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Nothing beats the excitement of discovering somewhere new. I love researching new and interesting places to vists and planning great things to do when I get there.

melanie – the professional traveller
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Get Some Travel Inspiration and Start Planning Your Next Adventure

Looking For Some Travel Inspiration?

Well, you will find plenty here!

Whether you are looking for a city break, or just some holiday ideas. I’ve written some travel guides to the places and destinations I have visited.

I’ve also shared some of my favourite travel quotes, and some of the places where I get my inspiration and travel ideas from too.

Travel is such a privilege. There is nothing like taking a trip to somewhere new and experiencing a fantastic holiday packed full of memories to last a lifetime.

Whatever sort of trip you are planning hopefully will find some ideas here.

If you are looking for travel tips you will find those on my Travel More and Spend Less page.

I hope you have a great time planning your next adventure.

Spain Travel Inspiration

  • how to get to valencia featured image showing hemispheric
    πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ How to Get to Valencia from the UK – by Plane, Bus or Train
    (All my Valencia articles were written before the flooding. I’m keeping everyone affected in my thoughts) Wondering how to get to Valencia from the UK? Find all the information you need to start planning your journey to this lovely city, which is well worth visiting. Recommended Reading How to Get to Valencia from the UK There are several options for getting to Valencia from the UK. The quickest is flying of course. You can also take the train, travelling via the Eurotunnel from London. There is also a Flix Bus network that you can take from most places in the… Read More »πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ How to Get to Valencia from the UK – by Plane, Bus or Train
  • where to stay in valencia featured image
    πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Wondering Where to Stay in Valencia? My Top Picks
    (All my Valencia posts were written before the terrible flooding. I am keeping everyone affected in my thoughts) Planning on visiting Valencia? Looking for somewhere great to stay? Here are my top picks plus a review of the cute apartment in the old town that I stayed in during my trip to this lovely Spanish city. Recommended Reading Where to Stay in Valencia If you are wondering which is the best area to stay in Valencia you need to decide if you want to stay in the old town, Cuitat Vella, or the beach area. It’s easy to travel between… Read More »πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Wondering Where to Stay in Valencia? My Top Picks
  • is valencia expensive featured image
    πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Is Valencia Expensive? Find out Here
    (All my Valencia posts were written before the terrible flooding. I am keeping everyone affected in my thoughts) Are you wondering whether Valencia is expensive to visit? Check out my guide to costs in Valencia, based on my stay along with some comparisons to other places in Spain. Read on to find out all you need to know. Recommended Reading Is Valencia Expensive to Visit? In my experience, Valencia was great value for money. Everything from getting there to getting around, things to do, accommodation and eating and drinking was reasonably priced. This may be because Valencia is popular with… Read More »πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Is Valencia Expensive? Find out Here
  • is valencia safe featured image showing the hemispheric
    πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Is Valencia Safe? My Solo Female Experience
    (All my Valencia posts were written before the terrible flooding. I am keeping everyone affected in my thoughts) Wondering ‘is Valencia safe?’ – well in my experience, as a solo female traveller, it is. Read on to find out about my experience of staying there as a solo female traveller. Recommended Reading Is Valencia Safe? I visited Valencia on my first proper solo female trip in 2019. I chose it because I wanted to be somewhere in Europe so I could find my feet as a solo traveller. I particularly chose Valencia because it’s less visited than Barcelona, which I… Read More »πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Is Valencia Safe? My Solo Female Experience
  • is valencia worth visiting
    πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Is Valencia Worth Visiting? Yes It Is and Here’s Why
    (All my Valencia articles were written before the flooding. I’m keeping everyone affected in my thoughts) If you have ever wondered ‘is Valencia worth visiting?’ then wonder no more. It’s a fantastic city – read on for my review having had a lovely 4 night solo stay here. Here’s why I think it’s well worth visiting. Recommended Reading Is Valencia Worth Visiting? Valencia is less visited than some other Spanish cities. Barcelona is one of the most popular cities to visit in Spain and I’ve been there also. I liked the fact that Valencia was not quite so busy, crowded… Read More »πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Is Valencia Worth Visiting? Yes It Is and Here’s Why
  • alicante holiday featured
    Ultimate Alicante Holidays Guide – All You Need to Plan
    Interested in Alicante holidays? Alicante is a great holiday destination that offers great value too. It is a coastal and port town located on the South Coast of Spain. It is in the Costa Blanca area, which refers to the coastline and it’s a popular tourist destination. It has a population of around 350,000 people in the town area itself. Alicante enjoys warm temperatures with lows of 11 and 12 degrees Celsius in December and January. There is little rain. It can get very hot in June, July, and August with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. Alicante is a friendly… Read More »Ultimate Alicante Holidays Guide – All You Need to Plan

