Sue Aitken - Travel Guru

02/03/2025

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN…JUNE. If you’re not restricted to travelling in the school holidays, there are a number of popular European destinations that are ideal for a June holiday – where the weather will be warm but that aren’t anywhere near as busy as they are come July and August. And because it’s not yet peak season, flights are definitely cheaper and there are often good offers available. The beautiful Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy, the glamorous island of Mykonos or Corsica would get my vote. For a long-haul beach break, head to Mauritius, the Maldives or the Caribbean where the weather will be warm – although you should be prepared for the odd tropical shower. Or fly off to Indonesia and the beaches of Bali and Lombok – June is the hottest month here.
For a more active holiday, June is the best time of year to visit Peru and hike the Inca Trail, and there's probably no better time to enjoy the high waters, rugged landscapes and glorious colours of Yosemite National Park in California. If you’re looking for a wildlife-watching holiday, head to tropical Borneo in June – it’s a great time of year for Orang Utang sightings as trees are starting to fruit, and these amazing animals start to come out in the wild Sabah forest to pick up these tasty treats. If it’s a safari you’re after, consider a June trip to Zambia or Botswana. You’ll miss high season (and the highest prices), but you’ll still have excellent game viewing opportunities.
Finally, if you’re looking for a short-haul city break, June’s a great time of year to visit European capitals that are decidedly chilly earlier in the year. Stockholm is beautiful in June, as is Prague. And Budapest is full of surprises – with several festival celebrations during the month to add an extra dimension to your trip. Whatever kind of holiday, get in touch and let's start planning the perfect trip.

01/03/2025

DRIVE ROUTE 66. Head off to the USA in September for a 15-night adventure travelling from Chicago to Los Angeles along the legendary Route 66. Flights from Heathrow, decent accommodation and car hire from only £1679 per person. Based on 13th September departure. Regional flights are available for a supplement. Get in touch for full details.

28/02/2025

ULTIMATE ROAD TRIPS AROUND THE WORLD. Nothing compares to the freedom and thrill of a great road trip. Whether you're craving breathtaking landscapes, coastal drives, or historic routes, the world is filled with spectacular roads waiting to be explored. Here are 10 ultimate road journeys that should be on your Bucket List.
1. GREAT OCEAN ROAD, AUSTRALIA Spanning 243 kilometres along Australia’s southeastern coast, the Great Ocean Road offers stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and access to iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles. Stop by picturesque coastal towns and lush rainforests along the way.
2. ROUTE 66, USA. This legendary road stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles, and is the quintessential American road trip. Passing through eight states, this historic route offers diners, roadside attractions, and glimpses of classic Americana.
3. RING ROAD, ICELAND. If you're looking for otherworldly landscapes, Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) is a must. This 1,332-kilometre loop circles the entire island, showcasing waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches. Best attempted in the summer months!
4. GARDEN ROUTE, SOUTH AFRICA. This scenic drive along South Africa’s coast stretches from Mossel Bay to Storms River. The route boasts stunning beaches, lush forests, wildlife reserves, and charming towns.
5. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, USA. California’s Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Hugging the coastline from San Francisco to Los Angeles, it offers dramatic cliffs, stunning beaches, and the iconic Bixby Bridge.
6. AMALFI COAST ROAD, ITALY. Italy’s Amalfi Coast offers a dramatic and unforgettable drive along the Mediterranean. Winding through charming coastal villages like Positano and Ravello, this narrow road offers gorgeous, jaw-dropping views at every turn.
7. ATLANTIC ROAD, NORWAY. This 8.3-kilometre stretch of road is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. The Atlantic Road connects a series of small islands via curvy bridges, offering spectacular ocean views and the thrill of driving over the waves.
8. PAN AMERICAN HIGHWAY, North & South America. Spanning nearly 30,000 kilometers from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina, the Pan-American Highway is the longest road trip in the world. It passes through diverse landscapes, from Arctic tundra to tropical rainforests and high-altitude deserts. Choose a section with the type of landscape that best appeals to you (unless you're looking to be travelling for months), and go for it!
9. MONGOL RALLY, EUROPE TO MONGOLIA. This is one for the truly adventurous. The Mongol Rally starts in Europe and ends in Mongolia, covering around 16,000 kilometres, crossing mountain ranges, deserts, and remote regions, making it a thrilling test of endurance and exploration.
10. MAE HONG SON LOOP, THAILAND. One of Southeast Asia’s most scenic road trips, the Mae Hong Son Loop in northern Thailand covers roughly 600 kilometres of winding mountain roads. The route travels through lush forests, remote villages, and stunning landscapes, offering a mix of adventure and cultural exploration.
If the idea of a Road Trip holiday appeals to you, get in touch and let's plan the perfect journey for you.

