Travel - page 4

It was a beautiful Sunday morning and a perfect one for the MH Bland Doing Good; Top of the Rock Walk in aid of Cancer Research UK and Stick it to Sarcoma (in memory of Joey Gabay).

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Congratulations to everyone who made it to the Top and with a smile of their faces. A BIG thank you also to all the companies and organisations who supported the event in one way or another, with raffle prizes, supplies for the well-deserved Breakfast at the Mons Calpe Suite or making sure we all got to the top safely.

MH Bland are proud to have raised £2500 so far and ask the public to help raise more!

To donate please head over to MH Bland’s Just Giving Page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mhblanddoinggood

Scotland’s UNESCO Trail

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Scotland offers a treasure trove of experiences, history and – above all – fun. It’s a fantastic place to visit, especially with easyJet flying into Edinburgh from Gibraltar.

One thing that isn’t perhaps known is the number and variety of UNESCO places that VisitScotland has grouped into an explorers trail, in a world first.

Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere

The landscape of Wester Ross is among the most spellbinding in the world. Here in the north west Highlands of Scotland, discover a place of astounding natural beauty and eco-diversity, where communities live in harmony with the land and sea, preserving a unique time-honoured way of life, passed down through the generations.

Amid this natural playground formed by some of the oldest geology in the world, explore an idyllic coastline fringed with pristine beaches, gleaming lochs, centuries-old pinewoods, deep glens, and lofty mountains among the highest in the UK. Each of these habitats provide for an incredible array of rare wildlife and plant species, that are of international significance.

Wester Ross Biosphere is more than just a place to enjoy some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery; it’s a destination where you can truly slow down and appreciate the delicate and vital connection all humans share with their environment. A place where unique beauty, culture and history come together quite unlike anywhere else.

Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere

This biosphere is known for its spellbinding natural beauty. Covering 5,268 square kilometres of south-west Scotland, the area centres on the hills and moors of the Merrick, which were originally formed by glaciers. Explore the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and discover untouched coastlines and deep woodlands and forests, all providing habitats for a rich diversity of plants and wildlife.

All of this beauty has produced a fair share of creative talent throughout the years, from Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns, to sculptor Andy Goldsworthy, who created the region’s iconic Striding Arches in celebration of Galloway’s ancient uplands.

Glasgow, City of Music UNESCO Creative City

It doesn’t take long to realise that music is the beating heart of this city. Get ready for a warm welcome from half a million residents who have access to over 100 music events every week. You’ll soon discover that music can do much more than simply put a smile on your face.

Glasgow is a vibrant city with a legendary music scene across a variety of venues, that stretches across the whole spectrum from contemporary to classical, and Celtic to country. It’s famed for the enthusiasm and energy of its audiences, which is no surprise when you hear it’s regularly voted one of the friendliest cities in the world.

Edinburgh, City of Literature UNESCO Creative City

Storytelling and the written word have been the life force of Edinburgh’s art and culture for centuries. Its contributions to the world of literature are so rich and well-recognised that in 2004, Edinburgh became the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.

Literature is an important part of the city’s past and present, and it features prominently in almost every corner of city life. This is the only city in the world to erect a 60 metre-tall monument in honour of one of Scotland’s greatest writers, Sir Walter Scott.

Scott is by no means the only literary superstar to be associated with Edinburgh. Writers as diverse as Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, JM Barrie, Muriel Spark, and Harry Potter author JK Rowling, have all been inspired by and enriched the creative fabric of the city.

Boasting the world’s largest literature festival, home to a myriad of bookshops, not to mention the highest concentration of public libraries in Scotland – Edinburgh is a city which celebrates the power of the written word quite unlike any other.

Shetland UNESCO Global Geopark

The islands you see today of Shetland have been on an incredible geological journey. This land has literally travelled from near the South Pole, across the equator, to its current spot at the crossroads of the North Atlantic and the North Sea. The geology of the islands influences every part of life – they provide a home for unique biodiversity and they influence human settlements, their activities, and their industries.

Due to the lack of trees and the abundance of stone, Shetland has some of the best-preserved archaeology in Europe. Explore the Shetland Geopark and you’ll discover not just the story of the islands, but the story of how the world has formed and changed over millions of years.

Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site

Who could ever imagine building a monument and learning it would still exist some 5,000 years later? Thousands of years ago, the prehistoric people of Orkney began building such monuments out of stone. It’s testament to their skills that those domestic and ritualistic monuments still survive today, and we can now use them to get incredible insights into the society and spiritual beliefs of those people.

The Heart of Neolithic Orkney brings together four key sites near Stromness on the Orkney Mainland:

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Skara Brae – a domestic settlement where you can still see the surviving stone walls, passageways and stone furnishings including beds and ‘dressers’

Maeshowe – this chambered tomb is an extraordinary example of Neolithic architecture. It’s designed so that the light of the setting sun at the winter solstice focuses on the narrow passageway, illuminating the chamber inside

The Stones of Stenness – the circle and henge* is a very early example of this type of monument. The surviving stones are enormous, standing up to 6 m tall

The Ring of Brodgar – a great stone circle, about 130 m across. It’s surrounded by a rock-cut ditch and sits in a spectacular setting, a natural amphitheatre of lochs and hills

New Lanark World Heritage Site

New Lanark was a site ahead of its time. Founded by David Dale, it is most famous for Robert Owen’s social reforms, such as shorter working days, an end to child labour under the age of 10, and free medical care for workers in the mill.

The cotton mill was in operation for two centuries from 1785 to 1968 and at one time was thought to be the largest industrial facility in the world. It became a world-renowned blueprint for what could be the ideal working and living environment for workers and their families.

Visit the award-winning restored 18th century mill village to see this progressive story brought to life in a series of buildings, exhibitions and attractions.

This is only a selection of the UNESCO Trail. See the full list at
visitscotland.com/see-do/unesco-trail/designations/list/

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Travelling Alone

Travelling alone can feel incredibly exciting and somewhat daunting in equal measure. Embarking on a new travel experience requires careful planning but more importantly a huge desire for a unique, independent travel experience.

Karen Dwyer is a Health & Wellbeing Coach. She states ‘I believe traveling alone is a must do, at least once in your life. 

Life is so busy these days and there are lots of people to look after, whether it’s work, family, children and friends. 

I believe it is important to truly discover what you love, without attachment to pleasing others. That may sound a little selfish but I think we need to follow the flight’s safety instructions to the letter and put on our oxygen mask first before anyone else’s. 

Travelling with people you know can be an amazing way to bond, but it also comes with some drawbacks. You can’t always plan your schedule the way you really want to because you have other people’s schedules to consider, and splitting the work of planning so many logistics across a group can be time-consuming. If there’s division among the group, that can lead to tension. And if somebody gets sick or has an emergency in their family, it can throw a wrench into a trip that was planned months in advance.

If you’re considering traveling solo, there are some pros and cons that are worth knowing about. Obviously, it’s going to be different for everyone—some people love the freedom of being able to do everything on their own terms, while others find that kind of independence overwhelming. But if you’re thinking about making the leap from group travel to solo travel, here are some things that might help inform your decision.

If you’ve never travelled alone, you might not know where to start. But don’t let that stop you! To help you get your feet wet, here are some pros and cons of solo travel:

Pros:

• You can do anything, anywhere, at any time—there’s no one to tell you what to do or when to do it!

• You are free to meet new people or not, as you choose. It’s your choice. 

• There’s no one around to annoy you. That’s pretty nice.

Cons:

• You have to pay all the bills yourself. 
• It can be intimidating sometimes—but it gets easier with time.
• My advice, don’t let fear stop you. You must be a brave soul.

While there’s something to be said for traveling with friends and family, there’s also nothing quite like hitting the road by yourself. You might get lonely sometimes—and you will, trust me—but you’ll also find yourself solving problems on your own, making discoveries all on your own, and making the most out of everything without having to consider anyone else.

Here are some pro tips:

• Make sure your phone works in the country you’re going to (most international phones have global capabilities these days).

• Travel insurance is an absolute MUST if you’re going alone; you don’t want to get stuck somewhere without money or anyone else to help you.

• Don’t forget your first aid kit. It’s worth it to have one even if you don’t think you’ll use it.

Michelle Ensuque is a psychotherapist and coach. Michelle says, ‘If like me you find yourself having to travel solo rather than someone hop, skipping and jumping into the wilderness with sheer abandon, then lean into what I am about to tell you; it might just change your plans:

• Read the small print. Yes, I know it sounds obvious, but I once found myself being groped by my ‘friendly’ designated driver, who I couldn’t complain about because he was the one driving me to around Tanzania. I also found myself sat alone at tables eating dinner when (as an over excited person in a new place) I wanted to share my thoughts with others rather than sit alone. Making assumptions rather than reading thoroughly might end up in a situation you hadn’t bargained for.

• Taking a book or magazine to the restaurant means you can avoid sitting in a restaurant looking like the resident stalker.  

• Consider going on a holiday with other single people so you can share the adventures. If you enjoy being surounded by others, explore the options out there.

• Use it as an opportunity not just to travel but to experience different things.  Whether your appetite is whetted by adrenaline-based pursuits or how to get into the handstand scorpion pose at a yoga retreat, if you are curious about new cultures and seeking some self-reflection time, take the opportunity to see what might be available. Don’t, however, try to do something because you think you ought to before time runs out. Sky diving and bungee jumping might have been on your bucket list but really take time to understand if this is because you want to, or you think you ‘should’.

• If the thought of speaking in a foreign language sends you running for the hills, visit somewhere where they speak your language or take time to learn some words or phrases of the country you are visiting, including ‘no’ and
‘no thank you’, and don’t forget that Google translate is a godsend.

• Take the essentials in terms of your medication. Be aware of the rules for each contry regarding prescription drugs. 

Finally – take the leap of faith.  You won’t know if you like it unless you try it and if you have no expectations, you might just be surprised and revel in those stories later.’

Karen Dwyer – www.karendwyer.com
Michelle Ensuque – www.meliusse.com

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Intergenerational Travel

The relationship we have with our travel choices are complex, personal and sometimes highly emotive. We can love a person dearly but understand they might not be an ideal travelling companion for you. Equally, you may shy away from crowded cities and locations yet find yourself drawn to a country that is famous for its energy, colour and non-stop noise.  

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Who we travel with is a an extremely important part of the whole travel experience.  What we desire from travelling can vary enormously and crucially, this can depend on our travelling companions and what they can bring to your journey.  Sharing new adventures with individuals from a different age group can be enriching and enlightening. We can all bring something unique to such experiences so it is up to us to create diverse travel opportunities.  It is understandable yet predictable that we choose people from our own age and friendship pool, yet the life knowledge, maturity and perspective older people can bring is invaluable.  Equally, a travel experience can be energised by including younger people in the group. Different ages mix up the conversation and bring an unexpected but welcome edge to travel.

A family holiday provides the perfect opportunity to strengthen (or indeed rebuild) relationships between loved ones.  Research shows only 1 in 4 children talk to their parents about “something that matters” more than once a week.  A family holiday gives you the time and relaxed setting to chat about things other than day-to-day chores, homework or what’s for dinner.  

Lily Rodgers, 46, from Somerset, discovered the joys of inter generational travel after her marriage ended. ‘Travelling with a diverse group felt quite daunting’, explains Anna, ‘I had previously always been with family, friends or my husband, really a safety net of those closest to me. I wanted to shake up the way I visited new places. The time was right for me to explore a totally new experience. Travelling with individuals who are a different age, cultural background and refreshingly, have varying views on the world. Interestingly, not having my usual support circle around me encouraged me into situations and conversations I would have navigated around or outright avoided before. Travelling without your go-to safety net really challenges you and sometimes I have felt a bit nervous but talking and engaging with people feels easier now and I am sure the more I travel this way, the more comfortable I will feel.’

Although technology means we are more in touch than ever before, nothing beats physical time together.  Spending close time with family members gives you the chance to develop a much closer understanding of each other through body language, subtle nuances, gestures and facial expressions that just aren’t possible via text or Whatsapp!

All in all, spending time together as a family on holiday simply provides you all with the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company, giving them the reassurance they are loved and creating fabulous memories for you all.

Faith Scanlon, 20, from Surrey confirms that she has ‘travelled with an inter generational group twice this year and I am heading to Milan tonight also.

What I found amazing about travelling with an inter generational group is the difference in interests. It really opens your eyes to how older people see the world and what they’re travelling for, and it’s often different to the reasons I travel for. It’s also great to make memories with a variety of people, especially the older generation, as I can always tell how grateful they are, particularly when I take on the technical responsibilities of booking flights, hotels, transfers, as well as organising digital check-ins and covid passports – this is usually a struggle for older generations.

A tough difference would definitely be the physical speed of the trip, particularly with older generations. As a woman in my 20’s, I find I just want to go, go, go and cram in as much as I can before having to go back, but you really have to take into consideration travel time, the amount of walking, the climate etc. I imagine this wouldn’t differ too much from travelling with children, either.

I have definitely gained some unique memories from travelling in an inter generational group. I’m not a clubbing type when I’m travelling so it’s refreshing to travel with people of the same mindset in that respect. It’s also nice as we tend to stick to nicer hotels over budget hotels, as they tend to be more comfortable and accessible for older people, so it’s great to experience settings that I usually wouldn’t choose to stay in myself for financial reasons.’

If you’re only travelling with people your own age, things can get super-competitive, which in turn can become tiresome. Who’s got the most passport stamps? Who made it to last year’s hottest destination first? Who can trot out 20 phrases in the local lingo as they’ve been to the country before? Mix up the age ranges, though, and you’ll likely find that this rivalry barely gets a look in – perhaps because more mature travellers are happier to soak in the sights, and savour the food and drink. This mindful, in-the-moment approach is a great way to experience a place – and, to live life once you get back home.

Every time you travel can be memorable: whether it is a UK location or a journey to the other side of the world. The one consistent is that we want to immerse ourselves in all aspects of the trip.

Travelling within an intergenerational group will provide an incredibly rewarding opportunity to experience the world not only through your eyes but the perspective of others who have lived and travelled a totally different life from you.

Faith Scanlon, Travel blogger website is wish-you-were-here.uk and is a travel blog (launching imminently) 

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Travelling the new normal

Now that Covid-19 restrictions are easing, many Gibraltar residents will be thinking about travelling abroad for a well-deserved holiday break. As part of its awareness program, the Office of Fair Trading has issued some handy tips and advice to help consumers in an effort to minimise disappointments with holidays in what’s been termed the “new normal.”

Deciding where to go

There are a number of things you should consider before deciding where to go. When deciding where to travel to we recommend you do the following:

1. Use the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office website to find out about the country you are visiting or travelling through. This website gives you very useful and important information, including:

a) updates on COVID-19 situation there

b) entry requirements and travel restrictions, including visas

c) other safety and security issues

d) travel advice, help and support

2.Check the latest information on COVID-19 risks and other health issues for the country on the TravelHealthPro website.

3. Think about the level of risk that you might be subjecting yourself and your family to. Whereas Gibraltar has had a very effective vaccination campaign (one of the best in the world) to protect its residents against COVID-19, this is not necessarily the same in the country you may be considering travelling to. Also note that health systems in other countries may be over stretched. If you or your family require medical assistance this may be difficult to get.

