My Travels - Plum Travel

A taste of Japan, in more ways than one!

20 August, 2026

A ‘taste‘ of somewhere new

It’s rare these days to find somewhere that feels completely different and otherworldly – almost like stepping into another world. However, Japan is definitely different and in the best way!

I was lucky enough to visit Tokyo and Kyoto on a recent trip and found the experience fascinating and delicious…you’ll see what I mean.

As a family of sushi lovers, that was our first stop on arrival. It proved surprisingly tricky to find a dedicated sushi restaurant, but my husband worked his magic (he’s great at researching where to eat) and it was worth the search! En route we got to see the Godzilla statue at Hotel Gracery and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Shinjuku. The same evening, we had our first encounter with a Japanese bathroom – I’d heard about the warming of the seat, but the music / noise machine on the wall was a surprise.

Exploring Tokyo

The next day we had a guide for the morning which I can’t recommend enough. Along with giving us useful orientation tips, they asked what interested us before taking us to a few key sights. We visited Senso-ji temple, Tsukiji Outer Market (more food!) and Hamarikyu Gardens. Senso-ji temple is a great introduction to the Buddhist traditions of Japan and our guide explained to us how Shinto and Buddhism are both practiced by most Japanese people. It is approached via the Nakamise shopping street and features a beautiful pagoda. Visitors use a fountain to wash their hands and rinse their mouths for purification; we also enjoyed the ritual of buying a fortune paper.

Hamarikyu Gardens is an oasis set against a backdrop of skyscrapers, with a history dating back to the Shogans. It offers calm surroundings for a walk and a floating tea house. As we travelled through the city our guide continued to impart interesting facts and useful insights on history, traditions and the Japanese way of life.

A wander around Shinjuku is definitely a must. With its neon lights, giant 3D cat, and busy restaurants and bars it’s a destination worth taking your time to absorb. Another district worth exploring is, of course, the famous scramble crossing in Shibuya, which is surrounded by trendy stores if shopping is on your agenda. One of the best views is from Shibuya Sky where you’ll also enjoy vistas across the city – especially worth visiting at sunset.

We spent a fun afternoon at the digital art museum, teamLab Planets. It’s in the Toyosu district which to me resembles the docklands area in London. The experience involves walking through various rooms – some filled with large orbs, others projecting images of flower meadows onto the walls, and others featuring light and smoke shows over shallow water that you walk through.

Foodie Heaven

The highlight of our visit to Tokyo was an izakaya food tour (yes, even more food!) Izakaya are described as the equivalent of pubs, but I think they are closer to tapas bars as food is central to the experience. Our guide led us to an entrance we would never have known was anything more than a plain doorway. After heading downstairs and removing our shoes (a common requirement in Japanese restaurants) we found what can only be described as an indoor BBQ surrounded by fresh ingredients that the chefs use to prepare meals in front of the diners. We sat at a low table with our guide, who asked about our dietary preferences before ordering food for the table to share. Japanese etiquette can feel quite formal at times, but inside the izakaya the atmosphere was far more relaxed and of course it helped that we had a translator with us! The food just kept coming and it was all delicious.

Guided tours usually take you to several izakaya to try different specialities, but we decided to stay at just one. Afterwards, we wandered through nearby alleyways packed with more izakaya – some so small that no more than a handful of people could fit inside at once. Having teenage kids with us meant it wasn’t the right time to squeeze into them, but it was wonderful to see the Tokyoites enjoying themselves in these hole-in-the-wall bars with their red lanterns outside.

Next stop – Kyoto

The bullet train lives up to the hype and is a must-do experience on any trip to Japan. It is efficient, clean and wonderfully easy to navigate. Plus everyone is so polite and willing to help if you ever need directions.

Kyoto feels quite different from Tokyo with the Kamo River running through the city and views out to the nearby mountains it has a more relaxed feel. Once again, we benefitted from having a guide to lead us through the sights and share local history – he even took us for lunch at a ramen spot packed with locals in a train station! Nishiki Market, instantly recognisable by its colourful arcade roof, is fantastic for browsing food stalls or trying the snacks (yes, food again!). From there, we ventured down a side road lined with traditional shops and took the opportunity to buy an authentic Japanese chef’s knife.

