50 Shades of Blue

Hecktic Travels provide a sight for sore eyes in this dispatch from Greece. From the ultramarine harbours to the azure skies and cyan paintwork, this visual diary sums up just about everything that’s great about Greece.

A Little Photoessay: A Glimpse of Gaudi’s Masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia

Shannon O’ Donnell takes us inside Barcelona’s stunning centrepiece, Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia.

Space Travel: The Final Frontier

Caroline in the City checks out the Kennedy Space Centre and has lunch with an astronaut.

Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua

Jill (of Jack and Jill Travel the World) takes on Cerro Negro in Nicaragua for a spot of volcano boarding.

I Heart My City: Julia’s Glasgow

Glasgow local Julia Forrest reveals her favourite places to go in her hometown in  National Geographic’s Intelligent Travel blog.

Traci L. Suppa drags her small-town family to see a quirky array of the world’s largest, longest, or tallest things, and blogs about it at Go BIG or Go Home. She lives in the Hudson Valley region of New York State with her husband, 12-year old son and six-year old daughter. She joins us today for a Q and A and offers priceless tips about family travel, including how to avoid that dreaded question “Are we there yet?”….

Q1.  What extra considerations do you need to make when planning a road trip with children?

Even though my kids love a travel adventure, it’s unreasonable to expect them to sit contentedly for several hours in a car. We try to limit our road trips to one or two days of driving at the maximum, like when we drove from New York to Florida. We stop every few hours to “stretch our legs,” and we stay overnight at a hotel at the halfway point.

Q2.      What are your five road trip essentials when travelling with children?

Would it be horrible to admit that four of the five essentials in our car are electronics?! I know some families go with a screen-free lifestyle, but I feel that when we’re on vacation, we all get to enjoy ourselves. So, we let the kids watch DVD’s. My son has his Kindle and iPod, and my daughter has a tablet.

We also get audiobooks from the library, traditional books and magazines, games, and crafts. They both have lap trays, and usually bring pillows.

And there are always snacks. Lots of snacks!

Q3.      What are the most child-friendly destinations you’ve visited so far?

Well, Orlando of course, but not just for the theme parks. There are other smaller attractions we also like in the area, such as Gatorland   and the Orlando Science Center. We visit my parents in Tampa, and there’s a lot for families there as well, including the Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens, and the beaches over in St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a great family destination we just discovered over spring break this year. And here in the Northeast U.S., we like Boston  and Burlington, Vermont.

Q4.      What are the pros and cons of a family trip when travelling by car as opposed to other forms of transport?

The main advantage is that you have flexibility with your own mode of transportation once you reach your destination. You don’t have to follow any train or bus schedules. And by driving, you avoid the hassles of air travel and security checks.

The cons are that you’re limited by geography, because even though we could drive to California, we never would!

Q5.  Any tips or advice for those travelling on a budget with children?

There are those common sense things we all do, like packing our own snacks…and we go so far as packing a cooler of food if we’re on a road trip.

Something I always do before traveling anywhere is research the destination to find free attractions, events and activities, especially parks and playgrounds. I look for parenting blogs based in the area and written by locals who really know what’s going on, like Field Trips With Sue in Atlanta, and I Spy Montreal (now Montreal Families). I discovered the Fête des enfants in Montreal this way, which offered a full day of entertainment for us when we visited a few years ago.

Q6.      How have children changed the way you travel?

How hasn’t it? It’s completely different now, but not necessarily in a bad way. The attractions we visit must have something to interest them. So, we don’t necessarily avoid art museums, we just try to find some with children’s tours. We begin and end our days earlier than we used to, and we had to factor in nap time when they were little.

Basically, we had to lower our expectations as to how much we would accomplish each day. Once we made that shift, it was fine. And it is SO gratifying to watch the wonder on a child’s face when they see or experience something new. Even taking a subway for the first time was magical for my kids!

Q7.      What has been your best family travel experience so far?

