Sarah Martin - Luxury and Adventure Travel Specialist

11/07/2024

I'm reading this book atm. It's v good and I'd happily recommend.

I've always enjoyed watching Simon Reeve's travel shows on the tele box, offering a fresh "travel" perspective, highlighting the hardship as well as the beauty. He's also a charming bu**er.

Anyway, as someone who's a big fan of learning from the locals when I'm away from home, the following struck a chord:

"... what had really stood out were the people. For me the strongest memories from that first trip, and from every trip since, are from my encounters with us, with our inspiring, intriguing, long-suffering, comic, clever and caring fellow humans. When we are planning a journey I am always asking and thinking, who are we going to meet? Meaningful encounters with other people in strange parts of the world are the real experience to treasure. If I'm not meeting people then I'm not on a proper journey."

What do you think? Is this your kind of travel?

07/07/2024

🇹🇷 🇫🇷 T U R K E Y (with a dash of french) 🇫🇷 🇹🇷

A few happy snaps from a much needed holiday with my sister in May. Gizmo wasn't happy, but he eventually let me go.

This wasn't the type of holiday I usually opt for - an all-inclusive in Turkey with french-owned Club Med - but it was easy, in a beautiful setting, a great standard of accommodation, delicious food, and we were well looked after.

Linda enjoyed the aquarobics and evening dancing, I had a few hits of tennis and turned out to quite enjoy shooting arrows on an overcast afternoon. We hopped in a cab to visit the nearest town and sampled far too many sweet treat samples (they defo saw us coming 😆), and we hopped on a boat along the pretty coastline to snorkel at a nearby cove. But the main objective was to find some sunshine and relax, and we did just that.

From a professional perspective, I was interested to see how Club Med compared to Neilson and Mark Warner, who offer similar activity filled beach breaks. In my opinion, they all have pros and cons. If this kind of holiday interests you, get in touch and I'll happily talk you through the differences.

05/07/2024

It's been a wee while - sorry!

I've still been looking after lots of smashing trips for my (ever-patient and very lovely) customers, but social media has had to take a back seat to allow me to keep the balance between work, life and sanity.

But now I'm back! At least, that's my intention...😄 Let's be honest, it's much more important for me to make sure my clients holidays are well looked after, but I will try to make time to pop some inspiration on here, share a few of my clients' very special holiday pics (they've been building up!) and tell you about some of the holidays I've been working on. There have been some corkers already this year, so watch this space.

Who knows if the algorithms will show you my posts, but at least if you look me up, you'll know I'm still in business - right?

Have a good weekend, folks. See you next week xx

Call now to connect with business.

16/09/2023

And then Venice.

Let me tell you a secret...

I've been arranging other people's holidays for over 20 years.
I'm nearly 50.
I've travelled to 47 countries worldwide.
I've been to Italy 5 times.

Until last week, I had never visited Venice.

I'm not too sure why. Maybe I was put off by how busy it might be, or how smelly. Maybe I was being a bit of a travel snob, and it was just too "popular." Whatever the reason, I was so near this time I felt I couldn't pass by without a quick look. And guess what...

I loved Venice!

I arrived tired and a bit worn out. I'd had some bad news that morning and was feeling ready to get home. I lugged my too heavy suitcase (because I'm still incapable of packing light) from train to very busy taxi boat. I wiped my sweaty brow because it was midday and boiling.

We set off, rounded into the Grand Canal, and as I took in the views, I felt my shoulders relax and a little smile form.

Venice is beautiful.

Wandering along canal paths, getting lost in winding alleys, hopping on vaporetto, and enjoying gelato was exactly what I needed for my last 24 hours of holiday time.

Sure, there were a couple of smelly spots, and yes, the crowds at San Marco and Rialto were sizeable (and it's not even peak season). But turn a corner and the crowds disperse, leaving you to quietly absorb the beauty and tranquillity.

