Travel Lightbulb

As we approach the end of the year, I thought this was an appropriate photo to feature! I took it on a hot summer's day in Portugal. The Algarve railway line runs just behind one of the main beaches just outside the pretty town of Lagos, and when I was crossing to get to the beach, I couldn't help but stop and take a photo. Now it's your turn to decide - is this the end of the road, or the start of the tracks of a journey - a bit like whether your glass is half full or half empty! I welcome photographic contributions from any of my followers, so if you have a cool photo you would like to send, e-mail it to: travellightbulb@hotmail.co.uk - all I need is your name, and a little bit about where the photo was taken. You may see it on Travel Lightbulb in the near future! I look forward to your contributions!

As we approach New Year (or Hogmanay as it's known in Scotland), I thought it was only right to feature a place to stay in the country that celebrates New Year more than any other nation. Scotland has so many beautiful places to visit; and so many great hotels, so to win Scottish Hotel of the Year 2011, The Torridon Hotel has to be pretty special. It is located in the Northern Highlands; and is perfect for both a romantic getaway, or a fun filled family weekend. Photo courtesy of www.thetorridon.com If you like the great outdoors, the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands should not be missed. Whether the weather is good or bad; there is something about the rolling mountains that looks good in both blue skies; or the more typical moody, unpredictable Scottish weather. Photo courtesy of www.thetorridon.com Torridon itself is a tiny village beside a loch and mountains. Tucked behind forest is the Torridon Hotel which dates back to 1887 when it was build as a sh...

Travel Lightbulb would like to wish everyone out there a very Merry Christmas, wherever you are in the world. I've loved every minute of writing this blog over the last few months, and it gives me so much pleasure to get feedback from all my readers out there. So, while this time of year is all about reflection, I can't help but get excited about where to feature on my blog in the upcoming twelve months. If you've been to a fabulous place that you'd like to see on Travel Lightbulb, then please let me know - I'd love your input. In the meantime, enjoy every single moment of your Christmas Day with your loved ones whether you're in the sunshine, or the snow. Thanks for your support. x

As it's only two days until Christmas, today's photo had to have a snowy theme! I took it out of a car window on a journey from Edinburgh to Manchester. I left a very chilly but sunny Edinburgh, and within 30 minutes, the snow was blanketing the fields. It's never nice to drive in those conditions, but doesn't it look pretty? If you have a photo you'd like to see featured on Travel Lightbulb, then please send it to me at travellightbulb@hotmail.co.uk. Please include your name, and tell me where, and when the photo was taken. All contributions are welcome!

A couple of years ago, I came up with a fundraising idea at work, and several months later, ended up on a trek across the Sahara desert. It was such an amazing experience, that I would highly recommend it to those who want a bit of adventure during their holidays. I can't even begin to explain how beautiful the scenery is in the desert - it almost looks fake, it's so stunning! I travelled with Charity Challenge, who were fantastic at both organisation, and looking after everyone on the trek itself. We trekked 110km over 5 days; had sore muscles; blisters, and sleep deprivation, but despite all that I have to say it was one of the best experiences of my life! One thing that did shock me was how much of the terrain was rocky, and not sandy. I think everyone has the image of sand dunes when they think of the desert, and the rocks were totally unexpected, and it proved tricky to trek for 8 hours whilst looking at your feet the whole time. When our group of 23 tre...

If you've read the book or seen the film, 'The Da Vinci Code', then you've probably heard of Rosslyn Chapel. It was used as the location for the plot climax, and has become famous worldwide, and attracts massive visitor numbers. It's so beautiful that I think it deserves a mention. The chapel is located in Roslin, which is a small village seven miles from Edinburgh. It has been described as an architectural wonder, as practically every surface is covered with carvings of individual figures and scenes. It is truly stunning, and has to be seen to be believed! The chapel has a great history, and lies at the centre of numerous legends (some even claim the holy grail lies buried beneath the building!) but it is the story of the "Apprentice Pillar" that interests me. It gets its name from a legend dating from the 18th century. A master mason, who was in charge of the stonework in the chapel, didn't believe his young apprentice could ca...

Another Travel Photo Friday to get you thinking about any upcoming journeys you may have planned, and today is a bit of an odd one but I like it! A couple of years ago, I took a road trip through Europe, and drove back to the UK through France. This photo was taken after driving some of the famous mountain passes of the Tour de France - just after the descent from the Col du Tourmalet. We came around the corner to be met with these guys sprawled across the middle of the road - some looking like they'd been shot, and none of them in a rush to go anywhere! So there was only one thing for it - to get out of the car, and take a photo! If you have a photo you'd like featured here on Travel Lightbulb then please send it to me by email: travellightbulb@hotmail.co.uk. If you have your own blog I'll happily link to it, but it's not just for bloggers. Let me know where the photo was taken, and a bit about the location and it could be your photo on here soon!

Having been to the Caribbean over twenty times; I like to think I know the islands well, but I recently discovered one I'd never even heard of! Saba (pronounced say-bah) is the perfect place if you're looking for a secluded haven in peaceful and friendly surroundings. While some islands are now becoming a touch overdeveloped, Saba seems to have retained the feeling of the ''real Caribbean', and would be the perfect place to escape the buzz of bigger islands for a few days. You get to the island via St. Maarten - it's a fifteen minute plane ride; but if you don't fancy the slightly scary take-off and landing (at around 400m long, the airport has been compared to an aircraft carrier!), there are two ninety minute ferries that run visitors between the two islands. I stumbled upon the island after reading a review of The Cottage Club Hotel which is in a central location in Windwardside. This is the main tourist hub on the island - nea...