10 April 2019

Japan is a land of incredible contrasts - from neon skylines and ancient castles to serene shrines and Temples and speeding bullet trains. The country is made up of many islands and since the sun rises in the east, Japan is often called "The Land of the Rising Sun" and never fails to fascinate. We started our week long adventure in Osaka. Often overlooked in favour of Kyoto and Tokyo, but I have to say this should be a definite on your list if planning a visit to Japan. Osaka is the food capital of Japan and an evening stroll on the Dotonbori along the canal is a favourite. 2 or 3 nights would be plenty of time to stay in Osaka. Things to do and see: Osaka Castle, Sky Building, Dotonbori Ferries Wheel, Universal studios, shopping in Shinsaibashi Arcade. My best piece of advice is to purchase the JR Rail pass before you go to Japan. The High speed Shinkansen service (Bullet train) will get you from Osaka to Kyoto in just over 1 hour. This is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel and your JR Rail pass will cover this. Kyoto was by far my favourite place in Japan that we visited. Its a city full of enchanting sites, my favourite area in all of Kyoto is the Gion District. Here you will find traditional Geisha hurrying down dark streets, ancient temples and a natural beauty, especially during cherry blossom season. Take an evening walking tour through the Gion District, this area has an unique vibe to it with its traditional wooden buildings and paper laterns all lit up. Felt like we were in old-world Japan. Our 3 days in Kyoto were quite busy but at the same time felt laid back due to the calming effect of the many sites we visited. Take the train from Kyoto to Nara, about 1 hour away to visit the holy deer of Nara. Over 1000 deer roam the city of Nara and are considered sacred. Visit the Todai-Ji Temple which is home to the big Budda. The Big Budda of Todai-Ji Temple is famous for the huge Birushana Budda, a symbol of Nara. The Temple building itself is the largest existing wooden Temple in Japan. No trip to Kyoto is complete without visiting the Fushimi Inari Taisha (Shrine). This is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto. One word of advice is to get there as early as possible before the crowds as this is one of the most photographed shrines in Kyoto. There is so much to do and see at Fushimi Inari that I would suggest you allocate at least 3 hours to sufficiently explore this attraction. The easiest way to get here is to take the JR Train (Keihan Main Line) to JR Inari station and Fushimi Inari is right across the road. Fushimi Inari is mostly known for having thousands of vermilion coloured Torrii Gates. The Torri form a tunnel that visitors can walk through on their way to the top of Mount Inari. I left Fushimi Inari with the feeling that I had not seen enough. If visiting Japan this attraction cannot be missed, but do go early! If you've been planning a trip to Kyoto then you've propably seen pictures of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Another one of Kyoto's top sights and for good reason. You can access it directly from the main street of Arashiyama. It wasn't as big as I imagined it would be and again it was packed with tourists, so go early if you can. Among the many places we visted in Kyoto, Kinkaku-Ji Temple or commonly reffered to as the Golden Temple was another of my favourites. This 3 story structure is covered in gold leaf and sits perfectly on a pond reflecting all its glory. Our next stop was Hakone, about 3 hrs by Bullet train from Kyoto. Hakone is famous for its hot spring onsens, stunning view of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi and unparalleled natural scenery. Weather was not on our side during our visit so unfortunatly we got no views of Mount Fuji, but having said that, Hakone is well worth a visit. I recommend staying in a traditional Ryokan Inn in Hakone for a more autentic experience. If you are staying overnight here, then I recommend getting the Hakone Free Pass, this will give you access to the Tozan Train, Cable Cars, Ropeline and the cruise on Lake Ashi and bus. The Bullet train from Hakone to Tokyo took under 2hrs. The first thing to do when you arrive in Tokyo is to get your bearings in this crazy but wonderful city. There are so many districts in Tokyo so its important to make sure you are staying in a hotel that is central, we based ourselves in the Shinjuku Area. This area is buzzing with night life, Neon lights, restaurants and shops. Almost everyone who visits Tokyo takes a visit to the famous Shibuya Crossing. This famous intersection has to be seen. Another popular attraction is the visual Robot Restaurant show. Colourful, flashing lights, music, dancers, and obvisouly the Robots. One of the nicest temples in Tokyo is called Senso-Ji, which is an ancient Buddist temple located in Asakusa. Its Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. As you approach Sensoji, you walk through a line of hundres of shops selling crafts, souvenirs and plenty of snacks. There is actually so much to see and do in Tokyo that I recommend staying 4 nights to see it at your leisure. Shibuya Crossing, Senso-Ji Temple, Tokyo Sky-Tree, Tokyo Tower, The imperial Palace, Disneyland Tokyo, Meiji-Jingu and so so much more, depending on the time you have there. Whatever version of Japan you want to discouver, rest assured that Japan is a pretty incredible country to visit. If I can help you plan your trip to Japan, then please get in touch.