I can’t say any one trip was the best, because we have fantastic memories from all of them. There are moments which stand out, like geocaching in Vermont, riding the underground in Montreal, watching my kids meet their first Disney character in person  and wading in the surf as the sun set on a beach in Clearwater.

Q8.      Which destinations offer the best value for money when travelling with children?

With most destinations, it’s about timing. If your kids haven’t started school yet, you have a great advantage in that you can travel off season, meaning not the summer months when most families have to travel. Everything – airfare, accommodations, dining, attractions – is less expensive.

We have also found that “second-tier” cities, meaning the places that aren’t at the top of everone’s list, are eager for visitors and priced accordingly. We’ve had great trips to places like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Cleveland, Ohio.

Q9.    Are there any destinations that you wouldn’t recommend when travelling with children?

We haven’t been anywhere I would not recommend for families. Of course, I would always be wary of countries which are listed in travel advisories, as issued by the U.S. State Department.

Q10. What is the best way to keep children entertained on a long journey?

See my answer to Question 2! Also, it helps to prepare them by talking about the trip beforehand, and explaining that it’s going to take a long time. Tell them with references they will understand, like, “This trip is going to last from breakfast time to dinner time.” This sometimes results in having to hear “Are we there yet?” less frequently!

Q11. What advice do you have for those taking a trip for the first time with a baby?

Entire books have been written on the subject! I advise looking online at sites like HaveBabyWillTravel.com for current information and tips, because there is a lot to consider and plan, beginning with what to pack.

Q12. How does city travel differ from other forms of travel when you’re travelling with children?

The primary difference is transportation. You probably won’t be driving around in a car, so you’re either walking a lot or using public transport. You need to figure out whether you prefer to carry your baby or use a stroller, and if you use a stroller, you have to make sure the train or subway stations are accessible.

For older, mobile children, you have to consider how much walking they will willingly endure.

Q13. What is your favourite type of family car to rent when taking a trip and why?

We prefer a roomy car with plenty of storage space for luggage. Other than that, we’re easy to please!

Q14.    Where do you plan to travel next?

We’re heading to the Cayman Islands at the end of June, once the school year is over. We’re always on the lookout for “world’s largests” wherever we go, so this time, we’ll visit the world’s largest saltwater lagoon at Stingray City, and Black Pearl, the largest skateboard park in the western hemisphere.

The capital of Catalonia with a character and a language all of its own, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain. It speaks Catalan alongside the more familiar Castillan, shares a culture with its neighbour, France and has its own sporting preferences: it excels in fusbal (a variation of association football played indoors) and the mixed gender game korfball (similar to netball and basketball), and of course you may have heard of a little football team called Barça… Sport also had a massive effect on the city in the form of the Olympic Games in 1992.

When to go?

You’ll experience mild temperatures in spring and autumn, but winter can be quite cold, although don’t worry too much about rain or snow. Summertime can be quite hot and sticky.

What to see and do?

The Sagrada Familia is of course the most famous building in the city. When Gaudí died it was less than 25% complete. It still isn’t due to be completed until 2026 which also happens to be the centenary of Gaudí’s death. It truly is a wonder to behold – a mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau the unique Catalan modernist tradition.

Another magnificently decorated building in Barcelona is the concert hall, the Palau Musica. Designed in the same style that Gaudí worked in, it is, along with the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to book tickets in advance for the events at the Palau – you’ll most likely not be able to turn up on the night.

The aforementioned Park Güell is another beauty (the architecture in this city is truly astounding), and there’s nothing much more evocative than listening to a musician playing music in a huge columned, Egyptian style hall in the middle of the park. At Park Güell you’ll be able to see the mosaic lizards that have so famously come to represent the city in millions of travellers’ snaps.

The Rambla (or Ramblas) is a mile long pedestrian avenue and this is where you’ll spend quite a bit of time strolling up and down, watching the people and taking in the sights and sounds of flower stalls, markets, cafes and living statues. The restaurants and cafes along the Ramblas are of course more expensive than nearby streets and watch your handbag if you’re sitting outside but it’s still a great spot.
Where to eat?