4. Many destinations that are popular because of the events they host and their atmosphere (e.g. festivals, nightlife, celebrations, entertainment venues) may not be able to offer you the same experience if they are operating under COVID-19 restrictions. Is now the right time to visit them? This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.

These things may significantly affect your travelling arrangements, so before booking your holiday make sure you have looked at these things carefully.

Booking your trip

Once you have decided on your destination, consider the following COVID-19 and Brexit issues before booking:

1. COVID-19 considerations:

a) Tests & Vaccinations – Check if you need to be vaccinated or require a negative test result to enter your destination or to join tours and events. Check HM Government of Gibraltar’s latest press releases and technical notices for more information on vaccinations. Pre-book tests in advance to ensure you can get it before travelling and it is valid on the day you need it. Make sure the document you will receive is acceptable. You may need to complete specific forms at your destination. Consumers should be aware that getting tested and obtaining necessary documentation shall incur extra travel costs, locally and abroad.

For further information on vaccine and travel certificates visit healthygibraltar.org where you will find a dedicated Covid-19 section

b) COVID-19 Isolation on arrival – Check if you will be required to isolate when you arrive to your destination. Factor it in to your travel arrangements and also factor in the cost of any further tests at the end or during the isolation period. Entry requirements for destination countries can be found on the UK Government website.

c) Check COVID-19 travel restrictions – Once again check restrictions both at the place you are intending to visit and places you a travelling through. These may change often and you should check prior to booking. Additionally it is important that you check and follow the latest local official coronavirus restrictions and updates.

d) Cancellation policies & refunds – COVID-19 restrictions can change overnight. Check the terms and conditions when making your bookings as if they are cancelled you may not be entitled to your money back. If you can, book with a provider that provides redress to you if you are affected by new restrictions. This is becoming common in the industry.

e) Returning back to Gibraltar- Check the COVID-19 Travel Information page of the Visit Gibraltar Website for the latest information on requirements for entry into Gibraltar.

Brexit considerations

a) Passports – Gibraltar is no longer part of the EU, therefore travelling with your ID card alone is not possible. Check passport requirements for the country you are visiting and travelling through. Many countries require you have at least 6 months left on a passport by the time you leave the country.

b) Visas – If you are applying for a Visa to enter a particular country look for the country’s official visa portal. This is normally simple to do. Be wary of private entities that charge you significant fees to assist you with visa applications.

c) Driving abroad – Make sure you have all the documents you need to drive in the country you are visiting. There is a probability that you will require an International Driving licence. You can apply for one from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Department.

d) Travel & Medical Insurance – Gibraltarians no longer enjoy free health cover when travelling in the EU (E-111). Gibraltar has an agreement with Spain which extends emergency medical cover until 30th April 2022. Please check with the Gibraltar Health Authority for arrangements after this date. For any other countries (except UK) you will have to pay for medical care if this is needed. We recommend you purchase travel & medical insurance for your needs. Make sure you familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to understand what is covered in an emergency.

e) Pets –You should get the necessary vaccines, certificate and/or passport to take your pet abroad. Contact the Animal Welfare Centre for further information: +350 20043352.

Other General Travel Tips

We have compiled a list of guidelines and tips based on the common and recent travel related complaints received by the OFT for you to consider:

1. Mobile Phones charges – Check your mobile phone network provider for information on any data roaming charges in order to avoid high roaming fees. It may be worth getting a sim card at your destination.

2. Research – Knowledge is key to a good holiday:

a) Do not book the first thing you see! Shop around for the best deal. Do some independent research on the place you are travelling to and determine what you want to see and experience. You can then ensure that travel offers provide you what you want.

b) Before responding to travel offers get recommendations from family and friends on travel agencies, vacation rentals, hotels and travel package providers that offer a good service.

c) There are many websites that will provide you with good reviews from other travellers. Note however that some online website reviews can be easily manipulated or may be fake.

3. Additional Costs – Look for additional costs that may not be immediately obvious. Resort fees (also known as destination, facility and amenity fees) can increase your daily costs.

4. Taxes – Many offers are advertised as tax free. Taxes may need to be paid at your destination. Ask about taxes and note that these may be significant.

5. Avoid scams – Holiday scams are very common:

a) If a deal is too good to be true research the travel service providers with the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaint” online.

b) If you are booking through a third party website (e.g. Booking.com or Air BnB) always make payments through these websites. Never pay a host directly.

c) While on holiday, say “no thanks” to anyone who tries to rush you without giving you time to consider an offer or to ask around. Always agree a price for a service in advance.

6. Cancellations – ask about cancellation and refund policies before you pay. If possible, obtain a copy of these. If any aspect of your holiday has been cancelled as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, please refer to our specific guidance on the OFT website.

7. Booking confirmations – Make sure you can check what you booked upon your arrival. You may want to check the rate and amenities you booked, particularly if these were booked through a third party website. This is also essential if the host says your reservation is ‘lost’ or ‘cancelled’.

8. Payment – Using your credit card to pay for the booking and your travel spending may give you extra protection than paying by cash or debit card. Check your credit card provider’s terms and conditions for details.

9. Travel Insurance – Purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday. Check the insurance agency is licensed and make sure the insurance cover is fit for your particular purpose. Before travelling, familiarise yourself of the process to follow in a medical emergency with your travel insurance provider.

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Travelling with Kids

Travelling with children can be an exciting, inspirational experience. Viewing the world through a child’s eyes is wondrous, however, keeping our children stress free and engaged whilst travelling can be a challenge. 

Dr Amanda Gummer, psychologist, states that ‘The normal routine goes out of the window when you’re on holiday, so children need to know what is expected of them. Be sure to explain these to your children before you go and then repeat these when you arrive. They still need to be well-behaved and rules will keep them safe in an unknown environment.

It also helps to go prepared. Bring a small tub of snacks with you to make sure tummies are kept reasonably full, even when you’re running a bit late for mealtimes. DoodleBags are great for anything squishy like yoghurt or smoothies. Your child can eat straight out of the pouch for a healthy, convenient snack time, no spoon required.

Pack an activity bag to use as well. To use while travelling and once you’ve reached your destination. Opt for compact toys without lots of little pieces, so you won’t risk losing anything while out and about. Have a good variety including some quiet and some noisy toys, some solo and group games, and so on. For example, the set of six coaster games by The Dark Imp only needs paper and a pen to play, and comes in a handy travel tin. Clip-on toys like the Sensory FX ASMR 2 Pod Carry Case are easy to keep on hand too. If you’re taking a tablet, make sure the apps and games are available offline, in case you are away from WiFi. 

In case you get caught without any toys, keep some games in mind that you can play with no equipment needed. For instance, 21 questions, I Spy, or Bingo. 

While it’s nice to have fun and relax on your trip, it’s also a good educational experience. Why not help your children learn at least a few words of the natives language before they go, so they can try using it while there and perhaps understand the locals as they say hello and goodbye. The free Moka Mera Lingua app by Moilo is an excellent introduction to another language for children under eight, with seven different languages including French and Spanish. 

Before you go on your trip, plan some places to visit and research them. For example, watch some online videos to learn more about the history of a local building. Once there, see what facts your child can remember. If there’s a tour guide, this is a great way to show off their knowledge and feel like a bright spark. Encourage your children to soak up the culture and lead by example. For example, try some new food together – you never know what they might enjoy. 

Take a pair of binoculars or a disposable camera to encourage your children to explore the environment around them. Not only is this a good way to keep them entertained, it helps immerse your children in the experience and you’ll get some snaps showing the holiday from their point of view.’

Gemma Perry is an Independent Travel Consultant, specialising in Family Travel. Gemma confirms that ‘having 2 young children of my own, and having travelled every year with them, aboard and in the UK, I am very well versed on giving advice so here are some of my thoughts:

• Keeping your children calm whilst travelling is a fine balancing act. Not only is it such a long day of waiting around, carrying bags,  juggling multiple stops of check in and dropping off your bags, immigration, getting food etc. Then finally when you step onto that plane, they are not only tired but so overexcited, and depending on how long your flight is, this can be exhausting, and overwhelming, especially if they’ve not flown before.

• If you remain calm, they are calm. 

• Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, and also around the airport.

• In the airport – Plan in rest breaks, to sit down, refuel. Talk about what you have done, and what’s going to happen next, the more you involve your children, they can become engaged and excited, by what’s to come.

• Take plenty of activities to do, quizzes, mini games, drawing, sticker books, iPads/ consoles, kindles, most importantly snacks 

Having grown up with exposure to travel, and working in travel, I’ve always encouraged family and friends alike to adopt a similar approach. This is what I feel are some of the benefits:

• Any travel experience is an opportunity to learn 

• Experiencing different Countries

• Experiencing different Cultures

• Experiencing different Religions and local holidays, i.e. Ramadan, Hearing the call to prayer.

• Experiencing different Food and local delicacies (Just the other day, I was talking about shark fin soup, and how this is illegally sourced and made. My daughter was saddened by this, and wanted to know how she could better the sharks environment and stop this activity.)

• Hearing different languages, encourages with wanting to learn new languages, but also helping speech by trying to speak to locals.

• Building their confidence by experiencing a new place.

• One of my biggest things when travelling, is spending that quality family time. The memories you will make, and how you will talk about them for years to come, and this is HAPPY time.’  A holiday destination is less important than the fun, learning and experiences a family enjoys whilst travelling and when arriving. These moments will be treasured by all the family for years to come. 

Gemma Perry gemma@theholidayfixer.com www.theholidayfixer.com/gemma

Dr. Amanda Gummer
Author, psychologist and founder of The Good Play Guide. 
www.goodplayguide.com

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Electronic Travel Accessories

If you are planning a holiday overseas, or even a staycation closer to home, there are some useful electronic travel accessories that you may want to consider packing in your suitcase that will make your trip easier, safer and more comfortable. 

Travel Kettle

My latest and most favourite purchase is a travel kettle. If, like me, you can’t start your day without a cup of tea or coffee before heading off sightseeing, a travel kettle is essential. Not every hotel has a kettle in the room, and there are some countries in mainland Europe where they are definitely not the norm. Travel kettles are either collapsible or small stainless steel models that usually hold enough water for up to two cups. Another option is to take a small immersion heater that boils water in a cup or mug… and on that note, don’t forget to take those with you as well as a teaspoon and the coffee, tea or sugar of your choice. 

Hair Dryer

If you need to blow dry on the go, a compact travel hair dryer is something that those of us with frizzy hair swear by! Hotels often provide these in the room, or have wall mounted dryers in the bathroom, but as they don’t have advanced hair care technologies they don’t always leave you with the best results and can burn your hair. Look for a hair dryer that folds up with a retractable cord for stress-free packing.  

Hair Straighteners 

If sleek locks are your beauty goal, hair straighteners should be part of your essential toolkit. Most of the big brands have a compact version but you can also buy cordless models for styling your hair on the go. 

Multi-Port USB Travel Chargers

How many times have you wanted to charge your phones, laptops, tablets or e-reader all at the same time, or maybe you are travelling as a family with lots of different devices? A multi-port USB travel charger is ideal and could be one of the best travel accessories that you buy to ensure there are no family disagreements!

Travel Iron

Maybe not an item that is high on your list of priorities if you are going on a relaxing beach holiday, but there may be occasions when a travel iron will come in handy to make sure you look your best. Choose a mini iron that is portable and lightweight with both a steam or variable temperature control and one that has dual-voltage functionality. 

Precautions

Electrical items such as hairdryers, straighteners, travel irons and electric shavers can usually be carried in your hand or hold luggage, but it is best to check with your airline before you travel if you’re not sure about what you can take as hand luggage. Not every country uses the same electrical plug so it’s wise invest in a universal adapter. Adapters make your plugs fit into foreign electrical outlets, but converters adjust the voltage so you may need to take a voltage convertor as well.

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10 of Europe’s best train journeys

Gliding through the Alps or coasting along the French countryside, there’s no better way to move throughout Europe than its incredible and comprehensive train system.

We’ve compiled a list of the 10 most scenic routes, best enjoyed from a window seat. Whether you’re are navigating the depths of a fjord or spotting the romantic castles alongside the Rhine River, turn off your screen, relax and enjoy the view of these top scenic train routes in Europe.

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1. Glacier Express, Switzerland

One hundred and eighty miles over the course of 8 hours: Pretty slow for an “express” train, right? The Glacier Express travels at a leisurely pace to allow its passengers the chance to appreciate every facet of the incredible landscape. The journey connects two of Switzerland’s resort towns, Zermatt and St. Moritz, and offers views of the Matterhorn, the Solis and Landwasser viaducts and spiral tunnels, Oberalp Pass and the Rhine Gorge. All of these sights are taken in from panoramic cars, which feature windows on the top and sides, so none of the views pass by unnoticed.

2.  West Highland Line, Scotland

Take in a side of Scotland that can only be seen by train aboard the West Highland Line. Wanderlust Magazine voted this Scottish railway as the best rail journey, and it is no wonder with its views of lochs and moors, the Arrochar Alps, the Erskine Bridge, Dumbarton Castle and the viaduct made famous by Harry Potter: the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This train ride is completed in approximately 5 1/2 hours and takes passengers from Glasgow to Fort William, then on to Mallaig.

3.  Belgrade to Bar, Serbia & Montenegro

Often referred to as ‘the Balkan Express’, the 11-hour (on a good day) jaunt from Belgrade to Bar is a celebration of civil engineering and natural majesty. A whopping 435 bridges are traversed as the train trundles from the Serbian capital to Montenegro’s largest port, working as something of a time machine through the twentieth century in these parts. That means socialist architecture in Užice, modern ski resorts in Kolašin and the rapidly developing tourism of Montenegro’s southern coast. The last stretch is particularly stunning.

4.  Myrdal to Flåm, Norway

Another frequent face on lists of the world’s best train journeys, the line between Myrdal and Flåm in Norway bridges the divide between impossibly cute and absolutely monolithic. That’s Norway in a nutshell, right? The small things are all quaint and idyllic, while the big ones bluster in through stunning cliffs, jagged mountains and awe-inspiring scenery. The Flåm Railway climbs a whopping 867 metres into the sky and back, with a short shop at the Kjosfossen waterfall as the cherry on top. 

5.  Barcelona to Montserrat, Spain

There are plenty of ways to travel from Barcelona to the base of Montserrat mountain, but we’re putting our eggs firmly in the basket marked ‘train’. Actually, that would be ‘tren’ in Catalan, but you get the idea. There is a wide range of tickets available for the journey, and though you can’t really go wrong with any of them, we recommend the ToT Montserrat as the way to go. This ticket covers your train from Barcelona and then either the cable car or rack railway up the mountain itself, as well as entry into the Montserrat Museum. 

