a day trip). Levrechio beach is just next door with the typical bright white smooth pebbles and a good size taverna. Lakka in the north has all the amenities and lovely beaches all in one big protected bay. We walked round to Lakka beach after lunch and found that the pebbles didn’t go far into the water before the bottom turned into lovely soft sand – beach shoes are highly recommended for this island to avoid slipping and a snorkel is handy as well to explore the clear water – I wish I’d bought mine earlier in the trip. We of course went across to Antipaxos - in fact if you tell anyone you are visiting Paxos their immediate reaction is to tell you to not miss Antipaxos. This happened to me so many times and I can see why - it’s a picture postcard destination, with beautiful soft sandy beaches and azure blue seas. There are tavernas for lunch but be warned, just because it is May and 25°C it doesn’t mean the season has truly started and those tavernas may not be open. In fact of the four we checked (across multiple beaches) only one was open – and only serving drinks, but they did have loungers and parasols too. We definitely appreciated our lunch in Gaios straight off the boat at 4.30! This is a beautiful part of the world and less than three hours flight from Gatwick, so even doable for a long weekend. But remember, even if you are staying all inclusive, make an effort to explore. Drop me a line to plan your Greek adventure.

11 December 2022

To be honest we didn’t really pick Gran Canaria as a destination, it picked us as it had the accommodation we wanted: self-catering but also a kids club and a kids pool with slides – perfect for a fussy four year old. We spent a week on the island, hiring a car one day and catching local buses from our base on the edge of Playa del Ingles on others. There was a lot of pool time enjoyed – which it was definitely warm enough for in late March. As we have a small child who is prone to car sickness, we avoided driving along the twisty mountain roads of the interior, although we were tempted to risk it as it looks spectacular. Instead, we drove up the coast to the capital, Las Palmas and had a mooch around the old town area, Vegueta and visited the Christopher Columbus museum in the Casa de Colon. The museum is in the lovely old governor’s house. Wandering around Las Palmas also reminded me of something that is great for kids all over Spain - most town squares seem to have a play area! We bussed the half hour to Puerto de Mogan, where in addition to the cute town and lovely local restaurants we found a perfect little beach. It’s just right for little ones, with great castle building sand and wonderfully calm water due to the harbour wall protecting it, plus the sea is shallow for a long way out. Esme loved it so much she requested a return visit the next day. She hadn’t been keen on the beaches closer to our accommodation as they were much wilder due to the wind and waves. The return visit was on the Friday, which we’d purposely avoided knowing it was market day and expected it to be busy. It must be crazy there in peak season on market days. The public bus was already full when it got to us, though another was following close behind. The markets were good for a wander but we felt lucky to get a table for lunch - we got to the restaurants soon after midday and they were jam packed compared to the previous day when we could choose any restaurant we liked. The local food is wonderful and definitely worth trying – the canarian potatoes are simple yet amazing.