In the afternoon, we visited Fushimi Inari Shrine and walked up through the countless orange torii gates winding through the forest. Our guide explained that these gates are donated as offerings of gratitude or for business prosperity, with the sponsors’ names written on the back. As we returned to the station, we embraced our inner tourists by buying chopsticks and having our names engraved on them – a wonderful reminder of our trip every time we use them at home. A final stroll through the picturesque geisha district of Gion at sunset, to see the upscale restaurants and traditional architecture, was our last view of Kyoto before leaving the next day.

Sayonara Japan

Our return journey to Tokyo, treated us to a view of Mount Fuji from the bullet train. Unsurprisingly, our final night in Japan was all about the food…again! We dined at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu, which inspired the famous scene in Kill Bill – a fantastic way to round off our Japanese adventure.

Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu Tokyo (Kill Bill Restaurant)

Ready for your next adventure

Would you like to chat about your plans?

Call Claire on 01892 710810 or get in touch here

Unveiling the Magic of New Zealand’s South Island: An Unforgettable Journey

6 September, 2025

Rob Roy Track, Matukituki River, New Zealand

The adventure begins in Christchurch

As a travel consultant, I’ve sent many clients on dream trips, but was thrilled to have the opportunity to embark on my own adventure to the South Island recently, and it was a journey that exceeded every expectation. From the vibrant cityscapes of Christchurch to the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps, every moment was a breath-taking new discovery.

The trip was organised by my expert partners at Audley Travel as a chance to experience the South Island first hand and we managed to fit a lot into 10 days. Our adventure began in Christchurch, a city that beautifully blends heritage with modernity. We stayed at two exceptional properties: The George, known for its elegant service and prime location by Hagley Park, and The Observatory, a boutique hotel that offered a unique and intimate experience. On arrival we enjoyed a guided tram trip around the city to learn it’s history and see the sites before embarking on a delicious Kai Safari Progressive Dinner. I wish I could recreate some of the dishes we tried as they were so fresh and unique.

Our first full day began with a High-Country Farm Tour, a truly immersive experience that allowed us to connect with the local landscape and savour delicious, fresh produce in the home of our host, now that’s hospitality! We also ventured to the stunning Arthurs Pass, a journey that showcased New Zealand’s dramatic alpine scenery.

Surprise and Delight!

The road continued to surprise and delight. We made a stop at Barkers in Geraldine, a must-visit for its local treats, before heading to Tekapo Springs for a relaxing dip in the thermal pools, all while soaking in the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains.

Our accommodation for the night was the magnificent Lakestone Lodge at Twizel, offering incredible panoramic views across Lake Pukaki, with its mesmerizing turquoise waters and Mount Cook in the distance. Our dinner at the Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat was nothing short of spectacular, followed by a magical evening of stargazing in their private observatory. Viewing the Milky Way with the naked eye was a special treat, as was seeing the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere, particularly the Southern Cross.

The next day was a highlight of the trip as we took to the skies on an exhilarating helicopter ride onto the pristine Tasman Glacier. We landed on untouched snow and toasted with champagne, a moment of pure bliss. We then flew back via a ski-plane, just as Sir Edmund Hillary did, a poignant and thrilling experience. Lunch at the iconic Hermitage Hotel was followed by a Glacier Explorer boat cruise on Lake Tasman, which gave us a new appreciation for the sheer size of the glacier and the icebergs dotting the lake’s surface.

Picturesque Lake Wanaka

The journey continued to the luxurious Lindis Lodge in the Ahuriri Valley. A guided hike around the property offered stunning vistas, and lunch in the gorgeous main lodge was delightful.

We then headed to Lake Wanaka, staying at the Edgewater which enjoys a stunning lakeside setting. Our time in Wanaka was packed with adventure. We took a boat trip to Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve, a unique sanctuary where we hiked to the top, spotting native wildlife and even planting two small trees—a small but meaningful contribution to conservation. The afternoon was spent on an exciting 4×4 drive, exploring the landscapes around Lake Wanaka and up the Matukituki River, where we were rewarded with a spectacular view of the Rob Roy Glacier.

