50% travel, 50% charity, 100% meaningful
50% travel, 50% charity, 100% meaning July/August 2022
Out & proud
ISSUE 11
Discover some of the world's most LGBTQ-friendly countries and where to head to for a fun-filled holiday
SUSTAINABLE CITY BREAKS Is it possible to be eco-friendly on an urban holiday?
VOLUNTOURISM
Discover Charitable Travel's Big Holiday Help Hub
FAIRY TALE ITALY
Let Puglia's sun-soaked coast and ancient towns dazzle you
holiday
SEASON FROM THE EDITOR
Laura Gelder
As I stood in security at Gatwick this June, I marvelled at people’s determination to go on holiday. Despite the train strikes, cancelled flights and long queues, summer holiday season is in full swing! I was headed to Northern Ireland and flew home two days later from the Republic of Ireland, but I packed a lot in. I visited the Titanic Museum, took a Game of Thrones studio tour, enjoyed two cruises, explored a country house, went down a coal mine and tasted gin. These activities had one thing in common and it was the passionate locals who led them – like ex-coal miner Gerard, gleefully switching his torch off to demonstrate what real darkness looks like. You can’t beat a local’s recommendation either, and I really enjoyed reading the food-related tips from Girl About bloggers Lyndsey, Natacha and Sarah this month, proudly representing their home regions of the Yorkshire Dales, Surrey and Hampshire.
I don’t think I met a single person in Belfast who didn’t have a great story about being an extra on Game of Thrones Also in this issue, in honour of Pride, we’ve rounded up a list of countries that welcome LGBTQ travellers. Rainbow flags still have places to go, but you might be surprised by some of the entries. I can’t sign off without paying tribute to a legend in the charity world, Dame Deborah James, who sadly died on June 28. As I write this, her Bowelbabe fund on Just Giving has topped over £7 million in donations. It’s an incredible legacy she leaves behind, but it’s her bravery and boundless positivity she will be remembered for. She would want me to sign off with these three words: check your poo.
©CHARITABLE TRAVEL 2022. CHARITABLE TRAVELLER is part of CHARITABLE TRAVEL, Fundraising Futures Community Interest Company, Contingent Works, Broadway Buildings, Elmfield Road, Bromley, BR1 1LW, UK. Putting our profit to work supporting the work of charitable causes. T: 020 3092 1288 E: bookings@charitable.travel W: charitable.travel Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, CHARITABLE TRAVEL cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. FRONT COVER: istockphoto.com. ICONS: thenounproject.com & flaticon.com. CEO: Melissa Tilling; MARKETING: Rosie Buddell, Ally Ware & Adam Pedley; SALES: Ali Nicholls; MAGAZINE EDITOR: Laura Gelder; MAGAZINE DESIGNER: Claire Gates (clairegatesdesign@gmail.com)
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JULY/AUGUST 2022
50% travel, 50% charity, 100% meaningful
meaningful July/August 2022 50% travel, 50% charity, 100% ISSUE 11
Out & proud most Discover some of the world's where LGBTQ-friendly countries and to head to for a fun-filled holiday
SUSTAINABLE CITY BREAKS Is it possible to be eco-friendly on an urban holiday?
4 9 10
21 23 24 27
VOLUNTOURISM
Discover Charitable Travel's Big Holiday Help Hub
FAIRY TALE ITALY
Let Puglia's sun-soaked coast and ancient towns dazzle you
Get the picture Armchair travel LGBTQ travel: queer- friendly countries & great gaybourhoods Postcard from: Cairo Five... Royal residences Volunteerism: All about our Big Holiday Help Hub Why I donate: to Livability
28 31 32 34
INSIDE
this issue
In numbers: Dementia Four views of: Mexico Get to know: Zanzibar Q&A: Social enterprise Beresford Street Kitchen 36 Sustainable city breaks: Go urban but go green 43 Five... ways SPANA helps working animals 44 Holiday quiz for kids
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A day in the life: Callum, Sand Dams Worldwide 48 Get to know: Puglia 51 Opinion: Mark Bibby Jackson on Menorca 52 Girl About: Galavanting gourmet tips 55 Postcard from: Yellowstone 56 Top 10: Cruises to book now 60 Global good news
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Konnichiwa to escorted tours
This June Japan opened its borders to tourists for the first time since it shut down due to Covid-19 in early 2020. Visitors from select countries deemed ‘low risk’, including the UK, U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand, are now allowed to enter Japan along with students, business travellers and relatives of residents. You must, however, be in possession of a visa and be visiting as part of a package tour, where you are chaperoned by local guides. You’ll also be required to wear a mask much of the time. It’s hoped that the country will allow independent travellers to enter by autumn.
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BEACHES
LIBERTY STATE PARK
ESCAPE TO NEW JERSEY, THE FEEL-GREAT STATE Good-for-the-soul moments await in our world-famous destinations. Unwind on the Jersey Shore’s picture-perfect beaches and boardwalks. Be dazzled by Atlantic City’s casinos, live shows and nightlife. Savor unique cuisine, the Anthony Bourdain Food Trail and 200+ wineries, breweries and distilleries. Enjoy eclectic shops and theme parks, like those at American Dream. Add in Ivy League Princeton, Victorian Cape May, American Revolution landmarks, top-rated golf and so much more!
CAPE MAY
SHOPPING
Get your free official travel guide and explore at VisitNJ.org.
ATLANTIC CITY
HIGH POINT
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DINING
LUCY THE ELEPHANT
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Swiss goals A new long distance hiking trail, combining cities, lakes and mountains, has opened in Switzerland. The ViaBerna is about 187 miles long but has been split into 20 stages that range in length from 6.5 miles to 15 miles, and are helpfully rated as easy, moderate or difficult. The first five stages traverse the forested slopes of the Jura Mountains past windmills, gorges and old watch-making villages. It passes the Swiss capital of Bern, with its medieval old town, and the charming lakeside town of Thun (pictured). The track follows the shores of pretty lakes, including Thun and Wohlen, and crosses the Alps, ending at the panoramic Susten Pass.
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get the picture
Work from Venice
Digital nomads and remote workers are being encouraged to start working from Venice. The city’s population has shrunk from 174,000 in the 1950s down to 50,000, and it’s hoped an injection of young professionals will help boost the city’s economy and rejuvenate areas that have become more like a museum than a living city. Members of the new ‘Venywhere’ initiative pay a one-off fee to access to a concierge service which offers practical support and access to a number of work desks set up in historic buildings around Venice, including a former Renaissance convent. Open-air wifi spots around the city are also planned.
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WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING
This film adaptation of Delia Owens’ haunting novel is out in UK cinemas on July 22. Produced by Reese Witherspoon, it includes an original song written by Taylor Swift. The story centres on Kya Clark, a shy, poor and uneducated girl who has grown up mostly alone, abandoned by her family, alongside a North Carolina swamp. Part coming of age tale, part love story, part love letter to nature and part murder mystery, the tense plot will have you guessing until the end. The film was shot in the swamps around New Orleans and stars Daisy Edgar-Jones from the popular BBC adaptation of Normal People.
Film
HOW TO LIVE WHEN YOU COULD BE DEAD By Deborah James
The publication of this book, the second by campaigner and podcaster Dame Deborah James, was brought forward to August after she revealed in May that she didn’t have long left to live, and has become more poignant still since her death this June. It tells her inspirational and courageous story of living with incurable bowel cancer and how developing a positive mindset helped her through it. Deborah, also known as Bowelbabe, asks: “How do you flip your mind from a negative spiral into realistic and rebellious hope? How do you stop focusing on the why and realise that ‘why not me’ is just as valid a question?” For every book sold in the UK, £3 will go to Deborah’s Bowelbabe Fund.
Book
ARMCHAIR
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A tale of love and loss amongst nature, an inspiring manifesto from one of Britain’s bravest women, a Mexican cook book with heart, and an action comedy set in Japan
CIUDAD DE MEXICO: RECIPES AND STORIES FROM THE HEART OF MEXICO CITY
Book
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By Edson Diaz-Fuentes
A celebration of the rich flavours and culinary traditions of Mexico through the lens of its capital city, this book takes you on a whirlwind tour of flavours and locations. Divided into chapters by time of day, chef Edson Diaz-Fuentes shares some of the culinary highlights of his childhood as well as some cocktail ideas. Ciudad de Mexico unveils the complexities of Mexican cuisine and the rich food culture that unites the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City. As well as stunning location photography, the book has a section on marinades, rubs and salsas and a handy substitution guide for Mexican ingredients.
BULLET TRAIN
In cinemas from August 4, Bullet Train is an action-packed comedic crime caper starring Brad Pitt as an unlucky assassin dubbed Ladybug. The protagonist is determined to see his latest job through without a hitch after some disastrous gigs in the past, but the mission goes awry as he encounters villain after villain, all while he’s travelling on the world’s fastest train in Japan. The movie, based on a Japanese graphic novel, is directed by stunt man David Leitch, who also helmed Deadpool 2 and produced John Wick. It features an impressive ensemble cast, including Sandra Bullock as Ladybug’s handler.
Film
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lgbtq travel
For the LGBTQ community, being made to feel welcome when you’re on holiday is not always taken for granted. Here’s our round-up of some of the world’s countries that embrace queer culture in their own way unique way
Jasmine Sessler
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Rainbow nations 10
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lgbtq travel
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ISRAEL
In a region that is notorious for being one of the least gay-friendly places in the world, Israel stands out like a rainbow beacon. Tel Aviv is at the centre of the country’s LGBTQ scene and thanks to its ingredients of hip, cosmopolitan city plus beach, it’s actively promoted as a queer-friendly holiday destination. Hilton Beach, just under the Hilton Hotel, is one of the city’s LGBTQ hotspots, a vibrant and buzzing stretch of sand crammed with tanning bodies, volleyball players and windsurfers. Not far from cosmopolitan Rothschilde Boulevard, with its Bauhaus buildings and al fresco cafes, Shpagat Tel Aviv is one of the city’s most famous gay bars, serving coffee by day and cocktails by night, with DJs on the decks. Tel Aviv Pride takes place in June, culminating in a joyous, kaleidoscopic festival of music and performances attended by tens of thousands of revellers.
REYKJAVIK
Heloise Delbos
ICELAND
This is a country who had the world’s first openly gay head of parliament - Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, who was voted in back in 2009. Laugavegur Street is the capital Reykjavik’s LGBTQ centre (but venues across the city are inclusive), and is home to the rainbow-fronted Kiki, the city’s oldest gay night spot. Other LGBTQ venues include Curious, a queerfriendly space with a café and restaurant serving vegan dishes, and lesbian-owned Ida Zimsen, a cosy café/book-store/giftshop. Iceland’s entire population is less than 400,000 but it’s overwhelmingly accepting of the LGBTQ community.
