Simon and Debbie - Not Just Travel

01/11/2024

Book all your favorite holidays and cruise lines directly with us! ✈️
As your Personal Travel Consultants, we can
👉 Plan every last detail for you
👉 Find all the best deals
👉 Take all the stress out of booking
👉 AND MORE all at no extra cost!
Drop us a DM and let’s start planning your next trip! 🌏

31/10/2024

Get ready for a spooky adventure! 👻🎃

In this episode of The Travel Podcast, Hayley Sparkes is joined by Halloween our expert Amy Louise, as they explore the top 5 places in the world to celebrate Halloween.

From the witch trials of Salem to the vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, this episode is packed with spooky stories and travel inspiration 🦇

Comment “Spooky” below and we’ll send the link to listen directly to your DMs

30/10/2024

IT'S PAY-YAY, and you can save £100 on easyJet package holidays! ☀

If it's last minute or planning next years Summer Break you can save £100 when you spend over £1000☀

For more details or to book get in touch using the details below or leave us a message below

📞0151 659 1388
📧[email protected]

Ts&Cs Apply
Book by 4 November.

29/10/2024

🎅🌟 GLASS CUBE CABIN LAST MINUTE DEAL 🌟🎅

Imagine waking up each morning in our luxurious glass cube cabins – a truly special stay where panoramic windows bring the enchanting beauty of Lapland right to your bedside.
These cabins offer uninterrupted views of snowy landscapes and, if you’re lucky, the mesmerising northern lights dancing above you. It’s luxury and magic all in one! 🌟🎄
Santa’s Aurora Package includes:
🧣 Cosy thermal clothing to keep you warm
❄ Accommodation at the unforgettable Star Arctic Hotel
🦌 A reindeer sleigh ride to meet Santa himself
🎅 Private visit with Santa (with a special gift for each child under 13!)
🎁 Exclusive access to our all-new Elves Workshop
🎄 Unique wilderness dinner surrounded by stunning Arctic scenery
🐕 An exciting husky sled ride and snowmobile safari
This exclusive package is now just £8894 ( based on 2 adults & 2 children, ages 5 & 8 ) – saving you £400!
Departure: 14th December 2024, 3 nights, Half Board

For more details or to book get in touch using the details below or leave us a message below

📞0151 659 1388
📧[email protected]

*Prices are subject to availability, change and are correct at the time of posting. Terms & Conditions apply.

28/10/2024

👻 Looking for the ultimate spooky getaway in October? 🎃

From Salem’s witchy history to the haunted streets of Savannah, I’ve rounded up the top 8 U.S. towns that go all out for Halloween! 🍂👀 Want to know which town has a headless horseman galloping through it or where you can visit the real-life Halloweentown?

Comment “BOO” below, and we’ll send you the link to the full list! 👇👻

26/10/2024

What’s your next challenge?

We’ve been back from Peru for a couple of weeks now and it’s been lovely chatting to friends, family and lovely people who have sponsored us.

The main question we’ve been asked is what our next challenge is, this is a question we’re pondering and we’re not too sure yet but what we do know is we’d like to see all of the 7 wonders of the world so I’m sure there can be a challenge built in somewhere 😂

We’ve been surprised at how many people want their own challenge but are not quite sure what to do, our advice is;
* Build it around something you love to do or something you want to see
* chat to us about what your options are
* Do it whilst you can and are healthy enough but give yourself time to train if you need to
* Don’t be afraid to do it alone, you’ll make plenty of friends
* Challenges are supposed to take you out of your comfort zone, accept you’re going to be just as nervous as you are excited, also everyone else feels the same way

So…. What’s your next challenge?

Final update on our sponsorship, we raised £1203 for Pink Ribbon and Halton Haven Hospice, thanks so much again for all of your support and we look forward to hearing from you and planning your adventures.