The ‘Adventure Capital of the World’

The road to Queenstown was an adventure in itself. We stopped at the quaint town of Arrowtown, a charming gold-mining village, before indulging in a wine tasting and pizzas at Kinross Winery. A quick stop at the famous AJ Hackett Bungy Centre gave me an insight into the thrill of it (although I opted to watch rather than jump!), and I got my dose of adrenaline from the Shotover Jet ride instead.

That evening in Queenstown, we took the TSS Earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Farm for a delicious barbecue dinner and an educational farm show. The Rees Hotel, with its spacious apartments and incredible lake views offered a chance to rest and relax after such a busy day.

No visit to Queenstown would be complete without the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fiordland National Park and in particular Milford Sound. We were lucky enough to join a cruise, witnessing the sheer majesty of the towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls; it was a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. We ended our NZ adventure with one last action-packed day. We took a thrilling jet boat ride up the Dart River, surrounded by glaciers and rainforests, and then enjoyed a Funyak trip downstream, stopping for a picnic lunch at the beautiful Rockburn Chasm.

Until next time New Zealand

Our trip concluded with a final dinner at the impressive Rosewood Matakauri, a fittingly elegant end to an unforgettable journey. This trip was more than just sightseeing; it was a sensory immersion into the heart and soul of New Zealand’s South Island. The natural wonders, the people, the experiences—it all left an indelible mark. I returned home not just with photos and memories, but with a deeper understanding and a renewed passion for sharing this incredible destination with my clients. If you’re looking for a trip that will inspire, rejuvenate, and surprise you at every turn, New Zealand’s South Island is waiting.

Lindis Lodge, Ahuriri Valley, New Zealand

Lakestone Lodge, Lake Pukaki, New Zealand

Ready for your next adventure

Would you like to chat about your plans?

Call Claire on 01892 710810 or get in touch here

Dreaming of Barbados? Sun, Sea and So much more

6 May, 2025

First visit to the Caribbean?

Barbados is a great island for first time visitors to the Caribbean as it’s just what most people imagine a Caribbean island to be – clear azure waters, beautiful sandy beaches, glorious sunsets on the west coast, delicious food and rum punches galore (other cocktails are available!)

The Caribbean islands each offer a unique vibe and Barbados truly lives up to it’s reputation as a friendly, warm and relaxed island with a laid-back atmosphere and echoes of it’s British colonial history.

Most visitors head to the West coast where the beaches are gentle, calm and relaxed and much of the time the sea is like swimming in a bath, as it’s so lovely and warm. The East coast has a much more rugged, wild feel as it’s faces the Atlantic Ocean. This also means there’s more of a breeze there so it’s slightly cooler, which can be a relief when the humidity is high.

Of course, Barbados is the perfect place to unwind on a beach, but that’s not all it’s got going for it. It’s very family friendly so when we went as a multi-generational group everyone was happy and there’s lots to do if you want to explore beyond the sand.

What to see & do

We happened to be there during their Crop Over festival which was originally to celebrate the sugar harvest and culminates at Grand Kadooment Day when up to 20,000 revellers take over the streets for a parade interspersed with floats pumping out loud music. It’s worth a visit just to see the dancers in fantastic carnival costumes and elaborate head-dresses. It being late July / early August it does get very hot, so I’d recommend taking lots of water, wearing a hat and finding a shaded spot from time to time to cool down a bit.

Another unforgettable experience, and Barbados institution, is Friday fish fry at Oistins – a large market with street food stalls and communal seating where the food is of course fried but delicious, and the atmosphere lively.

Our boat trip included a fantastic experience swimming with turtles, which I’d highly recommend provided you choose a responsible operator to see them in their natural habitat. A trip inland gave us a glimpse of it’s green interior and the Barbados Wildlife Reserve has a walk-through aviary, lots of reptiles, deer and Barbados Green Monkeys to see.

