I have always thought that the Lake District is a slice of heaven served on a plate. If you have always wanted to do the Lake District, here’s something for you to consider. The package is by GeoCultura, which began their journey when a group of friends got together to plan a holiday that would satisfy their desire to combine culture, spectacular landscapes and rocks. They couldn’t find such a package so they created their own and so GeoCultura was born. Today, GeoCultura provides specialist holidays that offer the best of geology, landscapes, earth history and culture for like-minded people. GeoCultura’s Chief Executive, Pam Foden said : “GeoCultura offers geology and culture tours to spectacular landscapes in Europe, Britain and North America. The trips explore the history of our earth and its influence on our culture, in ‘must-see’ destinations. Guests are accompanied by tour leaders who are world renowned experts drawn from the fields of geology, earth sciences and history.” She added: “ On our website, guests simply choose a destination and join fellow enthusiasts who share the same interests, namely, art, archaeology, geology, food, wine, and awesome landscapes. From London to Lisbon or – Aragon to Arizona we will take them through our selection of the world’s most stunning and fascinating locations.” GeoCultura has a great choice of specialist tours coming up over the next few months but to kick start 2023, they have a fascinating trip available to book now which is sure to be a hit with walkers, book lovers and geology enthusiasts. England’s Lake District: Landscapes, Literature and Geology. Guests can explore the stunning Lakeland scenery that inspired literary greats. Experts will guide the group through beautiful Lake District regions that inspired world famous Romantic poets, while enjoying behind-the-scenes tours at Wordsworth’s homes and the Wordsworth Grasmere/Jerwood Centre in Ambleside as well as walks through jaw-dropping landscapes that display the amazing deep-time geological history of the Lakes.  The tour includes: The services of expert tour guides who will be with the group throughout Local experts and historians to guide the tour at selected sites Transportation costs from the start to the end of the tour  All accommodation costs for four nights.  All breakfasts, lunches, and three dinners Entry fees, local guide fees and activity fees, where arranged as part of the tour All service charges and most gratuities No single supplement for solo travellers. Dates: 3 days / 4 nights. May 23 – 27 2023.  Full details on website Highlights Guided walks in spectacular Lakeland scenery with specialist insights on the creation of landforms and inspiration for the work of poets, authors, artists and early scientists. Private, behind-the-scenes visits and sessions with the experts at two of Wordsworth’s homes (Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount) as well as at the Wordsworth Grasmere Centre. The tour will explore the inspiration behind Wordsworth’s engagement with the landscape using original archive material at the Jerwood Centre. Easy walks in beautiful scenery with opportunities to learn about the glaciations, volcanic eruptions, and other geological forces which played a part in the development of these landscapes. Explore how the landscape reflects past tensions between industrialization and conservation, as well as being the arena for more modern conflicts between the differing goals of conservation, agriculture, and tourism.  The tour stays four nights in The Grange Country House, Keswick, a small award-winning Victorian house with spectacular views over the Lakeland scenery. Activity Level and Transport The activity level is moderate, and participants should be reasonably fit. The tour will include walks of up to 5km (3 miles) on country/lakeside paths. Sturdy waterproof footwear is essential. Spring weather is typically mild, with daytime highs of 15-18°C (60-65°F) and night-time lows of 5-7°C (40-45°F). Rain is always possible, and participants should be prepared with warm and waterproof clothing.  Transport will be by small luxury coach. Find details of England’s Lake District: Landscapes, Literature and Geology here.

