• Petra to the Pyramids

    Petra to the Pyramids

    I have such a soft spot for the Middle East; it can be the most ‘in your face’, noisy, chaotic and frustrating place in which to travel, but somehow, inexplicably, it just gets under your skin. From Amman in Jordan, it takes less than an hour to get to the Dead Sea. This inland salty lake, over…

  • The Wildlife Mecca of South Georgia

    The Wildlife Mecca of South Georgia

    South Georgia has to be THE most extraordinary, mind-blowing small island on the planet. Far from being a deserted island, it offers a history of intrepid explorers, dramatic survival stories, deserted whaling stations and wildlife galore. Absolutely my favourite stop on a recent cruise to the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Nothing can…

  • Castles in Africa: Unforgettable Ethiopia

    Castles in Africa: Unforgettable Ethiopia

    Ethiopia is where it all began. Literally. It was in these lands that the very first humans roamed – evident in the 3.5 million-year-old remains of “Lucy”, now resting in the National Museum of Addis Ababa. Adding to the wonder, Ethiopia is also the only country in Africa that has never been colonised, allowing an…

  • Wake up to Africa

    Wake up to Africa

    Get ready for the crack of dawn, because early-morning Africa on safari is not to be missed! While a 5am wake-up call on holiday might not sound all that appealing, when it’s done ‘safari style’ the blow is somewhat softened. A gentle knock on the door and a cheery “Good morning!”, accompanied by a piping…

  • My Namibian Experience
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    My Namibian Experience

    Namibia was an absolute surprise! From the vast wilderness and geological attractions millions of years old to Etosha National Park and surrounding private reserves abundant in wildlife, Namibia was unforgettable. My experiences here rate at the top of all travel opportunities I have ever had. From the first moment here I felt very welcomed in…

  • Amazonia
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    Amazonia

    From the beaches of Copacabana to Condors soaring over the high Andes, South America is one spectacular continent, attracting more than its fair share of superlatives.  Here, size does matter! The Amazon is no exception. The world’s largest rainforest, its river is the biggest by volume and no less than 6,400 km long, and its…

  • Cruising Croatia
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    Cruising Croatia

    I had told too many people I could never be a particularly enthusiastic cruise passenger; there seemed to be something rather too jolly about it for my taste. However, boarding a small but perfectly formed, deluxe cruiser to meander along the Croatian coast risked turning me into a big, fat liar. My Croatian friends speak…

  • Enchanting Cambodia

    Enchanting Cambodia

    Hear the name Cambodia and you are instantly transported to the atmospheric mystery of ancient temples shrouded in jungle. But Cambodia is so much more than Angkor Wat, with the palm fringed beaches of Sihanoukville, fishing villages on Tonle Sap Lake, and ever-present saffron clad monks in silent pilgrimage. Where to start?  The capital city,…

  • Khaki Confidential

    Khaki Confidential

    Guests on safari say and do the darndest things. This totally anonymous blooper reel will make you smile… Blog courtesy of Claire Trickett and AndBeyond – operating Africa safari tours. So in the spirit of silly season and not taking life too seriously, today’s blog celebrates the often hilarious things the rangers see and hear while…

  • The “other” America

    The “other” America

    These days travel to the USA is commonplace and travel to South America is by no means rare.  But between these two ‘Americas’ lies a third, extraordinary Central America. South of the US border, you will find magnificent Mexico. Once home to rich pre-Columbian cultures such as the Maya, Toltecs and Aztecs, the ruins of…

  • Where will 2018 take you?

    Where will 2018 take you?

    There’s nothing like looking forward to a holiday.  The thought of arriving into a new country you’ve never been to before, with that heady mix of excitement and nerves.  In fact, the enjoyment of a holiday can begin even before that, as you deliberate over where to go. Will you witness the Great Migration of…

  • The Colours of India

    The Colours of India

    From sleek modernity of New Delhi and the glorious palace hotels of Rajasthan to the ethereal glow of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, the vibrant colour, scent and sounds of India never fail to impress. I have never travelled anywhere else with such an intensity of colour as is found in India.  Our fondness for…