Travel Lightbulb

When you're on your travels, sometimes you come across something that tickles you - and that's what happened on a trip to Portugal earlier this year. I was on my way to Martinhal beach in the Algarve, which is overlooked by the stunning Martinhal beach resort and hotel, when I came across this little guy. It was part of a touring exhibition of art from Quinta dos Vales (a winery, retreat and arts centre in Estombar) and there were lots of elephants placed in all different locations around the grounds of the resort. They were all very different in both colour and texture - some painted, while some had pretty cool mosaics. The way the light hit the elephants was just stunning - especially the way the strong Portuguese sunshine hits the darker sculptures. My own personal favourite was the elephant in the photo below - she looked like she was out for a morning stroll, enjoying the beautiful views from her vantage point! Sadly, the exhibition is no longer th...

Today is a very special day for sportsmen and women throughout the world. The London 2012 Olympic games begins today, and to honour the event, I'm doing something new here on Travel Lightbulb. My Travel Photo Friday is not just one photo, but two. Not only that, but this theme is going to continue on Friday's over the next three weeks while the games are on. So....now to tell you the tale of today's two photos. My husband was cycling through the village of Rostherne in Cheshire, and just about fell of his bike when he saw straw figures, like the one in the photo above, all around residents houses! They were so good that the next day, he insisted we head out in the car to see them. He was right - they're SUPERB! Today's photos are just a little taster of what's to come....prepare for swimmers, cyclists, and comedy over the next few weeks! Oh and enjoy the Olympics! If you have a photo you'd like to contribute from your travels , then send it ...

Following on from my first Algarve beach post , today's featured location is another one of my favourite beaches. Cordoama is dramatic, stunning, and unspoilt. It's reached by going through the village of Vila do Bispo in the Western Algarve, around 25 minutes from Lagos. After driving through the town, you really can't miss it as it's signposted all the way. There are several stunning beaches around here, but this is one of the more accessible ones - the access road was improved a few years ago meaning a much less bumpy drive than before!  This beach is on the Algarve's wilder West coast and has beautiful clean water with rolling waves that are perfect for surfing. It's such a large expanse of sand that it's almost too far to walk from one end to the other - it just seems to go on for miles.  There is a small restaurant just beside the parking area, which serves fresh fish (they do superb grilled sardines when they are in season) and they also s...

This week, I've decided to feature two of my favourite beaches in Portugal. Today's offering is near Sagres, at the Western tip of the Algarve. There are a number of beaches in this area, but my favourite is Beliche. Getting to the beach is easy - it's well signposted from the town, and parking is plentiful. As you can see from the photo below, there are LOTS of stairs to get down to the beach, so take your time as some of them are quite steep. The bay itself is stunning wth soft golden sand and huge towering cliffs which give you shelter from the wind, which can sometimes be quite strong in this part of the Algarve. Out of season it can be really deserted, and even in the busy summer months, it would take a lot of people to make it busy! It's hard to sum up just how big this beach is, so take my advice and go and see it for yourself if you're in Portugal.

Today's photo makes me want to jump on a plane! It comes from cameraman and budding photographer Dan Martland, who contributed an amazing Manhattan scene a few months ago (click here  if you missed it!). Let's hear more about today's photo from Dan himself. Just a two hour flight from New York to Delray beach in Florida, it's amazing how the weather is so different. What better way to spend your birthday, than out in the sun! This seagull has the right idea! Top tip: If you ever get the chance to visit Delray beach, you must try the best ice cream in America. check out "Kilwin's". Thanks Dan...fantastic shot, and my mouth is watering at the thought of the ice cream! If you'd like to see more of Dan's photos, take a look at his gallery  here.   If you'd like to share you're own photo with me on Travel Lightbulb, then send your pic, and a short paragraph about where it was taken to the email address on my  contact page.  Have a g...

Today's post features a place that has been described as one of Africa's most remarkable hotels. Chole Mjini Lodge is located in Tanzania; south of Zanzibar, on a tiny tropical island called Chole. There are no roads; no cars; no electricity, and no computers - it really is the ultimate place to get away from it all.  There are also no rooms here....instead there are seven treehouses, which are open to the elements. All have views of the sea, and most have a second level to accomodate families. They also have their own private bathing area which is located below the houses with open-air showers. The treehouses are simple, but stylish and who needs anything other than that when you can fall asleep to the sounds of the waves in a jungle island paradise? So apart from totally chilling out, what is there to do on the island I hear you ask. Well, there are excursions planned every day (tide dependent) from sunset sailing to snorkelling and swimming wi...

Some years ago, I went to an island resort called Petit St. Vincent, a stunning private resort in the Caribbean.  I visited while on a trip with the Scaramouche (if you missed that post, click  here ) and feel I'm due a return trip! When I heard it had undergone a multimillion-dollar facelift, I knew I had to check in with them and see what's new. It turns out a lot has changed on the 115-acre private island, but it has maintained the crucial chill out factor it always had.   Mike Toy Photography Petit St. Vincent calls itself a private island for private people, and with only 22 cottages, it does always feel like you have your own little piece of paradise. You can find your own spot of beach or reef to snorkel on, but you can also find seclusion in your beautiful cottage. With it being a private island, f ood is all inclusive,  and while that's not always a good thing it's perfect on PSV.   Mike Toy Photography If you're looking for gadgets and...

I'm going right back to the start with my photo today. It's not so much a travel pic, but my motto for living, and the reason this blog began. If you missed my first post on why I started this blog, click  here  to read it, and if you already know, then you'll appreciate why I decided to get creative with my motto. A sunny day in my garden provided the perfect backdrop! 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! Have a great weekend wherever you are.