2 days in Medellin From the peaceful coffee-growing hills of Salento, we headed to Medellín, Colombia's second-largest city. After a rather long 10-hour bus journey with Occidental, we arrived in a city with a fascinating, sometimes tragic history, but one that has undergone an extraordinary transformation. Medellín was once notorious for its drug cartels, violence and crime. Today, it is a vibrant, modern city with an impressive transport network, colourful neighbourhoods an

Our Dordogne Adventure The Dordogne has become one of our favourite regions of France, and somewhere we've been lucky enough to explore on several occasions. With our daughter Abbie and granddaughter Mia living nearby, we've had plenty of opportunities to discover its beautiful villages, magnificent castles, wonderful gardens and spectacular countryside. During our year out in 2024, we spent eight weeks in southwest France, including four wonderful weeks based near Saint-Nath

Family adventures, spectacular beaches, coastal hikes, hidden caves and colourful Italian towns. Sardinia had been on our travel wish list for some time, and what better way to explore this beautiful Mediterranean island than with a family holiday? We spent an amazing week based near Alghero, on Sardinia's northwest coast, discovering everything from secluded beaches and dramatic coastal trails to colourful villages, spectacular caves and some rather adventurous family activi

Hiking Monte Baldo, cycling above the lake and discovering some of Italy's prettiest lakeside towns. Some places completely exceed your expectations, and for us, Lake Garda was one of them. We'd heard wonderful things about Italy's largest lake, but nothing quite prepared us for the dramatic mountains, colourful villages, crystal-clear water and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. We chose Lake Garda to celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary, spending four days expl

Three days exploring one of France's most elegant cities, from cycling along the River Garonne and discovering its historic streets to wine tasting among the vineyards of Saint-Émilion. Bordeaux had been on our list of places to visit for some time, and while spending a month in the beautiful Lot region of southwest France, we decided it was the perfect opportunity for a three-day city break. Famous for its wine, magnificent architecture and riverside setting, Bordeaux certai

6 Days in Cartagena After weeks exploring Colombia's mountains, coffee-growing region and bustling cities, we finally arrived at our last Colombian destination before heading to Peru – the beautiful Caribbean city of Cartagena. And what a contrast! Gone were the cooler mountain temperatures and lush green landscapes. Instead, we found tropical heat, palm trees, colourful colonial buildings and salsa music drifting through the streets long after sunset. Cartagena felt complete

Waterfalls, chocolate plantations, mountain views and a little adventure getting there! After the hustle and bustle of Colombia's cities, Minca was exactly what we needed. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, just 14 miles from Santa Marta on Colombia's Caribbean coast, this little village is a natural paradise. We absolutely loved Minca, particularly our hostel perched high in the mountains, surrounded by jungle with outstanding views. It was peaceful, be

After the hustle and bustle of Medellín, we were ready for a change of pace, and Guatapé certainly delivered. Just two hours by bus from Medellín, Guatapé is a small town famous for its brightly painted buildings, decorative wall panels and beautiful lakeside setting. It turned out to be one of the most colourful and cheerful places we'd visited on our travels so far. There was, however, one rather unexpected problem – the lake had almost disappeared! Arriving in Guatapé Our

4 days in Salento After the noise and bustle of Bogotá, arriving in Salento felt like stepping into another world. Nestled in Colombia's coffee-growing region, surrounded by lush green mountains, colourful houses and breathtaking countryside, Salento was everything we had hoped for and more. If you've watched Disney's Encanto, you'll have an idea of what this beautiful little town looks like. We spent four wonderful days here, exploring coffee plantations, hiking through extr

Bogotá was the Start of Our Backpacking Colombian Adventure, After weeks exploring the Caribbean, we arrived in Colombia's capital, Bogotá, ready for a completely different experience. And different it certainly was! Bogotá is a city of contrasts. Beautiful colonial architecture, fascinating history, lively cafés and colourful streets sit alongside a slightly edgy atmosphere that keeps you on your toes. It wasn't a city we immediately fell in love with, but it was certainly a

Martinique, what a beautiful island! From picture-perfect Caribbean beaches and lush tropical rainforests to cascading waterfalls, challenging hikes, hummingbirds and a very special birthday, our five days here were packed with wonderful experiences. Part of the Lesser Antilles, Martinique is an overseas region of France, with a fascinating blend of French and West Indian culture. Think colourful markets, roadside fruit stalls, delicious Creole food, rum, fresh coconut juice

From kayaking in Marigot Bay to a romantic treehouse overlooking the Pitons St Lucia was our first introduction to the Caribbean, and what an introduction it was! Lush tropical rainforests, dramatic volcanic mountains, secluded beaches and beautiful natural harbours. It was an island full of surprises. We actually visited St Lucia twice during our Caribbean adventure, with a five-day trip to the neighbouring French island of Martinique in between. This gave us the opportunity

From bustling streets and spectacular skylines to peaceful temples, beautiful beaches and unforgettable food, Hong Kong certainly packs a lot into a small space. Hong Kong has always held a special place in our hearts. For Andy, it was an opportunity to revisit somewhere he had lived more than 40 years ago, while for Julie it was a chance to discover this fascinating city for the first time. We had just three and a half days, so we knew we needed to make the most of every min

Hiking is more than just a pastime; it's a way to connect with nature, challenge oneself, and discover hidden gems around the world. While many trails are well-known and heavily trafficked, there are countless hidden hiking routes waiting to be explored. These lesser-known paths offer unique experiences, breathtaking views, and a chance to escape the crowds. In this blog post, we will uncover some of the most stunning hidden hiking routes across the globe, providing you with

Traveling can be one of the most enriching experiences in life, offering a chance to explore new cultures, meet new people, and create unforgettable memories. However, without proper planning, your journey can quickly turn into a stressful ordeal. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time adventurer, having a solid travel plan is essential. In this post, we will explore essential travel planning tips that will help you make the most of every journey. Understand Your

Exploring the great outdoors is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, scenic walks offer a chance to connect with nature, enjoy breathtaking views, and rejuvenate your spirit. In this post, we will explore the top 10 scenic walks that promise to make your next adventure unforgettable. 1. The Inca Trail, Peru The Inca Trail is not just a walk; it's a journey through history. This iconic trek