27 August 2018

I was just so excited when I got the opportunity to visit Jordan and was ready to fulfil this long-lost dream of mine. We started our journey with Turkish Airlines, who I love to fly with. It’s no wonder they are one of the top 10 airlines in the world to fly with. Their tag line “Widen Your World” will do just that. We flew from Dublin to Aqaba via Istanbul. We spent our first 2 nights in the Intercontinental Aqaba hotel. This hotel is perfect for you to explore. It is set right on the beach and has an enormous pool area. Tucked away in the far South of Jordan is Aqaba, the country’s only seaport and a booming tourist town. As it is boarding on the Red sea, it is known also for its colourful Coral reefs and diving, seemingly one of the best in the world. It is an easy town to explore and do some shopping (don’t forget to haggle for your trinkets!), it is also a duty-free city! We spent a day at one of the best beach clubs in Aqaba called Ayla. This area is an up and coming playground for tourists. A lot of this area is still in development stages, but once its finished it will be the place to go. This is what I’ve been waiting for, our trip to the lost city of Petra, also known as the Rose-Red City because of the wonderful colour of the rock from which many of the city’s structures were carved. Maybe it was the movie magic of Indiana Jones or the incredible history, but Petra proved to be one of the most astounding places I have ever been too. We opted for the Royal Tour of Petra, which was a 6-hour hike. We had an amazing guide called Mr Isam Afaneh and his information and history were invaluable. The un parallel beauty just makes you crave for more. We first came across the ancient Addeir Monastery, which is the largest of all the monuments in Petra. We then climbed down 800 steps to see the Royal Tombs, The Great Temple, The Colonnaded Street, and then finally as we turned the corner there was the amazing Treasury in all its glory. I was just in awe of it and tried to just soak it all up before it was time to leave on our Charites out through the Siq, which again is just breath-taking. This narrow gorge leads the way either into or out of Petra. We spent the night in the Movenpick Nabatean Castle and enjoyed watching the sunset over the city of Petra. The next morning, we visited the ancient market town of Madaba, which is known as the city of Mosaics. St Georges Church in Madaba cradles the 6th Century Mosaic Map of the holy land and it has been preserved amazingly. After some lunch we then visited Mount Nebo. If the sky is clear enough, you can see Jericho, the Dead Sea, Bethlehem and the Jordan Valley. According to ancient tradition, this is the mountain from which Moses saw the promised land before he died. Because of its connection to Moses, Mt Nebo has long been an important place of Christian Pilgrimages. The Franciscan’s now own the site and have uncovered significant remains of the early church. That evening, we drove to the Dead Sea and stayed in the Magnificent Crowne Plaza hotel. Situated directly on the Dead sea. I was very impressed with this hotel, not only for its excellent service but the views from my room were just out of this world. The Dead sea is more than 400m below sea level, the lowest point on earth. Its famous hypersaline water makes floating easy and its mineral rich black mud is used for therapeutic treatments. Of course, we had to find out for ourselves, so off we went and mudded up and then floated away in the Dead Sea. Just try not get the water into your eyes…ouch! Our final spot was the capital of Amman. It’s a fascinating city of contrasts, a unique blend of old and new. Most people would tend to use Amman as a point to fly into and then go straight to Petra, however I think Amman has enough to see and do for a couple of days. For our last supper we went to Sufra Restaurant. They have the best falafel and hummus in town. Located on trendy Rainbow street, you will not be disappointed. Jordan is an amazing country. I never expected to see so much diverse beauty. I was in awe of my surroundings the minute we landed and craved for more. If you are looking for adventure, discovery and culinary delights then put Jordan on your list of places to visit this year.

24 October 2017

We started our trip to Miami with Aer Lingus on their new direct service. Just over a 9-hour flight from Dublin, so the direct flight was a no-brainer! Miami is an interesting city to visit. It has a rich Cuban influence, which is reflected in the many bars, cafés and restaurants. Miami, really has everything from excellent shopping, pristine beaches, art & Culture, trendy nightlife and so much more. We stayed in the fashionable Art Deco hotel “Royal Palm Beach”. The best address in South Beach, where Ocean Drive meets Collins Ave with beachfront access. Steps to shopping and dining on Lincoln Road. We found the hotel was spotless and the staff very friendly and accommodating. You haven’t fully experienced Miami until you’ve visited “Little Havana” which is Miami’s vibrant Cuban neighbourhood. Latin American Art Galleries and busy restaurants, cafes with walk up windows selling Cuban coffee and cigars. On Calle Ocho, the locals come out to play Dominoes at the Domino Park. Little Havana is teemed with culture, fabulous food, music and plenty of banter. Since Miami is a waterfront city, many of its finest sights face the Bay. Be sure to take one of the many Cruises that take you around the Bay where you will see how the other half live – it’s called millionaires row and you will see why!! Most of the boats depart from the Bay side marketplace Marina in Downtown Miami and it’s a fun way to see all the coastal highlights of Miami that you can’t see on land. Tours are approx. $28 per person for the hour. Another lovely place to visit on South Beach is “Espanola Way”, which has a beautiful ambiance, slightly romantic and Spanish colonial style buildings on a pedestrian street. We decided to eat at the Italian restaurant “Mercato Della Pescheria” and I must say the food was amazing. Not the cheapest place to eat but would be lovely for a nice occasion. If you are looking for a vibrant nightlife, then head for Ocean Drive. It is well known for its Art Deco hotels, the most popular being the Colony Hotel or the Clevelander Hotel. We had drinks at the Clevelander Hotel and it has a real trendy vibe to it. Another famous bar and restaurant on this strip is “Mango’s Tropical Café”, it’s a Caribbean inspired restaurant where there are live performances by dancers and singers. It’s a great night out. Miami is more than just a stopover before or after a cruise, it is a destination in itself. I hope my blog has inspired you to go !!

08 November 2017

There are beach holidays and then there are city and cultural holidays, but this fantastic location happens to be both. This year we decided to have our family holiday on the beautiful Venetian Riviera. We based ourselves in the fabulous 5* Camping Union Lido which is based in a small town called Cavallino Treporti. This was an ideal base for us as we wanted to explore Venice, Jesolo, Burano and Murano. My family love going to the campsites abroad as they offer so much in regards to entertainment, pools and slides and we love the outdoor living. This was one of the largest sites we have ever stayed at, and we’ve been to quite a few! Once we got our bearings, everything was a breeze. This campsite just has everything you can think of, 2 waterparks, wellness center, plenty of bars and restaurants, sports center, shops, markets and even a doggie camp. It is situated directly on a spotless beach, with beach bars and restaurants. Overall, I would find it hard to beat it. The highlight of the trip for me was getting to visit Venice. It’s very easy to get to from the campsite, you just get the bus outside to Punta Sabbioni and from there you get the ferry across. Tickets are approx. €19 round trip. Once in Venice, it’s time to go exploring the many stunning canals and little cobbles side streets. Venice is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to whether you want to relax with a coffee in Piazza San Marco Square, take a Gonola ride or just wander around. No matter where you go you will find history, beauty and romance. Perfect ending to a perfect day is a Bellini in the famous Harry’s bar! The island of Burano makes a fantastic day trip from Venice. My advice would be to get there as early as possible before the crowds arrive. It’s known for its brightly coloured fishermen’s houses and is famous for its lace-making. It is such a picturesque little fishing Island and would be any photographer’s dream. The boat trip does take over 30mins, but it is well worth the effort. This Island has such charming personality, I would love to go back again and spend more time here. Most visitors to Venice tend to visit the larger Island of Murano. Murano is renowned for its long tradition of glass-making. If you intend on buying some Murano glass, make sure it is authentic Murano glass and not made in China – you will of course realise this when they tell you the price of it!! Whilst not as colourful or charming as Burano, I still found it very interesting to wander around. Murano, is actually a collection of 7 islands all connected together by bridges. The easiest way to get to the Islands is to use the Vaporetto service – these are literally “water buses” and they run frequently and efficiently. We happened upon the tiny little island of Torcello purely by accident. This island was the first Venice island to be inhabited. The main attraction on this tiny island is the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta dating back to 639AD. You will cover the entire Island in less than an hour, so I would only visit here if it was on the water bus stop. I could go on forever about things to do and see but I am sure this will give you some idea or some inspiration, but for more, please feel free to call me.

