08 October 2024

Best times to visit The best times to visit are Spring, Autumn and Winter where you can expect temperatures between 20-30 degrees which makes it comfortable for enjoying all the fabulous things to do here. Temperatures can reach high 40’s in the Summer, and although there are indoor attractions and a cool sea breeze, it can be too hot for some! Something to think about when planning your visit is a festival. One of the benefits of Qatar is the opportunity to experience a new culture and visiting during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr, the breaking of Ramadan festival, can really add to your experience. National Day (18th December) is another great time to visit and experience the celebration of independence. If you enjoy nature and wildlife, April - September is when whale sharks can be seen to congregate around the North-east coast whilst between May and July baby sea turtles return to the sea at Fuwairit beach, one of their most popular breeding spots. Getting around Qatar Airways fly direct from the UK, and you will arrive in 7-8 hours. What is there to see and do? Qatar offers a huge range of things to enjoy on your holiday, whether you are looking for action and adventure, tradition and culture, a relaxing beach, shopping, luxurious accommodation or something totally unique. There is too much to list here, but some of my highlights for a trip to Qatar include… Doha – the capital city Visit the winding and cobbled streets and alleys of Souk Waqif, the oldest marketplace in Doha. Here you can visit traditional stalls selling everything from textiles to spices and perfume. The gold souk is also a must (gold isn’t taxed in Qatar!). You also have the opportunity to see falconry (a UNESCO listed activity here) and enjoy local coffee or freshly cooked traditional foods. If you want to enjoy a more modern shopping experience, head to the Mall of Qatar or Villaggio Mall. You can take a stroll along the Corniche area, a 7km seafront promenade and perhaps enjoy a traditional Dhow boat trip to see Doha from a different perspective. As a cosmopolitan city, Doha offers every dining experience, from local cuisine to international restaurants. You can choose to eat inside a souk at street-level, or on a roof-top luxury hotel overlooking the city (perhaps Vertigo on the 28th floor of The Banyan Tree!) Around Doha and nearby Head just outside Doha and you will find the Aspire Zone featuring the 3,2,1 sports museum and international stadia. You may also fancy a trip to the Villaggio Mall, featuring an indoor canal with gondola’s, an ice rink and theme park rides! Education City offers the chance to see Arabian horses at the Al Shaqab equestrian centre and the Museum of Modern Art amongst other cultural sites and mosque’s. The Pearl is a man-made island often referred to as the Arabian Riviera. The Pearl-Qatar is a fascinating man-made island best known for its hotels, charming cafés and restaurants, iconic marina and luxury boutiques – all best explored via a water taxi! Banana Island is located just off the coast and features a marina and amazing coral. This is the place to go for diving and water sports. If you fancy staying in an over-water villa whilst in Qatar, this is also the place for you! Perhaps you want to try Meryal waterpark at Qetaifan Island? If you love exhilarating water slides you will not be disappointed! Around 30 minutes from Qatar you will find Al Shahaniya racetrack. Camel racing is one of the oldest sports in the Arabian Gulf that has been revamped by robotic jockeys! Around the racetrack you can visit camel city to explore the stables and observe camels in training. The racetrack runs from October – February (winter months). A little further afield Head to the North and you will find a lush tropical environment and UNESCO listed Al Zubara archaeological site. Rent a Kayak from Purple Island to take a tour through the mangroves which is a ‘must-do’ for all visitors. Head to the South and you will find Khor Al Udaid, or the ‘Inland Sea’. This is one of the few places in the world where the sea meets the desert to create truly remarkable landscapes. You will find the sea changing colour (especially at high tide) and dunes making a unique humming sound as the wind passes through and over them. This area is best explored via an organised safari, with lots of activities including 4x4 dune bashing, dune buggies, camel rides and sand boarding to name a few…or if you are looking for something a little more relaxed maybe enjoy Bedouin-style hospitality with a barbecue banquet, karak tea and fireside shisha under