Travel - Globetrotter Magazine - Issue 2

From the Editor

Trevor Claringbold

Hello, and welcome to Issue 2 of our new-look magazine.

Let me start by saying a huge thank you for all the positive feedback and congratulatory comments we received for the first issue. Of course, praise is always nice, but more importantly it was good to hear about the things you would like to see included.

Taking those points on board, this time we have included two reviews of two very different new hotels. One is absolutely brand new, being built this year in the German city of Ingolstadt. The other, a complete renovation of a 150-year old hotel in Perth, Scotland. It’s interesting to compare the two, and their surroundings.

For those seeking something unusual in Europe, take a look at our behind-the-scenes feature on Poland, and of course our new television series which will be on your screens this month.

Finally, let me finish with a mention of one of our favourite destinations. The Philippines are celebrating 125 years of independence, so congratulations to all of our friends there.

Don’t forget to keep your comments coming in… we love to hear from you, and learn what else you would like included in future issues.

Happy Travels.

Meet The Team

John is our Marketing Manager and Star Wars fan. He loves travelling to sunny places as long as the meals available don’t involve fish. Favourite destination: Anywhere warm with unlimited drinks.

Anca is our Art Director and photo fanatic. She likes snow but is a lover of water and swiming as well, hence why she prefers warmer destinations for travelling. Fun fact: she owns over 15 vintage cameras.

Lana is a travel photographer based in London. She loves to capture the true heart of a destination. Her favourite places are those with an individual characther such as Paris and Santorini.

Chloe is our Graphic Designer. With an interest in photography, art, travel and nature, she brings fresh ideas to our designs every day. She is also training to be a Forest Bathing guide.

Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

John Plaskett

Lana Yatsyuk

Chloe Clover Oates

Anca Precub

8 From Oil to Adventure

CONTENTS

IN THIS ISSUE...

26 Passport to Poland- Behind the scenes

Find out what it’s like to film a mammoth TV series in Poland. Trevor Claringbold goes behind the scenes.

Katy Dartford picks 8 things to do in Oman.

12 A Place to Stay…

Trevor Claringbold explores Radisson Blu Hotel in Perth.

18 Island Time

Alyse Edwards explores Barbados and finds out that time in the Caribbean moves differently.

52 Tech-Detox getaways in Kent

Anca Precub takes a break from tech in the Kent countryside.

68 Bordeaux affair

Lana Yatsyuk takes a break from her love of Paris to explore a different side of France.

76 A place to stay

A 21’s century hotel welcomes Trevor Claringbold in Southern Germany.

ON THE COVER

Owner of Pretty Close 876 Omar aka Ramo.

Taken at Pretty Close by Anca Precub

Regular Features

Globetrotter Magazine 2 Fremantle Road Folkestone Kent, CT20 3PY, Uk www.globetrottertv.com

Editorial email: magazine@globetrottertv.com

General Enquiries: info@globetrottertv.com

Tel: 00 44 (0)1303 850801

Editor Trevor Claringbold

Art Director & Deputy Editor Anca Precub

Graphic Designer Chloe Louise Clover Oates

Marketing Manager John Plaskett

Advertising Executive Emma Plaskett

Artwork and Design Kudosmedia www.kudosmedia.org

Editorial Integrity: Whilst some trips featured in this publication are sponsored by organisations or hotels in the destination, those organisations have no input into the editorial content, which is wholly and uniquely the impartial work of our writers.

All material is Copyright Globetrotter Media

From Oil to Adventure…

For some time Oman’s Sultan, Qaboos Bin Said Al Said thought about what to do when the country’s oil money runs out. Whilst he used its revenues to develop the country’s infrastructure, rather than focusing on generating income from the sort of luxury travel more associated with the United Arab Emirates, Sultan Qaboos had a different plan.

Keen to maintain the country’s identity, unique culture, traditions and heritage, he decided adventure travel was the way forward, as generally it’s all about respecting the environment and discovering a country authentically. And Oman is ideally placed for adventure.

Situated at the mouth of the Gulf at the south-east corner of the Arabian Peninsula, the capital Muscat has sailing, scuba diving, running and cycling all on its doorstep. And head out to the Western Hajar mountains or the desert plains of Rub’ al Khali and you can find more of the latter - in the extreme.

So, after visiting the souks, mosques and wadis, a trip to Oman, which has been ranked as 3rd in the world for “safety and security” by the World Economic Forum, you should definitely throw ‘adventure’ into the mix.

1SEE THE CALL TO PRAYER AFTER A HIKE

You might be just outside the city, but it feels like you’re on the moon. Head out in the late afternoon from Riyam Park, and scramble across the copper streaked volcanic rocks and you’ll be rewarded with great views across Muscat. After an hour you’ll arrive on a hilltop overlooking Muttrah Fort just in time for Maghrib, the evening call to prayer. It’s a magical experience.

… Katy Dartford picks 8 things to do in Oman.

BUY FRANKINCENSE AT A SOUK

The hike ends at Muscat’s Mutrah Souk, a labyrinth of open air shops packed with spices, colourful textiles and a variety of dates, which hold a place of honour in the national culture and cuisine. And you must eat an odd number of them, according to the Koran. Frankincense smoulders from every corner. Here you can buy this aromatic resin as well as gold and myrrh, all three of the precious gifts of the three wise men gave to baby Jesus in Christian tradition. You can barter a bit, but you won’t feel as hassled as places like Marrakesh.

WADE IN A WADI

Escape the heat by taking a dip in the tepid pools of Wadi al Shab, a former home of the Red Bull Cliff diving contest. The Wadi is located in the Al Sharqiyah Region about 87 miles from Muscat on the Qurayat – Sur Coastal Road. After an easy 40 minute hike through the palm lined gorge, along a meandering river, you reach its source. Here it’s ok to strip off to your bikini and wade through its tepid fresh water streams until you reach a waterfall inside a cave with clear turquoise pools that you can slide or jump into. Just remember your jelly shoes as there are a few sharp rocky sections!

Completed in 2001 the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was a gift to the nation to mark his 30th year of his reign. It contains a 14m high Swarovski crystal chandelier and a 60 x 70m Persian carpet which took 600 women four years to weave. Both are said to be the second largest in the world. The mosque has enough room for 6500 men, and 800 women inside. It also has 5 minarets representing 5 pillars of Islam, the highest being 92 meters. You can visit every day except Friday mornings - just remember to cover up. At Friday prayers, the Imam speaks about social cases as well as religion, with a subject prepared by the minister of Islamic affairs.

3SEE ONE OF THE LARGEST CHANDELIERS AND CARPETS IN THE WORLD

WATCH THE SUNSET AND STARS IN THE MOUNTAINS

Perched 2,000 meters up on the edge of a ravine overlooking a dramatic gorge in a centre of the Al Hajar Mountains, is the Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel. Built from local rock it blends into the limestone surroundings, and you barely notice it amongst the vast dry landscape, until you are there. This boutique hotel, which is close to achieving its next environmental target – zero waste to landfill - is focused on combining destination discovery in an active way.

From here you can hike, cycle or try out the country’s highest via ferrata (iron way) along Jabal Akhdar – the Green Mountain - that leads to the hotel, before watching the sunset behind the mountains, and then stargazing under the clear night sky. As one of the highest places in the Sultanate, it’s an ideal spot for this, and all types of lights have been banned in the parts of the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate to create the region’s first ‘dark sky’ nature reserve for stargazing.

https://www.alilahotels.com/jabalakhdarW

TAKE PART IN AN ULTRA MARATHON

Previously there was only the 130km edition. Now, Oman by UTMB has added the 170km - arguably the toughest race on planet - to the 50kWWm and four shorter races, designed to introduce people to the sport of trail running.

All three major races pass through the limestone peaks of the Al Hajar Mountain range, along long exposed ridges, date palm filled wadis, and abandoned ancient villages and places where farmers have lived for centuries, producing rose water, pomegranates, and walnuts. And they’ve done a great job in getting Omani people involved.

Around 900 Omanis take part, including children in the new kids’ races. Along the route, at check points, around 200 volunteers - many from the local area - hand out food and drink to runners, from sticky dates to bouillon soup.

SPOT TUTLES AT THE DESERTED DIMANIYAT ISLANDS

Take a 1 hour boat ride from Muscat to the small Daymaniyat Islands archipelago, a nature reserve where you can snorkel at two different spots amongst its coral reefs. If you’re lucky, you can spot green sea turtles nibbling on the seagrass beds, whale sharks, and many kinds of coloured fish, such as Sohal surgeonfish, Red Sea clownfish, Arabian butterflyfish, black spotted rubberlip and Arabian Picasso triggerfish.

8GO CAMEL SPOTTING.

This is much easier than you might think. It’s perfectly normal to see Camels being transported in the back of trucks down the motorway, for example! Still an amusing sight, however, so see what the most surprising location you can spot one in.

A Place to Stay…

Radisson Blu Hotel, Perth.

Imagine the spectacle. It’s 1888, midway through Queen Victoria’s reign, and trains are still a relatively new phenomenon. The old Scottish capital of Perth is as far north as the railway has reached, so amid the pomp and ceremony Her Majesty would alight here, cross the direct link from the platform to the Railway Hotel, and rest in her room before continuing by carriage for her summer break. It would have been a grand affair, and just the start of a long and impressive history for this establishment, as Trevor Claringbold discovers.

Even the best hotels need rejuvenating once in a while, and the old Railway Hotel has just been given a new lease of life with a complete renovation. Now renamed as the Radisson Blu Hotel Perth, the towers and pinnacles of the baronial Scottish façade still stand impressively above the grand entrance hall. Inside, the clever refurbishment manages to retain the building’s period elegance, without feeling dated.

Queen Victoria’s room is now the lobby bar. I doubt she would be amused, but of course it does lend itself to legends of her ghost appearing there at some future date! It’s one of the three bars in the property, along with the garden bar and a function bar. There are also two large ballrooms, and one of the largest meeting rooms north of Edinburgh.