6.  La Rhune, France

What an absolute stunner of a ride. From the foot of the Pyrenees to the top via an early 1900s cog railway, the quaintest of quaint trains scaling a mighty height. It can be a little jarring, but the cobwebs are soon blown away by the stunning vistas and the majesty that awaits at the summit. The train only runs from April to September, round-trip tickets cost €20 (an absolute bargain), and it begins its journey in the town of Sare, some 10km or so from Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

7.  Málaga to El Chorro, Spain

While you can’t exactly get a train across the thriling and terrifying Caminito del Rey walkway, you can still experience a great journey on the way. The train from Malaga to El Chorro is a stunner, a fast route that takes less than 45 minutes and will set you back no more than €4.85. That gives you just under 45 minutes to enjoy the stunning scenery and dredge up the courage to traverse the famous walkway. 

8. Bernina Express

The sheer majesty of the Swiss Alps is on full display aboard the Bernina Express. This train follows the highest railway in the Alps from Chur, Switzerland to Tirano, Italy. The 4-hour journey takes travelers through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges and viaducts, as well as through a number of twists, turns, ascensions, and descensions. In all, there are 25 stops on this route, and each brings its own dose of history, culture and fantastic scenery. One stretch of the track, from Thusis to Valposchiavo and then Tirano even boasts UNESCO World Heritage status for its iconic vistas and historic significance. Both classes of service on the train feature large panoramic windows reaching all the way up to the ceiling, so even the highest peaks of the alps are within view.

9. Levanto to La Spezia, Italy

The journey along the Italian riviera from Levanto to La Spezia may only take 35 minutes, but it includes the most sublime stretch of the Ligurian coast – the popular Cinque Terre (Five Lands). The pastel-coloured villages have been nestled in the cliffs for a thousand years or so, and along with their olive groves and vineyards make up an exquisite scene. For the full experience, take the regional train rather than the express: this stops at all five Cinque Terre villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – allowing passengers to hop off, hike between villages, and hop back on a train again.

10. Rome to Palermo, Italy

It’s not every rail journey that involves a bonus sea voyage. Board the direct service from Rome to the Sicilian capital, though, and you’ll find your train shunted onto a ferry to be carried across the Strait of Messina. The trip takes a little under 12 hours in total, passing down the Tyrrhenian Sea coastline. Highlights en route include Mount Vesuvius, the Bay of Naples and the countryside of Calabria, Italy’s toe. After a short passage across the waves, the train offers views of the north coast of Sicily as it heads westward to Palermo.

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5 Destinations in Spain to visit on a bank holiday

If the Easter and May Day bank holidays haven’t been enough for you, then don’t fret because we have another 3 coming up in June thanks to the Queen. If you’ve already been abroad and are looking for something a bit cheaper, then why not spend it in our neighbouring country? Here are 5 of my favourite Spanish destinations, and recommendations on how to spend your time there. 

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Seville

My previous memories of Seville, or Sevilla, were visiting the Isla Magica theme park as a child. If you’re travelling with younger family members then this will a great way to keep them entertained. One of the most notable things to do in Seville is visit the royal palace of Real Alcazar, which Game of Thrones fans might also recognise as Dorne. The gardens are beautiful and you will often see peacocks roaming around too. Another place to check out is the Parque de Maria Luisa, it’s a great park and you can rent bicycles and cycling carts for up to 4 people here. You will also find the Plaza De España here, where you’ll find murals dedicated to all of the Spanish provinces, as well as small rowing boats for rental. 

If you’d like a lunch spot with lots of different options, I recommend the Mercado de Triana which has stalls selling everything from paella to oysters to croquettes. We also stopped at El Papelon which specialises in meats and cheeses, and Taberna del Torneo which we took the last table at when we arrived, so it is definitely a popular choice! 

Toledo

Toledo is a beautiful and underrated city, probably because it’s a 6 hour drive from Gibraltar. It is one of Spain’s best preserved old towns and is also a UNESCO-listed mediaeval city. The first thing to do on your visit is see El Alcazar fortress which overlooks the city, which means it offers some stunning views. Other picturesque sites include the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, the Puente de San Martin and the Puente De Alcantara. 

La Mona Bar is a great spot for tapas and cocktails at affordable prices. Another favourite was Taberni Buenavista that has a great selection of both tapas and burgers. 

Malaga

Malaga is such a vibrant city, and there’s no shortage of things to do and see. Malaga is home to the big outdoor shopping centre of Plaza Mayor, where you can find your normal high street stores such as Zara and Bershka, and then another section where you will find more branded stores like Tommy Hilfiger and Nike. After you’ve had your retail therapy, you can head to the Hammam in the centre. Here you can enjoy the hot and cold arab baths, sip mint tea, and have a massage or a full body scrub. 

A restaurant I thoroughly enjoyed in Malaga was La Casa del Perro, which is a small family owned restaurant that changes its menu daily. You could really tell all the food was fresh and the tapas all had a unique twist to them. We also stopped by Restaurante Mosaico in the afternoon for some tea and middle eastern pastries which were delicious. If you are after something greasier, then you can also find the Five Guys burger joint in Plaza Mayor. 

Madrid

A common question that people ask is whether Madrid or Barcelona is better as a holiday destination. I still haven’t made my mind up as I’ve had good experiences in both, but for the sake of making this list a bit more varied I decided to pick one. My favourite thing to do in Madrid is eat, but there are also plenty of activities and things to see in a long weekend. I recommend doing a free walking tour with Sandemans to learn some interesting facts and history about Madrid. Including where ‘tapas’ got its name from – an anecdote I tell people quite often! Next you can head to the Parque de Retiro where you can also row around the water. There are also plenty of free museums you can visit at certain times in Madrid including el Prado, Museo del Romanticismo, and the Reina Sofia.  

When in Madrid, having churros at Chocolateria San Gines is a must. They’ve been around since 1894 and the queues can sometimes be long, so be prepared to wait a bit. If you’re after some fusion tapas, then I recommend heading to Juana La Loca or Musa Malasaña.

Ibiza

This will be the first year since the covid pandemic that events will properly be going ahead in the island of Ibiza, so if you’ve been wanting to go now is the time! Ibiza is on the pricier side, but if you head there in June you’re likely to save on hotel costs. Flights from Malaga are usually under £100 too. Partying aside, the island has a lot to explore too. The old town is beautiful to wander around, and you can also beach hop pretty easily. Benirrás, Ses Salines and Talamanca are some of the nicest ones. 

If you are travelling on a budget, there are some cheap eats you can find around Ibiza. The thai restaurant Pha Thu Thai offers a menu for 12 euros that includes a starter, main, dessert and a drink – bargain! The San Antonio restaurant Can Gust is another that offers a meal deal of two dishes and a drink for just 10 euros. 

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A day in Porto

Porto, or Oporto as it is also known, is the second largest city and the jewel in the crown of Portugal. With a rich heritage and culture, Porto’s Historic Centre, the Luis I Bridge and the Monastery of Serra do Pilar were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1996.

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The last time we visited Porto was over forty years ago, and our visit is but a distant memory, but there is no doubt that one of Europe’s oldest cities hasn’t lost the beauty and splendour that we can still recall. Situated in the the north of the country, in the north-western part of the Iberian Peninsula on the estuary of the river Douro, Porto was originally named Cidade Invicta, meaning  ‘the undefeated city’. Bear in mind that the historic centre is very hilly and compact and that the best way to explore it is by walking, so flat shoes are a must!

Having researched the top things to do in Porto, our first stop was to Livraria Lello, a bookshop in Rua das Carmelitas. Not any old bookshop though! Renowned as the second oldest bookstore in the world, the reason why it attracts more than one thousand visitors a day is because it is said to be where J.K. Rowling – who lived in Porto in the nineties, drew inspiration for the Harry Potter books and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There is no doubt that the iconic red winding staircase, the carved gothic wooden panelling, its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and the beautiful stained-glass skylight warrants a visit, but there is a €6 entry fee per person (€5 if you pre-book online) and the queues to get in can be extremely long.  Unfortunately, unlike the hordes of excited children and tourists vying to get a selfie on the staircase, in our view it was not worth the wait and to top it all I found this Tweet from J.K. Rowling herself:

“For instance, I never visited this bookshop in Oporto. Never even knew of its existence! It’s beautiful and I wish I *had* visited it, but it has nothing to do with Hogwarts!”

We walked to Rua de Santa Catarina to see the Capela das Almas, or Chapel of the Souls, famous for its beautiful exterior wall of azulejos, the glazed blue & white ceramic tiles painted with scenes from the lives of saints as well as the death of St. Francis. Azulejos can be found everywhere in Portugal and another ‘must see’ is the stunning departure hall of Porto’s famous São Bento Station where a beautiful tableau of 20,000 azulejos depicts scenes from Portuguese history.

As part of any cultural trip, we are always on the hunt for a new food experience or destination and the Majestic Café lives up to its name as not only the most beautiful café in Porto but as one of the ‘Top 10 of the most beautiful cafes in the world’, and with its lavish Art Nouveau architecture, impressive marble façade, mirror lined walls, sculptures and leather seating it certainly evokes the splendour of the ‘Belle Époque’. The staff are attentive and the seafood soup was good but this is a place you probably want to make a one-time-only experience as the bill was expensive and a coffee alone will set you back €4.00.

Porto is, of course, famous for its Port wine and the Douro Valley is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world, famed for its terraced vineyards. The region has a hot, dry, micro-climate and rocky soil which are the ideal growing conditions for the grapes.

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There are many different wine cellars to choose from, but we went to Taylor’s, one of the oldest of the Port houses in Vila Nova de Gaia situated across the River Douro in Porto’s waterfront district. Their visitor’s centre is one of the largest and they offer a comprehensive and useful self-guided audio tour that takes you through cellars full to the rafters with huge barrels, including at the far end a gigantic oak vat containing 100,000L of late bottled vintage. We finished the tour with a range of tasting options in their tasting room or you can sit on the terrace amongst the peacocks and chickens! Taylor’s was founded in 1692, and it still remains one of the few family-run wineries in the country. We learnt that the port wine used to be shipped from the vineyards down the dangerous and turbulent Douro River on special boats called ‘barcos rabelos’ (it now comes overland), and something we hadn’t realised was that foot stomping is still used to crush the grapes. 

Taylor’s is set amongst WOW – World of Wine – a mega complex consisting of museums, restaurants & bars and because our brains were full of facts, and a little befuddled by the port tasting, we didn’t visit the Wine Experience which ‘aims to demystify wine for all’ but there are also exhibitions on chocolate, fashion and textiles.

Both banks of the river are extremely scenic, and as we sat with a glass of wine in the main square at WOW we enjoyed a stunning view of the colourfully painted houses that rose steeply from the historic old town waterfront in the Ribeira neighbourhood opposite. 

If you’re lucky enough to have another day or two in which to discover more of the magic of Porto and the surrounding region, there is plenty to see. Don’t forget to try the delicious pastéis de nata, the traditional Portuguese custard tart found throughout Portugal. One is never enough!

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The Art of Tapas

One of the most pleasurable experiences in Spain is eating, and tapas is always on of the best ways to sample the local cuisine.  

Tapas are a common delicacy at spanish bars and restaurants. You’ll find an endless variety of tapas when you visit. Traditionally, you used to be given a tapa free with every drink you ordered, though this is now only prevalent in a few regions.

Nonetheless, to ‘tapear’ is a tradition that remains alive. So, head to a bar, grab a glass of delicious Spanish wine, and enjoy tapas as you relax in the sun.

Each region in Spain is known for different tapas, defined by thefood that is grown or produced locally. However, today, most bars in Spain will serve tapas from across the country, though, of course, they are fiercely loyal about their own regional food.

In many bars, you may be offered a free snack of Jamon Iberico (Iberian ham), which is cured for 12 months and longer and has an incredibly rich taste and smooth texture. Manchego cheese is another popular offering.

But tapas are far more than ham and cheese. Here are 10 of the most popular tapas dishes that you will find in Spain.

Tortilla

Tortilla is a traditional Spanish omelette filled with potatoes. Other ingredients may include onions and chorizo. It’s a thick wedge of deliciousness, easy as finger food, and tasty served warm or cold.

Chorizo al Vino

Sliced chorizo, mixed with a little garlic and paprika, and cooked in Spanish red wine. This dish is a smoky, savoury delight.

Gambas al Ajillo

This is a spicy prawn dish. Served in a sizzling sauce prepared with chilli pepper, black pepper, and garlic. Enjoy with a little ‘pan’ (bread) to soak up the tasty sauce after you have devoured the prawns.

Pimientos de Padron Tapas

Spain may be a meat lover’s paradise, but there is plenty for vegetarians, too. Such as the very traditional Pimientos de Padron!

This is a traditional dish of the Galicia region. The green peppers are fried in olive oil and seasoned with sea salt. A simple dish, and one of the most popular across the whole of Spain.

Patatas Bravas

In the world of tapas, patatas bravas are the equivalent to French fries.

Cubed potatoes are fried in olive oil until they are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and then accompanied by a spicy tomato-based sauce (though you may also be offered a creamy garlic sauce instead).

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Boquerones en Vinagre

Another fish dish, boquerones en vinegre is marinated anchovies, with a little garlic to boost the taste sensation. Fantastic with olives.

Pimientos Piquillos Relleno de Bacalao

Another dish made with peppers. This time small, red piquillos, which are filled with minced cod. The peppers are roasted and the cod and vegetable filling remains tender. This is a hot dish, often served with a sauce of the region. Once more, a little pan is a must to soak up the sauce.

Croquetas

Perhaps the most versatile of all Tapas, a croqueta can be filled with any ingredient – meats, cheeses, fish, and vegetables.

You’ll love the crispy fried shell and the creamy filling.

Magras

This is a tapa from the Murcian region, though you’ll find it served in many bars and restaurants across Spain.

Essentially, this is a stew-type dish. It’s made with lean pork and crushed tomatoes. Eaten either hot or cold, it should always be accompanied by a piece of pan.

Ensalada Rusa

Russian salad? As a tapa? Absolutely! This salad of egg, potato, carrots, and mayonnaise may also include prawns and pineapple (ask before ordering). It’s a fantastic side tapa to include with an order of all the above tapas!

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7 of the best Tapas Towns 

León, Castilla y León

In Leon’s atmospheric old town, bars serve a hefty free tapa with each drink. Most spots tend to favour simple dishes and substantial portions – think platefuls of local cheese and chorizo, fried potatoes doused in homemade alioli, slivers of umami-rich Ibérico ham. The best bars are crowded into the boisterous Barrio Húmedo district and around the Plaza Mayor. 

Bilbao, País Vasco

Tapas are elevated to an art form in Bilbao. All along Calle Ledesma, counters are piled high with ‘pintxos’ – slices of bread topped with anything from caramelised foie to tempura crab. Some bars prefer you to point out the pintxos you want, while others just hand you a plate and let you help yourself. Take your lead from locals if you’re not sure. 

San Sebastián, País Vasco

San Sebastián is perhaps Spain’s most glamorous city – impossibly scenic, home to an International Film Festival and now, to a plethora of Michelin-starred restaurants. In the tapas bars of the old quarter, traditional anchovy, olive and chilli skewers vie with molecular creations like bonfire-roasted cod and velvety sheep’s cheese risotto. Locals pair their pintxos with Txakoli, a light white wine that’s made nearby. 