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Mardis Gras
Juliette F
lgbtq travel
AUSTRALIA
With one of the most famous LGBTQ events in the world – the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade – Sydney, and Australia in general, has always been a destination of diversity. From the city centre to the suburbs, Sydney has many colourful communities celebrating gay, trans and queer culture. Collingwood and South Yarra in Melbourne, Fortitude Valley and New Farm in Brisbane and Northbridge in Perth also have buzzing LGBTQ communities. Sydney’s Oxford Street is closed to traffic for one day every March, when the legendary glitter-drenched Mardi Gras sweeps through, but cafes, bars, late night clubs and shops sport rainbow flags year-round. Melbourne’s equivalent event is the Midsumma Festival, which stretches for 22 days in January and February.
Canada is easily the most progressive nation in the Americas when it comes to LGBTQ rights. Toronto is Canada’s largest city and has a vibrant gay scene which even its straight prime minister has got involved in - Justin Trudeau was the first PM to take part in the city’s annual gay pride parade in 2016! The Village, located in the city’s Church-Wellesley area, is the hub of LGBTQ Toronto, where brightly-painted buildings are fronted with fluttering rainbow flags. The area is stuffed full of galleries, theatres and gay-friendly businesses. Don’t miss Glad Day Bookshop, North America’s oldest surviving gay and lesbian-focused bookstore; a drag show at Crews & Tangos, and a drink at Woody’s, the Village’s most famous gay bar. Vancouver’s queer community is concentrated in two distinct neighbourhoods – Davie Village, home to many gay bars, and the bohemian Commercial Drive, an area bursting with alternative boutiques, tattoo parlours, bars, restaurants and theatres. Le Village in Montreal is the largest gay community in North America. It mixes the city’s unique Victorian architecture with eye-popping boutiques and funky bars and cafes.
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Connor Samuel
CANADA
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SAFARI WILDERNESS – Lakeland, FL
LEGOLAND® FLORIDA RESORT – Winter Haven, FL
WESTGATE RIVER RANCH RESORT – Lake Wales, FL
Where Small Toys Lead To Big Adventures. When it comes to incredible outdoor fun that your whole family will love, Florida’s Sweetest Spot delivers—every time. Discover our attractions, activities, animals and more at VisitCentralFlorida.com—including the new Peppa Pig Theme Park located steps from LEGOLAND® Florida Resort’s front gate and opening in 2022.
Malta tops the European Rainbow index every year
Nick Fewings
lgbtq travel
MALTA
MELLIEHA
Malta topped the European Rainbow Map Index (a measure of how friendly European countries’ laws are with the LGBTQ community) for the seventh year in a row this year. In 2016 it became the first country in the European Union to ban conversion therapy and it has some of the strongest rights in the world for trans and intersex people. The island’s gay scene is strong too. The main place to party is Paceville in St. Julian’s (home to island’s biggest gay club, Michelangelo), but the honey-stone capital Valletta has the largest number of LGBTQ bars and clubs – like 1920s prohibition-style cocktail bar the Thirsty Barber and Maori, a lesbian-owned bar on the waterfront which hosts queer dancing nights and is a hangout for local artists, poets, and musicians. Malta Gay Pride takes place in September and encompasses everything from pride football tournaments to street parades.
ARGENTINA
The first country in Latin America to legalise same sex marriage (in 2010), Argentina also has some of the world’s most progressive attitudes when it comes to transgender rights and most recently recognised a third gender on identity documents for people who identify as non-binary. Leafy and artsy Palermo is considered to be the main gay area of the capital Buenos Aires, but there are queer-friendly venues across the city. Going to see – or dance – the tango at a queer tango milonga is a must. These LGBTQ-friendly versions of the traditional dance hall show that gender doesn’t trump free expression when it comes to this sultry dance. There are also smaller gay scenes in Mendoza, Córdoba, Puerto Madryn and Rosario – Mendoza even has a gay grape harvesting festival.
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PALERMO, BUENOS
AIRES
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THAILAND
Thai-style entertainment
Yns Plt
Thais are famously accepting of samesex relationships and the country has a large and open transgender community. Bangkok is Thailand’s LGBTQ epicentre and Silom Street the pulsing heart. Down Silom Soi 4 there are myriad bars - everything from outrageous drag shows to karaoke. Revellers start here before heading to Silom Soi 2 and the biggest gay dance club, DJ Station. Down south, Phuket island’s rowdiest resort Patong is full of speedo-clad guys and raunchy shows. More outrageous still is the beach resort Pattaya, home to the famous cabaret Tiffany’s Show, which also hosts two renowned beauty pageants for drag queens and transgender women: Miss Tiffany’s Universe and Miss International Queen. Close by, Koh Samet island is a great place to unwind in peace.
Building libraries and learning centres in Kenya is more than just providing books to children and adults alike. Our libraries are community managed, to help foster a sense of collective ownership and to improve literacy across all ages. Help us to inspire children and empower adults. charitable.travel/just-be-a-child
lgbtq travel TAIPEI’S RAOCHE NIGHT MARKET
TAIWAN
Vernon Rainiel
The first place in Asia to legalise same sex marriage (in 2019) this disputed Pacific island is still conservative in parts but its capital, Taipei, has a thriving gay scene. Trans rights are also streets ahead of other Asian countries. Audrey Tang, Digital Minister of Taiwan, was the first openly trans government minister in the world. The Red House in Taipei’s Wanhua District is effectively the city’s gay village. Formerly a public market, the historic building is bursting with gay bars, cafés and restaurants with outdoor terraces. Taipei Pride is the largest gay festival in Asia, taking place in October along with the Mr Gay Taiwan pageant. The city’s Rabbit Temple is described as ‘the world’s only shrine to homosexuals’ and is dedicated to Chinese god Tu’er Shen, who manages same sex love and relationships!
Kyle from the north
SOUTH AFRICA
CAMP’S BAY, CAPE TOWN
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While Africa lags behind other continents when it comes to acceptance of LGBTQ people, South Africa is happily setting an example. Nelson Mandela put the wheels in motion by introducing the first ever constitution to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. In 2003 the country gave citizens the right to change gender legally and in 2006 gay marriage was introduced. Cape Town and Johannesburg have the largest LGBTQ communities. Somerset Road – or ‘The Strip’ – runs through Green Point and De Waterkant in Cape Town and is lined with about 100 LGBTQfriendly venues and bars that thrum into the early hours. Beefcakes is a 1950s-style diner boasting great burgers and a side of stand-up comedy, drag queens, and ‘bitchy bingo’ evenings. Johannesburg Pride is the largest and most established on the continent. BOOKINGS@CHARITABLE.TRAVEL / RESERVATIONS: 020 3092 1288
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lgbtq travel
Saul Mercado
COLOMBIA
Colombia’s gay and trans rights are some of the most advanced in the Americas. Same sex marriage was legalised in 2016, there are laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation and since 2015 Colombians have been free to change gender without medical or psychological examination. Capital Bogota has the country’s biggest queer scene, centred in the Chapinero area which hosts the 5,000 capacity Theatron, purportedly the biggest gay club in Latin America. Medellin, the so-called city of eternal spring, has transformed from a place of drug wars to one of flower festivals and a substantial gay scene, in buzzy El Poblado. Cali (Colombia’s salsa capital) and Caribbean Cartagena also have LGBTQ-friendly communities and Barranquilla’s world famous carnival has a dedicated parade for LGBTQ revellers.
YOU LEARN TO USE YOUR OWN VOICE. EMPOWERING ADVOCACY FOR BETTER CARE
At Mayah’s Legacy, we provide person-centred support. We help you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to effectively manage and make informed decisions about your own health and care. We are collaborating with professionals to introduce a series of webinars that explore self-advocacy, self-compassion and selfawareness. We want to help you gain the confidence to communicate your needs, and we encourage you to choose the path of care and well being that works for you. We want to help you embrace hope as you move forward on the path of grief.
Mayah's Legacy We also provide individual support if you need to speak to someone about your concerns. We respond to the challenge you face by listening and signposting accordingly.
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lgbtq travel
the Castro is San Franciso’s most famous gaybourhood
THE USA
SAN FRANCISCO
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This huge country is a mass of contradictions, encompassing some of the most gayfriendly places on the planet alongside places where homophobia and transphobia is rampant. The disparity is such that the Spartacus Gay Travel Index, which ranks the legal situation and living conditions for members of the queer community, published a separate guide for U.S. states. In 2021, California, Illinois, Colorado, Nevada and New York made up the top five. San Francisco and New York City’s gay scenes are legendary (the Stonewall movement started in the latter’s Greenwich Village). Less known ‘gaybourhoods’ are found in Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida, Provincetown in Massachusetts, The South End in Boston, West Hollywood in LA, Boystown in Chicago, Capitol Hill in Denver and Philadelphia’s Gayborhood.
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QUIRKY GAUDI ARCHITECTURE
Ingrid Martinussen
SPAIN
The third country in the world to legalise gay marriage (in 2005), a year later Spain passed laws that allow transgender people to change their gender in public documents without having to undergo any surgery. The capital Madrid has a huge LGBTQ community, concentrated in Chueca which is packed with gay bars and night clubs. Every July Madrid hosts the largest gay pride in Europe, Orgullo, drawing a crowd of nearly two million people. In Barcelona’s Eixample area of the city is Gaixample, where the majority of the gay bars and clubs are and the rainbow flags fly all year round. Sitges, just down the coast from Barcelona, is a beach town that is one of the world’s most popular gay travel destinations.
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CAIRO
Omar Elsharawy
domes & minarets in the dust
Ancient treasures
Outside, Cairo thrummed with energy. The traffic was sluggish and antagonistic, belting out exhaust fumes and a cacophony of horns. My taxi swept past dingy shop fronts, but above were wrought iron balconies and green shutters like Paris. Seconds later, as we swept over a flyover, I looked down on a gaudy market street that was 100% African. We drove to the Egyptian Museum, Cairo’s current home for antiquities, housed in a pink stone building. Inside is an astounding collection of
In Restaurant Naguib Mahfouz, fez-topped waiters serve chargrilled ans Naomi Koelem
chicken, crisp falafel and silky hummus with warm, crusty flat breads
The Egyptian Museum
The labyrinthine Khan El Khalili Bazaar is filled with dimly-lit stalls, piled high with brass lanterns, carpets, silk scarves and spices
Spencer Davis
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By Laura Gelder
Grand plans
On a tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), I saw Tutankhamun’s flip flops! Golden and jewelled, the thong sandals wouldn’t look out of place in my local branch of Accessorize, yet they’re over 3,000 years old. When it finally opens, after years of delays, GEM will be the largest archaeological museum in the world and house the first full collection of the young pharaoh’s treasures. The vast, ultramodern building is a short drive from the pyramids, monolithic Toblerone tombs that stand like ancient sentries between the city and the desert. Behind the scenes in GEM’s restoration labs, I saw delicate papyruses painted with mesmerising hieroglyphics, and ornate furniture intended for a luxurious afterlife. Off clinical corridors were various rooms, signs indicating a speciality: ‘wood’, ‘fabric’ and ‘human remains’. I spied a whitecoated Egyptologist bent over a wizened mummy through the tiny window in the last. And in the chilled still of the stone restoration room, rows of statues – kings and queens, gods and goddesses – stood together and stared.
