LIFE & STYLE
DESTINATIONS The passion for travel
20 | THE VOICE JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2017
Travel
@thevoicenews
voicenewspaper
8
www.voice-online.co.uk
ONE MUM AND HER DAUGHTER #LifeIsRosie travelling around the world
BY RACHEL RITFELD
S
IX YEARS AGO, after the birth of my daughter, I made it my mission and goal to live a life filled with travel and adventure with her. Deep down, though, this is also due to my inability to sit down and do the simple things, such as drawing at the dining room table. Patience has never been a talent of mine... But I prefer to focus on my strengths, rather than my weaknesses. They are largely centred around the saying: “The world is my oyster!”
From the moment I saw Rosalia’s eyes, the world instantly became “our” oyster. No mountain was too high, no river too far and no flight was too long. In the past 10 years, I have been to 37 countries and many of them I have visited more than once. I’m so grateful to say that 18 of those countries I have had the joy of sharing with my daughter, Rosalia. She has been to every continent and has swum in every ocean. We have climbed mountains together and we have visited schools in every less-developed country we have been to and brought supplies, made donations and given
shoes to those we met who had none. So, although I regret that my personality is flawed by my inability to patiently teach my daughter phonics and year two maths, I hope I make up for it in other ways. At eight months old, she was strapped to me as we trekked on a mountain in Jamaica. I woke her up at midnight when she was 13 months old to walk the shores of the beach in Suriname with me, while we patiently waited for sea turtles to arrive and nest; we also assisted hatchlings to make a safe run for the ocean in their quest to survive nature’s challenges. We witnessed the first pod of false killer whales
in the bay of California in more than 15 years. And we have bird-watched (her favourite thing) in a canoe on the river between Gambia and Senegal. I must admit that although I love to talk about these magical adventures we go on, it does not come without its challenges. For one, the cost of travel during school holidays is sky high and to
add insult to injury, there are no package deals that are considerate of single parents travelling with their one child. I do, however, have some tricks up my sleeve that have saved me money over the years. I look forward to sharing those with you in future articles (I know, that was mean, right? Next time, I promise). Another challenge, to me the most stressful one, comes with being divorced and no longer sharing the same surname as my daughter. These days, this is not an uncommon circumstance, but there have been instances where visa proce-
dures and immigration become a lot more complicated, which can be disheartening. But still: flip-flops on, backpack strapped on and passports in pocket, we expand our minds, our levels of empathy and our appetite for adventure. #lifeisrosie
DON’T FORGET YOUR INSURANCE MANY OF us will leave home without it, but travel insurance could save you a lot of headache in the event of anything going wrong while you’re abroad. Life & Style, courtesy of www.moneysupermarket.com have come up with a few pointers that may help you choose wisely before you embark on your journey. What does travel insurance typically cover? Travel insurance policies vary widely in terms of how much protection they offer, but as a general rule, they will usually cover you for the following: ■ Delays ■ Cancellation or curtailment ■ Lost or stolen baggage or belongings ■ Personal liability
■ Medical costs and repatriation. What does travel insurance typically exclude? Some travel insurers won’t cover pre-existing medical conditions, so make sure you find out whether any policy you are considering will provide you with sufficient protection if you do have any health issues. Policies also won’t pay out for any losses which arise as a result of you being drunk or under the influence of drugs. And travel cover will typically exclude winter sports, such as skiing and snow-boarding, unless you have a specifically chosen such a policy. Extreme sports, such as bungee-jumping or sky-diving also won’t usually be covered by most policies, although
some insurers will provide cover, so check the small print before planning any adventurous activities. Remember, too, that travel insurance won’t protect you if you choose to holiday in a country that the government advises against travelling to. You can check which countries you should not travel to at the Foreign and Commonwealth website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel. Although insurance will usually cover the cost of cancellation if you are unable to go on your holiday due to illness, it won’t pay out if you cancel because the weather looks bad, or because you decide you can’t afford to go. See more at www.money supermarket.com.
JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2017 THE VOICE | 21
@thevoicenews
BY RODNEY HINDS
F
ANCY TAKING in a top class sports event in 2017? Well, take a look at some of the highlights of the sporting year and see what appeals, from the pomp of June’s world famous Royal Ascot to the home straight of the World athletics Championships later this year. ROYAL ASCOT June 20-24 Royal Ascot is Britain’s most valuable race meeting, attracting many of the world’s finest racehorses to compete for more than £6.58milllion in prize money. In 2013, The Queen watched her horse, Estimate, triumph in the Gold Cup. A dedicated owner, she has attended every royal meeting during her reign, and the Royal Procession is always an iconic moment at the start of every race day. Anticipated and revered, these five days are made for socialising. Long seen as a spectacle of fashion and style, they are referenced the world over. Each year, the meeting is broadcast to audiences around the globe, yet to experience it in person is something altogether more special. Visit: www.ascot.co.uk Recommended hotel: www.sunningdaleascot.co.uk (two miles from Ascot) WIMBLEDON July 3-16 This is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, and is widely considered the most prestigious. It has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London since 1877 and is played on outdoor grass courts. Unfortunately, the best way to gain entry to the hallowed courts has passed most people by. The Public Ballot, introduced in 1924, has always been substantially oversubscribed – and that will be the case again this year. However, you can still see the likes of Sir Andy Murray and Serena Williams if you are prepared to queue. Visit: www.wimbledon.com Recommended hotel: www.glasshouserestaurant. co.uk (0.2 miles from Wimbledon) BRITISH FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX, SILVERSTONE July 8-10 It’s not every day that you get the chance to clap eyes on Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton. The three-time world champion will be keen not only to regain his crown, but win in front of his home fans once again. F1 drivers call the British
voicenewspaper
8
www.voice-online.co.uk
Travel
A SPORTING STAYCATION WHAT TO WATCH: Serena Williams, far left, will be one of the star attractions at Wimbledon; Mo Farah and Usain Bolt, top middle, will be bidding farewell to athletics in London: Lewis Hamilton, top right, will be out to win another British Grand Prix; while Royal Ascot, bottom middle, is always a glamorous occasion in Berkshire Grand Prix at Silverstone circuit ‘insanely fast’. In simple terms, it is one of the world’s greatest sporting events. Throw in a great weekend-long party and the race is on. Be aware that advance tickets have already sold out, but there will be a number of tickets available on the day. Visit: www.silverstone.co.uk Recommended hotel: www.miltonkeyneshotel.com (6.1 miles from Silverstone)
swansong of sprint legend Usain Bolt and long-distance king, Sir Mo Farah. Both will be among the world’s best athletes going for gold in the former Olympic Stadium. The World ParaAthletics Championships take place from July 14-23. Visit: www.london2017athletics.com Recommended hotel: www.holidayinn.com/stratford (0.6 miles)
WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS, THE STADIUM, QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK August 4-13 Do whatever you can to get a ticket for the highlight of the sporting summer. This will be the track
WEST INDIES CRICKET TOUR OF ENGLAND August 17-September 29 OK, so the West Indies are currently amongst the whipping boys of Test cricket, but they still have a magical pull. While the longest format of the game is beyond them, the Caribbean are the two-time World T20 champions. On show will be the likes of big-hitting opener Chris Gayle and all-rounder Jason Holder, left. The tour starts with the first Test at Edgbaston.
The team will also play one-day and T20 internationals. Visit: www.ecb.co.uk Recommended hotel: www.parkregisbirming ham.co.uk (0.7 miles from Edgbaston).
22 | THE VOICE JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2017
Travel BY JOEL CAMPBELL
M
ANY ARE those who know of Ethiopia as an ancient African country, one of the oldest states in the world, positioned on one of the world’s greatest trade routes, with a recorded history, culture, and traditions dating back over 3,000 years. But few are those who are familiar with the salient features of today’s Ethiopia. A bird’s eye view reveals the upward trajectory that Ethiopia has achieved over the past 25 years. Its clear vision of its destination and how to get there, coupled with a conducive environment to woo foreign direct investment, a fast-growing economy – 11 per cent for the past decade – on the back of strong exports of coffee, livestock and cut flowers, a huge consumer market, untapped natural resources, a trainable low-cost labour force, and new road, rail and telecom connections to ease connectivity in trade and investment, have made Ethiopia a favourite investment destination. The ultimate goal is to woo domestic and foreign investors into the tourism sector and increase the inflow of tourists from all over the world. Ethiopia is ready for business, and so far, the response has been encouraging. Investors from Turkey, China, India, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, America and Africa are ensconced in Ethiopia and are confident of the prospect of continued growth of their
@thevoicenews
voicenewspaper
www.voice-online.co.uk
ETHIOPIA:
LAND OF ORIGINS
investment. At present, foreign investors are still all ears, remaining very much open to the possibilities. Dozens of investors from various countries have accompanied their respective heads of state on official visits to Ethiopia, and there’s hope 2017 will see deeds translate into investment in Ethiopia. Last year, the country launched a new national
tourism brand, heralding a distilled narrative and story of Ethiopia – ‘Ethiopia: Land of Origins’. Ethiopia is the cradle of mankind and most likely where humans evolved. Unearthing the 3.2 million-year-old and internationally renowned hominoid skeleton, Lucy, and the 5.5 million-year-old hominid fossil, placed Ethiopia firmly on the map of tour operators.
