Bridget's Blog - Travel Stop

French Polynesia by Annette Ross

2012-01-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

I flew on Air Tahiti Nui via Paris and Los Angeles arriving in Tahiti just before midnight local time. I stayed at Le Meridien Hotel Tahiti, a gorgeous hotel with lovely views out to sea and of the Island of Moorea in the distance.

In Rangiroa I enjoyed a wonderful day out on the lagoon, with a great BBQ and of course swimming and snorkelling and having the opportunity to see reef sharks, lemon sharks and sting rays. Bora Bora was next on the itinerary. We were met at the Quayside and transferred to the Hilton by the hotel's very smart speedboat. The scenery and amazing shades of blue of the lagoons and sea are breathtaking. A night spent at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora in an over water bungalow was a real treat and an opportunity to dine at 'Bloody Mary's is not to be missed.

Next on the agenda was the Island of Huahine. A cultural tour of the island provided a good insight in to the history of these beautiful islands. Here we stayed at the lovely Hotel Lapita.

Last but not least, the island of Moorea. Yet another gem of an island. We stayed at the Moorea Pearly Resort & Spa here and went to the Tiki Village where we joined in their 25th Anniversary celebrations which included a Polynesian show.

The scenery, the food, the fantastic diving and snorkelling opportunities, the hospitality - a truly memorable trip!

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Arizona by Madeleine Carter

2012-01-09T05:27:00.001-08:00

Nothing prepares you for your first sight of the Grand Canyon, even the last few miles gives nothing away for it is not until you park your car and walk literally to the rim that this awesome sight takes your breath away. After a four hour drive from a hot 95 degree Phoenix, with snow forecast for the following day we made the most of our first few hours and took advantage of the free shuttle bus that allows you to hop on & off at the many vantage points. The next day dawned bright but by late morning the weather closed in and, as forecast, the snow arrived and the temperature fell to 0 degrees!

Our next stop on our tour of Arizona was Lake Powell, over 180 miles long with a shoreline of 2,000 miles and formed by damming the Colorado River in 1963. This lake took 17 years to fill and is dotted with side canyons and wonderful scenery. A boat trip is a must here as is a visit to the Glen Canyon Dam where guided tours take you inside the dam itself. It is a great place to rent a houseboat, many of which come with water-slides & hot tubs! We headed east from Lake Powell to Monument Valley in Utah. As you approach this centre of the Navajo Nation the road straightens and you catch your first glimpse of the 'Mittens' & 'Buttes'. One of the USA's most definitive landscapes and seen in countless Western movies, nothing could beat our sunset horse ride led by Patrick, a native Navajo. With just the three of us we were treated to a truly wonderful experience riding a deserted trail in the valley with sightings of a desert fox and eagles. The only thing missing was John Wayne riding by, although my husband swears he saw him in the distance!

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Around the World with Jane Caryer

2012-01-09T05:19:00.000-08:00

Trip of a lifetime, Round the World, The Big Trip. We’d talked about it for years, now it was a reality. Where would we go? How long for? What were our priorities?

Sydney for New Year’s Eve!
Tennis fans, so the Australian Open in Melbourne was a must.
New Zealand, San Francisco, home.

The itinerary was taking shape. Leave in November, return in March —
19 weeks travelling
Singapore: Stopover, a great start to the trip. The city bus tour is a good way to get around and see lots. A harbour boat trip shows the contrast between new and old.
Australia: Cairns, then north to the Daintree Rain Forest. Clue in the name, it really did rain! Snorkelled the Great Barrier Reef, travelled along the Eastern Coast. Fantastic beaches and a sense of the space and emptiness of Australia.

Kayaked with dolphins in Byron Bay, sailed around the Whit Sundays and went for a 4 wheel drive on Fraser Island.

Where to go for Christmas?
Uluru, the Red Centre.
A night at Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge. Luxury in the desert. Sound of Silence dinner, star gazing, dawn at Uluru and 40°. Not a Christmas we usually have.

Sydney, amazing city. Bars along the harbour have great views and good atmosphere. Near the Hunter Valley for wine tasting and walking in the Blue Mountains. Tour of the Opera House a highlight. New Year’s Eve joined a party at the Opera House. Best fireworks view in Sydney.

A few days in Melbourne, then we headed west to Port Fairy, and drove back along the Great Ocean Road, spectacular views all the way.
Seats in the Rod Laver Arena, Federer, Sharapova, Wozniaki, a great day’s tennis. Next a day trip to Philip Island to see the penguins before our time in Australia is over.

New Zealand: Auckland, collected campervan and headed north to Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga. Body boarding on sand dunes, a drive along 90 mile beach and fantastic fish and chips.

Historic Russell, Paihia and the Waitangi Treaty grounds. Excellent Maori guide. Coromandel Peninsula spectacular scenery, crystal clear waters and Hot Water Beach.
Rotorua geothermal geysers and Maori cultural experiences.
Wellington, leave the campervan and catch the ferry to South Island.

North Island is beautiful but South Island is spectacular. Nelson, then the Abel Tasman National Park. Sandy beaches, clear water, seals, stingrays, superb! Wine tasting in Marlborough. Kaikora swam with dolphins and enjoyed the seafood.

Arthur’s Pass, the scenery is getting better and better. West Coast, onto Franz Joseph and the glacier. Helicopter to the top, climbed down ice holes, through tunnels and walked across the glacier.

Lake Wanaka and Hawea, beautiful. Next stop Queenstown “Adrenaline Capitol of the World” Bungy jumping, sky diving and enough to keep us entertained as well.

Doubtful Sound, overnight on a ship. My favourite part of the whole trip. Unspoilt, amazing scenery, mountains, waterfalls.

North to Mount Cook and the observatory at Lake Tekapo. Back to Auckland, Waiheke Island, Stunning scenery, restaurants and wine. Homeward bound now.
Hawaii: Great beaches, surf and shopping. Spotted three whales off Diamond Head, and found the visit to Pearl Harbour emotional.

San Francisco:
The end of our trip. The Golden Gate Bridge. Cable Car rides, sealions at Fisherman’s Wharf and another highlight - Alcatraz.

Home: Missed the winter, had a great time, amazing experiences.
Where next?

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Port Ghalib Egypt by Linda Cudmore

2012-01-09T05:05:00.000-08:00

25 minutes drive from the airport we arrived at the luxurious 5* Oberoi Hotel. This hotel offers all suite rooms with sunken marble baths overlooking private walled gardens. There is a private beach within the 48 acres of grounds. An outdoor swimming pool, The Banyan Tree Spa and excellent restaurants featuring fine cuisine.