27 January 2022

We had a wonderful holiday to Menorca right at the end of their holiday season (hotels were starting close their doors for winter whilst we were there). Flying out 29th September, we weren’t looking for baking hot weather, but it was still warm enough to use the pool and go in the sea. Over the 12 days that we were there it did rain a few days but it had nearly always finished by 10am and the one downpour that was later in the day was perfectly timed whilst we had a long lunch undercover on a square in Ciutadella. There is lots to do around the island if you want to get out and explore. Getting around by car is easy if you choose to rent one. There is one road through the middle of the island with branches off to the coast. There are plenty of buses in the summer from the main resort areas to the towns of Mahon and Ciutadella if you’d rather not drive or just want the odd day off the beach. Mahon and Ciutadella are both lovely for a visit. At opposite ends of the island, Mahon is the current capital, taking over from Ciutadella in the 1700’s when its narrow harbour became too small. Both towns are very cutesy with winding narrow streets and plenty of restaurants, cafes and play areas. Mahon’s old fish market is worth a visit but not for what the name suggests – a large part of it is given over to dining and you could easily spend an afternoon there grazing on tapas. We also took a scenic boat ride around Mahon’s large natural harbour - the commentary gave us a great overview of the history of the area and Esme really enjoyed the opportunity to go down into the glass bottomed viewing area (once we’d persuaded her she wasn’t actually going to get wet!). Anyone with kids should also look out for the Little Red Train that does a circuit around town, another of Esme’s holiday highlights. There is also plenty to do outside of the towns. Dotted around the island are various Talayotic sites, which are well worth a visit if you like to learn about the history of your holiday destination. El Toro is the highest point on the island and if you are driving it is well worth the side trip up to the top to take in the views - on a clear day you can see the whole island. Esme’s favourite day out was definitely the zoo. If you visit, make sure the kids have swimwear (or at least a change of clothes) as there’s a splash park there, as well as an indoor soft play, a trampoline and a playhouse at the café. Definitely a good day out with kids. We stayed at Son Bou, a resort village on the south coast with a few hotels and lots of villas and self-catering accommodation options. The beach here is a lovely long stretch of sand with lots of loungers to rent and a few restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of other restaurants in the centre near to the bars and shops. As we had a car, we stocked up for self-catering at the big supermarket 20 minutes away in Mahon, which had more choice and better prices compared to the little resort shop. Most of the island is reachable from Son Bou by car within about 45 minutes, but if you like to get out visiting lots of different beaches you might prefer to stay towards the far end of the island, to be within closer reach of the most beautiful beaches. The best are often a walk from a car park accessed by a small road. These walks generally make use of the Cami de Cavalls, the round island walking trail. If you enjoy multi day walks then this really must go on your to-do list, the parts of the trail we saw were beautiful. We wandered up part of the trail from Es Grau, in the north east, before heading back to enjoy the beach with its wonderfully shallow water. We then had lunch at a restaurant right by the sand. Lastly, it’s worth talking about Menorcan food specialities. Food lover or not, you must try an Ensaimada, the local pastry, which comes in a wide choice of flavours from just plain with icing sugar (still yummy) to chocolate to Cabello de Angel which is made with pumpkin jam – really tasty! The local sausage, sobrasada and mahon cheese are also great to try and there are a couple of locations in Mahon to try to the local gin. I should also mention that this is where mayonnaise (Mahon-aise) is said to originate from. Whatever sort of holiday you would like in Menorca I will be able to help out with advice on locations, accommodation, how to get there and entry requirements to make for a smooth holiday. Get in touch to start planning your getaway.

