Introduction: Time of year: Late October 2016 Purpose of trip: As part of our round the world trip, we were determined to see Halong Bay. In reality, that is best done by an overnight junk cruise. Why we chose this place: Halong Bay is unlike anything else, with thousands of limestone mountains rising from the … More Review: Dragon Legend II, Halong Bay, Vietnam
There are six bloody pockets in these hilarious zip off hiking trousers. Six. But despite five minutes of frantic wriggling and searching, I couldn’t find a single tissue. The cab driver, probably suspecting I had ants in my pants, now had to endure a couple of loud, theatrical sniffs from his female fare in the … More Tears in Tonga as we bid a final farewell
I’ve always loved ocean mammals – especially dolphins. And one of my long-held ambitions has been to swim with them … sharing their world as a guest. In fact, despite being in many places where dolphins are known to inhabit, I have never actually seen one in the wild. On the flight from Auckland to … More How I didn’t swim with dolphins
We’d spent a couple of hours alone on a palm-bordered beach. Swimming in the South Pacific. No one in sight. Crystal clear waters. Now, it was pushing five, and we were a bit miffed about the prospect of missing Happy Hour cocktails at the hotel. We’d giddily knocked back two each the night before; then … More Tonga: The unexpected truth in a happy hour
Aberdovey in West Wales is one of Jane’s favourite places on the planet. I knew this before we got together, as she had written about it many times in her personal blog. I really admire her writing and it was pieces like Postcard to the Seaside that got me hooked. Read it and you get … More Tiptoeing along the see-saw
Introduction: This was a three day, seaside break in a part of Wales that I know very well, but which was new to Nigel. Time of year: Late June, 2016. Purpose of trip: To relax, walk along the long, sandy beach, hike in the hills above the town, and find some good places to eat. … More Review: The Lookout, Aberdovey, Wales
Introduction Time of year: February 2016 Purpose of trip: We were in Dublin for the Ireland-Wales 6 Nations rugby match, but wanted to arrive in time to relax a little before landing in the city for the match build-up. OK, and Guinness. Why we chose this place: We flew into Dublin from London Gatwick, … More Review: The King Sitric,Howth, Ireland
You get to see more, I think, when you travel solo. You don’t have to hide your sneaky peeks at people behind your shades, for one (oh come ON…we’ve all done it…) But today, there are some sights I don’t necessarily want to gaze at for too long. For example: the oiled and topless women … More Nice to see you…but not naked, thanks.