30 January 2025

Disney is one of my favourite trips to book for clients, and I love immersing myself in the magic to stay up to date on everything Disney has to offer. Last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Walt Disney World in Florida, staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, exploring the parks, and even touring Disney Wish. A highlight of my trip was experiencing the VIP Guides, which made the magic even more unforgettable! Where Did We Stay? We had the pleasure of staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a perfect blend of Victorian elegance and modern Disney charm, making it one of Disney’s most luxurious resorts. As the flagship resort, it offers luxury, comfort, and top-notch service. Its proximity to Magic Kingdom and direct monorail access make park visits seamless. A highlight was the dining—from character breakfasts at 1900 Park Fare to fine dining at Victoria & Albert’s, there’s something for every taste. Transport Around Disney Getting around Disney is easy with various transport options: • Monorail: Staying at Grand Floridian gave me quick access to the monorail, connecting directly to Magic Kingdom and resorts like Polynesian and Contemporary. • Skyliner: A scenic way to travel, offering stunning aerial views while connecting Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Art of Animation. • Boats: Water taxis provide a peaceful ride between resorts like Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Magic Kingdom—especially beautiful at sunset. • Buses: An extensive system linking all four parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. Though slower, it’s a reliable, efficient way to get from place to place. VIP Guides: The Ultimate Disney Experience Want to experience Disney World like a celeb? VIP Guides make it effortless. This exclusive service ensures a seamless, stress-free visit—no long lines or crowds. An absolute game changer! From the moment we met Hilary & Jaime, our expert guides, the magic began. They tailored our day perfectly, customizing rides and experiences to match our interests. Why book a VIP guide? • Skip the Lines: Enjoy Lightning Lane access to almost every ride, saving hours of wait time and maximizing your experience. • Personalized Itinerary: Guides tailor your visit based on your interests, ensuring you hit must-see attractions while avoiding peak crowds. • Exclusive Access: Get insider perks like reserved seating for parades and shows, plus expert tips on the best times to visit attractions. • Maximized Time: Seamlessly explore all four parks without stress, making the most of every moment. • Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Learn fascinating park history and design details for a deeper Disney experience. • Snacks Included: VIP perks cover specialty treats like Mickey-shaped ice cream and gourmet popcorn—perfect for fuelling up and capturing Insta-worthy moments! The Parks Over five magical days, we explored all four parks, experiencing unforgettable rides and attractions. • Magic Kingdom captured classic Disney magic with Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and my favourite—Tiana’s Bayou Adventure—all ending with the stunning Happily Ever After fireworks. • Epcot blended culture and adventure, with global cuisine and the thrilling Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. • Hollywood Studios brought movies to life, from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to top rides like Rise of the Resistance and Tower of Terror, made easier with Lightning Lane passes. • Animal Kingdom was definitely my favourite. We had early access to the park offering a unique & very serene experience. Avatar Flight of Passage was breathtaking, and the Festival of the Lion King was a vibrant, must-see show. Exploring the Disney Resorts At Walt Disney World it's not just the theme parks that steal the show - each resort has its own magic to offer. I had the opportunity to experience some of Disney’s most unique properties first hand meaning I'm well versed for pairing the right resort with the right client. Whether it’s the immersive atmosphere, the themed dining experiences, or the special touches that make each resort stand out, there’s so much to explore beyond the parks! Resort Highlights • Polynesian Resort (My Favourite!) – A tropical escape with stunning fireworks views and top-notch dining like ‘Ohana—perfect for Moana and Lilo & Stitch fans. • Caribbean Beach Resort – Colourful, laid-back vibes with Skyliner access to Epcot & Hollywood Studios, plus great family-friendly amenities. • Contemporary Resort – Sleek and modern, featuring the monorail through the lobby and breath-taking fireworks views from California Grill. • Pop Century Resort – Budget-friendly, pop culture-themed, and Skyliner-connected, making park access a breeze. • Art of Animation Resort – A dream for families with larger-than-life Disney characters, spacious suites, and a kid-favourite Big Blue Pool. A Magical Day at Sea: Disney Wish I had the privilege of exploring Disney Wish, one of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ships, blending luxury with Disney magic. From the grand Walt Disney Theatre to immersive dining experiences, it has it all. Thrill-seekers will love AquaMouse, a water coaster with animation and special effects. Kids can dive into themed clubs like Marvel Super Hero Academy or Fairytale Hall. Dining is just as magical—enjoy a Nordic feast at Arendelle, global flavours at Marceline Market, or an interactive meal at Worlds of Marvel. Final Thoughts & Tips Disney World is all about making memories! With good planning, you can enjoy the parks without feeling rushed. Top Tips: • Book Lightning Lanes where possible to avoid long wait times. • Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes. • Use the My Disney Experience app for ride times & dining. • Reserve table-service dining well in advance. • Arrive early to hit popular rides before crowds. • Take advantage of Skyliner & water taxis for easy transport. • If budget allows, book a VIP Guide for a seamless, stress-free experience. • Pack a portable phone charger to keep devices powered for photos, maps, and reservations. • Work with a knowledgeable travel agent (like me!) to ensure a smooth, stress-free trip with expert recommendations and insider tips. My Disney World trip was pure magic—29 years after my first visit! Whether it’s your first time or you’re a Disney pro, there’s always something new to discover. I hope this blog inspires you to create your own magical memories! Need help planning? I’d love to make your Disney dreams come true!

