Postcards from Claire

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

6 September, 2025

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.

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

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Travel with Teenagers – how to keep the whole family smiling

18 March, 2025

Whac-a-mole, San FranciscoTravel with teenagers

More travelling, than just a holiday

When my children were young, I looked forward to the days when they would be old enough to do a bit more travelling with us, rather than just going on holiday. Travel with teenagers can be incredibly rewarding, but I think it’s important to remember a few guidelines that will make for more enjoyable trips for everyone. Let’s face it, you’re paying a lot of money (once over 12 they basically cost as much as an adult) so it’s great that you’re now able to go on those adventures, but you also want to enjoy the holiday yourself.

They’re adventurers and are starting to gain a level of independence.

Unlike when they were younger, they know what they like and want to know the plans before you go. You could consider getting them to help in the planning process, which can be enlightening as you discover things or places you perhaps wouldn’t have considered. The other element of this independence is that they want some time to explore a bit by themselves while away. Obviously, safety is paramount, so that may well influence your choice of destination, but even if you don’t want them wandering around a city on their own, allowing them to go to the hotel pool for an hour demonstrates a level of trust that they really appreciate, and has the additional benefit of building confidence.

They’re partial to a lie-in!

In this respect, I am like a teenager myself because I also like a lie-in (my poor husband has gotten used to the slow starts now), but it pays to remember that you are still on holiday and much as we’d like to have everyone in the lobby and ready to go by even 10am, you can’t expect that to happen every day or they’ll just start to resent the activity you’re trying to take them to enjoy! Of course, some excursions require an earlier start, but the rest of the time, try to use the time to do something the kids wouldn’t be interested in or have a leisurely breakfast until they’re up and ready to get out and explore.

Try something new, but don’t force it on them.

There is something bonding about everyone learning at the same time and your kids will get a kick out of the things that they’re naturally better at too. All travel is a form of education as your children get to see and experience different things, so it’s a good idea to get them involved in something to experience that first hand. We tried surfing, but our daughter didn’t fancy it, so she got to sunbathe on the beach while our son showed off his skills, and I’ll floundered around with the instructor trying desperately to push my board hard enough that I at least caught one wave – didn’t really happen, but it was fun all the same. A bread making course in Fez was more successful (and amusing as they got us in traditional outfits) even if we had so much bread afterwards that we really didn’t know what to do with it!

Build in downtime and allow them on their phones.

I am not always brilliant at this one myself as I have a tendency to try to pack in as much as possible (you have to see everything don’t you😊) , but even if it’s sitting down for a leisurely lunch or time in the car between places, it’s important to have time to relax and slow down, and frankly it’s probably good for all of us not just the teens. That way you’ll all appreciate the activities when you’re back in the thick of it – we don’t want to be the Griswolds in National Lampoons European Vacation, cramming too much into a few short days!

Include some activities to get them off their phones and just being kids again!

On the flip side of the above, having activities where they can’t be on their phones and have to be engaged is great. Obviously, everyone is different, including your teen or young adult so, depending on their (and your) interests, you could go zip-lining, or try scuba diving, visit ancient sites and museum or go to a food market. Water is always a good option – snorkelling, kayaking or just splashing about, all require full attention and no phone. Last summer my 18 year old had loads of fun with his cousin on one of those inflatable obstacle courses…and why not!

If you’re trying something tricky, I’d suggest having an expert instructor.

Ever noticed how you give your teen advice 10 times and it’s like they can’t hear you, and then they hear it from someone else and tell you what a good piece of advice so-and-so gave them! Well, the same is true on holiday – let someone else be the guide and they might actually listen.

Lastly and probably most importantly…

Be flexible and lower your expectations.

There’s nothing worse than expecting something you’ve meticulously planned to go down a storm with your children, only to find your teens completely underwhelmed and unimpressed by it. We planned a day at Universal studios in LA (partly out of guilt that we’ve never taken them to Disney) and I expected the kids to be keen to try as many of the rides as possible. However, it was the school holidays…so packed, and July…so boiling hot so by the time we got there (see above re lying in) it was really packed and really hot and we only managed a couple of rides, before battling with the crowds and trying to find shade was taking the fun out of the whole experience. I am not sure I’d do much differently in retrospect, as it was a good opportunity to go while we were in LA anyway, but they ended up just wanting to go back to the hotel to relax by the pool. Just be prepared for potentially indifferent reactions to your best laid plans.

