Travel Lightbulb

 I'm sure, like me, you missed out on plenty of holidays in 2020 - so are you now keen to travel? To see the world in 2021? I'm determined to make up for lost time this year, and to make my dreams happen.  Many signs point to a quick rebound partly because people missed it so much last year, but many people will be taking trips that they postponed in 2020, and using flight and holiday vouchers before they expire. One thing I think may have changed is the way we plan our holidays. Travel agents say people are nervy about booking too soon, in case their situation changes, or in case a country drops off the list of travel corridors.  They also believe there are plenty of travellers who will be willing to spend more, given they saved money during a year of restrictions and lockdowns. One thing is for sure - none of us have enjoyed having our sense of freedom taken away from us, and  I believe there will be a pent-up demand when restrictions are lifted. Bring it on!

 New Year's Eve is a huge celebration for people all over the world, but if you don't already know, in Scotland it's called Hogmanay. While the celebrations may be curtailed this year for obvious reasons, they normally last for around three days - us Scots love any excuse for a celebration!  Whatever you're up to I hope you enjoy your celebrations, and wish you all the best for 2021 - let's hope it's a happy and healthy one for us all - it simply HAS to be better than 2020 that's for sure!

 Time to wish you all a Merry Christmas! I hope Santa has been good to you and that you haven't ended up on the naughty list!  It may not be the sort of family time we're used to but I hope you all still manage to have a wonderful time and are all staying safe and healthy. Seasons greetings everyone x

 I appreciate we're all staying at home just now, but if you're looking for a day out when this is all over, I've got a suggestion for a little gem of a National Trust property that may have escaped your attention. Gawthorpe Hall is in the Borough of Burnley, in Lancashire, but its estate extends into Padiham. It has been named Downton of the North, as it looks a little bit like a mini version of the real building used in Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle.  Before lockdown, I had to book a slot to visit and I will point out that the hall is only open for a few months of the year, so please check before making plans! It's worth arriving a little while before your slot time to explore the grounds. They're not huge, but it's lovely to have a little wander round the woods, which include a little lake.  When I visited, Covid restrictions meant that visitors were limited, and it was almost like getting ap private tour of the house. The guides were very informative, and

 For those reading my blog in the UK.....here we go again! Back to where we were in March, staying home, saving lives and dreaming of a time when we'll be allowed to roam the world again. It's a challenge to write a travel blog at a time like this, but many of you have been in touch to say my blog posts are cheering them up so I'll be plodding on through as best I can! I'll still be bringing you some ideas of those off the beaten track places in the coming months, so perhaps as you stay inside in the dark dreary weeks ahead you can continue to hop over to Travel Lightbulb each week for a spot of armchair tourism! Keep your chin up everyone - together we will get through this. 

The clocks have gone back, the weather is getting colder, and I'm sitting here dreaming of far flung places with endless sunshine and a bit of heat! The Maldives has been in the news a lot recently - partly because the country has kept corona virus rates low throughout the pandemic having made the decision to close its borders early.  Of course, it helps that many of the 1,200 islands are isolated, and that's probably why the country has now made it onto the UK Foreign Office's safe list. That means travellers from the UK can now visit without invalidating their travel insurance.  I went to this stunning country about ten years ago, and always promised I'd return. It was the perfect place to relax and get away from it all. The resort I stayed in, Veligandu, had a "no news, no shoes" policy, and I can assure you that wearing no shoes for two weeks helps with the relaxing experience! The only thing you need as a visitor is to have a negative Covid-19 test before

It feels like the Covid-19 pandemic has changed our lives forever, but I have finally managed to find one small positive to come out of it. When the tough restrictions came in earlier in the year, we all suddenly became obsessed with getting our permitted hour of exercise in each day. While travel was restricted I don't think I'm alone in saying many of us discovered wonderful walks right on our doorsteps.  I have friends who live in big cities who discovered beautiful winding lanes, and canal walks which were much more enjoyable without the crazy crowds that would normally occupy those parts of the UK. I'm lucky enough to live on the outskirts of a city, within close reach of the countryside, and I unearthed some wonderful walks and the best bit was there were hardly any other people around.  It has been difficult to stay positive with everything that we're experiencing in the world just now but keep your chin up; get out in the open air whatever the weather and discov