We then travelled down to Port Ghalib where we stayed at the 5* deluxe Intercontinental Palace Hotel. The hotel has a lovely sandy beach, outdoor swimming pool and lagoon set around lush gardens with a multitude of sport facilities. It has a Six Senses Spa, 3 restaurants including one at the Marina close by and not to be missed is after dinner drinks on the Terrace of the Look Out Bar.

I went snorkelling, enjoyed a ride into the desert in a 4x4 vehicle and had a camel ride.

Port Ghalib is a new and upcoming resort with a lovely marina that features restaurants, cafes, bars, a traditional Egyptian Bazaar and is surrounded by luxury, sophisticated hotels. This resort is ideal for a sporty or relaxing break in the sun.

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Mauritius by Annie Clougherty

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate enough to join the 2011 Beachcomber Academy in Mauritius in May.

Beachcomber offer 4 and 5 star hotels all over this beautiful lush island. We stayed 2 nights in Shandrani Resort & Spa which offers the finest all inclusive on Mauritius. Shandrani is situated in the south of the island on a private peninsular, a short transfer from the airport which is perfect after a longhaul flight. The extensive all inclusive concept at Shandrani features fine dining at four of its five restaurants and there is a very large selection of internationally branded wines and spirits. On arrival we had a wonderful massage which is also included on the all inclusive package.

The Island has a lot of activities on offer, we visited the Casela Park where we participated in zip lining, quad biking and Segway riding, you can also go walking with lions. The local Mauritians are friendly and you feel quite safe outside your hotel.

We then headed north towards Grand Baie to the resort of Trou aux Biches which has been completely renovated this year into a 5* luxury resort and spa. This beautiful resort has 6 restaurants to choose from and I would recommend the half board plus which includes lunch and dinner. This is a very romantic hotel ideal for weddings and honeymoons.
For the most spectacular setting, I would recommend staying on the southwest coast – Le Morne Peninsular, there are 2 Beachcomber hotels here – Paradis and Dinarobin and you can use all the facilities and restaurants at both properties. There is a championship 18 hole golf course here and a large selection of land and water sports. You can take a helicopter trip from here to view the breathtaking coastline.

Mauritius really has something to offer all tastes.

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Jordan By Paul Keevil

2012-01-09T04:56:00.000-08:00

For our 30th Wedding Anniversary Bridget and I decided to travel to Jordan using Cox & Kings. Amman, Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea were the main attractions. We had private guides and a driver, who enhanced our trip with a superb level of knowledge of the area.

We walked in the footsteps of Abraham and Jesus along the Al Ayoun Trail. We had a tour of Amman, the capital of Jordan, and Jerash, where Hadrian once lived. We had a stop at Mount Nebo where Moses saw the promised land. On to Madaba, Karak and Shoubak before arriving at my highlight of the trip - Petra.

Seen in the movie “Indiana Jones The Last Crusade” Petra’s Treasury certainly has the wow factor. 400 years BC the Nabatean people carved it out of solid rock. This is the beginning of Petra which was the size of a small city covering 46 square kilometres. After a guided tour we climbed over 800 steps to the Monastry. Even larger and more stunning than The Treasury, it is a must to see on this trip.

After two days discovering Petra we drove to the Wadi Rum Desert to spend a night in a Bedouin camp. Eating and drinking local food we then relaxed under the stars before retiring to our tent with proper beds.

Next stop was the Dead Sea.
At -420 metres below sea level and 33% salt content the Dead Sea is the lowest elevation on the earth’s surface. The density of the water makes swimming more like floating.

During our visit to Jordan we encountered none of the trouble seen in some other Arab countries. A drop in visitor numbers made this trip even more enjoyable.

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Nevis by Cheryl Locke

2012-01-09T04:37:00.000-08:00

This tiny island is approximately 7 miles long and 5 miles wide, and can be reached by a direct flight to Antigua or St.Kitts and then an onward flight or ferry.

Whilst here, I stayed at the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, which is an AAA Four Diamond and Conde Nast Traveller Gold List property. Originally a plantation for growing sugar cane and then coconuts, Nisbet offers a rare blend of old-world elegance and modern comfort. Built on the site of an 18th century plantation, it was once the family home of Fanny Nisbet, who married British Naval Admiral Horatio Nelson.
It has 38 luxuriously appointed rooms with plantation-style décor spread over 30 acres and a half-mile-long white sandy beach that is protected by an off-shore reef.

The beaches are beautiful and the people the friendliest I have ever come across. Everyone appeared to enjoy their jobs and its seemed to be their pleasure to be of service to us.

What a refreshing change to the services levels we sadly sometimes experience in the UK!

One quote I read which sums the island up was “The charm of the island takes you back to a time when things were simpler, when life was more peaceful, when stress was just a word, not a way of life”. I found that nothing could have been more true.

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New Zealand by Anne Fisk

2012-01-09T04:31:00.000-08:00

During April 2011 I was very lucky to be offered a trip to New Zealand’s North Island. On arrival we took a flight down to Wellington, the capital city, so diverse with its shops, many restaurants, historical buildings, harbour, fantastic Te Papa Tongarewa museum full of Maori arts and treasures, botanical gardens, to name a few. The cable car takes you high above the city giving the most amazing view. Our route took us through the Rimutaka mountain range to the wine region in the Wairarapa known for its Pinot Noir. A guided tour of Napier, “the art deco capital of the world” rebuilt in 1930 having been destroyed by a massive earthquake, was fascinating. Travelling through Lake Taupo we arrived in Rotorua where you find the most awesome boiling mud pools and geysers. At our next stop Paihia, we transferred to Opua Wharf where we boarded a luxurious catamaran for an overnight cruise in the beautiful Bay of Islands. The warm waters are home to an abundance of marine life. Making our way back to Auckland a stop at the Kauri museum proved to be very interesting, giving an insight into Northland’s pioneer past through the use of Kauri timber and gum. Auckland sprawls over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours. The best way to see the city’s landmark is to take a harbour cruise. Busier than Wellington, Auckland has something for everyone and you can’t miss the magnificent Sky Tower where our farewell dinner took place in the Observatory Restaurant, 328 metres above street level. New Zealand a magical place not to be missed.
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Celebrity Eclipse by Helen Lyons

2011-09-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

I joined my Colleague Sonia and a group of 40 Travel Stop clients on Celebrity Eclipse for a 4 night short cruise to Cobh (Cork). We sailed from Southampton on the afternoon of the Royal Wedding. Having never been on a cruise ship before, I was extremely impressed at the size and grandeur of Celebrity Eclipse - the then newest addition to the fleet. We were greeted with a glass of champagne and then went and had a walk around the ship. The Royal Wedding was being shown on the huge cinema screen in the theatre at the front of the ship, so guests were able to join in the celebrations if they wished.

