Paradise On My Mind

Paradise On My Mind I'm your Tropical Destination Specialist, offering a bespoke service to help find your DREAM holiday

At the end of last year, I shared a list of countries to visit in 2026. With the current travel crisis happening across ...
18/03/2026

At the end of last year, I shared a list of countries to visit in 2026. With the current travel crisis happening across the Middle East, Grenada is a destination that I have been dreaming of recently (literally) and one that is safe to travel to at the moment!

𝗚𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮:
1. The “Spice Isle” experience
Grenada isn’t called the Spice Isle for nothing! A visit to the Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station offers a real insight into local life – from the scent of fresh nutmeg to the traditional methods still used today.

2. Chocolate & rum heritage
From indulging your sweet tooth at the House of Chocolate Grenada to stepping back in time at the River Antoine Rum Distillery, Grenada blends flavour with history.

3. Nature at its finest
Explore the lush rainforest of Grand Etang National Park, home to a stunning crater lake and incredible hiking trails. Don’t miss the island’s waterfalls for that perfect hidden paradise moment.

4. One-of-a-kind underwater adventure
The Moliniere Underwater Sculpture Park is a must-see – snorkel or dive among stunning sculptures that double as thriving coral reefs.

5. Island-hopping to Carriacou
Take a day trip to Carriacou for untouched beaches, rich culture, and a more authentic Caribbean experience – and support its recovery while you travel.

Whether you’re after adventure, culture, or pure relaxation, Grenada offers it all – without the crowds.

12/03/2026

Barbados isn’t just beaches and rum punches… it’s home to some incredible natural and historic treasures. From underground caves to a tree that’s over 1,000 years old, these are the
7 Wonders of Barbados you need on your bucket list (According to Barbados.org)
👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
💎Harrison’s Cave: A breathtaking underground world of limestone caverns, flowing streams, and towering stalactites, Harrison’s Cave offers a glimpse into the limestone geology that formed Barbados, setting it apart from its volcanic Caribbean neighbours.�

💎 St. Nicholas Abbey: One of the last surviving Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere�

💎 The Baobab Tree: Transported from West Africa, the oldest baobab tree in Barbados is estimated to be over 90ft tall, and 55ft in circumference standing tall in Queen’s Park for over a millennium. Yes… it’s older than most countries! �

💎 Historic Windmill: One of the only 2 intact and restored sugar mills surviving in the Caribbean; Reminders of Barbados’ sugar heritage that shaped the island’s history�

💎 Nidhe Israel Synagogue & Museum: One of the oldest synagogues in the Americas, dating back to the 1600s�

💎 Cannon Galore: Barbados holds one of the world’s rarest cannon collections across the island’s historic forts�

💎 The Grapefruit Tree: According to legend, the grapefruit was first discovered in Barbados at Welchman Hall Gully in the 18th century

Save this for your Barbados travel bucket list 🇧🇧✨

📍Tag someone you’re exploring Barbados with!

It’s a worrying time for travel. Not knowing where you can safely visit and where you should stay away from can make pla...
04/03/2026

It’s a worrying time for travel. Not knowing where you can safely visit and where you should stay away from can make planning a holiday feel overwhelming.

To help bring a little clarity, here is the latest guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office along with 3 hotel highlights in destinations that are currently considered safe to travel to.

The good news? There are still plenty of incredible, sunshine-filled destinations ready to welcome you ☀️🌴

⚠ Always take out travel insurance before your trip, as travelling to a destination against the advice of the FCDO can invalidate your policy.

For up-to-date advice and support with planning a safe and stress-free trip, do not hesitate to reach out!

26/02/2026

February Travel Round-Up for UK Travellers

🇲🇽 𝗠𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗰𝗼 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its advice for Mexico following violent clashes on 22 February.

Incidents affected parts of Quintana Roo, including popular tourist areas such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Cozumel.

The FCDO had advised against all but essential travel to Jalisco, which includes Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara (a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026).

Latest update: Flights to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta have resumed, public transport in Jalisco is operating again, and areas outside Jalisco have returned to normal with no further clashes reported.

Many travellers are understandably concerned about upcoming trips or booking Mexico. However, for those currently in Cancún and the Playa del Carmen areas, reports from residents say things are back to normal. There is a visible military and police presence, but it feels calm and safe, and tourists are not experiencing issues in Cancún or Mexico City.

⚠️ That said, always check the latest FCDO advice before travel, as official advisories can affect the validity of your travel insurance.

🇮🇸 𝗜𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 – 𝗥𝗲𝘆𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗷𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱
Reynisfjara has experienced severe, potentially long-term erosion due to intense winter storms and strong winds in early 2026.