28 October 2021

I know a number of families who were due to take a Disney Magic at Sea staycation cruise this summer but who ended up unable to travel because of the Covid protocols in place. So, after Esme and I were cleared for boarding with our negative lateral flow test results, I ended up having a little tear of relief as we entered the ship’s entrance lobby to be greeted by Captains Mickey and Minnie- handily my cotton face mask caught those tears! – it was well worth having to jump through all those hoops to see Esme’s face of joy over the two days we were onboard. The ship offers plenty for kids and adults alike, with the Oceaneer Club keeping children busy enough to give their grown up some downtime – I wasn’t sure Esme would be up for going to the club so hadn’t planned what to do without her! They have open house hours which allow you to take the children in for a visit so that they know where they are going in when you sign them in for a session on their own later and allows the grownups to see the environment they are sending the kids into. Over the pre-booked timeslots each group of children has the same animator with them as they move around the different areas taking part in a variety of different activities from colouring and making slime to a boot camp with one of the Toy Story soldiers. Esme specifically wanted to go back in for the Slinky Dog slide in the Toy Story themed area and the staff at the check-in desk could tell us what time her group would be at that area if she only went in for that part of her session (she ended up going straight in rather than waiting though!) and I then knew when to collect her after she’d done that so we could get to dinner on time. There are numerous dining options around the ship. For dinner everyone is assigned main (1730-1800) or late (around 2030) sitting and a dining rotation around the three main restaurants, you don’t have to use these if you’d rather just grab a pizza but the pool but it’s so nice having the same servers looking after you each evening and for breakfast on the last morning. Of the three main restaurants, the one that must not be missed in Animator’s Palette, but I won’t tell why and ruin the surprise! My understanding is that you would normally have characters in the restaurants, though this didn’t happen due to Covid restrictions. There wasn’t a shortage of meet and greet opportunities though, from Disney Princesses on the stairway on the way into Lumiere’s for dinner on our first night or scheduled meet and greets in the theatres to Marvel Morning where various Marvel characters were dotted around the ship. The Disney Navigator app shows you where you could meet characters and it had a handy function allowing you to set fifteen minute reminders for characters, shows, kids club bookings, restaurant reservations and shows. There were three shows onboard for us. In the main theatre, Tangled was on the first night and on the second night it was Disney Dreams: an Enchanted Classic. This is a story bringing together all the best loved Disney classic songs which I really enjoyed. Esme’s favourite was of course the 8 minute Frozen compilation up on deck, which we went to twice on the evening it was on! We’d probably have seen even more characters if Esme hadn’t discovered how much she loves swimming when she is able to go for it alone! No need to keep hold of her in the way we have to in her lessons currently, there were handy little flotation jackets which meant she could kick and push herself along – Little Miss Independent! Deck 9 has a choice of pools, one in the adult only area, (with a poolside bar of course), Goofy’s pool in the centre for a dip, Aqua Lab (very shallow pool with splash park) and Nephews’ Splash Zone(for the babies). There are also a couple of flumes which for some reason Esme really wanted me to go on though having her with me worked as a great excuse not to be able too! Around the pools are various casual dining outlets including Pinnochio’s Pizzeria, Duck in Diner and Eye Scream (yes, that’s where to get your ice creams!). Cabana’s is also on deck 9 for buffet meals. Deck 10 has Palo, which I didn’t get to try out as it is adult only though I did go for a little nosy whilst Esme was in Oceaneers and it was great! Lovely relaxed ambience, next time I’ll be making sure I get a brunch booked in at the same time as an Oceaneer Club slot! Other than enjoying Palo and the adult only pool and bar area there are also pre-bookable activities like wine or whiskey tasting to keep the grownups busy if they want to be! There’s so much to do onboard, we could have done with more time to enjoy it all, just imagine how much you’d have to do on a normal Disney Cruise when it visits different ports where you can hop off to explore as well… if you can get the kids off the ship that is!

20 March 2020

I am sure that most people that haven’t visited the island just think of Tenerife as a beach resort destination good for some winter sun, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Not being beach-sitters, when I planned to travel to Tenerife with my family in mid-February we booked a 2 centre holiday. We spent the first two nights in a beautiful resort hotel in Costa Adeje in the south. We didn’t really need to leave the hotel with its lovely pools and restaurants, but we did go out for lunch and a wander to the beach. It was lovely and warm with lots of people making use of the loungers on the beach and strolling along the promenade with its huge range of restaurants. Costa Adeje has everything you need for a beach break with a wide variety of shopping and dining options but we thought the north-west sounded more our cup of tea so we headed there for the second part of our holiday. Driving north is very scenic once you reach the top of the TF-1 highway at Santiago del Teide. From there the roads are much smaller and wind their way through the mountains. We stayed on the outskirts of Los Silos, found a lovely little local restaurant for our first dinner there and tried some of the local dishes of rabbit and chicken stews served with yummy patatas canarias – basically mini jacket potatoes. There is much to explore in the area – lots of little town like Garachico and Icod de los Vinos with their old centres and cafes on the squares, which were very handy from parking up a sleeping toddler and enjoying a quiet coffee! Icod even has a butterfly house right in its centre which we visited twice the day we were in town. We took a short walk on one of the trails out of Los Silos – there are a number of beautiful routes to walk in the area and from what I saw they are well signed and the weather in February was perfect for walking. Due to the mountains crossing Tenerife, including Spain’s tallest Teide - training ground for grand tour cyclists, the climate differs from north to south. Where the south was warm and sunny for our visit the north was still a nice temperature for sight-seeing but it was definitely not sunbathing weather. It was obviously seen as ‘off season’ in the north west as the public out-door swimming pools did not even have any water in them. It didn’t stop people making use of the beautiful natural pools dotted along the coast, though I must admit that the wind must have made it a bit chilly for people getting out! One spot we found in the North-West which was very protected, warm and with lots of swimmers was the beach at Punta de Teno. With amazing views along the coastal cliffs of Los Gigantes and of the light house in it’s volcanic landscape it is well worth the 20 minute bus ride from Buenavista del Norte. You can’t drive yourself into the protected area due to new access rules that came in in 2019. On our last day our flight home was late enough for us to squeeze in some sandcastle building in Los Christianos. It is slighty further down the coast than Costa Adeje where we spent our first couple of nights and nearer to the airport. From our quick visit I saw a good selection of restaurants and the beach is lovely and wide. There are many spots around the island that we did not visit and next time it would be good to go to the north-east for some great historic towns to visit and lovely mountains to explore. We would also like get the cable car up Mount Teide, we were recommended not to on this visit due to having a 2 year old with us and it getting a high altitude. If you would like to visit Tenerife get in touch and I will plan the perfect trip for you. 020 3292 0515 [email protected]

