Nepal - Himalayan Trek by Bridget Keevil

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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