09 May 2025

Until recently I was firmly in the ‘cruising isn’t for me’ camp. I pictured ships as floating resorts packed to the rafters with people, rigid dining times, fancy pants dress codes and not enough freedom – being ‘stuck’ on a ship with nowhere to go. I just wasn’t sure it was my kind of holiday. That was before I sailed on Norwegian Aqua in March. So I wasn’t with my family, I spent three nights with some wonderful work colleagues who were very easy to be around – it completely changed how I see cruising. Before stepping on board, here’s what I honestly thought: - Would I feel trapped? The idea of being in the middle of the sea felt restrictive - Is it only for older people? - Would I be told what to do and where to be all the time? I’d heard of formal nights, fixed meal times and assigned seating – none of which seemed flexible, or enjoyable. What actually happened on board Norwegian Aqua… - There were no set dining times, no dress codes and complete freedom to plan your day how you want. I ate when I felt like it, wore what made me feel comfy and never felt tied to a schedule. - It was like a floating city with amazing restaurants, live shows, bars, quiet lounges, a spa and even a waterslide. Something for every mood and every moment. When you break it down, accommodation, meals, entertainment and travel between destinations, cruising offers exceptional value for money, often better than a land based holiday. And think of all those destinations you get to see enroute – and you only have to unpack once, your hotel just moves with you! If you have dismissed cruising as ‘not your thing’ I get it! But cruising has changed, and it’s now more flexible, stylish and varied than ever before. Fun facts…. 71% of individuals who have never cruised before would consider doing so in the future 82% of cruisers will cruise again 12% of cruisers, cruise twice a year 10% of cruisers cruise 3-5 times a year

31 March 2025

I was recently lucky enough to embark on a River Cruise with AmaWaterways, alongside some of my fellow Travel Counsellors. And let me tell you—it was a game changer! If you've never considered a river cruise before, now is the time. It’s one of the most relaxing, immersive, and hassle-free ways to explore multiple destinations in style. Here’s why: * Unpack Once, Explore More – Your floating boutique hotel takes you effortlessly from one incredible destination to the next. * Dock in the Heart of the Action – Step off the ship and find yourself right in the city centre, ready to explore. * Intimate & Personal – With only around 150–200 guests, expect exceptional service, a friendly atmosphere, and no crowds. * Inclusive Experience – Most river cruises include guided excursions, delicious dining, and even complimentary drinks. * Scenic Cruising at Its Best – Glide past fairytale castles, vineyard-clad hills, and historic towns right from your suite. * Culture & Cuisine – Savour authentic local dishes, enjoy wine tastings, and immerse yourself in the rich history of Europe’s most beautiful rivers. The most popular rivers for first-time cruisers? The Rhine, Danube, and Seine. Each offers a unique blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Busting the River Cruise Myths - X “It’s just for older travellers” – Think again! River cruises now attract all ages, with plenty of active excursions like cycling, hiking, and food tours. X “It’s boring” – Far from it! Expect wine tastings, cooking classes, live music, and even night-time city tours. X “Ships are unstable” – Rivers are calm, so seasickness isn’t an issue. X “You’re stuck onboard” – Not at all! Ships dock centrally, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Why AmaWaterways? If you’re looking for award-winning luxury, impeccable service, and immersive experiences, AmaWaterways is hard to beat. With spacious, elegantly designed ships, incredible dining (including their exclusive Chef’s Table experience), and an array of enriching shore excursions, every moment onboard feels special. For active travellers, their Wellness Programme offers guided hikes, bike tours, and even yoga classes. And if you love fine wine, their Wine Cruises are a must! Whether you're a seasoned traveller or new to cruising, AmaWaterways delivers an unforgettable way to see Europe.