The Victoria Restaurant serves British cuisine all day, with most of it locally sourced. Once you’ve had your fill of the food, you can work it off in the hotel’s own well-equipped gym and fitness room.

Since there is no longer a Royal Suite I sampled one of the 75 normal guest rooms, and was more than happy. They are spacious, very comfortable, and with all the facilities you would expect of this level of hotel. The only issue we encountered, on a cold autumn night, was that the luxurious heavy curtains blocked out a lot of the heat from the radiator situated under the window.

However, we visited just after the reopening, and I was assured that the teething problems such as this would quickly be sorted out.

Of course, the hotel is still alongside the railway station, although there was certainly no noise to be heard.

Nowadays the hotel also has a car park for guest use too. The hotel is perfectly placed within walking distance of Perth town centre, and the mighty River Tay, so there is no excuse not to explore this impressive city and beyond.

It’s not a big city, and has the air of a relaxed country gentleman, comfortable with what it is, and its place in the world. The broad streets bustle to the tune of independent shops and a café culture in the daytime, and to sound of

Picts were never defeated. Instead, once the Romans were gone, the Picts ruled from Scone until they were ousted in 843 by Kenneth MacAlpin – the King of the Scots. Some say it was he who brought the Stone of Destiny to Scone.

When you stand in front of the picturesque little chapel, surrounded by perfectly manicured lawns and casually passing peacocks, it’s hard to imagine the dramatic and sometimes horrific history that this place has borne witness to. Bloodthirsty power struggles saw both King Malcom, and his sworn enemy Macbeth rule here. Robert the Bruce killed his rival Red Comyn in the church, and was then

bars and live music at night. And all roads seem to lead to the river.

There has been a settlement here for over 8000 years, principally as it was a place where the River Tay ran shallow enough to cross by foot. Today, the impressive stone bridge gives glorious views along the river, and the banks are lined with some of Perth’s most notable parks and public buildings.

On the outskirts of the city, though, stands the most notable building of all. Scone Palace.

From the moment the grey stone towers of the palace ease into view, sitting proudly atop a gentle rise, there is an unmistakeable majestic aura about this place. That’s not surprising, since this was the place where Robert the Bruce was crowned King in 1308, and a hundred years of monarchs after him. The exact spot is marked close to a small chapel, which was also once the home of the famous Stone of Destiny, which was most recently seen in Westminster Abbey for the Coronation.

Two thousand years ago the Romans camped here, marking the northernmost reach of their empire, but the warrior-like

crowned with the blood still on his hands. Even the Abbey was burned to the ground by an ‘Angry Mob from Dundee’ during the Reformation.

Thankfully, today you can walk the magnificent grounds in peace, and marvel at the grandeur of the interior. Walk through the opulent French-themed drawing room, the palace state rooms, and see where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert dined.

And if that’s not enough, you can even stay here. There are impressive apartments that can be rented on the upper floors, and the castle can even host events such as weddings.

Perth has so much to offer that you don’t need to venture far on a short visit. If you are staying longer, however, it is perfectly placed to explore the surrounding region. To the east, the city of Dundee lies on the broad Tay Estuary, and is home to a busy waterfront, with tall ships and the Scottish incarnation of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

To the west, the strikingly impressive Stirling Castle, and the historic told town that it gazes over, are just a short drive away. It has been said that whoever holds Stirling Castle, holds Scotland.

And if you are yearning for the gorgeous Scottish landscapes, then half an hour north will lead you to the stunningly beautiful Loch Tay, with quaint stone bridges and white painted cottages, all set against the picturepostcard mountain backdrop. What more could you want?

Useful Links:

Radisson Blu – Perth www.radissonhotels. com

Perth Tourist Information www.visitscotland. com/info/services/perth-icentre-p234431

Scone Palace www.scone-palace. co.uk

Stirling Castle www.stirlingcastle.scot

ISLAND TIME

Alyse Edwards explores Barbados and finds out that time in the Caribbean moves differently...

All I want is a coke. No hamburger, no jerk chicken. Just a plain can of coke, which I could grab myself from the fridge in under 30 seconds. But instead, I am waiting in line as the three women behind the counter flip the burgers nonchalantly, gossiping and hooting with laughter. And definitely not serving anyone. It’s a warm evening, and after the flight from London, dropping off the bags, and coming straight to the festival, I could really use a cold drink. But with rising frustration I realise that won’t be happening quickly. I’m soon to learn, that nothing happens quickly in Barbados.

While I wait, I look around. The first thing I notice are the colours. People wearing hot pinks, bright yellow wraps around their heads, and beaded earrings that would be considered outlandish in London. The air is heavy with spice and coconut. Intermission is over, and music drifts out of the theatre where islanders from all over the Caribbean are performing. I start talking to the woman in line next to me who’s come to watch her sister. It’s such a contrast from my grey, urgent, lonely London morning that I can’t help but laugh. Before I know it, I’ve reached the front of the line and paid for my drink, and walk away smiling.

Island time is a beautiful thing. Sun-baked days stretch on endlessly and blend into each other, so that I’m caught in blissful time-warp. My morning run turns into a walk, because it’s impossible not to stop for photos. The sky is pomegranate pink and the sand is buttery under my feet.

I eat my breakfast from a deckchair facing out at yachts glistening on the marina. We’re staying at Port Ferdinand hotel, on the exclusive north-east side of the island, and I think for the billionth time how I could easily get used to this. If only I could afford the price tag.

The hotel manager Bernard Sarme, is an impeccably dressed st Lucian, with an equally sharp wit. “When you live in one of those apartments, mamma-mia, there is nothing like it!”, he smiles.

“You come here because we have everything here. We have fishing boats, catamarans, sailing boats, scuba diving, jet ski diving, wakeboarding, turtle tours. Whatever you want, we can do it.” I make a mental note to self. Must get out of deck chair at some point this week and try said activities.

My days are filled with sunbaking, salt, watermelon cocktails and fresh seafood. The nights are filled with dancing.

I’m here for Carifesta, the Caribbean’s biggest arts and cultural festival. More than four thousand performers have descended on Barbados and every street corner seems to be heaving. I dive into an eclectic mix of performances- from traditional and contemporary dance, to re-enactments of historical repression and slavery, to comedy, and a gravity-defying limbo routine involving fire and barely-there costumes.

performing folk, hip-hop and spiritual dance.

“This costume is for our masquerade dance where we would use stick fighting and all sorts of things like swords and hats. Some of the dances are very cheeky and fun, and others are energetic and vibrant.” Just like the people here, I think to myself.

The next morning our Island Safari tour guide, Ian Webster, pulls up to the hotel. It seems too serious a name for someone so fun. “Good morning to you all. Each time you board, you are to watch your head and your language!” Everyone giggles.

We sit in the back of the Jeep, bouncing along as we travel off-road through the sugarcane fields and around the island’s parishes. We learn about British colonialism and sugar cane production, stopping occasionally for a glass of icy rum punch, which Ian pours out of a plastic container

I’m invited backstage to meet a group of young performers from Trinidad and Tobago. They’re shy, but love it when I bring out my camera. A striking young woman wearing a feather headdress comes over to talk to me. Her group, Rythmic Vibrations, has been together for 21 years

“I’ve been doing this job about five years and it’s basically what I love to do, it involves meeting people, it involves bantering. It’s not only a warm climate on offer here in Barbados, I’ve always found it’s the people that are the main attraction.”

The next day I meet Anthony Hunt of the island’s famous

Hunt’s Gardens. He’s wearing round glasses and a bright floral shirt that matches his surroundings. He leads us up through a winding trail of tropical plants and lofty palms towards his old plantation house at the top of the garden. We sit overlooking it all, listening to classical music and drinking yet more rum punch.

“This garden was started by me in 2005, and by 2007 it was open to the public. It’s in a collapsed cave from millions of years ago and what I found was a derelict orchard with royal palms growing in it. And I said wonderful, it will make a great garden.”

And it does. I’m in awe of anyone who can keep a plant alive for more than a few weeks, but this man’s dedication is breath-taking.

“They’re all like my children, I know where they all are, what they’re doing, how to cut them back, when to feed them,” he says. He also knows how to entertain, and his guests leave the garden full and merry.

I use the last day of my trip to stop by one of the island’s rum distilleries. Because I haven’t consumed nearly enough rum punch yet. Foursquare Rum Distillery has been family owned and operated for 90 years.

CARIFESTA

www.carifesta.net

WHERE TO STAY

The owner, Gayle Seale, tells us that Barbados made its fortune on the back of the sugar cane industry, but as farmers sold their land and diversified, the number of sugar factories dwindled.

“The price of sugar became prohibitive, so for years we’ve all being buying rum from the West Indies rum refinery which is down on the south-west coast of Barbados. You’d get your barrels, you’d bring it up to your own place, you’d blend and add things to it to make it your own. In 1994 my husband decided that he didn’t want to buy from somebody else anymore, he actually wanted to put his own twist on it, so that’s what we did.”

We sit sipping the smokey, liquoricey blends of rum, with the fan whirring gently above us and the doors opening out onto the hibiscus trees outside. The afternoon stretches on, slowly, contentedly. I smile to myself…. island time. Not bad at all.

Port Ferdinand Marina and Luxury Residences. www.portferdinand.com/villas

WHAT TO DO

Foursquare Rum Distillery

Harrison’s Cave tours

Hunte’s Gardens

Sunbury Great House

George Washington House

WHERE TO EAT

Oistins Bay Gardens

Pat’s Place

Jumas Restaurant

Atlantis Restaurant

Champers Restaurant

13°/59° Restaurant

GETTING THERE

www.visitbarbados.org

www.britishairways.com

HISTORIC GLOBAL TOURISM RESILIENCE CONFERENCE

In February 2023, Jamaica hosted the inaugural Global Tourism Resilience Conference, where more than 200 people from across the globe took part.

Amongst the guests present, there were academics, tourism boards, ministers of government, investment gurus and stakeholders in the tourism industry from Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean.