26 July 2017

The last time I visited South Africa was in 2012, and so another visit was well over due to this magnificent part of the world. This was my first time to visit Cape Town and the Winelands and it certainly lived up to everything I expected and more. We got off to a great start, flying with British Airways in business class! Their Club World combines premium levels of comfort and service with a spacious seat which converts into a fully flat bed - believe me on an 11hr flight makes such a difference. Delicious food, drinks, service and access to the private lounges and dedicated check-in desks and priority boarding were just a few of the perks. It was a lovely experience and we arrived safely in Cape Town feeling refreshed and ready to start the day. For our stay in Cape Town, we had the pleasure of staying in the 4* Commodore Hotel. It is situated at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront which has spectacular views of Table Mountain and the harbour. You are ideally placed to discover some of Cape Town’s top attractions with many of them in walking distance from the hotel. We had a jam-packed itinerary to try and fit as much as possible in the short time we had. On our first day we embarked on Africa’s premier route to the romantic meeting place of the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean – Camps Bay, Chapmans Peak, Hout Bay, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape of Good Hope and the penguin colony in Boulders Beach. We took the cable car up to Table Mountain, this tour is always weather permitting, but the views are just out of this world. It was one of my personal favourites and another thing ticked off my bucket list. I would recommend you do this on your first day to allow for any changes with the weather. On our second day, we headed to the Western Cape winelands to Stellenbosch where we enjoyed a culinary tour with Bites and Sites. It is just under an hour from Cape Town so easily done in a day if you wish. This is a beautiful university town with a vibrant feel to it, offering a nice balance between relaxation and excitement. We were guided through the old town centre and tried some freshly baked artisan bread, washed down with some amazing wine. We then headed off to the gorgeous 5* Mont Rochelle which is a stunning 26 Bedroom boutique hotel and vineyard in the town of Franschhoek. Mont Rochelle is owned by none other but Sir Richard Branson. Set against views of the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, Mont Rochelle is a tranquil retreat offering the very best in culinary delights. We boarded the famous Franschhoek wine tram where you will see the valley from a unique perspective, journeying through rolling vineyards in an open sided tram and stopping in at some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates. Our favourite was Rickety Bridge, we even bought some wine to bring home to Ireland with us. Robben Island is a must and I would recommend you pre-book in advance as it is very popular. You will depart from Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. The ferry takes about 40 mins and make sure to look out for whales on the way over! Most of the tour guides inside the prison are former political prisoner’s or prison guards, so their stories were all very interesting and they were very knowledgeable. The Tour includes the graveyard of people who died from leprosy, the lime quarry, Robert Sobukwes House, the army and naval bunkers and the maximum-security prison including the viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell. It was a very humbling moment to be there and one that will stay with me for a long time. We spent our last day doing an experiential tour of Cape Town where we interacted with the local people both on the streets and in their homes. We visited Woodstock, were we explored the local street art, visited a ceramicist scientist John Bauer at his studio, and had our own personal concert with musician and composer Hilton Schilder at his home in Grassy Park. We then visited the oldest township in South Africa called Langa. We finished off this wonderful trip with sundowners at the amazing Twelve Apostles Hotel. South Africa offers a variety of attractions including sandy beaches, tropical wetlands, spectacular mountain scenery, the most amazing food and wines. It is a magnificent country blessed with extraordinary natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. I hope that after reading my blog on Cape Town and the Winelands you’ll be inspired to go and experience this wonderful part of the world for yourself. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me to discuss your own South African adventure.

11 October 2016

Why go to a resort when you can go to a Private Island? This Island is barefoot luxury at its finest. There is only one daily domestic flight from Mahe to Denis Island and only 15kg luggage per person is allowed due to the size of the aircraft. Once you land on the grass landing strip you are immediately met by one of the staff or management and whisked off by buggy through the tropical forest to the lounge. Here you will receive a welcome cold scented towel, refreshing drink and some canapes. This sets the tone for the highly unique experience you will have here. Dotted along the beach there are 25 immaculate private cottages on this Island. Each cottage is arranged in such a way that you have complete privacy. They are very spacious, with very comfortable beds, a mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, etc. Each cottage is sea-facing with a Veranda and also a private courtyard to the rear with an outside shower and bathroom. There is no Wi-Fi or TV in the cottages, so you can totally get away from it all. There are also bikes left outside each cottage for you to explore the Islands’ nature and beauty by yourself. Denis Island also has its own sustainable farm providing the restaurant with the finest fruit, veg, meat, poultry and dairy. They even make their own delicious ice-cream. There is only one restaurant which is facing the sea. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style with a huge selection to choose from and then dinner is ala carte. They also have themed evenings during the week, for example they will have a beach BBQ. A Glass of wine will cost you approximately €11 and a glass of beer will cost you about €7. If for some reason you get bored lying on the white fluffy beach, there is plenty for you to do. There is a PADI certified dive centre where you can explore the coral reefs. Spend the day snorkelling, diving or fishing or even visit the farm. There is also a flood lit tennis court, jogging trails and nature walks. You will also get to meet Toby the 118 year old tortoise along with his other giant friends. Although an all year round destination, the best time of year to visit Denis Private Island is from September to March when the seas are calmer. Denis Private Island is a truly romantic, luxurious and barefoot escape and should most definitely be included in your trip to the Seychelles!