Where to eat, drink and stay

Obviously while on Barbados it’d be rude not to try the rum! You can visit a distillery – Mount Gay being the most well-known – or just sample them on your own. You’re never far from a rum punch!

On the island, the restaurants vary widely from the expensive, high-end, internationally-renowned to more local Bajan restaurants. Our family got a particular kick out of a restaurant called ‘Pig on de Rock’ which was a local barbecue joint – simple but very tasty. Of the high end restaurants my favourites were The Cliff and the Fish Pot where the food is delicious but also the settings are beautiful right, on the waterfront.

The hotels also range from the ultra high-end or small boutique hotels, to all inclusive resorts and which is best for you will depend on your personal preference. All inclusive makes a lot of sense if you’re going to stay on resort and enjoy the restaurants and activities there. As a larger family group, the Tamarind worked brilliantly for us as watersports are included, which is great if you’re travelling with children and being able to snorkle straight off the beach is a real treat too. They also run boats up and down the coast to their other resorts if you’re fancying a change of scenery.

Couples might prefer the hideaway feel of the Coral Reef Club – perhaps indulging in a suite with a plunge pool or if you really want to splash out, how about staying at the world-famous Sandy Lane which offers activities galore such as tennis courts, padel courts, water-skiing and three golf courses!

And Breathe….

If you’re in need of a calming Bajan beach vibe, have a look at this West Coast webcam and imagine yourself stepping into the crystal waters – I defy your shoulders not to drop a little.

Especially perfect for a bit of winter sun and warmth, Barbados is definitely one of those places that will leave you with fond memories and after you’ve been once, you’ll want to return again and again.

Let’s talk

Would you like to chat about your holiday plans?

Just call 01892 710810 or get in touch here

Venice – the magic and the truth

14 September, 2024

The Magic and the truth

We all want a bit of magic, mystery and folklore in our lives and that’s why Venice has such a pull for so many of us. It’s otherworldly and frankly more than a little surreal with the tiny alleyways, multitude of bridges and water everywhere! It’s somewhere I’ve wanted to go for a long time, so as a special treat for my recent big birthday, my lovely husband took me. Now, let’s address the worries that everyone has. Firstly, it is crowded and touristy – we didn’t take a gondola ride because it reminded us of a Disney ride and when it rained there was a worry that St Mark’s Square would completely flood, which it did! However, the locals are prepared with walkways that raise you up above the water while they stroll around with long plastic bag boots, reminiscent of the kind you get at swimming pools, but knee high! Despite all this, you quickly see why so many people still flock here – it’s just so fascinating.

What to see & do

It’s worth visiting all the iconic sights – the Rialto Bridge, St Mark’s Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and the Grand Canal, but for me the best way to explore is just to wander and see what you come across. On the way to dinner one evening, we discovered a canal-side where it seemed all the youth of Venice conjugate on a Saturday night. They sat on the stones by the side of the water eating pizza and cracking open bottles of wine and there was a fantastic, lively and friendly atmosphere.

Highlights of Venice

Obviously, food and drink are a focal point for any visit to Italy and Venice was no exception. The tapas-style cicchetti are delicious and an hour or two in a wine bar sampling various red wines whilst watching the world go by, is always time well spent.

Highlights for me were visiting the Doge’s Palace, having a beer in the Campo Santo Stefano (sorry I just don’t like aperol spritz), taking a vaporetti over to Giudecca and walking and walking and walking!!!

A return trip to Venice is definitely in order, ideally as part of a larger itinerary that includes Verona, Milan and the Italian Lakes. A quieter, cooler month would also allow for a better glimpse into the local way of life….and might even avoid some of the crowds!

Let’s talk

Would you like a call to chat about your holiday ideas?