Hon. Edmund Bartlett said he is excited to have Jamaica at the forefront of such an important event in the tourism industry, and that he invites all those attending to share from their experiences as new methods of recovering from natural disasters such as Covid-19 are at the forefront of a resilient tourism practice.

not only understanding their responsibility to the guest but understanding and appreciating the differences in diversity that now constitutes the tourism background.”

Prof Lloyd Waller, the Executive Director of Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre said that one of the most important things to make tourism in Jamaica more sustainable and resilient is “ having a behaviour modification and having people be aware of how their action impacts the environment”

He added “tourists should be aware of their surroundings, respect place and space and keep in mind that the next traveller would like to have the same privilege as they did when arriving to the destination”.

In the closing session of the event, minister Bartlett announced that the 2024 Tourism Resilience conference will be held in Malaga, Spain and the event ended with a signing of a communique between the 2 countries that will facilitate cooperation in areas of tourism and human capital between them, this agreement being the first of its kind.

The conference culminated with the launch of a Global Tourism Resilience Day, on Feb 17, that is recognising the importance of global tourism resilience for sustainable growth and development across the globe.

Sustainability was also at the forefront of discussions, and when asked what Jamaica is doing in this direction, Mr Bartlett said “This is a time for reflection and we need to look at future-proofing the market and make sure that we provide a destination assurance for all travellers, so that they are safe, secure and have a seamless holiday.

We have developed a destination assurance policy that will bring all those involved in creating a holiday from manufacturers to agriculture and public transport together that, will in return be providing a good experience for our visitors. Most importantly we have outlined the human capital development, in order to train even more the workers of the industry so that they are

Hon, Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica, Co-Chair and founder of the GTRCMC

Hon. Edmund Bartlett (2nd right) and Deputy Mayor of the City of Málaga, Spain, Jacobo Florido Gomez (2nd left Secretary, Jennifer Griffith (right), and Minister of Tourism, Cayman Islands, and Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Hon. Kenneth Bryan

FINLAND INTRODUCES THE WORLD’S FIRST PHONE-FREE TOURIST ISLAND

Those travelling to the island of Ulko-Tammio, located in the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park, will be asked to keep their phones away this summer.

The aim is to encourage holidaymakers to switch off their smart devices, take a break from social media and enjoy nature. Ulko-Tammio is believed to be the world’s first phone-free tourist island.

“The island of Ulko-Tammio, which is located off the coast of Hamina, will be a phone-free area this summer. We want to urge holidaymakers to switch off their smart devices and

THE QUIET SITE BRINGS HOME GOLD AT THE VISITENGLAND AWARDS 2023

The Quiet Site has scooped gold at this year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023, having been named the top Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year.

The multi-award wining site, which boasts a stunning location in the fells overlooking Ullswater, first opened its doors to campers and caravanners 60 years ago. Over the past two decades sustainability has been the site’s focus, with both business and investment choices based on a desire to be fully sustainable, which has resulted in the site becoming one of the greenest holiday parks in the UK.

The Quiet Site is a multi-award winning carbon neutral holiday park, consisting of several accommodation options including a self-catering holiday cottage, luxury Glamping Cabins, timber Camping Pods, underground Glamping Burrows and carbon positive Gingerbread Houses. In addition, it offers all-weather tent pitches and hard standing pitches for caravans and motorhomes.

BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WEEK.

On 1 May 1993, the British Motor Museum, known at the time as the ‘Heritage Motor Centre’, opened its doors for the very first time. Purpose-built to hold the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust’s collections, the Museum was created with one goal, to preserve the motoring history of Britain, now and into the future.

To celebrate this milestone anniversary, the British Motor Museum is hosting a 30th Anniversary Celebration week from 14-20 August, packed with activities and events, featuring old favourites, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. A Raffle, which will raise funds for the Museum’s future plans, offers a rare opportunity to take a ride in one of five legendary vehicles from the collection, including Huey, the first pre-production Land Rover and the Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of

to stop and genuinely enjoy the islands”, Mats Selin, an expert in island tourism at Visit KotkaHamina, explains.

The Eastern Gulf of Finland boasts plenty of beautiful islands awaiting explorers. Rugged islands, lush swimming spots and charming coastal villages are all characterised by nature, peace and the Baltic Sea.

For more information on travelling to Ulko-Tammio, please visit: www.visitkotkahamina.fi

The site’s facilities include a historic pub, a zero waste shop, pizzeria and creperie, games room and lots more.

For more information on The Quiet Site go to: www.thequietsite.co.uk

Secrets. Tickets cost just £5.

A selection of the Museum’s famous cars will be put through their paces around the Museum grounds from Monday to Friday in Cars on the Move, offering visitors the chance to glimpse them in action. On 14, 16 and 18 August, visitors will have the opportunity to ride in a range of vehicles driven by the Volunteer team, including the 1952 Riley RMA and the 1960 Standard Ensign.

For more information about the Museum, please call 01926 895300 or visit the website at: www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk.

Above: The Quiet Site Managing Director Daniel Holder and son George Holder

Passport to PolandBehind the Scenes

With Globetrotter Television’s new series

‘Passport to Poland’ on your screens this month, Trevor Claringbold goes behind the scenes on the mammoth filming trip.

2023

It’s always nice to film destinations in the sunshine. But when you are carrying around 15 kg of cameras and kit, and walking up to ten kilometres a day, 34 degrees can be a little excessive. Yet that was the case for much of the time we spent during several weeks travelling around Poland last year.

Poland was a destination we didn’t know much about. Like many people, we were aware of the popular tourist cities of Krakow, and the capital, Warsaw, but when we saw we were visiting Malopolska and Ksiaz, it had us scrambling for our maps.

Unusually, we were travelling around Poland in between the different regions by train. Leaving Warsaw on a highspeed train in First Class, to travel south to Krakow, we thought we had it made. Comfy reclining seats, plenty of room for our luggage, meals served in our seat… yes, we could get use to this. Sadly, that was the best of the journeys, and the next one was slow, cramped and with us taking turns to keep an eye on our expensive equipment so that it didn’t get knocked in the narrow corridors.

The delightful tourist city of Krakow – the old capital of Poland, welcomed us with a balloon flight above the river. We weren’t expecting this until the last day, but, thankfully, we are good at adapting to situations quickly. A hasty discussion saw cameraman Matt left on the ground to film from below, with myself (Trevor) and Tom joining presenter Alex, and guide Kasha on the balloon.

Now, I don’t know if you’ve ever thought about filming such an experience when you’ve seen similar things on television, but you need some nice close-up shots of the presenter and guide chatting about the city below, but also some beautiful shots from the ground of them looking out from the balloon. For the latter, please consider that Tom and I were having to ‘hide’, squatting down out of sight in this tiny space, 100 metres in the air, so that we are not seen by the camera on the ground. The glamour of television!

Krakow is a bright, lively, happy city, and a great place to introduce newcomers to Poland. Its vast market square is the largest in Europe, and is alive to the sound of street musicians, horses pulling carriages, and numerous restaurants each evening. Unlike some other European cities, however, it always felt very safe when we were walking around with cameras and other kit, and had a feeling that everyone was there just to have a good time.

Gdansk was probably the most surprising place we visited. Many British people of a certain generation will know the name as the port city that was constantly in the news, with the towering cranes of the dockyards playing backdrop to the mass protests at the end of the Soviet era. Nowadays those same dockyards are home to leisure craft and yachts, with some of the huge warehouses converted into bustling night spots. The cranes are still there, celebrated now with coloured lights that illuminate them against the night sky.

By day, Gdank is a thriving tourist hub, with pastel coloured lines of historic buildings, and captivating shops and street traders showcasing a wealth of local products – most notably the famous local amber stone.

The capital, Warsaw, is an interesting mix of modern skyscrapers, and the atmospheric old town. Much of it,

This actually became a feeling we were to get used to as we travelled around other Polish cities. In Wroclaw, people were very curious about why an English film crew was in their city, but as soon as we told them, they were full of enthusiasm – offering enough suggestions of other places we should film to last us another three weeks. In Gdansk, a real party city at night around the river and docks, we had locals telling us the best places to get our shots from, and moving other locals out of the way as though we were some kind of VIP’s!

including the beautiful palace complex, has been totally rebuilt after it was completely destroyed in WW2, but you’d never know it. It looks exactly as before, and is a delight to just wander around the narrow streets and bustling squares. There is a pleasant calmness about the city, with the exception of the many electric scooters that zip in and out of the casually ambling tourists.

Wroclaw has a very Germanic feel, unsurprisingly as it was once part of that nation. It has a very open, welcoming feel, enhanced by the various waterways and tree-lined promenades around the islands. It has a great foodie scene too, with some mouthwatering dishes presented to us. Filming in restaurants is always fun when there are other diners around. You can sense them all watching while you make the presenter wait until you have all your shots

before she is allowed to take a mouthful of her meal… and then ask her to take another mouthful while you take a close up of her tasting it. Ten minutes later, she is allowed to actually eat her lunch! Poland’s cuisine tends to be quite meat and carbs heavy, although the ‘pink soup’ certainly divided opinion amongst our team.

If you are coming to Poland, spare some time to get out of the cities, as there are so many beautiful places to see in the countryside, mountains and along the Baltic coast.

We had the chance to film on board a yacht, sailing from Gdansk to the popular resort of Sopot – apparently famed for having the longest wooden pier in Europe. It really surprised us just what a spectacular coastline this was, with long stretches of sandy beaches, people out on the water, windsurfing, paddleboarding and swimming. We all enjoyed the experience, except poor Tom, who succumbed to a spot of seasickness when it became a little choppy.

Thankfully it was a lot calmer in the extreme south, as we drifted down a spectacular stretch of the Poprad River, which marks the border between Poland and Slovenia. It’s always fun to get the presenters dressed up on camera, and as the boatmen all wear a traditional embroidered waistcoat and trousers, Alex was also adorned with the same as she was taught how to punt the flat bottom raft through the fast moving water of the river gorges. Filming on water always presents a challenge, but usually looks amazing when you see it on screen. Luckily, you can’t see the strange positions we need to get into with the cameras to get those shots!