Portugal Travel Inspiration

Riga Travel Inspiration

Azerbaijan Travel Inspiration

Istanbul Travel Inspiration

  • suitel bosphorus taksim
    Suitel Bosphorus Taksim Review – Helpful Things to Know
    Looking to stay in Istanbul? Check out my review of the Suitel Bosphorus Taksim. I booked a stay at the Suitel Bosphorus Taksim for 4 nights in late October 2019/early November 2019. It was my first visit to Istanbul, a city I had wanted to visit for a long time. The pictures on the internet looked nice and the location looked handy for the things I wanted to visit, as well as for public transport connections from Taksim Square. Suitel Bosphorus Taksim Arriving Suitel Bosphorus Taksim I arrived later in the evening due to my flight time and getting from… Read More »Suitel Bosphorus Taksim Review – Helpful Things to Know
  • sabiha gokcen airport hotel
    Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel Review – Helpful Things to Know
    Are you looking to stay beside Sabiha Gokcen airport? Check out my review of the ISG Sabiha Gokcen Airport hotel – it’s a lovely hotel, with great rooms and just a short shuttle (free) ride to the airport. The Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel is an onsite hotel called the  ISG Airport Hotel. I stayed for one night in early November 2019 as I was flying out the next day from Sabiha Gokcen to Baku. Airport Hotel Sabiha Gokcen Getting to the Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel I arrived on one of the transfer buses from Taksim Square which drops passengers at… Read More »Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel Review – Helpful Things to Know
  • istanbul holiday
    Istanbul Holiday – Everything You Need to Plan Your Visit
    Istanbul is a diverse city, located beside the Bosphorus. It’s a melting pot of cultures, packed with history, as well as people. It’s a vibrant city that can also be challenging to navigate. Read on for my review of an Istanbul Holiday, which I took as a solo female traveller. It’s based on my 3-night stay at Taksim Square. Istanbul Holiday 1 = Poor, 5 = Excellent Comments Personal Safety 2 Felt unsafe walking at night, men approaching and shouting out during the daytime Cleanliness 2 Dirty streets Scenery 3 Some iconic buildings, difficult to appreciate the views when limited… Read More »Istanbul Holiday – Everything You Need to Plan Your Visit