08 October 2024

We have always said that having kids wouldn't stop us from travelling and that we wanted our boys to experience the world. Until now we've had some lovely family holidays in Europe, but we felt that now, with our boys being 12 & 8, was the time for our first real adventure. So where to go? We wanted something with a good mix of adventure, relaxation, new experiences and of course, somewhere suitable for families. Our kids aren't huge fans of walking far or overexerting themselves so we weren't about to go trekking through the Amazon or climbing Everest! Thailand was on my wish list and having booked it for families in the past, I knew it would work for us. We chose an itinerary over the Easter which included 3 nights in Phuket, a 2-night package at Elephant Hills and 8 nights in Khao Lak at the end – Perfect! Flight Having never flown more than 4 hours with the kids, the prospect of a 16 hour in-direct flight was a bit daunting. We opted to fly with Emirates, via Dubai as they offered a great price and good connections. Honestly, we needn’t have worried as much as we did! The kids were brilliant and didn't complain once (this is not the norm!). We made sure that we took plenty of games, books, their games consoles etc and stocked up on snacks too. Emirates were great - friendly crew, comfortable clean aircraft and no significant delays. A great experience all round! Phuket We booked 3 nights in Phuket to find our feet and chill for a bit before Elephant Hills, so we didn't plan to do much in this time as we only really had two full days. We chose to stay at Centara Kata Resort & Spa; a 4* family friendly hotel in the Kata Beach area of Phuket. The hotel was perfect for us with large family rooms, a restaurant, two pools (one with a slide and small splash park area), a swim-up bar (popular with the adults) and always plenty of sunbeds. The food was delicious fresh, tasty, huge portions and plenty of choice with both Thai and Western options. The hotel is well located to explore the local area with Kata and Karon beaches walkable or a short taxi ride away, there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the immediate vicinity but if you want something a bit livelier the bustling area of Patong is only minutes away in a taxi. We didn't venture out of the hotel other than to eat but there are plenty of trips you can do, night markets to visit and experiences to be had if you want them. Elephant Hills Well where do I start? What an incredible adventure! Elephant Hills is made up of two camps (Jungle & Lake) located in the stunning Khao Sok National Park. It's about 3 hours by road from Phuket and transfers to and from many of Thailand’s major resorts are included in the Elephant Hills package. We were collected from our Phuket hotel early morning and arrived in camp just before lunch, where we met our dedicated camp leader and the rest of our group, who we would get to know over the next 3 days and we were given our refillable metal water bottles. Elephant Hills are well know for their focus on responsible, ethical and sustainable practices, so you'll find no single use plastics here! We were then shown to our luxury tent – home for the next 2 nights. As a family of 4, we were all in one tent but there is the option of booking two tents if you want a little extra space. To be honest, you spend very little time in the tent, so one was fine for us and more than comfortable. The tents have proper bathrooms with toilet, sink & shower and huge ceiling fans. Each tent has a patio area with hammocks (a huge hit with the boys) for relaxing and enjoying the calming sounds of the jungle, you may even spot a monkey or two! A stay at Elephant Hills is fully inclusive of your accommodation, food and a jam-packed itinerary of exciting adventures. We booked the 2-night/3-day option, which included 2 nights at the Jungle Camp. We enjoyed canoeing, paddle boarding, a long tail boat ride, jungle trek and not forgetting an incredible hands-on experience with the gorgeous elephants. Khao Lak After 3 days in the Thai jungle air-conditioning was calling! The Sands Khao Lak was the final stop on our Thai adventure and we couldn't have enjoyed it more. We chose the hotel as it's ideal for a family break with plenty for the kids including games room, kids club, multiple pools and of course the very popular on-site aquapark. The rooms are the best family rooms I have stayed in – fresh, modern and huge with plenty of storage, a spacious balcony and a separate partitioned sleeping area for the kids. Sands also enjoys a prime location with plenty of fabulous bars & restaurants within walking distance, the beach right on your doorstep and the night markets only a short Tuk Tuk ride away. There are lots of opportunities to do day trips from Khao Lak including boat trips to Similan and Phi Phi Islands, ethical elephant experiences and much more. Having had our fill of adventure at Elephant Hills, we choose to spend our time in Khao Lak relaxing and enjoying the hotel. We did venture out to the local night market one evening which is a must. The atmosphere is electric with a plethora of mouth-watering street food stalls, lively bars and all the souvenirs and locally produced crafts you could ever wish for! If you're feeling really hungry you could even sample some delicious fried scorpions and grasshoppers, Thai delicacies! Jude, our 8 year old, was the only one of us brave enough to give them a go! One of my real trip highlights was jumping in a Tuk Tuk and heading down to Coconut Beach. Here we found a lovely little beachfront restaurant and watched the sunset whilst eating the best Thai food ever with the kids playing on the beach. If I had to choose one ‘Take Me Back’ moment in my life this would undoubtedly be it - just pure heaven. For anyone wanting to break away from the usual bucket and spade holiday and embark on your first family adventure I urge you to consider Thailand, it's a beautiful country, great value for money, has incredible beaches & sunsets and plenty of family friendly accommodation options. Oh and how can I forget the one thing I judge every holiday on – THE FOOD! Even for those who aren't a fan of Thai food, or if you have a fussy eater like we do (a concern before we went was that Jasper, our 12 year old, would live on chips and bread for two weeks!), then there is always something to suit a more western pallet. In the words of Jasper & Jude – “Thailand – Best Holiday Ever!!”