The origin of the world’s oldest stone-age tools dating back 2.6 million years is Ethiopia. It is in Ethiopia where a 200,000 year-old pair of skulls, unearthed along the Omo River, has made them the world’s oldest known remains of anatomically modern homo sapiens. Coffee, the world’s most favourite beverage, originated in Ethiopia. One of the world’s
longest rivers, The Nile, originates in Ethiopia. Formerly referred to as ‘Ethiopia: Land of 13 Months of Sunshine’ the new moniker embodies a feeling of going home to find the truth, whether or not you are actually from the country. The Ethiopian tourism board summed up the east African nation, saying: “Ethiopia invites you on an adventure in
East Africa has history you never knew about
which you will discover the origin of so much. “History that is a mysterious mix of myth, legend and fact, culture that is vibrant, creative, alive and shared; and a landscape that is warm, dramatic, primal and teeming with life.”
STUNNING SIGHTS: Clockwise from above, sunset at Choke Mountains; the Konso people of Ethiopia; a priest at Abuna Yemata Guh; the Gelada baboon on Mount Yosef PIC CREDIT: Abiy Alem
www.ethiopia.travel
JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2017 THE VOICE | 23
@thevoicenews
voicenewspaper
www.voice-online.co.uk
Travel
HOME FROM HOME We recommend five stunning venues for you to stay in the Caribbean
LIVING IN A BUBBLE: Enjoy a novel experience at Wiwashimara on Guadeloupe
BY JOEL CAMPBELL & KENN OBI
T
HERE ARE a few hotels in the world that simply blow your mind... only a handful of those, however, are black owned. Life and Style brings you a special selection of five places to rest your head when you foray abroad. THE RUNAWAY Jamaica The Runaway Jamaica is a community-oriented luxury bed and breakfast. Since becoming the first and only successfully funded B&B on Kickstarter, the owners expanded to new destinations around the world such as Bali. We invite you to join us on The Runaway Experience. Price range: £280 to £360 (based on average rates for a standard room) LA CREOLE BEACH Guadeloupe La Creole Beach Hotel and Spa, right, is one of the most pleasant hotels of the archipelago of Guadeloupe. Situated at the heart of a tropical garden, among palm trees, hibiscuses and bougainvillea, close to a beach of white sand, its architecture of wood and vegetation will seduce you. Between Basse-Terre and Grand-Terre, facing the islet of Gosier and just a short distance from Pointe-à-Pitre, La Creole Beach Hotel is an ideal starting point for discovering unforgettable landscapes, practicing a wide range of sports and eating refined Creole cuisine. Price range: £157 to £262 (based on average rates for a standard room) FRANGIPANI BEACH RESORT Anguilla Tucked away in the northern Caribbean, Anguilla blends the casual, easy spirit of the islands with an unmistakable exclusivity and elegance that
captivates visitors from around the world. Coated with unparalleled white sand beaches and surrounded by stunning turquoise waters, the island’s beauty and tranquillity create a space that relaxes the mind and refreshes the spirit. A truly stunning venue to relax and take stock, the Frangipani Beach Resort ticks all the boxes. Price range: £333 to £866 (based on average rates for a standard room) SPICE ISLAND BEACH RESORT Grenada A gentle nod to Grenada’s centuries-old history as a leading exporter of nutmeg. Today, the island’s name symbolises the touch of spice added to the lives of their guests. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding in Grenada, a magical honeymoon or just a well-deserved getaway on worldfamous Grand Anse Beach, this beach resort is welcoming and hospitable. It is also Grenada’s only recipient of the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award. Price range: £624 to £1,428 (based on average rates for a standard room) WIWASHIMARA Guadeloupe (TroisRiviere, Basse-Terre) For couples and friends, dive into the heart of the unusual and experience the charms of your bubble. The bubble is a four-metre diameter sphere, fixed to a wooden floor and held in shape by a blower. It ensures the renewal of the air quality and prevents condensation. The inside offers a healthy atmosphere with no mosquitoes, humidity, pests and dust. The access airlock equipped with a rigid frame allows maintaining the bubble and the circulation. The materials composing it have a M2 fire resistance classification. The bubble tent includes a 160 x 200 cm double bed as well as decorative furniture. It also features an outdoor shower and sanitary. Prices available upon enquiry.