Scotland Travel Inspiration

  • is shetland safe featured image showing eshaness cliffs and stormy sea crashing over them
    Wondering ‘Is Shetland Safe?’ – After 26 Visits I Say It Is
    If you are thinking of visiting Shetland and wondering if it’s safe then let me tell you straight away, Shetland is very safe. Is Shetland Safe? Crime Statistics The most recent crime figures are for 2022. They show a total 809 crimes for the year, for the whole population of Shetland which is 23,000 people. Ref: Datamap Scotland Here is how the crime data looks from 2018 – 2022. Apparently, there was a change in the way crimes were recorded in 2022 which explains the increase in figures. Year Lerwick North Isles Shetland North Shetland West Shetland South 2018 55… Read More »Wondering ‘Is Shetland Safe?’ – After 26 Visits I Say It Is
  • why I nearly said not to shetland
    Why I Nearly Said No To Visiting Shetland (Omg!)
    I’m not a great traveller which is why I nearly said no to visiting Shetland when I was first offered the chance to take tours there. It may be a surprise to read that despite being a Tour Manager, and therefore paid to travel I am not a great traveller. I get travel sick, on boats, on coaches and in cars. I am also an anxious flyer, which was previously so bad that I stopped flying for many years. Here’s Why I Nearly Said No To Visiting Shetland I didn’t think I could cope with the flying, given that Loganair… Read More »Why I Nearly Said No To Visiting Shetland (Omg!)
  • is shetland worth visiting
    Is Shetland Worth Visiting? Yes It’s Amazing and Here’s Why
    Wondering ‘Is Shetland worth visiting’? Shetland is a place that gets under your skin. You will find yourself dreaming of this magical place when you leave. My guests tell me that once they get home. I can’t wait to get back and see the huge skies and seas, and marvel at the wildlife which is incredible and I’ve been 15 times, more than anywhere else I’ve ever been. Check out why I think it’s well worth a visit plus some of the important things you need to know before visiting. Is Shetland Worth Visiting? Getting to Shetland Getting to Shetland… Read More »Is Shetland Worth Visiting? Yes It’s Amazing and Here’s Why
  • sweet chestnut dunfermline featured image
    Sweet Chestnut Dunfermline – Video Room Tour & Guest Review
    Are you thinking of visiting Dunfermline or looking for a hotel that is close to the M90 motorway? Located just off J3 of the M90 the Sweet Chestnut Dunfermline is perfectly located if you want a convenient hotel North of the bridges before heading into Edinburgh. It’s also located in the leisure park so there is plenty around including a cinema, bingo hall, garden centre and choice of places to eat. Read on for my review of the Sweet Chestnut Dunfermline based on a 1 night stay in November 2023. We stayed in a family room which cost Β£88 not… Read More »Sweet Chestnut Dunfermline – Video Room Tour & Guest Review
  • pitlochry hydro featured
    Pitlochry Hydro Hotel – Video Room Review and Helpful Tips
    Are you thinking of visiting Pitlochry? Looking for somewhere to stay that has free parking but is within easy reach of the High Street? Looking for somewhere with a pool and spa facilities, restaurant and lift? The Pitlochry Hydro has all of those things, alongwith a bar and a pool room and a couple of lounges. Booking.com scores the Pitlochry Hydro as 6.6 with a score of 8.00 for staff. Read on for my review of the Pitlochry Hydro Hotel based on a 1-night stay in November 2023. Check below to find the best prices available online for your travel… Read More »Pitlochry Hydro Hotel – Video Room Review and Helpful Tips