25/10/2024

🏁🏎️ Formula 1 2025 🏎️🏁
🔥 ON SALE NOW! 🔥
⭐ EARLY PROMO EPIC DEAL ⭐
⭐Regional Departures available - Get in touch⭐
🇪🇸 Spain F1
📅 29 May 2025
✈️ Departing from London Stansted Airport
🧳 Hand Luggage Only
🏨 4* Hotel DWO Les Palmeres
🛌 Double/Twin Room
🌟 4 Nights
🍱 Half Board
🎫 General Admission - 3 Day Tickets Included
🚘 Airport and Circuit Transfers Included
🚘 £899 per person
**
🇧🇭 Bahrain F1
📅 10 April 2025
✈️ Departing from London Heathrow Airport
🧳 23KG Luggage Included
🏨 5* Golden Tulip Hotel, Bahrain
🛌 Standard Room
🌟 4 Nights
🍳 Bed and Breakfast
🎫 Victory Grandstand - 3 Day Tickets Included
🚘 Airport Transfers Included
💰 £1,599 per person
**
🇺🇸 Miami F1
📅 01 May 2025
✈️ Departing from London Heathrow Airport
🧳 23KG Luggage Included
🏨 5* Intercontinental Miami
🛌 Standard Room
⭐ 4 Nights
⛔️ Room Only
🎫 North Beach Grandstand - 3 Days Included
💰 £1,999 per person
**
🇮🇹 Imola F1
📅 15 May 2025
✈️ Departing from London Stansted Airport
🧳 Hand Luggage Only
🏨 4* Grand Hotel Mattei
🛌 Double Classic
⭐ 4 Nights
🍳 Bed and Breakfast
🎫 General Admission - 3 Day Tickets Included
🚘 Airport Transfers Included
💰 £1,199 per person
**
🇫🇷 Monaco F1
📅 22 May 2025
✈️ Departing from London Gatwick Airport
🧳 Hand Luggage Only
🏨 4* Aparthotel Adagio Nice Promenade des Anglais
🛌 Studio
🌟 4 Nights
⛔️ Room Only
🎫 Grandstand K - 3 Day Tickets Included
🚘 Airport Transfers Included
💰 £2,599 per person
**
🇨🇦 Canadian F1
📅 12 June 2025
✈️ Departing from London Heathrow Airport
🧳 23KG Luggage Included
🏨 3* Comfort Inn Montreal Aeroport
🛌 Standard Room
🌟 4 Nights
⛔️ Room Only
🎫 General Admission - 3 Day Tickets Included
🚘 Airport Transfers Included
💰 £1,899 per person
**
🇦🇹 Austria F1
📅 26 June 2025
✈️ Departing from London Stansted Airport
🧳 Hand Luggage Only
🏨 4* Renaissance Wien Hotel
🛌 Standard Room
🌟 4 Nights
🍳 Bed and Breakfast
🎫 General Admission - 3 Day Tickets Included
🚘 Airport Transfers Included
💰 £899 per person
**
🇭🇺 Hungarian F1
📅 31 July 2025
✈️ Departing from London Stansted Airport
🧳 Hand Luggage Only
🏨 4* NH Budapest City Hotel
🛌 Standard Room
🌟 4 Nights
🍳 Bed and Breakfast
🎫 General Admission - 3 Day Tickets Included
🚘 Airport Transfers Included
💰 £1,199 per person
**
🇳🇱 Dutch F1
📅 28 August 2025
✈️ Departing from London Stansted Airport
🧳 Hand Luggage Only
🏨 4* OZO Hotels Arena Amsterdam
🛌 Standard Room
🌟 4 Nights
🍳 Bed and Breakfast
🎫 General Admission - 3 Day Tickets Included
🚘 Airport Transfers Included
💰 £999 per person
**
🇮🇹 Monza F1
📅 04 September 2025
✈️ Departing from London Stansted Airport
🧳 Hand Luggage Only
🏨 4* Leonardo Hotel Milan City Centre
🛌 Standard Room
🍳 Bed and Breakfast
⭐ 4 Nights
🎫 General Admission - 3 Day Tickets Included
🚘 Airport Transfers Included
💰 £999 per person
**
🇸🇬 Singapore F1
📅 01 October 2025
✈️ Departing from London Gatwick Airport
🧳 23KG Luggage Included
🏨 4* Furama RiverFront
🛌 Studio Queen
⭐ 4 Nights
🍳 Bed and Breakfast
🎫 Padang Grandstand - 3-Day Tickets Included
🚘 Airport Transfers Included
💰 £2,199 per person

For more details or to book get in touch using the details below or leave us a message below

📞0151 659 1388
📧[email protected]

*Prices are subject to availability, change and are correct at the time of posting. Terms & Conditions apply. Prices are based on two adults sharing unless stated

24/10/2024

Ever wondered what it’s really like to trek the Inca Trail? 🥾 ⛰️

In this episode of The Travel Podcast, Hayley Sparkes is joined by our fellow team members, Tom from G Adventures and Paula and Laura from Not Just Travel, as they share their incredible journey along the legendary Inca Trail 💪

This mighty adventure was also a heartfelt mission, raising over £10,000 for the Pink Ribbon Foundation in honour of those affected by breast cancer 🎀

Listen now and hear all about the challenges, triumphs and emotional depth of this life-changing trek. From battling altitude sickness to conquering Dead Woman’s Pass, this episode is for anyone who loves a good travel story.