If food and all things culinary drive your travels, here are news to inspire your next round of holidays. World Culinary Awards – the global initiative to recognise and reward excellence in the culinary industry – has announced the winners of its 2022 programme at a glittering dinner reception in Dubai. Winners include Peru’s Mayta, voted the coveted title of ‘World’s Best Restaurant’. Fine dining in a spectacular setting helped Mezzaluna @ Lebua at State Tower to collect ‘World’s Best Hotel Restaurant’. Dubai – with its tantalising range of gastronomy from across the globe – was named ‘World’s Best Culinary Destination’ and ‘Middle East’s Best Culinary Destination’. Peru was voted ‘Latin America’s Best Culinary Destination’, France collected ‘Europe’s Best Culinary Destination’, whilst Vietnam was crowned ‘Asia’s Best Culinary Destination’. Dubai’s SushiSamba was voted ‘World’s Best New Restaurant’. This year’s edition of World Culinary Awards proved a global gathering of the culinary industry, with pioneers, influencers and leading figureheads travelling from across the world attending the prize-giving evening at Onze Restaurant, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. The results follow a year-long search for the world’s leading culinary brands. Votes were cast by culinary industry professionals and the general public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in a category named as the winner. Rina van Staden, Director, World Culinary Awards, said: “Our World Culinary Awards 2022 winners represent those brands pushing the boundaries of culinary excellence. My congratulations to each of them.” Jamaica Food & Drink Festival was named ‘World’s Best Culinary Festival’, whilst Air France lifted ‘World’s Best Culinary Airline’. Other winners include Le Cordon Bleu Paris (‘World’s Best Culinary Training Institution’); Stone Barn @ Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour (‘Caribbean’s Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant’); LPM (‘Abu Dhabi’s Best Restaurant’); Chefs Warehouse @ Tintswalo Atlantic (‘South Africa’s Best Hotel Restaurant’); Ramblas Restaurant (‘Eswatini’s Best Restaurant); Signatures Restaurant (‘Wales’ Best Restaurant’). For a full list of winners visit  here .

A new study has revealed the safest places in Europe when it comes to travel. And the results may surprise you. Or they might confirm what your travelling experience has taught you. Sometimes, we know instinctively, what’s safe for us as tourists, and sometimes we find out by experience. Ours or those of others. The study by  Gamblino.com  analysed 9 metrics that contribute towards how safe an area may be such as homicides, assaults, road fatalities, natural disaster risk, and global peace index, to find which European country is the safest. Switzerland ranked on top of the list, followed by Iceland and Norway. Each country was given a score out of 10 for each factor, which was then totalled to provide a score on the safety index. The lower the score, the safer the country is.    1 Switzerland Switzerland ranks as the safest place in Europe. With very low homicide, assault and road fatalities, travellers are likely to be very safe in this country. Switzerland also has a very low risk of natural disasters and one of the lowest levels of corruption perception in Europe. With stunning ski slopes and scenic hiking trails, this is a must-visit for travellers who want to see the beauty Europe has to offer.   Safety index: 45 2 Iceland Iceland is a Nordic volcanic island defined by dramatic landscapes, gorgeous glaciers and cascading waterfalls. Not only is it incredibly beautiful but ranks as the second safest country in Europe. With very low numbers of robberies (14.6) and homicides (0.89) per 100,000 people and also ranking as one of the most peaceful nations as well, this country should be on any traveller’s bucket list.   Safety index: 47.4 3 Norway   Norway is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Norway also ranks as a very peaceful nation, with a very low rate of robberies and homicide as well as only 2 traffic accidents per 100,000 people, these metrics make Norway a safe travel destination.   Safety index: 47.9 4 Denmark Denmark has been reported to be one of the happiest countries in the world, and this study has the country as the fourth safest in Europe. This country has lower levels of assault and road fatalities than most and there is a high chance your trip to Denmark will be a pleasant one.   Safety index: 49.4 5 Luxembourg   Luxembourg is a small landlocked European country known for the dense Ardennes forest, nature parks in the north, the rocky gorges of the Mullerthal region in the east and the Moselle river valley in the southeast. Not only is the country doused in beauty, but it has a very low risk of natural disaster, residents and visitors have great personal freedom, and the country has the lowest homicide rates in Europe.  Safety index: 50 6 Finland Finland has many elements that make it such a great travel destination. The Northern Lights can be seen from the country’s Arctic Lapland province, a vast wilderness with national parks and ski resorts. Tourists can also be sure that they will be safe in Finland as they have very few assaults and robberies per 100,000 people as well as being ranked as a very peaceful nation. This is why Finland ranks as the sixth safest country.   Safety index: 51.2 7 Ireland   Ireland is a nation filled with natural beauty and enveloped in history, culture and tradition. The capital Dublin is a touristy hot spot with the famous Temple Bar, Guinness factory as well as various museums and castles that make it a great place to travel to. On top of this, travellers can ensure their safety as there are a low number of homicides (0.87 per 100,000) and sexual violence (60.9 per 100,000) in comparison to most of Europe.   Safety index: 51.5 8 Netherlands The Netherlands is known for its flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills and cycling routes. The capital Amsterdam has a rich history, including the Van Gogh Museum and the house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid during WWII. The Netherlands has low assault and sexual violence rates with a very low perception of corruption and is ranked as a very peaceful nation. This ensures its place in the top 10 safest countries in Europe.   Safety index: 52 9 Austria  Austria is famous for its castles, palaces and buildings, among other architectural works, as well as its alpine summits and deeply carved valleys. Austria has very few robberies and homicides per 100,000 people and ranks highly on the peace index, making Austria a great travel destination for safety, in which it ranks ninth in Europe, and scenery.   S afety index: 52.1 10 Sweden  Sweden is a Scandinavian nation with thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes, along with vast boreal forests and glaciated mountains. Sweden is well known for its high quality of life and its welcoming of visitors. Coupled with lower crime stats than most of Europe as well as a high rating on the global peace index, Sweden is a great destination for safe travel.   Safety index: 52.2 Europe has so much beauty – from amazing landscapes to spectacular architecture. But one should always remember that all places have the potential for great opportunities and there are also inherent risks present everywhere. As a spokesperson from  Gamblino.com  commented: “ When choosing great travel destinations, it’s important that travellers are well informed on the countries they are travelling to, including how safe a place is. Europe offers incredible opportunities for travellers who wish to see the diverse landscapes, architecture, ecosystems and cultures that exist across the continent .   However, it’s important to remain vigilant while travelling anywhere, as tourists can often be targeted by criminals. So, whether you are travelling alone, with friends or family, it’s imperative to be aware of any potential dangers and do what you can to remain safe.”