  • enchanted forest post picture
    Enchanted Forest – First Time Visit Review & Helpful Tips
    Are you planning a visit to the Enchanted Forest? The Daily Record described the Enchanted Forest as a “mesmerizing underwater voyage of discovery” After our visit, I would say that’s a very accurate description. Read on to learn everything you need to know to plan your trip in 2024. Links You Might Find Helpful:Pitlochry Hydro Hotel ReviewSweet Chestnut Hotel Dunfermline ReviewScottish Highlands Page Enchanted Forest – Summary of Visit 1 = Poor, 5 = Excellent Comments Personal Safety 5 Cleanliness 5 Scenery 5 Amazing light shows Friendly People 5 Stewards and staff great Weather 4 Extremely wet Getting There 5… Read More »Enchanted Forest – First Time Visit Review & Helpful Tips
  • days inn lockerbie
    Days Inn Lockerbie Review and Helpful Tips for Your Stay
    Looking for a hotel on the M74 near Lockerbie? This is a great dog-friendly option that is good value too. The Days Inn Lockerbie is at Junction 16 of the M74.There is free parking at the front of the hotel and a lovely duck pond and green area to the rear. The hotel is right beside the service area which has a restaurant, McDonalds, breakfast takeaway and shop selling food items as well. There is also a service station on site. Days Inn also offers dog friendly rooms as well making this a great stop for four legged friends. There… Read More »Days Inn Lockerbie Review and Helpful Tips for Your Stay
  • cairn hotel featured image
    Cairn Hotel Bathgate Review and Helpful Things to Know
    Planning on staying at Bathgate? You might have seen the Cairn Hotel Bathgate? Check out this review based on a one night stay to decide if it’s the right hotel for you! 1. Cairn Hotel Bathgate Address The address of the hotel is; Blackburn Road, Bathgate, EH48 2EL Cairn Hotel Bathgate 2. Phone Number The telephone number of the hotel is; 01506 633366 Cairn Hotel Bathgate 3. Getting to the Cairn Hotel Getting to the hotel can seem a little tricky. If coming along the A7066 from Livingston you will pass the Pyramids Business Park on the left-hand side. You… Read More »Cairn Hotel Bathgate Review and Helpful Things to Know
  • travelodge central edinburgh featured image
    Travelodge Central Edinburgh Review & Helpful Things to Know
    Looking for a budget hotel in a great location in Edinburgh? The Travelodge Central Edinburgh is just off the Royal Mile. It’s within easy walking distance of the Haymarket railway station. It really is a fab location. Check out this review of a 1 night stay at the Travelodge Central Edinburgh for all you need to know before you book. If you want to check deals in Edinburgh now just scroll around on the map below 1. Travelodge Central Edinburgh Address The address of the hotel is; 33 St Marys Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TA Travelodge Edinburgh Central 2. Phone Number… Read More »Travelodge Central Edinburgh Review & Helpful Things to Know
  • holyrood hotel
    Holyrood Hotel Video Review and Helpful Things to Know
    Looking for a hotel beside the Royal Mile? The Holyrood Hotel is located close to Holyrood Palace, Dynamic Earth, and the Scottish Parliament. It’s a quieter area of the Edinburgh city centre that also gives easy access to some lovely green areas including Arthurs Seat. The Holyrood Hotel rooms are bigger than you might expect for a city hotel. There is a convenience store nearby and several restaurants. There Royal Mile is the adjacent street to the one the hotel is located on. Read on for all you need to know about the Holyrood Hotel before you book. You can… Read More »Holyrood Hotel Video Review and Helpful Things to Know
