I have recently partnered up with the National Trust for Scotland and hope in the coming months to bring you news along with blogs from one of my favourite parts of the United Kingdom.
The National Trust for Scotland is the independent charity that protects and shares some of the country’s most precious historic places and natural landscapes on behalf of the people of Scotland.
With over 380,000 members they are the largest membership organisation in Scotland. Each year they welcome 3 million visitors to over 88 visited properties, 300,000+ artefacts and more than 76,000 hectares of countryside and gardens.
Preserving Scotland Historical Buildings
Since 1931, they have pioneered public access to and shared ownership of some of the most magnificent buildings, collections and habitats in Scotland. They care for ancient houses, battlefields, castles, mills, gardens, coastlines, islands, mountain ranges and all the communities, plants and animals which depend upon them.
Culzean Castle, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Glencoe National Nature Reserve, St Kilda, Mar Lodge National Nature Reserve, Culloden, Bannockburn and Ben Lomond are among the jewels that are familiar to anyone who has ever lived in or visited Scotland. These places mean so much to so many people. From the simple fun and happiness of taking the children around a country park, the exhilaration of being alone with only the sounds of the sea and the birds, and the quiet contemplation of great historical events to experiencing simple insights into the daily routines of lives once lived.
Together, the places and objects in their care tell the stories of Scotland and the Scots: how the people travelled and interacted with the wider world, taking with them their energy and values and returning with new ideas and treasures.
Without the National Trust For Scotland’s involvement, many of these places and things would have been lost forever to the damage caused by time, tide, climate, voracious pests and developers.
Membership Benefits
Joining the National Trust for Scotland lets you show your support for our work, taking care of the places you love:
The small country of Montenegro, one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, packs a punch when it comes to reasons why you would want to visit. Majestic mountains are rising from the sea, ancient walled towns, luxury hotels, sensational beaches, and a nightlife that is bursting at the seams in the hot summer months.
Montenegro is also a great place to get active with opportunities for hiking, water rafting, and zip lining in the national parks not to mention the seaside and all the activities available there.
The food in Montenegro has been influenced by many regions over the years and is often made with seasonal ingredients and olive oil. Fish and seafood dishes such as prawn Buzara are of course popular on the coast. Head up into the hills and meat dishes are popular with favorites of mine the steaks, Cevapi and Pljeskavica. The light pastry known as Burek can be enjoyed both sweet for breakfast or savoury at other times of the day and is a common dish found throughout the Balkan peninsular.
For those of you looking to discover the beauty of the Adriatic Riviera then the country of Montenegro simply has to be on the list.
I was lucky enough to visit back in 2013 and you can read my Montenegro Road Trip blog here.
Bus Buses are an excellent means of transport in Montenegro and link all major towns and are both affordable and reliable.
Car Hiring a car will give you the freedom to explore some of Montenegro’s incredible scenery however be aware that mountain roads are daunting and only for the confident driver
Trains Trains are cheap but the network is limited so make sure you plan.
Air There are two airports in Montenegro – Podgorica, and Tivat however there are no domestic flights available within the country.
Bicycle Cycling is rare although in some parts of the country, the countryside would be ideal for cyclists.
Boat Taxi boats during the summer months and ferry services are available in the summer and operate a limited program in other months.
Top Things To See & Do
Becici For those looking to relax and enjoy the sunshine coupled with luxury accommodation then Becici is possibly the best holiday resort in the country with a magnificent beach.
Budva A playground for the rich and famous the town of Budva is throbbing in the summer months both on the beaches, in the bars and clubs, and throughout the town’s small cobbled streets.
Durmitor National Park In the northernmost corner of the country is Durmitor National Park which is a great place for hiking, kayaking, and other extreme mountain sports.
KotorA UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortified town with a seafaring history town of Kotor is the country’s most visited destination.
Lake Skadar The largest lake on the Balkan peninsular is shared across both Montenegro and Albania. Not only is it beautiful but also home to many species of birds and wildlife making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Perast This tiny hillside town on the banks of the Bay of Kotor is considered one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro.
Stari Bar This old historic town, set up in the hills and close to the Albanian border is full of history and beauty, especially the old aqueduct.
Sveti Stefan This stunning small inlet along the Adriatic has for half a century been an exclusive hotel where many celebrities can be spotted.
Tara River Canyon Part of Durmitor National Park, the Tara River Canyon borders Bosnia and Herzegovina and is popular for white water rafting in the spring and summer months. The Montenegrin town of Zabljak and the lovely Durdevica bridge is worth a visit.