Tossa at Carrer de Nàpols is near the Sagrada, but the prices of its tapas aren’t a reflection of its proximity to this tourist magnet. Some say it does the best croquetas in town and it has a large range of tapas to choose from.

If a gourmet meal in a proper sit-down restaurant is your idea of heaven, try Con Gracia where you’ll only have two choices: the traditional tasting menu or a surprise one. Whichever you choose will be gorgeous. How exciting!

Why Barcelona?

It’s full of life, full of culture, full of architecture and you’ll eat very, very well. Why not?

The largest city on the Costa del Sol, Malaga sits on Spain’s southern coast in the province of Andalucia, an area that regularly attracts around 8 million tourists a year. And why do they come to the region? The climate, says 26% of visitors. Malaga itself has very pleasant year round temperatures with an average of 18 C during the day.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Birth place of the great Antonio Banderas and even greater Pablo Picasso, it caters to its large tourist population with lots of large hotels and resorts, but, being a proper old city in its own right, has some interesting cultural and historical sites.

Places to see

There’s a Picasso museum in town – a small one, but at least it’s open (unlike the Paris Picasso museum that’s been closed for years). It features paintings, sculptures, ceramics and the like from his early life, plus some later masterpieces. Make time to watch the documentary and note that it’s free to get in.

The large fortress, Alcazaba, placed in the centre of Malaga on a hill overlooking the port and city, is the best preserved Moorish fortress in the whole of Spain. With an entrance fee of only a couple of euros, there are gardens with fountains, paths and archways to explore, meaning you can spend a good afternoon walking, so bring your comfy shoes.

The Centre of Contemporary Art is the most visited museum in Malaga and houses pieces by Olafur Eliasson and Damien Hirst. There’s also lots of Andalusian art to experience. Best of all, entrance is free.

Food and drink

The Cafe Central is a 100-year old cafe that’s made for coffee-drinking, and you’ll see from the mosaics inside that there are nine different glasses (rather than cups) of coffee to choose from. These famous mosaics were designed by ceramic artist Amparo Ruiz de Luna.

La Cosmopolita is a reasonably priced restaurant that’s famed for its stews and cured beef croquettes and it serves tapas dishes as well as larger main courses.

The traditional bodega Antigua Casa de Guardia serves wines from the barrel and has been doing the same thing since 1840. Try a sherry or a Moscatel and of course have some tapas while you’re sipping.

Tapeo de Cervantes, run by an Argentinian couple,  serves marvellous tapas such as black pudding and sweet potato and butter tiger prawns. Beware, it’s quite a small, narrow old bar and gets very busy so it’s worth booking to get a table to yourself.

Malaga is a city with a lively nightlife and it features more bars per square meter than any other Europe. The areas you’ll find them in are around Calle Granada and Calle Beata. La Malagueta and Plaza Uncibay also feature some lively places.

Why go to Malaga?

Old streets and buildings, good food and drink, a welcoming climate, the blue Mediterranean, wonderful views from Moorish castles, great nightlife, Malaga offers this and more.

Laid Back Life and Dramatic Scenery in Vinales, Cuba

Simon and Erin of Never Ending Voyage take a road trip around Vinales, Cuba.  Stunning  photography of local cars and daily life on the island – if you only read one of these articles, make it this one!

PEZ Visitor Centre: The World’s Largest PEZ Dispenser

Traci, Matt and the kids head to the home of Pez candy in Connecticut. Who knew it had its own museum?

Photo of the Week: Maya Ruins at Cahal Pech

Amanda transports us to the spectacular Mayan temples of Belize, courtesy of her photo of the week.

17 Things to Do in Hong Kong

Annette from Bucket List Journey shares her 17 favourite things to do in Hong Kong.  But why 17? Read her round-up and see for yourself…

Alpenresort Schwarz: The Ultimate Spa Getaway

Laurel Robbins takes a spa break in the picturesque surroundings of the Tyrol in Austria.

