Travel Lightbulb

I have just returned from an incredible trekking trip to Peru, and with around six to nine hours of walking everyday, I had a lot of time to think. While snuggling into my sleeping bag at night, in temperatures of minus 10 degrees celsius, I wondered...do I prefer luxury holidays, or do I secretly like roughing it? It's a tricky question as I loved getting up every morning at 6am; cupping a mug of warm coca leaf tea in my hands, while breathing in the fresh air in the incredible Andes. At the same time, you can't beat climbing into a huge hotel bed with fresh sheets, and plump pillows. Since I returned from the magical mountain ridges in Peru on Saturday, I have taken great pleasure in the simple things in life; like switching on lights instead of rummaging in my rucksack for my head torch. Having said that; I miss the feeling of open spaces, and a lack of people - it was a strange feeling being in London Heathrow with thousands of other travellers, and I do wish I...

Since opening in 2008; Sweden's first floating hotel has been attracting visitors from all over the world, and it's more than just a gimmick. In low-lying coastal regions which are struggling with rising sea levels; a hotel that floats seems to be a very good business move, and another reason it sits on the water is because there was no more room in the fishing village! It is located on an island North of Gothenburg on the beautiful Swedish west coast.  The proprietors of the 46 room hotel also chose the location (off a small fishing island near Gothenburg) because they didn't want to impact the land. In fact the whole hotel has been designed to have little or no effect on the environment; and the minimalistic style is not only for cosmetic purposes, but the designers also had to make sure it would float! The Salt & Sill company have always been passionate about the environment, and the excavating rock left over from the building work is being used to build a...

As you will be well aware by now, travelling is one of my biggest passions. I love experiencing everything from luxury hotels, to budget B&B's. City breaks are fantastic, but I also like chilling out on two week vacations. Whenever you head out on a new journey, I believe it's all about the experiences you have on the way, and I'm currently on a very exciting trip. If you had told me a few years ago that I'd be trekking through Peru, I'd have said you were mad! It wasn't until I completed a charity trek through the Sahara desert in 2009 that my passion for trekking began, and I have to say it's hard to sum up just how life changing the experience can be. Photo courtesy of Visitperu.com This time around my journey began in the southeast Peruvian city of Cusco (above) last week, and is taking me on an incredible trip on a less touristy route than the popular Inca trail to my final destination - Machu Picchu.  Photo courtesy of Visitperu.com ...

When I first visited Morocco, I found the country fascinating, and knew I would return. It has been described as an up and coming destination, and Marrakech is a feast for the senses. There is an ever-growing selection of boutique hotels and luxury hideaways emerging in the North African country, and today, Travel Lightbulb is featuring a hotel which is located in the heart of Marrakech. If sightseeing is your thing, you couldn't be in a better spot. Facing the gates of the Royal Palace, there are several major sites all within a ten minute walk of the hotel, and several restaurants to hand as well.  Photo courtesy of Dar Les Cigognes A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior courtyard garden, and Dar Les Cigognes is an example of the Andalucian-Moorish style. It was once the home of a wealthy spice merchant, and dates back to the 1600's. The hotel was originally opened in 2001; and the full renovation was completed in 2004, but they have an an...

Before I went to Trinidad, I didn't really know what to expect. I think we've all heard news stories about drugs and violence in the capital, Port of Spain, but my own experience couldn't be more different. While searching the internet, I came across the Acajou hotel, which is a small family run hotel on the northern coast of Trinidad. It's in a small fishing village called Grande Riviere which is totally unspoilt.  One of the reasons for the lack of tourism here is that it's quite hard to get to. The hotel will send a taxi driver to pick you up at the airport, and I have to say, it's well worth doing. The drive takes you right around the Northern mountain ranges; and even though I'm an experienced traveller, I wouldn't want to tackle some of the poor local roads and rickety bridges! The rooms are designed in the style of traditional wooden cottages, and have fabulous views out to sea. There are five cottages; all different shapes and sizes, and...

I think it would be fair to say that everyone loves a cupcake now and then, and I have found one of the best bakers of these little delights in London. The Hummingbird bakery opened in Notting Hill in 2004 to provide an alternative to supermarket cakes, and French patisseries. At that time cupcakes were hard to find in the UK; but when Carrie Bradshaw bit into one on Sex and the City, their popularity soared. In fact market research shows they're now overtaking the flapjack to rival biscuit sales! Image courtesy of Benjamin C. M. Backhouse I stumbled upon the bakery when wandering down Portobello Road, and its pretty frontage and cupcake window display draw you in. Inside there are cupcakes galore, as well as larger American pies. It's the cupcakes that are the speciality though, and the reason why there are regularly large queues out of the door! Image courtesy of Benjamin C. M. Backhouse The biggest problem you'll have in this bakery is deciding which var...

The Maldives is among the most popular destinations in the Asia/Pacific region, but one country trying to compete, is Sri Lanka. The golden-sand beaches that fringe its coasts are thankfully making a comeback after the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami wreaked havoc on the country; and Galle, on the South West coast of Sri Lanka, is where today's hidden gem can be found. The historic thirty six hectare Galle Fort is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site; and The Fort Printers is an eighteenth-century mansion which, until 2002 housed a printing company. It used wooden printing blocks and wrought iron printing machines to print stationary and cards, and has now been restored into a small private hotel with just five stylish suites. While you get the convenience of hotel facilities, the atmosphere is more akin to the feeling of staying in a villa.  The original printing press (above) that was once in service in the building stands in ...

Travel Lightbulb tries to help people around the world discover places they made not otherwise have found, and today's featured restaurant is a case in point. Unless you know Manchester and its diverse dining scene, you may not even spot that it exists - and that is because it's underground! On the main street, Deansgate, there is a glass triangle in front of the Armani store, and that is the entrance to Australasia.  When you delve beneath the curious glass threshold; a beautiful restaurant and bar await. With driftwood scupltures; comfortable booths, and the sound of chitter chatter, it becomes apparent that the place has a great vibe. This isn't a venue for the shy; as the walk to your table from the main desk takes you through the other diners, and there is a certain amount of posing being done! Having said that this is one of those restaurants where you want to dress well; be noticed, and feel good about yourself - so just go with the flow and strut your stuff...

A couple of years ago, I went on a road trip through Portugal; Spain, and France. Before I left, I read an article about the Millau viaduct which is part of the route from Paris to Montpellier. It looked spectacular in the pictures, and I knew I had to make it part of my journey. It is the tallest bridge in the world - taller than the Eiffel Tower with one mast's summit at 343 metres. As you approach it, you realise it not only breaks records, but could be one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. Fans of the British motoring show Top Gear may remember the bridge being featured when the presenters took a Ford GT, Pagani Zonda and Ferrari F430 Spyder on a road trip across France to see the newly completed bridge. I couldn't think of a better, more dramatic setting to try out such amazing supercars. It was designed by British architect Norman Foster, and really is a feat of engineering. Foster said it was designed to have "the delicacy of a butterfly" and, d...