Filming on these trips is always a constant challenge, be it crawling on hands and knees to capture the famous statues of dwarves that inhabit the city of Wroclaw, or balancing on a wire high above the ground, filming Alex nervously traversing a tree-top trail. Tasting the thermal water in a spa town was a highlight – for all the wrong reasons (it tasted awful, and smells like rotten eggs!), and filming some open-

air food preparation in the middle of a forest, whilst trying not to get stung by the wasps who also thought it looked tasty, was also memorable. But that’s all part of the fun.

Keep an eye on the Globetrotter Television website and social media channels for details of where you can see the new series.

YOUR PHOTOS

Been somewhere captivating ? Done something amazing ? Email us your journeys to magazine@globetrotter.com or tag us on Instagram using #globetrottermag and you could have your image shown here in a future issue.

Cheryl Conquers - @cherylconquers on Instagram

“Travel means many things to me. It goes beyond just escaping to new places and capturing content for social media. Instead, it’s an expression of my conquest for personal growth through venturing outside of my comfort zone, challenging my beliefs and perspectives, and creating meaningful connections with different people and environments. I also see travel as one of the best antidotes to improving mental and physical wellness, because it allows us to detox from life’s stresses, recharge our batteries and live life to the zest.

I decided to travel to the stunning island of Santorini for a birthday trip. The moment I arrived, I was enticed by the island’s exquisite beauty.

During my trip, I stayed in the charming town of Thira, nestled on top of the Caldera cliffs, which offered incredible views of the Aegean Sea. One of the highlights of my trip was witnessing the magical sunrise over in Oia. The photos I took on the trip are meaningful to me since they form a jigsaw puzzle of my path to the blue domes.”

Location: Santorini, Greece

JAMAICA...

By Anca Precub

through the lens

Bob Marley Museum- Kingston

The former home where the artist spent the final 8 years of his life, can be visited in Kingston.

The outside gardens are the only area you are allowed to take pictures in and there’s plenty to see, from murals (right ) to a statue of the musician (left ).

All the rooms have been kept as they were when the house was still in use by Bob Marley, and you can see a vast collection of tickets, awards, passes for his shows as well as some gold and platinum records received from all around the world.

Inside the house as well as outfits from the concerts, you can also see the musicans bedroom. There are also 2 of the banners that were taken along with the band all over the world painted by Nevile Garrick that visitors can touch.

UCC Blue Mountain Estate

Blue Mountain coffee is only produced in the mountainous region of eastern Jamaica. A short 30 minute drive from Kingston. Apart from tasting the delicous drink, you can also visit the coffee plantation.

See the journey of a coffee bean from begining to the roasting process

Learn about different types of beans and what makes Blue Mountain Coffee special

Pretty Close 876

Pretty Close - it’s the perfect spot for an authentic Jamaican experience.

From wholesome cooking all done on site by the owner using local ingredients, to a spiritaul connection with nature in an idilyic setting surrounded by lush greens.

Located in Enfield Road in Gordon Town,St. Andrew.

Take a walk to one of the many waterfalls and refresh in the cold mountain water

There are at least 4 waterfalls close by and Omar will always be happy to show his guests around.

Kingston Creative is a nonprofit arts organisation started in 2017 by a team of three co-founders who believe in using Art and Culture to achieve social and economic transformation.

On the left - Conroy Green working on one of the wall arts in downtown Kingston.

The murals can be visited for free by anyone in the area and most of them will feature information about the artists who painted them.

Art District - Kingston

The organisation is offering virtual tours on their website as well

Fort Charles was built between 1650 and 1660, the first fort constructed in Port Royal, Jamaica

The tree inside Fort Charles is belived to be granting those who seek refuge underneath its shade eternal life.

Port Royal was known as the wickedest city on earth, because the locals or people passing by the area were always involved in some ilicit activity.

Left - Giddy House - it was the formal royal artillery store that sunk as a result of the 1907 earthquake.

The Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios is more than a fancy seaside resort. The family owned business has developed the Jamaica Inn Foundation that helps support the Oracabessa Bay Turtle Project and the White River Fish Sanctuary Project.

The resort has a vast array of suites and cottages with sea views as well as stunning private beaches.

www.jamaicainn.com

Old Fort Craft Market

This craft and souvenir market is located in Montego Bay. All products are produced by local artisans and it ranges from souvenirs, to clothing and woodwork items. The place has been developed to support working creative artists as well as to expand the line of local products.

Dead End Beach- Montego Bay

If you want to have an authentic experience in Jamica and are sick of overpopulated beaches, Dead End Beach in Montego Bay is perfect.

This tiny sandy beach is located just a few minutes away from their airport and is a favourite amongst locals.

All images in the article have been taken using the Canon RP with the RF 24-105MM f4 L IS lens. The camera provides a small body fuelled by a full-frame sensor, 26.2 megapixels, DIGIC 8 processor, 4K Video quality, face tracking focus, and over 4779 AF positions available.

TR A V E L T E C H

CANON POWERSHOT ZOOM

and I must admit I was impressed. Functionality is very simple with just a few buttons to operate so after a few hours of use you can find the right one even with your eyes closed.

The viewfinder is very bright and it features a sensor that will detect when you have it against your eye, even in sunny conditions I had no issue using it.

You can take a picture or video using the 2 buttons at the top that are dedicated for their specific use. Images will then be stored on a micro sd card -which does come included with the

For those of you that have a passion for wildlife and photography, birdwatching and relaxing days in nature without having to carry a multitude of bags, lenses, cameras and binoculars - I have a solution!

A small, elegant and very smart solution! The Canon Powershot Zoom is the love child of a monocular and digital camera.

With a 12 megapixel sensor, built in 4-axis image stabilisation and a range of up to about 16x zoom, this might be just the perfect pocketable inteligent monocular.

I have tried both the video and image functions of this device

monocular, but you can always get extra ones for those moments when you can’t stop snapping. If you are out in the wild and you are afraid you might scare some animals or birds, it does feature a silent shutter that will make sure you stay as incospicous as possible and get that shot you were after.

Anca Precub puts the latest gadgets, gizmo’s, and travel tech to the test!

The simplictity of buttons and the device itself doesn’t stop there. It continues on the inside, as the functions are fully automatic. So even if you are not a photographer, you won’t have to worry about it as the monocular will take care of all the settings.

Even though it doesen’t feature a display, all you need is a mobile phone, You can download the free Canon app and that will allow you to save the files straight to your phone in a couple of clicks.

In the box, apart from the PowerShot Zoom and the memory card, you’ll also find a manual, USB charging cable and a wrist strap.

So all is left to do, is get it out of the box and enjoy seeing the world around you up close.

More info at www.canon.co.uk/cameras/canonpowershot-zoom

Tech spec:

Battery life:

- Approx. 150 shots

- Approx. 240 min. viewing time

- Approx. 60 min. movie shooting time

ISO sensitivity AUTO, 100 - 3200

Resolution 12.1 megapixels

Image stabilisation Optical 4-axis

Continuous shooting 10 fps

Maximum video resolution 1920 x 1080p (30 fps)

Video file formats MP4 (NTSC/PAL)

Photo file formats JPEG

Maximum photo resolution 4000 x 3000p

Maximum aperture f/5.6 - f/6.3

ATMOS STUDIOS FLAT UNIVERSAL CABLE

Why are we reviewing a cable, I hear you ask. Well, this is a cable with a difference. In a world where devices need to seamlessly interact with one another, the importance of reliable and efficient cables is paramount. Cable management has been a perennial challenge, with tangled wires cluttering desks and entertainment systems. Atmos Studios has introduced what they claim is a gamechanging solution with their Flat Universal Cable.

The most important feature is its broad compatibility, supporting a wide range of devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, and home entertainment systems. Of course, having just one cable instead of a bundle of them is a useful thing at home, but when you’re travelling, it’s a real benefit. Unlike traditional cables, which are often bulky and inflexible, this innovative cable boasts

THE BOOKBOOK IPAD CASE

Tablets have revolutionized the way we consume content, work, and stay connected. With their sleek design and versatile functionality, they have become an integral part of our daily lives. Most popular, of course, is the iPad, and now there is a stylish way to protect yours, which complements the iPad’s own elegance.

The BookBook Case by Twelve South not only safeguards your iPad, but also adds a touch of vintage charm, making it a must-have for iPad owners seeking a unique and functional case. It has a distinct, vintage book-like appearance, and is crafted from premium leather, giving an aura of sophistication and nostalgia. Its handcrafted design features meticulous attention to detail, including spine ridges, distressed textures, and even “pages” that mimic the appearance of a genuine antique book.

a slim, flat profile that allows for easy routing, ensuring a clutter-free environment by just allowing you to change the head of the charging port to whatever you need at that moment in time.

With its state-of-the-art construction, the cable boasts excellent data transfer speeds and reliable power delivery. Whether it’s transferring large files, streaming high-definition content, or charging devices rapidly, this cable ensures a seamless user experience without compromising on performance.

Crafted from high-quality materials, it exhibits robustness and resilience, capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, professional, or just someone seeking a cleaner setup, the Flat Universal Cable is a worthy investment to bring order and efficiency to your digital life.

More info at www.atomstudios.com

However, it is far more than just a stylish accessory. The case offers reliable protection for your iPad, shielding it from everyday bumps, scratches, and accidental drops. The durable leather exterior acts as a barrier against potential damage, while the soft microfiber interior cushions your device, keeping it safe and secure. It features a built-in stand that allows for multiple viewing angles, and the stand’s versatility ensures that you can find the perfect angle for any activity. The case also supports the iPad’s auto-wake/sleep function, ensuring convenient and energy-efficient usage.

There is a choice of different sizes and versions compatible with various iPad models, and for that unique twist, Twelve South even provide customization options, allowing you to personalize the leather cover with initials or other engravings. How good is that?!