18 December 2024

Malta in October is a travellers dream. With mild temperatures around 24 degrees it’s the perfect time for a family holiday. In fact Malta enjoys an average of 300+ sunny days a year, making it one of the sunniest countries in Europe. With travel time being just over 3 hours from London it’s perfect for a 7 night break or maybe even a cheeky long weekend when perhaps the annual leave bucket is running a little dry! The island is located in the heart of the Med and is a treasure trove of rich history, culture and beautiful landscapes blended perfectly with relaxation and adventure. There is something for everyone on this petite island which measures just 17 miles long making it the world’s tenth smallest country. During our visit the sea was still warm enough for swimming (in fact warmer than the hotel pool!), we spent relaxing afternoons at Golden Bay beach, located a stone’s throw from the Radisson Blu – our home for the week. Crystal-clear waters, gentle waves and less crowded shores made for perfect swimming and snorkelling. There was a cute beach bar, sun loungers for hire and a huge selection of water sports available. The sunsets were just stunning – either from the beach or from the veranda of the hotel bar. The hotel itself offered a diverse range of accommodation, many of the rooms had self-catering facilities and were able to be interconnecting making it a great option for larger or multi-generational families. There are a variety of restaurant to choose from, however we ventured out most evenings to the local town of Mellieha which was about a 10 minute drive away. We used Bolt cars as our chosen taxi service in the evenings, they always arrived quickly and offered a great, safe service. For our day time adventures, we hired a car which we picked up from the airport on our arrival into Malta. Driving is a dream – it’s on the left for a start, the road signs are in English and are familiar in design to us Brits. Now this isn’t the be all and end all of course, but it did make getting around easier and required far less planning. Valletta - A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning architecture and narrow, historic streets. This is a compact city making walking enjoyable and stress-free. Wander through the cobbled streets and discover hidden gems like St. John’s Cathedral, or the impressive Grand Master's Palace, once the home of the Knights of St. John. Valletta is also home to some of the island's most stunning views, with panoramic vistas of the Grand Harbour and the surrounding Mediterranean. Mdina - Perched on a hilltop in the heart of the island, Mdina, often called the Silent City, offers a step back in time. With its narrow, winding streets, fortified walls, and medieval architecture, Mdina feels like a place frozen in history. Once the capital of Malta, this ancient city was home to nobility and knights, and today, it remains peaceful, largely free from the bustle of modern life. St Julians - Nestled along Malta’s stunning northeastern coastline, St. Julian's is a lively and eclectic destination that perfectly blends modern energy with Mediterranean charm. Once a sleepy fishing village, today it’s one of the island’s most popular spots for both locals and visitors. Silema - Located along Malta’s northeastern coast, Sliema is a vibrant mix of cosmopolitan flair and coastal beauty. Known for its lively atmosphere, stunning waterfront, and chic shopping, Sliema has become one of Malta’s most popular destinations. The seafront promenade offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the historic capital, Valletta, just across the water. These are just some of the places we visited during our trip and of course the mooching around the streets was pleasantly interspersed with delicious food at family-friendly restaurants and outstanding local wine. Would I recommend Malta? Absolutely! It really does have something for everyone and with its extended season, you can pick and choose exactly when to go.