Recently, a delegation from Normandy was in Ireland, and the delegation included President of the Normandy Region. It was fascinating to attend the event and know all about what the region offers for tourists. The icing on the cake, so to speak, was to find out about the gorgeous food (and drink) that Normandy is famous for. Have you had a taste of Normandy, so to speak? And if you are planning a Normandy break in 2023, what can you expect to put on your ‘must-have food list’? According to Explore France, Normandy offers an exciting and high-quality gastronomical variety. First comes its luxurious seafood: oysters from the open sea, scallops, lobsters. And for each major town there is most likely a speciality: Dieppe sole, tripe à la mode from Caen, boudin noir from Mortagne. There’s also those great Normandy cows, who give milk in abundance. The famous cheeses of the region—camembert (well made), Pont l’Evêque, or livarot—are thanks to them. And finally, as for fruits, Normandy holds the ace: green, sweet, crunchy, sour, ripe apples. They are used in making cider and the reputed calvados. What about regional specialities in Normandy? Normandy is renowned for its andouillette d’Alençon, marmite dieppoise, mirlitons de Rouen, escalope à la normande, estouffade, rabbit in cider, duckling à la Rouennaise, chicken or omelette vallée d’Auge, mussels à la crème, and tripe à la mode from Caen. Its desserts (the tarte normande, brioche, shortbreads, Isigny caramels, and rice pudding) are also delicious. Did we hear ‘Cheese’? But of course! Normandy is also known for its excellent varieties of cheese. Well known specialty cheeses here are Camembert, Pavé d’Auge, Livarot, Pont l’Evêque, Boursin, Brillat-Savarain, and Brin de Paille. Wines and spirits Calvados, mistelle, cider (AOC designation Pays d’Auge, AOC in process: Cidre du Bessin, Cidre du Cotentin, Cidre du Pays de Caux, and Cidre du Perche) Here’s a list of a few Calvados producers: Père Magloire Charles de Granville Huet Chateau du Breuil Coquerel Boulard Dupont Ferme du Ponctey Interesting, and so tempting, isn’t it? If you do go to Normandy this summer, do let us know please. We would love to hear of your adventures, especially culinary ones.