More info at : www.twelvesouth.com

Tech-Detox Getaways in Kent

Numerous studies done by the American Psychological Associations suggest that the excessive use of technology can be stressful, disrupt sleep, could increase the risk of mental health issues as well as disrupting the work/life balance.

Whilst the studies are still ongoing, we believe that a healthy break from technology and our phones can help us reconnect with loved ones or even ourselves. Hence why we challenged our own tech-fan, Anca Precub, to leave her phone at home, and sent her to explore some hidden Kent gems perfect for a tech-detox.

I’d been driving for about 20 minutes down country lanes, and even if I’m a fairly new driver, I was loving the green fields and wildlife that was greeting me at every turn.

When I reached the metal gate, my heart started racing. A flock of curious sheep were already heading my way, and behind me, Shelby from OhMyGraze, was just parking with some boxes full of goodies. My breakfast and lunch was sorted and they looked incredible!

I went through the metal gates, greeting the sheep, and made my way down the path to my accommodation for the night. I’d never stayed in a place like this before so excitement levels were high.

The hut is located about 60 miles from London, in East Brabourne, and as it sits at the edge of the village, you’re pretty much surrounded by fields. You do have access to 2 pubs that serve some incredible food and local drinks within a 20 min walk.

If you need a big supermarket though, Ashford is just 10 minutes’ drive from the hut, so in case you forget any necessary items, don’t panic.

The owners of the hut have lived in the area and worked on the adjacent farm for over 30 years, and opened the hut in September 2021 with the help of local craftsmen using traditional designs and techniques, ensuring they keep the authenticity of the hut.

While the outside of the hut may have a time-honoured appearance, when I stepped inside I was surprised to be greeted by a luxurious accommodation, with a fully equipped kitchenette, a king sized bed, en-suite shower room , electric log burner and underfloor heating, which for a spring stay and an always cold person like myself was a blessing.

The grey wooden walls really compliment the blues and yellow of the sofa and pillows, and as soon as you step in you feel a sense of coziness and peace taking over.

The 2 windows are facing the trees that surround the hut, and the door is facing the field where you’ll occasionally see the sheep grazing. If you’re lucky, you might spot the pheasants that came to say hi to me a few times whilst I was enjoying a tea on the hut steps.

My hosts also left a welcome card, that was handwritten, and some eggs from their own chickens, which I must admit I was super excited to cook up that evening.

To me, it’s this sort of attention to detail that elevates any stay no matter how big or small, as it’s a clear sign you have some amazing hosts on your side.

In order to pass the day, and as I was not supposed to be using my phone and the signal wasn’t on my side either (of course I had to check), I went for a walk. The hut is inside the Kent Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The welcome pack that you receive when booking the hut includes different activities for those staying there, and recommendations of both nature walks, food and shopping.

My choice out of the list was to go and visit the Hatch Deer Park, as the possibility of seeing one of the 100+ deer that live there was definitely making the photographer in me itch with excitement. Though as if they knew I was coming, they decided to hide under a tree, too far away to take a proper image. Thankfully, they didn’t made the walk any less relaxing and beautiful. Many locals seem to be visiting this place with their dogs, and I was surprised to see how well kept the place is, with signs talking about the plants and area in general as well as picturesque views.

provided by the many birds that seemed like they were surrounding the hut. I’d prefer them to an alarm clock.

The breakfast provided by OhMyGraze at the suggestion of my lovely host Kate, was exactly what I needed after what was a very good nights sleep. It was a combination of yogurts, croissants, waffles, Nutella and fruits that I devoured with my coffee even though at home I never eat in the morning. Not to mention the presentation of this graze box will make you hungry even by just looking at it.

When it was time to go I realised that I hadn’t even had my phone on charge overnight as I barely touched it and only

On returning to the hut, I snuggled in the bed with a book, and got the electric log burner going which immediately made me feel very cozy, warm and relaxed.

I usually wake up very early in the morning every time I’m in a new place, and this time was no exception. The difference being that the background music was being

occasionally used it for taking images.

This will definitely be a place that I’ll have to come back to, not least because the area outside of the hut is deisgned to be enjoyed round a fire pit, and I really wish I’d had enough time to experience it as well.

Find more information about the hut on their instagram page @northdownsviewssheperdshut

STAY AT FOREST EDGE

If there’s one thing I could never get enough of, apart my phone and laptop, is walking in the woods,. Hence why I had to visit Stay at Forest Edge for another tech-detox break.

Situated right next to Bedgebury forest, and just over 50 miles from London, this little farm accommodates a shepherd hut, and in the summer, bell tents as well, for their guests is not only truly beautiful but also taking steps in being as eco-friendly as possible.

The hut and washroom facilities are run using solar power, they use reclaimed and recycled wood as well as compostable and renewable materials where possible, and there’s even an electric vehicle charging point on site.

sure I knew that was their place.

Helen showed me around the washroom facility, which can be found right at the entrance and has an outdoor kitchenette, and then advised I follow the cobbled winding path to my left.

The path is lined with flowers, and the ducks will follow you for a bit. By the time you realise how beautiful this place is, you are welcomed by the sight of a camping area, with a firepit, barbeque and large wooden table, nestled between some tall trees, with the hut right next to it.

The hut has been built locally, and it blends perfectly within the canopy of trees. As soon as I went inside, a large bouquet of fresh flowers and a Victoria sponge cake were waiting for me on the table, alongside a tray of some more tasty snacks. With the sun shining, there was also a delightful local apple juice that I was eager to try.

As soon as you step on the property you notice the attention to detail and the love the owners have for nature, as everything on site is built not to disrupt it, but to enhance the beauty of it and protect it.

Before our host, Helen, reached my car, the 3 ducks that like to live in the pond, came to say hi, thinking probably I had some food for them, or maybe they were just making

Inside you can sleep up to 4 people, as there is a double bed and a sofa bed that will expand for the extra guests, as well as a double hob, small sink and all the necessary utensils for preparing food either indoors or on the outside barbeque.

visit the Bewl Water parkland where you can do various activities from water sports to paintball and cycling.

After my walk I was eager to come back to the hut and get the fire going, as I was longing for a night spent next to it with roasting marshmallows, enjoying the nature around me.

You can drive to the nearest town in about 10-15 minutes, and after you get your supplies, make sure you get one of the blankets provided by the hut and immerse yourself in the aroma of roasted marshmallows outside.

After an amazing night’s sleep, I asked my host, yet again as she was so accommodating, to recommend a place for breakfast, as I was not feeling like washing the dishes. So, I headed to Birchwood in Wadhurst at her suggestion, which had delicious and fairly priced food, as well as friendly staff, not to mention it overlooks, yes you guessed it - a birch forest.

As I got there early, I asked my host to point me in the direction of Bedgebury Forest. Not only did she suggested some routes, Helen also came along with me for a while to make sure I didn’t get lost, before returning to the horses that she was tending to when I arrived.

If you plan to come and stay here, you are spoiled for choice in terms of the different activities you can do. Apart from woodland walks and bike rides, which are just a few meters away from the hut, you can also take a trip to Scotney Castle , which is only 20 minutes’ drive away. Or

I was genuinely sad when I had to leave Stay at Forest Edge, and even though there is signal in the area so you are not completely cut off technologically speaking, having no TV in the hut and being surrounded by so much nature and activities will make you forget about your phone. I sure did.

Find more info here: www.stayatforestedge.co.uk

THE LODGE TREEHOUSE

As a child, apart from my undying love of the outdoors, I loved climbing trees and always dreamt one day I will have my own treehouse, full of books, dolls and snacks.

As an adult I got to make that dream a reality, with a stay at The Lodge Treehouse, another hidden gem, nestled in the Kent Downs Area of Oustanding Beauty, just a 2h drive from London, in Stowting, Ashford.

Driving here I had all these thoughts about how the place will look, what will I do while there, and how crazy it will be to spend a night in an actual treehouse. Nothing prepared me, though, for the moment when I actually arrived.

The treehouse sits around 2.5 meters above ground with trees surrounding it on 3 sides. It is accessible via a narrow staircase, which made me smile because for once I didn’t overpack as the weather in Kent has been incredible for days on end.

The host, David, who lives on site just behind the treehouse, surprised me by providing some local eggs from the chicken I saw pecking just by the side of the house, as well as some meats for the morning breakfast, and a bottle of bubbly that I already had plans for.

The place comes equipped with everything you might need for an escape from the outside world. There’s a waterfall shower, a 3-way oven, a small fridge freezer a fully equipped kitchen and even a dishwasher as we all know we don’t want to be doing any washing up when on holiday. There is also a wood burner that I’m sure will provide the much-needed cozy feel to the place, although I didn’t get to use it due to the time of my visit. If you are booking for a colder time of year, there are gas radiators to keep you warm.

The house was designed in France by Nidperche, and uses natural materials and an architectural style that is aimed at blending into the environment. That should be no surprise, as I have driven on the nearby road, and never noticed it.

When you reach the top of the platform there’s an outdoor table and chairs, as well as one of the stars of this accommodation, a jacuzzi bath that overlooks the Kentish fields.

There is a king size bed with a beautiful wooden frame that complements the style of the house, and after finding out more about my host from one of the books he wrote, I now also knew that he used some of the wool from the sheep that were grazing just under the terrace as insulation for the place. If that’s not being ingenious with your resources, I don’t know what is.

As part of your stay, you can also ask David to help him with the sheep and chickens if you would like a more hands on experience. Otherwise, there are a few countryside trails you can enjoy with the North Downs Way trail close by at the top of the list

I decided to not venture too far out and instead, I made sure I got plenty of use from the outside jacuzzi and that bottle of bubbly, to quickly transform the outdoor space into a luxury spa experience, while watching the birds fly by.

In the morning, I had breakfast at the outside table, with sheep greeting me from down below and the sun just getting up above the edge of the trees.

When you visit, make sure you ask David to prepare the firepit for you as well, as I can imagine that would enhance the experience even more. And if you want that extra insight of how this place came to be, have a look at the books he wrote himself, as they will share the secrets behind this incredible treetop stay.