20 May 2024

Me, my husband and our 2 kids (14 & 11) arrived in New York on a Saturday morning in early February after a Virgin flight with a super crew on board. We travelled from Peterborough on the Thameslink to Heathrow via Farringdon Street which was seamless. We stayed overnight at the Hilton Garden Inn at T3 so we could get to the airport bright and early ready for our 9am flight. Excitement levels were high, as you can imagine! We knew what we wanted to do whilst we were there and we spent time beforehand grouping everything into similar areas to maximise our time and spare our feet! We stayed for 6 nights in total so we took the opportunity each day to find a bar and chill out over a couple of beers and a game of cards. Arrival Day - On arrival at JFK, be prepared for the ‘line’ to pass through immigration, we were waiting for an hour and a half. Once through, we headed for the taxi rank where the attendant soon allocated us a taxi suitable for us and our luggage. The fare was approximately $100 (including a tip). We paid by card but you can also pay by cash. Once checked into our hotel – The Margaritaville Resort Times Square, we had a mooch round Times Square and drinks and dinner at the Yard House, which had 100’s of beers on tap and great food. Day 1 - After enjoying a breakfast of great coffee, juice and pastries at Ole and Steen, we headed to Grand Central Station, one of the most iconic train stations in the world. The main concourse has beautiful arched windows, while its ceiling is adorned with a celestial mural depicting hundreds of stars. At the centre of the main concourse, you will find the information booth and the clock, worth $20 million dollars, is accurate to with 1 second every billion years! The Whispering Gallery is situated beneath the main concourse and is renowned for its unique acoustics. If two people stand at diagonal corners to one another and whisper, the sound travels along the curve of the ceiling allowing the other person to clearly hear what has been said. A great mix of architecture and good fun! Our next stop was SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, accessed from inside Grand Central Station. This is the newest addition to the growing collection of observation decks in New York City. The decks start at 91 floors up and ends at 93! This experience not only gives you the most wonderful views of the city but also provides a immersive experience blending art, technology and architecture. There is a glass overhang you can stand on for a great photo opportunity, this is managed by staff so the queue moves quickly. We were 90+ floors up for about an hour but it felt like longer, we certainly didn’t rush. The lift up and back down again is good fun! The afternoon was spent having a mooch down 5th Avenue popping into Trump Tower, Tiffanys (leaving empty handed), Lego store (not leaving empty handed), Nike and Adidas (worth mentioning that these stores both had really decent toilet facilities). Day 2 - We got up and headed off to Hudson Yards, a newly developed neighbourhood on the Hudson river. It’s very shiny and has lots of mirrored windows and a luxury shopping centre. It is also home to the Vessel, a structure made up of connecting staircases which at the time of writing was closed to the public. The Edge has a glass floor leaning out 100 storeys up! Hudson Yards is also the start of the High Line, a disused train line that was saved from demolition and is now a free public park up above the streets of New York. There are several access points along its length and some have lifts from street level – you can even check which ones are in service via the High Line website. We came off the High Line to visit Little Island, a free public park built on the site of Pier 54. It includes flowers, shrubs and trees as well as an amphitheatre and amazing views down the river as far as the Statue of Liberty. Almost next door is Pier 57, an indoor food market and rooftop garden. Next stop, Chelsea Market a former biscuit factory, is now a food hall with lots of delicious food outlets. A great place to head to if you like to try new things or if everyone in your party wants something different. Day 3 - SNOW DAY and Pancake Day! We woke up to quite heavy snow, which didn’t seem to be settling so after a promise of pancakes on Pancake Day, we headed to a near by diner and had the true New York Diner experience! Bellies full, off we went north bound, destination Central Park. It was cold, wet and the snow was just collecting as slush on the ground but Central Park was exceptionally beautiful. The snow had settled in the trees and covered the ground, creating a picturesque winter scene. Day 4 - This was our first venture onto the subway with the kids in tow as we headed to Brooklyn, it is so easy to use and navigate. All the fares are the same cost regardless of how far you travel (approx. £3). We had a mooch round DUMBO, it has much more of a small town feel to it. Visit the pebble beach and the carousel (but check if it is open on the day you want to visit). We went for brunch at the Time Out Market, great for multiple dining options and it also has a rooftop bar for warmer days. Finally we walked back to Manhattan over Brooklyn Bridge. If you’re only going to walk one way, walk this way to enjoy the spectacular views of the city. It takes about 20 minutes to cross and the architecture is stunning. Day 5 - Liberty Island and Ellis Island. We bought tickets when we got there from Castle Clinton in Battery Park, although you can buy them online too. The ferry headed for Liberty Island first, the museum has lots of information explaining the history of the Statue of Liberty, but the best thing is seeing her up close and personal! We then took the ferry to Ellis Island to retrace the steps of immigrants to the US. After our ferry journey back, it was getting quite late in the day but we had one last place to visit before heading back to our hotel – the 9/11 Memorial. Words cannot explain how it feels to stand on this site of such heartbreak, devastation and loss. It felt very emotional. Please go here when you visit New York City and pay your respects to the people who died and their families. Day 6 -Our last morning was spent at the Tick Tock Diner in the Hotel New York before heading back to the airport for our flight home. We all had an amazing time in New York and were grateful that we had plenty of time to spend in the city that never sleeps.