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statues, some so huge and monolithic it’s hard to imagine how they got inside. Upstairs, vaulted ceilings and archways gave way to galleries lined with dusty wooden cabinets displaying artefacts ranging from broken pottery to scarab beetles studded with softly gleaming gems. The pièce de résistance was Tutankhamun’s gold mask. The eyes are lined with lapiz lasuli, making the whites sparkle and his huge, obsidian pupils stare defiantly. The opening of GEM will be exciting but this evocative treasure trove will surely never be replaced.
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Come live life to the fullest. One thing is for sure, we really know to live it up down here, and we’re never in shot supply of things to celebrate. From meals to music to Mother Nature – Louisiana is full of joy and we’re always happy to share.
Come one, come y’all – Come feed your soul in Louisiana. Visit LouisianaTravel.com and plan your good times getaway today. ©2022 Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism
Brittany Chasta gnier
If you’re still gripped by Platinum Jubilee fever, book a trip to check out one these opulent royal residences
HAMPTON COURT PALACE The magnificent Hampton Court Palace in Surrey was the favoured royal residence of the notoriously dangerousto-wed Henry VIII. You can immerse yourself in the public and private dramas of Tudor life in the grand rooms of this baroque building. Explore the magnificent Great Hall, learn about Tudor cooking in the fascinating kitchens, lose yourself in the famous Hampton Court Maze and discover a record-breaking grape vine in the beautiful gardens. If you’re a Bridgerton fan, you’ll find some of the filming locations here.
SANDRINGHAM HOUSE & ESTATE This Norfolk residence is where the Queen chooses to spend Christmas with her family. Since 1862 it has been the private home of four generations of monarchs and was once described as ‘the most comfortable house in England’. The stunning, dog-friendly Royal Parkland and the shop and eateries at the Courtyard are open all year. The house, its pretty gardens with sweeping lawns and lakes, and St. Mary Magdalene Church are open April to October (but closed Fridays). You can also enjoy afternoon tea here, with much of the ingredients produced on the estate. Claudio Poggio
YOU NEED TO VISIT
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Royal residences PALACE OF HOLYROOD HOUSE Now the Queen’s official residence in Scotland but best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, who was married here. You can explore her bedchamber and see the Supper Room where she witnessed the brutal killing of her secretary by her jealous husband. You can also see where Bonnie Prince Charlie entertained in 1745. This summer there is a bonus exhibition of her Majesty’s iconic Jubilee outfits and some of her dazzling jewels.
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BUCKINGHAM PALACE The official residence of the Queen, though purportedly not her favourite place to be, Buckingham Palace is open to the public from the end of July to September. You can tour the lavish State Rooms, have a nose around the garden and see some treasures from the Royal Collection too. If you visit this summer you’ll find a special Platinum Jubilee exhibition, showcasing some of the Queen’s opulent jewellery and some iconic portraits. If you don’t make it inside you can join the crowds to watch the Changing the Guard ceremony. It takes place daily from April to July, and on alternate days for the rest of the year.
WINDSOR CASTLE Not only is Windsor Castle the Queen’s favoured weekend residence, it’s also the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Highlights inside include the State Apartments, with the grand ceremonial rooms where the Queen hosts heads of state from around the world; St George’s Chapel (the burial ground of 10 monarchs and the setting for many royal weddings) and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Don’t miss the chance to explore Windor Great Park which has incredible views of the castle from its famous Long Walk, a dead straight tree-lined avenue stretching into the distance. BOOKINGS@CHARITABLE.TRAVEL / RESERVATIONS: 020 3092 1288
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voluntourism
THE BIG
Holiday Help Hub Charitable Travel is championing Voluntourism, a form of travel in which travellers give up some or all of their holiday time to participate in voluntary work, and we created a hub to inspire you The Big Holiday Help Hub is one place on the Charitable Travel website where we are gathering a world of voluntourism opportunities. The hub lists volunteering projects you can join under geographical areas, to help you find a way to give back to local communities or the environment wherever you’re choosing to holiday. The hub will expand as we find new voluntourism experiences around the world, but you can be sure there is something for you. Whether you want to spend a few hours helping with a beach clean-up, or lend your skills to helping a community in need for the duration
of your trip, these voluntourism projects will help you make a positive impact when you travel. Charitable Travel can help you plan and book your next holiday and we can tailor your trip to allow you time to get involved in a voluntourism project, which you will need to arrange directly with the non-profit. If you know of a project which welcomes volunteers which isn’t on our hub, please share the details with us so we can add it. And to inspire you to book a voluntourism holiday, here are just some of the projects that we feature...
Be a citizen who advances science Show you care in Thailand
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Expedition cruise line Hurtigruten loves to get its guests involved with conservation and education programmes. Its ships are the perfect platform for scientific research – having access to remote regions of the world and onboard experts at hand means it can provide invaluable data to the scientific community – with your help of course. Projects you can join cover subjects like understanding Antarctic seabirds’ life cycles, observing and recording how clouds respond to climate change, or tracking whales to understand their behaviour and distribution.
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The Sarojin is a luxurious hotel in Khao Lak, Thailand, that offers its guests the chance to give back to the local community by joining staff on their regular ‘Sarojin Cares’ days off-resort. You can volunteer for programmes which help to clean coastal areas, waterfalls and local towns, or join a community outreach day at a day care facility for disabled children. One of the regular activities the team contributes to is the Mangrove Forest Planting Project in Baan Nam Kem, which was set up by local fishermen following the 2004 tsunami. Here, you can plant new trees to help restore this vital ecosystem.
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Ensure Greece stays wild
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voluntourism
ARCTUROS is a non-profit organisation focused on the protection of wildlife and natural habitats in Greece and abroad. It was originally created to solve the problem of bear and wolf imprisonment, and today offers many volunteering opportunities as it continues to take action to protect and manage wildlife. ARCTUROS requires a minimum 15 days from its volunteers but you will be richly rewarded with the opportunity to get involved in its projects as well as being provided with accommodation and training. You can join fieldwork expeditions, observing bears or wolves in the wild, or work at the bear and wolf shelter, assisting visitors or taking care of the residents.
Help a South African community stay healthy As part of Themba Volunteering Holidays, this project focuses on health and wellbeing for the Strand community near Cape Town. It all started in 2003, when a young mother died of Aids, leaving her children behind. As more young people tested positive, the community created a support group. You’ll be assisting the Phambili non-profit to continue to promote health, social and economic wellbeing in the community. The project is for two weeks (but can be extended up to four weeks) and your accommodation will be in a Victorian-style B&B 800 metres from the beach. The project is looking for compassionate volunteers for everything from administration to gardening. You’ll assist the community from 8am-2pm Monday to Friday and have the rest of your time free to explore.
Save the bay in Rhode Island When a small group of concerned citizens came together to fight an oil refinery proposed for the shores of Tiverton, Rhode Island, Save The Bay was born. Today the non-profit organisation’s mission is carried out through three areas of work: advocacy, education, and habitat restoration and adaptation. Every year, more than 4,000 volunteers play a vital role in this and you can get involved with shoreline cleanups, habitat restoration and event support.
Be a reef buddy in Grenada
As long as you are 18 years old or more you can participate in an important marine conservation project in Carriacou, a sister island to Grenada. Caribbean Reef Buddy is an organisation dedicated to the development of knowledge relating to the complex marine ecosystems in the Caribbean. The non-profit organisation runs its volunteer programme for five months, from May to September, and provides volunteers with the complete training they need to take part in ongoing marine and coral reef conservation projects. You can help the reefs and see some of Grenada’s finest sights in the process.
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Neurofibromatosis
What's it like having over 26,500 people rely on you? Ask Rachel. She’s one of just 12 specialist advisors working with Nerve Tumours UK, supporting every person with neurofibromatosis in the UK. Rachel could do with your help. Neurofibromatosis is one of the most common neuro-genetic conditions that causes tumours to grow on nerve endings, with many associated medical, physical and psychological conditions. People live in constant pain, are vulnerable and often isolated. Nerve Tumours UK is the national charity helping those with the condition from first diagnosis throughout their lives.
To find out how you can help, go to nervetumours.org.uk
WHY I
donate
Ian Deaville, owner of Rourke Cycles, uses the shop’s annual cycle event, the
Icons from www.flaticon.com - Heart charity by Freepik
Cat and Fiddle Challenge, to raise money for disability charity Livability The Cat and Fiddle Challenge was started by Brian Rourke, founder of Rourke Cycles, in order to raise money for a customer’s child who had cystic fibrosis. I bought the shop four years ago and now manage the event too, which is in its 20th year. We’ve chosen to raise money for Livability because we really believe in what they do. Disabled people in the UK are supported with funding which covers basic welfare, like putting a roof over their head, or giving them a wheelchair, but what Livability does is actually enhance people’s lives. They take people out on trips, organise social events and do simple things like provide Alexas for people’s rooms. We work with a sister company to make tricycles for disabled people or those who struggle to balance, and it makes you realise that disabilities affect far more people than you think. We’re still building the Cat and Fiddle Challenge back up after covid but pre-pandemic we had up to 1,500 participants. The event will take place on September 11 this year. It costs £25 to enter and all the money goes
people who love to Livability, as well as the proceeds raising money for from our cool cycle jersey which lets charity. We’ve had you show off your involvement in this one person do it legendary ride (or pretend you did it!). on a BMX bike The route is just over 60 miles and and another on a involves 1,300 metres of climbing vintage butcher’s – more than going up Snowdon! It bike! In 20 years starts and ends at Port Vale Football we’ve raised over Club’s ground in Burslem, and winds £700,000. through the beautiful Peak District. Livability runs There is a famous seven-mile hill climb 37 residential homes, a specialist towards the Cat and Fiddle pub and it school, a brain rehabilitation centre, a also passes through Flash, the highest further education college, a wellbeing village in England. This year we’ve centre and supported living services, added an alternative, gentler route, to providing care, education and encourage older or less able cyclists to rehabilitation to over 1,000 people get involved. It covers 50 miles but living with complex and only 500 metres of ascent, severe disabilities every out to the huge satellite day. We’re so pleased dish at Jodrell Bank. to support a charity We have people that helps disabled travelling from all Livability says it’s never just one people to become around the UK to do thing. It’s the sum of many things more confident, the event because – mobility, freedom, education, motivated and it’s one of the best employment, friendship and more. independent, and places to cycle in the It all adds up to livability. enables them to country and a true livability.org.uk/cat live the life they challenge, but we want to lead. also attract passionate
What makes life liveable?
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DEMENTIA
in numbers
Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity. Dementia is not a disease but a word used to describe a group of symptoms that occur when brain cells stop working properly. However, dementia is caused by diseases. The charity funds research to understand more about these diseases, aiming to improve our ability to diagnose them and find ways to reduce risk and develop life-changing new treatments.
