Real Travel Tips From Our Team Member’s Incredible South African Safari

My Canadian Adventure: 7 Days, 5 Cities, Endless Memories

Our Carly from the Cleveleys shop swapped the Fylde Coast breeze for the scorching sands of Dubai...

As a 35-year-old woman with a love for quirky spots, beautiful views, and making memories over great food, Budapest had long been on my travel wish list — and wow, it did not disappoint. My partner and I just returned from a whirlwind 3-night city break in this magical city, and I honestly feel like I need a week to recover… not because I’m tired, but because I already have a case of the Buda Blues. Let me take you through the unforgettable highlights. Day 1: Fear of Heights & Peanuts on the Floor We began our trip a little out of the ordinary — with a ride on the Zugliget Chair Lift. It's a peaceful, slow ascent through the Buda Hills, and at the top, we hiked to the Elizabeth Lookout Tower. Now, I’ll admit — I’m terrified of heights. Climbing those narrow stone stairs to the top had my heart racing, but the panoramic views made it all worth it. You could see all of Budapest stretched out like a painting — it was honestly breathtaking. After making our way back down, we headed straight for one of the city's most iconic landmarks: the Chain Bridge. It’s not only stunning to look at, but it’s also such a romantic walk. In fact, we brought a padlock with us and attached it to the bridge as a little memory of our trip — a small but meaningful gesture to leave a piece of us in the city. I’d read about couples doing it and couldn’t resist. It was such a special moment, just standing there with the Danube flowing beneath us. Then it was off to For Sale Pub — a place where chaos and charm meet. Rustic wooden beams, dim lighting, and tables piled high with peanuts you’re actually meant to throw on the floor (yes, really). I ordered the chicken schnitzel with chips, which hit the spot perfectly. You can also write a note and pin it to the walls or ceiling, so we did just that — and spent a while reading through the hundreds of notes left by travelers from years gone by. It was like flipping through a time capsule of Budapest memories. Next up, cocktail time at Tiki Bar Budapest. Think underground island vibes, fun glassware, and a menu that doesn’t hold back.". Their cocktails are wild — beautifully decorated, boozy, and potent and every drink feels like a mini holiday." You can even buy the cups your drinks come in, from skulls to pineapples. I didn’t, but I was very tempted. To top off the night, we headed to 360 Bar, perched high above the city on Andrássy Avenue. It’s a rooftop with serious wow-factor. The domes (used during winter) were gone since the summer season was beginning, but the views were still insane. It’s on the pricier side for drinks, but the view more than makes up for it.

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Tucked away in the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai was once a hidden gem, known only to the more adventurous travellers willing to venture off the usual tourist trail.  While Bangkok and the islands grabbed the spotlight, Chiang Mai quietly built a reputation for its breath-taking landscapes, rich culture, and laid-back charm. Today, more people are discovering just how special this city is — yet it still holds onto its authentic heart and peaceful vibe, offering a perfect mix of history, adventure, and relaxation. Here are our reasons why you will fall in love with it it: Cool, Comfortable Weather Thanks to its mountain location and less hustle and bustle than Bangkok, Chiang Mai enjoys much cooler and more pleasant weather. From October to February, daytime temperatures hover around 25°C, and evenings can dip to a refreshing 10°C. Even in the hotter months, the evenings stay cooler than Bangkok. If you fancy escaping the city heat even more, check out Vespa Adventures’ Chiang Mai Countryside Adventure – it's the perfect rural getaway! Yi Peng Lantern Festival If you can plan your visit for November's full moon, you’re in for something truly magical. Chiang Mai lights up for the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals, where thousands of glowing lanterns are released into the sky and floated on the rivers. It’s a breath taking sight and one of Thailand’s most unforgettable experiences. A City Rich in History and Culture Chiang Mai is over 700 years old and home to more than 300 temples! Highlights include the stunning Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched on a mountain overlooking the city. Exploring hidden temples, tasting traditional food, and wandering local neighbourhoods is a fantastic way to dive into the city's fascinating history. Meet Gentle Giants at Elephant Sanctuaries The mountains around Chiang Mai are home to some amazing ethical elephant sanctuaries, where you can spend time with rescued elephants. You’ll get the chance to feed them, walk alongside them, and learn about their stories – a heartwarming and unforgettable experience. Trekking to Hill Tribe Villages Love a good adventure? Set off on a trek to visit the hill tribes in northern Thailand. Hike through beautiful landscapes, meet the Karen, Akha, and Hmong communities, and learn about their traditional ways of life. Popular trekking spots include Mae Hong Son and Doi Inthanon. Incredible Traditional Food Chiang Mai’s food scene is unreal! From creamy khao soi curry noodles to spicy som tam (papaya salad) and grilled meats, the city is a food lover’s paradise. Hot Springs and Waterfalls Need some downtime? Head about an hour out of the city to San Kamphaeng Hot Springs. Relax in the natural hot pools, enjoy a picnic in the gardens, and let the world drift away. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a few busy days of exploring. Affordable Shopping and Nightlife Chiang Mai is a shopper’s dream, offering handmade goods, clothes, souvenirs, and more at bargain prices compared to Bangkok. The night markets are especially lively – head to the Gate Market for delicious street food and great shopping. Whether you’re chasing culture, craving adventure, or simply looking to relax and soak in beautiful surroundings, Chiang Mai has it all — without the crowds and chaos of Thailand’s bigger cities. From its rich history and vibrant festivals to its delicious food and unforgettable experiences, this city is the perfect place to truly connect with the heart of Thailand. Ready to discover the magic of Chiang Mai for yourself.. contact our experts to help you starting planning.