19 April 2022

Cruising is back!! My first ocean cruise since Covid and a special little Easter break with hubby and my two boys. It was also our first family holiday abroad since we got married in Cyprus in June 2017! Our home for 3 nights was Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas. Following a £97million refurb, Voyager is welcoming passengers back to the seas again. Without a doubt this is a ship for families, the facilities are endless and for children there is fun to be had deck by deck. There are many restaurants on board, Windjammer café is newly refurbed and offers a fabulous buffet at every meal time. The copious amounts of bacon and spaghetti Bolognese were a definite hit with the kids! The ship has 3 speciality restaurants (Italian, steakhouse and Japanese) unfortunately we have fussy eaters (the children not us) so we didn’t get to experience any of them first hand but our friends opted for Izumi for a taste of Japan and it didn't disappoint, great Sushi and Sashimi options, a fab kids menu and on deck 14 it offers a fantastic view of the ship. Voyager has some seriously cool options...the Flowrider surf simulator is the only one of its kind at sea, the instructors are amazing and will get you riding the waves in minutes. Voyager also offers Laser Tag, and an ice skating rink, arcades, swimming pool and waterslides and a brand new kids club for all ages. My children are 6 and 10 and we allowed our eldest his first taste of independence on the ship knowing he could only be a deck or two away and he absolutely loved it. He very much had his own cruise, made new friends and memories to last a lifetime. My little one was the perfect age for kids club and you can sign them in and out as they please. The fun is not just for kids; the spa, gym, indoor pool and solarium, shows and bars all provide endless options for you to get the most of your time whilst the kids enjoy theirs. The cabin options are also plentiful, we had a balcony cabin which had all the space we needed. Voyager offers so much to do that we were hardly in it and when we were we had enough space to relax and very comfy beds to sleep in. Our itinerary was just Barcelona to Palma and back for 3 nights but Voyager offers some amazing longer itineraries and if you are looking for a family holiday at sea, Voyager is an excellent choice. If you've never experienced a family cruise you would be hard pressed to find a better ship than Voyager, with something for everyone, itineraries to experience different destinations and only unpack once, she's a great choice. If you’d like to know more about family cruising and the range of options available please get it touch