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MOST PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA ARE OVER 65 AND THE LIKELIHOOD OF DEVELOPING DEMENTIA RISES WITH AGE. HOWEVER, IN THE UK OVER 40,000 PEOPLE UNDER 65 HAVE DEMENTIA TOO
Symptoms of dementia can include: 1. Memory loss 2. Changes in behaviour 3. Confusion & disorientation 4. Delusions & hallucinations 5. Difficulty communicating 6. Problems judging speeds & distances 7. Problems with balance & movement 28
FOR EVERY DEMENTIA RESEARCHER THERE ARE FOUR CANCER RESEARCHERS The number of people with dementia is predicted to rise
Alzheimer’s Research UK is bringing together more than 2,000 scientists from 47 different universities and research institutions across the UK into 15 virtual centres of scientific excellence
Around 95% of all cases dementia are due to Alzheimer vascular dementia, dementia w bodies and frontotemporal de
Two thirds of all dementia cases by Alzheimer’s (symptoms can changes in memory, low mood, communicating, and hallucin
Two in ten cases of dementia is Vascular Dementia (symptoms c movement problems, instabil falls, personality changes being slower in thinking
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There are currently
944,000
people with dementia in the UK. Every day, almost 600 people in the UK develop dementia and they are more likely to be women than men
1M BY 2030 4M BY 2040 6M BY 2050
£117,566,000 ...Alzheimer’s Research UK’s total funding commitment from 1992 to 2018/19.
Dementia costs the UK economy
£25 BILLION
each year – projected to almost double to £47bn by 2050.
1/4
of hospital beds are occupied by people living with dementia who are over 65
s of r’s disease, with Lewy ementia.
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Up to 40% of dementia cases are linked to modifiable factors we can influence ourselves. Risk factors for dementia are similar to those for cardiovascular disease. For a healthy brain and heart: don’t smoke keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control be active daily and exercise regularly maintain a healthy weight eat a healthy balanced diet drink fewer than 14 units of alcohol per week
If the UK government put the equivalent of
1% OF THIS £25 BILLION towards research (£250million) it would more than triple the current investment in dementia research
12%
12% OF ALL DEATHS ARE CAUSED BY ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND OTHER DEMENTIAS
FIND OUT MORE: CHARITABLE.TRAVEL/ ALZHEIMERS-RESEARCH-UK
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JOIN US ON
k al w d r the boa
Charitable Travel’s Travel Insider Podcasts (TIPs) invites you to join us in America’s most beloved and fun-loving seaside resort – Atlantic City. Whether you need something to listen to at the airport, you’re stuck at home wishing you were on holiday, or you’re back from your travels and already planning the next trip, TIPs is here to inspire you. In the latest episode, host Laura Gelder, editor of Charitable Traveller magazine, gets the local lowdown from Heather and Meg, two Atlantic City residents who share what to see, do and eat in their home town.
Local lore
This all-American playground is famous for its golden beaches, retro boardwalk – with all the fun of the fair – and of course its glamorous casinos, but we find out about some of the more unusual attractions too. Find out what a jitney is and how you can use one in Atlantic City; discover where one of the world’s best cheese steaks can be found (no, it’s not Philadelphia!), and learn who Lucy the Elephant is and why she’s such a legend in AC.
Next departure to...
Keep an eye out for our next TIPs episodes too, covering arts and culture-rich beach town Sarasota, in Florida, and the beautifully green and exceedingly friendly Ireland.
Listen, follow and subscribe - wherever you get your podcasts charitable.travel/travel-insider-podcast
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
BAJA CALIFORNIA
In Mexico’s central highlands, this colonial city is famous for its baroque Spanish architecture. Crowned by the pink spires and turrets of La Parroquia church, the cobbled streets are lined with colourful buildings and pretty plazas and parks. The city comes alive after 11pm, when rooftop bars flow with tequila and street food stalls sizzle.
A long, thin peninsula stretching from California, this sparsely populated region is home to barren deserts, remote beaches melting into the Sea of Cortez and mountains where condors soar. The exclusive beach resort of Cabo San Lucas, at the tip, has a dramatic coast of jagged rock formations.
Four views of MEXICO YUCATAN
Though this state is famous for its golden Caribbean beaches and ancient Mayan ruins, what makes it unusual are its proliferation of cenotes. The limestone sinkholes were revered by the Mayans as sacred wells and today draw explorers for their beauty. Some are shallow, like jungle swimming pools, while others are deep cathedral-like caverns smothered in vines.
From the Pacific to the Caribbean, the desert to the steamy jungle, Mexico has an ancient but rich culture
ZAPOTITLÁN SALINAS
This desert territory is part of the TehuacánCuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, a series of arid but diverse mountain ranges. The Helia Bravo Hollis Botanical Gardens has hills studded with thousands of columnshaped cacti, and local cuisine includes cactus flowers in vinegar. The region is also famous for its vivid night skies.
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Get to know
Zaynep Gokalp
CH LOCALS ENJOYING THE BEA
Zanzibar
Fusion foods
Floating off East Africa’s Swahili Coast, Zanzibar has been a historic trade hub and cultural melting pot for centuries and is now Tanzania’s tropical island idyll. As well as swaying palms and sugary beaches, the island is home to dense mangroves humming with life, aromatic spice plantations and villages and towns melding Arabic architecture with African verve.
Seaside paradise
LAUNCHING A DHOW BOAT
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One of the best places to get a taste of Zanzibar is Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town. At dusk, food vendors set up their stalls and soon the smell of sizzling seafood and kebabs, spicy samosas, and Zanzibar pizza (more like a savoury filled pancake) fills the air. The island is renowned for its octopus, cooked in curry or grilled on a skewer; Indian dishes like biryani; Persian snacks like baba ganoush or falafel; Swahili doughnuts (often flavoured with a hint of cardamom) and Urojo soup, an orange mango-spiked stew which can include boiled potatoes, chick-pea dumplings, fried cassava and tamarind sauce.
In between Zanzibar’s pretty fishing villages lie beautiful white sand beaches. Paje is popular with kite surfers; at Nungwi you’ll see traditional dhow boats being built; at Matemwe locals harvest seaweed and sell Swahili snacks from rickety shacks and at Kiwengwa, low tide sees rock pools crammed with jewellike starfish and anemones revealed.
Alessandra Sio
What’s it all about?
Crispin Jones
Icons from www.flaticon.com - Sourcing world by Freepik; Web by Pixel perfect; Map location by Stockes Design; Map pointer by DinosoftLabs, Church by Andrejs Kirma
Humphrey Muleba
ZANZIBAR
SIZZLING SEAF OOD
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STONE TOWN STREETS
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And another thing... Raissa Lara Lutolf Fasel
Zanzibar City is the capital of Zanzibar and Stone Town is its oldest part. This area was once where the capital of Oman was located and the unique cultural influences wrought here – from Arabia, India, Europe and Africa – are apparent in the architecture. Towering limestone houses, pockmarked with age, enclose narrow pedestrian alleys punctuated by intricately carved wood doors with ornate brass fittings. Religious buildings include an Anglican cathedral with gothic and Islamic details; a French catholic cathedral with twin spires, and Malindi Mosque with its cone-shaped stone minaret. Other sights include the Hamamni Persian Baths, the Arab Fort (with the remains of a Portuguese church inside) and the Old Dispensary, a spectacular colonial building with wrought iron balconies. The Darjani Bazaar is at the centre of Stone Town’s bustling commerce, selling exotic spices, fruit, vegetables and meat, as well as coffee, soap and souvenirs.
The Rock is a restaurant perched on a jagged outcrop in the sea, reached by boat at high tide and serving seafood, with a mix of Italian and Zanzibar flavours
All things spice
Zanzibar has had all sorts of exotic plants introduced to its fertile soil and you can visit one of the island’s plantations to see the array of herbs, spices and fruits which thrive there. Spices grown on the island include cloves, ginger, cinnamon and cardamom. You’ll see fields of pineapple, avocado trees and coffee plants and be able to try fresh fruit like papaya, mango and custard apple.
THE ROCK RESTAURANT SPICES FOR SALE
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Mathias Katz
PARK HYATT ZANZIBAR In the heart of Stone Town, this hotel is set in the former manor of a wealthy Omani trader. The décor blends Arabesque, African and Indian and the cuisine is fusion.
A CORAL-FRINGED BEACH
City set in stone
Patrick Mueller
MATEMWE LODGE Zanzibar’s original eco-resort has an exclusive 12 villas with local touches, like woven rugs and antiques, and two pools, all perched on a coral cliff opposite the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation area.
Rare fauna
Zanzibar’s Jozani Forest is home to the very rare red colobus monkey, which sports a shaggy monochrome body with a bright red back. The forest is criss-crossed by boardwalks and also home to colourful birds, butterflies, the duiker antelope and the tiny bush baby. Zanzibar’s pristine seas hide green turtles, bottlenose dolphins and many vivid reef fish. Med J
THE RESIDENCE ZANZIBAR With its huge, seemingly floating infinity pool, this luxury resort has 66 private villas set in a huge estate bursting with tropical flora, set above a dazzling white beach.
Temidayo
Check out these great places to stay…
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A SLICE
of the action Beresford Street Kitchen employs adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. CEO, Gabby Ellmers, tells us all about it
WHAT IS BERESFORD STREET KITCHEN?
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BSK is a social enterprise in Jersey that provides education, training and employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities and/ or autism. We want an inclusive workforce, where everyone can maximize their potential, get recognised for their skills and be regarded positively and with respect. We opened our flagship 80-seat café in St Helier in August 2017 with a crew of 16 people with learning disabilities and/or autism, and immediately had a waiting list. We opened a Catering Workshop above the cafe that October and in April 2018 a Print Workshop, where we produce branded garments, mugs, merchandise and uniforms. In December 2018 we took on a contract to run the canteen at Jersey Police HQ and we do catering
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for corporate and charity events, weddings and christenings – we even did a reception for Princess Anne! These events allow crew to demonstrate their skills to a wider audience. We currently have 50 crew.
WHERE DID THE IDEA COME FROM?
Only 5.1% of adults with a learning disability known to their local authority in England are in paid work. BSK was established in 2015 by a group of founding directors, all of whom shared a vision of creating a real working environment where people with learning disabilities and/ or autism could train and work.
HOW DO YOU TRAIN YOUR CREW?
When crew start at BSK they go on a 12-week Discover Programme, trying the BSK café, the Catering Workshop
and the Print Workshop on a fourweek rotation. They also attend a class each week to develop life skills. After this, they work with the training team to decide which area they are best suited to and start their next placement. Crew work alongside Training Mentors, who teach them things like barista skills, using tills, food safety and printing techniques.
WHAT IS YOUR IMPACT ON CREW MEMBERS?
After becoming a BSK crew member, 79% feel more valued, 82% have more friends, 50% have joined new social and sports clubs, and 100% think their job makes other people happy and feel supported and listened to by BSK staff. Overall, crew report a 21% increase in life satisfaction, and an average score higher than that of a non-disabled islander in Jersey. Everyone’s experience is as unique
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as they are. Crew member Sam Cross told us how he loves meeting new people, his maths has improved and he enjoys earning money so he can go out with his friends. Cassie’s mum, Rosemary, told us she saw an instant improvement in her daughter’s selfconfidence. The job helped Cassie to see that mistakes are a part of learning – not failing – and gave her a sense of purpose and belonging.