Logroño, La Rioja

The capital of the Rioja winemaking region is a magnet for bar-hopping foodies. In Logroño’s medieval centre, Calle Laurel packs over 30 tapas bars into a two-block stretch. Each one has a signature dish, from spicy patatas bravas in Bar Jubera to El Soriano’s grilled mushrooms with juicy prawns. The food isn’t free, but a tapa and glass of Rioja should come in at around €3. 

Granada, Andalucía

Granada is fiercely proud of its reputation for fantastic free tapas. Each round of drinks here comes complete with snacks – and you’ll never get the same tapa twice. Try Bodegas Espadafor for roast ham, or head to Los Diamantes for mouthwatering seafood, eaten elbow-to-elbow with a mostly local crowd. 

Jaén, Andalucía

Jaén is the world’s biggest producer of olive oil, so it’s no surprise that extra-virgin is the star ingredient of its tapas. It elevates simple sandwiches and imparts bold grassy flavour to regional favourites like pipirrana salad and gazpacho. Most bars have an extensive menu, but you may not need it – you’ll get a free tapa with every drink. 

Almería, Andalucía

Generosity reaches new heights in Almería. Not only does each drink ordered here come with a free tapa, but most bars let you choose which one you want from the menu. In this coastal city, fresh seafood is always a safe bet – look out for chargrilled octopus or crisp fried ‘pescaíto frito’.

The fat one

Feeding your belly and your soul in Bologna, Italy’s foodie capital.

When it comes to Italy, different cities and regions of the country are pretty universally “known” for certain things. Milan is known for fashion. Tuscany is known for wine and gorgeous countryside. Venice is known for its romantic canals. Florence for art. Rome for history.

But if you love food? If you love food, you go to Emilia-Romagna.

Emilia-Romagna is a region in northern Italy known for its medieval cities and fertile lands. This part of Italy gives the world delicious things like Parma ham, the best balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Ferrari. 

And at the heart of Emilia-Romagna is the city of Bologna. Known as La Dotta (“the learned one” for its world-renowned university), La Grassa (“the fat one” for its delicious cuisine) and La Rossa (“the red one” for its red rooftops and leftist political views). 

Bologna is one of the larger cities in Italy (7th Largest) – and even though tourism is a fast-growing industry there – it barely ranks in the top 25 cities in Italy in terms of actual tourist numbers. In 2018, more than 60 million tourists visited Italy, but only a little over 2 million of them made their way to Bologna. Another bonus is that the historic city center isn’t all that large. You can walk from one end to the other in less than 45 minutes. Meaning that you can really see (and eat) all the best things in Bologna without feeling too rushed.

Walk the Porticoes

One of Bologna’s most distinctive features are its porticoes – pretty arches that shield the streets from both the sun and rain. There are 666 archways in total (but I certainly didn’t count) built to the height of a man on horseback, and today constitute yet another of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage sights.

Bologna Fact: the porticoes were created during Bologna’s Middle Age, when the city needed extra space for housing. By building over part of the sidewalks, the city avoided narrowing the streets, while creating extra room for living spaces.

Piazza Maggiore

Piazza Maggiore is the main square in Bologna and the heart of the historic town. Dating back to 1200, and one of the first squares in Italy built after the fall of the Roman Empire, citizens would once congregate to hear new laws and watch public executions.

Today, the Bolognese come here to eat ice cream, listen to concerts and scoff pizza in the arteries that feed of Piazza Maggiore. It’s a great place to hang out and explore the mishmash of architectural styles that have developed over the years around the square.

San Petronia Basilica

Bologna still feels like a work in progress and there’s no better way to admire the unadorned character of the city than by visiting San Petronio Church. Construction began in 1388 but after a series of complicated amendments, Pope Pius IV deemed it a pipedream and diverted funds to the university instead. As a result, San Petronio remains unfinished with the top decorated in marble and the top half simple old brick.

While the inside is plainly decorated, it contains a meridian line paved into the isle by the astronomer Giovanni Cassini in 1655. With phenomenal precision, the meridian line allowed Cassini to calculate the tilt of the earth axis and the timing of the equinoxes.

Towers of Bologna

Pisa may be more famous, but Bologna has its own leaning towers. In fact, old prints show that the city once had more than a hundred towers, as noble families would compete to build the highest structures.

17 towers remain today, the two most famous of which are the Torre Garisenda and the Torre Asinelli. Built in the 12th century, the Torre Garisenda leans even more dramatically than Pisa and is so famous throughout Italy that Dante mentions it in his Divine Comedy. 

The Torre Asinelli is taller at 90 meters, and is climbable. Pay the entrance fee for a beautiful view over the city – you’ll get a first hand look at the red roofs which give Bologna its nickname La Rossa. 

Taste the Best Gelato in Italy

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Gelato lovers, you’re in luck. Homemade gelato in Bologna is an institution and there are several ice cream shops in town that each make delicious sorbets and ice creams.

For those who like to try quirky flavors, we spotted Gorgonzola cheese gelato and even Risotto alla Milanese gelato.

Go Food Shopping in the Quadrilatero

Bologna’s food markets are quite famous and one of the most charming sections is the Quadrilatero. Home to markets and food stalls since the Middle Ages, this grid of narrow streets south of Via Rizzoli is the place to try flaky pastries, aged cheeses, delicious charcuterie and inexpensive but fantastic wine.

Grab a little of this and that to make your own picnic! Or, have lunch at one of the many street side restaurants where you can enjoy a meal on the sidewalk tables.

Santuario della Madonna di San Luca

Saint Luke’s sanctuary is one of the most famous churches in Bologna and occupies a secluded place on its own forested hill southwest of the city center.

The best way to visit is to walk along the long roofed arcade where the annual procession marches but it’s also the most challenging way! 666 arches line the path (about 3.8 km) and you might find yourself cursing the devil as you near the home stretch.

The Motor Valley

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If you’re a motorcycle or race car fan, chances are you’ve heard about the Motor Valley – the industrial district situated in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region specialized in the automotive industry. This area, mainly concentrated in Bologna, Modena, Cento and Argenta,  is renowned worldwide for being the birthplace of some of the world’s leading automotive brands: Ducati, Ferrari and Lamborghini.  In addition to the industrial activity, the Motor Valley is also characterized by museums, racetracks, factories and sports competitions, making it an authentic “land of engines”. Which means you can visit the Lamborghini, Ducati and Ferrari museums, racetracks and factories during your stay in Bologna!

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There is so much delicious food in Bologna it can feel overwhelming. Especially if you’re there for just a short trip. This list of Bologna foods is quick guide on what to taste while visiting the area. 

TAGLIATELLE AL RAGU (A.K.A. PASTA BOLOGNESE)

When it comes to Bologna food, the famous Bolognese tagliatelle al ragu is a must! And you won’t find spaghetti Bolognese in Bologna. For one, you’re in Bologna, so the sauce will simply be called “ragù.” Second, the Bolognese don’t eat spaghetti, they prefer a thicker, egg-based tagliatelle because it holds the sauce better.

RICOTTA AND FIG GELATO

Bologna has a long history with Italy’s most famous dessert, gelato. Three of Italy’s top-rated gelatarias in Bologna! But if I had to pick one flavor for you to try, it would be ricotta and fig, or “ricotta e fichi.”

TORTELLINI IN BRODO

This pasta dish is another must-taste when it comes to Bolognese Food. Bologna is known for tortellini and tortelloni, the small and large versions of a pasta dumpling that’s shaped a bit like a hat. Tortellini, is typically stuffed with seasoned ground meat and is most commonly served in a broth as a soup.

LASAGNA BOLOGNESE

Lasagna is originally from the Emilia Romagna region, of which Bologna was the center of commerce. But lasagna Bolognese is a little different that what you’re used to. It is layered with a rich and flavorful meat-based ragu, but what makes it different is that it’s typically served with green pasta. 

PASSATELLI

Passatelli is one pasta you typically won’t find back home. This rustic pasta from the Emilia Romagna region is made with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, eggs bread crumbs, and nutmeg. You can find it in a broth or served with a simple sauce.

MORTADELLA

Mortadella is a lunch meat made of cured pork and spiced with black pepper, and sometimes pistachios! Mortadella typically sliced thin and served with other charcuterie or on a piadina. It’s a cured meat you’ll see quite a lot in Bologna.

PIADINA

Piadina is a rustic Italian flatbread made with flour, lard, and salt. Some piadina can be made with olive oil too. You’ll see piadina sandwiches, and torn piadina served with meats on a charcuterie board. You can get Piadina with Nutella for breakfast or your  bambino. If you want a classic then go for Mortadella and fig.

PARMIGIANO REGGIANO

The King of cheeses! Parmigiano Reggiano is a regional cheese you’re probably familiar with. It’s a hard cheese that’s usually grated on pasta, but in Bologna you’ll also find served as bite sized crumbles. Sometimes Parmigiano Reggiano is also served with a little drizzle of balsamic vinegar on top.

BALSAMIC VINEGAR

Just a short drive north of Bologna is the town of Modena, known for making balsamic vinegar, or Balsamico di Modena. This balsamic vinegar is the real deal! Balsamico di Modena is aged in wood barrels called a battery and tastes bitter sweet. You’ll often see balsamic vinegar served alongside other Bologna foods as it’s a staple at most dining room tables. The most common way to serve it is drizzled on Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

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How to spend 3 days in Dubrovnik

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Day 1 

Breakfast: Cele

Located right at the end of the Stradun (main street), you’ll find Cele. It’s a great spot for people watching and you’ll get quite a range of breakfast options here. I opted for the french toast, my sister went for pancakes and my mother went for eggs benedict.

AM: Walk around the city walls

Here you will find some of the best views of the city and it is a great way to get your steps in. The first thing you’ll notice about Dubrovnik is that 80% of the Old Town is made up of steps, but most of the walk around the city walls is relatively flat. The walls take between 1 – 1.5 hours to walk if you go at a leisurely pace. You can enter from Pile Gate and entry for adults is around 30 euros. 

Lunch: Barba

One place that popped up a few times when looking for ‘best eats’ was the small restaurant Barba, and specifically their octopus burger in a squid ink bun. A local had also recommended this place on our tour so it was definitely worth the hype! You can’t book, but we went for lunch at 2:30pm and managed to get a table by the windowsill.
 

PM: Kayaking Tour

For £21, you can take a 3 hour kayaking tour that takes you around the city walls at sunset and will also take you around the ‘cursed’ island of Lokrum. You’ll also have a guide who will tell you about the history of Dubrovnik and some urban legends. You will also get 30 minutes on a private beach. Informational, relaxing and you’ll also work off that octopus burger! 

Dinner:
Taj Mahal (Bosnian Food)

I definitely recommend reserving your tables in advance for dinner because most of the popular places will be fully booked on the night. Don’t let the name fool you, as Taj Mahal is actually a Bosnian restaurant! If you have any vegetarians travelling in your party then this probably isn’t the restaurant for you as their menu is very meat heavy. We opted for the ‘genghis khan plate’ which consisted of cevapi, chicken kebab, pljeskavica, suđukica, rumsteak and chicken. 

Day 2 

Breakfast: SNEK

This place had a number of healthier options on their menu such as chia pudding and protein pancakes, and it cost us between £5-£10 depending on what you were eating. They also had an extensive cocktail list, so it’s a great place to come back to in the afternoon. 

AM:
Game of Thrones Walking Tour 

If you’re reading this travel guide, chances are you still haven’t got to Dubrovnik. Meaning there is still time to watch the show so you can experience this tour and know your Khaleesi from your Cersei. My mother and sister hadn’t seen GOT but still found the tour entertaining as the guide has plenty of pictures, funny anecdotes and non-GOT related stories about the city to share. 

PM: Visit Lokrum Island

The small island of Lokrum is a 30 minute boat ride away from Dubrovnik, and here you can see some peacocks roaming, an Iron Throne replica and a lake that you can sunbathe by and swim in. You’ll likely spend 2 – 3 hours here.

DINNER:
Gradska Kavana Arsenal

The food here was delicious and moderately priced. They serve a mix of seafood, meat and pasta dishes. I had the fish stew, my mother had squid ink risotto, and my sister had the truffle and mushroom pasta. 

Day 3

As I mentioned Dubrovnik is a relatively small city, which means that it gives you the chance to explore neighbouring countries. There are day trips available to Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina. We decided on the latter because it’s somewhere we wouldn’t necessarily do an exclusive trip to. 

Day trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina 

We were picked up at 7:30am and we drove for around an hour and a half before reaching a waterfall where we had an hour of free time, and then we continued on to the city of Mostar. I didn’t have any prior knowledge of Mostar or the Bosnian war in the 90s, so it was interesting to get the perspective from our Croat tour guide, and our bosnian guide in Mostar. You definitely get the sense that people still feel very strongly and divided about what happened. 

Lunch: Restaurant Sadrvan 

This place was recommended to us by our guide, and a plate of meat, pita bread and chips cost us less than a fiver. They had a terrace so we got a great view of the bridge and river. 

Dinner: Mex Cantina 

The tour will have you back in Dubrovnik for dinner time, and if you fancy a change of cuisine then I recommend Mex Cantina. Half the menu was mexican and half was pizza, so we got a bit of everything and thoroughly enjoyed it. 

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10 Tips for surviving a long-haul flight

With the world opening up again and more and more countries removing entry restrictions entirely, flying out of the continent is something we can start planning without so much hesitation and anxiety. Even though I have had the chance to take a few trips recently, it has been a long time since I have done a long trip. I can however remember how gruelling they can be if you can’t sleep or if you keep checking the flight tracker on the screen to see only 15 minutes have passed by. I have an 11 hour flight coming up this month to Thailand, so I thought I’d share some of my tips for surviving a long-haul flight

1. Book an evening flight

We all know how time zones and jet lag can mess with our body clock and sometimes even get in the way of our holiday. So the best thing to do is get a flight that departs in the evening so you can have your lovely aeroplane meal, watch an hour or two of Netflix and then sleep through the night like you normally would at home. 

2. Get as comfy as possible 

A lot of fashion brands have pages dedicated to ‘airport attire’ because as you have probably spotted in departure lounges, a lot of people still want to look cool when they are travelling. That being said, when you are going to be spending more than 3 hours on a plane, you want to make sure your bottoms are baggy/stretchy, you have layered a t-shirt and a jumper to adjust to the plane temperatures, and you have got a pair of flip-flops in your hand luggage to switch into. On the contrary, if you are travelling in sandals make sure to keep a pair of socks handy as the plane can get chilly once everyone starts blasting the aircon. 

3. Invest in a good neck pillow 

Most airlines will provide a mini pillow if you are flying long-haul, but I usually use that as a rest for my lower back instead. An innovative pillow I own is the ‘FaceCradle Adjustable Pillow’ which can be altered to suit your napping preferences. 

4.
Save the good Netflix shows for your trip

Even though most airlines will have in-flight entertainment, it is always a good idea to download your own shows and movies on Netflix in case you don’t like the selection, or you have bought a £150 ticket from London – Dubai and this is not even an option. If there is a binge worthy show coming up or that’s on your to-watch list, save it to watch on the plane. 