28 October 2019

After leaving a wet and windy Gatwick it was only a two and a half hour flight to Split where the sun was shining and the skies and Adriatic Sea were both a beautiful blue. The Old Town of Split is mainly within what was the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace and makes for a wonderful place to explore the narrow lanes, with the odd little square popping up on your wanderings. With plenty of restaurants to choose from you won’t go hungry or if you fancy a boat trip out exploring further afield there are numerous options to choose from. With our full day in Split we walked up to the wooded Marjan Park which covers much of a small peninsula next to the old town. There are great views from the lookouts and plenty of shady corners for a picnic out of the midday sun. We spent just two nights in Split seeing the main sights, but you could easily spend longer there visiting the museums and use it as a base to visit the likes of nearby Trogir which looks really interesting or take a boat out to some of the nearby islands. Our next stop was the island of Korcula, about two and a half hours by catamaran from both Split and Dubrovnik. It fits really well between to the two cities and with the catamaran stopping off at a number of different islands you could easily add in more island hopping stops if you had the time. The old town of Korcula is great for a wander around, exploring the nooks and crannies, with lots of eating and shopping opportunities as well as various boat excursions to choose from. We stayed in Lumbarda which is only a 15 minute drive from Korcula Town. The village is built around a number of bays and has a couple of sandy beaches to choose from. The small Grk winery is great to visit for a tasting on the way to the beach too - the Grk grape is only grown in Lumbarda and has a very distinctive but lovely taste. Visiting in mid October we found the island fairly sleepy but this was perfect for us and the weather was still hot enough for lounging around (when Esme gave us the chance) but not too hot for exploring. Many of the local konoba (restaurants) were closing for the end of the season whilst we were there and day trips and water taxis were not very regular. We were lucky with the October weather - I would recommend visiting at the end of September at the very latest to increase your chance of beach weather and to have more dining and transport options. Our last stop, Dubrovnik has lots to offer with its history, museums, galleries, boat excursions and kayaking - with just a day and a half and a one year old in tow we didn’t do any of that! We had a relaxed time just seeing the old town, we spent about an hour and a quarter walking the walls to take in the fantastic views and then took Esme to the beach (she’d had her first beach experience on Korcula and loved it). Dubrovnik does not have a great food reputation but we did find a couple of decent restaurants. I also hadn’t realised how many steps there are around the old town, so anything beyond a couple of streets across from the main drag are up flights of stairs - so if you don’t want to be carrying your bags up dozens of steps be careful where you are staying. This can certainly turn your sightseeing into a full workout! What we saw of Croatia in the short time we were there is really just a taster, there is so much else to see around the country and I am sure we will be back to see more of it another time. Get in touch to plan your Croatian adventure on 020 3292 0515 or [email protected]