a star filled sky (and look out for look out for onyx, turtles, flamingos, camels and dugongs!) Surrounded by the warm, tranquil waters of the Arabian Gulf, Qatar is a great place to find water sports. Katara beach is popular for kite surfing amongst other things. All are reachable from the capital Doha. It is best to book additional trips and tickets before you travel, especially during busier periods. Hotels and budgets Qatar really does offer something for every budget. There are lots of 5-star luxury hotels offering outstanding service, but with good value. You can find world-leading brands such as the Fairmont, Waldorf Astoria or Four Seasons at The Pearl (you may not want to leave their all-inclusive resort!). But there are also lots of other options available here which cater for all budgets, and this is not just a place for the wealthy. Great value family holidays are available here too. Stop-over programme And finally, a ‘did you know’! As part if it’s push to promote tourism and combined with it’s great location as a ‘midway point for those travelling further East on holiday to locations such as the Maldives, Singapore or Bali for example, Qatar have introduced the stop-over programme. Fly to your final destination indirect with a stop in Qatar where you can stay for as little as £11 per person per night in a 4- or 5-star hotel if you are transiting to another destination (Doha connects to over 160 destinations). Not only is this amazing value, but it breaks up long flights and travel itineraries, allowing you to experience a unique culture, extend your holiday with another amazing destination and arrive refreshed and relaxed. This is a really affordable way to enjoy a true twin-centre holiday. And so…what are you waiting for...if you would like to explore Qatar please get in touch and let me help build a tailor-made trip to remember!

25 September 2024

DUBAI When people think of Dubai, they often think of modern architecture and man-made structures. There is also LOTS more to Dubai however, which together with great transport links make it a fantastic holiday destination for everyone. Flying to Dubai One of the great benefits of flying to Dubai are the direct routes from London and Manchester, getting you there in around 7-8 hours. Emirates, BA, Royal Brunei and Virgin all fly here and offer good value for a long-haul flight. This blog focusses on Dubai, but one thing to remember is that Dubai is also a key international hub, which means that if you want to twin-centre your holiday adding in another destination then that is also a great option. Popular twin centre destinations with Dubai include Mauritius, Thailand, Bali, Australia and the Maldives. Getting around Dubai is known to be one of the safest places in the world and getting around the city is relatively straight-forward. Taxi’s are a convenient way to commute across the city whilst public transport is cheap and easy to navigate. What’s to see and do There is so much to see and do in Dubai. You won’t struggle to fill your time here! I can’t list everything and so I have chosen some of the highlights in each part of this great city! Dubai Creek is located near to the airport and a great place to start. This is where traditional Dubai, it’s heritage and history can be found. Explore centuries old Souks including famous gold and spice souks as well as Grand Souk Deira where you will find gifts and souvenirs. You can also enjoy fresh seafood at Deira Waterfront market as well as more modern malls and shopping bazaars. My top tips for the Creek area are to take an Abra (traditional wooden boat) across the creek and enjoy the views, and to visit the Sheikh Mohammed centre for cultural understanding where you can enjoy locally cooked food and learn more about Dubai culture and traditions from those who live there. From the old to the new, downtown Dubai is where you will find the modern skyscrapers and attractions that are immediately recognisable. Those that top my list are the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest skyscraper), The Dubai Frame (which features a glass walkway running along the top overlooking old Dubai on one side and modern Dubai on the other), Museum Of The Future (an amazing building and very popular so book well in advance!), Dubai Mall (covering over 1 million sq metres!) and the Dubai fountain. If you’re brave and looking for an adrenaline fix, I would recommend a visit to the Address Sky View hotel. Here you can take on Observatory (a 46-metre glass walkway), Glass Slide (a transparent slide between 2 floors of the building) and Edge Walk (strap in