30 March 2022

River cruises are something I’ve sold in the past but having never done one myself, when I was offered a place on a trip down the River Danube, naturally I jumped at the chance! After 3 long years of no international travel, I joined about 50 other travel agents on MS Vivaldi, part of the Croisieurope fleet and our itinerary took us to Vienna, Bratislava, Esztergom & Budapest. If you’re a fan of cruising, particularly the smaller ships, then you should 100% try a river cruise! They are, in many ways, very similar to ocean cruises with the fabulous food, amazing service and getting to experience multiple destinations in one holiday, but the ships are smaller than the majority of the ocean liners giving that feeling of intimacy and homeliness. The beauty of the smaller, specially built river cruise ships is that in most cases they take you right into the heart of the destinations you’re visiting meaning you’re often only a stroll away from the hustle & bustle of the city. In each of the cities we visited we were met by a tour guide and taken on a whistle stop tour accompanied by our trusty headsets, provided by the ship. We had the perfect mix of guided tour and free time to experience what each city had to offer. VIENNA, AUSTRIA I last visited Vienna about 24 years ago as a teenager and remembered very little aside from the street cafes and buying chocolates with pictures of Mozart on them (which I’m pleased to report you can still get!!!), so I was really excited to experience the Austrian capital again to see whether it brought back any memories. I wasn’t disappointed! The city is vibrant and bustling with a perfect mix of history, beautiful architecture, designer boutiques and the café culture many of us crave from a European city break. It’s definitely one to add to the travel hit list some of its highlights being The Spanish Riding School & St Stephen’s Cathedral. For the foodies - I highly recommend the kalbsbutterschnitzel. A traditional Austrian dish of a veal meatballs served with mashed potatoes, gravy & crispy onions. Delicious! BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA It’s easy to see why so many people flock to the beautiful Slovakian capital every year. Set at the foot of Little Carpathia and located on the border of three countries, Bratislava has a bit of everything. It’s where the past meets the present and culture meets nightlife. Take a visit to Bratislava Castle and the Slavin War Memorial, wonder the maze of streets and hidden alleyways or indulge in a drink and some lunch in one of the gorgeous bistros in Main Square whilst enjoying a spot of people watching! Top tip - if you’re a fan of cakes and pastry’s you’ve got to try a traditional Slovakian Roll - a yummy sweet bread filled with nuts or poppy seeds! ESZTERGOM, HUNGARY I have to admit when venturing off the ship and strolling through the eerily quiet town it was difficult to see what this former Hungarian capital had to offer but after climbing the ‘cat steps’ to the top of Castle Hill we certainly found our ‘WOW’ moment when entering the stunning Esztergom Basilica, Hungary's largest church - to say the place is huge is a wild understatement!!! The beautiful frescos, magnificent organ and ancient crypt certainly make a visit to the Basilica worth while. BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Well what I can say - never has a city captured my heart like Budapest. If you haven’t been - go and if you have been - go again! The city is divided into two parts with the River Danube separating Buda from Pest. Buda is the quieter side where you’ll find the famous Castle Quarter, if I have one tip it would be to visit just before sunset to get the most incredible pictures of the stunning Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. It is truly like something from a fairy tale, so beautiful and breath taking. The Pest side of the city is the more lively side and where you’ll find a host of fabulous bars, bistros and street cafes, spectacular buildings housing a multiple of museums & theatres and The Budapest Eye - a 65m high Ferris wheel giving you magnificent views over the city. BUDAPEST, I will definitely be back! I really have fallen in love with river cruising and the cities that I visited and this was just the start! There’s a whole world of rivers out there to explore from the Mekong in Southeast Asia and China’s Yangtze to America’s Mississippi and the Zambezi in Africa - there’s a river cruise for everyone!!! I’d love to enthuse more about my trip and all things river cruise so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you fancy one yourself and would like to know more!

26 September 2017

I’ve never visited Amsterdam or Antwerp before so when I won a place on a weekend taster cruise with Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV), I was really looking forward to joining my TC colleagues to learn all about both cities and what CMV had to offer. The cruise embarked from Tilbury in London. Living in Oxford, it was a quick and easy journey on the train and tube and by 2pm we were on-board MV Columbus sampling the refreshments in the sunshine! Columbus has been newly refurbished and has a modern, spacious feel. It’s a medium sized ship, so is relatively easy to navigate and has lots of well-appointed public areas including shopping galleries, cafes, pool decks with plenty of sunbeds for soaking up the rays and the beautiful atrium, where we enjoyed fabulous after-dinner dancing on our final evening. There are various entertainment venues on-board including a theatre, casino and Domes nightclub where you can party into the early hours, as well as a number of bars and restaurants. The food was really good and certainly on a par with the cuisine I have experienced on some of the larger cruise ships, such as P&O and Celebrity. My particular favourite was Fusion – an Indian speciality dining restaurant serving authentic Indian cuisine and I have to say, it has to be one of the best Indian meals I have had (and I’ve had a few!) We spent our 3 nights in an outside cabin with a large picture window, great for experiencing the views as you pull into all the wonderful ports on your journey. Cabins are spacious, clean and very comfortable, with plenty of storage space, tea and coffee making facilities and a TV (not that we had time to watch anything! Like most cruise ships, Columbus operates a cashless system on-board and all prices are in pound sterling. The cost of drinks is very reasonable with a beer costing approx. £4.50 and cocktails at around £3.85, so definitely cheaper than a night out in Oxford! Amsterdam and Antwerp are great stops for a weekend cruise as you dock right in the heart of the city with the main sights only a short stroll away. We had a coach tour of Amsterdam organised for us. However, I personally feel that the best way to explore is on foot either self-guided or as part of an organised walking tour, and twinned with a relaxing canal boat cruise. This will give you a great feel for the busy capital with its iconic canals, house boats, historic buildings and of course the odd bicycle or two! Antwerp is a beautiful city located on the River Scheldt and is famed for its diamonds, ancient Flemish architecture and a spectacular gothic cathedral. Of course, no trip to Belgium would be complete without sampling one of the things the country is most famous for – beer! We took part in a walking beer tour and had great fun. We sampled 3 of the local beers in 3 different cafes, one of which served a whopping 300 different beers! Be warned though some of the beers are quite strong, so you may need a snooze by the pool when you get back to the ship! I thoroughly enjoyed the whole weekend and CMV were fantastic hosts. I highly recommend a taster cruise to anyone who hasn’t cruised before to give you a feel for cruising, I don’t doubt that you will get the cruising bug and want to go again! It’s also a great idea for a group get together such as a hen or stag weekend. Columbus itself is targeted more towards the 50 plus market with most of its cruises being adults-only; however, this mini-cruise had a wide mix of ages and clientele. If you’d like to hear more about a cruise with Cruise & Maritime Voyages or any other cruise line, or if you are interested in visiting Amsterdam or Antwerp, then please do not hesitate to get in touch so I can tell you more.