5.
Take natural sleep
supplements

Melatonin tablets have been a lifesaver for me when doing long coach trips or flights. I even zoned out so hard on my 8 hour coach trip to Sydney that my head was bobbing all over the place. Melatonin is a natural sleep hormone so it is perfectly safe to carry on the plane, and it will allow you to fall asleep easier and adjust to the new timezone. Pair it with a blackout eye mask and you will be good to go. 

6. Have an in-flight book club

One of my favourite airport activities is browsing through books at WHSmith, but now that I have a kindle I just take down the titles I like and purchase one on there. Mostly because it saves space (and money)! If there is a group of you travelling, find a book you can all agree on to read on the plane so you can have something else to discuss in the 10 hour journey. 

7. Choose your seat wisely 

We are lucky that on our upcoming trip, I prefer the window seat, my friend prefers the aisle and my other friend doesn’t mind sitting in the middle. If not I think I would have to sit apart from my friends because I can only sleep on planes if my head is leaning on the window #longneckproblems. On the other hand, my friend likes to get up frequently to walk around and use the bathroom, so the aisle seat is best for her. 

8. Stay hydrated

Flying really dehydrates your skin, so it’s important to drink water, and pack a lip balm and face moisturiser in your bag for the flight. Just make sure to drink in small sips so you’re not running to the toilet every hour!

9. Avoid caffeine 

We all love getting to the airport and buying an eccentric flavoured coffee from Starbucks before our flight. Depending on how hard caffeine hits you, I would leave the caffeinated drinks for when your airline serves you breakfast or else you are going to find it hard to fall asleep. 

10.
Remember to stretch and keep your circulation going!

Not that there is much room for movement on a plane, but making sure that you stretch your legs and back every few hours will do wonders. Use the time whilst you are waiting in the queue for the toilet to do some lunges if the space allows for it! I also recommend taking a pair of compression tights with you for the duration of the flight, especially if you are prone to spider or varicose veins. 

Personally, I enjoy flying as it really gives us time to disconnect from social media and really be present. Whether it’s with your companions, the movie you are watching, the book you are reading or even with your thoughts and emotions. Use this time to actually make it a pleasant journey for yourself!

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Cunard

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As one of the oldest and most respected names in cruise travel, the three ships of this heritage line offer a classic cruise experience, recreating the golden age of steamship travel.  With their opulent art deco style and unique signatures of afternoon tea, grand gala evenings and White Star service, Cunard’s three Queens guarantee memorable moments at sea.  The entertainment and enrichment programmes onboard are highly prized by their guests who like to return form their travels not only refreshed but also improved in some small way.

Cunard was also the first cruise line to pioneer a world voyage back in 1923 and since then no cruise line has operated more round world voyages or taken more guests on these exotic long sailings.

 The iconic RMS Queen Mary plies the transatlantic route between Southampton and New York.  As the world’s only ocean liner and built specifically for this purpose, she maintains a schedule of seven night crossings from spring to autumn.  The transatlantic crossing is unlike any other experience at sea and one that all dedicated cruisers aspire to do at least once.

Queen Victoria spends her summers sailing from Southampton to all over Europe – the fjords, the Baltic capitals and down into the Mediterranean.  In the winter she embarks on a 101 night westward circumnavigation of the world, carrying her passengers to some of the world’s most remote and exotic destinations.

Queen Elizabeth divides her time between Australasia, Japan and Alaska sailing a series of itineraries in these amazing destinations.  From the majesty of the New Zealand fjords to the exotic culture of Japan during the cherry blossom season to the spectacular beauty of the Alaskan glaciers, the ship will reveal what a truly spectacular and diverse world we inhabit.

For guests choosing a luxury cruise, there is a world of choice but for those seeking a truly
iconic experience at sea, there is but one. 
Cunard – The fine line.

Please contact MHB Travel Services for more details on any Cunard cruise.  See details above.

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Visit London

At some point or another, most Gibraltarians have wondered the streets of old London, whether for a nifty weekend break or as part of forging a career in England and the UK’s capital.

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Of course, the pandemic did much to disrupt even a simple flight to Heathrow or Gatwick, but now things are easing back to a sense of normality, is it time to tread the Big Smoke’s streets once again?

London, like other global cities, almost feels like it has a life of its own. An inanimate construct of dwelling with a vibe all of its own. During the pandemic, construction continued apace in many areas, and any visit back could take you by surprise. Waterloo, for example, has gleaming new buildings where tired ones once stood.

London, is of course, massive. A core of small settlements/villages foisted together through economic necessity. Everybody knows Covent Garden, Camden and Greenwich, but there are also other wonderful nooks and crannies worth exploring.

For years, “South of the River” was a place frowned down upon, but the area from Waterloo through London Bridge and round the Thames peninsula is not only full of history, it is a delightful walk on a sunny day.

South Bank in particular has an array of quirky pubs, shops and architecture and the Thames Path is one of the best ways to see this. Take this all way round, making sure to check out the many blue plaques, or perhaps download a podcast walking tour. Fascinating gems like the Clink Prison (from which the common use of “clink” was taken) and the replica of the Golden Hind are things that not everyone knows about and well worth a visit. On the road to Tower Bridge from London Bridge, stop and relax in Potters Field Park and take in the views of moreLondon on the left and the Tower of London across the water. Shad Thames, right on the doorstep, is awash with hints of history and movie filming locations. The sense of wonder there can transport your mind back to a distant time.

Beyond Shad Thames, the postcode changes from SE1 to SE16. While the “famous” Docklands in the Isle of Dogs steals the limelight with its bold North American-style skyscrapers, Rotherhithe and Surrey Docks is a much more placid affair and is home to one of the best pubs in London, The Mayflower. It is here that the famous ship’s captain Christopher Jones lived, and he is buried in the churchyard at St Mary’s Church. Expect a rustic feel in the pub with a good atmosphere and excellent dining upstairs. The outer deck/jetty juts out over the Thames where you can take in the other historically significant ale houses on the North side of the river. Some with a darker past than most. The Captain Kidd and The Prospect of Whitby are must-sees.

Taking the tube from Rotherhithe to Wapping is a simple affair underneath the river in the Brunel-engineered Thames Tunnel. In Wapping you will find more of the olde world side of Docklands with throwbacks to previous times. One of the best places to take in more views is in Limehouse. The Narrow is operated by Gordon Ramsay, so the food quality and experience is second-to-none.

Of course, another reason to head to London is simply for shopping. Westfield in Shepherds Bush remains an excellent all-in-one experience opportunity and the mall has widened its appeal with the addition of new brands such as South African fashion boutique Kingsley Heath. The old BBC HQ over the road on Wood Lane is now home to high-end apartments and dining/bars, as well as a branch of Soho House.

London offers so much so close and it’s definitely worth exploring the road that’s less travelled in a wonderful city. 

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Castles & Cathedrals

IF YOU’RE STILL NOT CONFIDENT ABOUT TRAVELLING TO FAR FLUNG DESTINATIONS, THERE ARE NUMEROUS INTERESTING AND CULTURAL DESTINATIONS TO EXPLORE BY CAR.

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AS PART OF A TEN DAY ROAD TRIP AROUND PORTUGAL AND SPAIN, WE LEFT PORTO AND HEADED FOR SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA DRIVING PAST BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAINOUS LANDSCAPES, VERDANT VALLEYS AND ALONGSIDE LUSH FORESTS. AS WE DROVE ACROSS THE RÍA DE VIGO ESTUARY WE NOTICED WHAT LOOKED FROM A DISTANCE TO BE HUNDREDS OF BARGES MOORED IN THE WATER, BUT THEY WERE IN FACT MUSSEL FARMS AND FROM THOSE BIG WOODEN PLATFORMS (BATEAS), LINES OF ROPES HUNG FROM WHICH YOUNG MUSSELS ARE SEEDED. AS WELL AS MUSSELS, GALICIA IS FAMOUS FOR ITS OYSTERS AND SCALLOPS.

Santiago de Compostela

Spain is full of walled villages, castles, churches, cathedrals and old squares and our first stop was to visit Santiago de Compostela and the majestic Romanesque style architecture of the Cathedral, one of Spain’s most iconic buildings and also one of the most important religious structures in the whole of Spain. The city, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, was built around the discovery of the remains of the Apostle Saint James which has led it to becoming the final point of the Camino de Santiago and the place to which pilgrims have flocked for centuries to pay their respects to St. James. 

On arrival in Obradoiro Square on a Friday evening we could hear the sound of bagpipes in the distance. This is apparently a traditional welcome from a Galician busker playing the instrument under the Arco de Palacio stone archway for weary Camino pilgrims after their arduous journey.

Gazing up at the impressive western façade of the cathedral and then looking down at the smooth flagstones worn down by the pilgrims who once stood in the same place gives an understanding as to their spiritual connection with this special place that has permeated the atmosphere for more than eleven centuries. 

Obradoiro Square is flanked on three sides by the Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos (now the Parador), the Palace of Rajoy currently home to the city council of Santiago and on its left side is the College of San Jeronimo. 

Entry to the Cathedral is free and you will be amazed by the grandeur as you wander through from chapel to chapel, taking in the magnificence of the art and architecture, the gold and silverwork, the detailed sculpture work and the magnificent organs that sit either side in front of the high altar. 

Don’t forget to look for the ‘Botafumeiro’, the famous giant incense burner hanging in the form of a pendulum from the ceiling that has been used since the Middle Ages to clean the air after the pilgrims have completed the Camino de Santiago. 

Not only was this a cultural trip, but it turned into a gastro tour as well and we enjoyed an array of Galician tapas with a seafood focus. The scallop shell is the most well-known and iconic symbol associated with the Camino de Santiago, so it seemed only fitting to taste some delicious scallops with langostinos at one of the many local bars. Breakfast at the historical Casino Café, the oldest and most traditional coffee house in Santiago, once the meeting point of bourgeois and aristocrats, with its original interior from 1873 including dark wood panelling, carvings and Art Deco glass door panes, was an interesting experience. The décor took us back to a bygone age, and the contemporary giant grotesque sculptures were certainly a talking point! A delicious treat found all over the city and beyond in Galicia is Tarta de Santiago, a traditional artisan almond and lemon cake sprinkled generously with icing sugar in which the cross of St. James has been stencilled.

Moving on the next day we drove to the small but charming village of Villafranca del Bierzo where we stayed a night in the Parador, explored the historic quarter of the nearby city of Ponferrada (a twenty minute drive from our hotel) and the imposing and extraordinary Castillo de los Templarios with origins that go back to an ancient Celtic fort, but which it gets its name from the famed Knights Templar who protected the town in the 12th century. As we crossed the moat on the drawbridge and gazed out from the entrance between the two large crenelated towers, we enjoyed stunning views of the snow-capped mountains that surround the municipality. 

Salamanca

Salamanca, home to Europe’s third-oldest university, is a spectacularly beautiful city and it is no wonder that the historic centre is a UNESCO heritage site. We were lucky to have an amazing panoramic view from our room at the Parador that was even better at night when the old and new Cathedrals were lit up in all their glory. The cobbled roads and streets look attractive, but comfy flat shoes are a must when you are sightseeing.  Plaza Mayor, one of the largest squares in Spain, is the first place to stop for a drink, tapas and some people watching, and because it is a university city there is a great atmosphere with plenty of students bustling around amid the tourists.  

Architecturally, Salamanca is full of incredible buildings carved from golden sandstone with many of them displaying intricate carvings. Look out for the frog that is carved into the stonework above the main entrance of the university, or the astronaut carving on the walls of the Catedral Nueva. 

Segovia

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Another city and another cathedral and castle to explore within the medieval centre of Segovia which is packed with impressive historic monuments including one of the best-preserved elevated Roman aqueducts. This time we were particularly bowled over by the beautiful Alcazar de Segovia. Built upon a large rock promontory shaped like the bow of a ship, the Castle looks as if it has stepped straight out of a fairy tale and is, in fact, said to have been Walt Disney’s inspiration for Cinderella’s Castle in Walt Disney World. To us, with its picturesque turrets, pink hued stone and enchanting spiralling towers the exterior resembled a Bavarian castle and there is no doubt that children will be enthralled as they step inside. Don’t forget to look up at the elaborately carved and painted ceilings, especially the one in the ‘Galley Room’ in the shape of an inverted ship’s hull.

There is no doubt that Spain’s cathedrals, churches and castles are veritable treasure troves full of some of the best art, sculpture, ornately adorned interiors, lavish ornamental woodwork, decorated ceilings, tapestries, and astounding gold and silver work to be found anywhere in the world… and it’s all just a drive away!

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Exploring Travel Anxiety

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Who among us hasn’t dreamt of travelling? Home grown gems or far away exotic locations. But travel anxiety is also very common. Some people experience a significant amount of anxiety when they travel. Those with persistent generalised anxiety and panic attacks are also prone to travel anxiety simply because travel represents change and distance from comfort. Certain people fear travel but are not completely aware of this fear because they avoid booking their ticket or come up with other excuses in order to not leave their homes.

Whatever the situation, travel anxiety makes it much considerably harder to travel, be it for work or pleasure. 

It is helpful to explore the concept of travel anxiety and discover strategies and techniques as to how to reduce our fear.

Travel anxiety is unlikely to have any single specific cause. Many people experience travel anxiety their entire lives. Others develop the anxiety either because of past experiences relating to travel which were anxiety provoking. Others seem to have travel anxiety for no apparent reason at all. 

You may not even know the exact reasons why your travel anxiety developed. It is possible – and important – to understand what your specific worries are. However, it isn’t always possible to know why you have those worries. Travel anxiety affects many people and it can have a disruptive influence on your life.

Pre-travel anxiety can be helped if you plan for certain scenarios. Most often stems from the “what if” aspect of travelling. While no one can plan for every possible worst-case scenario, it’s possible to have a battle plan for some of the more common ones, such as:

• What if I run out of money? I can always contact a relative or friend. I can bring a credit card for emergencies.

• What if I get lost? I can keep a paper map or guide book and my phone with me.

• What if I get sick while on the trip? I can purchase travel health insurance before I leave or be sure my insurance will cover me. Most insurance policies include access to a list of healthcare providers in different areas of the country or the world.

By preparing for scenarios like these ahead of time, you’ll see that most problems have a solution, even while traveling. 

Karen Dwyer, is a neuro coach, speaker and corporate wellness trainer. Karen is best known for reversing MS and runs an award winning company providing health and well being programs in over 22 countries globally.

Karen believes ‘Anxiety can disrupt daily life anytime, but it is even more frustrating when you have a trip planned and you’d like to enjoy it along with your companions but you are stuck, full of fear and dread. 

I hear a lot of clients as we approach the summer season say ‘Is it even possible to be present and enjoy the holiday?’

As soon as we hit book on that flight or hotel, one expects an excited feeling but right now, this may have an opposite effect with extra concerns about travel and the anxiety that comes with 

Travel anxiety can show up as stomach pain, headache, fatigue, emotional upset, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, trembling or muscle tension/pain. 

Anxiety is the body’s response to stress and stress is not a bad thing if we are in danger, it gives us the fuel we need to take some rapid actions but when this happens in daily life and if our bodies are on high alert more than we need, we need to have some strategies in place that we can practise at a moments notice.