Ulcinj An old town with a laid-back seaside feel on a glorious long 13 km beach.
Pre-bookable Excursions in Montenegro
More Information
Contact Visit Montenegro or your local travel agent for more information on holidays to Montenegro.
The Balkan country of Bulgaria has a multitude of different terrains from the pristine sandy beaches on the Black Sea to the rugged mountain interior including at the base of the Vitosha mountain, the capital city of Sofia.
The country is made up of various cultures including Greek, Slavic, Ottoman, and Persian influences.
There is a rich heritage of traditional dance, music, costumes, and crafts which are most visible off the beaten track rather than in the purpose-built holiday resorts of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands for which the country is currently best known.
The age-old tradition of shaking your head for yes and nodding for no is a quirky oddity and one which throws an unsuspecting tourist so beware!
Car – If you are heading to the more remote villages or monasteries then by far the most convenient way to get around is by car although road conditions vary from good to downright awful.
Bus – The most reliable and favourable means of transport between cities is by bus. Local buses reach most villages, though these services are usually infrequent, or seasonal in ski or beach destinations.
Taxi – Standard rules for taxis abroad in that you should agree on a fare in advance of the trip.
Train – Not the quickest form of transport in Bulgaria however if you like the slow pace of life then the scenery can be enjoyed to the fullest.
Air – Bulgaria Air features internal services between Sofia and Varna and Sofia and Bourgas.
Boat – There are some seasonal Black Sea routes however it is of course best to check at the time of your stay to ensure all is running to plan.
Top 20 Things To See & Do in Bulgaria
Sofia: Explore Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia, and visit landmarks like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture, and Vitosha Boulevard for shopping and dining.
Rila Monastery: Marvel at the stunning Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its intricate frescoes, architecture, and spiritual significance.
Plovdiv: Discover the ancient city of Plovdiv, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, and explore its well-preserved Old Town, Roman amphitheatre, and charming cobblestone streets.
Black Sea Coast: Relax on the sandy beaches of Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast, including popular resorts like Sunny Beach, Golden Sands, and Sozopol, known for their vibrant nightlife and water sports.
Rila National Park: Hike through the breathtaking landscapes of Rila National Park, home to the Seven Rila Lakes, alpine meadows, and diverse wildlife, including brown bears and eagles.
Veliko Tarnovo: Step back in time in Veliko Tarnovo, the former medieval capital of Bulgaria, and explore the Tsarevets Fortress, Samovodska Charshia Street, and Asen’s Fortress.
Bansko: Hit the slopes in Bansko, Bulgaria’s premier ski resort, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities, as well as a charming old town with traditional taverns and shops.
Nessebar: Wander through the ancient town of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire its well-preserved medieval churches, cobblestone streets, and sea views.
Vitosha Mountain: Escape to Vitosha Mountain, just outside Sofia, for hiking, skiing, and stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Koprivshtitsa: Experience Bulgarian history and culture in Koprivshtitsa, a picturesque town known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, colourful houses, and museums.
Bulgarian Cuisine: Indulge in traditional Bulgarian cuisine, including hearty dishes like banitsa, kavarma, and shopska salad, as well as Bulgarian wines and rakia.
Thracian Tombs: Discover the ancient Thracian heritage of Bulgaria by visiting Thracian tombs and archaeological sites like the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak and the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari.
Varna: Visit the coastal city of Varna, Bulgaria’s third-largest city, and explore its archaeological museum, Sea Garden, and the Roman Baths.
Pirin National Park: Explore the pristine wilderness of Pirin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and diverse flora and fauna.
Devetashka Cave: Venture into Devetashka Cave, one of Bulgaria’s largest caves, and marvel at its impressive rock formations, underground river, and resident bat colony.
Belogradchik Rocks: Admire the natural beauty of the Belogradchik Rocks, a stunning rock formation in northwest Bulgaria, featuring towering sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations.
Shipka Pass: Journey through Shipka Pass, a scenic mountain pass in the Balkan Mountains, and visit the Shipka Memorial Church and Monument to Liberty.
Bulgarian Rose Valley: Experience the beauty and fragrance of the Bulgarian Rose Valley, known for its rose oil production, rose fields, and annual Rose Festival in Kazanlak.
Pomorie Salt Pans: Explore the Pomorie Salt Pans, a unique natural phenomenon where salt is harvested from shallow coastal lagoons, and learn about traditional salt production methods.
Buzludzha Monument: Discover the abandoned Buzludzha Monument, a futuristic communist-era building perched atop a mountain peak, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Bulgaria’s history.