Celebrity Eclipse had just returned from 2 weeks in the Caribbean and once our stateroom was ready we went to unpack our luggage which had been delivered there for us. We had a balcony stateroom which was spacious, very modern and the balcony was a good size.

We then went up to the top deck where we had some lunch in the Oceanview Café and Bar, which was at the back of the ship near the Lawn Club.

After lunch we met up with the Travel Stop group and gave a guided tour of the ship to include the AquaSpa.

Some of the group then went up to the top deck again for the ‘sail away’ at 4pm.

We had dinner with part of the Escorted Group in the main dining room ‘Moonlight Sonata’. This in itself was a real treat. The décor especially the lighting was amazing and the food was out of this world.

In the evenings there was a variety of entertainment to go and watch or you could go for cocktails in the Martini Bar, Michael’s Club or dance the night away to one of the live bands in the Sky Observation Lounge or to the DJ in the Quasar Nightclub.

The first full day we were ‘at sea’ most of the day but arrived into Cobh in the afternoon. It was a beautiful day and we were able to disembark and have a look around Cobh. Cobh, then Queenstown, was the Titanic’s last port of call. 123 passengers boarded here on the fated magnificent vessel, in a bid to journey to the new world. We visited the Titanic Museum and walked up the picturesque hill to the church at the top where we could look down and see the size of the Celebrity Eclipse!

That evening was ‘formal night’ on the ship where guests were able to dress up for dinner. The waiters all then did a small show for all the guests in the Moonlight Sonata dining room.

The next day we took the short train journey into Cork where we explored the streets and looked in some of the shops. Then it was back to the ship where we set sail in the afternoon. Just before we sailed away we saw the cruise liner, ‘Independence of the seas’ (Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines – a sister company of Celebrity Cruises) sail into Cobh.

The Travel Stop group were also very privileged to be given a private tour of the Bridge by one of the First Officers. This was a real treat as no other guest was able to do this. We also got a private tour of the Galley, which also was another advantage of travelling with Travel Stop, as everyone else onboard had to join the general tour which had 200+ people on it! All of our clients were thrilled.

On the last evening we dined in one of the speciality restaurants called ‘Qsine’ which was a ‘round the world’ dining experience in which we ordered our food using an ipad each. There are 4 Speciality restaurants onboard Tuscan Grille, Blu (for Aquaclass guests only), Murano and Qsine.

All in all this was a superb short break and a great way to experience a bit of luxury. The staff and crew were extremely friendly and informative and were always on hand to help if needed.

Tenerife by Nancy Bagnall

2011-05-04T04:21:00.000-07:00

The island of Tenerife isn’t just sea sand and sangria! It is a fascinating mixture of volcanic mountains, desert, green fields and forests – and beaches too of course, all of which are public!
In May I joined a group with Prestige Holidays to visit the island and had all of my previous stereotype opinions of Tenerife completely overturned.
We were extremely fortunate to stay at the Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque resort. This beautiful 5* hotel, built in landscaped grounds sloping down to the beach, offers a wide variety of accommodation and excellent facilities. We also visited several other outstanding hotels, among them the Abama Golf and Spa Resort, in Guia de Isora, set in a large private estate with its own golf course, spa and beach.
Mount Teide National Park dominated by the mountain with its giant caldera, is stunning; a vast unspoiled – even by all the tourist coaches – wilderness of volcanic rock formations, pine forests and fields of wildflowers. Our guide related the colourful and fascinating history of the island as we drove through the park to visit the Parador from where we had a wonderful view of the caldera. Although having a hire car to explore the park would give one more freedom, I found the commentary from our guide really brought the place to life.
Although the south of Tenerife is, traditionally the preferred destination for those seeking the sun, visiting the north of the island is a must. The north tends to be much greener and, in my opinion, much more interesting. From the cliffs of Los Gigantes in the north west, to the volcanic mountains and dense forests of the Anaga Hills in the north east, to the fascinating towns of San Cristobal – a World Heritage site – and the capital Santa Cruz, the possibilities for exploring are endless.
A highlight of our trip was whale and dolphin watching. Setting out in a “schooner” from Puerto Colon we were lucky enough to see several dolphins very close to the boat and many pilot whales. A wonderful, if rather queasy, experience!
Truly a new perspective on one of our most popular holiday destinations.

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Cyprus by Anita Crowson

2011-04-27T06:50:00.000-07:00

I have recently returned from my first ‘flying’ visit to Cyprus and I must say the experience has left me very eager to return. Cyprus has a whole range of accommodation to suit all budgets and requirements. During this trip I visited a selection of hotels in the resorts of Paphos, Miliou, Pissouri and Polis. I would recommend car hire to get you out and about as the roads are in a good condition and they drive on the left hand side just like at home!

Whilst in Cyprus I thoroughly enjoyed an excursion to the Troodos Mountains. The Troodos Mountain Region stretches across the centre of Cyprus. It is definitely worth considering as a holiday destination or at least for a visit during your stay. Troodos is about 45 minutes away from the Mediterranean Sea resorts and some wonderful beaches. Away from the beach areas you will find charming traditional villages to explore many remain unspoiled by development or tourism. Mount Olympus at approximately 1950m is the highest mountain on the island of Cyprus. There are some stunning views to be seen from here. There are the white ‘golf balls’ at the summit a reminder that it is a military listening station.

If you are holidaying here in January/February you might just get the opportunity to do some skiing as snow often falls in the Troodos Mountains in the winter months. There are monasteries, beautiful churches and some breathtaking scenery to enjoy. You can pack a picnic and take off on one of the nature trails. The Cyprus Tourist Office has all the information you'll need on the four official trails in the area. The Artemis Trail takes you around the summit of Mount Olympus and takes around 3 hours. The Atalanti Trail is longer at around 5 hours and the Caledonian Falls trail takes about one and a half hours. The Persephone Trail takes about 45 minutes. So, if you're not that good a walker, you know which one to take!

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Port Ghalib in Egypt by Linda Cudmore

2011-04-27T06:42:00.000-07:00

I visited Port Ghalib in Egypt in December with Classic Collection Holidays for 3 nights.

We flew into Hurghada airport and within 25 minutes drive we arrived at the luxurious 5* Oberoi Hotel. This hotel offers all suite rooms with sunken marble baths overlooking private walled gardens. There is a private beach within the 48 acres of grounds, outdoor swimming pool, The Banyan Tree Spa offering a wide range of health & beauty treatments along with excellent restaurants featuring fine cuisine.

