Travel Lightbulb

Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most iconic images of Scotland. It's situated on an island where three sea lochs meet, and is surrounded my some majestic scenery. It's one of the most visited attractions in the Scottish highlands.    I found an incredible hotel which is just an hour from the Castle, and a great place to base yourself to explore the wonders that the highlands have to offer. To go to my original post, and read more about the hotel, just click  here.

Debrecen is Hungary's second-largest city, and in the heart of the country. Budget airlines now connect it to several countries, making it a great option for international visitors looking for something different.  Debrecen is full of wonderful markets. The flower market certainly awakens the senses, and the annual flower carnival which takes place in mid-August brightens up the city with incredible floral compositions.  The food market is also a wonderful place to wander round. Stallholders start at 6am, and ply their trade until early afternoon. Try the peppers stuffed with cabbage, ground meat and spices.  Top tip: A hot spring was discovered on the outskirts of the city in the late 1820s, and since then spa culture has been a hugely important part of life in Debrecen. Head north of the town centre to a complex of adventure baths. There are waterfalls; grottoes, and both indoor and outdoor pools with water flowing at steamy 34-38 degrees.  ...

I'm just back from an absolutely wonderful trip to the Eternal City of Rome. Why is it called that? Well the ancient Romans believed that no matter what happened to the world, Rome would go on forever. I like to think that's true because it's one of my favourite places in the world! I have so much to share with you from my trip - places to visit; top tips, and wonderful restaurants to try out. Watch this space over the coming weeks and months as I share them with you!

I'm flashing back to one of the most memorable trips I've ever been on today - a trek through the Sahara desert. I did this a few years ago for charity, and not only did it prove to be very worthwhile in raising crucial funds for several charities...it was a real life changing experience. Watching the sun set after a long day of trekking, and spending a night sleeping under the stars were just two of the highlights of this wonderful experience. I can't recommend it highly enough. If you want to view my original post on my incredible trek through the Sahara, then click  here.

The stunning aurora borealis, or northern lights, have always fascinated me. It's a naturally occurring phenomenon making it notoriously difficult to predict any further in advance than about two hours before it happens.  So you can see why people feel blessed when they are lucky enough to witness the lights. Auroras occur throughout the year, but they're invisible to the eye during the light summer months, so if you want to plan a trip to try to see them, then doing that in the winter is your best bet.  With long dark nights, January to March are the three most popular months for Aurora hunting. I decided to feature the lights in March, as the daylight hours start to stretch out by them, and it can be a very rewarding time of year. As the Aurora is so unpredictable, you stand as much chance of seeing them in Norway as you do in Finland, so it's a real gamble, but if it pays off, you're in for a once in a lifetime experience. Isn't Mother Nature wond...

Travel is my passion, and one of the main reasons I work so hard is to be able to go on amazing trips to all sorts of places around the world.  I'm very excited about 2017, because this year I'll be marking a milestone birthday and I plan to do it in style!  I'm planning various trips throughout the year to all sorts of places, and can't wait to tell you all about them! I'm hoping to discover lots of things to feature on Travel Lightbulb, so watch this space! Some people are terrified of milestones, but I'll never understand why - as someone once said to me "it's better than the alternative"! It's time to embrace a new decade, and I plan to do it with passion...bring it on!

When I think of Rome, it conjures up images of sightseeing on warm sunny days, and sitting at cafes watching the world go by. I have decided to visit the city in the winter time, to see it without the huge crowds and long queues at the main sights. The reason for my trip? Well pop back to my blog next week and you'll find out! Arrivederci!