Just get in touch here

Lisbon Weekend 2019

15 May, 2019

A birthday celebration was the perfect excuse for a weekend with good friends in the lively foodie capital of Portugal – Lisbon. It was a short visit from Friday to Sunday, but we had a great time and got lucky with beautiful weather too. There wasn’t time to get out to Cascais or Sintra so those will have to wait for another visit, but we managed to visit the old town and hit some foodie highlights such as sampling the amazing seafood at Cervejaria Ramiro and mingling with our friendly fellow diners at Solar dos Nunes. We also got a feel for the city and people when wandering and uber’ing around. They’re a friendly bunch and rightly proud of their hometown. We even encountered a protest march (against out of towners buying property and pushing up the prices for locals) but it was all very peaceful and they were happy to tell us all about it. There’s no denying the numbers of tourists but there are still plenty of places to sit back and enjoy snacks and a drink on a terrace such as on the Praca do Comercio overlooking the Tagus. The weekend in Lisbon whet our appetite, but we’ll be back.

Thailand truly is the land of smiles…

27 May, 2018

I finally made it to a country I have been wanting to visit for over 20 years and it really didn’t disappoint. As I expected the people were incredibly warm and welcoming, the scenery awesome, the food delicious and the sense of adventure alive and well. I have heard, as I am sure many have, that it has changed a great deal in the last couple of decades. However, although I have no point of reference for the comparison, it is most definitely still the land of smiles and inspired awe in all members of my family on our holiday to Thailand.

Culture and wonder in Chiang Mai

As it was our children’s first trip to Asia, we wanted to combine some exploring with some down time, so after recovering from the long flight in Bangkok for a night we travelled to Chiang Mai to do some exploring. Chiang Mai has quite a different feel to Bangkok and although it’s a bustling city with many travellers, it felt quite traditional and authentic. While there we packed in several activities. We have some friends who live in Chiang Mai so arranged to join them for our first excursion and we went out of the city to try white water rafting. Well with a 10 and 12 year old in tow I was a little concerned about safety, but the Thai instructors were consummate professionals and not only provided a thorough safety briefing, but also pulled over to the bank of the river at one tricky patch of rapids, so I could walk down river past the danger with the kids. It was still exhilarating and we even saw some elephants strolling by towards the end of the trip.

The next day we had an early start to get up into the hills for one of the highlights of our whole trip – a visit an elephant sanctuary. They hope to encourage the mahouts to offer tourist experiences without rides or any other activities that cause harm to the elephants. When we arrived at the village, the excellent guide introduced our small group (approx 10 of us) to 3 elephants. We fed them – wow can they eat; it was like feeding huge Labradors – if you paused there would soon be a nudge to get on with it!!! Next we took a walk in the forest with them while the guide told us more about how they are cared for, answered our questions and even told us a bit about their characters. After a while (during which they ate some more), we followed them down to a mud pit where they could have a good roll in the mud and we were invited to help by rubbing the mud into their skin. Finally, we all walked together down to the river where the elephants got in, followed by us and we all splashed around together to clean the mud off and cool down. What an experience!!!!

While in Chiang Mai we also visited the night market and had a Thai cookery class which included visiting a local market. The teacher was excellent, very patient with us and the children and the food was, of course, delicious.

Beach relaxation in Phuket

We decided to have our R & R in the middle of the holiday so flew to Phuket next where we stayed at the lovely Surin hotel. It is located on its own beach, but also close enough to the village so you can walk out to explore and have a meal if you choose. We didn’t venture out of the hotel too much, but did have a couple of Thai massages as well as a lesson in how to give them in the hotel. The focus of the hotel is around the unusual black bottomed swimming pool and beach front. It particularly appealed to us as there are cottages all around the property which have 2 bedrooms linked by a bathroom which fit a family of four very well.

Vibrant and mythical Bangkok

To finish our Thai adventure, we went back to Bangkok. It’s a great city – much as you would expect with the hustle and bustle of everyday life going on around you. Highlights for me included visiting the temples (including having a Thai foot massage to escape an August downpour, walking the city streets and taking the Skytrain as well as a trip on a longtail boat along the Chao Phraya River and its canals / Khlongs. We had a tour on one which included visits to temples and a small floating market, feeding fish, seeing monitor lizards and learning some of the history of Bangkok, Thailand and its Royal family. On our last night in Thailand we even managed to visit one of the iconic rooftop bars which have the amazing views of the city all lit up. All in all, a brilliant trip that we’ll remember for a very long time.