We then travelled down to Port Ghalib where we stayed at the 5* deluxe Intercontinental Palace Hotel for our 3 night stay. The hotel has a lovely sandy beach, outdoor swimming pool and lagoon set around lush gardens with a multitude of sport facilities. It has a Six Senses Spa, 3 restaurants including one at the Marina close by and not to be missed is after dinner drinks on the Terrace of the Look Out Bar with stunning settings.

I went on two excursions whilst there, one being a Red Sea Experience where we had the opportunity to go Snorkeling and to do a Trial Scuba Dive, if you prefer you can just relax onboard in the sun whilst lunch and beverages are served. The other was a Super Safari Experience into the desert in 4x4 vehicles. Once there you can opt for a Camel ride or a Quad bike ride into the desert for 20 minutes and on your return relax with some Bedouin Tea & Coffee along with some Bedouin entertainment in the Egyptian sunset.

Port Ghalib is a new and upcoming resort with a lovely marina that features restaurants, cafes, bars, a traditional Egyptian Bazaar and surrounded by luxury, sophisticated hotels. This resort is also a diver’s paradise and offers a wide range of other water sports and is ideal for a relaxing break in the sun.

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South Africa by Annette Ross

2011-04-26T05:42:00.000-07:00

My trip to the North West Province in South Africa was the most amazing trip, staying in luxurious lodges in Madikwe.

Madikwe (about 4.5 hours drive North West of Johannesburg), covers a vast area, with lots of hidden gems. We stayed at the luxurious Makanyane and Madikwe Safari Lodge’s. Enjoying morning and evening game drives at each, viewing a wide variety of game.

In the Pilanesburg it is a little easier to spot the game and would suit those with children of all ages. A highlight was at a hide by the side of a lake in the Pilanesberg National Park near Sun City. A herd of elephants came down to the waters edge to bathe and shower, carefully protecting and encouraging the baby elephants to go in for a dip! Hippos were watching from a safe distance in the middle of the lake.

Only a 2 hour drive from Johannesburg is Sun City, with its vast array of facilities and a choice of hotels to suit different needs and budgets.. Lots of fun activities to suit all ages including the Valley of the Waves and the famous zip slide. So this makes it a great choice for families and is also a great golfing destination with 2 championship courses.

The North West province is a great destination with a good range of accommodation and activities. My lasting impression is of the friendly, beaming faces of its people, the huge array of activities available, the variety of its wildlife, the amazing enthusiasm of the rangers and the privilege of sharing in their knowledge. Seeing the animals so close up, in the safety of our especially adapted safari vehicle. Elephants, giraffe, rhinos, zebra, hippos and a pride of Lions resting under the shade of the trees and not forgetting the smaller fry – Dung beetles, tortoise, locusts and other insects and a huge variety of birds.

I was joined by my husband when we travelled from Pretoria to Cape Town on the Blue Train. A luxury service akin to the Orient Express. Travelling through some dramatic scenery in ultimate comfort,in a luxury suite with an en suite shower. Fine a la carte dining, fine wines, and all drinks included. Big picture windows giving us good views as we went along, comfortable lounge chairs – the beds hidden away in the wall. In Cape Town we stayed with friends, we explored the Cape, finding time to visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach, Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point.

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Nepal - Himalayan Trek by Bridget Keevil

2010-12-01T07:47:00.000-08:00

I decided to commemorate moving into another decade by challenging myself to trek to Annapurna Base Camp in the Himalayas. Amazingly, my husband decided to come too!
After six months of training (seemed adequate at the time), we left the UK late October for Nepal. We started with a wonderful three night stay in Kathmandu, and a two night stay in the tented camp in Chitwan National Park.

We then moved on to Pokhara, and the start of our two week trek. Words cannot explain how hard we actually found it in the beginning, and how much our muscles ached. Michael Palin mentioned none of the above in his book! We had a fantastic guide and porter, and with their patient help and guidance we eventually made it to 4130 metres and the Annapurna Base Camp. The sense of achievement I felt at making it was overwhelming, and well worth the pain endured to get there. The views from here are spectacular – we are in the middle of a bowl with mountains all around.

The people we met on the way up and down were all so friendly. We had a well earned few days rest when we got back to Pokhara again. It was a holiday with a difference – it really made me appreciate what we have and how we live.

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Georgia & South Carolina, USA by Madeleine Carter

2010-12-01T07:32:00.000-08:00

We flew to Atlanta to begin our visit to Georgia & South Carolina. We were
looking forward to experiencing some of the history of this part of the USA and seeing some of the great plantations for which this area is well known.

Refreshed after a night in Atlanta an easy 4 hour drive brought us to Savannah. The largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States, Savannah contains more than twenty city squares filled with museums, monuments, antebellum mansions, magnificent churches, and famous forts of the Revolutionary & Civil War eras. Staying in the centre of the historic district enabled us to make the most of our 3 nights and after taking the Old Town Trolley tour it was easy to explore on foot. From Savannah we drove north to Charleston a charming city steeped in history and beautifully preserved. A genteel horse-drawn carriage ride was a great start to our visit and we followed this with visits to The Charleston Tea Plantation, the only place tea is grown in North America and Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens which is approached through two stunning rows of oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. With a beautiful house and restored slave cabins it was fascinating to hear a presentation given by a descendant of one of the slaves and experience a glimpse of the lives of those who lived there.

After a week of culture & history we headed north again to Myrtle Beach to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather and miles of sand of this Atlantic resort.

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Dominican Republic by Anne Fisk

2010-12-01T07:20:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate to be offered the chance of a four night visit to the Dominican Republic staying at the fully refurbished Club Med Resort. We flew into Punta Cana and arrived at the resort only eight minutes after leaving the airport. Considering the very short transfer time the aircraft noise in the resort is minimal. The resort itself is situated on a private 600 metre beach with excellent facilities for children ranging from flying trapeze lessons to windsurfing and sailing down at the water’s edge. There is a range of rooms from the Club to Deluxe, with the best being the 5* luxury suites facing the ocean with their own private pool area and concierge service. There is a beautiful spa at the very peaceful far end of the resort where we sampled Swedish massages and relaxed by the clear blue Caribbean Sea.

I went on two excursions whilst there, one being an Outback Safari in the Dominican jungle which included zip wiring, kayaking, a buggy tour round the sugar cane fields. Secondly, we set off on a Sunset Cruise in a catamaran along the coast towards Cap Cana currently being developed into a very upmarket area. It was lovely to relax and enjoy the twilight returning to Punta Cana just before the sun set into the sea.