27 October 2016

I’ve just been to Paradise and thought I would share my experience with you. Island hopping in the Seychelles, is by far the best experience of all my travels so far. What sets the Seychelles apart from so many other destinations is its wide variety of Islands – experiencing more than one island during your stay is a must. Scattered in the Indian Ocean, just south of the equator with over 115 Granite Islands. Island hopping is by far the best way to see the diversity of the Seychelles. The Islands we visited were Mahe, Denis Private Island, Praslin and La Digue. International flights arrive on the main island of Mahe and this is a great starting point to your adventure. Mahe Island has the smallest capitol city the world, Victoria. We spent most of our time here in the Beau Vallon area with its Idyllic beaches, national parks. We stayed in the Coral Strand hotel which is directly situated on the beach, making it a perfect location. We also visited the 5* Savoy hotel which was amazing. Huge Infinity pool, actually the largest in the Seychelles, perfectly located on the Beau Vallon Beach. The rooms and suites are huge and a good selection of dining options. We also stayed in the Carana Beach hotel, which is north of Mahe. This was a stunning, romantic, boutique hotel with its 40 private villas overlooking one of Mahe’s most dramatically picturesque beaches. This gem of a hotel offers guests luxury, romance and fine dining experiences. Ferry services, domestic flights and even helicopter transfers are available on a daily basis to many of the Islands. Our next stop was the 2nd Largest Island – Praslin. Our flight just took 15mins by small aircraft. There is a large choice of luxury hotels to choose from on this Island. We stayed at the 4* Coco De Mer & Black parrot suites. Beautifully situated on a private beach. A trip to Anse Lazio beach is a must, situated in the northwest of Praslin Island. We took a 30 minute boat trip from the Island of Praslin to the Island of La Digue, which was my favourite. La Digue is extremely beautiful but also very primitive. There are virtually no cars on the Island except for a few mini Trucks. The best way to get around is to hire a bike, almost everyone does this. It is the third largest Island in the Seychelles but for me the most beautiful. After we got our bikes and a map of the island, we headed in the direction of the famous Anse Sourse D’Argent Beach. This is the most photographed beach in the world and once you see it for yourself you will understand. Turquoise crystal clear waters, white fluffy sandy beach, large granite rocks and lush green palm trees. Life in La Digue is unhurried and Island life as it used to be. We could have stayed here all day but we had a lunch appointment and hotel visit to the Domaine de L’Orangerie. What a beautiful hotel. This 5* hotel, situated right on the beach with a huge infinity pool. All 55 villas are nestled in an idyllic setting amidst a tropical garden and hill. This is truly a 5* resort and is worth spending 3-4 nights here. And finally for a real “castaway” experience, you need to visit Denis Private Island. For me this was a real barefoot luxury experience. This Island was so good I decided it deserved a separate blog which you can read here: https://www.travelcounsellors.ie/sinead.daly/Profile-Blog/DenisPrivateIsland,TheSeychelles Overall, I would highly recommend a trip to the Seychelles. Seeing more than one Island during your stay is a must and will add a dimension to your holiday experience that you will never forget. It really was a trip of a lifetime and so glad we decided to do it. Please get in touch if you are considering a trip to the Seychelles. I would be delighted to put together the trip of a lifetime for you.

27 October 2016

We started off our exciting trip to Dubai in style. It is a seven and a half hour flight from Dublin and we were lucky to experience business class with Emirates. It truly was a 5* flying experience, with flat beds, ala carte menu, personal mini-bar, and stylish kit bags from Bvlgari. It was my first trip to Dubai but certainly not my last. We only had a couple of days here so to make the most of our time, we decided to hire a private guide to see all the hot spots. We visited the Dubai Mall, which is the largest in the world! You could spend weeks here never mind spend a fortune. This is a spectacular venue and more than just your average Mall. There is so much entertainment here: Kidzania, Dubai Ice Rink, Dubai Aquarium and underwater Zoo, Dubai Dino, The water fountain with musical and light show (a bit like the Bellagio in Vegas). Beside the Dubai Mall, you have the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. At soaring heights on levels 148 & 125 you can experience the breath-taking 360-degree views of Dubai on the observation deck. Our next stop was to the most iconic building in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab. Repeatedly voted the world’s most luxurious hotel. Unfortunately you cannot enter the Hotel without a booking of some kind. Bear in mind that afternoon tea is approx. €250. It was still great to see it and get some pictures. We also visited the Madinat Jumeirah Resort. This is a luxurious 5* resort in Dubai and is also the largest resort in the emirate, spreading across over 40 hectares of landscapes and gardens. It is designed to resemble a traditional Arabian Town. It is comprised of 2 Boutique hotels, over 40 restaurants and bars and a traditional souk. We stayed in the 4* Sheraton Jumeirah beach hotel. The location was fantastic, right on the beach and close to The Walk in Dubai Marina, a prime beachfront shopping and entertainment promenade which extends over 1.7km filled with coffee shops, designer boutique stores and entertainment. We also viewed the JA Ocean view hotel and thought this was fabulous, very fresh airy hotel, with all rooms’ sea facing. On first glance, Dubai is huge and they are still expanding. Dubai is a cosmopolitan, vibrant city and would suit both families and couples. There is really something for everyone.

06 July 2016

This year we decided to take a long weekend to a campsite in Holland. Because of its excellent value, I sell a lot of this particular site so I decided it was about time I tried it for myself. It’s a very unique campsite with its own theme park and water park on site, again -great value for money. It is set near the quaint village of Wassenaar, only a 5 minute stroll away. Wassenaar has a good selection of bars, shops and restaurants to choose from, and you must visit “Luciano” for some after dinner ice cream, it’s amazing! One of the best things about Duinrell is that you have free entry to the theme park. It has over 40 different rides, suitable for all different ages. The park can get busy during the day but surprisingly we didn’t find the queues that long. It’s very easy to walk around with plenty of food courts spread throughout. You enter through the right of the main plaza, greeted by a large Ferris wheel with 2 large playgrounds either side. On the left side of the canal you have tobogganing, Archery, Zip Line, Mini Golf, etc. Our favourite was trying to stay dry in the Rollercoaster Splash and also the bumper boats. If you still have some energy after all that you can then go to the water park, which is open until 10pm. Large outdoor pool area, indoor pool with lots of slides, wave pool, lazy river which was our favourite, Hot tub, and the Pelican Dive. There is also a food court and an outdoor veranda. The changing facilities were excellent and the waterpark was very well supervised, plenty of life guards on duty. (Children under 1.20m must wear a floatation device) The Plaza is the lively centre of the holiday park. You have everything under one roof here, take –away, restaurant, Supermarket (although well stocked the one in Wassenaar called Jumbo was much better value if you are doing a big shop) You also have the Pub where you can play bowling while you have a relaxing drink or you can kick back and relax in the lighthouse lounge. The Dutch love their bikes and have excellent bike lanes, so why not hire some bikes and cycle to the beach, only 4km away, or explore Duinrell’s own lovely woodland and dune area. If you fancy some shopping or sightseeing, there are plenty of great cities in the area such as Leiden (10km), The Hague(13km), Delft(20km) and Amsterdam(55km) Duinrell offers an exciting, fun-tastic holiday, so whatever the weather there is always something to do. If you would like any more details on this park please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