Food lovers are in for a real treat when they visit New England! The region has an excellent food culture, with local chefs treating the region’s exquisite natural produce with skill, creativity and respect. While New England cuisine is certainly famous for its traditional seafood fare, such lobster rolls and clam chowder, the modern food scene is vibrant and diverse.  Here’s a flavour of what to expect… People from all round the world have made Boston their home and it’s no surprise that awesome ethnic foods can be found in the city’s neighbourhoods. Boston’s  Chinatown  is one of the biggest in North America and a great place to try authentic regional Chinese cuisines. Located at the end of the  Freedom Trail , Boston’s  North End  is a thriving and buzzing Italian quarter, with dozens of amazing eateries. The city also has a great range of food halls, such as  Time Out Market Boston ,  Hight Street Place  and  Faneuil Hall Marketplace , where you can get outstanding food at inexpensive prices. Did you know that the hamburger sandwich was invented in Connecticut? This American classic was first created in  Louis Lunch  diner in New Haven for a customer in a hurry in 1900, and this iconic local institution has been serving the juicy patties on white toast ever since!    New Hampshire is famous for its excellent dairy produce and there are lots of fantastic artisan ice cream producers right throughout the state. There’s even an  Ice Cream Trail  for visitors to follow and try out these luscious cool treats as they work their way through the beautiful countryside.  Newport, Rhode Island is twinned with Kinsale, Co. Cork and the two towns share two passions: sailing and food!  Newport’s food scene  is cosmopolitan and diverse, and visitors can sample everything from local classics such as ‘stuffies’ (stuffed clams) to world-class Japanese ramen.   The people of Vermont take their cheese seriously! So much so, there’s a dedicated  Vermont Cheese Trail  to introduce you to more than 45 award-winning cheesemakers who produce over 150 small-batch, sheep, cow and goat specialty cheeses. Maine lobster is rightly famous throughout the world for its excellent quality and no trip to the state would be complete without sampling this New England classic. Expect sweet and tender meat but be sure to get a lobster bib because it will get messy! From incredible seafood to edgy food trucks, check out more information on Maine’s incredible food scene  here .

All of us have different travelling styles. Some of us love going with girlfriends, others swear by family trips and there are also those who prefer going solo. Of course, we can do all different kinds of travel, and don’t necessary have to stick to one style. But even if we love our girly getaways or family vacations, there’s a certain positive aspect in going for solo holidays. So what are the benefits of travelling solo? Gaining confidence When you travel on your own, you gain a lot of confidence. It comes from making so many small and big decisions by yourself. From choosing the location, the dates, navigating different situations and challenges – it is a sure fire way to boost your confidence in your own skills. Would you love to head to Budapest on a solo adventure? An opportunity to know yourself better Sometimes travelling solo provides us with the perfect opportunity to get to know ourselves better. What are hidden strengths as well as inherent weaknesses? What triggers us and how do we make our decisions or respond to situations? When you are on your own, you get the time to reflect and introspect, even when you are having fun. How about this guided tour of Algarve for solo travel , albeit with some expert guidance? You make newer connections Even if you enjoy your own company, and a little bit of solitude, you may end up making new connections. These may or may not lead to lifelong friendships, but you certainly end up with so many interesting perspectives. For example, conversations with fellow travellers, with local people and those in the hospitality industry – all of these are invaluable. And because you are on your own, you are likely to have more time to talk to other people. Check out this guided tour of India for trying out really new and exciting experiences? The freedom to choose your path You are in charge of your own time and itinerary. So if you want a trip where you can wake up leisurely on one day, and rise early the next, you can do so. If you feel like skipping a popular tourist attraction and instead heading to an offbeat experience or venue, you are free to do so. These are small but very important benefits of travelling solo. Maybe these solo holidays to Rome and Barcelona might be of interest to you. Here’s some top solo holiday offers from Irish Travel Agents Association Members : Adams & Butler Solo African Safari Matetsi Victoria falls from $885USD per nightUnlimited nights | Travel between: 1/10/2023 – 20/12/2023Find out more:  www.itaa.ie/offers/matetsi-victoria-falls-solo-african-safari/ Travalue.ie, Navan Travel Camino Portuguese Stage 2 – Travel Solo But Not Alone From €6497 nights | Travel dates between: 19/05/2023 – 19/09/2023Find out more:  www.itaa.ie/offers/camino-portuguese-stage-2-travel-solo-but-not-alone/ Sunway Lanzarote From €9097 nights | Travel dates: 9/05/23 – 16/05/2023Find out more:  www.itaa.ie/offers/lanzarote-7-nights-half-board-solo-offer/

