13 June 2023

I was personally invited to visit the Oceania Riviera cruise ship whilst it was docked at the Port of Tyne in North Shields. I was so excited; it has been around 10 years since I was on one last. The Riviera is currently on an 18-night cruise sailing around the British Isles. She started sailing from Southampton, sailing up the east coast, all the way around Scotland, taking in the Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands, then across to Cork before finishing in Belfast. The guests onboard are so lucky to have such amazing weather as the UK is enjoying temperatures of 25°C – 28°C this week. I felt like I was on a cruise on the Med than on the Tyne. There are currently six ships in the Oceania fleet with a seventh ship called the Allura debuting in 2025. Oceania ships are smaller in comparison to other cruise lines which makes them wonderful and so unique as they offer a boutique-style type of cruising with a more personal feel and more intimate spaces on board. The Riviera is one of the largest ships in the fleet, taking a maximum of 1,238 passengers in 625 staterooms. I felt so special to board the Riviera since it has been 4 years since she last docked at the Port of Tyne plus she underwent an extensive refurbishment in late 2022, so it was great to see her looking brand new and shiny. We started our visit with a welcome drink before we were taken on a tour. There are 15 decks to explore so there was lots to get through before lunch. We took in the many restaurants passengers can dine in, which includes The Grand Dining Room, Red Ginger, Jacques, The Polo Grill, Toscana, La Reserve by Wine Spectator and the Terrace Café. Each restaurant offers a different cuisine from Mediterranean, French, and Asian-Fusion, these restaurants are more formal dining but there is also a buffet style restaurant which is a little more informal for those that don’t feel like getting dressed up one evening. Guests are also offered high tea daily between 4pm-5pm and they can also indulge in a tasting menu too during their stay. There are so many options. Just to note, that some of the speciality restaurants must be pre-booked far in advance as these can get fully booked very quickly. There are so many activities and entertainment options onboard for guests to choose from including the relaxing and invigorating spa, a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, and plenty of Jacuzzis and sunbeds to relax on. In the evening , the Horizon Bar has live bands, there’s a games rooms, a library, casino and the theatre. I especially loved the culinary area where guests can learn to cook, which usually includes a theme depending on where they are sailing in the world. They also offer a Culinary Discover Day where the team will take guests offshore, they'll choose some produce from the local market before heading back to the ship to cook up a storm for lunch - this sounds like loads of fun. All staterooms have been refurbished to a high standard offering a light and traditional twist with comfort and cosiness in mind. We had the pleasure of visiting the Oceania Suite with a separate lounge area, walk-in wardrobe, spacious bathroom and an outdoor Jacuzzi bath on the veranda. We also visited a Veranda stateroom and an Inside stateroom. Back on Deck 6 we were taken to The Grand Dining Room where we were treated to a 5-course meal before we had to say our goodbyes and disembark before the ship set sail for her onward journey. The Riviera is offering a traditional cruise with a small boutique, intimate feel to it. Elegant and grand this would suit adults looking for rest and relaxation with luxury thrown in the mix. Although children are welcome onboard, there are not as many activities for them and I would recommend this type of ship to couples, sole guests, friends, leisure and corporate groups.