My quick visit didn't allow time for museums and galleries, palace interiors, or visits to glass factories and brightly coloured neighbouring islands. There's definitely much more to see. I might just have to book me a return visit soon. 😊

09/09/2023

A morning cycle through the Bohinj valley, followed by a much more uphill than preferred walk-cycle to .
Sunset spritz was well earned!

Slovenia, you little beauty... that's a wrap!

07/09/2023

Vintgar Gorge. A bit busy but lives up to the name... v gawjus 😌

07/09/2023

Lake Bled happy snaps. Ain't she a beauty?

02/09/2023

Sometimes, even when there's a new place to explore, it's nice to stop for a while.

02/09/2023

Oh, hi Ljubljana, you so pretty 😍

20/06/2023

🇧🇷 B R A Z I L 🇧🇷

Back to Brazil, and memories of beach days, sunshine, and the drama of Iguazu Falls!

These clients stayed at top-notch hotels in Brazil and Argentina, with the most incredible views along the way. It made for an unforgettable holiday, and it's definitely a bucket list contender for those of us still to visit.

08/06/2023

🇳🇴 N O R W E G I A N F J O R D S 🇳🇴

A throwback to September 2022, and lovely holiday memories from Norway's beautiful fjords for Linda and Jon.

Hurtigruten's Classic Round Voyage gets to the heart and soul of Norway's coastline, with the most spectacular scenery along the way.

There's no bad time to visit, but September means long daylight hours, blue skies, the splendour of sea eagles, and, if you're lucky, a northern lights display.

This pair got lucky 😍

If you fancy enjoying all of this for yourself, Hurtigruten are currently offering up to 30% savings on 2024 departures.

06/06/2023

Smashing to see lots of airlines expanding to more destinations in the coming months. Loving the energy of this Virgin ad, too!

New city, new country, new continent 🇧🇷
We’re so excited to be flying to São Paulo, Brazil. Home of samba, caipirinhas, beaches, beautiful natural wonders and rich architectural history. The first flights take off 13 May 2024 and go on sale in August. Viva!

04/06/2023

🇦🇷🇧🇷 A R G E N T I N A & B R A Z I L 🇧🇷🇦🇷

It's about time I got back to sharing some client photos. They're backing up!

This family always go to the most fabulous destinations, and Easter 23 was no exception. Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Iguassu and Rio provided a fantastic mix of nature, wildlife, foodie heaven, city, and beach life.

Big thanks to the Joynsons for sharing these wonderful pictures.

Inspired? Get in touch 😊

18/04/2023

11/04/2023

Well, it's been somewhat of a whirlwind these past couple of months.

My last-minute taster trip to Mexico's Yucatan Province in February was lovely but completely exhausting! I have some great photos and stories to share about the Mexico that's just a stone's throw from Cancun and The Riviera Maya, and will get to putting a blog together just as soon as possible.

Sadly, my Dad's health took a rapid decline on my return from that trip, and we lost him a few days later. Business took a necessary pause throughout March while we reflected and adjusted.

After a gradual re-start (and thank you to my amazingly patient clients, who gave me as long as I needed), I made it back to full speed just in time to prepare for all of my Easter departures.

Soooo many departures this Easter!

Japan, Montreal and the Big Apple, Argentina, Brazil, NZ, Thailand... Cities, waterfalls, elephants, dance competitions, tango, glaciers, beaches, sushi, shopping...

Today should be renamed Welcome Home postcard day! 😆

20/03/2023

✨️S A I L I N G M E M O R I E S✨️

A picture from the Joneses, who recently returned from an enjoyable cruise to the Canaries, Cape Verde and Morocco aboard Ambassador Ambience.

The Joneses had a lovely holiday, with interesting onboard lectures and a friendly crew. Sea days were put to good use with choir rehearsals, which proved very popular.

Ambassador are a great option for a more traditional ocean cruise experience. UK operated, with lots of UK departures and interesting itineraries. 🛥✨️

04/03/2023

“A Deer walked into this store in Colorado. The owner gave him some cookies and he left. After half an hour he was back with his whole family!”