Who doesn’t love the lure of a good beach? If you’re looking for inspiration for your next beach holiday, here’s some help at hand. Tripadvisor announced the  Best of the Best Beaches  for 2023 as part of its annual Traveller’s Choice® Awards. Beaches is the second category to be released in the 2023 awards, following Destinations in January. Tripadvisor analysed tens of millions of reviews submitted by millions of global travellers over the past 12-months. Looking at the quality and quantity of ratings for beach experiences, it was able to determine travellers’ absolute favourite beaches of the year, providing the best guidance for everyone looking to plan their own unforgettable beach trips this year. With the world list of beaches spanning the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific, this is truly a diverse, global selection. From the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean to the rugged cliff sides and dramatic black sands of Iceland, this year’s rankings give travellers across the globe the opportunity to find their favourite beach. “As a huge beach fan myself, I know the impossible-to-resist allure of sunshine and turquoise water—and certainly, there’s plenty of that on this year’s list, ” said  Sarah Firshein, the Head of Editorial at Tripadvisor . “But there are some delightful surprises as well. In addition to the much-loved beaches of Hawaii, the Caribbean, and mainland Europe, our community is really looking to kick up their experiences by embracing the cliffs of Cannon Beach, on the coast of Oregon in the Western United States, and cooler destinations like Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland. So whether you’re looking to pack a windbreaker or a swimsuit, our list has something for a wide range of travellers—and it might even convince the most ardent beach sceptics to embrace some time on the sand.” So which are the global leaders when it comes to beaches? Without further ado, here are the top 10. Top 10 Beaches in the World for 2023 Baia do Sancho  – Fernando de Noronha, Brazil Eagle Beach – Aruba, Caribbean Cable Beach  – Broome, Australia Reynisfjara Beach  – Vik, Iceland Grace Bay Beach  – Turks and Caicos, Caribbean Praia da Falésia – Olhos de Agua, Portugal Radhanagar Beach  – Havelock Island, India Spiaggia dei Conigli  – Sicily, Italy Varadero Beach  – Cuba, Caribbean Ka’anapali Beach  – Maui, Hawaii

Mother daughter trips are special. They are an opportunity to celebrate this really important relationship, and to bond over shared interests and loves. Have you been thinking of going out with your mother (or your daughter if you are a mum yourself) for this Mother’s Day? We have some holiday-inspiration that you may like to take a look at. It doesn’t matter where you go – these trips are all about enjoying your time with your mother, creating new memories and cherishing and celebrating everything that you love about your mum! A mini break to France with Irish Ferries A mini break to France could be just the trip that you always wanted. With your mother. How about checking out Irish Ferries and the lovely itineraries they have on offer? You can enjoy Honfleur, a picturesque port with galleries and restaurants galore or the magical Mont-Saint-Michel which continues to be a top attraction made famous by the medieval abbey. Fancy making a weekend of it with a night in a  Chateau  or a short stay at a  Pierre & Vacances Resort ? Their  holiday experts  are on hand to help you find the perfect accommodation. For a little spring sun, the Normandy coastline is stunning with white sandy beaches, cliffs, bays, and rocky inlets. Of course, gastronomy is one of the favourite attractions in Normandy, known for its idyllic orchards, cheese, and abundance of seafood. Their  free gastro guide  is perfect to help you discover something new. These min-breaks may just be the ones you and your mum have been searching for. A New York trip never goes out of fashion Maybe you fancy heading to New York for Mother’s Day. You could make it a short trip or stay for the week. New York offers plenty of opportunities to do all kinds of things, and to soak in a multitude of experiences. If you are looking for hotels to book for your stay, here is a handy link . Imagine doing all the things you always wanted to in New York, and now you have your fabulous mother for company! Off to the Canary Islands with your mother in tow! The Canary Islands have always been a favourite with holidaymakers. Whether it is the sun-kissed beaches, the national parks, opportunities for dolphin and whale watching or the stunning architecture and art of artist Cesar Manrique – the Canary Islands are perfect for every season and reason. You could make a really special Mother’s Day trip by including in your holiday, things that are a favourite for the both of you. The four largest islands, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria obviously attract the bulk of the tourists and maybe they are your preferred holiday destinations too. Whatever your choice may be, here is a booking link to help you with your hotel accommodation. Guided holidays to Montenegro and more Travel Department has an assortment of holidays and destinations that could tick all your boxes. Why not surf their site, and look for inspiration? Whether it is Montenegro, Egypt, Cologne or more – it’s about unboxing amazing experiences and creating new memories with your mother. Check out this link for travel inspiration and be sure to ask your mother what her choice is. An all time favourite – Algarve Golden cliffs, alluring beaches, small coves, and big swims. Is there anything about Algarve that is not attractive and amazing? No wonder then it is an all time favourite, and is a hit with travellers of all ages. Love Holidays have some beautiful properties on offer and you should definitely check them out if you and your mum fancy Algarve. Here’s wishing our lovely readers a really great time booking these trips, and we will wish you all on Mother’s Day too!