MAKING A SPLASH: The Frangipani Beach Resort on Anguilla, above, is a truly stunning venue; below, Spice Island Beach Resort on Grenada is perfect for that well-deserved getaway; left, The Runaway, Jamaica is a luxury bed and breakfast
24 | THE VOICE JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2017
Travel
@thevoicenews
voicenewspaper
8
www.voice-online.co.uk
MALAWI: BUSH AND BEACH DESTINATION
Get ready to explore ‘intensive and exclusive wildlife viewing in unspoilt areas of genuine wilderness’ BY JOEL CAMPBELL
T
HERE AREN’T many places in Africa where you can be tracking down game in the morning, and relaxing on golden sandy beaches with a cocktail in the afternoon. A country hemmed in by safari capitals Zambia and Tanzania, Malawi is often overlooked. Although small, it is packed full of adventure, varied terrain, wonderful wildlife and golden sandy beaches to rival many on the Indian ocean. Travelling around the country is a breeze, and not only is the scenery en route stunning, but in just two hours by road, you travel from bush to beach. Dominating this country is the 560km-long, 75km-wide and 705m-deep Lake Malawi, more like an inland sea, the lake is laced with stunning golden, sandy beaches and the crystal clear blue waters are literally a water sports enthusiast’s paradise. Kayaking, sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving and water skiing are just some of the lake activities available to visitors. More than 800 species of endemic cichlid fish have been recorded in Lake Malawi – no lake in the world holds such a varied and distinctive community. Malawi is blessed with a rich diversity of flora and fauna and
has nine national parks and game reserves – some of Africa’s most undiscovered wildlife hotspots. In the south, Liwonde National Park is brimming with elephants, while the Shire River attracts countless hippos and crocodiles. Nyika National Park, in the north, is Malawi’s largest national park, with one of the highest densities of leopards in central Africa. It is a region for those who wish to experience Africa at its most unspoiled and authentic. If it’s the big five you’re after, then head to Majete Wildlife Reserve. One of Malawi’s leading wildlife sanctuaries, the reserve is home to 10,000 animals and a decade ago saw the reintroduction of 2,500 of them including lion, black rhino
and leopard. The country really does provide intensive and exclusive wildlife viewing in unspoilt areas of genuine wilderness. All types of safaris are on offer here, on foot, by boat, in 4x4 and even by bike! And, just a stone’s throw from the reserves, you can take it easy, relaxing by the lake with a local Malawian gin and tonic in hand. ■ For more information: Adele Cutler, Malawi Tourism PR Tel: +44 (0)1664 823750 M: +44 (0) 7976 578988 adele@kamageo.com
JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2017 THE VOICE | 25
@thevoicenews
voicenewspaper
Travel
www.voice-online.co.uk
BESPOKE BOOKINGS: THE FUTURE BY SAMANTHA AIRWAYS
W
HEN YOU think of travel, what feeling does it evoke? Some will say excitement. Some may say stress. Whatever feeling it brings, travel is a very big part of our lives. We travel every day through congested traffic and on cramped trains, and we all know the pitfalls. But there is a way to take the stress of everyday travel away. We live in a world where everything is designed to help us carry out our busy day with ease. Microwave food, self-serve counters, online purchasing, automated services. The list continues. But has there ever been a time when none of the above will do? Have you ever received
GOOD LIFE: Tenerife
SERVICE PROVIDER: Samantha Airways
VIEW FROM YARD: Jamaica good customer service, forgotten to ask a question and had to ring back, only to find the next rep isn’t so customer-caring? Sometimes in life, when making a big step like booking a holiday, whether on a budget or for a bucket list or even out of necessity, it’s important to be well-informed. Samantha Airways does this for you, in a unique and bespoke way. From the moment we have our first encounter with anyone wanting to travel, our aim is to make your experience stress-free.
RICH SETTING: Singapore
IRRESISTIBLE: Portugal We not only have the tools and the capabilities to do that we have a proven track record. The process of choosing a holiday can have many factors. Budget, destination, location and time of year can all determine what you choose to do. Be realistic about your budget. Being independent, we sell everything travel: low-cost airlines or major airlines, it makes no bones to us, you are all we care about. Whether it’s luxury apartments, dormitories in Amsterdam, cruises, budget
accommodation, family villas or Disneyland adventures and city breaks, sometimes the choosing can be overwhelming. The plethora of options out there really allows us to cater to our customer needs and our customers have visited places all over the world, from Jamaica, Portugal, Tenerife and Singapore. From what time you need to fly to what airport is best, whether it’s on the beach or in the city, every detail dictates the kind of holiday you want to take. Working together, we get the
holiday that best suits your needs. We are not here to sell you the most expensive holiday, unless you require it. We are here to work with you to find a holiday that suits. Holidays don’t have to break the bank. We aim to give you choice. This allows you to be informed and make choices based on your needs, and we will work with you. In fact, we don’t just work with you, but we are on hand to be in contact until you get back on British soil. We check you in at the airport. We provide
private transfers straight from airport to resort. We also do airport lounges and airport parking. Passionate about travel, we want you to enjoy the experience of how amazing travel can be when it’s done right. When things don’t go so great, that’s when you really need someone who knows their stuff. We put ourselves in your shoes at all times. Fully licensed to trade, our service gives our customers 100 per cent financial protection, which is peace of mind in itself.