Find more info at:

www.thelodgetreehouse.co.uk

I was very lucky with the weather and that allowed me to enjoy the outdoor bath experience. I could also have plenty of entertainment indoors as there are books and board games provided by the hosts.

ELMLEY NATURE RESERVE

We are stuck. Two cars in front of me have stopped their engine, and I can see a third one approaching from the other direction that will have to join us. We are all gathered next to a cattle grid and gate, and are watching a calf casually grazing on the side of the road, with her whole body stopping any and all traffic.

I arrived at Elmley Nature Reserve 30 minutes earlier, and have only managed to drive about halfway through the 2-mile stretch of road to my accommodation. All the other visitors are taking their time, and stopping every few meters to watch the birds, cows and hares from their car, whilst taking pictures or getting their binoculars out. I realised my adventure had started, as I had involuntarily joined a car safari

I was planning to stay in one of their Bell tents, as I thought that would be the best way to continue my tech-detox, disconnecting from my phone and any other means of technology.

The site offers four types of tents. The Meadow Bell tents provide sunrise views, and can be booked by families as well. The Sapling tents give some much-needed shade for the hot summer days, as well as sun for those wanting to catch a tan while there. The Acorn Bell tents are designed just for adults, giving a quieter break. And then there’s the Woodland tents, which is where I would be spending a relaxing night.

Little did I know that the weather had other plans for me.

Situated about 40 miles from London, on the Isle of Sheppey, Elmley is a family run farm that is not only welcoming guests in various types of accommodation, but is also focusing their efforts into benefiting the nature around them, and developing new ways of increasing the biodiversity in the area.

I was shown to my private tent area, which was adjacent to a path frequently traversed by fellow visitors equipped with cameras and binoculars. Apart from the very spacious tent, which comes with a comfortable bed, the outside area features a table and chairs, a firepit, and a hammock.

The tents share a well-equipped camp kitchen, with everything needed to cook your meals. There is a gas stove, running water, kitchen utensils and even some essentials such as condiments and tea. Also in this area you can find the showers and toilets, which were impeccably maintained, reflecting my hosts commitment to the guests.

As my tour of the accommodation was coming to an end, the clouds decided to make an appearance, and my host reassured me that arrangements have been made in the event of rain.

For now, it was time to explore the 3300 acres of wilderness. So, with camera and binoculars in hand, I set off on one of the recommended paths, guided by a knowledgeable staff member who not only suggested the best route, but also shared valuable tips for spotting wildlife.

What struck me during my stay was the passionate dedication displayed by every Elmley staff member, from Simon the lead nature guide, to the attentive waiting staff and diligent housekeepers. Their genuine enthusiasm for the reserve and environment was palpable.

Eager to learn more about Elmley’s conservation efforts, I engaged in a deeper conversation with Simon. Bizarrely, throughout the chat, birds kept coming and sitting beside us, as if they wanted to join the discussion.

hatched an impressive 37 chicks. These are now cared for, and when they mature enough they will be released into the reserve to hopefully help the population growth.

Apart from the fact that this is the only family owned and managed National Nature Reserve in the UK, their continuous work to restore biodiversity in the area is something they work very hard on. They care deeply for nature, and the whole reservation is almost entirely off grid.

One significant project that they are currently focused on is the Curlew recovery project. This responds to a decline in the species numbers across the UK. As part of the project, they have obtained 40 eggs this year which have already

To further support their conservation endeavours, they have also established the “Friends of Elmley” programme, which offers members out of hours access on the first Thursday of every month, as well as volunteering opportunities, quarterly events and more.

Simon also suggested that to get the best out of my stay, I should join one of their safari or wildlife experience tours, as their knowledgeable guides will take you to the best spots for photographing wildlife. That will be something I’ll have to arrange for my next visit, however, as it was now time for dinner.

I headed to the Kingshill Barn, with its lively atmosphere. Most of the tables by the big window were occupied by groups of visitors who were staying on the reserve overnight. I soon found that their commitment to give back to nature doesn’t stop in the restaurant either, as they run on a minimum waste kitchen, and they source their food locally.

After a delicious meal, and with the rain arriving, I was invited to spend the night in The Yellow Room of the Farmhouse, which, given the wet, windy and cold conditions I happily accepted.

The Farmhouse is a 17th century Grade II listed building, that was renovated in 2019. It kept all the improvements in line with the original building, without taking away from the architectural key elements of the site.

aware of the other, but means no harm. Humans are caring of the wildlife, and in return they get rewarded with some of the most incredible aerial displays. I saw so many different species of birds in such a short amount of time that I can’t wait to go back and explore even more.

the guests to come downstairs, and so I thought I was going to be on my own. Surprisingly, though, a friendly sparrow decided to keep me company. I shouldn’t really be surprised; he obviously knew how good the food was!

I really didn’t want to leave. Nature and humans coexisting in a space where each is

The room had one of the most comfortable beds, and a large size bathroom with a rolltop bath that was offering views across the fields. So, that’s where I decided to spend my evening, accompanied by the sound of birds, and pouring rain.

In the morning I had breakfast in the farmhouse kitchen, and it was the most magical experience. I was the last of

And just when I thought I was ready to leave, in the car park, close to my car, a group of people with cameras were gathered. As I approached, I noticed Simon too, who explained that what we were witnessing is quite a rare sight. Four extremely rare butterflies were sunbathing. Their species was believed extinct for over 50 years, but they have slowly started making an appearance. These large tortoiseshell butterflies were even mentioned on television later that week, and it’s a clear sign that nature is thriving at Elmley.

And so, I joined the enthusiastic group of photographers, and captured one of the butterflies on camera. I left eventually, promising Simon I will return soon.

More infro at www.elmleynaturereserve.co.uk

Tiny Bubble Tree Tent

Summer holidays have always been my favourite. My parents would fill up the car with a huge tent, food, tables, chairs, blankets and what seemed like half of our kitchen, and we would head to the seaside. But I must admit I haven’t slept in a tent for at least 15 years, so I am heading to my final tech-detox location, I was very excited.

A few miles away from Maidstone, I leave the main road, and am back in the countryside. Before long I reach a farmhouse where I meet my host, Liz.

Liz welcomes me, and quickly informs me that the nicelooking golf buggy with the number 6 will be mine, and my assistants’ for the weekend. She had barely finished showing it to us, than we were already on it, excited for the fun ride to our accommodation.

After crossing a large field, where we were told sheep might come and visit, we reached a gate that led to a patch of woods. The shade was exactly what we needed, as the sun had been working overtime.

Of course, the main attraction was our sleeping accommodation – a clear tent, suspended two metres off the ground.

This unique space not only comes with an immense hammock underneath, but it’s also one of the only ones of its type in the country, so you get to experience quite a unique stay.

Following a gravel path, we discover a whole camping area, with a fire pit, gas grill, table tennis, a shower, bath, and toilet, as well as a large gazebo that was going to serve as a kitchen for the stay.

After a short introduction on how to get in and out of the tent, we started exploring the area. Phone and WiFi signal here is completely non-existent, so you can truly disconnect from all technology.

an elevated camping experience from that which I’ve been used to. I know that if, as a child, I’d known a clear tent such as this existed, I would never have wanted to sleep indoors again!

The next day I woke up very early. Besides the fact that I’m generally a morning person, the bird song just made me want to be awake, and enjoy it properly. As the sun was slowly starting to rise behind the trees, I decided I must try the outside bath. Liz had informed me that the water would get really hot for it, so I was ready for a cozy dip while watching the nature wake up all around me.

A little later, we decided on a trip to explore the area around our accommodation. The magnificent Leeds Castle is only a few minutes away, but we decided to go for a wander in nearby Lenham. This small village has one of the best antiques shops I’ve come across locally, and a charity shop that both my assistant and I fell in love with - mainly because the ladies working there just made our day so much better.

Returning to our little woodland tent, it was time for a relaxing evening around the fire, whilst waiting for another spectacle of the night sky.

If you’re someone who thinks camping isn’t for you, just book a night here. You will definitely change your mind. I can’t wait to go back.

Find the Tiny Bubble Tent on AirBnB

There’s a plug on site for phone charging, and the only other electronic piece of equipment are the twinkly lights that light up the area at night. Apart from that, it’s just you, and Mother Nature.

A quick trip into the nearby village of Harrietsham provided us with the necessary food supplies and snacks for the evening, and we rushed to get back to our tent. The place itself offers so many activities, and it’s such a peaceful oasis that you don’t really want to be away from it for long.

At night, as we got into our suspended tent, we were lucky enough to have a clear sky, and were able to see the moon and stars through the branches of the trees. This was quite

I still had to use a camera for taking pictures, and upload them onto the magazine’s instagram (afterall, I was still working). However, I cut my phone usage by half.

And so, my month long adventure of visiting places around Kent, without Instagram likes and TikTock videos, has come to an end.

I am a lover of nature, and being outdoors and getting the chance to connect with that side of myself felt great.

I’m not going to lie, I did miss my phone at times, and wished I was able to share my experince online in an instant. But what happened instead surprised me in a pleasant way. I became more present, I enjoyed the breeze and the sun on my skin more. I became more aware of the details around me, and immersed myself deeply into this new environment.

If techonology is taking over your life, I can’t recommend a tech-detox highly enough. You don’t even have to book an expensive stay, just get outside.

The stays I picked varried in price, from around £100£250 a night. You could just have an afternoon in the great outdoors, without the phone, that will have the same effect.

You can thank me later on Instagram @globetrottermedia

MEET THE TEAM! Spotlight on…

John Plaskett

If you are a regular viewer of Globetrotter TV programmes, you may well have seen John Plaskett presenting episodes from France, Switzeland or Italy. However, did you know that John is also one of the main forces behind the company?

As managing director he teamed up with Trevor Claringbold back in 2016 to form Globetrotter, and bring a whole new generation of travel programming to our television screens.

Letting him have a rare moment to sit down with a cup of tea, we took the chance to ask him a few thought provoking questions to learn more about his views on all things travel.

