"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?

Well - yes it is going into their winter time. The locals will be used to the varied seasons but for us Brits, you wouldn't really think about the weather being cold or rainy. I have noticed that it is can be more windy but the sun still shines loads and thats what matters. Its a subtropical climate and so can be quite hot and steamy from November to April reaching about 34c and the rest of the time about 25c.....wonderful!

Mauritius is a gem of an island. Her beaches are magnificent and the people are most warm and genuine. They all have great levels of hospitality which is one reason why I want to return again.

Mauritius is roughly the size of Surrey so quite easy to get around. The best way is to hire a local taxi driver to guide you from place to place. The Botanical Gardens have a fantastic collection of indigenous and exotic plants. We loved the giant water lillies the best. Definately worth a visit.

Port Louis' central market is also worth checking out. It dates back to the late 18th century and is a meeting point for Mauritians looking for a cari (curry) or dithe (tea).

On the culinary note, it is said in Mauritius you can travel all corners of the globe without leaving the table. Mauritian cooking is influenced by a combination of different cultures and cooking traditions. Creole, Chinese and Indian for starters!

So "Is the teacher coming in the suitcase?" " Well, no she wont be my darling. " I answer. "That's just an expression we use when we are secretly envious of someone else going away to a special location."

For more information on Mauritius, look at Mauritius tourist board website.

We can help book holidays through Travel Matters - the family travel agency

Until next time,

Karen