Do you know that Lublin has been crowned the youth capital of Europe 2023? It certainly warrants a trip, and so here’s all the information you may need to plan that holiday of yours. Lublin is the first Polish city to be granted status as the European Youth Capital. In the annual competition organised by the European Youth Forum, this vibrant city was recognised for its energy and inspirational investments in young people.  A youthful and central hub for new technologies and IT in Eastern Europe. Annually it attracts thousands of global students, boasting the biggest university centre in Eastern Poland with a total of nine universities. Naturally, the city will play centre stage for youth culture, hosting 73 large-scale events from festivals to sports shows throughout 2023.  Top attractions begin in Lublin Old Town, at Kraków Gate. This perfectly preserved medieval district is lined with cobbles and home to more than 100 ornate buildings and monuments. Today many of these buildings are thriving cafes and independent shops. The walls of Lublin are also decorated with street art and dazzling graffiti murals.  Top events to attend:  July: The Carnaval Sztukmistrzów Festival In the height of summer the city is transformed into one big carnival. A magnet for performers all over the world, gaze in awe at world famous circus stars. The carnival features The Urban Highline, the biggest tight rope festival in the world, inspired by the fictional story of The Magician of Lublin.  August: Meeting of Styles – The International Graffiti Festival As the oldest graffiti art festival in the world, ‘Meeting of Styles’ festival provides a unique space for creatives to develop passions and explore contemporary graffiti art. Lublin’s dynamic and youthful community gather annually to create art in the streets.  September: The European Festival of Taste The biggest culinary festival in the region attracts locals and tourists alike, and focuses on celebrating multiculturalism and the culinary heritage of Lublin. Expect a wide range of stalls offering gastronomic delights with live music, exhibitions and culinary workshops.  With a significant student population, this charming city possesses a dynamic nightlife. From underground pubs with huge beer lists to trendy shabby-chic hipster bars, there’s something for everyone. Lublin even produces its own signature beer, Perła. The underground Perła Brewery is a must for any weekend visit. It provides an extraordinary walking tour through the former Reformanti church and monastery where beer was brewed from 1846-2001. The perfect finale for the tour is the unique beer tasting session in the brewery’s former lagering room. Find out more about Lublin here: Lublin (poland.travel)

If you’ve always wanted to go to Jamaica, how about now? Yes, we are talking about a trip this very March. We will tell you why. Coffee lovers worldwide unite and honour one of the world’s most sought-after coffee beans at the 6th annual Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival. This year the festival marketplace takes place on  Saturday 25th March  in the historic Newcastle Parade Grounds in St. Andrew, Jamaica. ​  A little bit about Blue Mountain Coffee – what is it and why is it so special? Regarded as one of the best coffees in the world,  Blue Mountain Coffee  is grown on the Blue and John Crow Mountains in eastern Jamaica, the longest mountain on the island at 7402 ft and one of the highest peaks in the whole of the Caribbean. It is also one of the rarest and most expensive coffees in the world due to consumer demand for the speciality coffee. ​  Loved for its fragrant aroma, Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee has a rich, sweet taste without the bitterness found in many other types of coffee, it also contains a number of vitamins and nutrients making it beneficial for daily consumption. Previously, Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee was the base for the popular coffee liqueur brand, Tia Maria.  The Festival – a mecca for coffee lovers This highly anticipated annual coffee festival aims to provide the ultimate experience for coffee enthusiasts. It will be an immersive experience from farm to cup (and plate) and a time to learn about Jamaican cuisine, coffee and culture, with indigenous arts and crafts showcases, reggae music performances and tours to some of Jamaica’s best kept secrets.  The Festival Market place will take place on the Newcastle Parade Grounds and will showcase coffee related-products, food stalls, tastings, demonstrations and workshops. The day will open with cultural presentations, include a Conversation with Coffee panel discussion, Barista Competition finals as well as live entertainment.  Culinary trails, farm tours, hikes and bikes and more… Every weekend throughout March, coffee enthusiasts can enjoy the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival SIP and SHOP experiences which include culinary trails, farm tours or hike and bike the Blue Mountains as part of the month-long celebrations. At over 3,000 feet above sea level, The Blue Mountain Culinary Trail invites visitors to indulge in Jamaica’s delicious cuisine at a number of restaurants, cafés and hotels. ​  The one-of-a-kind festival provides farmers, businesses and vendors with the opportunity to share their produce and demonstrate the versatility of the coffee. With several performances, panel talks and competitions scheduled, coffee entrepreneurs and consumers from all over the world have lots to look forward to. ​  Just so that you know, in order to keep its quality standard, Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is certified by the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA). Only coffee that is grown between 3,000 and 5,000 feet can be labelled as Blue Mountain Coffee, anything below that is classified as Jamaica High Mountain Coffee.  Have we convinced you now? If so, just book your tickets, and when you are back from Jamaica, we would love to hear all your travel and coffee stories!

