My brother has been living in South Africa for nearly five years now, and it is rare that the whole family can get together. March 2007 however, saw a major family holiday where the English clan joined forces with the South African’s in Cape Town to celebrate my father’s 70th birthday and my parents 40th Wedding Anniversary – both occasions a major feat!

The holiday had been planned for two years, and for so long it felt so far away. Suddenly nine of us were piling excitedly into a minibus taxi heading to Heathrow airport. After a pretty easy journey travelling with three small children aged four, two and one, we arrived in Cape Town exhausted and very excited. The warm African air swept over us as we stepped outside the airport cementing that feeling of being on holiday.

Our two weeks were to consist of a fairly hectic itinerary, but with my brothers family we were a party of fifteen, and as we were adding a further four children under seven to the pot, it was decided best to keep busy!

The first few days were spent in Cape Town, relaxing & catching up on news. We had covered most ‘must see’ sites on previous visits such as Robin Island (a moving and inspiring experience), Hermanus – spectacular for Whales and only a couple of hours scenic driving from Cape Town. We enjoyed a couple of days pottering around the Waterfront, great for shopping, street life and lots restaurants on the harbour front. Last time a fantastic rock/pop band from Johannesburg were playing and created quite a crowd. All this entertainment is free and enjoyed by everyone.

South Africa is also renowned for its diamonds, and having just got engaged the month before I made my husband to be trawl a number of stunning jewellery shops, only to be promptly removed when my eyes fell upon a ring with a diamond the size of Cuba. We also lunched at the fabulous Harbour House restaurant. Fine wine and superb food and fantastic prices overlooking Kalk Bay, creates the perfect environment for long boozy lunches and putting the world to rights.

Next we were headed to Kariega for three nights on the East Coast about two hours from Port Elizabeth. This was a slightly more chaotic event than the transatlantic flight but all in good humour (accept for the passengers who had been waiting for us on the run way for 20 minutes – only to find that it was not just a two adults that could find their seat quickly and quietly but a party of fifteen with seven children all wanting to sit next to someone different). We knew it was bad, when on the return flight we were recognised by fellow passengers at the departure gate who had the good fortune to be on the same flight back!

Kariega was wonderful, and perfect for families. It is certainly not the Kruger but has the key game, and very well organised to allow children and adults to do as much or as little as they want. We took over the Homestead which is the only accommodation located in one half of the park. It has its own host, chef, and ranger. Morning drives here were excellent for adults as we were the only vehicle before guests from the main lodge on ‘the other side’ made it over. Generally the children could only manage one drive a day, but the pool at the homestead gave an alternative, and our host was excellent and was happy to baby sit if the adults wanted to go on a drive. The other unique aspect to Kariega is that the beach is only 15 minutes away. Malaria free, safari & beach in a day, Kariega is perfect for families with young children.

We returned to Cape Town for the main celebrations of the holiday. Tom and I also took the opportunity to drive out to the Wine lands. Again easily accessible as a day trip from Cape Town, Franschoek is a stunning part of the country. It is possible to stop off at any number of vineyards of your choice along the way. Many have restaurants attached and some have the most stunning views. Franshhchoek also offers charming boutique shopping should you need a break from wine tasting!

Our final few days, were spent at my brothers favourite retreat on the Western Cape. Paternoster. This area is very rustic and remote. Paternoster is a small gritty fishing town which is steadily growing. More holiday homes are being built, but only the first influx of tourists are coming in and Paternoster still retains its authenticity . We were lucky enough to stay in a private home on its own beach about 40 minutes from town across the sand dunes. A few days here consists of cooking on a small gas hob and an open fire, taking the rowing boat out to drop your own crayfish pots, line fishing off the rocks and sand boarding – this is a truly wholesome and refreshing holiday. The children love it, as it is real barefoot freedom – they were out all day from morning until bedtime and fell asleep without a sound shattered from the fresh air. Meanwhile the adults open a chilled bottle of white wine and watched the sunset over the Atlantic before lighting the BBQ and enjoying the quiet night air with the faint cries of the Seals on the rocks out to sea. It was here too – last September, that we had the incredible fortune to see Killer Whales feeding in the bay just yards from the shore. A truly magical place.

Extract from Diary whilst travelling in Cuba 16/11/06

Arrived Havana. Wow! There are few countries that give me the same buzz I am feeling now and I have only been in Cuba a matter of hours.

I am sipping a cold beer on the porch of the Taberna de la Murialla (the only venue in town to serve draught beer), which is on the corner of Plaza Vieja just a stone’s throw from my hotel. It is a wonderfully warm evening, though overcast and spots of rain are starting to fall, but this does not deter the party that have set up their table on the cobbles of the Plaza with no cover. The live Son band is playing and while I pay the bill and think about heading back to the comfort of my charming boutique hotel, I can tell for the others here, the night is just beginning. A perfect end to a long day’s travelling and the perfect start of what I am sure is going to be a trip to remember.

See my On Location for a round up of my trip to Cuba or call me on 01285 885 333 to organise a tailor-made itinerary.

Having lived in Guatemala for 5 months, and travelled extensively within the country, I was delighted to find in the precious 3 days I had before continuing to Belize, a wonderful new location, rarely visited.

Aguatecas' temples do not tower above the canopy the same way Tikal's do, nor are the Maya Plazas and the balls courts beautifully excavated with new grass lawns. Perhaps this is why no one comes here and why I thought them so special.

I wandered in a dream world through the trees, marvelling at what was once a small Mayan city that dates back to 900 AD, with views of the lowlands below, wondering how they ever built their city and survived in such a seemingly inhospitable environment, let alone how they were ever overthrown. How did anyone ever know they were there?

For more information on Guatemala, please call me or click through here.

It is hardly surprising there were no cars on the roads. Belize has a population of just 210,000, and their capital city, Belmopan, is home to just 7,500 inhabitants. I covered over 400 miles in 4 days and I can count on two hands the number of cars I passed.

Well what did I see? Jungle, so much glorious jungle, spreading from the border with Guatemala in the east to the coast of the Caribbean Sea in the west.

Belize has millions of acres of protected rainforest that is teeming with wildlife of the most exciting kind.

While spotting the ever-elusive jaguar is a fool's game - I of course came home disappointed although a number of my clients have had incredible sightings - the mere thought that this was as good a chance as anywhere in the world was exhilarating enough.

And then I arrived at the coast. With the world's second largest barrier reef the diving, fishing and snorkelling is phenomenal. Belize is truly a jungle and reef destination.

Undoubtedly, Belize is a country of outstanding natural beauty but it was also one that surprised me at every turn. From the English speaking Maya communities in the south, to the Mennonite communities in the North to the wonderfully laid back islanders of the Caribbean.

For more information on Belize, please call me or click through here.