and lean over the edge at the top of the hotel)! Back on the ground and Dubai Marina is a great place to hang out. As well as the buzz of local life there is lots to find here including Xline Dubai Marina (the world’s longest urban zipline), Skydive Dubai, and for something totally different, head to Dinner in the Sky. Here you can enjoy your dinner whilst dangling 50 metres up in the air taking in the views of Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah at sunset. Outside the hustle and bustle of the city, Dubai is also host to desert and mountainous areas with lots on offer for your holiday. Take a short drive to the Al Marmoom desert where you can enjoy a safari, quad-biking, sand boarding. Outside the city you can even cheer on your favourite camel at the Dubai Royal Camel Racing Club! My top tip is Terra Solis, quite literally an oasis in the desert. Stay here and enjoy luxury glamping or hotel accommodation. This is beautiful living under the stars…but you need to book early as the area is popular with locals looking to escape the city and unwind. Dubai is also host to the Hajar mountains just a 90-minute drive from the city centre (best visited from October – March to avoid extreme heat). There are lots of activities here including cycling and kayaking in Hatta Dam. And finally…don’t forget about the beach! The iconic Palm Jumeirah features world famous hotels and fantastic beaches such as Palm West beach with over 1.6km of pristine white sand. This really is a place to lay back and soak up the sun. If you want a little action, look out for Atlantis Aquaventure with rides, slides, a beach and aquarium for a great family day out. You could also take an evening stroll along Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk and grab some food from a local food truck. Where to stay Dubai is host to a huge number of hotels, some of which are instantly recognisable. From the iconic and elegant luxury of Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis, The Royal Dubai to the famed ‘7-star’ Jumeirah Burj Al Arab those looking to enjoy a truly memorable and luxury holiday are spoilt for choice. Some of the most popular places to stay are located around the Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island with breathtaking views. If you are thinking of a holiday full of luxury, or perhaps celebrating something special, this is the place to be! Dubai really does offer something for everyone however with a range of more affordable hotels ideal for couples and families. Staying around the creek area for example offers great value. Perhaps combine a stay around the creek or downtown areas to enjoy the buzz of the city before moving on to a relaxing beach retreat? Perhaps you would like to experience more of the United Arab Emirates…Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi are only around an hour and a half drive away and offer more great adventures (check out my other blogs for more info). I hope this gives you a flavour of some of the things you can incorporate into your trip to Dubai. If you want to build your own tailor-made itinerary and enjoy a holiday to remember forever, please get in touch I would love to help!

24 September 2024

Disneyland Paris For Disney enthusiasts, and even those who aren’t, this is a fantastic family holiday, offering all the excitement of Disneyworld Florida but on a smaller scale…and the best bit, it’s only an hour’s flight away! Disneyland Paris features two parks, Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios. You’ll find the castle and lots of themed ‘lands’ with big rides at Disneyland. Walt Disney Studio’s is where you will find Disney, Pixar and Marvel themed attractions (and my son’s favourite ride Tower of Terror!) The parks are a two-minute walk apart and both are included in your ticket price. How long do I need to visit? Having been fortunate enough to visit twice, I think 2 nights, giving 3 days at the parks is about right. If you haven’t been before or you prefer to take things at a slower pace you might want to add another night depending on how much walking you like to get in each day! Another thing to consider is whether you also want to stay in Paris beforehand and extend your holiday with a twin centre break – it’s an easy and convenient way to visit Paris (see below!). The best way to get there One of the biggest advantages of Disneyland Paris is its convenience as a location, giving you lots of travel options. Fly from Manchester or London in an around an hour with flights throughout the day. You can also get there easily via Eurostar or self- drive if