Winter in the Lake District … spectacular vistas hidden from view in the summer, come into sharp focus during the winter months.  Snow-capped fells are sharply delineated and the skeletal shapes of trees are silhouetted against clear blue skies.  Of course there are days of damp greyness too – but even the...

Living abroad for almost 10 years some of my most memorable Christmas celebrations have been very far from my UK home. Here are 3 that were quirkily different … Aswan, Egypt In the early 80s a group of us spent one Christmas and New Year in Egypt.  On Christmas Day...

Take a winter break in Prague… It’s a perfect time to visit – not too many tourists, wintry weather which fits with the scenery, lots of cultural things to go to ie opera, ballet, concerts and theatre – and you can get a table at any bar or restaurant with...

A recent request on Twitter for, “Somewhere hot, beautiful, preferably a place I’ve not been to before, with a quiet corner to write – and a pool,” brought an amazing number of responses. I LOVE Twitter – there’s always someone there answer questions, solve problems, exchange ideas, even make dreams come true...

In a changeable financial climate and with an ever-increasing awareness of the ecological and environmental impact of our travels, you may be considering taking a break nearer to home … Why not simply take a day out to enjoy what’s on your very doorstep?  Make the most of what’s virtually in...

“It’s amazing to be standing here in this place where  such great explorers as Livingstone and Shackleton stood before.”  Benedict Allen, a quirky traveller if ever there was, opened this year’s  inspiring Travellers’ & Photographers’  Tales Festival last weekend at the Royal Geographical Society in London. He was so funny...