The Travel Snob

03/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GwNpnV3Qi/?mibextid=wwXIfr

I keep banging on about booking your flights and hotels together as a protected package.

Martin Lewis explains it further

20/04/2026

GREAT NEWS FOR ANYONE TRAVELING TO GREECE....

Greece tells British visitors they’re exempt from EES biometrics
British visitors to Greece have been told they don’t have to go through biometric checks as part of the EU Entry/Exit system (EES) that came into force earlier this month.

Over the weekend, an update on the website of the Greek Embassy and posts on official social media channels announced: “In the framework of the implementation of the Entry/Exit System, as of 10 April 2026, British passport holders are exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.”

Director of Greek National Tourism Organisation in the UK Eleni Skarveli commented on the announcement, saying the move ‘is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and ease congestion at airports’.

She told The Independent: “Practically, this means that the entry process in place before the implementation of the EES will remain unchanged.”
Sunvil Group Managing Director Chris Wright posted at the weekend to say: “This is the news I’ve been waiting for.
“Greece has taken a pragmatic approach – allowing British travellers to pass through without EES biometric checks while systems to streamline the process are still being implemented.
“Less friction. Smoother arrivals. Exactly what customers want – especially at a time when there are already plenty of other reasons people might hesitate to travel.”

The move has since been widely reported, however, the announcements are no longer showing on official channels.
Despite that, Chris said British nationals are not currently being asked to give their biometrics. He shared an image, taken today in Kefalonia, that shows UK passport holders are being directed through a separate channel to keep things moving.

“The information was based on an official update issued by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy in London and shared via their channels at the time,” Chris told Travel Gossip on Monday (20 April).

“While that specific page/post now appears to have been amended or removed, the position has been widely reported and, importantly, reflects what is currently happening operationally at Greek border points.

“We are continuing to receive on-the-ground feedback from multiple destinations that UK arrivals are not being subject to biometric registration at present. From what we’re seeing on the ground, the practical position hasn’t changed.”

He added: “It’s not unusual for initial operational updates to be shared and then refined or removed as governments align messaging more formally, particularly with something like EES which sits at EU level.”

It has become almost impossible to give advise to anyone heading to Europe as the rules and regulations pretty much change daily and from country to country

The most up-to-date advice will always be at the Gov Travel Site here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

I am happy to shed light on anything if you do have questions, but my fear will be unless you ask me in the morning and are traveling that day, chances are rules may have changed....

30/01/2026

As you know i am currently in Sri Lanka sharing a villa with friends and several people have asked me about this...

This villa is already blocked for Christmas - but here's a GREAT alternative

🐘Elephant House, Sri Lanka🐘

4 bedrooms | 18m long private pool | chef service 3 meals per day | daily maid service | rice paddy views

Prices from £2553pp departing on 20th December 2026 based on 8 people sharing the 4 bedrooms
(Christmas in Sri Lanka🎄), inclusive of flights & checked luggage!

A tranquil hideaway with atmospheric views, Elephant house offers beautiful rice paddy views and a lovely large pool.
Tucked away in a perfectly peaceful location overlooking the vibrant paddy fields of Galle, Elephant House is a dreamy combination of cutting edge design and optimum comfort. Its location is truly atmospheric in the heart of southern Sri Lanka, yet only a short drive to the closest beaches. Passing along the large veranda, the first room in the villa is the stylish sitting room that has a large sofa and armchairs, with retractable shutters that can be fully opened to reveal the wide screen panorama of the surrounding rice paddies and a welcome cooling breeze.
Running through the centre of the house is a sleek space, housing the kitchen and indoor dining area. The dining table sits on the paddy side of the house, allowing for atmospheric dining; on the other side is the well-equipped kitchen. Leading from the sitting room are the two queen bedrooms with outdoors showers; antique finishing touches, such as fans and typewriters add a certain romance. There are two beautiful master suites with four poster king beds. Both rooms are en suite - one has a bath, while the other has an ambient double outdoor shower.
Outside, the huge 18m long pool runs perpendicular to the paddy and is perfect for swimming laps. The poolside pavilion is a wonderful open space, great for practicing yoga and enjoying a barbecue prepared by the in-villa chef. The chef specialises in excellent Sri Lankan cuisine. A holiday at Elephant house can be as relaxed or active as you wish.
Learn how to make hoppers and curries with the villa chefs. Head to the beach to relax or go surfing/bodyboarding. Take a guided bicycle ride through Galle’s rural hinterland. Visit a lowland tea factory for tasting sessions and tours. Embark on coastal cruises or whale/dolphin watching in season. Tour the atmospheric streets of the history-laden Galle Fort with excellent restaurants, boutique shopping and sunset views over historic sites. Relax with an in-villa massage or beauty treatment. Go shopping and eat out – the local team will be pleased to recommendations. Guests have very much enjoyed this property, early booking recommended.

View the villa here👉
https://yourvillaretreat.com/.../sri-lanka/elephant-house/

✈️Fly from London Heathrow on 20th December 2026 for 7 nights at Elephant House, Sri Lanka- including direct flights and luggage with SriLankan Airlines from £2553pp based on 8 people travelling.

Your Villa Retreat

14/01/2026

As many, some or none of you know I am a Kindred Audely A-List Agent they have some fabulous trips - here's some inspiration..

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

01/12/2025

01/12/2025

Then this happened!!!!

01/12/2025

SHOUT OUT FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS FOR WINTER SUN 2028

🌞✨ Sunkissed Winter Caribbean Island Escape! ✨🌞

Embark on a dream 43-night cruise aboard the luxurious AMBITION and explore the enchanting beauty of the Caribbean this winter! 🌴⚓

🚢 **Journey Highlights:**
🌍 Visit stunning destinations including London, Antigua, Horta, Basseterre, Roseau, Castries, Bridgetown, Scarborough, Santo Domingo, Samana, Tortola, and Ponta Delgada!
🛏️ Stay in a Solo Ocean View Cabin (without Balcony) for incredible privacy and comfort.

🍽️ **What's Included:**
- All food and drinks (premium wines, house brands, teas, coffees, and non-alcoholic beverages)
- Gratuities and service charges covered
- Choice of 1st or 2nd dining sitting for dinner

📅 **Dates:**
🛫 Departs: 5th January 2028 at 17:00
🛬 Returns: 17th February 2028 at 08:00

💷 **Price: £8596**. YES - £8596

From the historic streets of London to the vibrant culture of the Caribbean islands, this cruise promises a journey of a lifetime filled with adventure, relaxation, and endless memories. 🌟

Book your escape now and let the waves carry you to paradise! 🌊✨ Give me a shout or drop me a WhatsApp on 07990 018018 or sends me an email to [email protected]

https://travel-snob-njt.tprofile.com/your-quote/7d3b3244-ef08-4ec5-e666-08de2ddfbff2

20/10/2025

A simple video of the scanning you need to do when you first arrive into europe (for those airports that are ready at least). Thanks Simon.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19xcnxjxfm/

13/10/2025

I’m my next life I want to be a sea lion 🦭

12/10/2025

So less than a week from being back from an adventure in Vietnam I’m on yet another now in the Galápagos Islands. Bucket list for everyone.