I was momentarily blinded as I entered the labyrinth of makeshift booths. The simple relief of stepping out of the blinding sun into the relative cool of the market stalls was temporary as I moved further into the crush of bodies surrounding the overloaded tables.
Under cover in SIem Reap
Everyone knows about all the “must sees” at any particular destination but, while we’ve explored these as well, travel for me is all about the more personal experiences, the human interaction, the unexpected moments, and the side streets you happen upon, like this peaceful path on the edges of Luang Prabang, Laos
Side streets of Laos
Ski holidays in Bulgaria are some of the most up and coming options you could choose for your winter break this year. While Bulgaria hasn’t quite achieved the bigwig status like the alpine destinations of France, Austria and Italy have just yet, its authenticity and rustic charm is appealing to more and more holidaymakers every year.
Perfect for families and full of character, Bulgaria is a real delight and a Borovets ski holiday is a great place to start. Ideal for those learning to ski, with some super facilities and a fun-filled atmosphere, Borovets lies in the heart of the Rila Mountains and has access to tree-lined slopes with astonishing panoramas.
As for where to stay, there’s a great selection of accommodation available in the resort, to suit your personal requirements and budget, including:
Hotel Lion Borovets boasts elegance and affordability, located on the edge of the resort. While its position may mean a more peaceful stay, away from the bustle of the main town, you will still within easy access of the local amenities. Inside, there’s a pool, two saunas and a hot tub – perfect to unwind in after a hard day on the hill.
The Hotel Rila and Studios can be found in the heart of the resort, on the doorstep of all the local facilities meaning you will never feel left out. Just a few metres from the slopes, you can hop on to the lifts, ski during the day and return back to the hotel with absolute ease. Once back at base, you could take your pick from a dip in the pool, a soak in the hot tub or some quality dining in the on-site restaurants.
The Hotel Festa Winter Palace provides 5* luxury in the heart of Borovets, that is not only elegant and chic, but is the sort of hotel you’d find adorning a postcard. While still reasonably priced, this unique hotel is as pretty as it is stylish, with plenty of facilities to utilise, including a spa and bars.
Three fantastic options for your Borovets stay – none of which will overstretch your budget but will guarantee an unforgettable stay in the picturesque Rila Mountains.
I am constantly fascinated by Buddha’s and love this photo of the back of a gold-clad Buddha and a visiting feline friend in Laos.
Just because you don’t like flying doesn’t mean you can’t still explore some of the world’s most far-flung and exotic locations. With cruises from Southampton you can set sail from the UK without an aircraft terminal in sight, and enjoy anything from a weekend mini cruise to a three-month sea-faring voyage of adventure.
Holidaymakers opt for UK cruise departures for many different reasons – and not just because some people can’t bear the thought of flying. Cruises from the UK can be cheaper, given that there are no flights involved. They can be more accessible, thanks to extensive on-site car parking facilities and local road networks. And, perhaps most importantly of all, cruises from Southampton offer some of the most incredible cruise itineraries on the market.
Far from being limited by sea-based transportation, it can open up a whole new world of holidays, taking you to destinations you never thought possible. With UK cruises you can explore the sizzling sights of the Mediterranean, perhaps spending time on the sun-baked French Riviera, the chic cities of coastal Spain, or soaking up the heritage and world-famous landmarks of Italy.
You could head out into the Atlantic to enjoy Lisbon’s cobbled streets, the volcanic wonders of the Canary Islands or the beautiful, flora-rich island of Madeira.
Some UK cruises even travel to the Caribbean islands. It’s the perfect chance to discover these spectacular islands in all their laid-back, exotic glory – complete with paradise shores and cheerful, bustling towns and cities. Some Caribbean itineraries include a return flight to shorten the trip, while others offer a round-trip by sea.
The Caribbean usually features strongly in even more adventurous itineraries, such as round-the-world cruises. This is a unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to some of the world’s most spectacular locations without setting foot on a plane. How’s that for an unforgettable holiday experience?
It’s been three months since we left and I miss it. There is something about this place that always draws me back. We’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, but the appeal never fades. In spite of the growing pains that have come with expansion, the vivid spirit of Puerto Vallarta remains true. 
India, a land of mystery, magic, chaos and frustration. We just spent a delightful evening talking travel with friends and no matter where the subject turned, it always came back to India. Amazing how a place can seep into your soul forever.
A short time ago my friend Kim, from So-Many-Places, wrote a beautiful piece on what she was grateful for and invited others to share their thoughts. In this time of negative news, it is more important than ever to remember that the majority of us have many, many things to be grateful for every single day. This weekend, Jim was enjoying a night away on a guys camping trip and I found myself home alone for the first time in a long time and thought about all of the many things I’m grateful for.
The Sphinx and pyramids of Cairo. Admittedly, not my favorite spot in Egypt, it was nonetheless an impressive sight. We were constantly in awe of the work done by human hands thousands of year prior. Egypt has seen some turmoil in recent years, but the country is safe and the people need tourist dollars. Go, now, and visit this iconic landmark for yourself.
“Your dream is not big enough if it doesn’t scare you”
FEAR. We all experience it, whether it be the everyday fear of spiders or a debilitating fear of the dark. I’m sure we all just as often find our actions paralyzed by our fears. Fear of commitment. Fear of death. Fear of being along. Fear of failure. Fear of Success.
Torre DeRoche wrote a book about her fear, “Love, with a Chance of Drowning”, and is encouraging the rest of us to face our fears by recording them for all to see and even throwing some competitive spirit into it with a contest. Reading some of the other entries, I started to think about what really scares me to my bones. My first immediate thought was losing Jim. I realize the loss of a spouse is a bit of a pat answer to some but we are truly soul mates. We’ve been together more years than we have lived apart. We are nearly inseparable; commuting together, living together, and for our round-the-world spending 24/7 together for 14 months. The mere though of losing him brings me to my knees, breathless, and unable to comprehend how I could go on.