14 December 2023

In February, the four of us travelled to Hungary for some half term fun in Budapest and fun was exactly what we had! The weather was chilly but we as we were lucky enough to enjoy sunshine, it was also very crisp. Here is a little run down of the places that we visited... Home for 4 nights was located right next door to St Stephen’s Basilica, perfectly placed for the many bars, restaurants and cafés in the area. We certainly spent our hard earned cash on the most delicious and freshly made macarons as we dipped into the oh-so-very-well-located café each evening on our way home. Our first stop was the incredibly powerful and moving tribute ‘Shoes on the Danube Bank’. This memorial consists of 60 pairs of iron shoes, created to honour the jews who were massacred at the edge of the river Danube during the second world war, they were ordered to take off their shoes first as these were valuable and would be sold. Was it sad? Incredibly. Emotional? Absolutely. Did we all learn something? Without a shadow of a doubt. I cannot recommend this enough, just time to sit and think in the presence of stark reality was so important not only for us but for our children too. Chain Bridge, which can be seen from the memorial and spans the river connecting Buda and Pest, was designed by an English engineer and built by a Scottish engineer - fancy that! Hospital in the Rock is an underground hospital and nuclear bunker that has been turned into a museum and quite a time warp. Built beneath Castle Hill, it was originally built as a secret hospital during the second world war and has evolved over time, closing and re-opening again when it was needed. Today the beds and equipment are modelled by lifelike wax figures to depict scenes from when the hospital was in use. A fascinating insight into the struggles of Budapest and the determination of its people. Great Market Hall was a super place to meander through, absorbing the sights and smells of local produce and the lively atmosphere. We spent some time in the now vibrant Jewish quarter and after appreciating the glory of the synagogue I was keen to hunt down some ruin bars which sadly seem to mainly open after dark. These are a distinctive feature of this part of the city and are bars established in derelict buildings often featuring graffiti on the walls and an eclectic mix of furniture and décor. A visit was not to be this time! As well as lots of amazing places to eat and drink (check out my Red Snapper in the pics), Budapest is also home to coffee houses and grand cafés, decked out in old world charm. Visit for coffee and cake or breakfast and enjoy the beautiful ornate surroundings. It’s great that our children enjoy experiencing these city adventures now they’re a little older and walking isn’t such the punishment it once was! However it is still really important to break up the day and do something that totally has the kids in mind. Our choice? The Museum of Illusions. A brilliant attack on our senses and really good fun for everyone. It took us about an hour to go around the whole museum taking lots of silly photos of each other along the way. The most important thing to us as a family is making wonderful memories to last a lifetime and if we learn a bit along the way, all the better. Budapest, certainly ticked a lot of boxes.

20 November 2023

What?? I hear you shout! Well, for full transparency we hopped from one island (Santorini) to another (Naxos) and our kids are 13 and 10 so all in all it was a pretty fuss free experience. Both Santorini and Naxos are part of the Cyclades group of islands which are situated southeast of mainland Greece and north of Crete in the beautiful clear waters of the Aegean sea. Direct flights from the UK are either to Santorini or Mykonos and it wasn’t difficult to decide on the island of Santorini being our first stop - we've all seen the pictures right?! We flew from Stansted with Jet2. Renowned for spectacular sunsets and volcanic beauty, the island of Santorini curves around a giant lagoon and could easily be classed as one of the most spectacular islands in the world. A volcanic eruption in 16th century BC gave the island of Santorini it’s crescent like shape and the popular towns of Fira and Oia (pronounced ee-a) overlook the Caldera from the cliff tops where the sunsets are the best on the island. We chose to stay on the east side of the island in a resort called Kamari with its striking black sandy beaches and deep-blue water – the sand is hot though, you will be glad of beach shoes to save yourself from hopping about like a lizard! The resort has a lively nightlife and an incredible dining scene, it's safe to say tzatziki was a firm favourite with us along with souvlaki and I can confirm that the local wine wasn't half bad either. The resort also has an open air cinema complete with cocktail bar although you will need to book your tickets in advance. We didn’t want to miss the traditional white washed walls and blue domed churches that we’re all familiar with, so early one morning we took a taxi over to Oia in the north west of the island to experience the incredible vistas for ourselves. You need to get there early before the streets get seriously busy. We arrived for 9.30am and once there I insisted that the four of us walk down the 250+ steps to Ammoudi Bay, a former fishing village now filled with gorgeous rustic fish taverns. Needless to say, the climb back up was a much hotter affair!! Another highlight of our stay in Santorini was a catamaran cruise into the Caldera, dropping anchor at three separate spots for a swim. Our cruise lasted about 5 hours and was filled with wine and delicious food provided by a tremendous crew and of course, we witnessed the most beautiful sunset – it really was a treat. After 5 nights in Santorini, we headed back across the island to the port ready to embark the short ferry ride to Naxos. Despite initial concerns, the ferry port was fairly well organised. Basically, you have two choices – start queuing early and stand inside the terminal building while you wait to board, or head to the terminal building when they start boarding the ferry, otherwise you could be queuing in the blazing sun for a while. It was a really easy process even if on the face of it, it looked like we were about to take our lives into our own hands! There were cars and people getting on and off all at the same time! In comparison to Santorini, Naxos had a chilled vibe. As we arrived, we were greeted by the gleaming white buildings of the old quarter of Naxos Town. We stayed on the outskirts of the town so we had the lovely combination of hustle and bustle and beach. We hired a car for a couple of days and visited some of the beautiful beaches along the west coast, soaking up the sunsets along the way - true escapism. The friendly people, stunning food and beautiful countryside really did make this island so memorable for us. Our return journey was from Naxos via Athens back to Stansted. It all went a bit too quickly for my liking and I can honestly say that I can’t wait to return and visit some of the other magical islands in the Cyclades group.