11 October 2022

You might have heard that London is one of the most expensive cities to visit. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could see this grand city without spending an arm and a leg to enjoy everything it has to offer. Read on to find out how you can see this iconic capital without breaking the bank. TRAVEL The best and cheapest way to travel around London is with the good old, trusted Oyster Card. These can be used on the London underground, Overground, Trams (DLR), some river boats and buses. You pay £5 to receive your card and then you add an amount you’d like to use on it. I found this is the best way of keeping a track of what you spend on travel each day. When you tap your card on the way out of the station, it will tell you how much you have left, so it’s super easy to keep track. You can top-up at any of the underground stations, or there are plenty of shops who advertise top-ups, just look out for the Oyster Card sign in the shop windows. London Underground (Tube) The London underground, or the tube as it’s also well-known, is one of the most efficient ways to see London. There is an underground stop in easy walking distance from anywhere in the city, and due to there being no traffic to worry about, you are almost guaranteed for a train to arrive within 10 minutes or less of each other. If you download the Tube Map App, not only will you be able to access the map of the tube, but it gives you live updates of the line status and even a route planner to make it easier to plan your trip. The cost per trip is around £2.50 each way (as of March 2022). Buses I love this option because you get to see London on the move, whereas on the tube you can’t see what’s going on from above. It’s also the cheapest option only costing around £1.80 (as of March 2022) per trip which, not only does it get you to your destination, but it allows you to see the sights of London at the same time. You can download the Bus Times London App, this gives you an accurate bus schedule and navigates you easily to the nearest bus stop. WHERE TO VISIT We all know and love some of the iconic places you can visit on a trip to London, including Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and the London Dungeons to name just a few. But the great thing about the city is that many of the best world-class museums and galleries are free to visit, including the Natural History Museum, Tate Modern and the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A). We visited the Imperial War Museum, this is a well-thought-out and beautiful display guiding you through the history of war over the decades, the First and Second World Wars in particular. I am always so fascinated by some of the items in this place including warplanes, and other types of vehicles, machinery, and weapons used in the war. Although you don’t have to pay to enter, they do encourage you to leave a donation so they can continue working on improving and building on the current museum. Walking is a great way to see London, plus it doesn’t cost a thing. We spent one of our days walking along the Thames, it was so nice to get out in the fresh air, albeit a bit of a soggy day, but that didn’t matter. We started at St Paul’s Cathedral (you get off the tube at St Paul's), we then walked across the Millennium Bridge to the south bank, we then headed up towards Blackfriars Station which eventually led us to the Shakespeare Globe and the London Eye, you will also find the London Dungeons and the London Aquarium along here too. We then walked along Westminster Bridge to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. And then got back onto the tube from Westminster. Back to where our hotel was located, we walked to Sky Garden which is only a short distance from Monument station or less than a 10-minute walk from Tower Hill, Aldgate, Bank, and Mansion House. It is free admission into Sky Garden, which is in the Walkie Talkie building, nick-named due to its unique shape. Sky Garden is well-known for being one of London’s highest public gardens, 35 floors up. A social space with 360-degree views. They advertise DJ nights and if you did want to splash out one day, you can visit Fenchurch Restaurant or the Darwin Brasserie, both positioned within the gardens with magnificent views. EATING OUT My favourite place to eat whilst in London was Borough Market. There was so much choice, from Spanish, Greek, Iraqi, Italian, and Indian cuisine to choose from, we were spoilt for choice. We ate from the seafood counter, a delicious and filling seafood paella followed by a dessert at Humbly Crumble, which offered a choice of filling including apple, or rhubarb & strawberry, as well as other flavours. You could then choose your own different types of crumble toppings, and then dripping with delicious homemade custard. There are many markets around the streets of London where you’ll find some delicious outdoor cuisine at affordable prices including, Camden Market and Spitalfields Market. Otherwise, venture out to Brick Lane for some of the best curry houses in the city. Due to the competition, you are bound to come across a bargain, offering something free or at a discounted price to entice you into their doors. Also watch out for pre and post-theatre menus, at restaurants in the areas surrounding the theatre district, they are usually offering special prices for 2 & 3 courses. I also found out about a great website, called First Table which offers customers 50% off food when you dine on one of their first table seating’s. They have plenty of restaurants across London offering different cuisines to suit your tastebuds. I hope you found this most helpful and if you would like any further advice on what else you can do in London on a budget then please get in touch.

