At the launch of Brewood Means Business on the 23rd May we hosted a travel Q&A, which we would like to share with everyone!
Cruising…
- What cruise line would you recommend if we’d like something ‘less formal’?
Normally when I’m asked this question it’s to avoid gala nights where black tie/formal wear is required. Lots of cruise lines have formal nights but they still offer bars/restaurants where the dress code isn’t enforced. Interestingly, the most ‘informal’ cruises I’ve found are the 6* luxury cruises like Silversea, Seabourn and Regent.
I’m a cruise expert so make an appointment to come in and see us and we’ll find something perfect for you!
- I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise, but my husband is reluctant. Who is right?
Without knowing why your husband is reluctant it’s difficult to comment, but the common misconception is that cruising is for old people, which simply isn’t true! I took my first cruise twenty-five years ago (in my 20’s!) on P&O’s Oriana and have not looked back since. I’ve sailed from the UK with P&O and Princess, and enjoyed the Caribbean, Middle East and Alaska with Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas.
As a cruise expert, I work with all the major cruise companies so I can advise you on what each of the operators offer (there are a lot!) and which one I think would best meet your needs, as they all offer something a little bit different.
- What river cruises do you recommend?
There’s a lot of choices out there for river cruises – popular choices are the Rhine, Rhone, Douro and Danube, and then the Mekong if you’re looking further afield.
They are a great option if you love city breaks, as you can often get right into the heart of the city. As a cruise expert, I work with all the major river cruise companies so I can provide independent advise on what each of the operators offer (there are a lot!) and which one I think would best meet your needs, as they all offer something a little bit different.
Family Holidays
- How would we start planning a family trip to Orlando? Our children have never been abroad before?
We’re already booking Orlando up to the end of 2025, as families like to plan! There are lots of options depending on the experience you’re looking for and what you’re comfortable spending.
For convenience, Disney hotels are great as transport is included, and some parks are even in walking distance, plus you can get some extra benefits such as magic hours. Villas are also good options, but you don’t get these benefits and you’ll need to be comfortable driving. However, a villa gives you much more space and a pool, which are great for ‘rest’ days.
You also need to think about the tickets – you can have 7/14-night Disney tickets which allow you access to all the parks, but you may also want to visit Universal Studios.
- What destination would you recommend for a family of five travelling in February half-term – we want good weather and lots of do!
I’d encourage you to look east – specifically at Abu Dhabi the weather will be glorious (mid to high 20’s with 10 hours of sunshine a day!). It’s an incredible destination for beaches and very family friendly, particularly Yas Island, where we can book a hotel which includes access to Ferrari World, Water World and Warner Bros World. We’ve got a non-stop 7-hour flight from Manchester.
- Would you recommend a South American adventure for a family with teenage boys?
The simple answer is yes, but with some caveats on certain countries/destinations – my top two recommendations would be:
- Costa Rica (arguably Central America as it straddles both North and South America!) – this is an incredible wildlife and scenery destination – you typically fly in to the capital San José (direct flights from London) and then join a 2/3 day excursion to Tortuguero National Park to explore the narrow waterways, and then come inland to visit Arenal (most active volcano in CR) and Monteverde (cloud forests – the kids will love the hanging bridge tour!) and then a final west coast beach stop… but of course this can be completely tailor-made.
- Galapagos Islands – you can combine this with spending some time in Ecuador (and or Colombia), I’ve visited both recently and loved them! The best way to see the island is by small boat tour, or you can base yourself on one island and take daily boat trips out.
For both of these trips I’d recommend booking around 18 months ahead particularly if you’re looking a school holidays.
Accessible Holidays…
- Do you plan accessible holidays?
Many of my clients have got mobility challenges which range from ‘wobbly legs’, making long airport walks or queuing difficult to wheelchair users who need fully adapted accommodation. Others having hearing and sight challenges, and plus hidden disabilities.
Going on holiday should be exciting however, if you are disabled, I know it can be quite a worry. So, I’m here for my clients to find the perfect holiday for their specific needs and challenges.
Some just need a little bit of extra support, maybe special assistance at the airport, an adapted-vehicle transfer, or an adapted room, these are all things I can assist with.
- What advice can you give when you are travelling with a disabled parent (in their 90’s)?
To ensure from the outset that we fully understand all their needs and ensure these are fully understood by each element of the holiday – i.e., the airline, the transfer company and the hotel, for example.
Travel Insurance is essential for anyone taking an international holiday, however, I always recommend that you get a quote before booking your holiday, as the older you are, and the more complex your medical needs, the more expensive the policy will be, so you need to factor this into your overall cost of your holiday.
Solo Holidays…
- I’m a solo traveller who would like to go to the Galapagos islands, what do you advise?
There’s lots of options open to you but the first consideration is whether you’d like to join a small escorted tour, if you did it this way you’d be part of a group from the start to the end of the trip (once you’ve arrived in-country), or whether we book a tailor-made trip just for you and you join a cruise (most are around 16 guests).
There’s also the option to book an escorted trip that has solos only. Here is a really popular option with my clients, it’s also more cost-effective compared to other options (albeit it’s still £7k+) but it doesn’t have a cruise as such, your accommodation is land-based and you have day trips by boat.
