A blend of national parks with herds of elephants, tea plantations, eco hotels, beaches and turtles, Sri Lanka delivered an exceptional holiday for all ages.  The time spent on Safari in the national parks was a highlight for us all, as it was our first time to see elephants in their natural habitat. Driving through the central mountains to the Heritance Tea Factory Hotel at Nuwara Eliya, we had the opportunity to stop and wander amongst the beautiful green tea fields and see the ladies picking with their nimble fingers.  Climbing the Lions Rock – Sigiriya - is a steep climb, but well worth it for the breathtaking views.  One of the most iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka is Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress standing high amongst the surrounding jungle. On the cultural side there are many Buddhist Temples to visit. The Dambulla Cave Temple was another highlight of our time Sri Lanka. The atmosphere inside the complex of caves filled with statues and murals is so peaceful and creates a very unique experience.  We spent time at the end of holiday at a beach South of Colombo.  A great place to relax and unwind on a gorgeous golden sandy beach with numerous swimming pools.  A short walk along the beach was a Turtle Sanctuary, where they rescued injured turtles and hatched eggs.  We visited several times as we were fascinated by the process of hatching the eggs and then having the opportunity to join in and release baby turtles into the sea at sunset.

From the cobblestone streets of Cusco to the remoteness of the Inca Quarry trail, this holiday was a blend of history, nature and adventure.  Hiking the lesser known, but equally stunning Inca Quarry Trail had us camping under the stars for two nights and trekking in the rugged beauty of the Andes with incredible views of the Sacred Valley.  No trip to Peru is complete without a visit to Machu Pichu – a pinch me I am here moment. We concluded our adventure with a stay at an eco-lodge within the Amazon Rainforest. An early morning ride along the river, took us to salt cliffs for the best tropical bird experience in the Amazon. The clay cliffs come to life as the sun rises and calls fill the air from parakeets, parrots and macaws as they fly in to eat the nutrient rich clay. We travelled with INTREPID to South America

India – an unexpected delight. The Golden Triangle is an iconic travel route, taking in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, its architecture, culture, bustling markets and historic sites, aroused all the senses. Agra’s awe-inspiring Taj Mahal and Jaipur’s palaces and forts showcased some of India’s wonders.  We topped off our adventure with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Jaipur’s villages. Although India had never been at the top of my bucket list, we had a fabulous time.  Travelling with ON TO GO Tours, India was what I had expected but the experience was not what I had not anticipated. Loved it!

Travelling with friends on this holiday, we explored markets and temples, sampled beautiful food and soaked up the culture and beauty of this special country. Starting in Hanoi the capital of Vietnam, wandering through the Old Quarter with its narrow streets and amazing electrical wiring, turning a corner to discover a market filled with bright coloured fruits, veges and street food.  We spent one night onboard a Halong Bay cruise.  Kayaking in the afternoon and walking up to the surprising cave.  Hoi An was a highlight of our time in Vietnam, it has a magical charm when nighttime falls and the colourful lanterns light up the streets.  Wandering among the back streets through the colourful markets with their friendly and lively atmosphere, there was a bargain to be found.  The riverside restaurants serve up amazing, tasty food.  Put Hoi An on your bucket list. The busy city of Hoi Chi Minh is a more modern city and the gateway to the Mekong and Cu Chi tunnels. We had lots of fun with friends on this trip and flew between the cities, rather than taking the train.  We flew up via Singapore and had a few nights stopover on the way up.

I’ve managed to travel to Turkey four times, from organized tours to independent travel, each trip has been a different experience, and I’ve loved it every time; Contiki tour, package holiday, backpacking and self-drive. The capital Istanbul needs some days to explore, with a mix of old and modern. I find the city captivating with the markets and historic buildings, also the Bosphorus River separating European and Asia Turkey. There is so much to see and do in Turkey with the landscapes and history.  From the solemn beaches of Gallipoli, the ruins of Bergama, Pamukkale’s  amazing white terraces and the ancient city of Ephesus.  And a must do is a Hot Air Balloon ride over the Cappadocia. The people of Turkey are incredibly friendly, helpful and hospitable.  And the food – it’s fresh and so delicious.  Whether it is street food or in a restaurant, just love it! Turkey is definitely worth visiting at least once, if not time several times, as there is always something new to discover.