How would you sum up your role in two sentences?

As Managing Director I am responsible for the day to day operations of the company, maintaining our broadcast and distribution, dealing with legal requirements and accounts, HR, sales, marketing and overseeing our productions.

In the moments when I have some spare time I focus on ‘steering the ship’ into a bright future.

What led you to coowning a travel TV channel?

A life’s journey you could say. I’ve worked in television, and video production, for most of my adult life. I started out like many do, at the

was within the corporate video sector, and I longed to be back in Television. An opportunity to work as a staff editor for a TV broadcaster appeared, and I took my chance. The opportunity took me from London, to nearby Maidstone in Kent. Within a few short months I was promoted to the management team where I worked closely with all the company department heads.

The changing face of UK television hit our company hard, and I decided it was time to leave. I started my own company and learned the ins and outs of business the hard way.

I met Trevor Claringbold in 2010 working on an Antiques TV series. He was the Director and I was the editor, but we really found ourselves producing the series between us. We realised that we should work together more often and so began a series of independent projects.

Ironically it was while I was visiting family in California that I realised I wanted to launch my own TV channel. After all, I knew the inner workings of a small broadcaster quite well. I just needed an idea. Trevor meanwhile, had wanted to create a travel channel for quite some time, but didn’t know how to go about it.

An excited conversation later and Globetrotter was born.

bottom. My first job was working as a runner in a Post Production facility in central London. Promotion was rare within the company, and so I moved on to a small firm based in Richmond, where I gained fabulous opportunities to learn quality production skills.

However most of our work

What kind of traveller are you?

I would say I was more of a holidaymaker than a traveller. Don’t get me wrong though, we live in an amazing world, with vibrant and interesting cultures everywhere. I love to experience new things and constantly push myself to my limits.

But if I was to travel during my annual leave. I 100% guarantee that I will be lying on a beach somewhere doing nothing.

What is your most memorable travel moment?

There have been so many amazing moments over the years. I particularly love it when something fun and unexpected happens on a filming trip.

Are the filming trips as easy as they look on television? Hahaha, no they are not. They are long hours, and sometimes in quite uncomfortable conditions. Some of our expeditions can be 3 weeks long, and it’s working 6am until 1am most days, without a day off.

One occasion that springs to mind happened during the early days of Globetrotter. I had just arrived in Catalonia, Spain, and we had time for a spot of punting on our first day.

I discovered that I love being on the water, and got the hang of it pretty quickly. It’s left me with a permanent desire to learn to sail one day. When I find the time.

Which destination do you most dread visiting, and why? I suffer from a mild case of self diagnosed OCD. I have never liked being muddy or dirty. With some effort I can prepare myself mentally for such an experience but the dread would be real.

For that reason, I’m not overly excited with the prospect of travelling to places off the beaten track.

A fun anecdote; I used to have an irrational fear of traveling to Turkey. I can’t explain it, and it was totally irrational.I then got to travel there for a trip and thought the country was amazing. I even holidayed there afterwards. Fears can be conquered, even the crazy ones.

You have to be constantly on the ball as well. We can’t easily go back and reshoot a scene if something goes wrong. You learn to make decisions quickly.

The team spirit is amazing though, and despite the work we always have a good time. I couldn’t ask for a better team of people.

As the boss, do you get to pick the best trips for yourself? Not really, no. I leave all our production planning to Trevor, our Creative Director, and trust his judgment. If I’m available and he needs me as part of the squad then I’m happy to go. It’s better than the paperwork, haha

Where is the one place that you would most like to travel to?

I have always wanted to visit Japan. It’s top of my list. In fact if we got the opportunity to go I might have to use the ‘Owner’ card to make sure I go on that trip. Perhaps I should change my answer to the previous question…

Tell us one fact that the viewers would find most surprising about your job.

It’s mostly paperwork. I miss the relaxing bliss of day to day productions, but there you go. I realise it’s not a particularly interesting fact. Sorry.

How do you friends and family view your job?

I imagine most of my friends and family consider my job to be just one big holiday. Even though it can be 18 months between trips. I can’t blame them though, I’m doing what I love, and in many ways it doesn’t always feel like work.

Bordeaux Affair

Lana Yatsyuk takes a break from her love of Paris to explore a different side of France.

As those who’ve known me for a long time will confirm - I am so in love with Paris. Its outdoor culture, pastel houses with lace looking balconies, and endless museum collections of impressionists. So, it’s not difficult to guess where I usually travel when I need my French fix.

This time, however, I wanted to explore a different France, something that would complement my Parisian stories and discoveries. I was looking forward to exploring new places and a slower pace of life, and I knew I’d enjoy exploring the culture of wine, so, the next day I was on a flight to the wine capital of France - Bordeaux.

Bordeaux welcomed me with the sun shining, and beautiful streets full of blossoms. To kick off my discovery I headed to the most trendy neighbourhood - Chartrons. It was a good choice, as this is the place to experience Bordeaux “like a local”. Calm, full of wine bars, cafes and independent shops, it is the perfect spot to relax after the flight, and completely slow down.

As I walked the pretty streets, I noticed that the air was so sweet. Wherever you go, you see and smell jasmine flowers. Notre Dame Street is a paradise for antique treasure hunters, but make sure you also pop in to the Notre Dame Bakery to taste local bakery specialty, Canele.

For foodies, a place not to be missed is the daily Market de Chartrons, with its selection of restaurants and coffee shops. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner. I highly recommend trying Breizh Café, where chef Bertrand Larcher is aiming to build a bridge between Breton and Japanese cultures. Buckwheat crepes are a must - try one with lobster and avocado. It is a taste melody, a mouthwatering mix of traditional and modern flavors.

I’m already realising that the city has its own absolutely amazing pace of life. It’s an ideal slow travel destination, to get a genuine taste of life in France. Nice to meet you, Bordeaux.

A pleasurable 15 minutes walk from the Chartrons, and we are in the historic city centre. My next stop is Quinconces Square, with its impressive Monument aux Girondins. The fountain commemorates Girondists, a group of Legislative Assembly members who supported the French Revolution.

A little further and I reach the Place de la Bourse, the historic and most recognizable sight of the city, which belongs to Port of the Moon, and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2007. The square was commissioned by French King, Louis XV, and designed by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel. It took 45 years to finish the project, being built from 1730 to 1775.

While you are in the area, I would recommend visiting the Opera Theatre and walking to the Hotel de Ville - a charming historic building serving as a the town hall. There are plenty of restaurants around to rest after exploring the city centre, or places with enticing shops, including the Bordeaux branch of Galerie Laffayette.

Cite du Vin

The next day I am heading to a wonderful local wine museum – the Cite du Vin. Even before I go inside, I’ve stopped to admire the museum building - the shape with beautiful lines reminds me of a tilted wine glass.

Finish your visit with a tasty glass of wine in the Belvedere, and enjoy panoramic views over the city of Bordeaux. The wine cellar ‘Latitude’ shop has a breathtaking setting like a library of bottles, where you can find wine from all over the planet. It is the largest world wine shop in Europe with more than 14 000 bottles, 800 listings from more than 70 wine regions around the world.

Personal recommandations for Bordeaux

If your schedule allows, there is a lot to see and do within easy reach of Bordeaux. I recommend making a day trip to the village of St. Emilion. Located in the heart of the wine region, it is the perfect place to visit local wineries, and taste wine. Or, just one hour from Bordeaux, there is Arcachon Bay, famous for its oysters and Dunes de Pilat.

. I would highly recommend purchasing the Bordeaux Pass it if you want to make the most of your trip. It’s available for 24, 48, 72 hours, and covers all of your travel on public transport, and gives free admission to 15 museums including the Cite du Vin, the Contemporary Art Museum, and the Fine Arts Museum.

It is not just a museum, but a cultural venue too. This unique and dedicated wine hub opened its doors 7 years ago, and now welcomes 2.3 million visitors a year from all over the world. The ambitious project is a result of the close collaboration between the Parisian architecture firm XTU, and English museum designers Casson Mann. During construction 3165 glass and metal cladding panels, 925 glass panels and 2240 aluminum uniquely shaped and made to measure panels were used.

The Cite du Vin offers visitors an interactive permanent exhibition, various testing experiences, cultural events, shops and restaurants. At the heart of the experience, the 3,000 sq.permanent exhibition is very impressive, and based on digital technologies, and wine can be discovered in its many facets in 18 themed areas. At the beginning of the exhibition you will find vineyards from the skies, where you can journey to discover the diversity of winegrowing landscapes of wine regions of the world, across various climate zones. The buffet for the five senses is a discovery of the keys to wine tasting, through a fun and olfactory journey around the aromas and colours of wine.

One of my favourite areas is Action! Cult films on a big screen remind us that wine is at the heart of our social exchanges. And for a bit of fun, try the ‘Wine and Me’ test, to learn which wine you are! You can even play and make wine with your own feet - all possible due to the adoption of modern digital technologies.

SMART PACK

WHAT THE SMART TRAVELLERS ARE TAKING ON THEIR TRIPS

GoMatic Packing Cubes

Until a few years ago, most people had never heard of packing cubes. Now, they are one of the most searched for travel accessories.

If you’ve never tried them, the idea is

that you sort your luggage into logical ‘packs’, for example t-shirts in one, underwear in another, and so on. Each set then gets put into an appropriately sized packing cube, which will both compress it into the most efficient space, whilst still maintaining its neatly folded arrangement.

The rectangular packs are then much easier to fit in your suitcase, and to

Cheatwell Travel Wild Guess Game

There are, of course, a wealth of ‘travel games’ that you can take on holiday, and most can play a good role at filling time. A pack of cards, travel chess, or a simple frisbee all have their place. Yet it’s often hard to find just one game, that is small enough to travel with, but can be used in all situations, and by all age groups. Why? Because for once you don’t have to get the right answers to win!

Wild guess is essentially a quiz game, where the question is chosen from a card by the roll of a dice, and all the answers are numerical. The winner of each is simply the person is closest

remove and re-pack when needed.