10 July 2015

Nothing can prepare you for your first sights of Las Vegas, with its blazing neon lights on the strip to the glamour and glitz of each hotel. Welcome to the entertainment capital of the world. Gambling is the first thing that comes to mind when you mention Las Vegas, however there is far more to do there. With world class hotels, stylish cocktail bars and top restaurants you will never be bored in Vegas. There is just so much to do, from Gondola rides in the Venetian Hotel, Roller Coasters in the New York New York Hotel, the musical fountain display at the Bellagio and so much more. We stayed in the beautiful 5* Aria hotel right in the centre of the strip. This beautiful and contemporary hotel is one of the best in Las Vegas, without a doubt. The staff were so lovely and helpful, lots of restaurants and bars to choose from, great outdoor pool area with drinks and food being served if you wish. The spa was amazing, one of the best I have ever seen. The rooms were exquisite with the most comfortable bed ever. The rooms are also modern, fresh and well equipped. I saw as many of the other hotels that I could including the Excalibur, The New York New York, MGM, Planet Hollywood, Bellagio, Venetian, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, The Paris, Caesars Palace, the Linq and the Golden Nugget. Each hotel is unique and offers something different. The Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas is a must to visit, this is where it all began. It’s about 10 minutes in a taxi and it’s got a great relaxed feel to it. It’s much cheaper there than on the strip and has a great atmosphere. The main street in Fremont is covered over and has a light display every night, you can also do some zip wiring if you’re brave enough. The shopping, well what can I say…it is fab, just as good if not better than New York. So much again to choose from. You have the North and South Outlets which offer great coupon discounts, another favourite is the Forum in Caesars Palace. Most hotels have shopping in them but can be expensive so make sure you visit one of the outlets for those bargains. Don’t leave Las Vegas without getting a selfie at the Famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. This iconic structure has become a symbol of the city itself. We often think we know what to expect when visiting certain places but unless you go and experience places yourself with your own eyes, you don’t get a real feel for a place. Las Vegas has been on my wish list for years and I am so glad I got to experience it. I never usually go back to the same place as I feel there is so many places to see in the world but Vegas is the one place I would definitely return to. If Las Vegas is on your wish list then please get in touch with me for more information.

05 June 2015

Lake Garda is a true paradise immersed in nature. The sheer size of the lake is huge, being the largest lake in Italy, measuring 51km long and about 17km wide. It is surrounded by the most beautiful little towns and villages, some with castles, others with cobbled streets, all steeped in history. I didn’t make it to all the towns but managed a few, enough to get a good taste of the area. My most favourite would have to be Sirmione or Salo. You can get the ferry to all the towns, they run all day up until about 19.30hrs. We stayed in an area just outside of Peschiera in a Campsite called Altomincio Family Park. Well this is a paradise for the kids, especially younger kids. They are the stars of the show here and the animation team were just excellent. It is quite a large site but once you get settled in you will feel just at home. There is everything you could possibly need onsite, a well-stocked supermarket, cafes, take-aways, restaurant, info desk, Free wifi, Kids club, a fantastic animation team, crazy golf, teenage zone, sports bar etc. There are 3 pool areas, a small pool for the much younger kids or babies, an Olympic size pool which was much quieter and then you have the craziness of the lagoon pool. This is where it all happens for the kids it has 3 slides, each more fun than the next. You can also hire bikes and cycle along the canal about 6km to Borghetto or Peschiera. It is a very safe park that is very well maintained with beautiful flowers everywhere which makes it so pretty. I would recommend car hire for this particular park but if you prefer not to, then taxi or public transport are easily available. If you fancy getting out of the park then make sure you head to Gardaland theme park. It is a fantastic day out, but make sure you have comfortable footwear as it is a long day on such a large park. Overall, we all loved it so much the kids are asking when they are going back! If you are looking to go to Lake Garda for your next family holiday then please get in touch with me.

26 November 2014

New York is everything I expected and more. This was my 5th time to the “Big Apple” and it won’t be my last. It’s not just the fantastic shopping and the sightseeing; it’s the overall feeling of being somewhere seriously cool!! On this trip, I took a group of 50 ladies. We started our journey on Thursday with a direct flight with Delta Airlines and we cleared customs in Dublin which saved us over an hour queuing on the far side. The Delta Airlines flight was fabulous and the cabin service was excellent. On arrival into JFK we had a private coach transfer to bring us to our hotel, which is only about 45 minutes into the city. We stayed at the 3* Edison Hotel, which couldn’t have been a better location. Its right beside Times Square and Broadway, the hotel is basic but the rooms were huge. The reception area is busy, they have a great but busy Café Edison next door and the Rum House Bar attached to it. It is a great hotel if you want to explore the city. The next morning we took a private transfer to Jersey Gardens for some serious shopping. Make sure you get your discount coupons when you arrive. We spent a marathon 9 hrs shopping!!! There were lots of bargains and well worth it if you go to NYC. My tip, get a trolley when you arrive, you will need it and they will be gone by noon!! The rest of the weekend we spent sightseeing and shopping in Manhattan. We took the FREE Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty; we went to the 86th Floor of the Empire State building and what a view it was. I recommend doing this at night time as the views at night were awesome and also the queue is not as long and it stays open until 2am. We also did the 9/11 Memorial sight, the top of the rock at the Rockefeller Centre and so much more. Be prepared to walk the legs off yourself although we used the subway and not only found it easy to get around but the cheapest way. If you still have energy after all that and need some more shopping then I suggest you visit Century 21. Its right beside the 9/11 Memorial and it’s the biggest one in the city and has fantastic bargains. Macy’s on 34th Street is also another favourite but you could spend an entire day here, it’s that big. I always like to go to Bloomingdales, it can be a bit more expensive than Macys but I love their Beauty and Jewellery Hall. And I always love to have a ramble down 5th Avenue when I’m in New York. You never know who you might bump into! Overall it was a fantastic trip. You can’t help but be in awe of the place no matter how many times you’ve been. Everyone needs to go to New York at least once in their lifetime, so get some dollars and go!!

