Travel Lightly

19/06/2026

Thinking about taking a safari?

One of the questions I'm asked most often is: "Where should I go for my first safari?"

No surprise that the answer depends on what you want to experience. Do you want:
🦁 Big cats?
🐘 Huge elephant herds?
🦒 Classic African landscapes?
🦍 Off-the-beaten-track?
📸 Incredible photography opportunities?

For many first-time safari travellers, Kenya and Tanzania are wonderful starting points, offering iconic wildlife experiences and excellent guiding.

Keep in mind that a safari isn't just a holiday; it's one of those rare travel experiences that stays with you long after you've returned home. Getting expert advice is more important with a safari than it is with any other holiday.

I've shared a helpful guide from The Safari Edit in the comments below.

If a safari is on your bucket list, I'd love to help you find the right fit.

19/06/2026

Hot on the heels of yesterday’s FCDO statement that Travel Advice for Gulf States has been relaxed, Qatar Air has ramped up their UK flight schedule.

✈️ Edinburgh moves from seven to 14 flights a week.
✈️ Gatwick from four to seven
✈️ Heathrow from 42 to 49
✈️ Dublin from 14 flights to 17.
✈️ Manchester will continue with 21 flights a week,
✈️ Birmingham seven.

If you have been holding off booking your long-haul holiday or family reunion Down Under, NOW is the time to give me a call and get your seats reserved.

☎️ 0131 202 4055
📧 [email protected]

19/06/2026

Think the Maldives is “just a beach”?

For some resorts, maybe. But Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is not one of them.

This beautiful 52-acre private island in the Maldives is perfect for couples who want the romance, turquoise water and white sand beaches you dream of — but with so much more to do, see, taste and experience while you are there.

This is a resort with real variety.

There are 15 restaurants and bars, a premium 24/7 all-inclusive dine-around concept, personalised butler service, an award-winning Thalgo spa, and incredible marine life nearby at the famous Nemo reef.

So yes, you can absolutely spend your days barefoot on the beach with a cocktail in hand.

But you can also snorkel, explore the reef, try different restaurants, enjoy watersports, take part in island activities, book a spa treatment, watch the sunset, and make every day feel a little bit different from the last.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives
2 adults | 7 nights
19 September 2026
Deluxe Beach Villa
24/7 All Inclusive Dine Around
Transfers in the Maldives included
FREE seaplane transfers for 2 adults
From £3,174 per person

✈️ Edinburgh from £3,410pp
✈️Glasgow from £3,780pp
✈️Dublin from £3,174pp
✈️Newcastle from £3,470pp
✈️Manchester from £3,376pp
✈️Birmingham from £3,344pp
✈️Stansted from £3,321pp
✈️Heathrow from £3,582pp
✈️Gatwick from £3,304pp

(If you are interested in a family holiday - call me! Two children under 15 can stay free of charge when sharing with two adults.)

☎️ 0131 202 4055
📧 [email protected]

Offer details:
Save up to 35% for travel between 18 July and 22 December 2026, and 15 April to 31 October 2027.
Free seaplane transfers for 2 adults when staying 7 nights or more.
Free seaplane offer valid 16 July to 26 December 2026 and 5 January to 31 October 2027.

With my travel partners Beachcomber Tours.

18/06/2026

✈️ Good news for travellers!

The FCDO updated its travel advice this afternoon and no longer advises against all but essential travel to the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

If you’ve been holding off booking a holiday to the Gulf States, or even a trip elsewhere that involves transiting through major Gulf hubs such as Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi, this latest update should provide some welcome reassurance.

🌴 So, if your holiday plans have been sitting on the back burner, now is the time to dust them off.

📞 I’m ready to take your calls, answer your questions and help you get your next trip booked.
[email protected]
0131 202 4055

(this is a very positive development, and as an ex-consular officer I would advise that it’s always worth checking the latest FCDO advice for the specific country you’re visiting. Some destinations may still have regional advice or local issues that travellers should be aware of, and checking before you travel is simply good practice wherever you’re heading.)

18/06/2026

With over 6,000 miles of coastline, nearly 800 islands, and some of the UK’s most beautiful award-winning beaches, Scotland offers a different kind of seaside escape. Think vast stretches of sand, hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and the soothing sound of waves rolling ashore.

Beyond the scenery, Scotland’s coastline is a haven for wildlife and biodiversity. From seabird colonies and playful seals to dolphins, whales, puffins and rich marine habitats, nature thrives here in every season.