26 October 2021

My dreams as a little girl finally came true when I visited New York City for the first time at 24 years old. The city was even more awe-inspiring and amazing than I expected, and those bright lights really make it a spectacular sight to behold, so much so, that it had me in its clutches which inevitably made me want to come back for more. And that’s exactly what I have done, I have been back for a visit on several occasions, I’ve celebrated my 30th birthday and even taken my Mam over to celebrate Mother’s Day together. This city never disappoints each time I return. There is so much to see and do in this diverse concrete jungle that it’ll be impossible to see everything in one lifetime, whether you’ve been before, or you are taking your first trip these, top 10 places will help you catch a glimpse of the city that never sleeps. 1. Central Park - It’s hard to believe that as you step off the crowded walkway into Central Park that you are met by rolling hills, foliage, and man-made gardens. The urban park is between the Upper East Side and the Upper West Side of the city and is welcomed with woods, meadows, lakes, monuments, and some interesting architecture for visitors to enjoy. Central Park Zoo is also located here and if you'd like to enjoy a picnic then grab some doughnuts and coffee and sit in a lovely spot in the sun whilst watching the world go by. 2. Grand Central Terminal – Not only is this world-famous landmark a transportation hub but it’s a shopping, dining, and cultural destination with 60 shops, 35 places to dine, and a full calendar of events throughout the year. The architecture alone is something quite spectacular and the chandeliers which can be seen in the Vanderbilt Hall are out of this world. It’s the most good-looking station I’ve visited. Also, see if you can find the Whispering Gallery. In the domed intersection of walkways on the lower floor of Grand Central, there is a corner-to-corner whispering gallery. If you stand with your ear up against the tile work whilst the other person on the other side says something, you will be able to hear them even during the busiest of times. 3. Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Rockefeller Center – Observe the Empire State Building from the top of the Rockefeller Center. Seventy floors up, with unobstructed 360-degree views of the city skyline over three floors of inside and outside observation decks. This is by far my favourite place to see the city from up above and it means you get great pictures of the city with the Empire State Building as your focal point. 4. Brooklyn Bridge – The iconic Brooklyn Bridge, a steel-wire suspension bridge that took 14 years to build, was finally completed in 1883. The bridge spans the East River between the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. You can walk or cycle over the shared, wide pathway just above the traffic of vehicles that are whizzing past below. This charming and well-preserved bridge is a great way to get to Brooklyn or vice-versa. There is something truly special about walking across it, and the views you encounter along the way. 5. 9/11 Memorial and Museum – Located at the World Trade Center, you will come across the two memorial waterfall pools with swamp white oak trees dotted around the area. The pools sit in the footprints of where the former North and South Towers were located and are surrounded by bronze parapets that list the names of the victims of the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The quiet and stillness that surrounds you, even with so many people, is quite something to observe. The museum tells the story through media narratives of families who lost loved ones and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts including steel pieces from the twin towers, fire engines that were part of the 9/11 operation, and the American flag, an iconic display of togetherness of the American people during the operation to find loved ones following the aftermath, these are just some of the things you can expect to see. 6. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – Known as dual symbols of freedom and hope. A must-see as it tells the story of immigration, recognising the human spirit of giving, so immigrants could have a better life. We purchased a ferry ticket with Statue Cruises which takes you over to both islands. Firstly, visiting Liberty Island, where Lady Liberty stands before taking the ferry across to Ellis Island which digs deep into American history and the immigrants who would step foot on American soil for the first time at Ellis Island. 7. The High Line – Take a stroll along the High Line, a suspended park built on an unused railway track. This once decrepit railway line is now a popular place to admire art, gardens, and stunning city views. Almost 1.5 miles long, the walk took us no more than 25 minutes. We then stopped off at trendy Chelsea Market to take a look around the shops and reward ourselves with coffee and cake at Sarabeth’s Bakery. 8. One World Observatory – This is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, only steps away from the 9/11 Memorial and Museum making it a great add-on to spend your morning or afternoon in this area. Completed in 2014 it was built to bring back business to the area. The observatory deck spans over 3 floors from the 100th – 102nd floors and you will not be mistaken for the spectacular 360-degree views of Manhattan, the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, and New York Harbor. 9. Williamsburg, Brooklyn – Home to one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in New York City, Williamsburg is known as the ‘new Soho’ of Brooklyn. The hipster scene is a haven for musicians, artists, and creatives who flock here to enjoy the relaxed vibe and atmosphere. There are many restaurants that produce the most amazing dishes which are Instagram-worthy. If you love to shop for vintage pieces, there are plenty of thrift shops to take your fancy and I would most certainly recommend stopping off at Domino Park to watch the Manhattan view from the East River. The very best time would be at sunset. 10. NYC Hop-on-Hop-off Buses – I find this is a terrific way to get around to see New York, instead of being hustled on the underground, you can see everything from up above in one of the many double-decker buses which tour all over the city. It’s a great way to get to your next destination or take advantage of the tour guides on board and stay on the bus all the way around the loop.