As of February, the famous black sand beach is no longer accessible. Clients booking South Coast tours should check for itinerary changes.

✈️ 𝗔𝗶𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Several airlines are already adjusting routes and frequencies ahead of Summer 2026, with strong demand for Mediterranean and long-haul sunshine destinations.

We’re seeing increased capacity to destinations such as Spain, Greece and Turkey, while some city-break routes are being reduced in favour of leisure routes.

If you have specific dates in mind for peak summer, it’s worth booking early as availability is tightening for school holiday periods.

🛂 𝗨𝗞 𝗘𝗧𝗔 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 – 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀
From 25 February 2026, the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system will be fully enforced.

The ETA does not apply to British citizens.
However, British citizens must travel with a valid British passport to prove their right of entry to the UK.

If a British citizen attempts to travel on a non-UK passport:
* They cannot apply for a UK ETA instead.
* Airlines may refuse boarding without proof of British citizenship.
* A Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode would be required if no British passport is held.

✈️ In short: Dual nationals should ensure their British passport is valid before travel to avoid disruption.

🛂 𝗘𝗨 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿
We’re still seeing travellers caught out by passport validity rules for Europe.
For most EU destinations:
* Your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day of entry.
* You must have at least 3 months remaining on the day you leave.
Always check passports well in advance of travel to avoid airport disappointment.

If you or your clients are travelling soon and need clarity on any of the above, feel free to get in touch

06/02/2026

The Seven Wonders weren’t chosen by kings or priests, but shaped by ancient travellers, poets, and scholars trying to map the limits of the known world.

Why seven? Because to the ancients, it was sacred:
7️⃣ planets
7️⃣ heavens
7️⃣ a number meant to mirror cosmic order itself
To name seven Wonders was to suggest harmony between human ambition and the divine

These monuments were never just buildings. They were statements of power, faith, and imagination - attempts to touch the realm of the gods. Most are gone now, lost to fire, earthquakes, and conquest, but their stories endure. They remind us that every culture seeks permanence, beauty, and meaning.

Today’s Seven Wonders tell a different story. Chosen by all of us - not a handful of writers, they reflect what we value as humanity. Each carries memory, identity, and pride. They draw us in not just for their scale, but for what they awaken in us: harmony, resilience, and vision.

Wonder didn’t end in the ancient world. It’s still being built, shared, and celebrated.

🕒 On until Spring 2026 (as told by onsite staff)

📍 Location: 106 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LZ
⁣
💷 Prices seem to vary by day (sometimes the closer to the day, the cheaper the tickets - especially on weekdays) VR experience comes at an added cost

♿ Accessibility: Access for visitors with reduced mobility is limited
⁣
🌟 Cloakroom £2
🌟 All ages welcome
🌟 Expect the experience to last approximately: 1.5 hours without VR experience | 2 hours with VR experience⁣


04/02/2026

Travel News Round-Up: Changes in the Last Month

🇮🇹 Rome introduces new tourist fees
UK visitors must now pay €2 to access the viewing area at Rome’s Trevi Fountain, plus a €5 tourist ticket for some city museums. The move is designed to manage crowds and fund conservation. Rome residents are exempt.

🇨🇳 Visa-free travel to China announced (date TBC)
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced during a visit to Beijing that UK citizens will be able to enter China visa-free for up to 30 days, bringing the UK in line with over 50 other countries including France and Germany. Implementation date still to be confirmed.

✈️ Big changes at Heathrow security
Passengers at Heathrow Airport no longer need to remove liquids or electronics from hand luggage thanks to a £1 billion upgrade to next-generation CT scanners.
✔️ Liquids increased from 100ml to 2 litres
✔️ No clear plastic bags required
⚠️ Important: rules vary by airport abroad, so be prepared to follow different security rules on your return journey.

🚗 Airport drop-off charges rise across the UK
From early January 2026, multiple major UK airports significantly increased passenger drop-off fees, with some charging £6–£7+ for just a few minutes. Many travellers are now opting for public transport or longer-stay parking to save money.

💶 European travel costs continue to creep up
Between higher city taxes, attraction fees and transport charges, short breaks in Europe are costing more in 2026 — making planning and budgeting more important than ever.

Travel Is a LifestyleOver the past 6+ years, travel has become something I breathe in and out every single day. From chi...
29/01/2026

Travel Is a Lifestyle

Over the past 6+ years, travel has become something I breathe in and out every single day. From childhood afternoons watching The Wild Thornberrys to binging David Attenborough documentaries, wanderlust has always been in my blood.