Pre-bookable Excursions in Bulgaria
More Information
Contact the Bulgaria Tourist Board or your local travel agent for more information on holidays to Bulgaria.
Throughout my travel career, I have always loved to hear from tour operators that develop authentic new products and destinations and bring them to market. As a former product and marketing guy myself, I know the value, however subtle, of differentiating yourselves from the competition.
It was therefore great to learn this week, that with unique dedicated flight departures from five UK regional airports, the little-known resort of Lake Jerisjarvi deep within the Pallas-Yllas National Park in Finnish Lapland is now, for the first time, available with Lapland specialist Transun Travel.
A Winter Wonderland
Arriving at Enontekio airport for a 3 or a 4-night stay, you will have just a 75-minute transfer to a resort which is that magical winter wonderland of frozen landscapes, forests bowing under the weight of the snow, the mesmerizing peace, tranquillity and beauty of the white and the indigeneous Sami people who populate the region alongside of course, the reindeer.
Family Size Accommodation
The accommodation you will stay in will be a choice of traditionally built timber cabins with perhaps the biggest attraction being that they are ideal for families.
These “Jeris Cabins” will accommodate from 3 to 7 people depending on the size of your family.
Each enjoys a private sauna, a log burner, an en suite shower room and a drying cupboard for your snow suits and boots which you will have collected on arrival for the duration of your stay.
Jeris Cabins, Lapland, Transun TravelJeris Cabins, Lapland, Transun Travel Blog
Full Board Finnish Style
Meals are taken on a full board basis at the accommodations hotel which is a 15-minute walk (a shuttle is at times available) from the cabins although on one evening you will be treated to dinner at a traditional lakeside restaurant.
Activities & Excursions
Transun Travel has developed a range of fabulous activities and excursions for families titled “Sleigh Bells Ringing”.
This package includes a Husky Sled Safari, a Snowmobile Safari, a Reindeer Camp Visit, a Family Meeting with Santa, Snow Fun (including ice fishing, snowshoeing and tobogganing) and a Cooking Baking & Crafts experience.
If that isn’t enough then there is always the option to add some additional experiences.
So there you have it – unique departures, a magical location, fabulous family accommodation, a range of incredible activities and experiences and above all, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you and your family will talk about and cherish for the rest of your lives.
I would say that is priceless!
Contact Information
For more information or to book please contact your local travel agent or Transun Travel.
Flights are available from Birmingham, London Gatwick, Manchester, Leeds Bradford, and Bristol.
Transun Travel also offer trips to see the Northern Lights from Sweden‘s Lapland and a choice of other Arctic experiences.
As a huge fan of the Med and in particular the smaller, less commercialized islands such as Porto Santo, Corsica and Gozo, I have had the Canary Island of La Gomera in my line of sight for some time.
It was probably 15 years ago that the tour operator that I then worked for started to sell the principal hotel on the island – the Hotel Jardin Tecina. I remember the hotel’s sales team coming over to visit our offices and make a presentation.
From those distant days, I have always had a desire to visit and enjoy the property’s superb facilities and sensational golf course not to mention get the chance to discover the island’s nature and some rather unique traditions.
Then just a couple of years ago when I was considering some options for a week’s break to recharge and unwind I once again considered the Jardin Tecina however it was just my bad luck that this time my dates coincided with the hotel being closed for some renovations.
I feel it may be third time lucky very soon as it is still very much on my wish list and a post-pandemic dash may be on the cards particularly now my appetite has been whetted once again by my good friend Lawrence Peachey who, out of the blue, sent me the following blog on the beautiful and somewhat mysterious island of La Gomera.
A Perception Changed
Seven years ago I had never visited the Spanish Canary Islands. It was not on my radar, I was not a beach person and I avoided what I considered to be holiday destinations. A visit to La Gomera changed that perception.
Just a 45-minute fast Fred Olsen ferry crossing takes you from the bustle of Tenerife to the tranquillity and spectacular scenery of San Sebastián de la Gomera. On route make sure you look out for dolphins and whales from the ferry or take a boat trip out to see them swimming in the Atlantic.
La Gomera, a biosphere, is a small volcanic island of 378 km2 with a population of around 23,000 inhabitants and boasts the ideal all-year-round destination with an average temperature of 23°.
Stunning Landscapes & Tranquility
The capital of San Sebastián de la Gomera reflects the island’s Maritime history and it was from here that Columbus made his last land stop before heading off to discover the New World. La Torre del Conde (The Count’s Tower) is a medieval military fort and the oldest building in La Gomera. The volcanic rock and sand beach at La Cueva is sheltered by an artificial reef that calms the sea. Look for the Olympic Torch which visited the island on its way to Mexico City in 1968.