27 August 2019

I recently had the opportunity to spend the day on board Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas. It is a fantastic ship for families, with the Perfect Storm waterslides, Flowrider (for surfing!), climbing wall, SkyPad (bungee trampolines with virtual reality headsets!?), mini golf and fantastic kids clubs for different age groups. Plus, there is a choice of pools and the Splashaway Bay splash zone too! There is no shortage of other entertainment on board either, with a 1320 seater theatre for broadway/vegas style shows and an ice rink where dancing on ice and world championship skaters perform or you can have a skate yourself. At other times of day the ice rink is covered and turned into a laser tag venue! There are many dining options on board - as well as the Main Dining Room (where I had my yummy meal) and the Windjammer Buffet Restaurant (where the choice is huge) there is a variety of speciality dining options from Johnny Rockets diner or Fish & Chips to Japanese or Italian. With all of this you might not want to leave the ship but she has some great itineraries over the next couple of months sailing out of Southampton before cruising transatlantic on 26th October to winter in the Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale. You could even explore Disney and Universal for part of your holiday and then board the cruise to make an extra awesome trip! With regards to where to sleep – there are a variety of different staterooms to choose from. If you aren’t planning on spending any time there other than sleeping then you could be happy with a spacious inside cabin. If you would prefer some daylight then the panoramic staterooms have floor to ceiling windows while opting for a balcony means that dining in your stateroom is a completely different experience - sitting outside as you are cruising along. The staterooms come in a variety of different sizes and bedding configurations. For families, some have fold down beds, others have sofabeds whilst one junior suite I visited even had a separate area with bunk beds – there are also interconnecting staterooms. The ship is perfect for big kids too and of course if you are able to travel outside of the school holidays there are some real bargains to be had! Get in touch to discuss which itinerary and stateroom would be most suitable for you and let’s get you booked on a sailing soon 020 3292 0515 [email protected]

09 July 2019

Many people do not travel with their young baby as they think that it will be too hard or too stressful. It is actually easier when they are quite small, as once they are on the move it is so much harder to keep them entertained on a journey. Other parents think it isn’t worth taking them away as they won’t remember it – this is about you getting away as well and even if they don’t remember the trip, the new places they experience make it a great sensory adventure for them! Planning It isn’t hard to travel with a baby, you just need to be prepared. Before choosing a location do consider vaccinations for the destinations - some are not suitable for under 2 years. Think about sleeping arrangements. I would recommend a room with at least a balcony if the evenings will be warm, otherwise somewhere with a separate bedroom. You will need to be able to close a door to where they are sleeping so that you can have a chat and enjoy that glass of wine without worrying about waking the baby. Pool access rooms are also great, allowing you to lounge by the pool at nap time. Taking into consideration what you will be feeding the baby is a big factor – would self-catering make it easier to feed everyone or should you go all inclusive? Either way you might prefer to take your own baby food from the UK if you are quite particular about what you are feeding the little one or if they are fussy – especially if normally on purees. At the airport I highly recommend a sling, as if you take a buggy to the gate you may not get it back until the baggage carousel - at the other end of a long walk from the aircraft. It's also useful when wandering around the plane trying to soothe your baby. Look into pre-ordering for collection from the airside Boots after security. This will make getting through security a simpler process as you will have fewer liquids with you and will also mean you get more choice than in the shop. Most importantly, give yourself lots of time and get to the airport early. It will save you getting stressed out if there are any hold ups and a relaxed you will mean (hopefully!) a relaxed baby. On board You have priority boarding with children. It is good to get on board, stow your bags and get settled but it can add on a lot of extra time spent on the plane. If there is more than one adult, one could board with bags whilst the other waits until last with the baby. Feed for take off and landing to help regulate ears - don’t start too early else they will be full before take off! You could also try a dummy or your finger to suck as this should also help though the combination of sucking and swallowing works best. Before food service, ask for a meal early so that someone else can hold your baby whilst you eat warm food (get friendly with your neighbour if you're flying solo!). Keep everyone hydrated – this helps with jet lag and tiredness after a journey. Rather than spending a fortune on water at the airport, you can take empty water bottles through security and use the water filters airside to fill them. At your destination Try not to stress too much about routine - remember you are on holiday! If in Europe with only a couple of hours time difference, you may find it easier to keep to UK time, as that way you might be eating with the locals (rather than hours before) plus you could be lucky and get a lie-in. If there is a bigger time difference, don’t plan much for the first days you are there. It is likely you will all wake up early so just have a relaxed early start and be ready to get out once things open and then have an early night. We found after a few days with a 6 month old in Canada that she settled back to normal. What to do If you enjoy travelling and seeing lots of exciting things, the packing and unpacking with children could be daunting, so why not consider a cruise - no repacking needed but you get to see lots of sights and they have amazing facilities on board. You could even avoid airports and flying completely by cruising from the UK. If you are a skier having a small child needn’t stop you. There are options with childcare from 17 weeks old. A city break is great with a small portable baby! Just sling them on and go and explore and they will love watching the world go by. Or take it nice and easy and book a beach break! Get in touch to get advice and book up your next trip on 020 3292 0515 or [email protected]