Although there is nowhere within walking distance of the resort, the excellent facilities make up for this and there are plenty of excursions on offer.

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Dubai by Cheryl Locke

2010-07-07T02:30:00.000-07:00

Known as the Pearl of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai contrasts ultra-modern with the traditional, and old with the very new. Even the landscapes are contrasting - from the clear waters and tranquil sands of the Arabian Gulf to phenomenal rolling desert and dramatic mountain landscapes. With some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and year-round sunshine, this really is an ideal destination for both couples and families.

After a 7 hour flight, our arrival in Dubai was very civilised. Despite arriving into a 40 degree heat we were promptly transferred the 25-minute journey by an air-conditioned car to our chosen hotel – the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Travelling with our two children aged 8 and 10 years, our choice had been swayed to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel for a few reasons. Firstly, with the choice of over 20 restaurants from which to chose, I knew our evening meals would be both varied and good. This is an understatement! I would have liked to have been there for the full 3 weeks in order to have sampled and enjoyed the exceptional variety and selection of restaurants. Each evening we dined at a different speciality restaurant, all serving international cuisine to the very highest standard.

The Jumeirah Beach Hotel offers unlimited complimentary access to the Wild Wadi Water Park, located adjacent to the hotel. This proved an absolute hit, not just for our children but for the child in us parents too! Each day we took full advantage of the services and fun available, even if it was just for an hour or two in order to cool off from a very hot visit to Dubai city centre. This we would have been less likely to have done if paying the full entrance fee of approximately £135 per family per day.

The wonderful 36,300 metres of private beach and the fabulous sports centre was another big influencing factor. Not only did we play squash and table tennis, we used the aqua-bikes and kayaks available from the beach sports club – just a selection of the incredible sporting facilities available. Fun for all the family, no matter the age.

Our visits to Dubai city were fascinating. To see skiers riding the ski lifts in minus 3 degree temperatures at Ski Dubai, housed within the Mall of the Emirates, and to stand staring up at the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, which stands at 828 metres tall, are experiences not to be missed. And set on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake at the foot of the Burj Khalifa Tower, the world’s largest dancing fountain, the Dubai Fountain, ‘dances’ in sync with classical, Arabic and world music. The fountain shoots water jets as high as 150 metres, equivalent to that of a 50-storey building. The fountain has five circles of varying sizes and two central arcs and sprays 22,000 gallons of water during its performance. Amazing!

That is the main impression I brought back from the country – they aim high. Whatever they choose to do, the do it well. From the tallest building in the world to the world’s best hotel (Burj Al Arab), from the world’s largest dancing fountain to the world’s largest indoor ski centre, they just do it bigger and better than anyone has done before.

My overall impression of Dubai was that I would love to return. With the wonderful guaranteed weather, to the exemplary service received at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and from the incredible sporting facilities available to the dining experiences, it proved to be a great choice of destination for our family.

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Monte Carlo by Annie Clougherty

2010-06-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

I visited Monte Carlo, Monaco at the end of April with Kirker holidays. On arrival at Nice airport we were transferred by helicopter which I would thoroughly recommend for seeing the coastline, this takes just 8 mins.

We stayed in the hotel Metropole which is a stylish and elegant 5 star hotel in a very central location, the service was exceptional and the rooms were very well appointed. There is a 2 star Michelin restaurant on site which offered a wonderful menu. The hotel also features a large heated outdoor pool and terrace which overlooks Casino Gardens. They also have an ESPA spa.

We were only 2 minutes walk from Casino Square, where you must visit the Casino in the evening as it is very grand and opulent. Also a must do in Casino Square, is to have a drink at the Café De Paris and people watch the millionaires coming and going in their fancy cars!

Monte Carlo is very easy to explore on foot as it only covers a 2km square area, but be prepared to walk up and down a lot of steps. The harbour is well worth a visit, to see all the lovely yachts and boats and there is a beach nearby as well. We visited the Prince’s Palace and his private car collection which is very interesting (when travelling with Kirker they include the Monte Carlo Passport which includes many entrances into attractions and helicopter transfers both ways in winter and one way in summer).

Monte Carlo is a fascinating and interesting place, with over 5000 millionaires in 2km. It would suit those who like the finer things in life.

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Morzine, France by Jane Caryer

2010-04-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

Morzine is an excellent resort for a mix of abilities. Our group had a beginner, two intermediate skiers and two experts - All were happy. Morzine has an extensive range of runs, fast lifts and we found the queues almost non existent. In the mountains pretty wooden chalets provide plenty of places for a good hot chocolate, vin chaud or a snack.

The Pleney lift in the centre of Morzine provides good access to the slopes. There are numerous ski hire shops near the lift many with heated boot rooms. Leaving equipment here was a bonus, and saved us having to carry it. The bus to Avoriaz stops nearby, as does the land train connecting to the Super Morzine Gondola. The land train stops for lunch between 12.15 and 1.30

The area near the top of The Pleney lift was particularly good for beginners. There were plenty of blue runs and a large bowl with a moving carpet which saved complete beginners having to use lifts initially. The instructors we used were patient and knowledgeable and spoke good English, and our complete beginner felt very safe.

Snow conditions at Avoriaz which is 800m higher than Morzine will be better in warm weather. A highlight in Avoriaz is the wooded area called The Stash. A huge area filled with various levels of jumps and obstacles The Stash was excellent fun.

Top Tip Have lunch later, we ate after 2.00 each day which meant we could easily get a table and take our time. Early starts meant we were generally ready to head down the mountain at 3.30, and with happy hour starting at 4.00 this worked well.

Above the Super Morzine Gondola is a very quaint restaurant. A white fluffy cat was curled up in a basket by the door waiting for our attention, but the open fire and chocolate chaud made this a lovely stop for skiers.

Although we didn’t have any children in our party we could see they would be well catered for in Morzine. A kiddies area for 3-6 year olds, and play activities were available as well as lessons.

Morzine has a short transfer from Geneva of approximately 90 minutes, a good range of bars and restaurants for après ski, and an extensive ski area making it suitable for all types of skiers.

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Orlando & The Florida Keys by Annie Clougherty

2010-04-09T04:44:00.000-07:00

We stayed one week in a 5 bedroom villa in Orlando. Whilst we were there we visited MGM Hollywood Studios – they were having a cold spell – hence the layers in our photographs!

