Travel

Audi, In a stroke of creative genius that amply demonstrates their spirit of adventure, sponsored the 2023 Queens Cup Balloon Race.

Definitely one of the most exciting and thrilling races I have ever covered. Imagine a fusion of rally car driving, classic yacht racing, Georgian airships and three-dimensional chess and you have a rough idea of the Queens Cup Balloon Race. Now throw in a massive sprinkling of great British eccentricity and a dash of those magnificent men in their flying machines and you're there.

Mid-October, saw the port of Southampton welcome the first call of MSC Euribia, ready to begin her winter sailings around Northern Europe.

In a world where time is of the essence and convenience reigns supreme, private jet travel has become the ultimate symbol of luxury and efficiency. But behind the scenes of these high-flying experiences lies a group of professionals who make it all happen: private jet charter brokers. These individuals are the unsung heroes of the skies, tirelessly working to provide their clients with seamless and customised travel experiences.

Kitzbühel has the charm and sophistication of a wealthy Grande Dame that other resorts respect and allude to.  Check if the snow conditions are good, then I would put forward the more than 750 year old small town of Kitzbühel. It is a winter (and summer) resort that you can return to time and again and still find more of interest both on and off the slopes.  However, there is nothing stuffy here as the well-groomed pistes have a magnetic vibrancy.

North Cyprus, or the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as it’s also known as, is one of those parts of our continent that evades most travellers’ radars. Following its creation as a de facto state in 1983, it remains one of the more remote and unexplored regions of Europe. 

So it’s certainly an interesting locational choice for an exclusive €120 million development, on the island’s Karpaz peninsula, incorporating the country’s first international standard marina and a brand new 52-room boutique hotel. 

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands nestled off the African coast, is renowned for its rich and captivating history.

The story of Tenerife dates back to prehistoric times when the Guanche people, believed to have arrived around 200 BC, established their presence on the island. The island derives its name from Chief Tinerfe, who divided the land into nine areas for each of his nine children, which still exist today as the municipal areas of Tenerife: Taoro, Guimar, Abona, Anaga, Tequeste, Taraconte, Icode, Daute, and Adeje.

Under the forested canopy of woodland, parkland, rural villages and hidden compounds, stretching along the south coast, the greatest amphibious assault on mainland Europe was being prepared, known to us by the names ‘Operation Overlord’ & ‘D-Day’: “Portsmouth and the greater Hampshire region is where I suggest starting your Liberation Route journey” Ben Mayne states, the UK Director of the Liberation Route Europe (LRE).

Romania can count back in millennia, when it comes to experience in wine making; in fact it has one of the world’s oldest winemaking traditions and is even one of the world’s largest producers.  

1300 years ago the Maldives was called "Dvipa Laksham" or a hundred thousand islands. It was later referred to as Treasure Island by Arab and Persian traders who came for the pearls, agate, spices, fish and coconuts. For me, these names conjure up visions of islands drifting in such clear water that they appear to float in the sky. Start with that image in your mind's eye to visualise this paradise. 

Should you be contemplating installing your own whisky and gin bar at home, you will undoubtedly undergo research to determine the design and feel. Your inspiration will be drawn from personal experience and research, perhaps looking at some of the finest whisky bars in Scotland.