21 October 2016

I last visited Dubai 13 years ago and I know from the many clients I have sent there over the years that it has changed miraculously since then. So when my Mum offered to take me for my birthday, I jumped at the chance to be able to see for myself how much this amazing city has developed following my last trip. Our journey started with Meet & Greet parking at Heathrow, this is so quick and easy, I highly recommend it! We flew direct to Dubai with British Airways, a service which I could not fault in any way. Great food, plenty of room, good seatback entertainment and we arrived ahead of schedule on both legs, what more could you ask for? As I do for most of my clients, I booked a shuttle transfer to pick us up from the airport and take us to our hotel, which again was a faultless service. We were met at arrivals and promptly taken to our luxury air-conditioned taxi which was a bit of light relief from the 36 degrees that greeted us once we left the airport! When choosing where to stay I deliberated over the popular Dubai hotels - Atlantis, Jumeirah Beach, Zabeel Saray etc. but eventually we opted to stay at the Movenpick Ibn Battuta Gate in the Jebel Ali area of the city. I have regular clients who stay here two or three times a year, always with very high praise, so I wanted to try it for myself. So with an excellent all-inclusive programme and the chance of an upgrade to a Deluxe Room it was the perfect choice for a relaxing break in the sun. The Ibn Battuta Gate is a wonderful hotel, decorated in the style of the many countries that the hotels namesake, the great explorer Ibn Battuta, visited on his travels. Each floor is named after and the suites decorated in the style of a different country, making the hotel very individual. All the rooms are very spacious with lovely big bathrooms and showers that you just want to stay under forever! We were fortunate enough to be offered a Battuta Suite for our last 2 nights and WOW! The pictures really do not do it justice! We had the 'Russia' suite which was ordained with large sofas, heavy dark wood furniture and lots of big lamps. The private terrace in the suites are huge too! The food was one of my favourite bits about staying at this hotel, it really is exceptional. With a choice of 4 restaurants and 3 bars, all of which are included on the all-inclusive plan, there is something to suit every palette. The roast is to die for and the Indian Thali at 'Chor Baazar' is a culinary delight. The hotel has a wonderful, very peaceful roof-top pool with extremely comfy sun loungers (yes I did nod off a couple of times!). But if you prefer the beach, there is the fabulous Oceana Beach Club on The Palm, which is sistered with Movenpick, where you will find a beautiful beach and one of the most luxurious infinity pools I have seen, along with a restaurant and beach bar serving tasty lunchtime options. The hotel runs a complimentary shuttle service every day on the hour between 10am and 10pm. This takes about 15 minutes. The Ibn Battuta Gate is a little further away from the Jumeirah and Marina areas of Dubai than some other big hotels, but with cheap taxis and the mono-rail about 2 minutes away, I certainly wouldn't let it be a put-off. Although the trip was mainly a chance to relax by the pool and escape the everyday life (and weather!) back home, we decided to partake in a tour of Dubai Old Town. This is a great value, 1/2 day trip which gives you the opportunity to learn a lot about Dubai's history, albeit very recent, as well as visiting the famous Gold & Spice Souks (the smells from the spice markets are amazing), the Dubai Museum and also take a ride on an Abra - a traditional motor boat - across the Dubai Creek. Finally, no trip to Dubai would be complete without a photo stop on Jumeirah beach, quite possibly one of the nicest beaches I've visited, to see Dubai's most iconic hotel the Burj Al Arab. I truly cannot recommend Dubai highly enough. Whether you are travelling on business, a romantic weekend break, a family holiday or a stop-over en-route to the Far East or Australia, there really is something for everyone. From golf, horse racing and shopping to waterparks, spas and desert adventures there is no limit to what Dubai has to offer you. To hear more about my trip and to find out how this emerging, cosmopolitan city can cater for you please get in touch.