you prefer. Itinerary options There are lots and lots of options here to suit different budgets and holiday preferences. Your primary consideration is whether to stay off-site (the cheaper option) or on-site (giving you a Disney themed stay). Having done both, I would advise staying on-site for the relatively small additional cost. It adds a little magic to your holiday and after a long day in the park it’s great to be close to your hotel! Staying on-site can also work out better value if you add a dining package. If you choose to stay off-site Hotel Dream Castle is my preferred choice. This 4-star hotel, featuring a swimming-pool, is around 15 minutes form the park by shuttle which is free and runs throughout the day to get you to and from the parks. If you choose to stay on-site my favourite is Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne, a toy-story themed hotel which offers fantastic value. Again, you can either use the free shuttle bus or walk to and from the parks in around 10-15 minutes. If you are looking for some luxury, then look no further than the 5-star Disneyland Hotel which is located right at the entrance to the park (the only hotel situated within the parks). This princess themed hotel has just been refurbished and is truly magical. For any Marvel fans The Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel is for you. This is another newly refurbished hotel just a short walk away from the parks with a swimming pool and skyline bar with windows which are designed to make you feel like you are in New York (and is amazing!!) Another option you may want to add, as I did the first time I booked this holiday with my son, is a visit to Paris beforehand. We stayed for an additional night at an airport hotel and spent the day in Paris visiting the main attractions before moving on to the parks the following day. If you are thinking about the budget, I found that taking a later flight and staying overnight at an airport hotel offered the best value, the most time to explore Paris and extended our time away. Getting into and out of Paris from the airport is quick and easy by train and the cost of the hotel can be off-set by cheaper later flights. Combining both with a tailor-made itinerary offered a great mix of experiences to our holiday. Disney Village Don’t forget Disney Village! Attached to both parks with themed restaurants, bars, shops, a huge Disney store and a giant hot air balloon and cinema, it is a great place to hang-out, rest your feet for a while and get ready for the next ride! We enjoyed great food at the Rainforest Café if you are looking for a sit-down meal here. Shows and parades A must-see during your visit! The parades change throughout the year and run during the day. They are a great way to stop for a short while and break up to the rides! My favourites are the Lion King show, Mickey and the Magician and Frozen. Each evening, subject to weather, the Disneyland Park also has a closing firework and drone show which is definitely worth waiting for and a great finish to the day. My favourites and top tips Personally, our favourite rides are Crush’s Coaster, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tower of Terror and Spiderman. My son’s favourite part of the park after the rides is definitely the food! Our favourite snacks are Mickey Pizza, Mickey’s pretzel sandwich, Churro’s and hotdogs at Casey’s corner. If you are looking for a sit-down restaurant, character dining at Plaza Gardens is fantastic. The Pym Kitchen also offers a buffet restaurant themed around Antman and the wasp experiments – look out for test-tube style glasses and oversized burgers! One of the most popular restaurants is Chez Remy which is based around the film Ratatouille and overlooks the Ratatouille ride…it offers the most amazing steak! My 3 top Disneyland tips are… 1. Pre-book your restaurants early (I would recommend as soon as booking your holiday) 2. Consider a fast-pass if you want to ride Crush’s Coaster! 3. Download the Disneyland Paris App to manage your booking, see wait times and plan your day effectively (I can also help with this!) And my final helpful hint…did you know that Charles de Gaulle airport is also a layover for indirect flights from the UK to Mauritius? I could tailor-make a twin-centre holiday featuring both these amazing destinations! As ever, if you are looking for a holiday, make you that you book with an expert who will provide the best advice, tailor-make a holiday to suit you and provide outstanding personal service right up to the point that you arrive home…please get in touch I would love to help!