The GoMatic Packing Cubes come in three different sizes, all of the 13cm deep. Once full, the ingenious zipper system them compresses them down to just 6.4cm – saving you 50% on your packing space!

They are probably the best quality packing cubes that we have seen, and are made from a strong, durable material, with mesh covers that allow you to see what is inside. Definitely something to consider for your next trip.

Find more info here: www.gomatic. co.uk/products/packing-cubes

to the right answer. So, how many steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower, for example, or how many letters in the longest place name on earth?

There are over 500 questions in the pack, along with a dice, score sheet, and a pack of pencils. We can imagine this being a lot of fun, and if you are on a long drive even the driver can be part of the game. You’ll be amazed at some of the answers, and the craziness of the world we live in, so – win or lose - it will certainly make your next trip more entertaining. Highly recommended.

Find more info here: www.toysrus. co.uk/travel-wild-guessing-game. html

SleepKeeper Pillow Carrier

The is no shortage of travel pillows on the market today, but nothing really takes the place of your own pillow from home. That’s why SleepKeeper have come up with an interesting and useful case to enable you to actually take your own pillow on trips with you.

Sofore Travel Cable Organiser

Velcro. We actually tested it with a fairly thick Memory Foam pillow, and it worked perfectly – compacting the pillow to a small roll that would sit easily on a backpack alongside a sleeping bag, for example. When you’re not using it, it folds up, and takes up about the same space a face flannel.

The SleepKeeper Pillow Carrier compacts the pillow to around 1/3rd of the original size, and protects it in a wate resistant, durable cover. If you’re someone who craves the comforts of home when your on a trip, this might be one step towards granting your wish.

Find more info here: www. sleepkeeper.com.au/shop

Even the most casual traveller can have a mass of cables and chargers to take on holiday with them these days. Phone chargers, ear bubs, camera battery chargers and cables, and maybe even a laptop or iPad charger. Not to mention those bulky plug adapters for whichever country you are travelling to.

The Sofore Travel Cable Organiser is designed not just to store them all, but also to keep them organised, and protected. As well as your chargers and cables, there are spaces for flash drives, power banks, and even SD Cards.

The water resistant, and pressure resistant exterior is made of high-quality material, and the interior dividers can be adjusted to suit your specific requirements. There are multiple compartments and mesh pockets, plus a soft interior to help protect from scratches when travelling.

One more step towards not losing those important items at a crucial moment, has to be a good thing!

Available from Amazon and other online retailers.

Simply insert your pillow, and with the Velcro side down roll the pillow and bag. Then just seal it with the

A Place to Stay…

Maritim Hotel, Ingolstadt

What does a 21st Century hotel look like, when the designers are given a completely blank sheet of paper? Trevor Claringbold travels to southern Germany to find out.

Why are you going to Ingolstadt? For Audi? It was a question I was asked several times on our journey to the pretty Bavarian town, some fifty miles north of Munich. The Audi Forum and Museum seem to be the main reason that the town is known within Germany, but I had a different target in mind.

The Maritim Hotel and Conference Centre is a gleaming new building overlooking the River Danube, a few minutes walk from the historic centre of Ingolstadt. And from the moment you enter the bright, cavernous reception, there was an unmistakeable air of quality.

The rooms themselves are comfortable and spacious, with a separate living area that boasts a drinks cabinet, desk and television, as well as a sofa and chair. The bedroom has a second television, adjustable lighting, and a sumptuous bed. As well as the Classic, Comfort, and Superior rooms, there also 32 suites for the ultimate luxury.

And that feeling is reinforced as soon as you open the door to one of the 223 rooms. The are all state-of-the-art in their design, and you can sense that the designers have really taken time to consider not just the modern world, but the future world too. Gone are the traditional welcome folders – all the information you need about the hotel, spa, restaurants and more is on a convenient tablet in the room. So, zero paper, and almost zero single use plastic (although that aspiration was slightly marred by the free bottle of water given by reception on arrival!).

The main Danubio Restaurant has a terrace overlooking the River Danube, and for some fine dining there is also the chic Ingold Bistro, which has an inspiring menu with a hint of Bavaria weaved in. There is a extensive complimentary wine card, and, when you have finished, a relaxing piano bar just next door.

Probably my favourite ‘gadget’ was the shower. How often have you cursed hotel showers, when you spend ages trying to get the temperature just right? Well here, you just set a digital control, and it maintains your perfect level without ever having to ‘tweak’ it.

Heading down to the pool and wellness area, there are saunas, a small, well equipped gym, and a lovely heated pool that may not be Olympic-sized, but which is perfectly big enough for a relaxing swim. It stays open late into the evening, which is ideal (and unusual for many hotels) if you are arriving late.

The hotel is well served with a huge underground car park, although we were a little surprised that this was at an extra cost for hotel guests. It is aimed at serving the adjoining conference centre, which is every bit as impressive as the hotel itself.

The main hall is capable of holding over 1220 guests, and is blessed with the latest technology, a large, extendable stage, galleries and more. There are also a number of smaller rooms, with adjustable areas, as well as a separate foyer, and a roof top terrace with a bar overlooking the nearby castle.

The Maritim Hotel Ingolstadt is everything you would want from this class of hotel, and more, but it’s complimented by the picturesque, historic town to its side, and the serene River Danube in front. Pick up a town map either from reception, or from the tourist office in the town, and follow the easy tourist route which will lead you past all of the most important sites in a circular route of a couple of hours.

Just across the road from the hotel is the magnificent medieval castle that is now home to the Bavarian Army Museum. The building itself dominates the riverfront, and leads you nicely into the main streets, but the collection will delight any military enthusiasts. During the First World War, future French president Charles de Gaulle was held as a prisoner here. Just as impressive is the cathedral, which legend has it was built using almost 4000 logs for its huge timber frame.

The lavishly restored merchants houses, with their overhanging gables, lead you through the atmospheric streets of the old town, until you reach the most outstanding of the city’s remaining gates – the splendid Kreuztor. The Old Anatomy Building, now a museum of medical history, will be well known to literary fans as the setting for Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’.

Outside of the main walls lay a number of parks along the western side of the town, and the banks of the river. There is a slightly surreal blend, with some of the city’s old defences, intertwined with an extensive modern outdoor swimming complex, but it all seems to work harmoniously, and provides an interesting walk.

Of course, I have to mention the arrival in 1945 of the Auto Union company, which has evolved into the manufacturer we know today as Audi, and on who, as the city’s biggest employer, Ingolstadt’s economy largely depends. You can visit the Audi Forum and Museum, which will satisfy the desires of every petrolhead.

Ingolstadt is not a big city - It’s home to around 140,000 people – but it’s long history and calm atmosphere make a it a delight to just wander around and explore. It can trace its origins back to the early 9th century, and was home to the first university in Bavaria. It’s a thoroughly charming place, and superbly complimented by the new Maritim Hotel, and certainly one that’s on my list to return to next time I’m passing.

Find more information and book at www.maritim.de/de/ hotels/deutschland/hotel-ingolstadt

Polina’s BOOKS FOR THE BEACH

We all know that laying in the sun on a beach is one of the most relaxing things in the world, but sometimes that can make us feel a bit unsettled or bored.

Polina Rudichenko is here to bring you the solution

Riding Out

- Simon Parker

A post-pandemic journey of self discovery, this epic tale of adventure takes you from the northernmost point of Shetland, across 3,427 miles of Britain, all the way to Land’s End in Cornwall. Combining his love for cycling and travel, Simon Parker embarks on his journey with nothing but a sleeping bag and camping stove. The author had lost three friends and a nephew in close succession as a teenager. He then developed a marijuana habit, and was diagnosed with anxiety. Feeling that he was “living a handful of lives” as well as his own, despite the struggles he completed his degree with first class honours.

A journalist for the BBC, Parker lost his income when Covid hit, regressing his mental health further. Low on funds and without the ability to travel abroad, Parker decided to embark on a journey across Britain, in hope of meeting new people and hearing their stories, perhaps as a type of therapy. His adventures are well told, illuminating, and draw the reader in almost as a co-traveller. Was his mission successful? Well, no spoilers here!

Moderate Becoming Good Later

Sea Kayaking the Shipping Forecast

- Toby Carr

& Katie Carr

Somewhat nostalgic, this reminiscent memoir is written by avid kayaker Toby Carrs’ sister, based on his extensive notes of his life story (after his untimely death from liver cancer). Living with Fanconi anaemia, a genetic disease affecting the bone marrow and most organs of the body, Carr lost his brother to throat cancer at 38, and his mother as he knew her to metal illness in his childhood. He had enjoyed sailing as a child, but at 15 he received a life saving bone marrow transplant. From then until he finished his architecture degree, Carr lived in relative isolation and was advised against going outside.

However, with the sudden death of his father, that changed, and Carr reconnected with the sea. Now a senior lecturer at Falmouth University, in 2018, Carr set off on a journey to kayak the 31 areas of the Shipping Forecast, to share the people’s stories, and to “gain the strength and balance he knew nature could provide”, as well as to “discover what anchors us to each other”. The book is a surprisingly captivating read, charting this life changing adventure, and gaining new perspectives of familiar names and places from the BBC Shipping Forecast.

Coastal - Gray Maylin

From Southern California to New Zealand and Australia, this beautiful coffee-table book will transport you to picturesque coastlines and dreamy beaches right from your living room.

“Coastal” is Gray Malin’s return to his famed aerial beach photography, including stunning, never-before-published photographs from the luminous waters of Maui to the pebbled beaches of Northern Michigan, and the idyllic shores of Nantucket.

The green jungle beaches of Hawaii and the white coasts of Florida are equally as enticing. Whenever you need to escape from the dullness of suburbia, just pick up

The vivid colours and intricate detail of these gorgeous photographs is outstanding. You will be as relaxed as the people lounging on the beach chairs in the images, and get inspiration for your next destination.

“Coastal”, and the talented New York Times Bestselling author will help transport you to a dream world.