EPCOT which stands for Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow, is the largest of the Disney parks and features different countries. Set around a lake, numerous restaurants mean you can experience all the different foods. Although very educational and interesting, it also has some thrilling rides. A Garden Festival is held in Spring. Every night at EPCOT they have spectacular fireworks over the lake. We also visited Aquatica the new waterpark from Seaworld which was fantastic!

After leaving Orlando for our journey south to the Keys, we visited Naples, one of the wealthiest communities in the USA, hence all the millionaires homes set directly on the beautiful beach. The prestigious shopping area of 5th Avenue is a must for shopaholics.

The drive from Naples to the Keys is lovely as you pass through the everglades and see many alligators on the banks. We visited Key Largo, Duck Key and Key West. My favourite was Duck Key and the resort of Hawks Cay where you can rent bicycles and cycle around the resort. It is possible to swim with the dolphins at the Dolphinarium.

A day trip to Key West is worth a visit as it is a very colourful place, and the southernmost point in the USA. Duval Street is full of interesting shops and is very lively in the evening. We travelled down Duval street on a Pedicab.

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Northern Lights by Bridget Keevil

2010-03-04T09:24:00.000-08:00

On 15th February we took a group of eleven on a Hurtigruten Voyage in search of the Northern Lights. We set off from Heathrow having to endure two flights to get to the North of Norway, and then onwards to meet the Kong Harald in Tromso.

The Hurtigruten Fleet that operate up and down the coast of Norway is a lifeline to the many small villages that would be otherwise cut off during the winter months. They deliver the post, as well as dropping off and collecting supplies of all sorts. They have developed to include tourists as part of their cargo, and bearing that in mind the accommodation onboard is adequate but not luxurious.

The ports of call are many, some being for minutes only, some for up to three or so hours. The excursions available include the North Cape, snowmobiling, dog sledding, visiting a snow hotel as well as just being able to wander around the quaint little villages that were razed to the ground by the Germans just before the end of the war.

We visited the Snow Hotel – and saw the exquisite head boards of every bed carved out of ice as well as snow carvings on the wall. What an experience to stay here the night!

On the last night before disembarking we got the call through the pa system – the Northern Lights are to be seen off the back of the ship! Every passenger quickly made their way outside – after putting on the several layers necessary to stave off the cold – and what a show we saw! The sky was alight with swirls and whirls, and lasted for over half an hour. Just seeing this was worth coming all this way.

When we arrived back into Tromso we all went dog sledding – and what an experience! It was a fantastic way to end the trip, being pulled at great speed through trees and snow fields by Alaskan Huskies.

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San Francisco & Heavenly (Lake Tahoe) by Cheryl Locke

2010-03-01T03:03:00.000-08:00

Upon deciding to spend our first Christmas away from home, the ski slopes of Heavenly on the Californian side of Lake Tahoe beckoned. A short pre-Christmas stop in San Francisco en-route was a great decision. San Francisco in December was fantastic! An enormous lit and decorated Christmas tree and an open-air ice skating rink in Union Square, created a most wonderful atmosphere, not to mention a superb evening activity for the whole family! A 3-day open-top bus pass was a worthwhile purchase and allowed us to see the entire city at leisure, and coupled with the fact we had fantastic sunshine, we were even able to use the open top!
The drive from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe (with a detour taken to visit the ancient Redwood forest at Muir Woods) was a long one (over 4 hours).
I would recommend that the journey is done in daylight hours as the roads into Tahoe were quite nerve-wracking in the dark - as we found out!
The view across the lake and mountains the following morning was worth the journey! Straddling the border of California and Nevada, and located on the shore of Lake
Tahoe, Heavenly is of inspiring scenic beauty. The ski school at Heavenly proved very good and the standard of tuition received was excellent. Our children were booked into Heavenly Children's Ski and Snowboard School which offered an introduction to skiing or snowboarding through to advanced coaching. Full-Day sessions include clinic, lift access, rental equipment, helmet & lunch for children ages 4-13.
I recommend Heavenly as a ski resort and would definitely suggest a stop in San Francisco.

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Madeira by Annie Clougherty

2010-03-01T02:58:00.000-08:00

Madeira lies in the Atlantic and has natural beauty and lush plantations of flora and fauna.
I visited in December when the average temperature is 18 degrees centigrade, which is very pleasant. The flowers were in bloom and the landscape was a feast for the eyes because of its pleasant sub-tropical climate. It is mild during the winter, and during the summer it never gets very hot (rarely above 30 degrees). I would like to go back for New Year because of the mild climate and to see the firework display in Funchal which is apparently amongst the best in the world. Funchal is a bustling town with many cobbled streets with pavement cafes, bars and restaurants. The thing I found the best about Madeira are the views from the hillside. Take a cable car from Funchal to Monte and admire the views. Then come back down again in a traditional toboggan — a unique experience!
I would recommend a stay in the Cliff Bay Hotel, which has wonderful views, food and staff. If you prefer something smaller, the 18th Century Quinta, Jardin do Lago would be a luxury and charming option.

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Kenya & Tanzania by Nancy Bagnall

2010-03-01T02:56:00.000-08:00

Forget luxurious lodges and luxury tented camps, the trip notes mentioned long drop toilets, basic washing facilities and 2-man tents! Nakuru National Park in Kenya offered fantastic game drives where we saw white rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, hyenas and jackals (with kill), hippopotamus and many gazelles and antelope as well as amazing birdlife – and sharing our camp with a troop of baboons who had designs on our food supplies!
Continuing to Tanzania, driving through stunning scenery, we spent the night at Lake Victoria (warm showers and flush loos!). On then to the Serengeti with its vast open plains and stunning mountains in the distance. On this campsite a buffalo had taken up residence overnight very close to the toilet block. Two eyes in the light of head torches at 5am then a large dark shape appearing in the dawn light! We did not linger. Home to an amazing variety of animals, here we had our first sight of elephants, lots of them, very close! I was not alone in finding the experience quite moving. We also saw 6 young lions – apprentices all! - moving in on a large herd of buffalo. Too ambitious I fear, as the buffalo herd stood no nonsense, and the lions’ chances of singling one out were nil.
The Ngorongoro crater, camping on the rim, we explored in 4x4s – an amazing experience; the crater is quite spectacular, as is the wildlife. Southwest to Arusha and a campsite with a restaurant and bar run by “Ma” – what luxury! On to Moshi at the foot of Kilimanjaro with spectacular views of the mountain where we had an option to base camp or a stroll to Mongyoni Falls with a visit to a local school and several villages included. Skirting the Usumbara Mountains and passing many Masai settlements we arrived at Dar es Salaam for the ferry crossing to Zanzibar.
At Nungwi on the north coast, we had two days to relax on the white sandy beaches and sample the excellent seafood, before returning home. This was a memorable trip, although very basic and not for those looking for any measure of luxury, but an excellent way to feel close to the culture and the wildlife of the area.