24 October 2014

Well I finally made it to St Lucia, that’s another one off my bucket list and one place you have to add to yours if it’s not already on it. This exotic Caribbean island lived up to all I expected of it. We were only here for 5 nights but I made sure I saw as much as I could of this beautiful island. We started off with 2 nights in the Sandals Regency La Toc. This is a lovely very large resort with a huge selection of restaurants; it is situated right on the beach, with plenty of water sport activities. It also has an amazing spa facility. The resort is quiet hilly but they do have shuttles to bring you to your accommodation or a restaurant if needs be. The Sunset Bluff would be the quieter area and it’s like a resort within a resort. I much preferred this area and it has the most breath-taking views. We then visited the Sandals Halcyon. Again another stunning resort although much quieter with an older clientele with low- rise accommodation. It does not appear quiet as luxurious as the other two Sandals properties but it’s much more peaceful and the grounds are beautifully kept. Finally, and it was worth the wait, we spent our last 3 nights at the Sandals Grande. This was by far my favourite of the three properties. Situated on a stunning white sandy beach, with turquoise calm waters and nicely placed palm trees. It was definitely picture postcard perfect! The large entrance has a lovely colonial feel about it, the rooms are quiet large, spacious and modern. The Sandals Grande is also close to Rodney Bay, which is good for a spot of shopping or even just a walk along the harbour. There is free Wi-Fi throughout, 8 dining options, 6 bars, 4 pools and a beautiful spa. If you stay in any of the sandals resorts you have the added bonus of using the “Dine Around” option. This gives you a choice of 23 restaurants to choose from and a free shuttle service. The highlight for me was seeing the twin Pitons. We weren’t brave enough to hike up it but if you do go and make it to the top be sure to give yourself an old pat on the back. We also walked through the rainforest to a geothermal waterfall, stood inside a volcanic crater in Soufriere, swam in front of the Pitons, drove by Marigot Bay and so much more. If you’re looking for a Caribbean adventure with luxurious accommodation then this is the place for you. Please give me a call if you want to visit this stunning island and I will be happy to arrange the perfect trip for you.

24 October 2014

Well what can I say; this place just has the WOW factor. From the moment we landed until we left we were treated like royalty. St Vincent and the Grenadines are made up of 32 islands, with only 9 of them inhibited. St Vincent would be the largest of the islands and with only 18kms long and about 11km wide it won’t take you long to get around! We stayed at the beautiful 5* Buccament Bay Resort. All the individual villas are well appointed and very spacious. They have 1,2 & 4 bedroom villas each with their own plunge pool and some are directly situated on the white sandy beach. Each Villa has an i-pod dock, hairdryers, irons, safe, expresso machine and tea maker, plasma TV, a fully stocked fridge, free Wi-Fi and most importantly the best beds ever!!! This All Inclusive resort just ticks all the boxes for me. The food was amazing and not your typical All Inclusive. Although it is quiet and relaxing, there is still plenty to do for those who are more energetic. They have superb facilities and coaching academies on site with visiting celebrity coaches. The academies are tennis, football, cricket and rugby. They also have a unique theatre school and an excellent kids club. There are also personal trainers there to help you work off that big breakfast if you wish. The spa area is well worth a visit too. I loved the relaxed ambiance and the perfect white sandy beach surrounded by lush green mountains and rainforest. Just wish we could have stayed longer. This was truly a 5* experience and one place I hope to return to.

04 July 2014

I was lucky enough to be invited by Royal Caribbean to a seminar at sea on board their second largest ship in the world, the “Liberty of the Seas”. This was my second cruise and certainly won’t be my last. It exceeded all my expectations and really had the WOW factor with so much to offer for every age. First of all boarding this ship, disembarking and even the tenders are remarkably well organised for a ship of this size. Everything went so smoothly and effortlessly. Once on board, first impressions are everything. All staff on board were friendly and helpful. One of the best features is the Royal Promenade which runs the length of the ship. With Bars, shops, restaurants, you would never be short of a thing to do. The first night on board, they have the Dreamworks Parade, this was such good fun and great for all the families on board. Also on board there are several swimming pools to choose from as well as an adult only Solarium, a rock climbing wall, an ice skating rink, basketball court, mini golf, Flo rider, kids clubs, casino, Karaoke bar, spa, gym, boxing ring, theatre for evening shows, and so so much more. We had a Promenade cabin which was mid ship, this was perfect for us. Lots of cabin space, every inch well designed. For dining, we dined most evening in the main dining room. You are given an A La Carte menu with some great choices. We also dined in one of the Speciality restaurants – “Chops”. This was a lovely evening and I would recommend doing at least one speciality dining. We also tried out Jonny Rockets, and for $5 you can eat all you want, this was a really nice alternative for lunch. For breakfast and lunches we dined in the Windjammer, which is a self-service restaurant which something for everyone’s tastes As we were on a short 4 night cruise and we had 2 ports of call. The first stop was the beautiful VilleFranche. On days when the cruise ships are in port, all the stall holders set up along the water’s edge with stalls of handmade clothes, jewellery and souvenirs. It has a small pebble beach with lots of little restaurants and bars. It’s about 5 miles from Nice or you could go to Cannes or St Tropez or the gorgeous medieval hilltop village of Eze. We decided to go to Monte Carlo. We took the bus which was only €1.50 each way and took us about 30 minutes in traffic. Monte Carlo was busy as they were preparing for the Grand prix the following weekend, but it was great to see how the other half live! The following day we docked in Laspezia in Italy. From here you can do Pisa and Florence. We decided we would take the bus to another beautiful area called Portoverno. The bus was €5.00 return and took just 30 minutes. This was a stunningly beautiful village with each building a different colour. It’s like little Venice and would really like to return some day to explore it more. I had a fantastic time on board and can’t wait to cruise again. It’s a great way to wake up in a different country every morning. A highly recommended trip !