21 October 2021

I have left a piece of my heart in the Isle of Skye. Living in the Lake District, I thought nothing could compare, but the Isle of Skye had something different to offer. Not only did it have beautiful rolling hills which sprawled all around us, but there was plenty of historical points of interest, making it the perfect place for history buffs, photographers, and walkers alike. Once you leave the M6 and travel towards the Isle of Skye, it’s a picturesque drive from then on with beautiful waterfalls falling from mountain faces and crystal-clear waters from the lochs you see as you pass by. On our way up, we drove to Inverness and across to Kyle of Lochalsh. On the way back we took a different route, taking us through Fort William and Glencoe. Both journeys were outstanding with so many beautiful landscapes to enjoy. We drove over Skye bridge which connects the mainland to Skye, this is the most convenient way to get over to the island and it is free of charge to cross the bridge. Another option is to travel by ferry from Mallaig dropping passengers off at Armadale on the Sleat peninsula. Our trip started off with a three-night stay in Dunvegan at Kinloch Campsite, the campsite was ideal, with views overlooking Loch Dunvegan. We perched our two-man tent on a slight hill to enjoy the views of the town and loch. The campsite is just a 5-minute walk into the centre of town where you can enjoy all the delights from some very well-known family-run businesses, including the Dunvegan Bakery, the oldest bakery on Skye. Jann’s Cakes specialising in handmade organic cakes and chocolates. The Dunvegan, a deli café, shop and also offering accommodation, make great coffee and the cinnamon rolls, were the best I’d ever tasted. There are also a few galleries, a museum, and plenty of walks in this area. A contrast to our camping experience in Dunvegan, we drove further north to a township called Flodigarry. We booked to stay in camping luxury, in one of a number of glamping pods available on the Isle of Skye. I loved our pod, we stayed at the Flodigarry Pods, which are located on farmland overlooking the sea and Flodigarry Island. The island is known to have inhabited a soldier during the Second World War who stayed on the island solely, watching out for potential threats. You have everything you can ask for in the pod, including a kitchen with all mod-cons, a comfortable bed, a decent-size shower room and a dining/living area. Flodigarry is the area in which Flora MacDonald lived for a time. Flora went down in history for her involvement in helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape Scotland after his defeat of the Jacobite’s in the Battle of Culloden in 1746. This is a great base to get around the north part of the island and there are so many walks you can enjoy too. There is so much to see and do, that you cannot possibly see everything in one week but some of my recommendations include: Dunvegan Castle - Easily accessible from the town of Dunvegan, the castle has been occupied by the MacLeod family for over 800 years and is home to some of the original antiques and artifacts which are on display there. The grounds are beautiful with stunning waterfalls in the main garden. The Fairy Pools - With the backdrop of the Black Cuillin mountain range in the background, this was a spectacular display. The pools were crystal-clear, in turquoise blue waters. The Quiraing - A popular hiking trail, it’s part of the Trotternish ridge, formed by a massive landslip that has created high cliffs, hidden plateaus, and pinnacles of rock. Portree - The village is the capital of the Isle of Skye. The cute, coloured buildings on the harbourfront make it a focal point, and this is where you can pick up a boat to go out and spot whales and seals and many other sea life along the way. Lealt Falls - The falls are a hidden gem, you wouldn’t quite believe they are there from the roadside. The waterfalls fall 90 metres into the depth of a gorge which can be seen from the viewing deck. A short walk away you can see the ocean and cliff edge in front of you. Mealt Falls (Kilt Rock Waterfall) - Just a short drive from Lealt Falls we came across Mealt Falls; an impressive cliff waterfall backed by kilt rock. The water plummets 60 metres to the bottom. Staffin Beach - The beach is surrounded by rugged scenery with amazing sea views, it has become a historical point of interest since 2001 when the first dinosaur footprint was found, which is believed to have been covered in layers of mud which then preserved them as fossils. This is a fun day out for all the family. If you are looking for a trip to the Isle of Skye then let me help you find the best places to stay!