27/02/2025

HAVE YOU BEEN INSPIRED BY MY TRAVELS? If you've been following my journey through India, you may now be considering pushing this fascinating country to the top of your Bucket List. I have several suppliers who offer small group escorted tours that are excellent value - whether you're considering a holiday to the Golden Triangle, exploring Amritsar and the Himalayas or touring around Kerala. But if you're looking for something a bit more individual, that's not a "classic" itinerary - then you'll need a holiday that's more bespoke; a tailor-made journey that's designed around you and your preferences. Like my trip combining national parks in Central India with a tour around Tamil Nadu, or a trip to Northern India that includes less-visited places such as Udaipur, Jaisalmer or Jodpur. And I have preferred suppliers who I'll work with to create just the Bucket List holiday that you're looking for. So, get in touch and let's discuss your India adventure - be that a group tour or a tailor-made private journey.

26/02/2025

LAST STOP OF THE TRIP. So yesterday we drove from Pondicherry to Chennai (previously known as Madras) stopping at Mahabalipuram for a quick temple visit and an amazing lunch overlooking the beach - including the largest tiger prawns I’ve ever seen! Sorry, I didn’t take a pic because I was too busy eating them. 😂 I’ve got a couple of tours today around the older neighbourhoods of the city.

24/02/2025

UNIQUE PONDICHERRY. This is a rather special town in India. It was ruled by the French up until as late as 1962. The policemen wear “képis”, there are some fabulous French colonial buildings, patisseries and bistros - and French road signs in the distinctive blue and white that you’d find on the French mainland. It’s a fascinating blend of Gallic charm with Indian chaos! I’m off to Chennai tomorrow morning for the last two days of my Indian adventure.

23/02/2025

2 DAYS, 3 TEMPLES. I’ve seen three very impressive temples over the past couple of days. Originally built in the 11th century by rulers of the Chola Empire and added to over the next few hundred years. The interesting thing about these temples is that they are used extensively by the local people for worship. They’re not just impressive tourist sites. So the temple complex at Tanjore was absolutely full to bursting with lots of school kids looking very smart in their school uniforms. And at both temples that I visited today there were loads of family groups who had come to witness and participate in some of the rituals taking place. And there were several groups of young girls dressed up to the nines who were there to attend a local classical dance festival (which we snuck a look at).

21/02/2025

TEMPLES, PALACES & STREET FOOD. So I’ve left Tiger country behind and I’m now in Tamil Nadu. I spent my first two nights in Madurai - where I visited the famous Meenakshi Temple, a historic palace and spent the evening wandering around the many food stalls with a whole host of local specialities. This morning I was in Trichy visiting the really impressive temple complex there. And now I’ve arrived in Tanjore - where another ancient temple is on the cards for tomorrow. I’ve also managed to fit in quite a bit of shopping and have had quite a bit of fun, joking and negotiating with local shopkeepers who all seemed determined to sell me a carpet. So far, I’ve resisted.

19/02/2025

18/02/2025

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS. My time in Central India is coming to an end and tomorrow I'll start the towns and temples part of my trip. I've really enjoyed my time here and have been lucky enough to have seen tigers on a few occasions. But we had a fabulous sighting this morning - a young tigress who sauntered up the road, bold as brass, completely unfazed by the jeeps. Just taking it all in her stride.