One of the first things you notice is the long and windy roads that meander across the dramatic landscape. This offers many spectacular views of the picturesque towns, deep ravines, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Garajonay National Park.
The many signposted Miradors all offer great photographic opportunities. The Mirador de Vallehermoso and the Mirador de Igualero, particularly, provide spectacular views.
Sea & Volcano View
The best views of Mt. Teide on the island of Tenerife are also to be found in La Gomera. If you are fortunate to get a low cloud day it offers the opportunity for some unforgettable views and photographs.
The Mirador Morro de Agando on a clear day offers Mt. Teide in the background, great views of Garajonay on one side and the other the Benhijigua reserve and the Los Roques Natural Monument. Some very good walks are signposted around the area.
Activities Galore
The island is a walkers’ paradise with over 40 walks and 600km of paths chartering different terrains and differing degrees of difficulty. Discover Laurisilva forests, by way of its vast palm groves, to the impressive ravines and cliffs overlooking the sea. A network of paths covers the whole island and lets you explore its most extraordinary spots, especially the Parque Nacional de Garajonay (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) a leafy mass of prehistoric vegetation. Wear warm clothes as the forest has a varying range of temperatures.
The island’s walking trails vary from easy, mainly flat walking to the harder terrain of goat herders’ tracks. Walking the ravines or ancient paths that link tiny villages offers dramatic landscapes and ocean panoramas. You can see why there was a need to create their whistling language to communicate across these impressive gorges. This language ‘Silbo Gomera’ was declared by UNESCO in 2009 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This landscape, more than any other factor, helped to cultivate the island’s history and culture.
Cyclists can enjoy the rugged terrain and many cycle paths. There is a combination of road cycling and dirt road cycling. Some of the routes are not ideal for anyone who suffers from vertigo! For cyclists remember that there are limited flat surfaces on the island so most of your cycling will be up or down hills.
Bird Watchers and horticulturists are also in for a treat on the island. Bolle’s and Laurel Pigeons, Corey Shearwater are to be found. The Hotel Jardín Tecina has over 50 plants that are not native to the island and is also home to the award-winning Eco Finca Tecina – a 100% organic garden.
Exploring Local Life
Hiring a car allows you to explore the whole island. Valle Gran Rey has lots of nooks and crannies to explore. The tiny hamlets, the villages like Vallehermoso, and towns like San Sebastian de la Gomera offer picturesque exploration. Check for local festivals, experience the dance of the drum, or visit Los Chorros De Epina and benefit from good fortune and love. The Shepherd’s leap is a traditional way to move between the rocks and steep terrain (not one to be tried by the amateur).
I like the secluded black sand beaches, the craft shops, and the many bars and restaurants serving local delicacies. Whilst tourism is the main business of the island it is not mass tourism. In every bar or restaurant, you will find local people and a place not just full of tourists. This lack of mass tourism, the rugged, unspoiled landscape, and the mild climate are some of the major reasons why the island is perfect for holidays.
Talking about food and drink there are lots of great restaurants that serve fish caught that morning along with locally grown fruit and vegetables. Sample El Almogrote or some of the other Gomeran cheeses or the local palm honey. Try the restaurant at Mirador de Abrante for great views, excellent food, and at certain times an explanation of Silbo Gomero (the local whistling language).
From Simple Homes to Golfing Resorts
The island has a few hotels, apartments, and houses. If you want a holiday with sporting facilities, a spa, a golf course, good food, and bars then stay in Playa de Santiago. The Hotel Jardín Tecina has the only golf course on the island along with tennis, squash courts, swimming pools, a banana plantation, and easy access to a couple of beautiful beaches.
The golf course was designed by Donald Steel and was the host of the 2015 European Challenge Tour. The par 71 – 18 hole course offers stunning views of Mt. Teide and offers the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel’s Eco Finca Tecina, is an organic garden that supplies fruit and vegetables to the hotel.
Relax & Recharge
The island has something for everyone (unless your holidays are all about designer shopping). I use my time there to recharge with a little walking, checking out the great views, practicing my Spanish, and swimming in the sea. I usually stay at the Hotel Jardín Tecina and enjoy their many facilities.