06 July 2019

We visit the Lake District regularly when we go to Penrith to see Esme’s grandparents but whenever I have been it has rained – often quite a lot! Planning a two week trip there felt quite a risk but we were lucky. We split the trip in half, spending the first week in the southwest corner of the Lake District. As this is the furthest point from Penrith we thought it was where we would be most unlikely to visit from Penrith. Lake District roads are often single track and wind their way in between the mountains, so it takes a couple of hours to drive from one side to the other. We spent the first week in Eskdale Green – close to the scenic, Ravenglass and Eskdale miniature railway – we did a lot of walking – mostly with an aim for tea and cake at some point in the day. There are great cafes at each end of the railway line in Dalegarth and the cute coastal town of Ravenglass, as well as plenty of pubs to choose for lunch. Our walks were all lovely, some with blue skies and sometimes overcast but a perfect walking temperature and because there had been some rain around (most of which missed us) the waterfalls were lovely and full. We also visited Giggle Woods and the Japanese Garden which is right in Eskdale Green - a really lovely spot to wander around. The middle weekend was the reason for being in the Lake District – for a family gathering for afternoon tea at the Inn on the Lake in Glenridding on the banks of Ullswater. On the way from Eskdale to Ullswater we avoided the passes – we had had a view of Hardknott Pass when we visited the Roman fort there earlier in the week and as Esme had been sick on the windy roads on the way in to Eskdale we didn’t want to risk that happening again so drove the long way round. Less scenic but definitely less windy and according to Google it was only going to take 10 minutes longer than the much shorter, hillier drive. After a walk into the valley at Glenridding and our yummy afternoon tea we headed to the north of Ullswater, to Pooley Bridge where we spent the second week of our trip. Again we were really lucky with the weather – there were a couple of big storms on the first two mornings but by the time we were ready to head out for the day the weather had cleared enough for some lovely walks. We spent a day looping out via Howtown using the Ullswater Way on the eastern shore and another day we took the Ullswater Steamers down to Aira Force for the waterfall and home to Pooley Bridge from Glenridding with a great walk in between up round the back of Glencoyne. Another day we went for lunch on the beach at Stybarrow Crag. You can park just over the road from the beach and it was a great little spot to picnic, paddle in the lake, watch people pushing off their canoes, go for a wild swim or just watch the boats going past. We also headed out of the Lake District one day to meet up with family who lived a little further south – we met up at a midway point just off the M6 – it is a good little spot to know about if you would rather avoid service stations but will need to break your journey. Ravenstonedale has a great little play area for a picnic and also 2 pubs to choose from. On the way home we took advantage of our National Trust membership by stopping off at Shugborough Estate, an unplanned stop and a great find. It was the perfect stop for us to have lunch with ice cream, as summer had truly hit by then and we could stretch our legs before finishing the drive home. Get in touch with me on 020 3292 0515 or [email protected] to arrange your Lake District stay. I can help you find the perfect accommodation for you – from holiday parks and glamping to hotels and cottages, just let me know what you are looking for from your trip and I will find the perfect lodging in the perfect location for you.

