Author Archive for Ian Ford
The ultimate Halloween short break
By Ian Ford on Oct 15, 2016 in Accommodation, Attractions, Eastern Europe, Europe, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Romania
Part of the pleasure of modern travel is that it can be arranged at short notice to take advantage of any opportunity. If you are ready for a short Autumn break with a theme then why not take the excuse that is Halloween and head to Transylvania, fictional home of Count Dracula and very much 
The smart money is heading to Rio - now
By Ian Ford on Sep 15, 2016 in Attractions, Brazil, Food and Drink, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Regions, Restaurants, South America, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany
The general expectation is that there will be a tourism boom during a large event such as the Olympics. However, the smart money realises that the exceptional demand on services raises costs to unjustified levels whilst simultaneously reducing the quality of services on offer (the best of the best being reserved for so-called VIPs). The
Luxury travel and why there's no guilt in pleasure
By Ian Ford on Aug 15, 2016 in Travel Miscellany
Is there any reason that any of us should feel guilty about enjoying life? Isn’t that the whole point of taking a holiday; to do something different, something special and memorable, to give us a break from the stress of routine life and to make us feel truly alive once again. Taking a holiday is 
5 of the best visual festivals to see in India
India is a visually stimulating destination with colourful scenes at every corner. It is also a land rich in culture and religion and some of the best sights are to be had at one of the many festivals held throughout the year. The list below focuses on the public displays that are best for visitors
3 luxury highlights of central Vietnam
Hanoi and Ho Chi Min City are the obvious portals for a visit to Vietnam. However, thanks to the international airport in Da Nang, discerning visitors are able to explore the central areas with ease – and in style too. Down-town Da Nang A visit to the city is not essential unless you want to
The other Hong Kong
Most visitors to Hong Kong think mostly in terms of the bustling urban areas such as Kowloon and Central. However, there exists another side; one that is sparsely populated, green and even has wildlife. We guide you away from the crowds towards areas of outstanding natural beauty and havens of calm. Hong Kong Island and
Cuba's Golden Triangle
The name Havana evokes different images for different people, but generally pleasurable ones. Many associate it with movies, others with Caribbean comforts. It is the obvious entry point for a first visit to Cuba but in this piece we hope to extend your stay with visits to two other bases on the south coast; to
5 great reasons to make an early start on holiday
By Ian Ford on Mar 18, 2016 in Travel Miscellany
Luxury travel is best enjoyed with a decent night’s sleep and careful planning of journeys should allow for this. However, there are times when the inclusion of an early start or late finish really adds to the experience and justifies the inconvenience. In this piece we explore the situations that might tempt even the most 
Luberon: lavender with a touch of class
Provence in southern France is famous for its landscapes and climate. The urban areas – Nice, Cannes, Marseilles, Avignon and Saint Tropez – attract visitors from around the world but in this piece we will look more closely at a small rural area, and for a specific season: the Luberon region at the time before
Living the high life in the High Atlas
Morocco is a fabulous destination for luxury travellers but, as with all other destinations, is best enjoyed with a theme in mind. Many opt for the towns of the north with their dense souks (open-air markets) where a heady mix of trades vie for local custom, but our recommendation is to head further south, up
Take your travel photography to the next level
Have you ever wondered what it is that makes professional travel photography different from your own holiday snaps? One of the biggest differences is that the professional will try to avoid the obvious, clichéd shots and seek out something unusual, something creative. If you arrive at a site and start to shoot away then you
Recording your luxury holiday
By Ian Ford on Nov 30, 2015 in Travel Miscellany
A luxury holiday is a wonderful treat but is apt to be over all too soon. In order to preserve your memories for a little bit longer try to spend some of your time away recording the special moments. You can then re-live them once reality strikes back at home even if you choose not 
Do you travel for the sites, or for those moments along the way?
By Ian Ford on Nov 25, 2015 in Travel Miscellany
When it comes down to planning a trip abroad it is easy to be dazzled by the obvious appeal of conspicuous landmarks. However, if you sit back and reflect on your best travels to date you will surely remember not the sites visited but particular moments along the way. In this piece we look at 
3 of the best high-speed train escapes out of Shanghai
By Ian Ford on Oct 18, 2015 in Asia, Attractions, China, Going Out, Rail Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel
The name Shanghai conjures up all kinds of images, and visitors are rarely disappointed. What few foreign visitors realise is that, with the recent development of a fast and efficient high-speed rail network across China, Shanghai is now well connected with some exciting options. Here we describe just 3 of these; enough to suit most 