Comment ‘Inca’ and I’ll send the link to listen directly to your DMs 📩

Picchu

22/10/2024

🤩𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗟𝗧 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬 𝗜𝗡 𝗗𝗨𝗕𝗔𝗜🤩
𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗔𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗳 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗨𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲
🎶𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗝 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲, 𝗮𝘁 𝗪 𝗗𝘂𝗯𝗮𝗶 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝘆𝗮𝗵𝗶, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲!🎶
☑ 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
☑ 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗹
☑ 𝗗𝗝 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘀
☑ 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲
☑ 𝗣𝗟𝗨𝗦 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗔𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀!
𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
W Dubai Mina Seyahi, with its iconic glass architecture, is a luxury adults-only hotel situated in the heart of Dubai along the Dubai Marina. A contemporary marketplace buzzing with activities from dawn till dusk, this luxurious hotel is the ultimate destination to experience and be experienced. Discover elevated dining venues, featuring vibrant DJ performances at Ginger Moon’s infinity pool and the Japanese rooftop lounge, attiko, which offers stunning 360-degree views of the city—an experience not to be overlooked. Farrago Bar and Lounge offers an intimate, moody indoor-outdoor atmosphere that comes alive each night with DJ sets, creating a space for local artists and nurturing connections among creatives. Each of its elegantly designed guest rooms and suites provides unobstructed views of the Arabian Gulf, extending towards the world’s highest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, and beyond.
Your Holiday
◾ 5* W Dubai Mina Seyahi
◾ 08 December 2024
◾ 4 nights
◾ Fantastic Room
◾ Half Board (free upgrade with dine around)
◾ Includes Transfers
✈ Heathrow from £1239pp
✈ Gatwick from £1359pp
✈ Stansted from £1389pp
✈ Manchester from £1459pp
✈ Birmingham from £1519pp
✈ Edinburgh from £1419pp
✈ Glasgow from £1509pp
✈ Newcastle from £1429pp
Looking for other dates? Examples prices below based on Heathrow flights:
📆 23 November 24 from £1359pp
📆 24 January 25 from £1309pp

For more details or to book get in touch using the details below or leave us a message below

📞0151 659 1388
📧[email protected]

*Prices are subject to availability, change and are correct at the time of posting. Terms & Conditions apply. Prices are based on two adults sharing unless stated

19/10/2024

💫Introducing Universal EPIC UNIVERSE💫
‼️Opening 22nd May 2025, tickets on sale 22nd October 2024‼️
💫The Universal Helios Grand, a Loews Hotel also goes on sale the SAME day and can be booked as part of your Orlando Holiday with us! 💫
💫The time has come, with an opening date now announced for the highly anticipated Universal EPIC UNIVERSE theme park at Universal Orlando Resort, it is time to talk about theme park tickets.💫
🌎Introducing the NEW Universal Orlando 3 Park Explorer Ticket + Epic Universe Ticket💫
‼️GOING ON SALE TUESDAY 22nd OCTOBER‼️
💫Experience unlimited park-to-park access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay Water Theme Park for up to 14 consecutive days, PLUS one full day at Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s amazing new theme park.
💫Use the Universal Orlando 3 Park Explorer Ticket + Epic Universe to explore three world-class theme parks - Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay for 14 days from the ticket start date.
💫Prepare for an adventure more epic than anything you've experienced before with the Universal Orlando 3 Park Explorer + Epic Universe Ticket. Enjoy a full day at Universal's extraordinary new theme park, Epic Universe.
• At SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ you'll experience a new way to play, from challenging Bowser on the Mario Kart™ ride to venturing through Donkey Kong Country™ and so much more.
• Dark Universe is a world of myth and mystery from the experiments of Dr Victoria Frankenstein to a shadowy landscape where monsters roam.
• Step into the lush, green world of Celestial Park where thrills, entertainment, dining and shopping lead all who enter on an exhilarating journey of discovery.
• Take to the skies and soar with dragons as you explore the colourful Viking village at the heart of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.It's a heart-warming and exhilarating adventure for all ages.
• Embark on an exhilarating journey of discovery as you explore Celestial Park, a lush, green world combining thrilling rides, entertainment, dining and shopping
• From 1920s Paris to the 1990s British Ministry, explore international wizarding communities and the magic that connects them in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic.
💫How does the Universal Orlando 3 Park Explorer + Epic Universe Ticket work?
• Choose a start date for your Universal Orlando 3 Park Explorer + Epic Universe Ticket
• Use your ticket over a 14-day validity window from the start date selected
• Unlimited park-to-park admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay for ticket duration - move freely between all three parks
• Enjoy one visit to Universal Epic Universe - the visit can take place on any day within the 14-day ticket validity window
💫Experience Includes
• Gate-ready digital ticket - scan the QR code at the entrance of the Universal Orlando Parks for speedy admission
• 14 days unlimited park-to-park admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay* from ticket start date
• One day at Universal Epic Universe - visit can take place on any single day within the 14-day ticket validity window