Ancient cities have stood the test of time and they offer an incredible treasure trove of sights and scenes to explore. Have you heard about the Lithuanian city of Vilnius? It has just started its celebratory 700th-anniversary year and is offering many adventures for the entire 2023, especially the warm season. From ‘As Young As Vilnius’ music festival, Vilnius Biennial of Performance Art, Music for Vilnius project that unites world-famous composers, and exhibitions that delve deep into the city’s historical past to ample urban and nature activities, each visitor can have a holiday to their taste. Musical gems for the warm season Vilnius has numerous options for a well-rounded city break. Not only does the city entice with full-on outside adventures in many of its parks and the surrounding nature, but also invites the visitors and residents to soak up the cultural, musical, and artistic delights that are part of the Vilnius  700th-anniversary program . One of the highlights of the 700th-anniversary summertime program will be a music festival,  As Young As Vilnius , on July 21st-25th, which was a huge success last year, garnering over 50K of visitors. The celebration marks St. Christopher’s — the patron saint of Vilnius — day, thereby inviting music enthusiasts to enjoy the occasion with a concert in one of the locals’ favourite hangout spots of the city, Vingis Park. International and Lithuanian artists will create a magical summertime dance party with captivating audio-visual performances free of charge. Music for Vilnius , a music project uniting seven world-famous composers, is a must for visitors who’ll want to grasp the spirit of Vilnius through sound this May 6th-July 6th. Michael Gordon (U.S.), Anna Korsun (Ukraine), Toshio Hosokawa (Japan), Heiner Goebbels (Germany), and others will perform instrument or chamber ensemble pieces created specifically for some of Vilnius’ spaces. The chosen spots — the courtyard in a former Vilnius’ ghetto, the Gediminas Castle Tower, and others—have resonated with them for their architectural, historical, and environmental features. Vilnius also plans to ease the vacationers into the autumn with the annual  Vilnius Capital Days Festival 2023  on September 1st-3rd. The festival, which is the biggest of all city events, attracts large crowds each year, and this time will be dedicated to the city’s 700th anniversary. The event will wow the spectators with dance performances, the first piece of opera resurrected with the help of AI, a closing event of  Vilnius Biennial of Performance Art , exhibitions, and music events featuring world-famous rock, pop, jazz, classical music performers, as well as a great many more must-visit shows. A look into the past through artistic lenses Vilnius Poker: The Exhibition at MO Museum in April, 2023-January, 2024, will display the downfall of the Soviet regimen in Vilnius, at the same time giving a glimpse into Vilnius’ past and present, its national and cultural identities, and the transformation into a modern European city. The immersive travel through time will be directed by Oskaras Koršunovas, Lithuania’s one of the most prominent artistic directors. The exhibition is also a tribute to  Vilnius Poker  by Ričardas Gavelis, one of the most famous Lithuanian novels. From May to October, the city guests will have a unique chance to experience life in Vilnius as it was 200 years ago. The National Museum of Lithuania will present the opportunity through an interactive exhibition, Pavilion: Vilnius 200 Years Ago , which depicts the 18th-19th century Vilnius and the cultural, demographic, architectural, and social changes the city underwent. Modern light, sound, projection, and augmented reality technologies will allow visiting the reconstructed former city and seeing how the visitors’ favourite haunts in Vilnius looked centuries ago, what urban gems have survived to date, where the elite and notable figures lived, and many other glimpses into the capital’s past. The pavilion will be free of charge and open 24/7 throughout the entire season and will feature an intensive educational program next to the main exhibition. Although Vilnius has 700 years of rich historical past, never has the city become one giant stage for modern-day performance art.  Vilnius Biennial of Performance Art , a new festival designed for the 700th anniversary, will take the performance art out of the traditional setting and inject it into the most unexpected spots of the city: parks, streets, historic and new buildings from July 26th till August 6th. The festival will offer to immerse into a thought-provoking program featuring well-known international and Lithuanian creators who will use the city’s spaces to reflect on the most prominent Vilnius’ values—multiculturalism and innovation, boldness, and creativity. Weekend break for immersive explorations The warm season is also an ideal time to visit some of the most famous Vilnius’ landmarks like Gediminas Castle—the symbol of the city—and enjoy the uninhibited views of the urban panorama under one’s feet or bask in the warm glow of the summertime sunset. Visitors can combine a leisurely walk around the Castle with unearthing a morsel of Vilnius’ history and visiting an exhibition that displays a transcript of the  letter  written by Gediminas, the Grand Duke of Lithuania. The letter invited European merchants to come to Vilnius and introduced the city to the world for the very first time 700 years ago. Although it is kept in the archives in Riga, Latvia, the letter has been brought to Vilnius for the birthday and will be on display until August 27th.  