WHAT IS CUSTOMER FEEDBACK LIKE?
Really positive. Many started to use our services because of the social value in their spending, but they come back because of the quality and customer service. We won the Sure Customer Service Awards in the Food & Drink category for two years running!
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Helping crew to move on to open employment. There are still many barriers in society and in access to work for people with learning disabilities and/or autism. Last year, two crew members with four years’ training started applying for jobs when the hospitality industry was on its knees, with over 250 vacancies to fill, but they got very little response and felt dejected. One removed BSK from their CV and instantly got interviews. We need the community to stand with them so we can create a more inclusive workforce.
paying customers and those in need through a pay-it-forward scheme. In June 2020 we opened La Hougue Bie Tea Rooms. It’s designed to be a springboard where the crew who are closest to open employment can work with more responsibility and independence. Despite the lack of tourists when we opened, the locals turned out in force to support us.
WHAT IS BSK’S BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
Creating and launching our bespoke Learning for Life adult education programme during the pandemic. We co-produced it over nine months with a small group of crew, three of whom left for open employment after. We opened classrooms in September 2021 and so far we have a 100% retention rate for learners. The crew make me proud every day with their skills development and growth in confidence and independence. When someone gets a job outside BSK it’s a great feeling.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We aim to work closely with other agencies and potential onward
a a t c us e s re
employers to provide external work placements and support crew transitioning into employment. We will also strive to increase community awareness, provide immersive training and to continue to break down barriers. We will open a new home for the BSK Academy, with real life learning labs, and a community hub and charity space. People with learning disabilities and/or autism are individuals and have a whole range of skills and abilities. They are an untapped workforce, brimming with potential, which can help businesses thrive. I would encourage any potential employers to reach out to someone like BSK if they have questions. But to be brave – give someone a BSK has 50 crew with learning chance!
They can work it out
disabilities and/or autism in 11,500 workplace training or employment sessions a year – that’s over 40,000 hours of empowerment. Donate to help train more: beresfordstreet kitchen.je
DID COVID-19 AFFECT BUSINESS?
We transformed our business model within 48 hours and provided thousands of homemade meals to islanders, both
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sustainable city breaks
DO YOUR
civic duty Is it possible to have your city break aboard and still looks for be a responsible traveller? ways to go green on an urban holiday
Laura Gelder
G
one are the days when we can feel smug for hopping on a low cost carrier on a Friday night after work (mini bottle of warm Prosecco in hand), spending the weekend in another country’s capital – exploring, bar-crawling, eating exciting food – and popping back in time for work on Monday morning. These days we all know that a city break, in its typical form like this, is not a particularly sustainable choice for a holiday. It’s a truth universally acknowledged that if you’re trying to cut down on your carbon emissions, then flying off on one long holiday is preferable to lots of mini breaks. But if, for whatever reason, you are booking a short city stay, there are a few ways you can make it more eco-friendly and there are also some destinations which will inspire you to live a more sustainable lifestyle back home.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
If you’re trying to be a responsible ‘city breaker’ then it’s all in the planning, and that starts with your choice of destination. Ask yourself, will your visit have a positive impact or a negative one? This summer, the authorities in Barcelona have announced the introduction of a
series of restrictions to curb the disruption that over-tourism causes in this perennially popular city break destination. The Guardian newspaper reported how, after a covid-induced hiatus, the same problems of over-crowding and anti-social behaviour were rearing their ugly head in the Catalan city this summer. The newspaper sums up the negative impact of tourism when it quotes local resident Martí Cusó, who lives in the busy Gothic Quarter: “My barrio is so saturated with tourists it’s impossible to meet someone in the street or for children to play or even to get a good night’s sleep.” Do your research and find a city where, instead of contributing to a situation like this, your presence will be beneficial. An hour and a half away from Barcelona is Girona, another proud Catalan city – located on a river but half an hour from the Costa Brava – with a medieval old quarter, and pretty plazas with buzzing bars and restaurants. Yet it gets far less tourists than Barcelona. And if you do want to go to a popular city, consider choosing a less busy time to visit so you are helping to spread
Being a responsible ‘city break
the planning, and it starts wit
of destination. Ask yourself, w
have a positive or a negative i
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sustainable city breaks
ker’ is all in
th your choice
will your visit Copenhagen Febiyan
impact?
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k
sustainable city breaks
Bo o
a
y break cit
seek out restaurants that source ethically
Sustainable cities SAN FRANCISCO Recycling is required by law in the Bay City and plastic bags were banned back in 2007. ZURICH Over 80% of the city’s electricity comes from renewable sources, more than 70% of its hotels are certified sustainable and it has a free bike scheme.
MONTEVIDEO Uruguay creates more than 97% of its electricity from renewables and the capital is known for its green spaces and walkability. ABU DHABI The city is championing solar energy and is home to Masdar City, a purposebuilt low-carbon urban community housing clean tech companies. CAPE TOWN The Mother City’s buses are electric, it has a great network of bike lanes and a proliferation of green spaces and farmer’s markets.
Jojo Yuen
SINGAPORE The ‘city in a garden’, Singapore has nearly 50% green cover and an incredible 72 hectares of rooftop gardens and green walls.
the benefits of tourism more evenly. There are so many beautiful and fascinating cities within easy reach of the UK, many of which you may not even have heard of (check out our round-up of alternative city breaks here). Open a map and open your mind to new possibilities – and the chance to be a trailblazing city breaker.
IT’S ABOUT THE JOURNEY Can you take a train or a ferry to your destination? If there are connections this way and you have the time to commit to a slower form of travel then this is the greenest action you can take. Located on the edge of Europe, the UK is blessed with its proximity to nearly 50 capital cities, as well as convenient transport links to the continent. Eurostar connects us direct to France, Belgium and the Netherlands by train and from these destinations the ongoing connections are endless. Only this year, Eurostar and French/Belgium train operator Thalys merged, opening up the possibility of direct connections
to Germany in the future. As an island nation, we also have numerous ferry ports, connecting across the North Sea to the Netherlands and Belgium, across the English Channel to France and Spain, and over the Irish Sea to Ireland. Let’s be honest, a train or boat is a more charming mode of transport than a plane. You can forget the scramble at security to take your laptop out and cram your liquids into a sandwich bag. Instead, picture yourself sipping a glass of something cold as the bucolic French countryside swishes by, or standing on a ship’s deck, breeze in your hair, as your ferry docks in an exciting foreign port.
GET ABOUT GREEN
By its very nature, a city break usually negates the need for a car. Cities usually have good public transport compared to small towns or the countryside, and a concentrated urban area lends itself to walking. A great way to ensure you stay human-powered but still cover the ground you BOOKINGS@CHARITABLE.TRAVEL / RESERVATIONS: 020 3092 1288
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need to, is to hop on a bike. There are many cities famous for being cycle-friendly but none more so than Amsterdam. In fact, the whole country is bike mad and a quarter of the population get on their bike every day – it helps that the Netherlands is one of the world’s flattest countries. There is no better way to feel like a local in Amsterdam then joining the bike lane (there are about 320 miles of them) – just make sure you read up on the rules of the road first. Copenhagen is another cycleloving city, where 62% of the locals travel to school or work on a bike. Cycling around Denmark’s capital is a dream thanks to a proliferation of cycle lanes and even dedicated bike bridges. These are something of an architectural marvel as well, ranging from the iconic
Bicycle Snake on the city’s harbour, to the metal curves of Lille Langebro, which connects the city centre to the island of Christianshavn. All around the world there are cities with bike schemes similar to our Boris bikes in London. Brussels has Vilo!, Vienna has Citybike Wien and Milan has BikeMi. Switzerland and the Netherlands both have nationwide schemes, called Publibike and OV Fiets respectively. In Paris, and in many other cities, the emergence of electric bikes make cycling more universally attractive. Paris’ Vélib’ Métropole bike scheme offers both standard push bikes (green) and electric bikes (blue). And it’s not just in Europe, Washington DC’s Capital Bikeshare and New York City’s Citi Bike are some of America’s most successful.
Bruce Mars
sustainable city breaks
MAKE SMART CHOICES
There are myriad other ways you can make your city break is more responsible and they all involve doing your research, or speaking to a knowledgeable agent at Charitable Travel! Your choice of hotel can have a big impact but it can be hard to know what’s truly sustainable and what’s just green-washing. Seeing how a hotel adheres to official
BRITAIN & IRELA ND
By Coach
& Air 2022
England’s Coast · Heritage & Scotland · Countryside UK Islands · Wale · Ireland · Short Break Events & Enter s s · JG Prem tainment ium
Explore the British Isles & Ireland in 2022 with us! We have a fantastic collection of great value getaways across a range of spectacular destinations in the British Isles. Your customers can makeup for lost time and treat themselves to a wonderful Just Go! Holiday this year! BOOK NOW WITH CHARITABLE TRAVEL on
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sustainable city breaks
Urban legends
Invisible Cities is an awardwinning social enterprise that trains people who have experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides of their own UK city. invisible-cities.org
sustainable fish and ethically raised meat, and avoid waste. You can also make sure your souvenirs are locally made (not in China!) and you support small local businesses rather than chains. And if it’s plastic, leave it on the shelf. As the Scouts say: the most important thing is to ‘be prepared’; but if you’re researching how to be more sustainable, then you are already well on your way to being a more responsible city breaker.
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green certification schemes can help, and you can consult the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s website to see which schemes are worthy. There are many ways hotels try to be sustainable. Corner London City claims to use 41% less water than other UK hotels (thanks to special shower heads mixing water with air) and emit 67% less CO2 (it has solar panels and energy saving LED lights). Single-use plastic is banned, food is as locally sourced as possible and furniture is made from up-cycled materials - think lamps made using old hosepipes. In Vienna, the new Magdas Hotel will open near Prater Park this August and comes with a social purpose as well as a green ethos, with its team of ex-refugee staff. But don’t stop at where you sleep – research where you eat and find places that source locally, serve
Oleksandr Baiev
hit the road on foot or by bicycle
Immerse
all your senses, all in one place. Along Florida’s Gulf Coast in St. Pete/Clearwater, you can feel the cool sand between your toes. Smell the sizzle of fresh seafood in the air. Hear the wildlife calling as you kayak through the mangrove tunnels. Take in the colours of a thriving and diverse arts community. Bring your senses to life in St. Pete/Clearwater. charitable.travel/stpete-clearwater
T H E UK’S A W A RNUMBER D - W I N N I N1GJAPAN T O U R SPECIALIST SPECIALIST THE
JAPAN IS BACK! Japan is officially open and with nature rejuvenated, attractions replenished and fewer crowds than before, it’s better than ever!
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Immerse yourself in Japanʼs unique culture, exploring the top attractions, hidden gems and enjoying wonderfully authentic experiences on a fully inclusive, fully escorted group tour.