Here are some of my most successful travel anxiety tips;

In advance of travelling:

1 – Future pace of your journey – mentally go through what it looks like on your trip. See yourself packing, in the mode of transport, arriving at your destination and feeling that all is well. Rehearse the joy in your head so that it becomes positive and comforting

2 – Download some familiar films and songs or meditations on your phone or device so you can still feel comforted and not have to worry about signals. 

3 – Call and confirm all details before you leave and have a physical print out of confirmations and location. If travelling to a foreign language destination, use google translate for some local phrases and have them printed so you can easily point to them or if your phone dies you are not trying to remember or pronounce.

4 – Feeling in control plays a huge part when travelling. After possibly being out all day, being able to fully charge multiple devices, and maybe even your hair straightener/shaver etc will be important and rather than have to sacrifice one for the other, pack an extension lead with multiple sockets so you only have to use one universal plug adapter.  

5 – IF you are concerned about using packed transport and germs, pack a few KN95 masks. Even just knowing you have them can be comforting. They have a 95% particle filtration system so it keeps you a lot safer from travel germs than most other masks.

6 – Do some box breathing. Breathe in for count if 4. Hold for count if 4, breathe out for count if 4, hold that for count if 4.

Do this for a minute or 2 and feel your heart rate start to regulate to go back to your own normal breathing pattern.

7 – People laugh when I tell them this but it works. If you feel an anxiety attack coming on, clench your butt cheeks. It is a pattern interrupt and will send your concentration elsewhere rather than your anxiety. Try it, might feel strange at first but scientifically prove to interrupt anxiety.’

Beyond these travel anxiety ideas, you’ll also want to focus on reducing your overall anxiety. Anxiety is a cumulative disorder. When you experience anxiety in one area of your life, it can cause more anxiety in other areas of your life. If you have anxiety on a daily basis, reducing that anxiety will provide you with a powerful advantage when it comes to managing your anxiety on the whole.

Karen Dwyer :: www.karenwyer.com

instagram.com/iamkarendwyer/

linkedin.com/in/karen-dwyer

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Holiday Checklist

Passport, tickets, money, phone – these are most probably the list of things that we check we have with us before we leave home to go on holiday, and unfortunately the older we get the more we seem to have to repeat this mantra!

Once you’ve booked your flights, or whatever mode of travel you have chosen, and your accommodation, there are a few other important items that you should consider before you leave to ensure that your holiday is stress free.  

Passport

It sounds obvious, but you should make sure that your passport is up to date, as well as those of anyone travelling with you. Remember that child passports don’t last as long as an adult one, so check the expiration date. Some countries refuse entry to tourists whose passports are less than six months from expiry. You should also check in advance if you need a visa for your destination and bear in mind that the time it takes to apply and receive a visa can vary, and that in some cases you can’t apply for a tourist visa more than three months before you travel. 

Travel

Insurance

Checking whether you need to renew your travel insurance is another priority. It can provide extra reassurance as it may cover you if you need to cancel or change your trip before you depart, for missed or delayed flights, or for lost or stolen luggage and other belongings such as passports and cash. Most importantly, it may cover your emergency medical costs if you get sick or injured and need attention or hospitalisation while away.

Medication

It is always good to be prepared, so taking a mini travel health kit with you can often be useful if you don’t want to end up searching for a 24 hour pharmacy in a foreign country. Apart from any prescription medicines, consider the following: thermometer, over-the-counter pain relief (such as ibuprofen or paracetamol), antibiotic cream, steroid cream (such as hydrocortisone) to treat rashes, oral antihistamine (to help reduce itchiness and inflammation caused by allergies and insect bites) and anti-diarrhoea medication. Don’t forget to take sunscreen – with an SPF 30 or higher – and after-sun cream to soothe your skin after a day in the sun. Some countries have a list of controlled medicines such as painkillers, so it’s a good idea to consult the embassy website of your destination and to keep any medicine in the original packaging and bring a copy of the prescription.

Documents

A good tip is to make photocopies of all your important documents and paperwork and leave one copy at home, save an electronic copy to your phone and take another paper copy with you. 

Vaccinations

Travel vaccinations can very and are totally specific to wherever you are travelling. Most vaccinations are best started 4-6 weeks before departure. Some countries still require proof of vaccination status or proof of a negative COVID-19 test, so it is best to check beforehand.

Making a holiday checklist and having an organised approach to your packing can help you enjoy a relaxing break, although for peace of mind it doesn’t do any harm to repeat that mantra!

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A Quick guide – South Africa

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South Africa is open again and if you’ve always dreamed of hiking Table Mountain, diving with Great Whites or ticking off the ‘Big Five’ then now might be one of the best times to visit the rainbow nation. 

With barely a time zone change from the UK (South Africa is GMT+2) there’s no jetlag to speak of, and direct overnight flights with British Airways put Cape Town or Johannesburg within easy reach of a long weekend. Add to this the great exchange rate for travellers with Euros or Pounds and you’ll struggle to find a reason not to book. 

In one South African holiday you can stand in a desert, climb a mountain and relax on a sandy beach backed by tropical forest. Add to this the vast abundance of wildlife to view from land, sea and air, some of the best wine in the world, and a fascinating cultural heritage to discover and you have a country that will change you forever. 

The Mother City – Cape Town

Cape Town boasts an enviable coastal position and holds a reputation for its exceptional food, beautiful scenery and luxurious accommodation. It is home to a number of interesting museums and galleries including District Six and Heart of Cape Town, and you can end the day at one of the high quality restaurants at the V&A Waterfront. Surrounding Cape Town are some of the most dramatic coastlines in Africa. The rugged Cape Point Peninsula, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, lies within the Table Mountain National Park. Although raw and windswept, it’s a pleasure to explore its little tucked away beaches and coves with their spectacular views.

Stand in Mandela’s cell on Robben Island

At Nelson Mandela Gateway catamarans departs for Robben Island. It takes around half an hour and during the journey a video is shown giving an introduction to the history of the penitentiary. The prison museum includes tours, which are conducted by former inmates to give you an unrivalled insight into their harrowing personal experiences. It’s particularly fascinating to see the cell where Nelson Mandela spent much of his incarceration. He was held here between 1964 and 1982, when he was transferred to two further prisons before finally being released in 1990 after serving a total of 27 years behind bars.

View the city from the top of Table Mountain

It’s rare to find a mountain right in the middle of a city, especially one towering to 1,000 metres (over 3,500 feet) as Table Mountain does. In my opinion, no first trip to Cape Town is complete without a visit to the top — either on foot with a guide, or by hopping into the cable car that travels up and down its side. On a clear day, when the ‘table cloth’ (a bank of cloud that sometimes shrouds the summit) dissipates, the view extends across Cape Town and out past the Cape Peninsula.

Feast In the Winlands

The Winelands is a beautifully scenic area around an hour’s drive from Cape Town, with gently rolling green vineyards blanketing the Franschhoek and Stellenbosch valleys. Day trips to the Winelands are easy to really take it all in book a couple of nights. You’ll thanks us when you’re sitting on your room’s private terrace watching the sun go down over the silent vineyards with a cool glass of Cap Classique (a premium South African sparkling wine) before heading out for dinner, you will experience the tranquillity of the area.

The restaurants here are world-class and a three course meal can cost a fraction of the price of a similar dining experience in other countries. The here has a colonial French feel; it is fresh, contemporary cuisine which offers a stark contrast to the meat-heavy, traditional South African fare that you typically find in rural towns and on safari.

Once in the Winelands, if you’re planning on sampling the wines on offer, you can take the vintage wine tram that winds its way through the Franschhoek Valley. For a slightly different experience you could also join a horseback wine tasting trip, or, if you are a real wine connoisseur, take a private tour with an expert wine guide.

Safari in the Eastern Cape Game Reserves

The most famous national park in South Africa is the Kruger, but if you’re visiting Cape Town then I’d suggest the Eastern Cape Game Reserves as a great alternative. They’re easily accessible from Cape Town, have all of the Big Five animals, are non-malarial and also experience their best weather at the same time as Cape Town between October and March. During the height of summer in January and February, when Cape Town is at its warmest, we recommend avoiding the Kruger as it is rainy at this time.

Drive along the Garden Route

The Garden Route stretches between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay on South Africa’s southern coast and is an area of mountain passes, coastal roads, seaside towns, and lush green landscapes. 

Along the Garden Route are two national parks, Wilderness and Tsitsikamma. They boast a combination of coastal landscapes, lush forests and beautiful beaches. 

Highlights include sea kayaking in the Knysna lagoon, hikes around Plettenberg Bay, surfing at J-Bay and bungy jumping at Bloukrans Bridge.  

Whale watch from the clifftops.

Most whale watching requires you to wrap up warm, don waterproofs and board a boat, but in the Cape it’s an entirely different story. At Hermanus the cliffs drop steeply into the ocean, allowing the whales to come within 30 metres of the shore.

The migrating southern right whales use the calm waters and steep shores of False Bay and Walker Bay as sheltered locations to calve and rest up before heading south toward Antarctica with their young. The whales can be seen between of June and October in this area, however September and October are the optimum months to visit.

Spot the Big Five in Kruger National Park safari

The Kruger National Park has a well-deserved reputation for offering an outstanding South African safari. The park is simply huge, covering over 20,000 square kilometres and supporting 147 species of mammal (including the Big Five) and over 500 species of bird.

When deciding where to base yourself for your safari you can choose from a huge variety of accommodation options ranging from simple self-catering chalets to some of the most opulent and exclusive safari lodges in Africa.

Before booking your safari to South Africa, it is important to think about the sort of experience that you would enjoy. Some lodges focus on romantic seclusion with private game drive vehicles and dining, whilst others are more sociable, allowing you to share a vehicle with other guests and dine with them in the evenings.

For groups of four to six people it is possible to hire a private safari house, which comes complete with your very own private pool, vehicle and expert guide.

Which ever way you decide to go you will be guaranteed holiday of a life time and memories that will never fade. 

The Hon Vijay Daryanani MP, Minister for Business, Tourism and The Port, talks to Jo Ward about tourism and the prospects for travel to and from Gibraltar as we come out of restrictions put in place due to COVID-19.

Nearly exactly a year ago, Insight spoke to Minister Daryanani about the dearth of tourists wandering down Main Street, and the Minister commented that “it was heart-breaking to see an empty Main Street and that he was looking forward not only to the day when it becomes as busy as it used to be, but also that visitors can enjoy the wonderful products that Gibraltar has to offer as a tourism destination”. On the day of our meeting at the beginning of March, Main Street was thronged with people, testament to the fact that visitors are once again coming to Gibraltar. 

“We are seeing signs of recovery now,” Minister Daryanani says, continuing “and I think that the vaccine has shown people that that is the way ahead.”

“We have antivirals coming along so I think people are realising that the virus is not going to go away and we need to learn to live with it, and I know that this is a phrase you hear from all politicians,” the Minister smiles as he says this, “but it is a fact that we need to learn to live with COVID-19 because the choice is simple, either we lock up and stay at home or we get on with things.”

Stating that the economy has been decimated, Minister Daryanani says that we are fortunate that Gibraltar is a small place. “We know in general that the Government has spent close to £300 million making sure that we have saved jobs and businesses, and we have paid people’s wages which is unheard of in the private sector.” 

Now, he says, we need to get on and to start enjoying life once again. “People and businesses are frustrated and they want to make sure that their businesses prosper.”

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about an unprecedented halt to global travel, with restrictions and travel bans put in place all over the world, but the good news is that people are travelling once again. “The cruising sector is extremely important for Main Street and for our hospitality sector – they are the two that have suffered the most when it comes to travel,” Minister Daryanani states.

“Yesterday I welcomed cruise ship World Odyssey on its inaugural call to Gibraltar,” the Minister comments. “We have a situation now where we have 180 cruise calls this year, that is not far off from pre-pandemic levels, so we are doing quite well, but I want to market the Gibraltar Port as a premier cruising destination in the Mediterranean, so you will see over the next few months that I will really crank up my cruise marketing because it is something that I haven’t been able to do over the last couple of years.” 

The banning of non-essential travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on flights in and out of Gibraltar, however Gibraltar was very fortunate as at one point it was the only country in Europe that was on the UK’s travel ‘green list’.

“Thanks to our successful marketing campaign and the slogan ‘Gibraltar is your great British staycation in the Mediterranean’, it brought people to Gibraltar who perhaps in the past would not have come,” the Minster says. “Now they have been here, I think that they will come back again because they realise that Gibraltar is a very entertaining place, there is a lot to do, and it is a perfect place for young families.”

One exciting development for Gibraltar in 2021 was the introduction of Wizz Air and Eastern Airlines joining the flights that came in daily from the UK by British Airways and EasyJet. Unfortunately, both airlines withdrew flights, Wizz Air from Luton to Gibraltar and Eastern Airlines from Birmingham and Southampton to Gibraltar, last year. 

“In my view when you start something new you need to let it mature – it can’t start working within the first year – any new business does not make money in the first year and unfortunately these airlines have taken the decision that it hasn’t made money in the first year and that they want to pull out.”

“At the end of the day it is a question of demand, and if they are going to lose money they are not going to fly here,” the Minister says. “I convinced both airlines to come to Gibraltar, I worked extremely hard on doing that, and their circumstances allowed it at the time.” 

Minister Daryanani went on to say that he still has a very good relationship with both airlines. “I met them last week when I attended the CONNECT airline conference in Finland, and they still have interest in Gibraltar, so I will keep on working with them and there might be some possibilities in attracting them back next year.”

Talking about new routes and other airlines coming to Gibraltar, I remind the Minister that Ireland was mentioned as a possible new catchment area in the past. “Ireland is one that is on my hit list and in the same way that I attracted Edinburgh, because we didn’t have a link to Scotland and we have it now, I am hoping that we can do something with Ireland.”

Minister Daryanani says that insofar as other air routes are concerned, it depends a lot on the Treaty that Gibraltar is negotiating with the EU.  “If air transport is included in the Treaty then there might be a situation where the airport will open up to Schengen countries, so we will be able to have flights from Spain, France, Italy – all over Europe – and there is a lot of interest in this.” The Minister goes on to say that at CONNECT he was given the opportunity to speak about Gibraltar in a panel discussion. “Airlines were asking me about the Treaty and what it will do to Gibraltar, and in my view it will be a game changer in terms of travelling to and from the territory.”

The hospitality and hotel industry has obviously suffered during the past couple of years, but with the scheduled number of flights for this summer at nearly the same as pre-pandemic, Minister Daryanani agrees that it can only be a good thing for that business sector. “Absolutely, we are seeing recovery and I expect things to improve next year,” he comments. “However, insofar as flights are concerned at the moment, pre-pandemic we didn’t have Wizz and we didn’t have Eastern Airways, so if we put that to one side we already have that kind of level of flights as we did at pre-pandemic levels, so it is excellent for the hotels and I think that they will once again be busy this summer.”

