We are a travel-blogging couple from the UK, both with two daughters and a passion for people and places. Former BBC journalist, Jane is always looking for a great story and is never happier than when she has a notebook and a travel ticket. Since he was a teenager, Nigel's ambition has been to travel to 50 countries by the time he was 50. And he's recently achieved that goal. He is a freelance business coach and management trainer in between trips.
In Český Krumlov, we had a wonderful guide show us around the town – a town steeped in historical intrigue. Our guide had grown up in the vicinity and being inquisitive types, we quizzed her about topics outside the bygone days. In particular, as it falls within our lifetimes, we wanted to understand what it was … More Worlds apart in modern Czech Republic
Introduction: Time of year: Late January 2018. Purpose of trip: This was the second stop on our eight day visit to the Czech Republic. Why we chose this place: The Garni Hotel Castle Bridge was organised for us by our hosts as a comfortable, central base from which to explore the beautiful town and UNESCO … More Review: Garni Hotel Castle Bridge, Český Krumlov
Introduction: Time of year: January 2018. Purpose of trip: This was the first night of a week-long trip to explore some less well known parts of the Czech Republic, ideal for empty nester breaks. Why we chose this place: We landed in Prague and were delighted to find that this impressive and central hotel was … More Review: Angelo Hotel, Prague
There’s no doubt that Prague is a proud city. Look above the stores and offices at the grandeur of the buildings in faded pinks and greys and greens; their delicate filigree balconies; some glinting with Art Nouveau gilt. Walk over the Charles Bridge on a chilly January day like today, the weak, wintry sun sparkling … More One day in Prague: first impressions
We travelled to Slovakia, Austria, Wales, Scotland, Italy and Sri Lanka in 2017 – and, of course, got to know our new home area – The Cotswolds – better. Here we look back at the best bits.
After a fabulous 15 days in Sri Lanka, we’re back and have put together this quick guide. Stories: First impressions of Colombo Galle through the eyes of one of Nigel’s ancestors Sri Lankan street pics Jane’s perspective on our road trip Sigiriya and Duran Duran Pictures from a safari Jane’s fears for a safari are … More Sri Lanka signposter
Here at thetimeofourlives HQ, we’re always on the lookout for vacation ideas that are a little out of the ordinary. And we’ve recently become intrigued by the opportunity for empty nesters of pet-sitting. So how does it work? There are lots of people out there who want (or need) to travel, but would prefer that … More Care for pets and get free accommodation: pet-sitting opportunities
As you may know, I love taking candid street shots with a telephoto lens. I think the results often sum up the essence of a place more than anything else. Here are a few pics that I took across the two weeks that we were in Sri Lanka.
The creases in Ranjith’s shirt sleeves were razor sharp. Two first-timers to Sri Lanka in the back, with a 600 mile wish list, and no pre-booked transport? This was a big day for him. At the wheel next to Ranjith: his friend Nandana. Sensing a flinch as we squeezed between two tuktuks and a trash … More Six hundred miles and Sri Lankan smiles: views from the back seat
From 6th-8th November 2017 at the ExCel in London, the World Travel Market will be taking place. 50,000 visitors from around the world will converge to understand the latest industry trends and do business. We’ll be going along and talking to a range of destinations about our plans for 2018. Our shortlist is: UK Northern … More World Travel Market: our first visit
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