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Andalucia, Seville and Granada by Jane Caryer

2010-03-01T02:47:00.000-08:00

A world away from the image of the Spanish costas the countryside of Andalucia, with its hill top towns is spectacular and unspoilt. Moorish Palaces and elegant mosques are the legacy of centuries of Islamic domination in this southerly Spanish region. Travel around the area is straightforward and relaxing, with wonderful views throughout.
Airports at Malaga, Seville and Granada give easy access to Andalucia. Warm sunshine throughout the year, even in winter makes this area an ideal short break destination. I visited in September, and the weather was warm enough for an afternoon dip in the pool to be an essential part of our routine. Seville, the Andalucian capital has something for everyone. The Gold encrusted Alcazar Palace and the third largest church in Christendom are in the centre of Seville. Surrounded by lanes and modern shopping streets, interspersed with bars and cafes, exploring on foot was fun. Evening Flamenco is a must with a number of organized shows, or impromptu dancing by locals in bars.
The Alhambra Palace and the Generalife gardens took a whole day of our time in Granada. Spring or autumn would be a fantastic time to visit. The Gardens are spectacular, and being high above the city, the views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains are a wonderful backdrop. Lunch on the terrace of the Parador within the grounds of the Alhambra was a highlight of the trip. Next time I want to stay there!

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Royal Caribbean’s ‘Independence Of The Seas’ by Cheryl Locke

2010-03-01T02:43:00.000-08:00

If you have children, from toddlers to teenagers, the ’Independence of the Seas’ has something to offer all.
Royal Caribbean has thought of everything and I am sure that ’boxes will be ticked’ for most children. My 7-year old loved the H20 Zone, with the swimming pools, hot tubs and the sports court where he was able to join in a variety of sporting activities, whilst my 9-year old daughter thought the Flowrider (the world’s first onboard surf park) and the ice-skating rink were absolutely fab! Their 7-year old cousin spent every hour she could in the children’s club whilst her teenage brother loved the dedicated games arcade and all the sports on offer.
The service was good, food excellent and overall, everything was of a very good standard. Travelling as a large family group of 3 generations, we thoroughly enjoyed our cruise. I do feel however, that this ship, given its size and capacity, is better suited to families and young groups rather than more mature, seasoned cruisers.

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Cilento, Italy by Cathryn Milnes

2010-03-01T02:39:00.000-08:00

Driving south away from the popular tourist sights of Vesuvius and Pompeii brings you to the Cilento National Park, an unspoilt area with a rugged coastline and quiet bays and beaches. This area is also a World Heritage site. Paestum, which is at the start of Cilento coast, is the site of the only well preserved Greek temple north of Sicily and features 3 major temples all built in Doric style.
The quiet seaside village of San Marco di Castellabate, offers a choice of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes. Le Favate, a delightful hotel in Ascea perfect for an individual, away from it all experience, ticked all the boxes.
A beautifully restored building surrounded by farmland, olive and lemon groves and vineyards where the staff boasted that all the food served at lunchtime was a product of their land. Home reared meat, olive oil, wine and fresh vegetables and salad. How wonderful is that?
The southernmost point of our trip took us to the tiny village of Maratea approx 200 miles south of Naples, before our journey to Sorrento. Sorrento has lots of shops and cafes and is a good base for excursions to Capri, Naples, Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius as well as the picturesque drive along the coast to Amalfi and Ravello.
I would recommend Cilento for those wanting to see a different Italy, or maybe try a 2 centre break, a few quiet days in the Cilento region followed by a few days sightseeing based in Sorrento.

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Menorca by Sonia Reece

2010-03-01T02:34:00.000-08:00

Why did we choose Menorca?
This year after leaving the tent in the loft we decided to go in search of the sun. The criteria required were
(1) going on an aeroplane (kids)
(2) not too far (mum)
(3) loads of places to snorkel (dad).
We all decided on Menorca and the resort of Son Bou. The beach is the longest and best on the island it shelves gradually into the bluest sea you have ever seen. At the end near the resort you will find a rocky area which has great snorkelling for both adults and children. There are a couple of beach restaurants which offer the usual paella and fast food although we found the resort centre very quiet considering it was summer holidays. It seems the 2 huge all-inclusive hotels in the centre are having an impact on the local bars and restaurants.
The Hotel Valentin has the facilities to offer self catering, half board and all inclusive. It is a 4 star property and the rooms are a good size for a family with a large balcony and a sea view.
Every evening they had entertainment in the hotel ranging from mini discos to a circus trapeze act which seemed to be well attended. We would often stroll into the resort in the evenings, then take a taxi back to the hotel as it is at the top of huge hill.
On the flight home it was put to the vote - camping or Menorca next year? Menorca won!

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Napa & Sonoma Valley in California by Annie Clougherty

2010-02-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

Flying into San Francisco, a one and a half hour drive takes you to the Napa Valley, a beautiful countryside area located in Northern California. As one of the most successful wine growing regions in the world it offers temperate weather and rolling hills filled with lush vineyards and black oak trees reminiscent of the French countryside. There are many famous wineries ranging from the large estates of Domain Chandone and wine caves to mid-size and smaller family owned wineries such as Mondavi. When you visit the Wine Country you will find many relaxing activities and chances to see both the natural history of cities such as the original library building on main street in downtown Napa, to the original wineries from the early days located in the town of Oakville.

This region of the USA is different to the usual tourist areas. There are no ‘chain’ restaurants but small locally owned eateries offering fresh local produce and, of course, wine to go with each different course you eat.

Every visit to this area should include the beautiful Sonoma Valley. The Sonoma countryside is filled with lush rolling hills similar to the Napa Valley and the seasons bring a colourful array of flowers in spring and autumn. Known for the arts and wine Sonoma includes such attractions as it's unique picturesque downtown square which is laid out in the old Spanish Pueblo style, and Luther Burbank Centre for the Arts, The Mission Adobe, as well as wine tasting rooms in the town and some of the most prominent wineries in the region nearby. A train through a working vineyard was very interesting and showed the journey from ’grape to glass’!

We stayed in the Fairmont Mission Inn and Spa and the spa is the one of the best I have ever visited - and I have tried quite a few!