The Minister agrees that it is also important to attract more hotels to Gibraltar. “We have got some new ones coming, but we also have a situation where when I go marketing to the UK, one of the things that I am asked is ‘you are coming here to market Gibraltar which is excellent, but when we look for space in Gibraltar, there isn’t any because the hotels are full’.”

“There is definitely a market for a couple more hotels in Gibraltar, but of different standards,” he states, going on to add that it is something that he is working on because it is crucial to the development of UK tourism. 

“If we are going to be able to be part of Schengen for mobility purposes and aviation is included within the Treaty, then we are going to be able to go out and market Gibraltar to Europe because we might have the possibility of having flights here, so we will need more hotel space – but we have to wait and see.”

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Visit Scotland

Of all the cities in the world, Edinburgh is particularly blessed. Like Gibraltar, it evolved as a settlement around a large fortified rock in a coastal setting. Unlike Gib, however, it had the benefit of being able to spread itself out a little more which, to the traveller, only means there is much more to see.

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With easyJet opening up a direct route to Scotland’s capital city, all of a sudden many more opportunities exist for weekend trips to one of the prettiest cities in the UK.

You’ll need to be prepared for all sorts of weather. So bring enough to witness whatever Mother Nature throws at you.

At the heart of Edinburgh is the Royal Mile, in the Old Town. At one end of this is Edinburgh Castle, and at the other the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Her Majesty’s official residence in Auld Reekie. The Royal Mile alone is worthy of a day or so’s exploration. With all the many closes (alleyways) running from it, each with their own story to tell. Beneath the City Chambers you’ll find Mary King’s Close – a peak into a bygone era that was merely built upon thus preserving life in the 17th Century.

At this portion of the Royal Mile, you’ll be stumbling into the area that resulted in the genesis of Harry Potter. JK Rowling used many of the buildings around here as inspiration for the books (George Heriot’s School, for example) and nearby Victoria Street, said to have prompted Diagon Alley.

Edinburgh was at the epicentre of the Enlightenment, and was coined the Athens Of The North in recognition of this. There has always been a darker side, with the tales of Deacon Brodie and Burke & Hare both frightening and inspiring generations. For an overarching look across the area, head to Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat. From here you will experience the best views in Edinburgh.

Close to the Royal Mile on the other side of Waverley Railway Station and Princes Street Gardens, is Princes Street itself. This is the main shopping area in the city with further boutiques and specialised retail on George Street which runs parallel. One flagship store is Harvey Nicols, which features a restaurant/bar with far reaching views across the city northwards towards Fife. This area is known locally as the New Town, with its distinct and planned Georgian grid pattern.

For sports fans, each of the three major stadia are relatively close to the centre. In the east, Hibernian’s Easter Road and in the west Tynecastle Park, home of Heart of Midlothian. Not far from Hearts’ ground is Murrayfield, where Scotland Rugby is headquartered.

As you travel further outside the middle, quirky areas like the Dean Village, Stockbridge and Morningside are all within easy reach. Taxis are keenly priced in Edinburgh, plus there is a relatively new tram system. The bus service in Edinburgh has always been exemplary, and special ticket prices are available for jumping on and off to explore.

In Leith, in keeping with Edinburgh’s maritime heritage, the Royal Yacht Britannia is permanently on display. This is right beside Ocean Terminal mall which also features a cinema. On The Shore in Leith, one or two excellent seafood restaurants ply their trade, including Fishers which is highly recommended. Adjacent to this is the original Malmaison, which was converted from a historical seaman’s mission to the chic hotel and bar we have today.

Of course, travelling to Edinburgh also opens up Scotland’s other city, Glasgow as a day trip possibility. It’s safe to say that Scotland’s biggest city is a bit grittier, but it also offers much in the way of shopping and two giant European football teams, Rangers and Celtic. Which one is The Best, we’ll leave up to you.

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Fun Holiday Destinations for the Kids

Disneyworld 

Would you like to travel to a galaxy far, far away?

Disneyworld’s 50th anniversary event started on 1st October 2021 and is set to end in March 2023 – lasting a full eighteen months. You can celebrate in style by booking a trip to the newly opened Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser – a Star Wars themed luxury hotel near Disney’s Hollywood Studios, in the Epcot Resort Area of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser offers a first of its kind immersive adventure unlike Disney has ever done before. During your voyage, you can choose how you interact with characters, crew, and other passengers.  Every Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser package includes a 2-night stay in a cabin or suite, meals (excluding alcoholic and specialty beverages) and the opportunity to live your Star Wars story through exclusive experiences, missions and activities. You also get lightsaber training and a trip to the planet Batuu, better known as the Galaxy’s Edge theme park.

If you want to brush shoulders with Star Wars characters, eat intergalactic food, and maybe even going on a secret mission, this is a trip that both adults and kids will love – although bear in mind that it is really expensive – but if you love Star Wars, this is definitely a trip to splash out on!

Amsterdam

This is a destination that may not automatically come to mind when you are thinking about where to go on holiday with the kids, but there so many things to do and discover in this family friendly city. 

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Well known for some of the best cycling routes in the world, Amsterdam is a small city and easy to navigate with kids along well paved bike paths. Bicycles are easy to rent, but look out for the Dutch cargo bikes (or ‘bakfiets’) which are the most practical and the most environmentally friendly solution to get around. 

Amsterdam is bursting with outdoor spaces, parks and playgrounds that are perfect for letting off steam. There are several museums in Amsterdam but the kids will love Nemo, the Science Museum where a hands-on philosophy encourages interaction and the little ones will be captivated by the buttons, levers and pulleys, not to mention the bubbles that they can step in to and the clouds that make rain. At certain times of the year when the weather is good, the roof houses free attractions and water features.  

If that’s not enough to entice you, remember the tulip fields, windmills, canals, petting zoos and playgrounds, all good reasons why Amsterdam is one the best places to visit with kids. 

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3 Day guide to Paris for first-time visitors

Paris is one of those cities you could probably visit several times and still find new places to explore. I definitely did not get through all the restaurant recommendations on my list! I had previously visited Paris as a child so my memories of it were vague, so it was nice to really see the sights properly and use my GCSE French. Whether you’re travelling with your family, friends or partner, here are my tips and recommendations for your visit to Paris.

Where to stay

Paris is made up of 20 ‘arrondissements’ or districts, and as expected the closer you stay to the major landmarks the more expensive your hotel is going to be. The good thing is that the Paris metro system is pretty easy to use and each ride only costs you  €1.90. We stayed in the Hotel 25Hours Terminus Nord, which meant that the Gare du Nord metro and train station was right on our doorstep. 

The hotel was beautiful and so quirky. It was very Parisian and full of colour and artwork. It also had unique touches like a typewriter to send love letters out in the lobby, and I probably ate my weight in French toast at the buffet breakfast. We were also able to use Netflix and YouTube on the television in the bedroom which was great for when we were getting ready.

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Where to eat

I was travelling with my vegan friend so we did have to opt for some vegan friendly restaurants, which wasn’t as difficult as we were expecting in France. I know the delicacies in France include escargot (snails) and Foie gras (duck or goose fat) but immersing myself in the local cuisine went as far as crepes and creme brulee. Hey Honey was a bit on the pricier side but the setting was lovely and the cocktails were shown on tarot cards. I opted for the duck breast with dauphinoise potatoes and I’m still daydreaming about how good they were. If you do want to try some classic french dishes, then Terminus Nord Restaurant has a selection of everything at decent prices. 

If you’re after some vegan cuisine, then Le Potager du Marais serves vegan alternatives of French dishes. I opted for french onion soup (which came complete with vegan cheese), and finished off with some creme brulee. The owner of the restaurant was lovely and took time to come and chat to us and talk about the dishes. If you fancy something different, then Jah Jah By Le Tricycle is a good shout. They only have 4 items on the menu which changes everyday but I thoroughly enjoyed my meal! It’s a Jamaican vegan restaurant and I got a big plate of food for 10 euros. 

If you have a sweet tooth, then definitely stop by Creperie Montorgueil and try their salted caramel and banana crepe. They also do a bunch of savoury options if that’s what you prefer. If you’d like to take home some macarons, then Maison Laduree is the most famous place to get them, or you can also eat in and try one of their indulgent cakes. Lastly for some eclairs, Le Eclair De Genie offers a wonderful selection. 

What to do

The best way to start your first day in Paris is doing a walking tour of all the sights, either on your own or on an organised tour. Sandeman’s offer a free walking tour that starts at 11am everyday starting from Place St Michel. If you’d rather do it on your own, save the points of interest in Google Maps. Make sure to include the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc De Triomphe, Pantheon and the Sacre-Coeur Basilica. Once you’re done seeing the sites, get a different perspective by taking a 1 hour cruise down the Seine river. The boats run every hour but the best time to go is at sunset. 

There are a ton of different museums to visit in Paris, but the most notable has to be the Louvre where the Mona Lisa is housed. It probably took us an hour to find her because we started on the opposite side of the museum, and boy did it feel like we were stuck in a maze! They say that  even if you spent 3 months in the Louvre, you still would not get through every exhibit. If you fancy doing something a bit more unique, then head to the Catacombs of Paris, an underground ossuaries which hold the remains of more than six million people. 

In terms of evening entertainment, something I definitely recommend doing for the experience is attending a Moulin Rouge show. They first opened their doors in 1889 and you really do get immersed in the experience when you are there. Tickets cost £70 and this also included a bottle of champagne between the two of us. 

If you have time, then head out of the city to visit the Palace of Versailles, it really is beautiful. Your other option is to, of course, visit Disneyland Paris which is a short 45 minute train from the city centre. Just make sure to check online which rides and shows are currently open as with Covid things are still slightly different. 

Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a full week in Paris, you’re never short of things to do! 

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Travelling Light

Now that there is the opportunity to travel once again, here are a few tips to help you pack like a pro!

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You’ve probably heard of Marie Kondo, the Japanese organising consultant, who revolutionised the way we declutter and tidy up. Folding your clothing the KonMari way can revolutionise the way you pack your suitcase and will ensure that you maximise the space. 

“Clothes should be folded and packed upright,” she recommends. “Fold suits and lay them flat on top. Pack bras on top, and don’t flatten them. Pack small things such as underwear in a travel pouch, and transfer lotions and toiletries into smaller bottles to reduce volume”

So is the KonMari method better than rolling your clothes or using packing cubes? Packing vertically takes up less space and allows you to see where everything is at a glance. However, you may want to try a method used by the army – the Ranger Roll technique – whereby you lay the item of clothing out flat, then fold the bottom two inches of the item inside out so it creates a type of pocket along one side of the clothing. From the opposite end, roll the item tightly until you get to the pocket you’ve created. Fold one side of the pocket over the roll, securing it tightly.

There are many different and creative ways to pack jewellery for travelling. You can, of course, buy jewellery organisers that keep your items safe and secure, but there are other options such as using a pill box to store your rings, small earrings or delicate pieces of jewellery.  Cling film is a good way to keep your necklaces separate. Place each necklace on a section of cling film, leaving a few centimetres of space between each, then carefully roll it up. Alternatively, if you have plastic straws lying around in a drawer, one good way to repurpose them is to loop one end of the necklace through a straw and then fasten to stop it from tangling up whilst travelling. 

Shoes can be awkward items to pack, but try packing heels in the central top half of your suitcase and fill the gaps between the heels with rolled-up small pieces of clothing. Stuff flat soled shoes and boots with socks and underwear and keep the soles to the sides of your suitcase. 

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Travel Positives

The positive benefits of travel are numerous and varied. Whether a wonderful trip within the UK or a glamorous adventure to a far flung location. They can all provide life affirming experiences and valuable time to reflect.

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Jo Wheatley is a global award winning emotions coach. Jo details below, the reasons why travel is good for us physically, emotionally and mentally:

• Travelling enables us to step outside of our comfort zone, into stretch which enables us to grow our comfort zone. The longer we stay in our comfort zone the smaller our comfort zone becomes.

• Travelling enables us to challenge our beliefs, by being exposed to new cultures and people. This is healthy. It can help us to replace limiting beliefs about ourselves with positive, empowering beliefs

• When we decide to travel it is often because it is aligned to one of our core values. This may be adventure for example, or independence, or freedom. When we take decision to live our lives aligned to our values we are most fulfilled. When our values are met we experience emotions such as joy and

• It can increase our creativity as we are stimulate with new experiences and can lead to us setting new goals for ourselves.

• It enables us to communicate in new ways, often requiring us to innovate in our communication and resourcefulness as we encounter situations we may not have planned for.

• Having photos of our experiences and treasured memories can be great for us to dip into and stimulate positive emotions when we are home, back in our everyday life and need to be inspired.

Alison Stockton is a Trauma informed – functional medicine practitioner Health coach. Alison states that ‘travel became popular only for the wealthy or the expeditionist a few centuries ago and then thanks to air travel it has become a huge industry.

Travel has bought a huge sense of achievement, fulfilment and excitement for so many, this is positive psychology. Because of the sense of “looking forward to something,” it highlights positive emotions, happiness and wellbeing. There is a “sense of connection”, we begin to research where we would like to go, what we would like to see whilst there, anticipating the feeling of relaxation. It is also an incentive to become healthier before the actual travel itself. The thoughts alone of that holiday can release feel-good hormones, lower stress hormones and release endorphins for the anticipated experience. 

• Mental image of the destination
• Motivation (perhaps to save or the trip, new shopping experience. etc)
• Decision/ choice (Book/ Reservations)
• Experience
• Satisfaction

When we arrive at our location we can actually change our neurochemistry and move from a sympathetic nervous state (Stressed/fight/flight)  to a calm parasympathetic state in our body continues to release 

so that we actually feel healthier almost instantly. Not only that when we are in the sunshine we are exposed to Vitamin D which is an essential hormone, that many have been deficient in the last 2 years, which vastly supports immune health

The inspiration of seeing beautiful destinations, the architecture, the weather (esp when living in the uk) the visualisation of sitting by the pool, or dipping your toes into the sea with the warm sun on your body, you can transport yourself to a calm state of relaxation before you arrive.

We have heard so many times “Arh, I need a holiday” this is because (its hoped) that the moment you begin breath your journey to the destination, you already begin to unwind, relax, breath and untangle the “stressors” every day modern 21st Century living has brought to us.

Looking forward to travelling now in 2022 is seemingly giving us back freedom, something to look forward to, a time with our friends and family away from the “home” we may love but have felt bound to for 2 years. A holiday where we can do as we please with less conformity or routine. A time to sleep, to rest, to be well and calm down our busy minds, play cards and be present with loved ones, experience inspiring architecture, absorb. history, climb a mountain, the world, as they say, is our oyster, the world is yours to explore.

Travel can even mean taking a 2-3 hour train journey to London and allowing time for your mind to quieten and think of changes you desire to make in your life, it can bring such incredible positivity to be in a different environment.

When a human is away from their “every day” it enables us to step out of the groundhog replay and take a new perspective, like the matrix. We get to press pause, it doesn’t matter if, for 2 days or 2 weeks, we can see things differently and often, assess what in our life needs more or less focus and how we can then make the desired changes a reality.

Long gone have thee days where travel and change was just a far fetched dream, it is a reality to make dreams come true.