  • lerwick hotel featured image
    Lerwick Hotel Video Review & Helpful Things to Know
    Looking for a hotel in Lerwick? Well, the Lerwick Hotel is a good option. It’s located on the coast looking out across to Bressay. There is a restaurant and bar in the hotel, with a nice coastal walk also. Read on to get all the info you need to decide if this is the right hotel for you. You can also check prices right now using the map search below. Why not check prices using your preferred booking site? 1. Lerwick Hotel Address The address of the Lerwick Hotel is; 15 South Road, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0PX Lerwick Hotel 2.… Read More »Lerwick Hotel Video Review & Helpful Things to Know
  • visit shetland
    Planning to Visit Shetland? Here’s All You Need to Know
    Shetland is an amazing place to visit. It is very different from the rest of Scotland. In fact, every time I take a group there I introduce them to Shetland which is ‘not like Scotland’. It has its own very distinct culture, language, food, landscape, and history. There is a great deal to see and enjoy when visiting. Check out this guide to help you plan your visit to Shetland including how to get there, how to get around, and ideas of things to do. Planning to Visit Shetland? Visit Shetland Where Do You Fly From to Get To Shetland?… Read More »Planning to Visit Shetland? Here’s All You Need to Know
  • shetland hotels featured image
    6 Shetland Hotels Reviewed – Find Your Ideal Stay Easily
    Looking to travel to Shetland? Want to know about Shetland Hotels? Here is my guide to 6 hotels that I have stayed in when visiting Shetland – each of them are quite different from each other. Shetland accommodation is always in demand so book early and certainly don’t travel without flights booked. Read on to find your favourite Shetland hotel (or just jump right into searching hotels on the map below) Shetland Hotels Hotel Location Best For Get Rates Lerwick Hotel Lerwick Being in LerwickOverlooking the sea Check Shetland Hotel Lerwick Right opposite the Aberdeen ferry terminalRestaurant and bar in… Read More »6 Shetland Hotels Reviewed – Find Your Ideal Stay Easily
  • busta house hotel featured image
    10 Reasons You Should Stay At Busta House Hotel in Shetland
    I am lucky enough to have stayed at the lovely Busta House Hotel a number of times when taking tour groups to Shetland. It’s my favourite hotel on Shetland, and one of my favourite hotels anywhere. Here are 10 reasons you should stay at the Busta House Hotel too. Busta House Hotel 1. Busta House Hotel is Run By a Fantastic Team Given the challenges in recruiting any staff, let alone local staff in Shetland, it’s wonderful that Busta House Hotel has several locals working on its team. They work hard to deliver great service. The hotel has a genuinely… Read More »10 Reasons You Should Stay At Busta House Hotel in Shetland
  • 26 things to do in shetland
    Discover 26 Fun & Interesting Things to Do Shetland
    Planning on visiting Shetland? It’s a fantastic place to visit, with its own unique character. There is something about Shetland – whether that’s the people, the scenery, the wildlife, or the weather. It gets under your skin. You should – It’s an amazing place to visit and unlike anywhere else. Read on for my list of 26 things to do Shetland. Things to Do Shetland Things to Do Shetland 1. Sumburgh Head Whatever time of year you are thinking of taking your Shetland holiday there is something to see at Sumburgh lighthouse. The views from Sumburgh Head are dramatic. Set… Read More »Discover 26 Fun & Interesting Things to Do Shetland