11 April 2021

I was very fortunate to live in Namibia for 2 ½ years. I married a Namibian, and after lots of discussions about where we were going to live, we made the decision to start married life in this beautiful country in South-West Africa. I briefly worked as a manager in a restaurant when I first moved to Namibia before going back into the industry that I loved. However, instead of planning and booking holidays I was on the other side, hosting and welcoming guests to their lodge accommodation. It was a dream come true to become a manager in two beautiful lodges in the Erongo Mountains, this was a wonderful experience to see how operations worked from the other side. I will start with introducing this fascinating country, to give you an idea of why this should be on your bucket list of places to visit. The history of Namibia is quite fascinating. From the late 19th century Namibia was a colonised country. It was a German colony until the end of the 1st World War. You will notice even today, there are many families with German heritage still living there. Between the 1st and 2nd World War, Namibia became the territory of the League of Nations. After this, South Africa administered Namibia until 1990 when it gained independence. A trip to Namibia would not be the same without seeing the rock painting art, which is known to be the oldest works of art in the world, estimated to be 13 million years old in some areas, like in the Otavi Mountains. I managed a lodge in the Erongo Mountains region which was one of the areas in which travellers can see this ancient artwork. We organised nature drives daily for holidaymakers to see this wonderful site which I highly recommend doing. The San (Bushman) and the Damara tribes are known to be the oldest ethnic group in Namibia and were the creators of this work. This diverse country is outstanding and is free from conflict and political unrest making it one of the ‘Top 10’ safest African countries to visit. The country is known for its vast deserts, we spent many trips visiting Swakopmund with the dessert as its backdrop. It is also famous for the highest dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. An epic road trip, is one of the best ways to get around Namibia. One of my tips if you are considering hiring a vehicle, is to only rent a 4x4 or similar. There are so many off road tracks to follow which makes it unsuitable for smaller vehicles. You cannot visit Namibia without seeing the magnificent wildlife, including the Big 5 beauties: rhinoceros, leopard, elephant, buffalo and lion. Besides this there is so much more wildlife to see whilst you visit, such as the oryx, giraffe, kudu, pangolin, rock hyrax and the smallest antelope, the dik dik, naming just a few. For the bird watchers out there Namibia is a haven, there are many holidaymakers who come out to see some interesting birdlife including the Nightjar, Hornbill, African Black Eagle and Lovebirds. If you would like to go whale watching and see all the stunning sea life then take a boat ride from Walvis Bay, which is just down the road from Swakopmund, this is a fun experience and the guides are very knowledgeable. And then you have the adventure experiences for the adrenaline junkies, from sand boarding, quad biking and skydiving. There are lots of companies offering these types of activities. Places to visit (North) Etosha Pans National Park- There a 115 species of mammals to explore, including four of the Big 5 (Buffalo is absent from this area). You can either travel within the park with your own vehicle or go on one of the many game drives that are offered in one of the many hotels/lodges located close-by. Skeleton Coast - Located in the northern part of the Atlantic coast just south of Angola, the name Skeleton Coast derives from the many abandoned ships left on the beach which, due to rough seas, roaring winds and strong ocean currents is primarily the reason for the fate of these beached ships. Swakopmund - A coastal city dotted along the Atlantic Ocean is a must-see when visiting Namibia. The colonial remnants are plain to see by the many buildings which still stand today including the Swakopmund Lighthouse and the Mole, an old sea wall. Swakopmund is known as Namibia’s adventure hub. Spitzkoppe - Spitzkoppe is a group of bald granite peaks which are just awe-inspiring to see with the naked eye. For the adrenaline junkies you can try your hand at some rock climbing with some great views at the top of these peaks. Places to visit (South) Sossusvlei - The highest dunes in the world can be seen at Sossusvlei. This area is within a salt and clay pan surround by these awe-inspiring red dunes sitting high above you. Ghost Town - Close to the coastal town of Luderitz, this Ghost Town is known as Kolmanskop. Once a diamond mining town which was thriving in the early 1900’s is now derelict in the Namib desert. Many people visit the town to see the dilapidated houses with brightly coloured wallpaper peeling off the walls and the inundated rolling banks of sand which has taken up home within these houses. Fish River Canyon - This is the largest canyon in Africa making it a must see. It is the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia. Fish River is the longest river in the country with the canyon stretching for almost 160km. There are many hiking trails to take advantage of, where you can explore at great length. The views on these hikes are just awe-inspiring! The places mentioned above are just some of my favourite places and I recommend you seeing them all but there are so many more places to see so don’t limit yourself. To do the ultimate trip of Namibia, taking in all that is on offer, from the north to the south, you ideally need to plan a trip for at least 4 weeks, this will give you time to see everything on your itinerary without the rush. If you are limited to 2-3 weeks then I would suggest concentrating on one part of Namibia, giving you the opportunity to see everything in a good amount of time before making another visit to the other side. It is still possible to do an itinerary taking in most parts of Namibia, this will be more of a taster option since it will only give you the opportunity to stay in one place for 1, possibly 2 nights, max to fit everything in.