Mauritius: Your Ultimate All-Inclusive Paradise for Relaxation and Adventure

 If you're visiting Reykjavik and want to make the most of your time in Iceland's vibrant capital, here are some must-do activities that you won't want to miss. Whether you're into food, culture, or natural beauty, Reykjavik has something for everyone. 1. Take a Food Tour For food lovers, there's no better way to dive into Icelandic cuisine than on a food tour with Reykjavik Food Walk. Taste a variety of local dishes at both trendy spots and hidden gems while learning about the country's culinary traditions from a local guide. 2. Climb Hallgrímskirkja Church For stunning panoramic views of Reykjavik, head to the top of Hallgrímskirkja Church. The tower offers a breathtaking view of the colorful city and surrounding landscapes, and it’s the best spot for a photo op. Don’t forget to check the weather using the Vedur app for the clearest day! 3. Take a Free Walking Tour Join a free walking tour to discover Reykjavik’s history, culture, and hidden gems. Our tour with City Walk was both educational and fun, led by a knowledgeable local guide. Tip your guide based on what you feel is appropriate—this is Iceland, after all, where the cost of living is high! 4. Take a Stroll Down “Rainbow Street” Known as Skólavörðustígur, this colorful street leads up to Hallgrímskirkja Church and is famously painted in rainbow colors to celebrate Reykjavik’s LGBTQ+ community. It’s a perfect place to shop, explore art galleries, or enjoy a warm cup of coffee. 5. Soak in Luxury Hot Springs Iceland’s geothermal hot springs are world-famous, and two of the best are just outside Reykjavik. Treat yourself to a luxurious soak at the Blue Lagoon , or visit the newly opened Sky Lagoon for a unique 7-step ritual experience. Both offer a spa-like experience that’s worth every penny. 6. Take a Day Trip to the Golden Circle No trip to Reykjavik is complete without a visit to the Golden Circle, a scenic route that includes three of Iceland’s most iconic sights: Thingvellir National Park , Gullfoss Waterfall , and Geysir . If you’re renting a car, this is the perfect day trip to experience Iceland’s natural wonders. 7. Sample Reykjavik Craft Beer Iceland’s craft beer scene is on the rise, and Reykjavik is the place to explore it. Visit local breweries like Skúli , BrewDog , and Kaldi Bar/Café to taste unique brews. While beer can be pricey in Iceland, it’s definitely worth trying at these local spots. 8. Chat with Locals in a Public Pool For a more budget-friendly alternative to luxury hot springs, visit one of Reykjavik’s public pools. These pools are popular with locals, and while they aren’t free, they are reasonably priced. It’s a great way to experience Icelandic culture while unwinding in warm, soothing waters. 9. Explore the Town by Scooter Electric scooters are a fun and efficient way to explore Reykjavik! With a variety of rental companies offering scooters throughout the city, it’s a convenient way to see more of the capital without breaking a sweat. Download an app like Hopp Scooters to rent a scooter with ease. 10. Photograph the Sun Voyager One of Reykjavik’s iconic sculptures, the Sun Voyager , is a must-see. Its sleek, boat-like design makes it a popular spot for photos, especially at sunset. Take some time to capture this beautiful piece of art and enjoy the scenic views around it. Reykjavik is filled with exciting activities, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Be sure to add these to your list and make the most of your time in Iceland’s capital.

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