England Travel Inspiration

  • yotelair gatwick featured image
    Yotelair Gatwick Review – Great for Layovers
    Gatwick Airport YotelAir Gatwick – What I Loved Super convenient as right in the terminal building. Ideal for layovers. Beds super comfy and showers great too. YotelAirGatwick Professional Traveller Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’ve used YotelAir for long layovers a number of times. Being able to sleep and shower after a long haul flight really helped with jet lag. I’ve only ever used the Premium cabins which I thought were good value. Yotelair London Gatwick Airport YotelAir Gatwick This hotel is right in the South Terminal building. Infact it’s under the floor of the arrivals hall! The accommodation is based on a… Read More »Yotelair Gatwick Review – Great for Layovers
  • bloc hotel gatwick
    Bloc Hotel Gatwick Review – It’s In the Airport Terminal!
    Gatwick Airport Bloc Hotel Gatwick – What I Loved Amazing to be able to lay in bed and see the runway. We also loved being able to step out of the hotel and be in the airport. Bloc Hotel Gatwick Professional Traveller Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This hotel is super handy being right in the Gatwick Airport South terminal next to departures. You’ve got all the airport facilities on your doorstep. It’s handy for long layovers and they also do day-use options for daytime layovers too. Block Hotel Gatwick Bloc Hotel Gatwick Room Hotel Dining Bloc Hotel Gatwick What’s Nearby There are… Read More »Bloc Hotel Gatwick Review – It’s In the Airport Terminal!
  • sandman signature
    Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel Review
    Horley, Surrey Sandman Signature – What I Liked The room size and facilities were good. It was nice to have a restaurant on site, with a good breakfast. Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel Professional Traveller Review This hotel is nice with a good restaurant, swimming pool and gym. The rooms are well equipped and the microwave and fridge are handy if you want to eat in your room. There are also family rooms available. Sandman Signature Gatwick Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel Room Hotel Dining Sandman Signature London Gatwick What’s Nearby There is not much within walking distance of the… Read More »Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel Review
  • point a hotel shoreditch
    Point A Hotel Shoreditch Video Review & Things to Know
    Looking for a hotel in the Shoreditch area of London? The Point A Hotel Shoreditch is in a great location. It’s handy for the attractions and walking distance to the wonderful Spitalfields food market. Check out this review, including a video room tour of a cosy double room for everything you need to plan your stay. Cost of Stay – 2 Nights in January 2023 for 2 people – Β£198. That does not include breakfast. You can check prices right now using the map below. Point A Shoreditch Point A Hotel Shoreditch Location The Point A Hotel Shoreditch is located… Read More »Point A Hotel Shoreditch Video Review & Things to Know
  • bank house uttoxeter featured
    The Bank House Uttoxeter Review – Helpful Things to Know
    Are you looking for a hotel in Uttoxeter? Check out this review including a video tour of the Bank House Uttoxeter. It’s definitely a bit quirky! Click below to find the best prices available online; 1. The Bank House Uttoxeter: Address and Telephone Number The Bank House Uttoxeter Address; Church St, Uttoxeter ST14 8AG The Bank House Uttoxeter Telephone Number; 01889 566922 Bank House Hotel Uttoxeter 2. The Bank House Uttoxeter: Directions If you approach the hotel from the Dove roundabout take a right turn in Silver Street and you will come to a car park. Enter the car park… Read More »The Bank House Uttoxeter Review – Helpful Things to Know
  • holiday inn luton airport
    Holiday Inn Luton Airport Video Review & Must-Know Tips
    The Holiday Inn Luton Airport is a fantastic hotel option for travelers seeking convenience and affordability. With its proximity to the airport and competitively priced rooms, this hotel offers a great stay experience. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to book your stay – check availability now! Holiday Inn Luton Address The address of the Holiday Inn Luton is; London Luton Airport, Airport Way, Luton LU2 9LF Luton Airport Hotel Holiday Inn Luton Contact Number The telephone number of the hotel is; 01582 218111 Hotels Near Luton Airport Getting from the Airport to Holiday Inn Luton (And Back) There is… Read More »Holiday Inn Luton Airport Video Review & Must-Know Tips
  • lonsdale house featured image
    Lonsdale House Bowness – A Fab Self Catering Property
    Are you looking for somewhere to stay in Bowness on Windemere? If so check out this review of Lonsdale House Bowness, a great hotel located just at the top of the main street in Bowness, within easy reach of all the attractions. 2023 Update Lonsdale House is now a holiday let. They have kept all the features from the hotel. There are 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and they have three 4 poster beds. They have reconfigured the accommodation a little but kept it pretty much as it was when it was a hotel. Genius! See all the details on… Read More »Lonsdale House Bowness – A Fab Self Catering Property
  • village hotel solihull
    Village Hotel Solihull Review – Helpful Tips & Inside Look