Paris Picnic

Not all of us have the budget to, or would even want to, eat out in expensive restaurants on a city break. Sometimes it’s just nice to buy a street snack and eat it in a park, find a pizza shop or crepe seller and buy quelque chose to take away.

Cheese is of course a must – buy from a fromagerie and their vast range of choices. Brie, camembert, a creamy Pont-l’Évêque or a cheeky goat’s cheese (Chèvre) is an ideal accompaniment to a bottle of good value red wine from the local supermarket. Médocs and Côtes du Rhones are light and often good value for money. Spend more than 5 or 6 euros – anything below that is likely to be rubbish.

Buy some saucisson sec from the boucherie or local deli (basically a dried sausage like salami) and some cornichonsif they have them: the ideal combination.

Buy your bread from a local bakery with a queue rather than the supermarket – there’ll be a real difference in quality. And choose a bakery that calls itself an “Artisan Boulanger” as that means the bread is made on the premises. Try to purchase it not too far in

advance of your picnic (a matter of hours can make the difference between fresh and stale French bread). Some of these bakeries will also sell you individual quiches or croque monsieurs (ham and cheese toasties).

Of course, you’ll be needing a petit patisserie to finish it all off: how about a tarte au citron (lemon tart), eclair or tarte aux fraises (strawberry tart).

Monoprix, a chain of supermarkets, sells a good range of picnic accoutrements like plastic glasses, knives and forks and napkins.

There are plenty of shops that sell sandwiches made from pale and pasty baguettes, filled with tasteless jambon (ham) or cheese, or flaccid and tasteless takeaway croque monsieurs but I would definitely advise you to make your own lunch.

Where to Picnic

There are a host of places to lay your blanket. Beside the Seine or sitting with your feet dangling over the Canal Saint Martin with the rest of the hipsters, perhaps.

The Bois de Vincennes or Bois de Boulogne are ideal spots with lots of space, or the beautiful parks of the Luxembourg Gardens or Parc Des Buttes Chaumont. In Paris you need to know that not all parks allow people to picnic on their hallowed lawns – beware the “Pelouse interdite” signs (don’t sit on the grass).

If you like to be part of a crowd the Pont des Arts is the place to be – it’s even been a location for the Paris Full Moon Picnic Group Beware that alcohol isn’t allowed on this spot, though.

So, enjoy the great outdoors and dine in style while soaking in the atmosphere of the city by having a Paris picnic.

The Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Australia

Australia is a thriving location that boasts an amazing array of enticing and captivating landscapes.  From the arid inland destinations of central Australia to the inviting coastal waters of its states and capital cities, there is an abundance of activities to experience and a variety of adventures to be had.

When planning your Australian holiday, consider hiring a car and making your trip about embracing the open road.  Imagine discovering this great country with a self-paced travel itinerary – wind the windows down, load your favourite music, and head out on an enchanting journey.

Intrigued to create a road trip full of discovery?  Consider taking the Great Ocean Road journey that comprises of destinations along the Victorian coastline from Torquay through to Warrnambool.  With superb scenery, inspiring landmarks, vast dining options, and a myriad of photo opportunities to capture on camera, this road trip offers it all.

Here are a few highlights that will whet your appetite and play as a temptation to entice you to make the trip to Australia.

• Outdoor Fun in the Sun

Don’t think this adventure is all about watching places from the comfort of your car seat – get out and about and engage with your surroundings.

So what adventures can you have on this trip?

If you enjoy the outdoors, then a walk, hike, or cycle adventure is a must.  With a range of varied and interesting trails to navigate, there is something to suit all levels of fitness.  Some top choices include the Kennett River Koala Walk, Otway Fly Tree Top Walk, Erskine Falls, Mait’s Rest, Port Campbell Discovery Walk, and Great Ocean Walk – but these are just to name a few!

Love to indulge in a few water sports?  Whether it’s sailing, jet skiing, cruising, canoeing, swimming, surfing, or kayaking, you can engage in the inviting blue waters that surround the coastline and experience something new and fascinating.   Apollo Bay, Lake Colac, Lake Bullen Merri, and Glenelg River are top suggestions to enjoy hitting the open water.

