Travel Lightbulb

Anyone who regularly reads my blog will know that I'm desperate to go on a safari one day. Luxury is the way to go in my opinion, and I came across the beautiful award-winning Samara Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, and it's definitely a contender for me! The family-owned reserve has modern luxury accommodation in three different locations, situated within 70,000 acres full of wildlife. There are suites in the main homestead; others which offer more privacy with individual cottages, and two which share a wooden deck overlooking a waterhole. The reserve is home to a growing abundance of African wildlife, including a large number of endangered species. You have the opportunity to see the elusive cheetah, aardvarks, as well as a huge variety of other animals, and birds. Home cooked meals are served in either the dining room; under the stars, or on the veranda. Guests report that the scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and the at...

I love today's photo contribution, which comes from fellow travel blogger Cole Burmester. Here's the background to the photo... It was taken at Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya on my 2nd day in Africa. We were nearly on our way out of the park gate when our guide got a radio message that a leopard was up in a tree. Hurtling along the road, we managed to pull up about 40m away from the tree. It was magical just sitting there watching it rest, and I probably took more than fifty photos! Definitely a highlight of my three months in Africa. What an amazing shot - it looks like the leopard is looking right down the lens! Simply stunning. If you'd like to read more about Cole's travels, and Lake Nakuru in particular, visit  www.fourjandals.com Thanks for the contribution Cole, and happy travelling!

If you've ever been on holiday in Portugal, you'll know that the array of local food on offer is absolutely delicious. As someone who is allergic to fish, however,  I often look for an alternative to the grilled meat dishes served in the majority of restaurants, so I can enjoy a little change. I found something completely different in the town of Luz, at Chicca's. It's a small restaurant which serves delicious home made food, with a variety of vegetarian dishes; pasta; meat, and beautiful pies. The owner, Chicca, is delightfully eccentric, and brings a blackboard packed with daily specials to your table. If you have a question about any of the dishes, then just ask and you'll see just how passionate Chicca is about her food!  I ordered the lasagne (above) and my husband had one of the delicious chorizo pies, which is accompanied by no less than nine delicious mini salads. The best suggestion I can give you is to leave room for dessert - they...

Looking at today's photo, with the rugged coastline and rolling waves, you would be forgiven for thinking the picture was taken in Scotland. However the blue skies probably tell you that's not the case! The photo is in fact taken in St. Andrew - one of eleven parishes of Barbados.  The parish is named after the patron saint, Saint Andrew, and during the colonial years under Britain, the British thought the area resembled the hills and fields of Scotland. This led to parts of the parish being nicknamed the "Scotland District". It really is a beautiful part of the island and, being a proud Scot, I love to visit every time I go to the island!  If you have a photo you'd like to see featured here, please get in touch via my contact page.

 Before I visited Stockholm, I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew it the capital of Sweden; I knew it was spread across fourteen islands in the south-east of the country - but that was about it. When I got there, I was stunned by its beauty and the whole vibe of the place. The fact that this beautiful city is built on islands, means there are lots of beautiful bridges connecting them all - in fact there are 57 bridges! Another thing that strikes you as a visitor is how clean the city is, despite the streets bustling with people in the summer months. I've never seen so many people just sitting around enjoying some food and a glass or two of wine! Speaking of food, there's one thing you must try when in Stockholm - the traditional Swedish dish of meatballs, and brown cream sauce. They are served with lingonberries (similar in taste to cranberries), which compliment the dish beautifully.  Top tip: Make sure you spend time wandering the streets of Gamla S...

Of all the travel photos I have featured on my blog, I have to say that this is the first one that I think should actually be the subject of a caption competition! I saw these cows on a lovely walk in Cheshire one Sunday afternoon - is it just me, or does the one on the right look like it's deep in conversation with the other one?  This isn't an actual competition, but if you feel like leaving a comment just for fun, then please feel free! If you have a travel photo you'd like to contribute to my blog, please get in touch via my contact page.

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in England, and one of my favourite places in the area is Coniston Water. At five miles long, with a maximum depth of 184 feet, it is the third largest of the lakes. It is also where Donald Campbell attempted to break the World Water Speed Record in 1966/67. It provided an important fish source for the monks of Furness Abbey, who owned the lake in the 13th and 14th centuries, and since then it has been used to transport slate and ore from the mines in the valley above Coniston Village. There are breathtaking views to be had around here - especially when you're on the water itself. There are various ways to do just that - an elegant Victorian Steam Yacht Gondola sails between March and November. You can also hire your own boat, whether it be a motor boat, canoe, or sailing boat. My own personal favourite way to experience the Lake is in a rowing boat.  My top tip - if you're a lady, make sure you have a...

Today's photo was taken in Vila do Bispo, in the Western Algarve. I was wandering around the town, and came across the stunning restored windmill - which I'm sure you'll agree looks amazing against the deep blue sky. The town itself has a very interesting claim to fame.  In 1543 a man from the village called Ferñao Mendes Pinto was one of the first European to land in Japan. In 1992, a new square was built on the outskirts of the town to celebrate its twinning with the island he visited - and that is how 'Praça de Tanegashima' came to be! If you have a photo that has a story behind it, or just a cool travel photo you're willing to donate, then get in touch - details of how to do that are on the contact page of my blog. Thanks!