Own up – do you have a collection of hotel toiletries in your bathroom cabinet? You know – those cute mini-soaps and bottles of shampoo and body lotion in stylish packaging, that you couldn’t resist taking home as a souvenir. I’m sure hotels fully expect us to do this, and build the cost into their room charges. Yet somehow we…
Read More
Hotel toiletries – to take or not to take?
Rarotonga – a Pacific island paradise
Rarotonga is the major island of around 17 that make up the Cook Islands in the South Pacific ocean. It’s an idyllic paradise of sunshine, palm trees and beautiful beaches – a place that sums up the spirit of Coconut Lands! In all my years of travel and visiting incredible places, I can say hand on heart that my trip…
Read More
Buenos Aires – a city of surprises
Ask anyone outside Latin America what they know about Buenos Aires, and they will probably mention football and tango. Those with an interest in social and economic history will know of the city’s highs and lows, and its freedom fighters and revolutionaries. Che Guevara, whom most people associate with Cuba, was actually born in Argentina and studied medicine in Buenos Aires….
Read More
Travel hacks to help make the most of your budget
A hack is a secret, a shortcut, a trick that makes life easier or better. I must confess that I only recently learned this meaning of the word. I had previously known it to be a slang term for a journalist. Or the process of breaking through computer security systems and stealing people’s data. But the new, life-enhancing kind of…
Read More
Seven reasons to visit Villefranche sur mer
Villefranche sur mer is a beautiful town situated on the glitzy French riviera, east of Nice. Its picturesque harbour is protected by Cap Ferrat on the left as you look out to sea, and the Cap of Nice on the right. It’s usually dotted with colourful fishing boats, and looks beautiful when all lit up at night. Strolling around the…
Read More
A Hogmanay break at a Scottish castle
Hogmanay celebrations in Scotland are always special, but they’re even more memorable in the grand setting of a historic castle. For 3 days you get to live like a lord or lady, in beautiful atmospheric surroundings. You enjoy fine dining, and see in the new year with live music, dancing and the haunting sound of the pipes as the strike…
Read More