Ever wanted to soar high in the sky?  Go to new heights and take a scenic flight that allows you to capture the glorious landscapes from a visually awe inspiring perspective.  See sprawling coastal waters stretching out as far as the eye can see, navigate course ways that offer a spectacular aerial view of key landmarks, and be fascinated by the lush green lands as they meet the shoreline.

With a vast selection of tour adventures available, you can choose from a range of flying toys.  There are war planes, helicopters, seaplanes, twin engines, and so much more!  If you are up for the adrenalin rush, you may like to opt for the chance to do a skydiving adventure.  Torquay and Bells Beach are great locations offering you a captivating skydiving experience.

Save a fish from drowning!  If you are a fishing enthusiast, there are ample opportunities to throw in a line and attempt the catch of the day.  Whether you like ocean or river fishing, you can spend time enjoying a chartered trip or a simple and relaxing fishing excursion.  Top fishing spots you may like to add to your itinerary include Lorne, Apollo Bay, Aire River, and Gellibrand River.

• Natural and Unspoilt Beauty

From the glorious coastline to the inland lush green canopies of the forest and national parks, the Great Ocean Road trip embraces a varied landscape that radiates beauty and inspiration.

Nature lovers will enjoy the visual feast of wildflowers, natural flora and fauna, waterfalls, and glow worm caves on offer within the thriving Great Otway National Park.  If you have fallen in love with the rainforest scenery, then a trip to Glenelg National Park is also a must.

If you prefer to stay close to the coast, then immerse yourself in the wonders on offer within Bay of Islands Coastal Park, Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, and Port Campbell National Park.  Be mesmerised by the stunning natural formations showcased that provide the perfect photo opportunity.

• Nature at Its Best

If you are travelling from overseas, then you will be impressed by the wildlife on display within Australia, and the Great Ocean Road offers you the perfect environment to watch nature frolicking in their natural and unspoilt habitat.  Keep an eye out for koalas, colourful birds, dolphins, whales, seals, echidnas, kangaroos, and so much more!  Whether you are viewing the landscapes of the land or sea, you are bound to encounter Australia’s wondrous species.

• Food, Glorious Food

Add a splash of gourmet dining to your plans and indulge in a selection of menus that offer freshly grown produce to deliver a range of meals that will tantalise your taste buds.

Italian, Greek, through to modern Australian dishes, there is a menu to suit all tastes and budgets.  Fusion Restaurant, L’Edera, Oddfellows Restaurant, Apollo Bay Hotel, Club Warrnambool, a La Grecque, 12 Rocks Café and Bar, are just a small snippet of the dining experiences on offer along the journey.

For wine lovers, you can’t go past a trip to the Henty or Geelong wine regions.  Offering an amazing array of delectable wines presenting delicate through to robust flavours, there is a taste just for you.

• Vast Array of Accommodation Options

After a glorious day of travelling and exploring, settle in for the night and enjoy the hospitality of one of the many accommodation options available long the Great Ocean Road journey.  No matter your comfort style, there is something to suit everyone.  For the outdoor lovers, you may like to opt for a camping adventure.  Fall asleep beneath the stars and embrace the tranquil atmosphere that surrounds you.  If you prefer creature comforts, then you can choose accommodation that includes hotels, bed and breakfasts, and forest and eco-tourism retreats.

This is a just a sample of what you can discover along the Great Ocean Road adventure.  Take a short trip or embark on a long holiday journey that encompasses indulging in all the delights, capturing all the action and activities, and exploring the hidden gems along the way.

But don’t think this trip is the only one on offer.  Australia is comprised of a multitude of destinations with each oozing its own unique character and charm.  No matter what type of traveller you are, there is something to captivate you from the north, south, east, and west.

Remember, all roads travelled will be an adventure and provide you the chance to experience something new and exciting.  So if you are in search of a great holiday escape, consider creating your own self-paced Australian road trip.