JAPAN UNCOVERED Osaka | Hiroshima | Kyoto | Kanazawa Takayama | Nagano | Mt Fuji | Tokyo
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– Take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony – Try your hand at making washi paper the ancient way – See the snow monkeys bathing in hot spring pools
– Enjoy a traditional Taiko drumming class – Stay overnight in an authentic ryokan – Join monks for their morning prayers
Tour prices include return international flights, 3*+ to 4*accommodation, all meals, all sightseeing and daily tours, entrance fees, expert guiding, experiences and visas.
For more information visit https://charitable.travel/wendy-wu-tours/
h
d in
more g re
animal c
ities ar
F
Five ways SPANA helps
at
WORKING ANIMALS AROUND THE WORLD SPANA has been improving the lives of horses, donkeys, mules, elephants, oxen and camels in some of the world’s poorest countries since 1923, here’s how...
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PROVIDING FREE VETERINARY CARE For many working animals in developing countries, SPANA’s staff are the only vets they will see in their lifetime. Whether it’s treating a donkey with colic, dressing a horse’s wounded leg or helping a camel suffering from parasites, SPANA can do it. In 2021, the charity treated 291,527 working animals. A course of antibiotics can cost under £10 and a tetanus injection just £7.
ENSURING A BETTER FUTURE Children are the animal owners of tomorrow, and in many cases are responsible for working animals from a young age. But many are fearful of them and don’t understand their needs. SPANA’s animal welfare education programme worked with 71,204 kids last year, passing on essential knowledge, promoting responsible ownership and building animal empathy.
EDUCATING ANIMAL OWNERS Many of the injuries SPANA’s vets see could be prevented if the animal’s owners had a better understanding of animal care. The charity tries to ensure it trains wherever it treats. By building skills and knowledge within communities, SPANA is helping to improve animal welfare and alleviate suffering sustainably. In 2021 it trained 87,614 animal owners, preventing injuries and promoting compassion.
TRAINING MORE VETS With an estimated 200 million working animals around the world, SPANA can’t possibly provide veterinary care to all of them. Instead, the charity tries to pass on its knowledge and expertise to other vets, and in 2021 it provided professional training to 4,070. SPANA’s training improves skills in developing countries around the world, supporting not just vets, but vet students, farriers and technicians. It also works with teachers, sharing techniques and knowledge to transform communities.
BUILDING AWARENESS The collapse of vital local industries due to the pandemic, as well as global political instability, has placed exceptional pressure on animal owners, many of whom have been left struggling to feed or even keep their working animals. Across the world’s poorest communities, hardship will only grow as they face the effects of climate change, which in the past year alone has caused devastating droughts and floods in countries like Ethiopia and Botswana. SPANA’s campaigning continues to highlight the plight of working animals the world over.
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holiday quiz for kids
ot d -to
ot D
A C
B
e? s l a f or
France has the most time zones of any country in the world
True
Guess the country
Are we near
Colour me in D
E
? alse
True or f
Istanbul, in Turkey, is located across two continents
44
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holiday quiz for kids
1
Can you spot the 6 differences?
Culinary crossword 2 Fried vegetable snack loved in the Middle East
5 A raw fish dish famous in Peru
4 A bite-sized Chinese food that comes in two words
6 The basis for many beloved Italian dishes
7 A Spanish meal of rice, usually mixing vegetables, meat and/ or seafood
8 A deep-fried Indian snack that comes in a triangle shape
5
6 7 8
9 A Mexican dish that comes all wrapped up
9
True or f
? alse
Unscramble the letters to find the name of a country
4
ACROSS 3 A North African stew served in a unique cone-shaped pot
ly there yet? Country Anagrams
3
DOWN 1 A dish of melted cheese which is usually shared and served with bread to dip
8 A Japanese snack consisting of rolled rice with fish or meat and/or vegetables
2
The driest place on earth is the Sahara Desert
SALAD LOVER
Hint: It’s between North America and South America
LIZARD NEWTS Hint: Chocolate is big here
REASON PIG
Hint: It’s a city and a country in Asia
ANALOG
Hint: it’s an African country that speaks Portuguese
The world’s highest waterfall is Niagara Falls in Canada
Havana
Canberra
Tallinn
Philippin
Estonia Australia
Manila
Chile
Muscat
Kenya
Santiago
Kathman d
u
Nepal Cuba
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es
Oman
Nairobi
Answers Country Anagrams: El Salvador, Switzerland, Singapore, Angola. Crossword: Down 1. fondue, 2. falafel, 4. dim sum, 7. paella, 8. sushi. Across 3. tagine, 5. ceviche, 6. pasta, 8. samosa, 9. burrito. Guess the countries: A. Madagascar, B. Japan, C. France, D. Brazil, E. Mexico. True or false: France true (France, including its overseas territories, has the most time zones with 12 or 13 including its claim in Antarctica), Sahara - false, it’s the Atacama Desert in Chile, Istanbul - true, Europe and Asia, waterfall - false, it’s Angel Falls in Venezuela. Capital cities: Havana - Cuba, Canberra - Australia, Tallinn Estonia, Nairobi - Kenya, Manila - Philippines, Muscat - Oman, Santiago - Chile, Kathmandu - Nepal
e or false?
Tru
MATCH T HE CAPIT AL CITY TO THE COU NTRY
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BOOK A TRIP AND SUPPORT SOLDIERS, VETERANS, AND THEIR FAMILIES THIS SUMMER. visit: charitable.travel/abf-soldiers-charity/ As the Army’s national charity, we’re here for soldiers, veterans and their families when they need us. We stand at the forefront of support for the Army family, reaching 65,000 people in 48 countries last year. Our help is here for soldiers from the start of their careers and continues for life, long after service has ended.
SEARCH ABF THE SOLDIERS’ CHARITY TO FIND OUT MORE ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146420) and Scotland (SC039189) and registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (07974609).
Photo by Murray Kerr. © Crown copyright
Shekinah provides opportunities for people who are experiencing all forms of homelessness and other challenges they may be facing. Services include: Housing & Accommodation | Health & Wellbeing | Employment | restorative Justice | Practical Training
charitable.travel/shekinah
Find mo r
at cau gre s
es
A day in
e
THE LIFE OF... Callum Sheehan, Programmes Manager at Sand
Dams Worldwide, a charity working to provide clean, accessible water and empower communities Sand dams are an ancient technology, used by the Romans, which last upwards of 60 years, create a new water source for communities and recharge the water table – re-greening the environment and helping both agriculture and biodiversity. A concrete wall is built across a seasonal river bed so that during the rainy season, floods bring sand from up-river which gets trapped behind it. This creates a new, elevated river bed which stores up to 40 million litres of water. It’s naturally filtered by the sand, doesn’t evaporate and avoids mosquito-born diseases like malaria. About 97% of the water flows on, so other communities don’t miss out.
A typical day..
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... sees me working to ensure our projects are running well. Our work is done through in-country partners in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawai, Mozambique and Ethiopia, who I work closely with. My job covers planning, monitoring and evaluating projects. It involves lots of emails and phone calls, data analysis, studying budgets and report writing. I also visit the countries, seeing potential sand dam sites, holding meetings with partners and speaking to communities to gather insights. When
A SAND DAM MIDWAY THROUGH CONSTRUCTION
A snowball affect Read more about this charity’s transformational work in Africa and how your money can build a platform for communities to fly. sanddamsworldwide.org.uk
someone tells you that they get up at 2am to walk to a well, it hits home how arduous and dangerous the journeys are that people undertake every day just to find clean water.
The challenge..
... is working with partners who are working in such difficult contexts. A project in Malawi was recently halted after they had three cyclones in three months, which destroyed roads and blocked access.
What drives me..
A PLANTING IN KENY
...is meeting our dedicated, knowledgeable partners and the lovely people in the communities. They drive it all – not just the building of sand dams, but environmental protection work like tree-planting and terracing, and agricultural projects, promoting climatesmart farming methods and crops suited to droughts. Our work starts with a sand dam but it goes on to affect farmers, whose improved harvest means food security and a better income; women and children, who are able to work or go to school; communities, whose health is improved, and the environment.
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Get to know PUGLIA
ITALY
Puglia
Epic epicurean delights
What’s it all about?
The heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is an Italian region boasting the country’s longest coastline. This sun-drenched but strategic peninsula that has been ruled by Greek, Spanish and Turkish cultures. Stop here for astoundingly beautiful whitewashed towns, pristine beaches lapped by azure seas and a rural heartland peppered with olive groves and vineyards.
Puglia has always been an agricultural region, producing around 40% of Italy’s olive oil and a large proportion of its wine, along with seafood, meat (especially lamb), dairy (burrata is its most famous cheese) and durum wheat. The region’s signature pasta is orecchiette (meaning little ears) and is often served with wild broccoli. Local foods to try include focaccia barese, baked with cherry tomatoes, olives and oregano, and taralli, crunchy rings of baked dough most often flavoured with fennel and eaten like crisps, with a glass of wine or beer. Popular dishes include spaghetti with sea urchin and tiella, a baked dish of tomatoes, potatoes, rice and mussels.
Seaside moments
BEACH OF PURITY, GALLIPOLI
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Eduardo Galati
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FRESH MARKET PRODUCE
Bordered by the Ionian and the Adriatic, Puglia has plenty of beaches. Pescoluse is dubbed the Maldives of Italy thanks to its fine white sand. Baia dei Turchi is where Turkish soldiers landed to battle in the 15th century, now a tranquil cove backed by pine trees. Zeus Beach has cabanas of fluttering linen and Prosecco-bearing waiters.
SEAFOOD IS AB
UNDANT IN PU GLIA
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THE WHITE CITY OF OSTUNI
TORRE SANT’AN
DREA
Bo
lia ta
ok a ho li
y to bella I da
And another thing...
CASTEL DEL MONTE This pale citadel sits on a spectacular hilltop. Built by a Roman Emperor, it’s shaped like an octagon with eight octagonal towers, hewn from limestone, white marble and coral breccia. ANCIENT GALLIPOLI The 13th century Castello Angioino di Gallipoli is part of the fortified walls of its Old Town. You can walk all round the old city walls, lapped by the Ionian Sea.
Wild nature
The spur of Italy’s boot, Gargano National Park spikes into the Adriatic Sea and has a rugged mountainous interior smothered in forests of aromatic pine as well as giant beeches, oaks and chestnuts. The coast has pristine lagoons, dunes, beaches and cliffs, accessed via rough trails. Off the coast are the tranquil Tremiti Islands, where clear water teems with marine life. The Sentiero Airone nature reserve is home to Europe’s largest colony of pink flamingos, which can also be spotted strutting the salt pans of Margherita di Savoia. Inland, Alta Murgia National Park is located on a high limestone plateau, where arid grasslands are dotted with wild orchids.
Daniel Corneschi
City stars
Puglia’s entry points are the capital Bari and Brindisi. Bari is a university city with a bustling harbour where you can see prawns, sea urchins and octopus being hauled in. In its old town, narrow streets wind between houses of worn white stone and faded pastel, and families dry trays of orecchiette pasta outside their front doors. Smaller Brindisi has Roman remains and a pleasant palm-lined seafront promenade. Don’t miss the labyrinthine hilltop town of Ostuni, a whitewashed crown topping the olive-smothered Valle d’Itria. Polignano a Mare tops limestone bluffs on the Adriatic coast, its winding cream streets packed with aperitivo bars and its famous cliff-hugged beach spilling into the cerulean sea. In Monopoli, cornflower blue boats bob in the harbour and flower-festooned balconies hug atmospheric piazzas. Near the tip of Puglia, baroque Lecce is dubbed the Florence of the south and has more than 40 churches.
