Many of you will know Angie, a familiar face to those who have attended previous events. She is one of our company Directors and has over 12 years of travel experience, so you can trust her recommendation!
Today we bring you a carefully curated list of her top five travel destinations and some of the memories she holds from each place.
New Zealand
For me, New Zealand holds a special place in my heart as one of my favourite travel destinations for several reasons. Its breathtaking landscapes, pristine lakes and lush greenery coupled with the warm welcoming Kiwi culture adding that extra layer of charm, you can’t help but fall in love with the place. There’s something for everyone in New Zealand, from the vibrant city of Auckland, the geothermal wonders in Rotorua to the stunning fjords of Milford & Doubtful Sound. During our visit in 2017 we were lucky enough to see so much wildlife, seals, huge shoals of fish, dolphins and even an Albatross! The Māori name for Doubtful Sound is ‘Patea’ which means ‘The place of silence’. The beauty of the place moved me to tears!
Wherever your adventure takes you, New Zealand is an unforgettable destination that leaves an indelible mark on anyone fortunate enough to visit.
Greek Islands
It’s difficult to define which of the Greek Islands stands out as a favourite. Scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas, collectively they form a tapestry of charming destinations that beckon you back time and time again. Each island has its own individual character, from the lively nightlife of Mykonos to the serenity of Santorini each offers its own diverse range of experiences. My all-time favourite cuisine is Greek so it’s no surprise that I love visiting the Greek Islands. Poros & Skopelos are firm favourites. Dining in a seaside taverna, indulgent mezes, feta cheese and olives, iconic moussaka and souvlaki becomes more than just a meal but a cultural experience!
Barbados
Sometimes when all you really need is to relax on a beach, soak up some sunshine and swim in the sea, it’s got to be the west coast of Barbados. Only an eight-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK transports you to powdery white beaches and crystal-clear turquoise water. Barbados is an island paradise infused with music, dance, great food and such a laid-back culture that instantly sweeps you off your feet. And, with a time zone of only four hours behind the UK, early morning swims become something of a ritual.
Imagine, movie night under the stars, beach BBQ’s with a live Reggae band playing in the background, perfectly served cocktails and everyone is happy. Andy, when are we going again??
The Canary Islands
With average temperatures hovering around the mid 20’s, the Canary Islands are perfect to explore. A short four-hour flight and the same time zone, makes any one of the Canary Islands a much-loved destination for many. Each one of the volcanic islands offers something different, from the lunar like terrain of Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park, to the lush ancient laurel forests within the UNESCO world heritage site of Garajonay on La Gomera what’s not to love. Oh, and not forgetting the most breathtaking views and the most incredible star gazing opportunities. Keep an eye out for news about our 2025 ‘Winter Sun Retreat’ coming soon. I hope to see you there!
Tall Ship Sailing
My final ‘favourite’ is not quite a destination but more of an experience. There’s something extraordinary and magical about sailing on a tall clipper ship, almost like being transported to a bygone era of maritime adventure. Unlike modern cruise ships, the clipper sailing ships evoke a sense of nostalgia and a more intimate sailing experience. There’s a camaraderie that develops between passengers and crew that just adds to the magic, creating memories of a lifetime. The bridge is generally open to visitors, you can help the sailors with hoisting the sails, I even got to climb the rigging! If you love exploring and you love the sea, you really must take a trip on a clipper ship if you can.
