Sue Aitken - Travel Guru

30/08/2025

ARCTIC ESCAPES WITH FRONT-ROW VIEWS OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS. Few views rival the magic of seeing the Northern Lights twist and shimmer across a frozen sky. Here are 5 recommendations for glass-dome resorts where you’ll be able to watch the show from your own bed.
LEVIN GLUT – GOLDEN CROWN, FINLAND. Luxury glass igloos set on a fell slope, away from town lights, where you can watch auroras from the comfort of heated, spacious interiors—many featuring private terraces or jacuzzis.
KAKSLAUTTANEN ARCTIC RESORT, FINLAND. Home of the original glass igloo experience. Located deep in Lapland’s wilderness, these domes invite you to drift off beneath swirls of green light—plus, enjoy cozy saunas and husky-run adventures.
LYNGEN NORTH, NORWAY. Remote and dramatic: glass-domes with panoramic ceilings facing fjords and snowy peaks. The setting is fabulous - serene and perfect for immersive aurora viewing.
PANORAMA GLASS LODGE, ICELAND. Modern glass cabins tucked by rivers and volcanic terrain. Stargaze through your dome - and watch the sky glow in otherworldly hues.
HOTEL ARCTIC, GREENLAND. Unique igloos overlooking Disko Bay, with drifting icebergs beneath the glowing sky. A raw Arctic retreat which promises the double whammy of Aurora-watching and the unforgettable scenery of icy fjords .
Get in touch to plan your unique Northern Lights adventure.

29/08/2025

WHAT ABSOLUTELY MISERABLE WEATHER. Wouldn't you rather be in the Seychelles? If you're looking for a pre-Christmas break somewhere exotic, November's a great time to visit these gorgeous islands.

28/08/2025

JUST BACK FROM CAPE TOWN, SAFARI + VIC FALLS. They only landed back in the UK today, but here's the email I received from one very happy client...
"Hi Sue, this is just a quick email to let you know we’re back safe after the most amazing trip. We had such a fantastic time and absolutely loved the safari. I will email you properly after work tomorrow (that’s going to be a shock to the system!!) and send you lots of photos & videos. We can’t thank you enough for organising the whole trip - it worked like clockwork and we really had the BEST time ever." Job done, I'd say. 😄

28/08/2025

PERFECT PLACES. If you're looking for an off-the-grid getaway, this tiny private island resort in French Polynesia could be just the ticket. Vahine Island Resort offers a real Robinson Crusoe experience while providing all the comforts you need for an idyllic stay. There are just 9 bungalows (either on the seafront or on stilts over the water) which are dotted around the edge of the sandy islet - and in the centre tall coconut palms shade the grassy interior. Although accommodation is relatively simple, Vahine Island is truly unspoilt and remote with a delightful and rustic Polynesian charm. Peaceful and secluded, it has a very relaxed atmosphere; guests walk around barefoot and the small size means everyone knows you and the friendly staff offer a very personalised service - it's a charming and unique island experience, and a great alternative to the larger, international resorts that are dotted around the South Pacific.

27/08/2025

SPOTLIGHT ON...MAURITIUS. This beautiful island is famed for its sapphire waters, powder-white beaches and luxury resorts. But there’s more to Mauritius than the beach, and it's the kind of place that rewards even the smallest attempts at exploration. There’s the forested and mountainous interior and world-class diving and snorkelling offshore. There are boat trips to near-perfect islets and excursions to botanical gardens and colonial plantation houses. Mauritius is also a fabulous culinary destination - with Indian, French, African and Chinese influences. The streets of Port Louis are flanked by colonial villas, while smaller villages host busy markets and cosy cafés. I'd definitely recommend hiring a car if you're planning on staying for 10 days or more. Driving is really easy here and you nowhere is more than 1½ hours away. I really enjoyed exploring different parts of the island on one of my visits here.

26/08/2025

FAVOURITE TRAVEL MEMORIES. It was the Christmas holidays of 2021. We were finally coming out of the Covid nightmare, and I’d flown to Stockholm for a short break over the festive period. The Swedes had a much more relaxed attitude towards social distancing, so we were a bit worried that we might test positive and not be able to fly home for a couple of weeks. Apart from the inconvenience, I would probably have had to mortgage my house to stay a fortnight in Stockholm – it’s an expensive city! Despite that we had a fantastic time, and I captured this sunrise early one morning when I ventured out into the cold. The city was quiet and peaceful, and it was a perfect moment.