01 April 2015

Imagine the surprise and delight when, back in November at our annual conference in Manchester, a room full of Travel Counsellors were told that we had all been invited to spend a night on the brand new ship by P&O, Britannia. My excitement grew when, a month before the event, I received my personal invitation in the post and with all the press coverage leading up to her launch, I really could not wait to board this incredible new ship. The day arrived and myself and my TC friends, Nat & Laura, set off on our road trip - next stop, Southampton! Here we were greeted with our first glimpse of beautiful Britannia, fresh from her official naming ceremony by HRH The Queen. We checked in and were given our cabin numbers and Sea Passes and then we finally set foot on board! What can I say? Britannia is truly stunning and a picture of pure elegance. For every new part of the ship you discover there lies a WOW factor, from the spectacular Atrium and the heavenly Retreat to the Oasis Spa and a multitude of vibrant restaurants. My favourite parts of the ship, however, have to be the kids club, I honestly have never seen such wonderful children's facilities on any ship or hotel, I wanted to stay and play myself! With different areas there is something for all ages from Tots to Teens. Whatever age your children, there are daily activities to keep them occupied throughout the whole cruise; and I also loved The Cookery Club, a unique innovation that allows you the opportunity to create your own delicious dishes with the guidance of some of the industry's best chefs - I even got a sneaky peak of the fabulous James Martin! After our tour of discovery and an official welcome from the P&O directors in the Headliner Theatre, we made our way to our luxurious balcony cabin to get ready for an evening of food, wine and entertainment. Our twin cabin was light, airy and spacious with a very modern feel and something every girl wants, plenty of floor length mirrors! All glammed up, we gathered in The Atrium for pre-dinner drinks, before heading off to the Oriental restaurant to enjoy a top-class, 7 course meal with the option to sample the wonderful Marco Pierre-White menu. The lobster was to die for! There was evening entertainment to suit everyone, from a sophisticated, leisurely drink in the Crow's Nest to a lively stage show in the theatre or for the party animals amongst us, there was the very popular 80's disco in The Live Lounge. The following morning we enjoyed a lovely breakfast at Horizon buffet restaurant, with a wide variety of options to choose from including freshly cooked pancakes & omelettes from the egg station, full English, continental or a selection of fruits, cereals & yoghurts for those wanting something lighter. Sadly, our stay had to end, but armed with a wealth of knowledge and some unforgettable memories of this wonderful ship, we disembarked into the bright sunshine with a smile on our faces! I am very proud to have been part of this prestigious event, so thank you to P&O and Travel Counsellors for allowing me the opportunity. I really would recommend a cruise on Britannia to everyone. Please do get in touch if you want to know more about the amazing facilities on board of the breath-taking itineraries, I would LOVE to tell you all about it! Speak soon.