This article was written by Peta Daniels from Car Rental Buddy.

The Colosseum (Photo credit: KayYen)

Top 5 Beach Bars in Barcelona

Beers and Beans serve up five of their favourite beach bars in Barcelona.

 Life Begins Below 14th Street

Adventurous Kate takes a wander around some of New York’s most colourful neighbourhoods…

15 Things to Do in Lyon, France

The Inspiring Travellers couldn’t get enough of Lyon on their recent trip – so much so that they’ve compiled a list of their top 15 things to do in the city.

A Fresh Look at the Colosseum

Steph from Twenty Something Travel checks out  Rome’s Colosseum for the second time and finds it just as good (if not better), this time around…

Quick Guide to Marrakech

How do you make the most of a trip to Marrakech? Norbert from Globotreks shows us how it’s done.

Everybody’s favourite Irish travel TV show presenters Ciara Whelan and Jon Slattery are our guests today in this week’s “Ask the Experts” interview.  As well as reporting on some of the world’s most exotic destinations, the real-life couple recently embarked on a road trip around Ireland while filming the latest series of  TV3′s The Holiday Show – let’s see if we we can learn a thing or two from the dynamic duo…

Q1.      During the recent series of The Holiday Show, you travelled around Ireland by car. What was your favourite destination and why?

Ciara:   Can I please just answer ‘Ireland’? As an overall destination the whole island is really just incredible and even though it is so small it is so varied. How can you choose between the stunning coastline of the South West, the majestic River Moy or beautiful Belfast. That’s impossible!

Jon:      I can’t say I have one favourite destination and that’s down to how much Ireland surprised us. Our roadtrip took us from Dublin to Wexford and down to counties Cork and Kerry and then up to Mayo and Northern Ireland. Everywhere we went we found something different and things that we just didn’t expect. One thing doing the series showed us is just how beautiful Ireland is, especially when the sun shines!  

Q2.      Were there any issues with back-seat drivers during your trip?

 

Jon:      If you mean someone commenting continuously on how you drive then you need to look at Ciara who is a very nervous passenger and likes to commentate sporadically on the absolute obvious! Oh my God there’s another car in front of us!!

Ciara:   Yes, Yes, I may sit in a front seat but I’ll put my hand up and say that I am a really [really really] bad passenger. I always manage to look up just as the car is swerving around a corner and, yes, my reactions do tend to be on the dramatic side! I’m pretty sure, though, that if I was driving Jon would be worse.

Q3.      Any advice for travelling as a couple?

Ciara:  Compromise. Compromise. Compromise. As you would at home take time as a couple and take time for yourselves individually too. If one person prefers to lounge on the beach reading and the other prefers to snorkel don’t be afraid to do those things separately. When you do take a bit of time out those holiday ‘date nights’ are even more worthwhile.

Jon:   Don’t do it. Just kidding! I think it’s important not to get stressed. You’re on your holidays so enjoy it. If things do get a bit touchy just take a step back and remember it could always be worse, you could be back home at work.

Q4.      What is your essential road trip soundtrack?

Ciara:   Please see above. Compromise! Compromise! Compromise! One of Jon’s favourite things to do on a roadtrip is to listen to local radio stations. I agree, it gives some lovely insight into a place. Saying that though, I don’t need to listen to all of the local news or all of the local death notices! I’m much happier with a bit of current pop music. And it’s all in the name of research for the show too!

Jon:      When I’m not listening to local radio I’m a flicker, flicking from one track on a CD to the next. Which drives Ciara crazy! If I was pushed to chose my favourite roadtrip soundtrack it would include Bowie, Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac.

Q5: Map or GPS?

Ciara:   Both. We always have a map and smart phone combo at the ready. Most of the time it’s better fun to use neither. If you’re not in a rush, find time to get lost. Come off the bigger roads. That’s where you’ll find the real gems.

Jon:      I love maps but a GPS is definitely easier and it will cause less arguments too. It’s always a safer option to blame a machine rather than your human navigator if you arrive at the wrong place.