As the colder months have settled, it’s the perfect time to either book that tropical escape or travel the world from your sofa with shows that spark curiosity, comfort, and big “where next?” energy.

Here are 10 travel-inspired shows I recommend for feeding that winter wanderlust:

📺 Extraordinary Escapes with Sandi Toksvig – beautifully designed UK hideaways, calm conversations, and architectural gems.

📺 Susan Calman’s Grand Days Out – joyful, funny UK road trips (her Cotswolds episode helped me plan an entire staycation).

📺 Travel Man: 48 Hours In… – hilarious, bite-sized city breaks packed with smart tips.

📺 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild – real people leaving it all behind for simpler, more sustainable lives.

📺 Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby – jaw-dropping locations, incredible hosts, and the stories behind the world’s most unique stays.

📺 Simon Reeve’s documentaries – deeper dives into the people, politics, and realities behind destinations.

📺 Jane McDonald: Cruising / Pole to Pole – warmth, humour, and inspiring adventures from sea voyages to polar extremes.

📺 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure & Britain – curiosity, elegance, and cultural storytelling at its very best.

📺 Will Smith’s Pole to Pol* – a powerful, modern journey from Antarctica to the Arctic, blending adventure with reflection and humanity.

📺 Worlds Apart – eye-opening, emotional stories that challenge perceptions and explore lives far removed from the Western lens.

There’s something powerful about seeing a place on screen. Sometimes it’s the spark that sets a real-life adventure in motion 🌍

Which travel shows inspire you most?

Image credit disclaimer: Images used are not my own — they all belong to their respective owners and are shared for travel inspiration only.

21/01/2026

✈️ Planning Travel in 2026?
Read This First

🇬🇧 New UK entry rules – ETA is a must
From 25 February 2026, many visa-free travellers must have a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK.
No ETA = no boarding. Airlines and ferry operators will be checking before you travel.

👉 If you or family members travel on non-UK passports, this is especially important to check early to avoid last-minute stress.

❗️Travel planning matters more than ever
2026 travel is all about being prepared:
✔️ Buy travel insurance as soon as you book
✔️ Check local rules, tourist taxes & restrictions at your destination
✔️ Book with a trusted, ATOL-protected travel agent to stay protected from scams and cancellations

✨ Some advice: Don’t leave it to chance. Let me handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

📩 Message me to plan your 2026 travel the smart (and stress-free) way!

An honest roundup of the flights I took in 2025, from best to worst, for anyone planning future travels ✈️👇🥇 1. Ethiopia...
15/01/2026

An honest roundup of the flights I took in 2025, from best to worst, for anyone planning future travels ✈️👇

🥇 1. Ethiopian Airlines – Outstanding
Hands down the best airline experience of the year. Amazing service, great food selection, and one of the best inflight entertainment systems I’ve used in a long time. It genuinely made long-haul flying feel comfortable and enjoyable. They set the bar very high!

🥈 2. Madagascar Airlines – Small touch, big impact
It was a short flight, but still being offered a snack earned them serious brownie points! Sometimes it’s the little things that make you feel cared for as a passenger.

🥉 3. Finnair – Solid and reliable
Good, professional service throughout. Nothing flashy, but everything worked exactly as it should. Calm, efficient, and pleasant - which is sometimes all you want when flying.

4. Vueling – Saved by great ground staff
The standout here was the staff at Gatwick Airport. The woman at check-in was genuinely super helpful and friendly, which made a potentially stressful airport experience (in the height of summer) much easier.

5. Ryanair (x2) – Credit where it’s due
I know Ryanair gets mixed reviews, but both flights had the smoothest landings I experienced all year.
However, a big heads-up: I saw many passengers forced to pay extra because their suitcases didn’t meet size requirements. Ryanair are clearly becoming much stricter, so beware. That said… I flew prepared and had no issues 😌.

6. EasyJet – Perfectly forgettable
Nothing worth noting — not bad, not great. It got me from A to B and that’s about it.

7. TUI – Disappointing start
Seats issue leaving London really took away from the experience. Not ideal when your journey begins with discomfort and frustration before you’ve even taken off.

🚨 8. Virgin Atlantic – Biggest disappointment
Unfortunately, the worst flights of the year. Both outbound and return journeys included food poisoning and rude cabin crew, which overshadowed everything else. The only positive was the good-quality headphones for the inflight entertainment — but that alone couldn’t redeem the experience.

08/01/2026

What would help you travel better in 2026?
Tell me what you want to see below: destinations, deals, tips, reviews or all of it 👇

Address

London
EC2M 7QH

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 1pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 11am - 1pm

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Paradise On My Mind posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category