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"An Italian Trilogy" (Siena, Florence and Rome) by Cheryl Locke

2010-02-03T09:06:00.001-08:00

I was thrilled to have the opportunity during 2009 to visit 3 of the most beautiful Italian cities. Siena, a fabulous Tuscan town, is a mediaeval oasis steeped in history, art and tradition. The ’Palio’ horse races held in the wonderful Piazza del Campo creates an electric atmosphere in July and August, whilst the vineyards of Chianti, the tower of Pisa and the walled city of Lucca are all close by to visit.

Florence, the city of Michaelangelo, Da Vinci, Giotto, Dante and their patrons, the Medici family, is home to museums, palaces, and churches housing some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello & the Accademia. Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio and experience the ‘newest’ area of Florence, the Oltrarno.

Rome is an unforgettable city, rich with relics of 2,000 years of history and, after the face-lift it received for the 2000 celebrations, this wonderful city is looking better than ever. I would recommend a guided city tour to ensure that the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Piazza Venezia and St.Paul’s Basilica are all visited, along with the invaluable information gained from the very experienced guides.

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Prague by Annette Ross

2010-02-03T09:03:00.000-08:00

With a journey time of just under 2 hours, Prague is an ideal weekend city break destination. To visit Prague is to be transported back into the heart of Europe in the late Middle Ages. Prague’s skyline is completely unspoilt — the only favour that communism provided was to
prevent any development, hence the lack of new buildings leaving its architectural legacy intact.
Prague is divided into two by the lovely River Vltava, the hilly left bank contains the castle and the imposing St Vitas Cathedral and Mala Strana full of 18th Century mansions, baroque gardens and narrow cobbled streets. The right bank—the Jewish quarter—is home to the graceful Old Town Square with its famous town hall clock which puts on a show at the striking of the hour.

Eating out is still cheap and Prague is renowned for its excellent beer and cheap wine. A beer is approximately 90p to £1.25 a litre. Prague has a rich and varied cultural life with links to
Mozart, Handel and Beethoven. It hosts a Spring Musical Festival in May, a Mozart Festival from mid-June to early July and an International Jazz Festival in October.

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Antigua & British Virgin Islands In A Nutshell by Anita Crowson

2010-02-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

In May 2009 I had the opportunity to visit Antigua and the British Virgin Islands. I experienced how easy it was to island-hop with LIAT offering flights between a total of 22 destinations within the Caribbean (many of these directly from their hubs on Antigua, Barbados or Trinidad).

Antigua, otherwise known as the "Heart of the Caribbean” is the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands. It is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide. Historical forts, sugar mills, museums and harbours may not sound like your idea of a tropical holiday destination but, put them together on a Caribbean island along with its 365 beaches (a different one for every day of the year), hidden coves and secret inlets, this is a perfect place to relax and unwind. A highlight for me was the Sunday night 'jump-up' on Shirley Heights. You watch the beautiful sunset over English Harbour while sipping rum punch and listening to steel band music before a delicious barbecue and party time to a local reggae band.

The British Virgin Islands are a glorious cluster of some 60 secluded islands for those seeking relaxation and tranquility, with little development apart from a handful of outstanding resorts – the tourist board justifiably calls the British Virgin
Islands "nature's little secrets". Barefoot luxury is the order of the day and you'll find it hard to resist the crystal clear waters, whether it's for a spot of snorkelling,
scuba-diving or sailing (which is amongst the best in the world). The sheer natural beauty is breathtaking and my favourite memories are hearing the click of the hermit crabs going back into their shells, exploring one of the many trails on Biras Creek and zipping across the ocean waves on my Boston Whaler dinghy – the reefs are so healthy and the water is so clear. I felt I was truly a million miles away from real life.

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Seychelles by Bridget Keevil

2010-02-03T08:55:00.000-08:00

In May 2009 I went to the Seychelles courtesy of Sunset Faraway Holidays. We travelled from London Heathrow with Air Seychelles, which now all route via Zurich. Although this adds a good hour and a half onto the journey, it is the only direct option from the UK. The food and service were very good, and as it was a night flight, sleep was the order of the day (or night!).

Mahe is one of the most beautiful little airports I have arrived into, with thatched cottages in the arrivals hall. Everything here is set up for a swift exit, so it wasn’t long before we were on our way to St Anne’s private jetty. St Anne’s is on its own island, but with a launch that takes around 15 minutes to get to the mainland, so the best of both worlds. It is a beautiful lush island, with amazing flora and fauna. The accommodations and food are excellent, and is an all round good choice. There is a good choice of restaurants, and the facilities available will suit most requirements.

We then flew on to Denis Island, which is a thirty minute flight from Mahe, on a very small aircraft, landing on a grass strip! The manager comes to meet the flight every day on his bicycle, so this gives an indication of the laid back atmosphere and the attention that is given to customers. It is a very eco friendly island, with half of it given up to growing their own produce, farming animals and making furniture. There are only 25 villas on the island, with no TV’s – so it really is back to nature here. The island is also home to many rare birds, and the diving is rumoured to be amongst the best in the world.

The choice here in the Seychelles is vast, with either hotels on the many islands or the mainland. It is a beautiful country, with scenery far exceeding my expectations.

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AUSTRALIA By Bridget Keevil

2010-02-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

In March 2009 I embarked on a tour of Australia, meeting my daughter who was already over there. It was a hastily arranged tour – just the week before I departed – so there is no reason why anyone would think they have left things too late if they decide to go! My itinerary was Perth, Ayers Rock, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. I had given myself a month to do this, with no stopovers in either direction. I had tried to work out what I wanted to do in each location, so as to maximise the time I had. Although four weeks sounds a long time, there is so much to see and do, it is essential you know what are your “must-do’s” before picking a number of nights out of a hat.

I hired a car in Perth, and drove down to Cape Leeuwin and then back up to Perth over four days. It was beautiful countryside, and very easy to drive, being right hand drive as we are. Perth is a super city, well worth a visit, and the gateway to amazing self drives or tours, both north and south.

From here, we flew to Ayers Rock – a place which is on many people’s list! And it did not disappoint. Amazing. We also took in Kings Canyon and Alice Springs, but this will depend on the time you have for your whole holiday and what else you need to do.

Adelaide and Melbourne are both cities that are worth visiting, and very different from each other. The choice of tours and excursions from here are vast, with some fabulous wildlife experiences such as Philip Island Fairy Penguins from Melbourne.

Sydney is a city that I will never tire of. Its vibrancy and atmosphere are unlike any I have experienced. There is so much to see and do, so many restaurants to eat al fresco, and so many adventures to experience. A month here would not be too long!

The last flight within Australia was to Brisbane – all internal flights were with Qantas, all were on time, all were comfortable and had good service. Another city, and another different experience. All very worth the time, and all very different from the last.

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