As an added bonus to the music, art, and cultural experiences lined up for this spring and summer, the visit to Vilnius might be a perfect opportunity to explore the other faces of the city. Gourmets are invited to go on a  gastro quest  through the city’s numerous restaurants in search of a perfect delicacy—the famous cold beetroot soup that is the top dish for Lithuanians during the summer or a glass of high-quality craft beer with fried bread on the side. Some restaurants even coax the visitors to go for a  historical Vilnius’ cuisine  recreated specifically for the anniversary year and offering to taste the most characteristic historical dishes in Vilnius—like Nelson’s zrazy or Jerusalem kugel—and hear the stories surrounding them. The nature-bound adventures available in Vilnius will appeal to guests looking for an escape into the lush nature. From going on a hike in the emerald forests around the city,  kayaking  around Vilnius on day and night tours, or riding into the sunset with a  hot-air balloon —the warm season provides ample opportunities for an adventurous stay in the city.

It’s already a hugely popular destination for golf tourists, but Portugal’s Algarve region is seeing a surge in demand for golf holidays on the back of the success of the Netflix reality show Full Swing. Full Swing is a sports documentary series that follows the lives and careers of four professional golfers. Through interviews, practice sessions, and tournament play footage, viewers get an inside look at the daily grind and mental challenges that come with being a competitive athlete. The series focuses on four golfers, Paige Spiranac, Eric Anders Lang, George Bryan IV, and Wesley Bryan. Each golfer has a unique backstory and approach to the game, which makes for an interesting contrast between individual styles and personalities. Sabrina Mahony, Specialist Product Manager from TD active Holidays said: “The Algarve was already a top-tier European golfing destination. And with the recent release of the Netflix documentary ‘Full Swing’, we’ve seen it gaining even more interest, attracting a surge of golf enthusiasts eager to tee off in the sun.” Golfing in the Algarve is a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather and stunning scenery. The Algarve is known for its world-renowned golf courses that are designed by some of the biggest names in golf course architecture. The Algarve is home to some of the best golf course resorts in the world, including the Quinta do Lago Resort, the Vale do Lobo Resort, the Pestana Golf Resort, and the Vilamoura Golf Resort. These resorts feature multiple championship courses that offer breathtaking views, challenging holes, and state-of-the-art facilities. Each resort offers something unique, so it is essential to research the options and decide which one suits your preferences best. The Quinta do Lago Resort is one of the most exclusive golf resorts in the Algarve. Golfers can play on three different courses, including the challenging Ocean Course, which is consistently ranked as one of the best courses in the world. The resort also offers a state-of-the-art golf academy, which is perfect for beginners or those looking to improve their game. The Vale do Lobo Resort is home to two fabulous courses, the Royal Golf Course and the Ocean Golf Course, both designed by Sir Henry Cotton. The Royal Golf Course, which was opened in 1997, has an exceptional layout and offers fantastic panoramic views. The Pestana Golf Resort is located in the heart of the Algarve and is home to five championship courses, including the spectacular Pinta Course and the picturesque Gramacho Course. This resort is perfect for those looking for a golfing getaway, as it offers luxury accommodations, a spa, and fine dining. The Vilamoura Golf Resort is one of the largest golf resorts in the Algarve, with five different courses on offer. The resort is perfect for both beginners and experienced golfers alike, as it offers a range of courses to suit everyone’s needs. The best time to visit the Algarve for golfing is from September to November and from March to May. The temperatures are mild, and the courses are less crowded during these times, making it the perfect time for a golfing getaway. The summer months can be very hot, with temperatures reaching over 30°C, making it difficult to play golf, while the winter months can be rainy and windy, making it less enjoyable to play. In conclusion, golfing in the Algarve is an unforgettable experience. The Algarve boasts some of the best golf course resorts in the world, and the best time to visit is from September to November and from March to May. Whether you are an experienced golfer or a beginner, the Algarve has something to offer everyone, and it is a must-visit destination for any golf enthusiast.