Q6:  You’re both seasoned travellers, what are the pros and cons of touring a country by car as opposed to other forms of transport?

Ciara:   I love a good train journey, with the world whizzing by and the banter you can have with a group on a bus but there’s a huge amount of freedom with travelling by car. Every day is an adventure. At each crossroads you chose which way to turn. Always pack your passport and your drivers licence. Though be aware that the rules of the road can vary hugely from country to country. There are definitely places where I wouldn’t drive myself. India springs to mind straight away! Once you have a driver you trust with your life you’re laughing. No two words have ever gone better together than ‘road’ and ‘trip’.

Jon:      I can’t think of any cons of travelling by car. I love the fact that when you take a car on holidays you can pack all of your stuff into it, you’re not dragging bags from platform to platform or grappling for them from the luggage compartment of a bus.  When you travel by car you can have your own timetable too. If you want to take a side road or go off on a little adventure – you can.  It’s a fantastic way to see a country.

Q7: What is your favourite travel memory from the series – can be Ireland or internationally or both.

 

Ciara:   I loved fishing near Ballina in County Mayo where I caught my first salmon and I also loved tubing down the River Awbeg in North County Cork. In Ireland and abroad we get to try so many new and different activities. There hasn’t been one I didn’t like. As a rule my favourite memories always include the people that we’ve gotten to meet along the way. The memories are there to be had but the people make them.

Jon:            In Ireland I would have to say it was ‘coasteering’ in Cahirciveen in County Kerry. Coasteering in its simplest terms is like orienteering but along the coast, where you navigate the coastline with the help of yourself. No boats. No nothing. You’re climbing, diving, jumping, scrambling and swimming. It was utterly exhilarating and every time you came up for air your breath was taken away again by the incredible scenery.

Internationally one of my favourite memories was while filming our ‘Volunteering Break’ special where I volunteered at the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.  One morning I got to bring two lions for a walk in the bush. As you do. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Q8: Which destination from the series offered the best value for money?

Ciara:   It’s great to see prices going down in Ireland. It is definitely a lot better value than it used to be and there are some great deals to be found out there. The best thing about last minute deals too is that you can just jump in the car to make the most of them.

Jon:      It’s really depends on where you’re heading and what you consider good value. €5 for a full body massage in Thailand is brilliant value, once you’ve paid a bit for your flight to get over there. Destinations closer to home that offer a lot of bang for your buck are Spain and Portugal, Malaga and the Lisbon Coast are superb value.

Q9: Besides passport, money, tickets, what is your number one travel essential?

Ciara:   On holiday my number one requirement is definitely a good book. When we’re filming The Holiday Show though I try not to read. There have been a few times the director literally had to drag me out of the back of the car for my head being stuck in a book. If I get a good book I can stay awake all night reading too so when we’re shooting it’s better if I get a good night’s sleep!

Jon:      That would have to be my iPad and headphones

Q10.  From all the places you’ve visited, which destination surprised you most?

Ciara:   I travelled to Taiwan with my sister recently, which I absolutely loved. We could go days on end without seeing any other foreign visitors so it really felt like we had escaped. I try not to have any preconceived ideas of a place before I visit it myself. That way every destination is surprising!

Jon:      Strangely enough I would have to say Ireland. I never knew how much there was to see and do on my very own doorstep.

Q11. How do you decide on the destinations to include in the series?

Jon:   We try to think of what the viewers of The Holiday Show would want to watch and if each destination is tangible for them. The ethos of the show is that if the viewers can’t do it we don’t do it.

Ciara: Choice is really important too. Not everyone likes cruises, not everyone has kids. Variety is the spice of life!

Q12. One episode of the series was dedicated to romantic breaks.  Which would you recommend to fellow travellers?

Ciara:   On any romantic break I think the most important thing is to remember to bring the romance with you. It won’t be waiting for you at the arrivals gate. During our visit to Kerala in India we took a trip on a houseboat. It is one of those experiences that I’ll always remember. And if you had the luxury of doing one without a camera crew I’m sure it would be incredibly romantic.