The Castellana Caves are a karst cave system 3,343 metres long and 222 metres deep – an ethereal labyrinth with stalagmite and stalactite formations and gleaming alabaster caverns
Trulli magic houses
Synonymous with Puglia are its trulli. These simple, petite whitewashed houses are topped with a conical roof tiled in grey stone and they date back to the 16th century, reportedly built in an effort to avoid taxes. Alberobello is famous for its proliferation of trulli and has a fairy tale skyline of teepee-topped homes, but they are found across the Itria Valley, in Locorotondo, Cisternino and Martina Franca.
BARI HARBOUR ALBEROBELLO’S TRULLI
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Massimo Virgilio
LECCE’S ROMAN RUINS The incredibly well-preserved Roman amphitheatre in Lecce sits in the city’s central piazza, offering a window into ancient times.
Massimo Virgilio
Don’t miss these historic monuments...
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Beaches and beyond.
EXPLORE THE VIBRANT ARTS & CULTURE OF SARASOTA, FLORIDA WWW.CHARITABLE.TRAVEL/SARASOTA
RELAXING
BEAUTIFUL
COMFORTABLE UNIQUE GREAT BEACHES WARM GORGEOUS
SUNSETS
FAMILY
ORIENTED
OUTDOOR
ACTIVITIES
HAPPINESS FRIENDLY
THEATRE PARADISE
travel talk
A TASTE OF
Menorca Mark Bibby Jackson savours the local gastronomy of Menorca, one of the destinations designated a European Region of Gastronomy this year
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Along with the Norwegian region of Trondheim-Trøndelag, Menorca has been recognised as the European Region of Gastronomy in 2022. Awarded by the International Institute for Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT), this status is intended to raise awareness about the importance of unique cultures and their cuisine, as well as stimulating gastronomic innovation and boosting sustainable tourism. CULTURAL CUISINE I was lucky enough to enjoy a gastronomic tour of Menorca this year and discover how the island’s rich cuisine reflects its history. Arròs de la terra, or ‘Moorish rice’, reflects the Arab occupation of the island in the 10th century. The French arrived three centuries later and then the English colonised the island, bringing gin – what else? But Menorcan cuisine is perhaps best known for mayonnaise, or Menorca mahonesa, which was purportedly created by a monk in the 18th century. My companions and I take it in
turns to create our own version of this mayonnaise at Finca Binillubet agritourism farm, mixing egg yolk with olive oil and adding salt and lemon to taste. Binillubet is part of a cooperative of some 500 farmers that has existed for 77 years. We are also shown how the local cheese is made, filtering raw cow’s milk through a muslin cloth, which is left to sit in brine and then dried. Squeezing the serum from the cheese is fun, although I do not envy anyone who purchases my effort! COMPLEMENTARY FLAVOURS In Aquarium restaurant, in Port Ciutadella, I taste a divine tuna tartare, served with guacamole on a thin pastry. The smoky flavours blend perfectly with a Bintord wine, served with the freshest prawns, and followed by a casserole of local fish. Next, I learn to pair Menorcan cuisine with local beer. Vicent started his small craft brewery, Es Moli de Foc, 11 years ago, and now his brewery produces 10 varieties. In the adjacent restaurant, a crisp pilsner is served with a sea bass ceviche
and a wheat beer with baby squid. The balance of flavours, textures and colours are all perfectly executed. I sample a Menorcan breakfast at Son Vives, an agritourism hotel with twelve charming rooms where you can stay and enjoy tranquillity and rural vistas, milk the cows or see how they make cheese. The freshly-laid eggs taste nothing like the ones you buy in UK supermarkets, and are served with a grilled cheese much like halloumi, though less salty. Last stop is the capital Mahon’s small farmer’s market. Joan Luis and his wife have been selling their food here for 11 years and tell me that most of the produce is organic. My last snack is crustel de brisad, a pastry made from a ricotta-type cheese created from that milk serum we squeezed before. Little is wasted on this sustainable island and you certainly won’t waste away either. charitable.travel/travelbegins-at-40
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TIPS FOR
galavanting gourmets
Girl About Trav
Girl About’s bloggers from all around the UK have been busy compiling new itineraries based on what their readers particular interests are. You can hit the Girl About website to do a quiz and see if you’re an outdoor adventurer, a galavanting gourmet, a culture vulture or a girly weekender. This issue we’re giving you a sneak preview of some tasty little tips from galavanting gourmets, Lyndsey, Natacha and Sarah.
Free to join, this all-fe
club and travel concierge
women to dream, plan a
holidays that can’t be go
experts, Girl About is a n sharing unbiased advice,
and discounts. Charitable
partner of Girl About, m
can book holidays via t
money to their favo
charitable.tra about
LYNDSEY THOMAS
Yorkshire Dales
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There are a plethora of places to wine and dine in the Dales, from historic pubs dishing up proper locally-produced Yorkshire grub, to intimate dining rooms with award-winning chefs creating farm-to-fork fare. And there is quite simply nowhere more breathtakingly beautiful to walk off all those sumptuous sins.
The ultimate pub grub
Check into the Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey (fondly known as ‘The Dev’) on the southernmost edge of the Yorkshire Dales and book dinner at The Burlington, its renowned finedining restaurant. The tasting menu is devised by award-winning chef Paul Leonard and much of the produce is from the hotel’s kitchen garden or reared on the Bolton Abbey Estate. Expect exquisite, fresh and seasonal plates of quintessentially Yorkshire fare, like trout from the river, game from across the estate and Yorkshire lamb.
52
Say cheese
Wallace and Gromit would never forgive you if you didn’t pop into Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes. The team will take you through the cheeseBLACK SHEEP BREW ERY making process step-bystep and at the end you can purchase a ring or two of this world-famous creamy cheese. My favourite is the Wensleydale with ginger.
Say cheers to beer
The Blacksheep Brewery in Masham offers great tours costing just £12 (book in advance to avoid disappointment) and taking around an hour. You’ll have the chance to see behind the scenes at a proper working brewery and end with that allimportant local ale tasting. There’s also an amazing restaurant on-site serving delicious comfort food.
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G
NATACHA CHAUDHARY
Surrey
Guildford is Surrey’s largest town and a melting pot of people and foodie spots thanks to its multi-cultural university. As an alumni of Surrey University myself, Guildford and the surrounding area is close to my heart. I recommend you have a car at hand so you can reach the beautiful countryside to access more foodie attractions and find the amazing walks too.
l vel Club
It’s all Greek
emale members’
Theion restaurant serves traditional Greek cuisine and book amazing with a beautifully-decorated backdrop oogled. Run by travel of interesting art and hundreds of network of women feathers hanging from the ceiling. The travel guides, offers e Travel is the official menu highlights fresh Mediterranean meaning members ingredients and I recommend sharing the club and give a few starters with some Tzatziki and ourite charity. pita bread, plus the meatballs giaourtlou, avel/girlfilo-wrapped feta and roasted octopus. The t restaurant also has an impressive cocktail bar.
e service empowers
Fusion flavours
IVY ASIA
Ivy Asia has arrived in Guilford and is exciting diners with its diverse menu and a glamorous and eclectic setting – there’s a geometric light-up floor, sumptuous Asian silk furnishings and a golden ceiling blooming with cherry blossom. The food takes inspiration from around Asia but the sushi is definitely the one to look out for. Food presentation is exquisite and cocktails are theatrical.
Sunday lunch
The March Hare pub has recently had a glow-up, both menu and interiorwise, and offers a hearty roast in the centre of Guildford. You can opt for an à la carte meal rather than a roast if you wish, and cuisine leans towards French, with dishes like duck confit and fish in a bouillabaisse sauce. To read the full 48-hour itine raries covering the Yorkshire Dales, Surrey and Hampshire, head to the Girl Ab out website.
SARAH FROST
Hampshire
In the quintessentially English New Forest you’ll find heathland dotted with yellow gorse bushes and free-roaming ponies, ancient woodland, eerie with deep greenery, and a coastline with views of the Isle of Wight. If you know your venison from your velouté, or you love to spot a celebrity chef, then you’ve come to the right place. From fine dining to farm shops, the New Forest is a firm favourite with foodies.
Masterful menus
GIN MAKING AT
WYRD SPIRITS
Angela Hartnett OBE, is one of Gordon Ramsay’s protégées who was a judge on Best Home Cook. Along with Luke Holder, she creates seasonal Italian-inspired menus for Hartnett, Holder & Co. Restaurant at the luxurious Lime Wood Hotel. They have their own smokehouse which produces delicate salmon,
pancetta and bresaola, to name a few, and your meal will be paired with an award-winning wine list.
Get in the spirit
The pretty market town of Ringwood is home to Wyrd Spirits, a relatively new distillery which uses New Forest spring water as a base for its small batch gin. I can confirm that it creates a delicious juniper-infused spirit and recommend the 90-minute tour (costing £20) which includes a gin and tonic, plenty of samples and a branded glass.
Time for tea
Book the classic afternoon tea at charming Rosie Lea, an award-winning tea room, bakery and restaurant in Brockenhurst. My favourite pick is the savoury cheese scone with Winchester cheese and bacon marmite jam. Brockenhurst is a great starting point for a cycle so you can burn off the calories after, or join the seven-mile foodie trail!
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Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
#UnitedStories
ure
ok an Am Bo
nt
Postcard from YELLOWSTONE
ican adve er
By Laura Gelder Laila Skalsky
As we entered Yellowstone National Park it appeared more ethereal than majestic. Snow lay piled metres high at the side of the road and beyond, hundreds of stiff and blackened bare tree trunks rose, monuments to an 1989 wild fire. Even more otherworldly were the plumes of smoke rising from innocuous-looking puddles, the only indicator that a super volcano lay beneath us. At Old Faithful it was hard to feel close to nature, as throngs of tourists waited for the famous geyser to blow its top. But as we walked past bright blue pools, bubbling like witches’ cauldrons, I saw an osprey dive into the river and fly up thorough a sulphurous mist, a wriggling fish in its beak. In Yellowstone the wildlife comes to you. We walked past a large herd of grazing elk to get to lunch and our guide told us about a bear who made a game out of bouncing off people’s tents! Bison are everywhere, one even a creating a tailback as it nonchalantly lumbered across the road.