22 March 2019

I was determined to carry on travelling once we had a baby to take with us and I am sure that if people had known our plans for her first year many of them would have thought we were crazy. Most of the plans were made before she was even born! First flight, Aberdeen. You would think it would be the flight that would be hard but getting from Streatham to Heathrow by public transport on my own with a 3-month-old was never going to be simple. The buggy toppling over as the bus took a roundabout summed up the fun really! She wasn’t in the buggy but as she was on my lap it was pretty hard to get it back upright. Getting through security at Heathrow was a breeze but by then it was 2:1 adult baby ratio and at Heathrow they let you keep the baby in the sling all the way through. Never tried, but surely this is easier than having to go through with a buggy? Onboard Esme was attached to me using an infant seatbelt which BA provided. It is recommended to feed infants for take-off and landing to help their ears equalise and for such a short flight she fed the whole way both directions. On the way home, needless to say, we skipped the bus. As Esme’s first year went on the journeys got longer. We decided to forfeit the main benefit of holidaying with family, extra grownup hands at the airport, in favour of extending the beginning of our villa holiday in Spain by a couple of days so that we could visit beautiful Ronda. It is a lovely little town to wander around and is definitely a destination where a sling is necessary. The cobbled streets would make using a buggy very hard work and a very bumpy ride for the baby. After enjoying a relaxed time and tapas in Ronda, we trained and bussed via Malaga to Benajarafe, feeling like the buggy was slowing us down and just acting as a piece of extra baggage to lug around. This isn’t the first long distance train we have taken in Spain and have found them wonderfully spacious and punctual. When we arrived in Benajarafe we had a short walk up hill to the villa and this road was so bad and bumpy that Esme was crying in her buggy by the time we got to the door. The buggy hasn’t been on holiday since - it hasn’t been missed either! Our trip to Eastern Canada covered some beautiful places. Esme reached 6 months old in Montreal, we went whale watching from Tadoussac, visited the Saguenay Fjord, picnicked by Lac St Jean, mooched around very European feeling Quebec and spent a quaint morning in Trois Rivieres. We travelled around by car - we should have taken Esme’s own car seat with us as she may have been more comfortable in it but it’s likely it wouldn’t have helped us! Not having a car of our own at the time, we discovered that she had taken a disliking to cars the week before we flew out to Canada. We drove around to the soundtrack of 3 Little Ducks and Wheels on the Bus in an attempt to keep her entertained and happy. She finally fell asleep in the car on the 5th day of the 6 that we had it! It was such a relief when she did as it was the longest day of driving that we had. If I’d have known that the drives would be such hard work, I really don’t think this would have stopped me going as we saw some beautiful places and had great fun. We started our South Africa trip in St Francis Bay which involved flying from Heathrow to Johannesburg, to Port Elizabeth and then driving from there. Door to door it was almost a 24-hour journey, but it went surprisingly well. The overnight 11-hour flight from Heathrow departed just after 7pm when Esme would normally be going to sleep so was perfectly timed for her to be very ready for sleep after meal service and she slept most of the way. The flight home from Cape Town was timed the same and went just as well. We did have basinet cots on board, but they were quite high, and the curious little thing was too interested looking around over everyone to have any chance of settling. There were infant seat belts so I just strapped her to me and as she was connected, I was comfortable dozing off knowing that I couldn’t drop her on the floor. We had allowed 4 hours connection in Johannesburg, so we didn’t have any panic about making it through immigration and had plenty of time to relax and get a big breakfast in all of us. The short hop of a flight to Port Elizabeth went smoothly too but it was asking too much that Esme would also manage a couple of hours drive despite the fact she was much more used to car travel now than she was in Canada. She did amazingly well on that 24-hour journey. We allowed time to get over the journey by staying four nights in the cute St Francis Bay. We had a couple of nights at Kariega Game Reserve where rather than making use of the babysitting facilities we decided to take it in turns doing the game drives and childcare. Esme hadn’t been left with someone else before so we would have been worrying about her screaming the place down the whole time! We headed along the Garden Route, walked the suspension bridge over Storm’s River mouth, going wine tasting by horse and cart, visited an ostrich farm and the Cango Caves from Oudtshoorn amongst other things. In South Africa we had hotel accommodation rather than self-catering which we’d had in Canada. Self-catering does allow you to eat much earlier and fit in the baby, especially if weaning but we coped with going to restaurants in South Africa even though we were surprised by the lack of highchairs in what you would think were child friendly restaurants. We finished up the trip and Esme’s under 1 travel in Cape Town, took her to the sea life centre, which she loved and took the cable car up a cloudy Table Mountain, the clouds cleared perfectly whilst we were up there. We generally took it easy for the last few days of the holiday. The most important thing to remember when travelling with a baby is to allow plenty of time for everything, don’t try to squeeze too much in, keep a relaxed itinerary and you can still see plenty of amazing sights without rushing about. Get in touch on 020 3292 0515 [email protected]