Travel expands our cognitional, emotional behaviour, social interactions and mental wellbeing. Many best friends, romantic partners and relocations, work opportunities have been encountered due to the wonders of travel.

So much inspiration and perspective are gained through travel and changing our environment.

The last 2 years travel bans that we have experienced restrictions, we have all. felt very saddened and restricted by, so if an opportunity arises for you to change your location, even for just a few short days, embrace it, enjoy it and feel your mental wellbeing is being fully supported.’

• Jo Wheatley, No 1 Podcast host and author. www.jowheatley.comwww.igcompany.co.ukwww.podfollow.com/the-coaching-crowd

• Alison Stockton (Expat and lover of travel)

• www.instagram.com/the_enrichedwoman

• www.vibrantbalancedhealth.com

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Honeymoon Destinations

Wedding season is nearly upon us, with June traditionally being the most popular wedding month. Once you have announced your engagement and set the date for the nuptials, the next most important thing is to choose where you are going to honeymoon.

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The word honeymoon from the Old English ‘hony moone’. Hony refers to the European custom of giving newlyweds enough mead, ‘an alcoholic liquor made by fermenting honey and water’, to last a ‘moone’ (month) which was thought to be the period following marriage where everything is sweet and rosy, also referencing the changing aspect of the moon, from full to waning, or the period when that initial euphoria starts to wane!

Planning where to go on your honeymoon can be stressful. Ideally, for most of us, we are looking for some rest, relaxation and quality time with our newly wedded partner. The most important thing is to plan the trip together and incorporate destinations that you both want to go to and to include activities that you both want to do. 

With many couples having to put their plans on hold for the past two years, it is likely that there will be an influx of bookings for the next few years, so now is the time to sit down and decide where to go. From exotic faraway places to more affordable and closer to home, from beach paradises to adventure or cultural trips, here are a few of our top tips. 

The Maldives

The tropical resort islands of the Maldives situated in the Indian Ocean are often featured in the top ten of the world’s most romantic destinations for a honeymoon. If peace and tranquillity, white sandy beaches and turquoise waters are for you, there are plenty of luxury private resorts to choose from. You’ve probably seen images of the iconic overwater villas and bungalows perched above tranquil lagoons that grace the pages of glossy magazines, so if that is what you are after then check out Komandoo, an adult only resort situated in the Lhaviyani Atoll, a 40-minute seaplane ride from the capital Malé. Other equally stunning resorts are situated at Milaidhoo, Kanuhura, Maagau Island and Muravandhoo Island and keep in mind that the best time to visit the Maldives is between November and March. 

Mexico

If a beach holiday isn’t for you and you are the couple that crave adrenaline and adventure, Mexico’s varied landscapes offer an abundance of options. Go whitewater kayaking or river rafting in Tlapacoyan in the state of Veracruz, situated in the eastern part of the country, from where you can experience the challenging Alseseca, Filobobos and Jalacingo rivers.

Alternatively, try the longest (3km), highest (300 meters) and fastest (120 km per hour) zipline in the world in the Copper Canyon Adventure Park (Parque de Aventuras) near Divisadero.

The Yucatan Peninsula is in the easternmost part of Mexico and separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea. Explore the ancient Mayan ruins and visit the archaeological sites of Chichen Itza, a World heritage site that was also named as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Uxmal – the second-most visited archaeological park in Mexico – and Tulum. 

Italy

Somewhere closer to home is the ultimate honeymooners’ destination of Italy, with its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural history and art, delicious food and delightful wine. With its network of canals, Venice is renowned as the city of love and what could be more romantic than a serenaded gondola ride that will take you past ancient palazzi and magnificent cathedrals. Explore the Amalfi Coast by car and take in the beautiful scenery and the rugged coastlines. If you are coming from Naples or Rome, the coastal town of Sorrento is a good place to start your journey. If hiking is your thing, try one of the most spectacular hiking trails in the world, the Path of the Gods, which begins at Agerola and follows a route high above the coast. Make your way to Amalfi and then discover the sights of the idyllic fishing village of Positano. Hop on a ferry to enjoy the charms of Sorrento, tour historic Naples, walk among the ruins of ancient Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in the natural beauty of the enchanting island of Capri. 

Finally, Rome has to be on the list for a romantic honeymoon experience. Soak up the stunning architecture of the Eternal City, walk along the winding alleys and cobbled streets and find a new surprise around every corner. Rome is home to some of the world’s most beautiful churches from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods and a trip to Rome would not be complete without a visit to the Vatican City where you can visit St. Peter’s Basilica, famous for Michelangelo’s painting of the Sistine Chapel, wander round the Vatican’s gardens and go to the Vatican Museums which conserve the immense collection of art amassed by the popes from the seventeenth century onwards.

South Africa 

One of the best honeymoon destinations in Africa, South Africa offers a diverse cultural experience, savannahs, wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Take a safari trip and see the Big Five (African lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and Cape buffalo) in their natural habitats. Stay in a lodge at the Kruger National Park, one of the most beautiful and fascinating places to visit, or camp out under the stars for an unforgettable experience. 

There’s no shortage of things to do in Cape Town, the famous resort city on South Africa’s southwest coast that sits beneath the 3,558-foot, flat-peaked Table Mountain. For some awe-inspiring views from the top, you can ride The Cableway, the rotating state-of-the-art cable car that takes visitors from the lower station to the summit in around 5 minutes, giving you a 360 degree aerial view of the city as you go.

How about a trip to a wine estate? Some of the best wines are grown and produced in Western Cape Winelands, home to favourite regions like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Stay overnight in a family owned boutique winery, or visit for the day and savour the delights of lunch or afternoon tea, all the while indulging in award-winning wines at some of the best wineries in the world. 

If far-flung destinations are off your bucket list this year because of travel restrictions, why not look closer to home for some fun and relaxation? There are a host of different activities available in Andalucía, just over the border, for whatever type of mini-break you decide upon. Here are a selection of ideas that may just inspire you to pack a suitcase or rucksack!

Glamping

Glamorous camping, or ‘glamping’ has risen in popularity over the last few years especially for travellers who have been choosing to stay closer to home. 

A step-up from regular camping, glamping offers all the benefits of being close to nature, boosting your health and wellbeing in the great outdoors, whilst enjoying a few more home comforts and luxuries. Perfect for adults and children alike, there are an array of glamping options available. 

How much fun would it be to take the family to a luxury safari tent glamping experience in the province of Cádiz? Alternatively, you could stay in a stylish and eco-friendly Yurt situated near to the beaches of Tarifa or hang out in a tree house four metres above the ground in a peaceful location in Vejer de la Frontera.

Horse Riding 

If riding along a beach at sunset is a dream, take a look at the options available for both experienced and novice riders. Join a horseback riding group that will take you on a trek through amazing scenery, along mountain paths, through scented pine forests and olive groves or alongside rivers. From the province of Malaga to the Donana National Park near Seville, there are plenty of equestrian experiences to choose from. 

Spa Breaks

Taking time out to take care of our health and wellbeing is high on our list of priorities these days. The good news is that there are a plethora of spa hotels just along the Costa del Sol, from Sotogrande to Estepona and beyond, that can cater for your wellness needs. Rest and relaxation is so important for our mental health, but there is no excuse not to take advantage of the hotel spas on our doorstep where you can relax and unwind and indulge in some soothing treatments that will calm your mind, body and soul.  

Golfing

It is no wonder that the Costa del Sol is known as the Costa del Golf and that it has been a destination for discerning golfers for decades, with over 70 golf courses between Torre del Mar, east of Malaga, and Sotogrande. In fact, the Costa del Sol has the highest concentration of golf courses in the whole of Europe ranging from world-class courses such as the Real Club Valderrama and Finca Cortesin to courses with more affordable green fees. 

Golf, thought of by some as ‘a good walk spoiled’, is exactly what the doctor would order as it is good for both your physical and mental well-being. With golf tourism having been affected by travel restrictions, there is no better time to get out in the fresh air and enjoy some of the best courses in the world before the golf tourists come back. If you are looking to learn to play the game, there are numerous driving ranges and golf schools where you can have lessons from professional coaches. 

Walking 

Andalucía is the perfect destination for those of you who enjoy walking and hiking, offering routes of different levels of difficulty. The beautiful city of Granada, surrounded by spectacular landscapes, is the place to visit for any enthusiast of climbing, offering both demanding challenges for experienced climbers and easier routes for family hikes. 

If you are looking for that rush of adrenalin, El Caminito del Rey in the province of Malaga located in the gorges of the Guadalhorce River and reopened to the public since 2015, is one of the most famous hiking paths in Spain. This narrow footbridge runs through the gorge for three kilometres, crossing over a suspension bridge known as the ‘Walkway of Death’. If you are afraid of heights or suffer with vertigo, this walk if definitely not for you, or maybe this is a challenge to consider that will conquer your fear of heights. 

Closer to Gibraltar is La Concha Mountain, which at 1200 meters above sea level is one of Marbella’s most recognized landmarks taking its name from its distinctive shell like shape. Climb to the peak for spectacular views of the Costa del Sol, Sierra de las Nieves and on a clear day, all the way to Gibraltar and across to North Africa. Depending on your level of fitness, the walk will take about four hours. You can either start your ascent from Marbella itself, from the mountain village of Istán, or from Juanar, situated within the borders of the natural park. 

Day Trips

Soak up the culture and tradition of Andalusia by exploring some the famous white villages scattered between the provinces of Cadiz and Malaga. One of the most famous white villages in Cadiz province is Arcos de la Frontera, known as the gateway to the white villages, it is perched on top of a sandstone cliff and has a rich historical heritage. Vejer de la Frontera is a white hilltop town just 10km inland from the Costa de la Luz set around a former Moorish castle with views that reach as far as the Strait of Gibraltar. 

Whatever you decide to do, there are plenty of places to ‘break away’ to that are just a short distance away where you can take time out doing something different from normal. 

Quality slopes, trails, facilities, snow-making equipment, ski schools, winter sports activities, ski hotels, and great food are making Spain a hot ski and winter destination.

With the Pyrenees mountains bordering the country in the north and the high Sierra Nevada closer to home, there are a lot of options and lots to recommend. Whether seasoned skiers, beginners, or families; we’ve rounded up some of the best ski resorts across the border.

Sierra Nevada: The family one closest to home 

Situated between the Andalusian city of Granada and the Mediterranean Sea, this is one of the few Spanish ski resorts not located in the Pyrenees, and very familiar to those on the rock. Europe’s southernmost ski resort is our ‘home’ resort and being only 204kms as the crow flies it’s an option as a day trip but we prefer a couple of days mid-week! 

Sierra Nevada boasts 100 slopes and about 107km of skiable terrain during the height of the ski season and if you are going with the family, you will get a free pass for children under 6 years old. Pista de El Mar, the resort’s family-themed area, is located in the area of Borreguiles, and is specially designed for both children and adults to enjoy the snow.

Another standout for families is Pista del Bosque, where there is a 200-meter themed area where children will find figures of forest animals that guide them on the way to an igloo camp that is sure to delight the little ones. And when everyone is tired from lots of skiing and needs a break there are options galore to refuel and recover.

Valdezcaray: The one for the budget minded

Located in the region of La Rioja, Valdezcaray is a small ski resort with approx 15kms of skiable terrain and 20 open slopes in the height of the season. If you have a tight budget when planning your snow days, you will find an adult ski pass at around 29 euros and if you go on weekdays that are not considered high season by the resort, the pass costs even less. The rental of skis, boots, and poles is also very reasonably priced compared to other ski resorts in Spain, so you can get everything you need, on a budget.

Like many other resorts, they opened as close to normal as possible this season, despite the ongoing health situation, in a push to get us all back to some sense of normalcy. And if after a few ski sessions you feel like doing something different, take advantage of the rural tourism, gastronomy and wine tourism activities in La Rioja. The area is famous for much more than just the snow! 

Candanchú: The one for cross-country skiing

For some, gliding down the slopes is not what they are looking for in a ski holiday. But there’s no need to worry; Spain also offers cross-country skiing, or Nordic skiing, for those who want to enjoy the stunning winter landscapes, without so much input from gravity! With more than 500km of routes in Spain, there is plenty of choices to be had, but our recommendation is in Candanchú.

Here, in the Aragonese Pyrenees, the cross-country skiing area is located in La Rinconada, with 3 circuits ranging from 2.5 to 7.5 km in length, so you can choose how far you travel across this winter wonderland. This area also has the only facility in Spain dedicated to the biathlon, the popular winter Olympic discipline that mixes cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. . 

Formigal: The one for Instagram!

Formigal stretches across four different valleys and offers some of the most challenging skiing in the Aragon Pyrenees. A purpose-built ski resort, Formigal has introduced state-of-the-art detachable lifts as well as Spain’s first-ever eight-seater chairlift – and one of the first hands-free lift pass systems which can prevent inadvertent access to slopes beyond the abilities of the skier.

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Formigal which recently got a €110 million renovation, which included the addition of 21 ultra-modern lifts linking to its valleys, has around 140 kilometers of skiable terrain. Night skiing is allowed at the resort, and there is a timed slalom track where you can test your skiing skills. You can do this while being video recorded, a service the resort also offers, so that you can review your run once done and also have a unique souvenir to take back home with you, or share with your friends on social media.

The snow-making system here is equally sophisticated – with over 200 snow cannons, ensuring that the resort has been one of the first to open in recent seasons and has been able to offer skiing right through to the start of May. Almost all the runs are wide cruising trails that lead towards a snow bowl linked to 500 meters of blues. Above this, you will find three-kilometer-long blacks and some extensive off-piste opportunities. If anyone ever tries to tell you Spain isn’t a place to take a skiing holiday, send them here and see what they think.    

La Molina and Masella: The two for one! 

Another resort you can easily get to from Barcelona. Located about two hours away from Barcelona are La Molina and Masella, two ski resorts that are next to each other.

La Molina was the first ski resort to be opened in Spain back in 1943. It also has the country’s first ski school. It is popular with skiing beginners and snowboarders because of its easy runs.

Masella, on the other hand, has more difficult runs and is popular with advanced skiers. Together the two resorts have more have 130 kilometers of skiing terrain combined. If you’re looking to ski and take in Barcelona then these two offer the perfect accompaniment to the historic city.

  Baqueira Beret: The one for boarding

One of the largest Spanish ski resorts, Baqueria (if you’re wondering about pronunciation, think Shakira) can be found in the Catalan Pyrenees. Its location provides a unique Atlantic climate, guaranteeing high-quality snow, just the right amount of sunshine and, due to its southerly latitude, an hour’s more daylight than the Alps.

Baqueira has some of the best snowboarding facilities in Spain, including 2 snowparks, Marmotes, and the Blanhiblar boardercross, the latter being ideal if you are just starting out in the snow as it is an easy circuit and, most importantly, a lot of fun. On the other hand, the Marmotes snowpark has three levels of difficulty: beginner, intermediate, and expert. With the options here it’s impossible to get bored! 

These are just a few of the options to choose from when considering your next break in the cold stuff. Give Spain a try, it’s our backyard and you might just fall in love with all there is to experience.