04 December 2013

What a fantastic place to visit, this is a must for everyone’s bucket list. Georgia has so much to offer, with the gracious Southern Hospitality, fantastic food and astounding beauty. There is a quaint and quirky charm that is unique and welcoming and I just loved Georgia from the moment we landed. We started off our trip with a direct flight to Atlanta with Delta airlines. I was upgraded to Comfort class on the outbound and to Business class on the inbound which is always a bonus. The service was excellent and couldn’t fault it at all. Flat beds will be added to the Dublin – Atlanta service from 22nd November. On arriving in Atlanta we then took a short flight to Savannah, again with Delta. This took just under 1 hour. We drove up the beautiful Georgia Coastline through the winding salt marshes to the famed Jekyll Island. We stayed in the Jekyll Island Club Hotel for 2 nights. This hotel was just amazing; you’d almost expect Scarlet O’Hara to glide down the avenue leading up to this old style hotel. This Victorian clubhouse was once used by America’s wealthiest families. It would be perfect for honeymooners or weddings. The next morning we took a glorious morning stroll on Driftwood beach. This beach is like nothing I have ever seen before. By Law 65% of the Island must remain undeveloped, this commitment to nature makes Jekyll Island a perfect place to enjoy all the flora and fauna that makes the Georgia coastline so unique. We then took a drive to St Simons Island, which is another Island on the golden isles. It’s known for its laidback atmosphere and family friendly environment. We visited the famous Lighthouse and walked up the 129 steps (who’s counting!!) so some amazing views of the Island. After lunch we did some shrimp fishing. Now this wasn’t one I was looking forward to at all, but as it turned out, it was one of the best excursions we did. It was so much fun, educational and informative. We boarded the Lady Jane and spent the next few hours learning to fish for shrimp and whatever else we caught! The next day we departed for Savannah, which is about an hour and 30 minutes from the Golden Isles. On the way we stopped in Tybee Island, which is only 20 minutes from Savannah. Tybee Island is probably the most laid back location on the south east coast. It is known as “Savannah Beach”, and if you are planning a trip to Savannah then you must take in Tybee Island for a few days. After our fab lunch at the “Crab Shack”, where the elite eat in their bare feet, great food and a great atmosphere, we then did the Bonaventura Cemetery tour. Now when I saw this on the itinerary, the first thing I thought was who would want to visit a cemetery on their vacation. As it turned out, this was one of the most interesting tours we did. I could have spent days here. This is a must if you are visiting Savannah, it is beautiful and enchanting. It actually feels like you are walking through a fairy tale. The tall trees draped with Spanish Moss, swaying over the Tombstones. I was intrigued by the whole place. After our tour and all our walking, it was time for cocktails at the famous Rocks on the roof, which is a roof top bar on top of the Bohemian Hotel. Dinner was then in the Old Pink house, this was fantastic and you definitely have to eat here. On our second day in Savannah we went for lunch in Mrs Wilkes Boarding house. A decades old tradition in Savannah, you’ll arrive to find the tables crowded with platters of fried chicken, cornbread dressing, sweet potato soufflé, black-eyed peas, okra gumbo, corn muffins and biscuits. Its southern style eating at its very best. This place only opens from Monday to Friday for 3 hours for lunch but be prepared to queue for your lunch. We spent our second night at 109 west, this elegant historic home is ideal for rental for both leisure and business travel lodging. Located conveniently in the heart of Savannah’s historic district. This exquisite home is perfect for Savannah weddings, large parties, family reunions, etc. In its entirety the vacation rental sleeps up to 26 people in 10 bedrooms. Savannah is really one of the USA’s southern jewels, from beautiful squares to historic house, unforgettable restaurants and an eccentric cast of characters that could be straight out of a novel. We tried to capture everything that makes Savannah so special. Our final part of our trip ended with 1 night, 2 days in Atlanta. We staying in Buckhead and the location was perfect for doing tours and shopping. Lenox shopping mall would be the main shopping centre here with all the big name brands. We also did the CNN Tour, the aquarium and the world of Coca Cola and then finished off with lunch at the Sun Dial restaurant which is on the 72nd floor of the Westin hotel. The restaurant and bar is a revolving observatory with fantastic views of the city as you dine. Overall, this trip was not just fascinating and exhilarating but also very interesting. If you would like to visit the Deep South then please get in touch.

09 September 2013

This year for our family holiday we went back to France. This was our 4th Year in a row to go back. We have a family house there, but this year we just used it as a base and did a lot of traveling; so I thought I would share a little about the areas we got to visit. Fouras: We’ve been going to this resort for the past 4 years and we love it. Fouras is surrounded by 5 beaches. The main beach that we go to has a kids club with a pool on it and the kids love it. It’s very safe. In the resort itself there are lots of little side streets with shops and restaurants. If you are going here you must visit the local fish market on the main street. La Rochelle: This is the capital city in the Charente Maritime Department. It is quite a large city but we found it very easy to get around. It has a beautiful marina surrounded by some fabulous restaurants. There is a great large aquarium and small botanical gardens to visit while you are there. One of the nicest beaches in La Rochelle is Chatellaion. La Rochelle, would be perfect for either a city break or a camping holiday. Bidart: Bidart is a gorgeous little Basque Village on the seaside between Biarritz and St Jean De Luz. The village itself is set on a cliff top, with great views of the Pyrenees Mountains. The beach is a surfer’s paradise with plenty of surf schools there. Bidart has plenty to offer, 2 large supermarkets, bars & restaurants, a great market twice a week. It’s a lovely area with an alpine feel. Guethary: This was my favourite and we came across it by accident! This small little Basque village has everything you could ask for. It’s a bustling fishing village, very picturesque, very glamorous, laid back and for any foodies you would be in heaven. We will defiantly be visiting Guethary again. St Jean De Luz: This was a much busier town. St Jean De Luz is located on the French Atlantic coast at the edge of the ocean and at the gates of Spain. The Grande Plage is situated right in the centre of town. It’s very safe with life guards on duty in July and August. This area is a shopper’s paradise. The shops and boutiques are open all year round, 7 days a week. Less than 50m from the beach, the historic town is perfect for a nice stroll and some retail therapy!! Biarritz: This was the largest towns in the Bay of Biscay. Biarritz is a very stylish and expensive resort, with all the top designer shops. The Grande Plage is a lovely long beach, and tons of surfers descend here every year. We did find a better little beach for the kids, a little cove, where the water wasn’t as rough. You can walk straight from the beach to the centre of town. The town is mainly pedestrian, so very easy to walk around. Camping in Le Ruisseau: This was our first time camping, and I have to say I surprised myself by really enjoying it. This was a great campsite with great facilities. The campsite is divided in two by a quiet road. The main area has a reception, restaurant, bar, games room, wash room, pool with slides, snack bar, kids club, rugby pitch, soccer pitch, play area, mini zoo, crazy golf and so much more. The other side is much quieter and has the heated pool, indoor pool, lazy river and spa area. The mobile home itself was very modern and clean and in a great location for us. We met some lovely families there and some of them have been coming here for 3 or more years. All in all I would defiantly go back and can easily recommend it. Other places we visited on day trips were Saint; great for shopping!! And also Royan, a great beach and loads of things for the kids to do. Royan also has a fab zoo called La Palmyre which is a must see. If you’re interested in going to France, we have covered a lot of it over the past 4 years and I would be happy to give you some advice and help you choose the perfect destination for you!

