Travel Lightbulb

Wondering where I've gone? Well that's nice because that means you care! I've had a really busy time of it with my "day job", so have struggled to keep up with the blogging. I'm currently taking some time to write up all the wonderful places I've been finding for you, and am hoping to have things up and running again soon.  Bear with me - I promise the wait will be worth it, I've got some cracking places to share with you in the coming months, and have already started planning this year's travel destinations. More on that very soon. Happy travelling to you all, and for those of you who are also busy with the day job....happy travel dreaming!

I really can't believe we're almost at the end of 2018. The year seems to have flown by, but it's been filled with wonderful times spent discovering new places, and re-visiting wonderful countries.  As you prepare to ring out the old, and look ahead to 2019, make sure you take a moment....life passes us all by so quickly, so pause....reflect...and then party! Thanks to everyone for supporting my little travel blog over the years. I wish you all a happy new year when it comes. xx

As this is my last blog post before the 25th of December, it's a simple message. I just want to wish you all a very happy Christmas!  Wherever you're spending the festive season, make the most of precious time with your loved ones, and enjoy the festivities! From Travel Lightbulb.....have a wonderful Christmas! xx

Many of you will be embarking on holidays in the coming weeks, as you head off to celebrate Christmas and New Year somewhere special. So I've come up with some top tips to help you have the best holiday ever.  Many people booking a holiday at Christmas time want to go somewhere warm, which means prices in places like the Caribbean and Mexico can be extremely high. Instead, why not go closer to home, to Italy, Greece or Spain - there is a much higher potential for cheap airfares.  Depressingly, lost bags on busier travel days of the year have a 50% increase, so the chances are you've got more chance of losing your bag in December than in March. Make sure you have a change of clothes so you aren't caught out!  If you're on a budget, consider celebrating away from home at the start of the New Year, rather than in the peak Christmas period. Travelling after January the 3rd can cut prices dramatically, and can also mean your destination is a bit less...

Argentina is the most visited country in South America, and one I'm desperate to travel to! Last year nearly seven million tourists visited Argentina and to further its appeal; the country is increasing flight connectivity, and turning its sights to promoting eco-tourism. There is so much to discover in Argentina. While it's well known for its gastronomy and huge passion for both football and tango, it also boasts 46 national protected areas - four of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.  Now the tourism authorities are hoping to promote another side of the country - including the hillsides of Cordoba; glamping in Patagonia, and glacier trekking in El Chalten. I've looked into both areas, and I think they sound amazing. It just goes to show Argentina has something to offer everyone....including some wonderful vineyards that I will discover....one day! 

With Halloween on the horizon, I thought I'd feature something a little bit different this week rather than the usual spooky, haunted house ideas! For those who don't know what dark tourism is, it's visiting destinations usually associated with death and suffering.  It's a trend that is on the rise with British holiday-makers, and data released by Kiwi.com has revealed the top destinations visited by Brits in recent years. Considered the most disastrous nuclear power plant accident in history, Chernobyl has become an unlikely tourist destination in recent years, as travellers risk being exposed to lethal levels  of radiation in a bid to get a glimpse of the derelict town which has been left untouched since 1986. Another destination that draws many is Auschwitz, the concentration camp operated by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland during World War II. Having been truly horrified after my own visit to a concentration camp in Germany, I think it's import...

I'm sure that readers of my blog from all over the world will recognise Eilean Donan Castle. The stunning castle was first inhabited around the 6th century, and the first fortified castle was built in the mid 13th century. Since then, after being partially destroyed in a Jacobite uprising, at least four different versions of the castle have been built and re-built.  Sometimes as a photographer, you just get lucky....and that's what happened to me on a recent trip to the Scottish Highlands. I stopped to visit the castle, and before going in and starting my visit, the rain cleared, and a stunning rainbow emerged perfectly over the iconic landmark. Some say it's the most beautiful castle in Scotland, I say it looks even better with a rainbow over it! 

Road trips are a great way to see the sights at your own pace, and discover new places that are totally off the beaten track. If you've never travelled this way, then I'd highly recommend it!  I regularly post my travel pics on social media and TravelSupermarket recently analysed some of the most picturesque pit stops and driving routes that get shutters clicking whilst on a road trip. The most Instagram-worthy road trip in the world, and the most popular over the summer months is....Route 66. Incredibly, the 2,448 mile long American hot spot was papped 1,198,035 times - no surprise given its stunning views! Second on the list is the stunning Great Ocean Road in Australia. It winds alongside the wild and windswept Southern Ocean, home to the world-class surf at Bells Beach and the craggy limestone spires of the 12 Apostles.   Closer to home, the UK has also made the top 25, with Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland making it the 20th most ...