18/10/2024

🌍✨ Dreaming of your next escape? With TUI, you can choose from a world of incredible resorts! Whether it’s a luxury getaway, family-friendly fun, or a serene beachfront retreat, TUI has something for everyone.

Want to explore the full range of TUI’s resort experiences? Comment “TUI” below, and we’ll send the full blog straight to your DMs! ✈️🏖️

17/10/2024

Embark on a safari adventure like no other! 🦁

From tracking the Big 5 in South Africa to witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya, Audley Safaris offer incredible experiences for every explorer. Glide through Botswana’s waters on a water safari, spot elusive leopards on a thrilling night drive, or get up close to wildlife on a guided bush walk. For the ultimate immersive experience, spend a night under the stars in a luxury tented camp.

Let’s make your safari dreams a reality – 5-star service at no extra cost! 🏞️ Book a call with us today.

15/10/2024

Have you subscribed to our mailing list?📨
Subscribe now for
📨Up-to-date information on the very latest in travel news
📨Special offers & loyalty gifts in your inbox
📨Be the first to hear new travel podcast episodes
📨Top travel stories & destinations to inspire you
📨Also, you will be the first to hear about any Not Just Travel exclusive offers
Subscribe below on our website!

Search for a Travel Expert near you and start planning your dream holiday today

12/10/2024

📢 ATTENTION... 📢
🚨SUMMER 2026 ON SALE NOW WITH JET2 HOLIDAYS 🚨
🏃Run, don't walk! 🏃

🚨Jet2 Holidays are the first tour operator to put summer 2026 holidays on sale...
🚨Act now for the biggest choice of flights, hotels, rooms and of course🚨🚨FREE CHILD PLACES🚨🚨

Get in touch to plan your Summer 2026 Holiday today!

11/10/2024

🎄 Looking for a magical Christmas getaway? 🎄

From festive lights in Paris to Christmas markets in Vienna, we’ve found 6 stunning ‘home from home’ hotels in Europe that are beautifully decorated and open on Christmas Day! Whether you’re dreaming of a cosy retreat or a luxurious escape, these hotels are guaranteed to make your holiday extra special.

Want the full list of festive hotels? 🌟

Comment ‘Christmas’ below and I’ll send the blog link straight to your DMs! 📩

08/10/2024

The trek: Till our paths cross again…

Day 1: The ease you in day!
This day started with Si getting locked in the hotel bathroom and having to be rescued after a good 30 mins of trying to get the handle off the door 😂
After this we made our way to the check point. We were full of nervous excitement, we’d had all of our briefings and now was the actual time to utilise that training we’ve been going on about. The walk started by crossing a river and immediately going up a big hill, the G adventures CEO either refers to the terrain as Grampy or friendly. Grampy, very soon became grumpy 🤣🤣
This days walk was supposed to ease us in, well the sun had other plans and made it quite tough, this is where we relied on the friends we made in our group to keep up our spirits and give us lots of laughs along the way.
We covered 11km that day and started our walk at 8:45 and got into camp just after 4pm, it was a looong hot day.
This days camp was a private one for our group and we had a sit down toilet (ranked 5 out of 10) this becomes important later!
No showers in this camp but the porters (who I think are actual supermen, start at the same time and practically run ahead and set up camp before you arrive) had boiled some water in bowls for us to have a wash.
Our tents were big enough for the two of us but lacked double glazing so the cockerels did what they did best and got us up nice and early.

