Introduction: Time of year: Early December, 2016 Purpose of trip: Nigel had two days of business meetings in London; Jane had a couple of free days and a chance to meet up with some friends….so we decided to book an overnight stay in one of our favourite corners of London–and tie it in with a … More Review: De Vere Venues, Devonport House, Greenwich, London, UK.
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
Introduction Time of year: Mid-October 2016 Purpose of trip: This was a one night stopover during our round the world trip. We particularly wanted to experience a traditional ryokan whilst in Japan. Why we chose this place: Miyajima is an island with many Shinto and Buddhist temples and shrines, set amongst beautiful wooded hills. It was a place that we … More Review: Ryoso Kawaguchi, Miyajima, Japan
Introduction: Time of year: September 2016 Purpose of trip: This was a one night stopover on our drive up through South Island, during our round the world trip. Why we chose this place: This accommodation was actually chosen for us by the travel agent who fixed the New Zealand leg of our 57 day trip … More Review: Murchison Lodge, Murchison, New Zealand
We’ve just spent a week exploring the cities of Vancouver and San Francisco. But which did we like best? Setting Both cities are set on peninsulas close to the Pacific, with sheltered waterways on one or more sides. Vancouver has the more pleasing backdrop, with mountains and islands all around, whilst San Francisco has the … More Spotlight on beautiful Vancouver and liberal San Francisco
Introduction: Time of year: Sept 2016 Purpose of trip: This was our base for the San Francisco leg of our round the world trip. Why we chose this place: Accommodation is very expensive in San Francisco. The Chelsea Motor Inn provided reasonable rooms at a price we could afford. It fitted our brief of half way between 5* … More Review: Chelsea Motor Inn, San Francisco, USA
We traveled from Banff to Vancouver on the Rocky Mountaineer. Here is our comprehensive review. … More The view from carriage 11: Rocky Mountaineer review
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: Mid-May 2016 Purpose of trip: This was our base for a surprise birthday treat for Nigel’s mum. Why we chose this place: This was a treat – a really special occasion and this 5* boutique hotel was just the ticket. How long we stayed: Just the one night. Nigel’s accommodation: Our party had … More Review: The Clarance Hotel, Lille, France
Introduction: Time of year: April 2016 Purpose of trip: Jane travelled to Leeds to see her youngest daughter who’s studying there. Why she chose this place: The 4 Star Queen’s Hotel is right next to Leeds railway station. I’d visited Leeds many times for work, but hadn’t been able to afford a room here before. … More Review: The Queen’s Hotel, Leeds, UK
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