28 May 2013

I spent 3 glorious days in this stunning 5* Resort. This resort was the ultimate luxury in one of Europe’s finest family resorts. It’s in a stunning position overlooking a secluded beach within a large protected natural park. With so much to see and do at the Martinhal you might wonder if you will ever find the time to venture out into the nearby area. When you do, you will be rewarded by finding 26 golf courses, 22 beaches, all within a 30 minute drive. The resort of Sagres is just a 20 minute walk or 5 minutes drive. Sagres offers a good range of shops, bars, restaurants, banks etc. The Martinhal is like a little village. The accommodation consists of Hotel Martinhal, Ocean houses, Bay houses, Garden houses, Pinewood houses and luxury villas. It has 3 restaurants on site, with special children’s menus and dedicated children’s play area. There is also a fabulous Spa on site, gym, sauna’s etc. The accommodation is very stylish with every modern facility. The village square has a wide variety of facilities on offer including a children’s playground, Kids clubs, fully staffed children’s crèche. Blue room for older kids with playstations, Wii’s and internet, swimming pool, gym, market shop and family surf bar. They have Club 98, which is the resorts lively Tennis and sports club. It is equipped with 2 high grade artificial grass tennis court (lessons available) and 2 glass sided PADEL courts. It also has a swimming pool and an adjacent multi purpose sports field. The water sports centre located on the beach is where guests can hire equipment for windsurfing and other water sports such as Kayaking, stand up Paddles. Other activities on offer include surf & body board, diving, bikes, trekking, fishing, boat trips, jeep safari, horse riding etc. You will not be disappointed; there is something for the whole family here in one resort. Family time is so special and this resort will help you achieve that.

03 March 2013

I was extremely lucky to be invited to visit South Africa. This place has been on my “to do list” forever and I was so excited to finally get the chance to experience it. On arrival in Johannesburg airport we were met by our guide and transferred to a lovely little place called Dundee. We stayed in the Royal Country Inn and had a lovely home cooked meal here. Dundee is situated in the heart of the Battlefields, half way between Johannesburg and Durban. It’s actually the ideal stopover after a long flight. On our second day after visiting the battlefields of Zulu, we then went to our next stop, which was in Umhlanga in Durban. I would have liked to have spent more time here as it’s on the coast with a beautiful beach. It also has one of the world’s largest shopping centres. After breakfast we made our way to Hluhluwe and also visited a gorgeous little place called St Lucia. This area is perfect for any boat safaris. It is the gateway to the wetland park. We did a 2 hour boat safari here where we saw loads of hippos and croc’s, our first experience of wild life. After our boat safari, we made our way to Hluhluwe game reserve for our first proper safari. It was early evening time and we saw some spectacular sights and animals. After our first night staying in a tree house in a game reserve, we made our way through Swaziland. This is a country within a country, so has its own border etc. It is a very poor country but it was nice to see it. We then spent 3 nights in the Thanda Nani Game reserve. This was just heaven to us. The owner Johan was just so nice and went out of his way to make us feel welcome. It is a 3* lodge but the staff just went out of their way to make us feel at home. In total we did 5 game drives, in both Kruger national park and also Thanda Nani reserve. We were lucky enough to see 4 of the big 5, along with lots of other types of animals. Kruger National park is about the size of Portugal, so you really do need a good experienced guide/driver. I think we definitely had one of the best; he got us so close to the animals you could almost touch them. It was an amazing experience all together. We had lunch at the Bongani Moutain lodge, this has to be experienced. It is a 30 minute drive up the mountain in jeeps. You are literally above the clouds. We had a very enjoyable lunch here and it is a little piece of heaven really. After our 3 nights in Thanda Nani reserve it was time to go home. We had experienced so much in 9 days. I hope to return to South Africa again in the future and see some other parts. If you’d like to enquire about my South Africa experience please don’t hesitate to call me.

03 March 2013

I travelled to Istanbul as part of a work trip to South Africa, and we were lucky enough to spend a couple of days in Istanbul. This was my second time visiting Istanbul, and it really is a city you should put on your “must visit list”. It certainly is one of the world’s largest cities, with a population of over 13.9 million. Even though it is so populated, it never seemed crowded. It is a very modern city, which I suppose surprised me a little and I was very impressed with all the high street shops that you would expect to see in cities such as Dublin or London. All shops and restaurants will accept either Turkish lira or Euros. On arrival into Istanbul we transferred to our hotel, the city centre is approx. 15 minutes away, depending on traffic. We stayed in the beautiful 4* Konak hotel. It is like a boutique hotel, except a little larger but it was in a central location. After breakfast on our second day we proceeded to walk to the old city. It is a huge city with a lot of cobbles streets, so definitely comfortable walking shoes would be essential. We visited the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sofia Mosque, which was my favourite, the ancient hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar. The grand bazaar was first established in 1461, and still going strong; a word of warning though, be careful you don’t get lost. It is a covered bazaar and it’s like a maze, most of the shops look the same and it would be so easy to get lost. Oh and don’t forget to haggle a little, they expect it! We also had time to shop in the Spice Market. This is known locally as the Egyptian Bazaar, dating as far back at 1660. This is great as you can buy as much as you want and they will vacuum pack it for you, which is great to get it home. I think I bought the entire market, loved it. Overall, we had a fantastic time here. The people are warm and friendly. The shopping is fantastic, you will definitely pick up a bargain or two, and the sights are amazing.

03 March 2013

We have been going to France for the past 4 years and this year we decided we would bring the kids to Disneyland Paris for a few days. We drove from where we were staying to our hotel, which was the New York Hotel in Disney. This was my 2nd time staying here but a first for my husband and kids. There is plenty of free parking available. After check in we made our way to the Disney village for something to eat. It’s a 5 minute walk and once you get there you will be spoilt for choice with the amount of restaurants and shops available. After we fuelled our bellies we excitedly made our way to the parks. There are 2 parks, the Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios Park. Once you decide which one you want to do first there is so much more to choose from. In the Disneyland Park you have Peter Pan’s flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain, Buzz Lightyear laser blast (which we had to do twice) and so much more. In the Walt Disney studios park you have the Toy Soldiers Parachute drop, Cars race rally, Playland, Crush Coaster and again so much more. We ate in Café Mickey, which the kids just loved. They got to meet all the characters and with a choice of over 50 restaurants, there is something for everyone. Overall a great trip and one we will most definitely do again in the next couple of years. Please call me for best rates and availability. Sinead