Day 2 - Dead woman’s pass
This was the big day, starting at 6:30am covering 12km and climbing over 1000m to the highest point at 4215m
It was hard! Our guides were amazing, they knew how to pace us and when to stop for breaks, we spent a lot of this day just focusing on putting one foot in front of the other and breathing! Walking in this altitude was tough, we got some medication from the docs to help and they’re little miracle pills, that and coco leaf tea.
Reaching the top was just the most amazing feeling for the whole group, once at the top we had some well earned snack and took lots of pics then we had to go down and oh my, this was a different type of pain, not only punishment on your joints but you had to stay so alert to decide where your footing was going to be, can’t afford any slips on a mountain with no hospital for I don’t know how many miles!
We got back to camp at about 3pm, this camp wasn’t a private one but we had showers if you like cold ones that is 🥶 and again sit down toilets (rated 6 out of 10)
This night was sooo cold we went to bed straight after dinner, camp was still over 3600m high and it was freezing, anyway, we survived and didn’t catch hyperthermia despite my worries we might!

Day 3: The longest day
We were up early at 5:30 and out by 6:15, this day we walked 16km and had to do another big hill before doing a lot of steps down, this had to be the most rewarding day in terms of beautiful scenery but was also giving a lot of punishment, there was a 300m climb then down again coming down from about 3800m to 2500m, that’s a lot of steps! Oh my knees!!!
We were back at camp at nearly 5pm so nearly 11 hours on the go. Still my favourite day, Simon’s for some reason was day 2, we are not the same people, he is strange!
Back at camp, our tents were all set up, colds showers were available and squat toilets (I did not use them but others did) rating - -10 🤮
Luckily there was a portaloo set up for number ones or one and a halves (I’ll leave that to your imagination!) rating - 3

Day 4: Machu Picchu
This day started with a wake up call at 3:30, no one needed it, throughout the night we had a thunderstorm so we were all awake wondering if we were going to spend our last day walking in the rain. Luckily by breakfast at 4am the rain stopped.
There is a checkpoint to signal the end of the trail but it didn’t open until 5:30 so we had to wait a while however it was necessary for our porters to pack up our things and for them to catch the next train home. These people are amazing, for the last three days we’ve had 3 course lunches, afternoon tea, dinners and even a cake baked for us.
When you see the work the whole team do and walk the same walk with 22kg of weight on their back and do it in record time, it’s difficult not to be in awe.
The walk today was beautiful and bit slippy in places, Simon nearly gave me a heart attack several times! Then after a few miles we reach Sun gate, we’d done it, we’d climbed all of the steps to get to this moment and take a pic that you can only do if you’ve walked the trail.
After this was the walk down to Machu Picchu, (I lied about climbing all the steps there were plenty here too)
It was truly amazing to stand here and see the 4th wonder of the world and the impressive ways the Inca’s had built a community.
After the visit, we had lunch and then got to take the Peru Rail train back towards Ollantaytambo. Where we picked up our bus back to Cusco for our hotel, we have our own toilet rating 9 out of 10!
This trip made me reflect on my own experience over the last few days, I absolutely loved doing this with a group of people who are now my friends but most of all Simon who kept me sane, checked on my bathroom visits far too much but also constantly showed how much he cared and kept me strong, we make the best team! 🥰

We’ll leave you with a fun fact, Peruvians use a language called Quechua and surprisingly they don’t have a word for goodbye but they do use Tupananchikkama which translates to “till our paths cross again” whether that’s crossing paths in this life or the next which we think is a lovely way to say farewell in the hope that the special people in your life, who’ve touched and made a difference to you, you’ll see again at some point ♥️

07/10/2024

We made it!!!!!!!!!!

What an amazing 4 days, the ups and down have all involved steps 😂
We'd love to tell you so much more about it but we've taken so many pics and have lots to say about our 4 days so we're going to take a few days to rest and recover our legs and you'll hear from us next when we're home
Thanks so much to everyone who supported our training, donated to our charities and have sent kind messages, it has meant so much ❤️
What I will leave you with is when you think you think something is too tough to do, you'll never do it unless you try. It's the hardest thing we've ever done but we tried and succeeded together

04/10/2024

Out of the office ....gone trekking

Just to let you all know that from Friday 4th October until Monday 8th October we will finally be on our Inca Trail Trek.