With five swimming pools, there is always the opportunity for a swim. The Ahemon Spa offers delightful views of the Atlantic Ocean, Tenerife, and the hotel banana plantation. It is also a great place to enjoy a cocktail whilst sunbathing or sampling the many heated pools and jets of refreshing water. The table tennis tables are frequently visited as on occasion are the Tennis Courts. The 19th hole of the Golf Course is visited on a lazy stroll to the beach and a perfect midway point to recuperate from any strenuous walking. Breakfast on the terrace looking out over Playa de Santiago whilst eating fresh papaya is an ideal way to start the day!
Contact Information
My thanks to Lawrence Peachey for his blog on the beautiful island of La Gomera.
A trip to La Gomera can be booked via your local Travel Agent, Travel Homeworker, or Tour Operator such as Fred Holidays, Prestige Travel, Classic Collection, Sovereign, Kuoni, or TUI.
It is a great island to combine with Tenerife or indeed with parts of mainland Spain and Southern Europe.
Spain is really where my travel life started with memorable family holidays as a kid driving from the UK down through France along the route de Soleil and into northern Spain destined for the coastal resorts of Sa Tuna and Aigua Blava on the Costa Brava.
Back in the ’70s, I was a young boy in the back seat of the family car and I vividly recall, just after crossing the France/Spain border, the sight of a giant bull silhouette that greeted us as entered Spain. This I now understand was one of the many Osborne Bulls, which in those days advertised alcohol but today with the advertising banned, it is just a symbol of Spain. They are even protected under the law.
With its sunny climate and thousands of years of history, Spain is a dream travel destination for many. Its vast landscapes and mountain ranges attract those in search of adventure. The world-famous coastline brings in sun worshippers while majestic golf courses attract golfers from all over the world.
For city breaks, few countries in Europe have so many iconic destinations that ooze culture, art, and style as much as Spain.
If the mainland is not for you, then there are the legendary Spanish islands including the Balearic Islands of Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. The Canary Islands are a superb year-round destination and these include Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, El Hierro, La Graciosa and La Gomera.
One important point to remember is that all public transport in Spain is dramatically reduced on Sundays and public holidays
Spanish trains are efficient and comfortable, and nearly always run on time. The best way to travel long distances in Spain is to book the high-speed train or AVE which runs between many major cities. A train ride from Madrid to Barcelona or Seville covers about 500km in just 2hrs 40 minutes.
Buses will probably meet most of your transport needs, especially if you’re venturing away from the larger towns and cities. Many smaller villages and rural areas are only accessible by bus, almost always originating in the capital of their province.
Spain has an extensive system of highways, both free and with tolls and driving is easy and enjoyable. Car Rental is available at airports, train stations, and in major cities at prices reasonable.
Bike rental is popular in major cities and rental is common. Outside towns and cities, cycling is a great way to see parts of the country although bear in mind that Spain is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe and at times can be searingly hot.
Anyone heading from the Spanish mainland to the Balearic Islands will probably do so by ferry or catamaran express ferry (from Alicante, Barcelona, Dénia or Valencia. There is also an extensive network of internal Spanish flights. From the UK there are of course many regional options for mainland Spain as well as the Balearic and Canary Islands.
Top 20 Things To See & Do In Spain
Visit the historic Alhambra palace and fortress complex in Granada, known for its stunning Moorish architecture and gardens.
Explore the vibrant streets of Barcelona, home to iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and La Rambla.
Relax on the beautiful beaches of the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca, known for their crystal-clear waters and lively atmosphere.
Wander through the medieval streets of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its multicultural heritage and historic landmarks.
Experience the fiery passion of flamenco dancing in Seville, the capital of Andalusia, and visit the ornate Alcázar palace.
Discover the ancient city of Córdoba, home to the magnificent Mosque-Cathedral, a stunning example of Moorish architecture.
Take a culinary tour of San Sebastián, known for its world-class cuisine and pintxos bars serving delicious Basque tapas.
Hike the Camino de Santiago, a historic pilgrimage route that crosses northern Spain and culminates at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Explore the surreal architecture of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, including the Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.
Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, designed by Frank Gehry and housing a world-class collection of contemporary art.
Sample authentic paella in Valencia, the birthplace of this iconic Spanish dish, and explore the City of Arts and Sciences.
Discover the rich history of Madrid, Spain’s capital city, with visits to the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and Retiro Park.
Relax on the sun-drenched beaches of the Costa del Sol, including popular destinations like Marbella and Malaga.
Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Tarragona, including an amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Visit the stunning Alcazar of Segovia, a medieval fortress that inspired the design of the Disney castle.
Experience the vibrant culture of Andalusia in the charming city of Málaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso.
Discover the UNESCO-listed city of Cuenca, known for its dramatic cliffside houses and hanging houses.