17/02/2025

AND HERE ARE THE YOUNG TIGRESSES. (Shot from 200 yards away.) Hoping for closer encounters tomorrow...

17/02/2025

FIRST DAY IN TADOBA. So today we saw a mamma tiger and her 2, 10 month old cubs interacting on the other side of a lake - about 200 yards away. And a mamma sloth bear and her cubs - quite a bit closer. Not a bad haul for my first day here.

15/02/2025

LAST COUPLE OF DAYS IN KANHA. I’ve spent the last 2 days at the lovely Shergarh Lodge - great place. Amazing food and very friendly people. And only a few rooms so there’s a house party vibe. I’ve seen 2 tigers - one a fair distance away and the second really close - an absolutely beautiful beast! I got so excited that I completely fluffed the photo as you’ll see. One last game drive here this afternoon and then I’m off to Tadoba National Park for a few days.

13/02/2025

ARRIVED IN KANHA. my first game drive will be tomorrow morning. But in the meantime, it’s monkey-tastic around my room.

12/02/2025

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS. And I’ve already spotted my first tiger!😂 Let’s hope it’s not the only one of the trip.

10/02/2025

10 OF THE CARIBBEAN’S BEST BEACHES. The Caribbean is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. With its crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and vibrant local cultures, this region offers a variety of idyllic destinations for beach lovers. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a lively atmosphere, here are some of the best beaches in the Caribbean to add to your Bucket List.
1. GRACE BAY BEACH, TURKS & CAICOS. Famous for its pristine white sand and turquoise waters, Grace Bay Beach is a paradise for sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts alike. The calm, shallow waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
2. SEVEN MILE BEACH, JAMAICA. One of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean, Seven Mile Beach in Negril offers a perfect blend of soft sand, clear waters, and lively beachfront bars. It’s an excellent spot for relaxation and enjoying the vibrant Jamaican culture.
3. EAGLE BEACH, ARUBA. Known for its iconic Divi Divi trees and stunning sunsets, Eagle Beach is one of the most picturesque locations in the Caribbean. Its powdery white sand and gentle waves make it perfect for a tranquil getaway.
4. PINK SANDS BEACH, BAHAMAS. This unique beach on Harbour Island gets its name from the soft pink-hued sand, which creates a dreamy, picture-perfect setting. The calm waters and luxurious surroundings make it a must-visit for travelers seeking elegance and relaxation.
5. FLAMENCO BEACH, PUERTO RICO. Located on Culebra Island, Flamenco Beach is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and soft white sand. It’s a top destination for snorkelling, thanks to its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life.
6. SHOAL BAY, ANGUILLA. One of the Caribbean’s most beautiful and unspoiled beaches, Shoal Bay boasts crystal-clear waters and soft sand. It’s a great spot for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and simply soaking in the serene atmosphere.
7. PLAYA PILAR, CUBA. Named after Ernest Hemingway’s boat, Playa Pilar offers one of the most stunning stretches of sand in Cuba. With its shallow waters and surrounding dunes, it’s an ideal beach for relaxation and exploration.
8. GRAND ANSE BEACH, GRENADA. This two-mile stretch of golden sand is perfect for both relaxation and adventure. With its calm waters and vibrant local culture, Grand Anse Beach is a fantastic destination for both sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts.
9. TRUNK BAY, US VIRGIN ISLANDS. Part of Virgin Islands National Park, Trunk Bay is a snorkeler’s paradise with an underwater trail showcasing vibrant marine life. The lush green hills and pristine waters make it one of the most picturesque beaches in the region.
10. ANSE CHASTENET, ST LUCIA. Backed by lush rainforest and dramatic Piton mountains, Anse Chastanet is one of St. Lucia’s most breathtaking beaches. The volcanic sand and excellent snorkelling opportunities make it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Whether you’re looking to snorkel, sunbathe, or immerse yourself in local traditions, there’s a perfect beach waiting for you in the Caribbean. Get in touch and let me create the perfect beach getaway for you.