Travel Matters

Beyond the bucket and spade

What can be more exhilarating and enjoyable than spending your holiday in the fresh crisp air of the mountains and lakes? Once you have experienced a trip to the summer mountain meadows and sat on the shores of the crystal clear lakes, you will want to return. Lakes and mountains offer a very relaxing place to escape to, but they can also provide you with a completely different type of holiday. They are a natural playground just waiting to be explored - rafting, canyoning, mountain biking and trekking are among the variety of new sports which have evolved over the years.

Hanging in Hungary - sorts out back pain anyday!

I have recently returned from a very interesting trip to Hungary. As a first time visitor,I came away quite intrigued. My hosts, the Hungarian Tourist Board were promoting the countrys "wellness" centres. The medicinal thermal waters have blessed the country. It has the worlds largest reserve of surface thermal water, helping people recover.   Lake Heviz, (which means heathy water)  one of my favourite spots, is a 36 metre deep lake. The water is 36 degrees centigrade, rich in sulphur, gases and minerals. The open air bathing is a delight all year round. The mud at the bottom of the lake is highly recommended for rheumatism, inflammations and arthritic complaints. Covered with water lillies, the lake water is suitable for drinking as a water therapy and has been used for the purposes of curative bathing since 1795. So what has hanging got to do with all this?    

Snorkeling with Turtles – the ultimate Hawaiian experience

Seeking something different? How about discovering the joys of snorkeling on the beautiful Kona & Kohala coasts of the Big Island of Hawaii. At Pawai Bay, I experienced this incredibly still moment in time, when floating along on Hawaii's ocean surface, in the warm current, where green sea turtles mingle with all kinds of colourful tropical fish, nibbling at the rich coral reef beds. Hundreds of silvery needlefish darting in perfect unison will accompany your way, while you hear the whistles of dolphins and song of whales in the background. Often you will meet manta rays and spotted eagle rays. The reef is so colourful. I felt I could spend days there without even lifting my head. As you snorkel, you will discover coral encrusted lava formations, such as ledges, caves, shallow shelves and steep drop-offs. You can start in a depth of 3 – 4 feet. Once you feel more comfortable with the environment, you may want to dive down to 100 feet!

Going on holiday? Pack a little patience

Here is the view of Janine, a colleague who worked with us in the summer. It is her advice for those who are already planning their next holiday. Do you have a busy life? Silly question - nowadays everybody does. Tip - please do not take your stress with you when going on holidays. Do not carry that bit of extra luggage – it will turn your holiday into a horror trip.

Still looking for your Atlantis?

If you’re still searching for the ultimate paradise location which offers you crystal clear waters, beautiful white sandy beaches and the finest accommodation beyond imagination – then look no more!

Come and take a trip with me to Atlantis Paradise Island in the beautiful Bahamas, Atlantis Paradise Island is more than just another hotel its another world, a world of discoveries for you and your family.

Skiing with the family

If you are thinking of a skiing holiday with the children for the first time, there are plenty of things to consider before you kit the little darlings up in their thermal underwear.

Questions like does the resort have English speaking instructors? Will the accommodation be close to the nursery slopes? Will someone give them their lunch or do I have to leave my ‘chocolat chaud’ to go cold whilst I pick them up from their lessons? Will we be sat on a coach for hours to get up the mountain? The list goes on.

Cape Verde and beyond

By the time you read this, your Christmas plans will be coming together and you’ll be running frantically around the shops finding the last of the stocking fillers for your little treasures. If you are planning to stay in the UK this Christmas break, I am convinced you will be seeking some blue skies and warmer weather for early next year. Where to go that doesn’t involve long flights yet can guarantee good weather? I have picked a couple of destinations which are less than 6 hours away.

Abama - where is that?

I am very excited about this new place I have just been told about. The Canary Islands are a great destination for those seeking some wintersun. There are some parts of the islands which have been spoilt by the mass markets - do I sound like a snob? I probably do, but if you, like me, get put off by the Canaries reputation, you are going to love this new resort.

Planning a skiing holiday? We've just arrived at summer!

If you’re needing something to cool you down during the summer months then think skiing.

More families than ever are booking up early for a week on the slopes.

"Mummy - my teacher wants to travel in my suitcase."

My 5 year old daughter is very excited about a holiday we have arranged during the May half term. We too, are very excited about our forthcoming trip to Mauritius. We are going for a week - probably not long enough, but as we won't suffer from any kind of jet lag  (we fly along way south from London - 12 hours in fact) we should be able to maximise on relaxation time.  

Isn't it their winter time during our summer time?