24 August 2014

For our family holiday this year we decided to do something we have never done before… visit the same place twice! We went to the beautiful resort of Olu Deniz last year and loved it so much we were eager to go back again. With its iconic mountain backdrop and gorgeous blue seas, we just couldn’t resist another visit. I booked flights with Jet2 from East Midlands Airport, another two firsts for us, and we were very impressed. East Midlands is an easy to navigate, smallish airport and it was very quick and easy for us to get to from Oxford. Jet2 provided a very friendly, efficient service and there was plenty of leg room on the aircraft, so a great start to our 2 weeks in the sun! Last year we stayed in a relatively basic, yet lovely, hotel, however the rooms were a little small for the 3 of us, therefore, this time, with Jasper being that bit older and bigger we opted for the 4* Liberty Hotel in a Superior Triple Room and we were delighted with our choice. The rooms were large and modern with large bathrooms and showers, the staff were wonderful and very friendly and the hotel has a spacious, lively (in a good way) pool area. One of the major draws of Olu Deniz, for us, is the fact that everything is within easy walking distance – bars, restaurants, beach and shops. Step out of most hotels and you have an abundance of cheerful bars and beautiful restaurants. You will find a restaurant to suit all tastes and budgets, in fact prices are very reasonable, even in the higher end restaurants. Cuisine ranges from traditional Turkish kebabs & mezes and freshly caught seafood, to Chinese, Italian & steaks. Our personal favourites were Buzz Beach Bar (great sea-front bar/restaurant) and The Oyster Residence which served some of the best food we have had for a long time – the prawns were exquisite! The main beach of Olu Deniz is located right on the doorstep. It is a mixture of sand and shingle beach and you will always find plenty on sunbeds and parasols. If you prefer a sandy beach, the famous blue lagoon is only a 20 minute walk away or you can get on a shuttle bus to one of the many beach clubs surrounding the lagoon, where you will find clear, calm waters, golden sand and stunning views. For those who fancy a break from pool or beach life and want to experience a bit more of such a wonderful country, there are ample opportunities to visit some of Turkey’s most beautiful locations. Take a trip to Pamukkale, the site of a natural mineral thermal spa; explore Fethiyes mountains, gorges and beaches on a 4x4 jeep safari or for those who want something a bit more leisurely and relaxing, there are a number of trips by boat, including the 12 islands of Fethiye Bay. You can also jump on the local Dolmus and visit Fethiyes famous market, where you can purchase many local crafts, tasty fresh fruit and locally caught fish. One thing that Olu Deniz is renowned for, and that you won’t escape, is paragliding, whether it’s just watching them from the comfort of your sunbed or being brave enough to take part yourself. I haven’t quite built up the courage to take the leap yet, but my partner did and he was exhilarated by the adrenalin rush and breath-taking views. I will take his word for it for now, I have seen the pictures and video, that’s enough for me!! Olu Deniz really does have something to suit most tastes, from families and couples to groups of friends, single travellers (Olu Deniz is very safe) and even honeymooners (there are a couple of beautiful boutique style hotels that are perfect for a romantic honeymoon). I can honestly say that Olu Deniz is my favourite European beach holiday so far. This was my 2nd visit and it certainly won’t be my last. Our whole holiday was perfect from start to finish and I returned home feeling positively relaxed. If you would like to know more or think this is the resort for you, give me a call, I will be delighted to tell you all about the delight that is Olu Deniz!

02 July 2014

To celebrate my mum’s 50th birthday, we decided to book a summer cruise! We were travelling with a 6 month old baby so we opted for a 17 night Mediterranean cruise aboard P&O’s Ventura departing from Southampton. We parked at Southampton port, which was a quick and straightforward process. Your luggage is taken from the car and the next time you see it is in your cabin. We checked-in and boarded Ventura without any problems or delays and then made our way to our lovely cabin. We booked a deluxe ocean view with a balcony and we were very impressed. It was spacious, comfy and home for the next 17 days. Our first four days were spent at sea which gave us the perfect opportunity to explore the colossus that is Ventura. There is plenty to do for everyone and a full entertainment programme every day. If relaxing is high on your agenda, you can laze around one of the 4 swimming pools, be pampered in the Oasis Spa or just chill out on the many deck areas with your favourite book. For those who wish to fill their days with a bit more fun and excitement you can visit the on-board cinema, test your knowledge with a fun quiz, don your dancing shoes for a spot of ballroom dancing, or for the sporty types, there’s golf, football and tennis. Evenings on Ventura begin at 6pm with the first dinner sitting; however, we opted for the 8.30 sitting as we prefer to eat later. As part of the club dining option, we were allocated a table at the Bay Tree restaurant, this table was then ours for the duration of the cruise. I really cannot fault the food or the service, every meal we had was exceptional and each night was a different menu. I challenge anyone to complete 5 courses each evening (although I did give it a good go myself!). In fact on Ventura you will never go hungry, with 11 different restaurants including Marco Pierre White’s ‘White Room’ and ‘East’ oriental restaurant, there is something for every taste and at any time of the day. Evening entertainment is just as vast as the daytime with a choice of cabaret shows, tribute acts, the on-board casino or just a quiet drink in one of the many bars. During our cruise we visited 8 different ports; Valencia, Messina, Cephalonia, Dubrovnik, Venice, Korcula, Corfu & Gibraltar. Each destination was very different and in some places we opted for one of P&O’s organised excursions and in other ports we decided to do our own thing. My particular favourites from the areas we visited were Venice with its narrow, cobbled streets and iconic canals, Dubrovnik for the beautiful architecture of the walled city and Korcula with its stunning scenery and quaint seafront restaurants. Having never cruised before, I really didn’t know what to expect from this trip, however, I was more than pleasantly surprised and I really would recommend cruising to anybody. It was ideal for us as a family with excellent kid’s facilities and babysitting service, but is equally as suited to couples of any age and also groups. We could not fault anything about our cruise, the food was excellent, facilities plentiful and service outstanding. I will definitely be cruising again in the future and I hope to help many of my clients experience this wonderful way to travel too.

