Travel Lightbulb

I absolutely love visiting Paris; but every time I go, I always have a problem deciding which area of the city to stay in. There are so many amazing districts and hotels to choose from, but today I am featuring somewhere that will give you a bit more freedom in a city that can be very pricey.  Photo courtesy of Paris Saitonge apartment I came across a superb little studio apartment in the heart of the Marais district, which many feel has a similar feel to the West Village in Manhattan. It may have different architecture (with small medieval lanes) but like Manhattan; it comes alive with bars, restaurants, and shops. The area is very quiet, so no noise problems, but you can find everything you need nearby.  Photo courtesy of Paris Saitonge apartment The apartment is a short stroll away from several sights (such as Notre Dame Cathedral), and is also within walking distance of several Metro stations. It has a double bed in a mezzanine (an air bed in the living roo...

As regular readers of my blog will know, I am a big fan of Portugal and I love to discover new places I think my followers will love. A couple of months ago, I visited a stunning beach hotel that Tatler magazine describes as the "hottest ticket this year" - a description I find hard to disagree with. Hotel Martinhal is located in the south of Portugal near the town of Sagres, in the western Algarve. Positioned within the grounds of Martinhal Beach Resort it is the first five-star property in the Sagres region; and has just 38 rooms (including two beach suites), all with private balconies or terraces with impressive ocean views. Hotel guests have full access to all the other resort facilities; but even if you're not a staying here; the staff are very welcoming if you pop in for a meal, or even just a drink. The hotel sits in a beautiful location looking onto Martinhal beach, which is large enough to still feel uncrowded in the busy summer months. It can be a w...

As you may have noticed, I normally publish my blog posts on Mondays and Wednesdays, and now it's time to add something new to my blog! So, today I'm launching a new feature...Travel Photo Friday! As most of you will have realised by now, I love my photography and find myself most inspired when I'm travelling but even at home in day to day life, I can't resist picking up a camera, and snapping away. So....from now on, I'll be posting a photo each Friday to get you in the mood for the weekend, and I'd welcome any comments on both my amateur photography, and the locations I feature! Even more exciting though, for the first time on Travel Lightbulb, I'd also welcome contributions from you guys out there; so if you have a cool travel photo of a location you love; or have just snapped something when you're out and about and think I'll like it; please send an e-mail letting me know your name; where the photo was taken, and you may see it featured on Tra...

If you haven't experienced a villa holiday, then I have to say you're missing out! There's nothing better than having the freedom to go out when you want; stay in when you want, and relax as you would in your own home. However if you're going away as a couple rather than a family, it can often be difficult to find villas that sleep two, but I may have found the perfect pad on the Italian riviera.  Photo courtesy of http://www.invitationtotuscany.com/ Ameglia is an ancient village in the Italian region of Liguria, about ninety kilometres southeast of Genoa, and Casa Guelfi is in a quiet hillside position opposite the village. It has beautiful views, and a swimming pool and patio from which to marvel at the scenery.  Photo courtesy of http://www.invitationtotuscany.com/ On the ground floor, there is a sitting room; kitchen (which leads to a furnished pergola); and a bathroom with separate shower. Upstairs is a double bedroom with upper terrace, complete with ...

Dublin is one of the liveliest cities I've visited. There is always something going on, and I love the buzz of the bars and restaurants in the city centre. However just under an hour from Dublin centre and airport, on the banks of the River Boyne in County Meath, is a stunning Georgian mansion. If you want to escape the city vibe, this could be just the place to do it.  Bellinter House has all the typical features you'd expect of an 18th century mansion; with a gated entrance, and tree-lined drive. However after a three year restoration the inside retains the traditional feel; but is also very much up to date; with modern art, and contemporary furniture. The main house has five bedrooms (four original Georgian rooms, and one modern attic conversion), with more accommodation available in the East and West pavilions, and duplex apartments in The Stables. All the rooms are gorgeous but it has to be said, the views from the main house rooms through the huge sash windo...

If you like chicken, and haven't yet tried Piri Piri, I have to break it to you.....you're missing out big time! The dish is traditionally made from Piri Piri peppers which originated in South Africa, and were imported to Portugal from Angola and Mozambique. Restaurants across Portugal have their own individual recipes for the dish; but the Algarve town of Guia is said to have the most authentic Piri-Piri houses, and I am quite confident when I say I think I have found the best. O Teodósio (otherwise known as King of Chicken) opens for lunch at 12 noon; and 6pm for evening meals. Trust me, it pays to get there just before it opens. Long queues of people soon build up, and every time I've eaten there it has been mobbed - quite impressive when you consider it seats nearly 700! Although they do serve other dishes, you never see a menu being handed out - you simply order "Frango piri piri, batatas fritas e salada" (chicken piri piri, chips, and salad). It'...