    Are you looking to stay in Solihull, near Birmingham airport? Check out the Village Hotel Solihull. It’s a resort-based hotel with a pool, gym, coffee shop, and restaurant. Read on for all you need to know or check the price right now using the map below. The Village Hotel Solihull It’s in a great location for Birmingham airport and has a restaurant, coffee shop, gym, and spa as well. Check out this review of a 3-night stay. The Village Solihull Village Hotel Solihull Parking I chose to stay at the Village Hotel Solihull for 3 nights because I was on… Read More »Village Hotel Solihull Review – Helpful Tips & Inside Look
  • ibis birmingham new street
    Ibis Birmingham New Street Review & Helpful Things to Know
    Looking to stay at the Ibis Birmingham New Street? This hotel is close to the station, directly across from the Chinese Quarter, the markets and the city centre attractions. Check out this review including a video room tour. Ibis Birmingham New Street – A Great City Centre Hotel Are you looking for a hotel within easy access of Birmingham New Street station? Check out my review of a one-night stay in March 2019. Find the best prices available on the internet easily. 1. Getting to the Ibis Birmingham New Street Station It’s around a 10 minute walk from Birmingham New… Read More »Ibis Birmingham New Street Review & Helpful Things to Know
  • ibis birmingham airport
    Ibis Birmingham Airport Review – Helpful Things To Know
    Are you looking for a good budget priced hotel at Birmingham Airport? This Ibis Birmingham Airport is located just across from the terminal. It’s just a short walk away and has great prices available. Check out my review of a one night stay and find a great price online. Ibis Birmingham What is the Ibis Birmingham Airport Like? Getting to the Ibis Birmingham Airport It was very easy to the Ibis Birmingham Airport as it is just a short walk across the car park from Birmingham International Airport. You have to navigate a bit through the parking areas but you… Read More »Ibis Birmingham Airport Review – Helpful Things To Know
  • sofitel gatwick
    Sofitel Gatwick Review: Essential Tips for a Memorable Stay
    Are you looking for a handily located Gatwick hotel? The Sofitel Gatwick is linked by a walkway to the North Terminal. It’s super convenient and great for an overnight stay. It’s also great for layovers or even to relax in the lounge area. Check out this Sofitel Gatwick review or just jump right in and check rates now. Sofitel Gatwick Location The Sofitel Hotel Gatwick is located at the North Terminal of London Gatwick Airport. It is actually connected via walkway. Just follow the signs from the terminal area. You head out towards the car parks and then through a… Read More »Sofitel Gatwick Review: Essential Tips for a Memorable Stay
  • gatwick airport facilities
    My Handy to Gatwick Airport Facilities & Hotels
    Flying through Gatwick Airport? Overnighting? Got a long layover? Check out my handy guide to Gatwick Airport facilities so you know what’s available for your visit. Gatwick Airport Facilities Gatwick Airport Services Onsite Hotels Nothing makes catching a flight that requires an overnight stay easier than staying at the airport itself. I always prefer to stay as close to the airport as possible when a flight needs an overnight stay. Gatwick Airport has 5 hotels either in or connected to the terminals; Gatwick Airport Facilities On Site Hotels There are also hotels on the Gatwick Airport site within a very… Read More »My Handy to Gatwick Airport Facilities & Hotels
  • birmingham city break
    Birmingham City Break – Check Out This Surprising City
    Are you planning on visiting Birmingham? Why not consider a Birmingham city break? It’s a surprising city with some interesting attractions – not least the oldest cinema in the UK. Birmingham City Break Check out this review of a weekend trip to Birmingham with details of things to do and places to visit. Birmingham City Break Getting to Birmingham I flew from Inverness to Birmingham. There used to be a regular service operated by Flybe. There is a service between Inverness and Birmingham which is now operated by Loganair. Search below to find flights to Birmingham Birmingham City Break Travelling from… Read More »Birmingham City Break – Check Out This Surprising City
  • grasmere lake district
    Grasmere Lake District – All You Need to Plan Your Visit
    Check out this guide to Grasmere Lake District – it’s a beautiful little spot right in the heart of the Lake District. Check out things to do and get planning your visit today. Grasmere Lake District 1. What To See and Do Grasmere Lake District is somewhere I am lucky enough to have visited several times, with groups and on a training course. It’s very pretty and lovely to spend a day or so exploring. If you prefer somewhere a little quieter than perhaps Bowness on Windemere then Grasmere could be a good option for you. Lake District Grasmere 2.… Read More »Grasmere Lake District – All You Need to Plan Your Visit
  • cheap hotels near gatwick
    London Gatwick Hotels – Find Your Perfect Hotel Easily
    Looking for London Gatwick hotels? Check out these reviews below to find your perfect airport stay or just find the best deals using the map search below. London Gatwick Hotels Quick Gatwick Airport Hotels Finder Hotel Terminal Parking Best For? Check Rates Sofitel North Yes Right next to DeparturesRunway suite and viewsNo tea & coffee in the rooms but cafe opposite hotel Check YotelAir South No In the South Terminal buildingLuxury pods are best for overnight stays Check Bloc Hotel South No Right next to DeparturesRunway suite and viewsNo tea & coffee in the rooms but cafe opposite the hotel… Read More »London Gatwick Hotels – Find Your Perfect Hotel Easily

