We had the best time aboard the Cap Finistère and Pont-Aven cruise ships with Brittany Ferries. One of the highlights was certainly dolphin spotting while in the Bay of Biscay. A pretty special experience especially for five year old POD who screamed so loudly, some might have thought there was a man overboard!
We used to go on many an adventure as a couple although holidays as a three have morphed into much of the same. Our recent trip to the Picos de Europa in Cantabria saw five year old POD climb a mountain, swim in a river and experience a cable car. I love that she’s inherited our passion for exploration. Her needs will always come first when it comes to planning a holiday which is what makes the Family Travel Show great. It’s the UK’s only event dedicated to family holiday destinations and we’re giving you the opportunity to get two adult tickets for free (under 16’s go free).
We’ve welcomed the return of autumn with open arms but there is a distinct chill in the mornings and the evenings are certainly becoming darker. What better time to think about a winter break! Here are our top ten suggestions for where to go in October. As with any holiday, research your trip before you book to ensure you get the most out of it. Some attractions may close earlier so plan your itinerary before you travel.
With its lagoons, beaches and coral reefs, the volcanic island of Mauritius offers lots to do from the Safari and Bird Park, the Giant Tortoise Park and Vallée des Couleurs to the Kids Adventure Park, Ile Aux Aigrettes Island and Château de Labourdonnais. Like many of the tropical islands, it has good weather all year round too with temperatures in October an average of 25°C.
Here in the UK, there are numerous places we can admire those autumnal hues. From Winkworth Arboretum (a personal favourite) to the Lake District, Forest of Dean, the Cotswolds and of course Westonbirt Arboretum. But if we were to go anywhere in the world, where would we go?
With over 70% of Japan covered with deciduous forest, autumn colour is immense. Initially colour is reserved for the mountains which are accessible by train, bus or ropeway. The second half of the autumn season sees colour descend into Japan’s cities in the parks and gardens. Popular spots include Kiyomizudera, Tofukuji Temple and Eikando in Kyoto to name just a few.
The scenery in the Liébana region of Northern Spain is spectacular. Our route along the CA-185 from Potes to Fuente Dé engulfed by huge mountains with the pretty Rio Deva river running adjacent. With not even a cloud in the sky, our excitement was at fever pitch as we drove along the beautiful winding roads.
It’s many years since we crammed our belongings into backpacks and took our first long-haul flights from Heathrow. As part of our ‘gap year’ our itineraries included stays in Australia and New Zealand. We were actually in Australia at the same time but didn’t meet for another 3 years back in the UK.
Mission Beach is located midway between Townsville and Cairns. For many it’s the gateway to visiting Dunk island which lies 4 km off the Australian east coast opposite the town of Mission Beach itself. Continue Reading…
Mostar is a city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina home to a famous bridge that gives the city it’s name “most” meaning “bridge” in Bosnian. The historic city and its iconic bridge, built by the Ottomans in the 16th Century came to the world’s attention during the Croat–Bosniak War in 1993. The bridge that had spanned the River Neretva for 427 years finally succumbed to repeated shelling on the 9th November 1993 – it was reportedly hit by over 60 shells before crashing to the river bed below. Mostar was the most destroyed city in the former Yugoslavia with most of the old town buildings suffering the same fate as the bridge.
An Englishman’s home is his castle, so the phrase goes. As a nation we spend countless hours and millions of pounds creating the spaces we live in. So why would we settle for a generic experience from our holiday accommodation?
Pais Vasco is well recognised for its unique flavours, tapas and wine with cities such as Bilbao and San Sebastian boasting Michelin star chefs. While the Basque Country is largely commercialised, it’s a land surrounded by lush countryside, mountains and coastline – with much of the Urkiola National Park, Valderejo National Park and Urdaibai Biosphere Reservation untouched.