Jon:      In that episode we also visited Matera in Italy and it was wonderful. The food, the people and just the ‘feel’ of Italy is great. It is definitely romantic.

Q13.  What, if any, is your travel philosophy?

Ciara: ‘Wherever you go, go with all your heart’ – Confucius

Jon:      See as much of the world as possible. It’s one of the best educations you can get.

Q14. What is your least favourite thing about travel?

Ciara:   Jet lag can be such a killer. It was so nice doing The Holiday Show Ireland. As tiring as it can be to film a travel series it makes a huge difference when you’re not so tired you can’t even remember your own name.

Jon:      Airport delays. There is nothing worse.

Q15: Where would you like to travel next and why?

Ciara:   Sicily, Malta and South America are all on my list. Actually, they’re only the very beginning of my list. Jon and I have a huge map in our house and we’re afraid to mark off where we’ve already been. It will only leave loads of places unmarked more noticeable. The world is just so huge that no matter how many places you’ve visited there are always a million more to see. I want to go everywhere!

Jon:      South America has always had a huge draw for me. So would love to take in as much of it as possible.

The Holiday Show is available to watch on 3 Player now.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Are you a chocolate-lover? You are? Well, read on to find out how to get your hands on as much of the good stuff as possible in a city which has the claim to fame of being the world’s biggest consumer of chocolate in 2012: Switzerland. (One third of Swiss people eat chocolate at least once a day). And the city? Geneva.

Chocolate marmites

Don’t be thinking this is a chocolate-flavoured yeast extract drink! Every year in the weekend closest to 12th December, chocolate marmites (pots) filled with marzipan vegetables appear in Genevan shops to celebrate the heroism of a mother of 14 in the festival called Escalade. Mere Royaume was her name, and she made a stand against Switzerland’s Savoyan neighbours in their attempt to invade the country by throwing a pot of simmering soup on top of one of them. The event is celebrated to this day when the youngest and oldest in the family smash open the chocolate pots, sharing the shards and the sweety vegetables with the rest of the family.

Chocolate Moustaches

David Paganel is a sweet-maker extraordinaire. 35 types of ganache, 50 different chocolate bars and a whole host of other sweet items are made in Paganel’s shop in Geneva. But the three things he’s especially famous for are a nutella-like chocolate spread called La Paganella, a chocolate ristretto (unctuous hot chocolate served in an espresso cup) and milk chocolate moustaches. (He’s the owner of a large twirly one himself). Send him a photo of your pose with the moustache and he’ll post it on his website. Shop and tearoom Paganel 71, rue de Carouge.

Treat Yourself to a Chocolate Bath

Soak in a decadent Gourmand bath (milk, grated chocolate and cocoa butter) or be cocooned in an oozy chocolate body wrap, the Euphorisant (cream, milk and grated chocolate). Both of these are available at the After the Rain Spa, Passage des Lions 4.

Visit a Chocolate Laboratory

It’s not Willy Wonka’s, but Stettler’s is a real-life chocolate factory with chocolate coming out of the taps.  Demonstrations on how their elegant creations are made, lots of handy chocolate facts you can stun your friends with, plus a bag of goodies at the end are well worth the entry price of 20CHF. (Call or email in advance to book). Did you know white chocolate isn’t really chocolate, for instance? 49 avenue Blanc.

Take a Chocolate Class

Receive a diploma to tell the world that you are a fully fledged chocolate connoisseur by taking a class at the Chocolaterie Rapp in Prangins, not far from Geneva. There’s a choice of two packages: a tasting visit or a chocolate-making course. You’ll also be taught about the history of chocolate, and of course, get to taste some. 6, Rue des Alpes, Prangins.

Buy Some at the Supermarket

Geneva is awash with fancy chocolatiers, but a visit to the local supermarket will have you spoilt for choice with beautiful Swiss chocolates at a fraction of the price.

Happy chocolate-hunting!