Travel Inspiration Quotes

travel inspiration #travelinspiration the professional traveller #professional traveller once a year quote

You can go some place you’ve never been before much more often than once a year and it’s one of my favourite things to do!

Whether it is exploring a road we haven’t driven along before, or just picking a place we haven’t visited locally has really been great at keeping travel inspiration going when travel has been restricted.

travel inspiration #travel inspiration the professional traveller #professional traveller travel modest

Travel does make you modest in some senses because you really do see how big the world is. Travel also helps you to see that no matter where you go people are fundamentally people and that we have much more in common than we think. Travel also shows you that a smile is universal and you can find kindness everywhere. People all over the world are generally speaking nice.

travel inspiration #travelinspiration the professional traveller professional traveller adventure is dangerous

This really is one of my favourite travel quotes. As someone who finds going to the same place more than once quite difficult (apart from Venice!) or even going to the same place for work more than once a week.

Having said that as a Tour Manager I often wished I could keep visiting the same place regularly as it would save the huge amount of work I had to put in learning about new places all the time. However, that work was also part of the enjoyment and I knew that if I kept going to the same place I would get bored and that would affect my guests.

Travel Inspiration on the TV

Joanna Lumley

Joanna Lumley has done some great travel programs. She has such a warm and friendly style and it gives you a sense of travelling with a friend. Her sense of humour really comes across. Her most recent program has been ‘Travels in My Own Land’ which has been about places in the UK. It’s a good program to get some travel inspiration for travels closer to home.

I also really liked her guide to Japan, Russia and the Silk Road.

Here is a great video clip from the Silk Road featuring Persepolis.

James May in Japan

We watched this series as a family and really felt we got an inside view of Japan. James May went off the beaten track. I particularly liked the tiny little bars where people were seated so close together they had to talk to each other.

Simon Reeve

Another TV presenter with a really engaging style. Simon Reeve also talks about some of the issues in the places he is visiting which gives a good all-round sense of destinations. He has done so many great series. Here is a little clip from his series about Turkey which I thought gave a really good insight into this huge and varied country.

Race Across the World

As someone who likes to travel cheaply, I was really interested in this programme. It featured people competing about who could get to various points across the globe cheaply and quickly.

Jane Macdonald

If you like down-to-earth TV presenting then this is the travel programme for you. Jane Macdonald, made famous through a documentary about cruise ships, does a range of programmes. Some are about cruising, but more recent programmes have included a Cuba tour too.

Travel Inspiration Podcasts

Rick Steeves

Rick Steeves does a great series of travel podcasts. Some of them are country-specific, some are general travel podcasts. There is always lots of great content.

He also does audio tours which are great to listen to and follow along to in a destination too.

They are all free as well!

Atlas Obscura

I adore Atlas Obscura. It’s a guide to lesser-known places all over the world. They have a fab website, a great book and a podcast. They also have online lessons and so much more.

It really is a totally fascinating site to visit and guaranteed to give you some travel inspiration!

YouTube Travel Inspiration

Check out a few of my favourite YouTube channels for travel inspiration.

I love Joolz and his guides to London. He always has something new to learn and discover and he delivers in such an easy-to-understand way too. There are so many great videos! Here is his video about the attractions.

I really love Bald and Bankrupt. He visits lots of really interesting countries and has some quite unique experiences. There are so many videos – this once covers the BAM train line.

Venice is one of my favourite places. I Love Venice often does live guided walks which are really great.

Money Saving Resources & Essentials

Here are all the money-saving travel resources I use;

Essentials

  • Priority Pass – airport membership scheme. Standard Plus membership is great.
  • Lounge PassΒ – buy lounge access on a pay-as-you-go basis

Getting There

  • Omnio – search all transport options in one place here – flights, buses and trains
  • The Trainline – you can book train and bus travel in 45 countries on this site

Hotels, Holidays & Accommodation

  • Booking.com – huge choice and great upgrades for Genius loyalty members
  • Cruise Critic – amazing deals plus helpful cruise forums
  • Holidaycottages – huge selection with lots of pet-friendly choices
  • Sykes Cottages – also includes National Trust properties

Things to Do

  • Get Your Guide – private tours, group tours & loads of activities to choose from

Saving When Travelling

  • Discover Car Hire – deals all over the world
  • Car Hire Excess – way cheaper than paying car hire companies to reduce excess
  • ESim – cheap mobile calls wherever you are going

Travel Essentials

Check out all my tried and tested travel gear on my Travel Essentials page

All My Travel Inspiration Posts

You Might Also Like

Independent Travel Agent – help to find your perfect trip

Travel Inspiration – trip reports, reviews, book reviews, and more to help you get ideas for your next adventure

Coach Holidays – everything you need to know about this great value way to travel

Travel Essentials – reviews of tried and tested travel gear

Travel More and Spend Less – articles, guides, and hacks to help you squeeze the most from your travel budget

Airport Lounges – Everything you need to know including lots about Priority Pass

The Scottish Highlands – holiday cottages, hotels, things to do, and much more to help you get the most from your holiday

Invergordon Cruise Port – all you need to know to help your plan your visit

About Melanie – background and travel experience

About the Professional Traveller – what this website is all about and why it was set up

Work with Me – details of the travel review services I provide to destinations, hotels, and holiday companies

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