It was brutally hot in Lisbon in July, so we looked at a map and found somewhere on the coast north of Porto whose temperatures were a lot lower. Having never been so far north, off we went, and what a great decision! Viana Do Castelo is a small, attractive city on the coast with … More 3 DAYS IN // Viana Do Castelo, Portugal
The capital of Wales is perfect for a city break. We spent 3 days/2 nights in the city and it was terrific. We visited in late September and most of the pedestrianised streets had outdoor and indoor dining. The city is compact and eminently walkable. We visited during Freshers’ week and the city had a … More 3 DAYS IN // Cardiff, Wales
A “Staycation” in the time of Covid. As the UK cautiously moves out of Lockdown, the Staycation has become popular especially given the fantastic weather we have had through most of the lockdown. We decided to visit Shanklin on the Isle of Wight. Shanklin is a pretty village with thatched-roofed cottages, gift shops, tea shops, … More 3 DAYS IN // Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Sandals Ocho Rios is one of the older Sandals resorts. It is also one of the cheaper Sandals resorts in the Caribbean. We booked for seven days (four people, two rooms) and we were very much looking forward to visiting after our great experience with Sandals at St Lucia the year before. Our first impressions … More 7 DAYS IN // Ocho Rios
Levico Terme is in Northern Italy. It is one of those wonderful lakes and mountains destinations that few people have heard about and is quite simply charming. More German than Italian, it is relaxed, has things to do and a beautiful lake sitting like a jewel at the bottom of the hill from the town … More 5 DAYS IN // Levico Terme, Italy
Porto is Portugal’s second city. More down to earth than Lisbon. Not as affluent or as spread out, but vibrant, colourful and just as interesting. The Portuguese love of building cities on steep hills is in evidence here as in Lisbon. A big difference from Lisbon is that the River Douro is integral to the … More 3 DAYS IN // Porto, Portugal (2 and a half really)
I overheard another guest at the resort we stayed at saying “another day in Paradise” whilst gazing out over the azure Caribbean Sea with the sound of birds singing overhead. It was hard to disagree with him. We stayed at the Sandals Resort La Toc on the north-western side of the island on a 10-day … More 10 DAYS IN // St. Lucia
If you like a city with mild winters and warm summers, stunning sunsets, a rich and interesting history, beautiful architecture, friendly locals and a fabulous cuisine, then this is the place for you. Situated on the Tagus estuary and built on seven hills, Lisbon is one of my favourite cities and a fabulous place for … More 4 DAYS IN // Lisbon, Portugal
Funchal is the capital of Madeira and it is a perfect cruise ship port. A wide open and flat boulevard by the sea-front, near perfect weather all year round, lots of shops and cafés and a laid-back feeling. If you are looking for adventure or excitement, this is not the place to go. We went … More 4 DAYS IN // Funchal, Madeira
Global Gary 