25/08/2025

WORLD'S BEST BEACHES. Matira Beach in Bora Bora is often called the treasure of French Polynesia because it combines stunning natural surroundings with a warm, welcoming ambiance. Unlike many private resort beaches, Matira is open to everyone and stretches for nearly a mile of soft, white sand lined with swaying palms. The shallow, crystal-clear lagoon is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating as the sun sets. With its gentle waters, easygoing atmosphere, and unforgettable sunsets, Matira feels like one of the most inviting and romantic beaches in the world.

23/08/2025

HAVE LAPTOP, WILL TRAVEL. I did something for the first time earlier today. I paid a home visit to a lady living locally who wanted a short break to Paris next month but had found the process of sorting it online herself utterly overwhelming. She called me and said that she wanted to meet me in person - she didn't want a telephone consultation or a meeting on Zoom. So, I packed up my laptop and made a house call. It felt a bit like being a cross between a doctor and the Avon lady, but it all worked out perfectly - and my new client is very happy with the short break that I've booked for her. And I was also able to provide her with a wealth of extra information and my top tips on Paris - because sitting down with someone in person is less transactional and leads to better interaction. Plus you have to say something to fill in the gaps whilst the laptop is whirring around searching! It occurs to me that there are other people out there who would appreciate that kind of service. So, if you're based in North London, within a reasonable distance from N8, and would like a home-based session with me - just get in touch. I'm just wondering if I should get a sign printed saying "Travel Consultant On Call" that I can leave on the car. Although I don't expect it would cut much ice with traffic wardens. 🤣