Travel with teens is liberating in many ways and it’s wonderful to have the chance to bond with your children as they become independent people with ideas, preferences and likes of their own. I hope these tips help you to embrace travel with your teenager and to make the most of every trip.

3 suggestions for destinations with teenagers:

Canada. A West Coast road trip, with or without the motorhome, offers the chance to zipline, go rafting, spot bears and moose or even try you hand as a cowboy during a stay on a ranch.
Island hopping in Greece. A bit of history, messing about in boats (or just taking ferries), enjoying the gorgeous scenery and of course the wonderful food – a recipe to make everyone happy!
Costa Rica. Always a winner whenever I send clients here, it’s especially well suited to families with older children. You can walk on suspension bridges in the cloudforest, learn about the wildlife (sloths and monkeys!) or surf in the Pacific Ocean and that’s just for starters.

Writers from the Guardian have shared their experiences of travelling with teenagers here.

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The Untrendy Destinations for 2025

3 January, 2025

Lists, lists, lists…

It’s that time of year again, when lists of ‘Best places in the world to visit in 2025’ seem to be everywhere. I wholeheartedly agree with CN traveller’s view that the problem with creating these destination lists is that I want to go everywhere, so reading them is like being a kid in a sweetshop – I just think…yes I’d like to go there, oh and there, and there….and on it goes! However, it’s helpful to be able to narrow it down, or at the very least, put them in an order of which you’d like to visit first! However, instead of following the crowd, I thought I’d create an ‘Untrendy destinations’ list.

Why ‘Untrendy’?

With the recent focus on overtourism around the world, it seems illogical to be adding to the ‘trendy destinations for 2025’ lists as that inevitably encourages a concentration of tourists in the most popular places, so I thought I’d compile an ‘untrendy’ list. ABTA’s ‘Destinations to Watch‘ research shows that people are of the same opinion with 45% saying they are likely to try a country they haven’t been to before. I think the point should be not to go where the crowds are going, but instead to explore the lesser-known countries or regions where visitors on their 3^rd or 4^th trip to a country might explore.

So here goes….

Wilsons Prom, Australia – Just a 3 hr drive form Melbourne, Wilsons Promontory is at the Southern-most point of the Australian mainland and is a haven for nature lovers. You can hike some of the many trails, take a swim off one of the stunning beaches or go to the next level and camp in the National Park itself. There’s abundant wildlife from Australian Fur Seals to whales and you should keep your eyes peeled as you might even spot a wombat or emu.
Oregon, USA – Sitting on the Pacific Coast to the north of California, Oregon is quite different to it’s neighbour with volcanic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, world-class wineries, music and art in Portland and a beautiful coastline. Outdoor activities abound such as hiking, kayaking and windsurfing and you can even ski in the Cascade Range.
Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden – Take a ferry from the picturesque city of Stockholm and within 30 mins you’ll be amongst the 30,000 islands of the Stockholm Archipelago. They have a true back-to-nature feel with wild berries growing in pine forests, stunning lakes and beautiful beaches all surrounded by the brisk Baltic sea. Try your hand at fishing or kite-surfing or hike the newly established Stockholm Archipelago Trail.
Columbia – You need to put aside everything you think you know about Columbia and prepare to experience the beautiful landscapes, Caribbean islands, lively festivals, charming cities and rich wildlife. Historical Bogota is a great starting point which can be followed with a trip into the Amazon rainforest, visiting the coffee region, seeing vibrant Medellin or colourful Cartagena and relaxing at the beautiful Rosario islands in the Caribbean Sea.
Zambia – For an all-round safari experience on both land and water, try Zambia. It offers a diverse range of game reserves but also the chance to see the mighty Zambezi River. You can enjoy a walking safari amongst the ebony trees, try canoeing or fishing on the Zambezi or spot wildlife in the wetlands of the Busanga Plains. Of course, there’s also the chance to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls.

Other places to consider are:

Corsica
Laos
Uganda
Lithuania
Panama
St. Martin
Tasmania, Australia
Tennessee, USA
Atlantic Canada
Greenland
Madagascar
Mexico City, Mexico
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Extremadura, Spain
Northland, NZ
Kwazulu-Natal, SA
Tunisia
The Philippines
Muscat, Oman
Dominica

If you are looking for even more inspiration, try Wanderlusts ‘25 exciting new trips to booking for 2025‘ or Lonely Planet’s ‘Where to go in 2025‘ which also suggests which month to visit their Best in Travel winners.

Happy adventure dreaming and happy New Year!!!

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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!

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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.