With dark nights and chilly mornings upon us, you can't help but think of Christmas, as it draws ever closer. Forget the panic of shopping; and the stress of cooking, and instead why not plan a last minute trip to the Christmas markets. Some of the most famous markets in Europe have been running since the middle ages, and today they can draw around two million visitors during December. With less than six weeks until Christmas day (apologies to those who haven't done any shopping yet!), I decided to give you three suggestions if you fancy travelling to get some last minute bits and pieces for your loved ones, or just going to enjoy the mulled wine and festive atmosphere! Basel Christmas Market A few years ago, I visited the Christmas market in Basel, which is located in the three countries corner of Switzerland, France and Germany. It is a stunning city, and even more pretty when the markets make its Old Town come alive. It has the longest illuminated Christmas street i...

Outdoor life is all about taking in beautiful scenery; and the best thing about glamping is that you don't have to give up all your luxuries, and can still enjoy the rustic feeling of camping. The county of Carmarthenshire showcases some of the most diverse landscapes in Wales; with spectacular mountains; rolling landscape, and sandy beaches. The last thing you would expect in the middle of this stunning Welsh countryside is an American caravan! Photo courtesy of www.canopyandstars.co.uk The 76er - named after its vintage, is as far removed from its original American roots as you can imagine, but somehow the way it reflects the countryside on its aluminium exterior just works. The enthusiasm for Airstreams has surged in recent times; and now it's not only cool surfers that want them, but there are also millionaire owners such as Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks. Photo courtesy of www.canopyandstars.co.uk The trailer sleeps two (it has a king sized double bed); and ther...

If you popped in to check out my blog on Friday, you will know, that I'm dedicating this week Travel Lightbulb 'Glamping UK week'! The idea of camping with luxuries seems to appeal to you all, as I got a lot of feedback on my post ' Sydney under canvas ' back in August. So I decided to feature two locations in the UK this week, as I appreciate Australia isn't accessible to everyone.  Photo courtesy of www.canopyandstars.co.uk The Curve, Ekopod in Cornwall, is a fascinating concept by Simon Cathcart, who wanted to come up with a luxury, low carbon holiday solution. It provides open plan luxury under canvas, and its design echoes the nearby Eden project (an eco visitor attraction). Photo courtesy of www.canopyandstars.co.uk The Curve features a king sized bed, which has incredible views onto the secluded tree lined meadow with a moorland stream. There is a flushing toilet (a definite bonus when camping!) and a wood heated bath tub. While there are ...

Those who have followed my blog for a while may remember my post on  glamping in Australia  - a super place which combined luxury, and camping perfectly. I t proved very popular, with many people who lived in Oz even getting in touch to say they'd never heard of it, but they were going to check it out! Photos courtesy of www.lcrtp.com.au/tandara-sydney For me the joy of that style of accommodation is being able to make the most of your surroundings, and I thought that it as time to see if anything similar existed in the UK. I was stunned to find that there are lots of unique accommodation choices, and have decided to dedicate next week 'Travel Lightbulb Glamping UK week'! If you love spending time outdoors, but don't want to give up on life's little luxuries, then don't miss next week's blog posts, starting on Monday with a visit to Cornwall.  If you have any suggestions for places, bars, restaurants, and hotels that Travel Lightbulb should feat...

Staying in a villa on holiday gives you the freedom to do what you want; when you want, and if you fancy Greece as a destination, I have found a stunner! This pretty little two bedroom cottage stole my heart when I came across it, and if you were going to the Greek islands, don't you agree this would be the perfect place to stay? Having had a look at lots of private rental accommodation in Greece, it seems unusual to find places on the beach, and you have to admit its location alone is stunning. Alonissos is the sleepiest of the four Sporades islands in the Aegean, and while there is no airport on the island, you can fly into Skiathos and take a ferry from there (approximately two hours fifteen minutes). The extra travel time is well worth it, and while Sea Horse Cottage was once a fisherman's cottage, it is now a comfortable two bedroom retreat. Although the accommodation is very comfortable, the outside space and views are what you come for. Just imag...