And then there’s the food. Freshly landed lobster, langoustines, scallops, oysters and world-class salmon make Scotland one of Europe’s finest destinations for seafood lovers.

The peaceful spot in this photograph is in East Lothian, just outside Edinburgh. It’s a place I often go walking.

✨ Scotland doesn’t just have a coastline—it has thousands of years of stories, wildlife, beaches and breathtaking views waiting to be explored. It’s a magical place .. well our national animal is a Unicorn so what else would you expect 🦄 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ❤️

18/06/2026

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

🛫| Prepare yourself, Boston.

Tartan Army reinforcements are on their way. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

17/06/2026

There are cruises… and then there is Emerald Yacht Cruising. ✨

Imagine waking up each morning to a new paradise, exploring hidden coves, pristine beaches and some of the world’s most beautiful islands – all from the comfort of a luxury yacht carrying just 128 guests.

🌴 Seychelles Island Hopping
🛳️ 8 Days
👥 Only 128 Guests
✨ Luxury Yacht Experience
💷 From £5,088pp

Sail through the breathtaking Seychelles aboard the stunning Emerald Kaia, where intimate luxury meets adventure.

Book by 30 June and enjoy:
✔️ Savings of up to 15%*
✔️ Flights Included
✔️ $250 per person onboard credit

This is cruising reimagined – more space, more style and access to places larger ships simply can’t reach.

📩 Message me for itineraries, availability and exclusive offers.

14/06/2026

Anyone who knows me personally will know that I have been a long-time fan and advocate for the Scottish Borders. I was lucky enough to make my home there from the early 2000s until 2019, and it remains one of my favourite places in the world.

It has always been a frustration of mine that people, in their hundreds of thousands, fly over and drive through the Borders on their way to the Highlands when planning a Scottish holiday. Don't get me wrong, the Highlands are spectacular, but the Borders deserve far more attention than they receive.

If you're looking for history, the Borders has it in abundance. William Wallace was a Borders man. Mary Queen of Scots rode across these moors. Sir Walter Scott made his home here and drew inspiration from its landscapes and stories. Everywhere you turn, you'll find castles, abbeys, stately homes and centuries of fascinating history.

If you're looking for culture ... The Borders has it by the bucket load, including the story of Scotland as told by The Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels.

For foodies, there are some wonderful restaurants; many embracing farm to plate ethos.

For the great outdoors, there is nowhere better than the Borders for hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing .. and especially horse riding, this is horse country.

Communities here continue to celebrate traditions that have been passed down through generations, nowhere more so than during the Common Riding season. I am delighted to see National Geographic Travel feature the Common Ridings and the rich heritage of the Scottish Borders. The article captures the spirit, pride and sense of identity that make this region so unique, and includes wonderful photographs and film footage from Galashiels and some of the other Borders towns.

There is no place quite like the Scottish Borders.

If you've never visited, perhaps it's time to look beyond the usual Scottish tourist trail and discover one of the country's best-kept secrets. I'd be happy to help plan that for you.

LINK TO ARTICLE IN COMMENTS

11/06/2026

🌴 Throwback Thursday 🌴

Negril, Jamaica 🇯🇲 | 2019

One of my favourite places in the world. Miles of white sand, unforgettable sunsets, laid-back vibes, and that feeling of leaving your worries behind.

Negril is somewhere I never tire of returning to.

Keep an eye out because I’ll soon be launching my Caribbean Edit – packed with insider tips, destination highlights, hotel recommendations, and inspiration to help you plan your perfect Caribbean escape.

Have you been to Jamaica? I’d love to hear your favourite memories below. ⬇️

10/06/2026

Every day’s a school day in travel. Monday evening I spent a few hours discovering what Kentucky has to offer visitors, and what a destination it is! 🥃🐎

Most people think of the big-name US destinations first, but Kentucky offers something a little different – stunning horse country, beautiful scenery, amazing food, authentic experiences and, of course, bourbon (95% of the world’s bourbon is made there!).

It’s a compact State, bordered by 7 others - so ideal for a fly-drive holiday, with easy routes to Nashville, Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains or even Chicago.

And a huge shout out to Sky Bar Edinburgh for the incredible setting. A rain-free June evening with Edinburgh Castle looking this spectacular was the perfect welcome for our Kentucky visitors.

Would Kentucky be on your travel list?