We will have limited, if any coverage so please bear with us if we don't get back to you for a few days

Thank you all so much for your support and we will see you on our return to civilization

Simon and Debbie

###

04/10/2024

Day 4 Ollantaytambo:
We’re a lifetime away from the Lima car rally up here exploring the Sacred Valley…

Yesterday started pretty early, we were on the road again leaving Cusco and heading towards Ollantaytambo which is the final hotel before our trek starts today.

First stop on our journey was to drive up to the white Christ statue that gives panoramic views of Cusco city.

Then back on the bus towards a community project called the Women’s weaving co op, here we were introduced to the ladies to use the wool from Alpaca’s they have, spin it, dye it and turn into amazing clothing, if you see us in new gear when we get back, check out our new Alpaca wear 🧣

Another community project next which is Planterra, they make pottery, build houses and do an amazing job at helping their community

We then went for an amazing lunch and finally got to our hotel for a practice hill walk at about 4:30

But now… the day is finally here and the big trek is about to start

Wish us luck!

03/10/2024

Day 3 Cusco: Bye Lima we’re leaving, hello Cusco time to practice breathing…

Yesterday was another day of traveling and we had to take a flight to Cusco which is around an hour or so away.
Cusco is at 3300m and we stayed overnight to help us acclimatise before moving to another hotel today. Main tips from our G adventures rep was to practice taking deep breaths and drink 3 litres of water. We also chose to get a prescription for some altitude sickness tablets with side effects of needing to go to the loo more, so between the 3 litres of water and the tablets, we’ve spent half the day finding a bathroom 🤣🤣

Once we arrived in Cusco we got 15 mins to take our bags to our room before going on an orientation walk around Cusco, this involved about a half an hour walk uphill to various points and stopping for a lovely lunch, one of the group decided to order Peru’s speciality dish Guinea Pig and some opted for Alpaca.
Simon and I are going to be spending some time with alpacas in the next few days and the guilt would be too strong so we couldn’t eat one, instead we both opted for belly pork.

We then went for our G adventures briefing, this is where we collect our bag and order rentals for our sleeping bag, mattress and walking poles. The porters will carry a maximum of 6.4kg which includes the bag, mattress and sleeping bags, this leaves us with 2.5kg of clothes for 4 days 😳
I’ve had great fun taking out the padding from my sports bras so I can trade them for a few pairs of knickers 🤣🤣🤣
Anything over our 2.5kg we have to carry ourselves and at this altitude it’s really important to be as light as we can be.

Today we’re heading to the Sacred Valley so we’ll talk about tomorrow

02/10/2024

Day 2 Lima: was all about coffee, markets and food, then things got real at the meeting with the G Adventures dude…

Yesterday we were booked on a cooking lesson tour, it actually started by walking to a local coffee shop to learn all about the different types of coffee and taste some samples, we now know the difference between premium, select and specialty coffees, (premium now doesn’t feel up to its namesake!)

After this we headed to a local food market, we saw so many new fruits and different coloured vegetables you just don’t see at your local tescos, our guide bought a few for us to taste, it was a bit like having our own bush tucker trial but thankfully they didn’t taste to bad 🤣🤣

Next was our cooking lesson of traditional Peruvian food, we made two meals causa and ceviche, we did not know you could cook fish with lime juice and no heat, both dishes tasted amazing and the Pisco Sour cocktail to go along with it was delicious 😋
Check out the pics, I think we did a great job 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

After a few beers we found a churros dessert place on the way back to the hotel, caramel churros are the next thing I plan on learning to make 😍

After an amazing day out we had our welcome meeting with the G adventures rep, the vibe certainly changed from relaxed to nervous, excited, questioning ourselves on whether our bodies could handle the altitude? can we drink 3 litres of water per day? can we handle a cold shower? can we keep up with the pace? Can we go to the bathroom outside? 😫

Ok, so what was obvious was that everyone had similar fears and we’re not alone, we’re in this together and reminding ourselves it’s for a great cause.

* 1 in 2 people will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime
* In the UK 55000 women and 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year
* 90% of people who die in the UK would benefit from palliative care and of the £1.6 billion needed each year to keep running only £0.5 billion comes from the government

The charities we’re supporting help those who are fighting cancer or close the the of their fight and ensure they have the dignity and love and support before they leave our world

Pink Ribbon and Halton Haven Hospice, this trek is for you and the growing number of people who will need you each year.

Thanks to those who have supported so far, we’re currently at £1038. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

You can still support us here…https://www.justgiving.com/team/simonanddebbieincatrail