20 September 2024

Ras Al Khaimah Ras Al Khaimah is host to nature, terracotta desert, mangroves, towering mountains, seemingly endless goat-worn pathways, ancient forts, and lots of pristine white sandy beaches. It offers a great holiday destination, wherever you choose to explore! Climate and best times to visit With a cool sea breeze and slightly less dry in the winter than its neighbours, temperatures vary from 18-25°C in January to 29-43°C in July, with eight to ten daily hours of sunshine year-round. Getting to Ras Al Khaimah Fly direct from London and Manchester airports to Dubai in 7-8 hours. From there, arrive in Ras Al Khaimah in under an hour by road transfer. Getting around is cheap, safe and easy, making this a great destination to explore. Holiday highlights There is LOTS to do in this fabulous destination, no matter what you are looking for from your holiday…here are my highlights… For those looking to experience Ras Al Khaimah’s unique terracotta desert, the Al Wadi Nature Reserve boasts the stunning Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert resort, offering private villas with breath-taking views, plus desert treks on camels and horseback riding at Al Wadi Equestrian Centre, private archery lessons and a falcon show. If you are seeking luxury dining under the stars, maybe head for Sonara Camp Al Wadi, a luxurious dining and entertainment experience set in the Al Wadi desert with herds of camels, oryxes and gazelles as dinner companions! Explorers looking to get a bird’s eye view of Ras Al Khaimah and the Hajar mountains can try a hot air balloon flight experience during sunrise, or if you want to keep your feet on the ground, maybe a 4x4 sand dune bashing experience is for you! For sun worshippers and beachgoers, 64km of pristine beach mean that you will be spoilt for choice. Some of the favourite hangouts are Flamingo Beach, Al Jazeera Beach and Al Rams Beach. The warm waters and shallow shores make them all ideal for families. Jebel Jais, the highest mountain peak in the UAE, is just over an hour from most hotels. Billed as an adventure capital it is host to some amazing tourist attractions such as Jais Flight (the world’s longest zipline at a height of 1,680m above sea level and 2.83km long where you can reach speeds of up to 150kph), Jais Sky Tour (a series of 6 ziplines above grand canyons and cliffs connected by 9 platforms and stretching 5km) and Jais Sledder (the regions longest taboggan ride over 1,800 metres long). For something in the mountains a little more relaxed you may choose to experience Emirati cooking from local mountain tribes or meditation and yoga. One of the few places in the world continually inhabited for over 7,000 years Ras Al Khaimah is home to many cultural and archaeological heritage sites including ruins and forts which can be explored with guided tours. Al Jazeera Al Hamra is the last surviving pearl fishing village in the Arabian gulf and remains largely untouched to this day featuring traditional elements such as a fort and watchtowers, mosque, souq and extensive courtyard houses of various designs. And if you are looking for a holiday memento, or a special gift, the selection of traditional shops and souks as well as modern malls have you covered! Choosing your hotel Like neighbouring Dubai, luxury international hotel chains are on offer. From the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa to the Waldorf Astoria, if you are looking for a high-end luxury stay you can find it here. There is great choice however, and so if you are travelling as a family, or looking for more mainstream options, there are lots to choose from. 90% of the hotels in Ras Al Khaimah are located on the beachfront and offer a whole range of water sports and activities, outdoor pools and water parks. Planning your holiday A visit to this amazing destination offers a great holiday for anyone, and as a Travel Counsellor I am always looking at ways to tailor-make perfect holidays for my customers. Perhaps you make it part of a twin-centre holiday and travel on to Mauritius or the Maldives for example? As an international hub, Dubai offers lots of opportunities if you want to tailor-make your time away. If you are feeling inspired, please get in touch to discuss your next holiday to remember!