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Plymouth 01/02/2023

Sent by Laurence Ager

Coulsdon 04/01/2023

Sent by Jane Tomkinson

Aberdeenshire 01/12/2022

Sent by Katherine Piedrahita

Coulsdon 30/11/2022

Sent by Susan Quarterman

Yeovil 18/10/2022

Sent by Simon Cornish

France 16/10/2022

Sent by Lorraine Doran

Hertfordshire 03/10/2022

Sent by Wendy Ager

Coulsdon 17/08/2022

Sent by Christine Murray

Purley 18/07/2022

Sent by Mandy Rees

Fareham 15/07/2022

Sent by Jo Andrews

Romford, Essex 17/06/2022

Sent by Yemi Afuwape

Coulsdon 21/04/2022

Sent by Anthea McCourtie

Epsom 16/03/2022

Sent by Nicky Webb

Crickhowell, Powys 14/03/2022

Aberdeen 07/03/2022

Sent by Jennee Thomas

Ewell, Surrey 21/02/2022

Sent by Bob Greenough

Llanwrtyd Wells 11/01/2022

Sent by Tammy Iddenden

Epsom 05/01/2022

Sent by Michelle Zdaniecki

Wallington 03/01/2022

Sent by Cecilia Mitchell

Darlington 04/12/2021

Sent by Rita .

Epsom 04/12/2021

Sent by Sharon Leardodd

Hyde, Great Manchester 03/12/2021

Sent by Emma Samuels-Lee

Epsom 29/11/2021

Sent by Naomi Evans

Croydon, London 20/10/2021

Sent by Tania Thurgood

Ewell, Surrey 28/09/2021

London 11/09/2021

Sent by Katie Stopher

Banstead, Surrey 10/09/2021

Sent by Rachel Harvey-Afuwape

Coulsdon 10/09/2021

Sent by Catherine Hill

Croydon 01/09/2021

Sent by Janeske Henley

Purley 19/08/2021

Sent by Katie Taborn

Banstead, Surrey 16/08/2021

Sent by Liz Daffen

Epsom 03/08/2021

Sent by Liz Newell

Milton Keynes 01/08/2021

Sent by Peter Stone

Coulsdon 18/07/2021

Sent by Julie Moss

Surbiton 24/06/2021

Sent by Patrick Brathwaite

Croydon 24/06/2021

Sent by Ann Robinson

Warsash 21/05/2021

Sent by Dina Rahman

Epsom 09/04/2021

Sent by Terri Collier

Croydon 09/04/2021

Sent by Peter Barnett

Coulsdon 10/03/2021

Sent by Simon Rogers

Caterham, Surrey 18/02/2021

Sent by Pete Gibbons

Bramley, Hampshire 26/04/2020

Sent by Mark Vinnicombe

Ipswich 25/03/2020

Sent by Sue Parry

Faversham, Kent 31/01/2020

Sent by Ricky Cox

Sutton, London 14/01/2020

Sent by Lorraine Plummer

Coulsdon 11/01/2020

Sent by Nathan Percival

Edinburgh 23/11/2019

Sent by Becky Gamester-Newton

Burgess Hill 24/10/2019

Sent by Roger Wetherick

Fareham, Hampshire 02/10/2019

Coulsdon, Surrey 27/08/2019

Sent by Chloe Moss

Hampton, Greater London 01/08/2019

Sent by Bryan Booth

Netley Abbey, Hampshire 21/06/2019

Croydon 13/05/2019

Warsash, Hampshire 06/04/2019

Bramley, Hampshire 07/03/2019

£1,555

£6,385

£4,285

£9,399