19 April 2013

I was lucky enough to be given a place on a three night educational to visit our Discerning Collection properties in the beautiful resorts of Kalkan and Kas. Along with some of my Travel Counsellors colleagues, we started the trip in style by booking into one of the exclusive airport lounges at Birmingham to relax with a few drinks before our flight to Dalaman. On arrival in Dalaman, we were greeted by our personal guide and transferred to Kalkan. The journey took approximately 90 minutes but seems a lot less. During our stay we were based at the Oasis Hotel, this is one of the adult only properties and with only 17 rooms has a very intimate, laid back atmosphere. Situated just 5 minutes’ walk from the centre and the numerous bars and restaurants, it really is an ideal base for your stay. Our first day in Kalkan was spent visiting the numerous hotels and villas in the Discerning Collection portfolio. This included the Asfiya, a lovely 42 room property suited to couples and families alike. The hotel has a glorious pool, spa facilities and is only 10 minutes’ walk to town. There are a wide range of villas in the collection, all beautifully decorated to a high standard and unlike many villas in Europe, most are located within walking distance or a short drive to the centre. A few of the villas are semi-detached, so a great option for larger groups wanting to stay close together. If food and gastronomy is your thing, Kalkan really is the place to go. The Lykia Residence & Spa have a wonderful chef and we were lucky enough to have him cook a farewell meal for us. You will also find some excellent restaurants in the town. Two definitely worth a try (and that won't break the bank) are Kalamaki, with its stunning roof-top terrace and Aubergine, located along the cosmopolitan harbour front. About 30 minutes along the coast, you will find the pretty harbour town of Kas, with its winding cobbled streets, colourful local shops and market square; you get a real flavour of Turkey. We had the pleasure of visiting the brand new Kas Peninsula Garden Hotel & Spa. With its breath-taking sea views and suites with private plunge pools, it makes the ideal stay for a honeymoon or special romantic occasion. All in all, my visit to Kalkan was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and I certainly plan to visit the stunning town again and I will continue to recommend it as a holiday destination to my friends and clients.

13 December 2011

As a treat for my 25th Birthday, knowing how much I love Disney, my partner took me to Disneyland Paris for 3 nights. We decided to travel on the Eurostar from London St Pancras as neither of us had been on it before and we paid a little extra to upgrade to the leisure select, which gave us slightly bigger seats and a trolley service meal. The whole experience was quick and easy all the way from check-in to arrival. The train also drops you right outside the Disney Parks where you can then get a free shuttle straight to your chosen hotel. We stayed at the New York Hotel, which has an ideal location just 5 minutes walk from the Disney Village and both parks. It is the 2nd closest hotel to the parks, the Disneyland Hotel being the closest. The hotel itself was lovely. The rooms were a great size, with lovely views over the lake; there are 2 restaurants and also a great pool with an indoor & outdoor section, both of which were enjoyed by kids & adults alike. Disneyland Resort is made up of 2 parks and Disney Village. Firstly you have Disneyland Park, which for those that have been to Florida, is very similar to the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, and features different lands including Frontierland & Adventureland. This park is also where you will get to see the many parades that take place throughout the day. The parades are a real spectacular and should not be missed. They feature all the favourite Disney characters from Mickey, Minnie & Cinderella to Buzz Lightyear & Peter Pan. The second park is Walt Disney Studios Park. This is smaller than Disneyland Park and is based more on interactive cinematic experiences. Here you can experience a studio tram tour and the Hollywood Tower of Terror amongst other things. The final area is Disney Village, is where a selection of shops and restaurants can be found, including McDonalds, Planet Hollywood & the Disney Café. The Disney Café provides the opportunity to have breakfast with some of the characters (always a firm favourite with the little ones!). With 4 days to visit the parks we were able to take our time to see and do everything we wanted. I would say that in order to get the most from your stay and to experience all the parks in full, that this is an ideal duration, especially during peak periods. During our stay, we decided to book an evening at Buffalo Bills Wild West Show and we are so glad that we did. I really would recommend it as a great evening for all the family. The atmosphere is amazing and I challenge anybody to finish the huge amount of food served up!! We had everything from chilli to ribs to sausages. With thigh-slapping entertainment from Buffalo Bill, Sitting Bull, Mickey & Friends and your very own cowboy hat, you really do fell part of the Wild West. Yeeha!!! For those seeking the ultimate thrill a visit to Disney provides the opportunity to experience some great rollercoaster’s. I think we managed to fit in every one of them (some more scary than others!!), my personal favourite was Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril! There are also plenty of rides and attractions for the younger kids, including ‘It’s a Small World’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and for those wannabe Disney princesses ‘Sleeping Beauty’s Castle’. There really is something for every age group. In my opinion, Disneyland Paris is truly a magical place and certainly a must, not just for families, but for the young at heart too. I can’t wait for the chance to visit again!