17 July 2024

June has been all about Disney for me this year…it’s my favourite holiday destination! If you saw my social media channels you will know I really made the most of it! I visited Disneyland Paris with my son Sam, followed by a once in a lifetime educational trip to Walt Disney World Florida on the invitation of Disney themselves as a top selling agent. If you are thinking of a trip to Disney, whether it’s Paris or Florida, I have found more than ever that it’s important to book with an expert if you want to make the most of your trip and everything there is on offer. Disneyland Paris Smaller than Florida, but Disneyland really packs a punch. It’s quick and easy to get to with just a short flight and transfer. I stayed off-site and travelled to the park via bus which runs frequently to/from partner hotels. I have also stayed on-site before, and for the small amount extra this would be my recommendation. There are 2 parks to visit, both offering lots of rides and entertainment for kids of all ages, from toddler through to teenager. I would recommend a minimum of 3 days if you want to make the most of both parks. Sam’s favourite ride was Tower of Terror but personally I liked Thunder Mountain the best! You can expect to pay somewhere in the region of £600 - £800 per person to stay on-site with flights and tickets for 2 nights / 3 days. For a short break that the whole family will remember Disneyland Paris is a great option. My Top Disney Tips; - Stay on-site – it is worth the small additional cost for the convenience and experience - Purchase the Photo Pass which captures your ride photographs - Pre-book restaurant dining early, especially if there is a specific place you want to go - It is worth being at the park late to watch the fireworks, however ride times are also significantly reduced during this time and so it’s a great time to hit the rides! Walt Disney World Florida Wow, what a trip. I stayed at Disney’s top hotel, the Grand Floridian Resort which is on-site with a view of the castle and fireworks and direct access to the Magic Kingdom via monorail. Walt Disney World Florida is the most magical place for children of all ages and an amazing family holiday that you will all remember forever. From theme park rides to meeting Disney characters, themed attractions and hotels, water parks and lovely sunshine it is truly memorable. Depending on your budget you can tailor make your holiday here. Staying on-site is the most magical, a Disney hotel really adds to your holiday experience and Disney transport allows you to navigate the parks easily. As an alternative stay off-site and rent a car to drive to the parks. You could choose to stay nearby, for example International Drive, or maybe rent a villa on Champions Gate. I have done all combinations and what suits you really depends on budget, circumstances and who is with you on your holiday. I would recommend at least a week here but preferably 2 to explore the 4 theme parks and 2 water parks that Disney has to offer. Jan/Feb and Nov are quieter times to visit (although it is always busy) but this is a year-round holiday destination. For the best value you should be looking to book around 11 months before you travel as new flights are released. Each park offers something different with rides and shows, my favourite park has to be Animal Kingdom and getting access to the park before it opened was something special. My favourite ride though must be Guardians of the Galaxy at Epcot – the highlight of my trip was an exclusive ride after the park closed! You should also remember that if you want a little relaxation, down-time or a day away from the parks Orlando has so much to offer. Relax at your hotel and enjoy the sunshine or take a trip to Clearwater beach, take an air boat ride on Boggy Creek or even take in the ice hockey at Tampa Bay…there is so much on offer. It is difficult to give an idea of price for a holiday here as there are so many options available to you. I can’t stress enough how important it is to book with someone who really knows how to tailor make this holiday so that it offers everything you are hoping for. My Top Disney Tips; - Take some comfortable trainers – you will walk a long way!...if your children are young and get tired you can always hire a buggy and push them around the park! - Familiarise yourself with the Disney App before you go…you will use it a lot whilst you are there for things like finding ride times, booking rides and booking dining - If you are staying on site, make use of your refillable mug in the resort to stay hydrated - Remember to scan your memory maker after each ride – you will be sent your ride pictures in your App - Plan your trip carefully…choosing what to do when helps manage jet lag and entering the parks at different times means different experiences, for example see the fireworks before parks close on an evening Cruise with Disney Wish I also had the opportunity to explore one of Disney’s Cruise Ships, Disney Wish at Fort Lauderdale. This would make a great add-on to relax at the end of a Disney holiday. Disney Cruise offers lots of entertainment from cinema’s to shows, kids clubs (a theme park in itself!), water slides and even relaxing facilities for the adults. There are also lots of dining options from buffet to adult-only fine dining. The ship is full of subtle themed luxuries making it perfect for the whole family. Disney Cruise offers some great holiday options. You can add-on to the end of your Disney theme park holiday, book just a cruise itself and if you are looking for a Disney fix without flying to the USA they even sail from Southampton from £223 per person per night in a veranda state room. I will be posting some Disney holiday offers on my social media channels over the next week...(Instagram: travel_with_tinaw) or (Facebook: Tina Williams – Travel Counsellor). I hope you can follow me and check them out. Thank you to all my customers who have been getting in touch and booking their holidays with me. If I can help plan your next trip, please get in touch I would love to help! Tina.