22/08/2025

10 FABULOUS ISLAND ESCAPES THAT AREN’T THE USUAL SUSPECTS. When you think of island holidays, the same names tend to pop up again and again - Cyprus, Mallorca, Tenerife. Don’t get me wrong, they can be great fun, but sometimes you want somewhere a little different. A little less obvious. I’ve put together a list of 10 islands that I think deserve a spot on your travel radar. They’re spread across the globe, they each have their own character, and they all offer something you just won’t get on the big package-holiday circuit.
CORSICA, FRANCE. One of my favourite places, Corsica feels like France and Italy had a love child. It’s rugged and mountainous, yet the coastline is gorgeous with turquoise bays that look like they’ve been Photoshopped. You can spend mornings hiking the dramatic GR20 trail and afternoons lingering over a long lunch in a harbour café.
- Best time to visit: May to September (warm, sunny, and perfect for swimming or hiking).
- Must do: Take a boat trip around the Calanques de Piana — those red cliffs against blue sea are unreal.
SRI LANKA. This island is like a whole world rolled into one. Beaches? Tick. Ancient ruins and temples? Tick. Elephants, leopards, whales? Big tick. And don’t get me started on the food — curries bursting with flavour, fresh seafood, and sweet cups of chai. I’ve visited twice and would love to return.
- Best time to visit: December to April for the south and west coasts; May to September for the east.
- Must do: Hop on the scenic train from Kandy to Ella - it’s one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world.
SICILY, ITALY. Sicily isn’t just an island, it’s an epic storybook of cultures. Greek temples, Roman mosaics, Norman cathedrals, Baroque towns — all of it layered together under the watchful eye of Mount Etna. And then there’s the food: arancini, cannoli, fresh pasta with pistachio pesto… Need I say more?
- Best time to visit: April to June or September to October — sunny, but not scorching.
- Must do: Hike (or cable car) up Mount Etna for incredible views and a peek at Europe’s most active volcano.
REUNION ISLAND, INDIAN OCEAN. Here’s one you might not have thought of. Réunion is a French island way out in the Indian Ocean, a short flight from Mauritius, and it’s all about adventure. Imagine hiking across lunar-like volcanic landscapes in the morning and chasing waterfalls in the rainforest by the afternoon. Plus, you still get French pastries for breakfast. It’s basically adventure travel with croissants — what’s not to like?
- Best time to visit: May to November (cooler and drier, perfect for hiking).
- Must do: Trek into the Cirque de Mafate — a stunning volcanic crater only accessible on foot or by helicopter.
JEJU ISLAND, SOUTH KOREA. Jeju is like South Korea’s secret island getaway. Locals call it their Hawaii, and once you see the lava tubes, waterfalls, and wild coastline, you’ll get why. Hike Hallasan, the island’s dormant volcano, and reward yourself with Jeju’s famous black pork barbecue.
- Best time to visit: April to June for spring flowers, or September to October for cooler hiking weather.
- Must do: Explore the Manjanggul Lava Tube — one of the longest in the world.
ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA. Zanzibar just oozes atmosphere. Stone Town is a maze of narrow lanes, carved wooden doors, and spice markets that smell like heaven. Then, when you’re done exploring, you can flop on a palm-fringed beach with the warm Indian Ocean lapping at your toes.
- Best time to visit: June to October for dry, sunny days.
- Must do: Go on a spice farm tour — you’ll never look at cinnamon or cloves the same way again.
MADEIRA, PORTUGAL. Madeira is known as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” and it really does live up to the name. It’s green, it’s lush, and the views are fantastic - towering cliffs, hidden valleys, and flower-filled gardens everywhere you look. Walk a levada trail, sip a glass of Madeira wine, and you’ll quickly understand why people rave about this little Portuguese gem.
- Best time to visit: April to October for sunshine, though it’s mild year-round.
- Must do: Take the cable car from Funchal up to Monte, then ride a traditional wicker toboggan back down.
DOMINICA, CARIBBEAN. Dominica is the Caribbean, but not as you know it. Forget all-inclusive resorts — this island is wild, green, and refreshingly untamed. You’ll find volcanic hot springs, secret waterfalls, and even a bubbling lake (yes, really). If you’re into hiking and love being outdoors, Dominica will completely steal your heart.
- Best time to visit: February to May (drier and sunnier, but still lush and green).
- Must do: Hike to Trafalgar Falls and take a dip in the hot springs at the base.
TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA. Tasmania feels like Australia’s wild younger cousin. The landscapes are jaw-dropping: think rugged mountains, white sandy beaches, and forests that look like they’ve been untouched for centuries. Wildlife is everywhere too — wombats, wallabies, and of course the famous Tasmanian devil. Hobart’s foodie scene is fantastic as well, so you can balance your wilderness hikes with excellent wine and seafood.
- Best time to visit: December to February for summer sunshine (but pack layers — Tassie weather is changeable).
- Must do: Hike up to Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park for one of the best coastal views you’ll ever see.
PALAWAN, THE PHILIPPINES. And finally, Palawan — a tropical dream come true. Picture limestone cliffs plunging into emerald lagoons, hidden coves you can only reach by boat, and some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world. El Nido and Coron are jaw-dropping, but even just lazing on a quiet beach here feels like paradise.
- Best time to visit: November to May (dry season, with calm seas).
- Must do: Island-hop around El Nido’s Bacuit Bay - each lagoon is more beautiful than the last.
So there you go - 10 islands that are every bit as magical as the classics, but with fewer crowds and a bit more character. Whether you’re after a cultural deep dive, an outdoor adventure, or simply a gorgeous stretch of sand to call your own, there’s something here that might just be your new favourite holiday spot.

21/08/2025

AND FINALLY...I've written up a blog post on my travels around Peru last month. If you're interested in reading all about my visit to this fabulous country you can find it here.

Chapter and verse on my recent journey around Peru.

21/08/2025

FAVOURITE TRAVEL MEMORIES. A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to go on an educational trip to Belize. It’s a pint-size country in Central America, and it’s got a lot going for it – lovely beaches and scenic offshore islands, rainforest and impressive Maya sites. But for me, the highlight of the trip by far was the scenic plane journey over the Great Blue Hole. This is a huge, underwater sinkhole (about 300 metres across) located in the shallow waters of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. The journey across this natural wonder was utterly breathtaking. Fast fact: The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world, stretching along the entire coastline of Belize for approximately 185 miles.