The best time to visit the Galápagos Islands is from December to May. Though the Galápagos is beautiful year-round, these months offer temperatures ranging from the low 70s to mid-80s, making pleasant conditions for hiking and wildlife-spotting. However, it’s important to note that the upwelling of this current, combined with prevailing winds from the southeast, increases wave action in the Galapagos from late June / early July to late November / early December. September waters tend to be the choppiest; many of the tourist vessels choose September for renovations in the dry-dock… so best avoided as getting in the sea is a big part of the adventure!
- I’m recently divorced and would like to go away (for the first time) on my own, but I’m terrified!
Please don’t be terrified we can support you every step of the way! Here’s an article on our website about solo travel please look and then book an appointment to come in and see us!
When is the best time?
I get these types of questions a lot, and I always respond, ‘best for what’, typically it’s weather, but sometimes it’s prices and offers too!
- When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. I’d also recommend traveling in the country’s green season, from May to June or in November. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter.
- When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, outside of the monsoon season. However, this is also the most expensive time to visit, so if you’re looking for bargains, you’ll find plenty from May to October!
- When is the best time to visit the Barbados?
The best time to visit Barbados is between November to April, though personally I like May in Barbados, it’s less crowded and the weather should still be good.
- How far in advance do you recommend you book a holiday?
Since covid we’ve seen package holiday companies releasing their holidays earlier than ever, Jet2 Holidays have launched up to the end of 2024 today, with most cruise lines launching itinerary in to 2025.
If you book early, you’ll get the best choice of room or cabin, plus you’ve got plenty of time to spread the cost of your holiday.
My advice is to book as early as possible, My stepson got married at Ikos Olivia this month (May 2023) and we booked as soon as Jet2 Holidays released the availability in October 2021, securing a child free place for our grandson, and paying a deposit of £60 per person. Out of ‘professional interest’ I repriced the trip in May 2022, and the cost had increased by approx. £400 per person, this is not unusual in my experience.
- Is it too late to book my daughter’s honeymoon safari for 2024?
It’s not too late (or early!) to look at your daughter’s honeymoon safari, unless she’s looking at seriously exclusive accommodation, I mentioned Giraffe Manor yesterday which for certain dates we’re looking at 2025 and beyond, but at £1200+ per night, it’s not on many people’s itineraries!
There’s a lot of options for safari, and my recommendations are firstly based on the time of year she’s travelling, and whether we need a malaria-free destination, budget is also key as the sky is really the limit, but there are also some well-priced but beautiful options too. Safari is also intense i.e., very early mornings and late nights, so building it in to a longer itinerary with some relaxing down-time can be the perfect combo.
We offer a honeymoon consultation (with fizz!) to start planning. There’s no obligation to book or fee for the service.
Holiday advice and recommendations!
- We are well-travelled and interested to hear about up-and-coming destinations.
Here’s my top 4 recommendations, but it does of course depend on the experience you are looking for!
- South Korea
- Abu Dhabi
- Montenegro
- Senegal
- What Greek islands would you recommend for a multi-centre holiday – we’ve already been to Kos, Rhodes and Kefalonia.
Here’s my top three recommendations – which would all include ferry crossings:
- The Sporades: Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos – realistically allowing for ferry crossing etc this would be a 14 nights trip, it could be a little shorter.
- The Cyclades: from Athens to Sifnos, Folegandros and Milos, again 14 nights would be ideal.
- If you’re only looking for one week, then Paros and Naxos make a good twin-centre.
- I’m inspired after watching Race Across The World (set in Canada) and would like to book a trip, what’s your top recommendations?
Canada is vast and offers amazing wildlife, scenery and cities. My personal favourite takes in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, the Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver and an Alaskan cruise!
Getting Travel Ready!
- Can you explain the new EU passport rules regarding extra months?
My blanket advice is to make sure your passport is no more than 10 years old (from the date of issue) and has a minimum of 6 months validity from the date of your return from holiday (based on the issue date, not expiry date!). I completely accept that this advice is not necessary for most destinations, but at least you will not have to worry about being turned away from your flight!
If you’re planning to travel in the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein:
You’ll need to renew your passport if either:
- there’s less than 3 months left on your passport when you travel – check your passport to find out when it expires.
- your passport is 10 years old or more on the day you enter the EU country – count this from the date your passport was issued.
The second point will only ever apply if you’ve had extra months added to your passport, if you applied for an early renewal you could add up to 11 months, so it would be possible to have a passport that is 10 years and 11 months old. Those extra months are not valid in the EU (but are elsewhere!).
- My EHIC has expired, can I still get emergency health cover in the UK post-Brexit?
The EHIC has been replaced by the GHIC – you can apply here.
Please remember that having a GHIC is not a substitution for travel insurance if you’re visiting the EU, you need both!
The GHIC is complementary to your travel insurance rather than a replacement. Your GHIC will only cover you for medical treatment that’s normally provided by the state in the country you’re visiting, while your travel insurance is there for what’s not.
Advice, recommendations and tips are made in good faith at the time of writing; however, things are constantly changing therefore it’s essential that you remain up-to-date with any requirements that may impact your holiday.