Friday, 22 April 2016

Happy 90th Birthday Ma’am - Have a Real Holiday!


A Summer’s day near Balmoral
HRH The Queen's 90th Birthday is being celebrated around the nation and the 53 Commonwealth countries. Party time! But once the balloons have gone flat and the vol-au-vents have run out, HRH will be ready for a holiday. How about visiting a few of One’s overseas territories then? 

Her Maj has always been a fan of Staycations with holiday homes in Norfolk and Scotland. So imagine that you have been delegated to venture overseas for two weeks with a choice of three alternate options. Just remember, unlike HRH, you will need a passport and to ask for time off work!
Saint Lucia: with the mounty Pitons
Option 1 is to the Caribbean and North America for a beach and city combo. Start by slowing the clock down for five days in spectacular St Lucia. Rodney Bay is home to some of the best hotels and nightlife on the island. For the adventurous there are rainforests, mountains and plenty of sea to explore. As well as the pool bars.
Tobago: So laid back, it falls over
Follow that by throwing the clock in the bin for five days in ultra laid back Tobago. This is the authentic Caribbean experience where time is a generally unfamiliar concept. 

Lively Crown Point has plenty to see and do including the perfect beaches of Pigeon Point, snorkelling the vibrant Buccoo Reef and enjoying a Soca party with live music and street food at Sunday School.   

Toronto: Cheerio from Ontario

 To finish off, head north (preferably not in mid-winter unless you are a fan of huge temperature drops) to the Canadian city of Toronto for four days. Enjoy some retail therapy, visit the CN Tower with its rather alarming glass floor, watch the Maple Leafs play (Ice) Hockey. Then take a trip out to nearby Niagara Falls a natural phenomenon that puts the bucket in list. 






HOW: 6 flights, 3 countries 
Leg1: Gatwick to Vieux Fort, St Lucia with British Airways (8h45m). 
Leg2: Vieux Fort to Tobago via Port of Spain with BA (1h05m) and Caribbean Airlines (25m). 
Leg3: Tobago to Toronto via Port of Spain (25m+6h05m) with Caribbean Airlines.  
Leg4: Toronto to Heathrow with Air Canada (7h15m)
Taj Mahal: Named after a restaurant in Crawley
Option 2 is a spicy journey of culture and heritage around the Indian Subcontinent followed by a calming dose of beach. Start in India with three days in and around energetic Delhi. For a taste of Rajistan, head out see the pink city of Jaipur and on to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. Good luck getting that photo with nobody in the background! 

Colombo: Just one more thing
After restocking your wardrobe in Delhi, head offshore to Colombo for four days touring Sri Lanka. Head to Unesco favourite Kandy then on to cultural Dambulla and Sigiriya (pictured). Then say hello to the elephants in the Pinnawala reserve before returning to Colombo to relax over a nice cup of tea.

Maldives: The whole country is a dive 



Ready for a rest? That’s lucky because the last stop is seven days in the Maldives. Feet up, swim, snorkel, eat and drink. More energetic pursuits include sitting on a boat and having a spa treatment. With several hundred iconic Indian Ocean islands to choose from, this is a place to enjoy. Paradise is an overused term generally but it fits in quite well here. 




 HOW: 4 flights, 3 countries.
Leg1: Heathrow to Delhi with British Airways (8h15m)
Leg2: Delhi to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines (3h35m)
Leg3: Colombo to Male, Maldives with Sri Lankan Airlines (1h25m)
Leg5: Male to Gatwick with British Airways (10h35m)

Kruger Park: It’s tiring work eating Tourists

Option 3 is all about Africa and its largest Indian Ocean island. Start off in excellent value for money South Africa by passing (quickly) through Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park. Enjoy a three day safari spotting the Big Five who all live here. If you prefer a walking holiday - go somewhere else as the residents have a healthy appetite.

Cape Town: Jaws dropping
From Kruger, head across the country for an action packed four days in stunning Cape Town. Climb (or cable car) up Table Mountain, visit Robben Island and enjoy the nightlife on the V & A Waterfront. You could also visit the Cape of Good Hope, sample the fine wines in nearby Stellenbosch and wind up great white sharks from inside a flimsy cage. 

Mauritius: Last known habitat of the Dodo


If you are then ready to relax on a beach and swim in a sea where you won’t get eaten by its contents, it’s time for a full week in idyllic Mauritius. Stay in northern Grand Baie, home to the best hotels and beaches. 

A large island, Mauritius has so much more to it than the beaches. But that will involve putting the cocktail down and getting off the sun lounger. And that may prove rather difficult here. No wonder legendary avian ex-resident the Dodo didn’t get around to evolving. 


HOW: 5 flights, 2 countries
Leg1: Heathrow to Skukuza via Johannesburg with BA (11h) and South African (50m)
Leg2: Skukuza to Cape Town with South African (2h35m)
Leg3: Cape Town to Port Louis, Mauritius with Air Mauritius (5h15m)
Leg4: Port Louis to Gatwick with BA (12h10m)
If you have holiday plans in Common with me, I have a Wealth of ideas so please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter. If you would like your own tailor made itinerary, please get in touch!
Many Happy Returns!

David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel 
22 April 2016   











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