Lower Falls from Artist Point
Fantastic beasts
The star of Wyoming’s state flag and a poster child for conservation, bison once smothered America’s Great Plains. Native Americans hunted them but never wasted a scrap – even using the skin and bones to make clothes, teepees and tools. But in the 19th century Europeans killed some 50
Artist Point is a look-out offering offering sublime views over the Yellowstone River
bison crossing Grand P rismatic Spring
There are more than 100,000 hydrothermal features in Yellowstone: geysers, hot springs, mud pots & fumeroles
Denys Nevozhai
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Eerie landscapes
million bison for food or mere sport, decimating the population down to a few hundred. Incredibly, numbers have now recovered to over 500,000, with many in Yellowstone. Wolves are another conservation success here, but a controversial one. After being hunted out of Wyoming they were re-introduced into the borderless park and have thrived. But many say they threaten farmers’ livelihoods. On our last morning we spied a grizzly bear from the car. Sliding down to the icy banks of a glass-still river, we watched it shamble along the opposite side, relaxed but muscular. It stopped to paw a dead bison, frozen stiff, before melting into the trees – just as an otter popped up below us.
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Top ten
CRUISES TO BOOK NOW Charitable Travel’s
Ally Ware picks out ten
diverse and exciting cruises around the world, all designed to expand your horizon
56
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THE MEDITERRANEAN SOJOURN Ally says: “Step aboard one of Regent Seven Seas’ exclusive snow white yachts and relax as it sails from Venice to Istanbul.” The 12-night cruise, the Ballad Of The Aegean Sea, is a great choice for history buffs. From the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s palace in Spit to the Greek temples of Athens, a Crusader castle in Rhodes to the Ottoman minarets of Istanbul, it’s packed with architecture and antiquity. The all-suite Seven Seas Explorer has luxurious spaces and entertainment ranging from taking a cooking class to getting a seaweed wrap.
THE FAMILY MINI CRUISE Ally says: “Disney Cruise Lines has two bite-size sailings that offer families tonnes of themed fun.” Summer 2023 will see Disney Dream sail two four-night cruises roundtrip from Southampton to La Rochelle in France and Bilbao in Spain, both pretty seaside towns packed with history and culture. On board will be entertainment in the form of West End-style musicals, character experiences, fun splash pools, magical dining experiences and Kids clubs themed around Star Wars and Toy Story. There’s also adult-only fine dining and a spa.
THE GALAPAGOS EXPEDITION Ally says: “Discover the ecological wonders of one of the most biodiverse places on earth with one of the most sustainable cruise lines on the planet.” An 11-day expedition cruise with Hurtigruten takes in Ecuador’s capital Quito, before boarding small ship MS Santa Cruz II to explore the Galapagos Islands. Spy unique wildlife like giant tortoises, marine iguanas and rare seabirds, and explore bays and beaches in small expedition boats as well as kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling. The carbon-neutral ship has an interactive onboard science programme and lectures.
THE PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT Ally says: “Star Clippers’ epic Panama Canal cruises combine Caribbean islands with the world’s most famous shipping route.” Beautiful tallships, with white sails and polished brass, are every romantic’s dream of what cruising should be, but Star Clippers’ have onboard pools and a spa too. Royal Clipper’s 14-night voyage from Barbados to Isla Flamenco, Panama includes stops in colourful Dutch-style Willemstad in Curacao, UNESCO World Heritage Colombian city Cartagena, and Panama’s idyllic and remote San Blas Islands, plus the wildlife-rich canal. BOOKINGS@CHARITABLE.TRAVEL / RESERVATIONS: 020 3092 1288
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THE NORDICS TO NORTH AMERICA EPIC VOYAGE
Ally says: “Visiting four countries over 15 days, this cruise will require serious sea legs but the reward is incredible scenery and access to remote, fascinating communities.” From Rejkjavik, the cruise calls at the puffin-smothered cliffs of the Westman Islands and the dramatic black sand beaches of Djúpivogur in Iceland. In Greenland there’s Inuit culture in Nanortalik and Viking history in Qaqortoq. Across to Canada, and you’ll discover L’Anse aux Meadows, the first Norse settlement in the Americas, and charming Halifax. Then on to New York City.
THE CLASSIC TRANSATLANTIC CROSSING Ally says: “There is perhaps no cruise more iconic to a Brit than a transatlantic one from Southampton to New York, and Cunard does it in true British style.” A crossing takes seven nights but the elegant Queen Mary 2 has plenty to entertain. Cunard’s flagship has impressive dining, with classic delicacies like Dover sole meunière on the menu and the chance to take afternoon tea at sea. Evening entertainment includes music, dance, stand-up comedy, magic shows and dazzling West End-style musicals. Or you can retire to the library, do a wine tasting or try stargazing in the onboard planetarium.
AS GOOD AS IT GETS Whether you’re dreaming of a silky beach on a private island, a stylish hotel in a vibrant city or a jungle trek to spy exotic wildlife, Charitable Travel Luxury will help you plan your ideal holiday and donate 5% of the price to a UK charity of your choice at no extra cost.
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Wherever it is, a luxury holiday always centres on discovering unique destinations and enjoying authentic experiences. With over 25 years’ experience in luxury travel and Charitable Travel’s #TravelForGood ethos at heart, our expert Lizzi is waiting to craft a trip that is your kind of luxury.
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THE FAR EAST TEASER Ally says: “Dip your toe into some exotic shores but keep your western comforts.” Princess Cruises has a nine-day Sea of Japan cruise, round-trip from Tokyo. The five other Japanese ports are Aomori, with its 17th-century castle; Niigata, famous for seafood and sake; artisan and culture-rich Tsuruga; the pretty fishing port of Sakaiminato, and Nagasaki, where you can visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, commemorating the 1945 tragedy. There’s also a stop in Korea’s Busan, a mix of high-rises and ancient temples.
THE ALASKAN ODYSSEY Ally says: “Royal Caribbean’s seven-night Glacier Experience cruise offers rugged scenery in comfort.” From Vancouver, Enchantment of the Seas heads to the Inside Passage, a wild archipelago spanning 25,000 scenic miles, and onto Alaska. You’ll find a blend of Russian and Native American history in Sitka; pale blue glaciers, 7,000-foot-tall mountains and icebergs in Tracy Arm Fjord; centuries-old bars in Juneau, and colourful totem poles in Ketchikan. Historic Haines is a staging ground for rafting or bear watching trips.
THE GRAND BALTIC TOUR Ally says: “A wonderful way to sample the beautiful architecture and captivating culture of some of Europe’s finest capital cities.” Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral sails from Southampton on a 14-night Baltic Capitals cruise. You’ll alight in Copenhagen to see the rainbow waterfront of Nyhavn; In Stockholm for the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan; in Tallinn for fairy tale medieval streets; and in Helsinki for the best sauna you’ve ever had. You’ll also navigate the Kiel Canal and make port at the charming seaside town of Warnemunde in Germany.
THE CARIBBEAN ISLAND HOPPER Ally says: “Virgin Voyages represents a new brand of cruising for those who want to have a good time and its cruises call in at some good-time ports too.” Virgin’s base is Miami, a multi-cultural city of Art Deco architecture and golden beaches. Onboard the Scarlet Lady you’ll find Michelinstarred chefs and joints serving everything from Korean barbecue to Hawaiian poke; out-there entertainment including Romeo and Juliet with a circus twist, and a wellness programme incorporating JLo-approved facials and sunrise yoga. Ports of call include quirky Key West and the ruins and lagoons of Costa Maya in Mexico.
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A LANDMARK NEW
Book a ho l
good news U.S. BILL, THE
sustainability
RECOVERING
The Spanish Tourist Office has launched the #SlowTravelSpain
AMERICA’S WILDLIFE
e at
GLOBAL
nd do ay a n id
SPAIN’S SLOW TRAVEL CAMPAIGN campaign to show travellers how they can holiday more sustainably in the country. The initiative focuses on drawing travellers to quieter
ACT, WILL CREATE
areas of Spain. It also showcases low-impact activities and itineraries
AN ANNUAL BUDGET
and walking, aiming to lessen harmful impacts on communities and
OF MORE THAN £1.6
deeper connection with local people and cultures when travelling.
which include more sustainable methods of travel, like trains, bikes the environment. The tourist office wants visitors to Spain to form a
BILLION TO PROTECT VULNERABLE SPECIES
slow travel
NEW HIKING TRAIL IN CALIFORNIA in California, near Santa Barbara. The new Ropersmith Trail offers both hikers and cyclists a smooth track through the Harmon Canyon Preserve. It has panoramic views of the Topatopa Mountains, diverse wildlife, and is noted for the abundance of rare coastal sage scrub along its path.
Les Argonautes
Icons from www.flaticon.com - Megaphone speaker by Ayub Irawan; Web by Pixel perfect
A new hiking route has opened
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global good news
green committment
Good to know...
The latest countries to relax covid restrictions... EGYPT All Covid entry restrictions were lifted on June 17, meaning visitors do not need to complete any tests or show proof of vaccination.
GERMANY All covid-related travel restrictions were lifted on
off-grid travel
INTREPID INVESTS IN CABN Intrepid Travel has invested a AUS$7.85
June 11 but specific masks
million equity stake in the Australian off-grid
(FPP2 type) are required
accommodation provider CABN. The money
on public transport.
NEW ZEALAND On June 20, the government dropped its requirement for a pre-departure test.
SOUTH AFRICA Travellers no longer need
will accelerate plans to deliver more than 70 sustainable cabins across Australia by 2023. CABN currently has 11 minimalist escape pads, built from predominantly locally-sourced, sustainable materials. The accommodation requires minimal infrastructure and has a ‘leave no trace’ policy, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature. The move will help Intrepid meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly travel.
to provide a negative test
Albania has vowed to protect ‘Europe’s ‘last wild river’. The Vjosa River is rare in the fact that it’s one of the last in Europe not to be dammed, and the Albanian government has publically committed to protecting it by creating Europe’s first wild river national park
or proof of vaccination to enter South Africa, regardless of vaccination status, and face masks are no longer required indoors.
THAILAND
world-first
GREEN CRUISING Norwegian cruise line Havila
From July 1, the country
Voyages claims it operated the
is scrapping more rules,
first zero-emission cruise in
including the requirement
Norway’s Geirangerfjord this
for visitors to have
June. The Havila Castor used
$10,000 of travel health
battery-powered propulsion
insurance. You just need to show proof of a Covid vaccination or a negative test taken within 72 hours.
THE BAHAMAS As of June 19, fullyvaccinated travellers no longer need to take a pre-travel Covid-19 test.
for three hours. The line’s ships come with the largest battery pack on a passenger ship (lasting up to four hours) and also use liquefied natural gas, reducing CO2 emissions by 30% and nitrogen oxide emissions by 90% (compared to ships using fossil fuels).
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global good news
wildlife
It’s been discovered that an isolated sub-population of polar bears in Greenland have adapted to the lack of sea ice. The group of genetically distinct bears are hunting on ice that has calved off glaciers
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indigenous tourism
NEW ABORIGINAL CULTURE EXPERIENCE A new indigenous cultural experience, aboriginal owned-andoperated, will open this July in the Australian state of Victoria. Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism is in Victoria’s far Southwest and will help visitors uncover the area’s ancient living heritage, where evidence of society working around a system of life-filled waterways dates back at least 6,600 years. The new attraction is located in and around Budj Bim National Park and Tae Rak (Lake Condah), beyond Victoria’s popular Great Ocean Road.
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MAKE IT
COUNT IN
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