I’m back from my first inspection trip in Peru, it was more than wonderful than I imagined it would be. I could write forever on the amazing sights in Peru but then it would end up being a short story. So I think - of course my highlight has to be the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu it was brilliant see this famous place (it has got to be the 8th Wonder of the World – vote online). Our private guide was so good and informative it made it even more worthwhile.

The train back from Machu Picchu was fun with a fashion show and Andean musicians to while away the time. Cusco – what a city so much to see and do and not what I expected, from the Cathedrals to the cult centre of Sacsayhuaman and if you like shopping then Cusco has so much choice you need more than a couple of days.

The train journey from Cusco to Puno was great and you are kept well entertained and well fed. Lake Titicaca was beautiful and the sun was shining such a lovely day.

What can I say about the Colca Canyon and Condors Cross – about ten Condors in the sky an amazing sight to see them soaring up beneath the cliffs but be quick with your camera. My last city was “the White City” of Arequipa, a must to visit is the beautiful Santa Catalina convent it was almost a self-sustained village in its time. What a fantastic two weeks. I hope this has whet your appetite to see Peru - so call me on 01202 606160 and I can get you on your way.

I’m off to Peru for two weeks on 18 May - my first trip and I am really excited about the fantastic places I am going to visit. Flying into Lima and after a couple of days acclimatisation flying to Chiclayo overnight visiting Tucume the Valley of the Pyramids, back to Lima for one night and then flying to Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas which I hear is totally amazing and so much to see, I can’t wait to go to Macchu Picchu a place I’ve always wanted to visit and at the top of everyone’s list. From Cusco by train to Puno staying by Lake Titicaca. By Hydrofoil to the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca visiting Sun and Moon Islands - what a day its going to be. The following day Colca Canyon to see the giant condors - how great is this going to be. My last night is in Arequipa and then unfortunately back to Lima and a flight home.

When I get back I’ll update you on all the highs of my trip and the amazing things I got up to!

Paradise with a Smile

My last visit to Sri Lanka was in September 2006, I can only describe this country as a traveller’s paradise waiting to be explored. My visit incorporated a rich variety of experiences from ancient cities, religious temples, dense jungle and vegetation teeming with wildlife to exotic beaches and bustling towns.

My experience of Sri Lanka was enhanced by the local people, they welcome visitors with open arms and their hospitable nature means they are only too happy to go out of their way to ensure your visit is memorable. I was completely overwhelmed by Sri Lanka, the highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the elephant orphanage at Pinawela, being able to get so close to these amazing animals is an experience that is hard to beat and is not to be missed when visiting this beautiful country.

“I love Sri Lanka for its friendly, diverse culture. I was truly amazed by the amount of nature we experienced on safari in Dambula National Park. Along with our English speaking guide and a guide from the Park, it was fantastic, from the wildlife and plants to the salt lakes that had an eiry pink glow enhanced by the fantastic sunset. I was thrilled to see the elephants in their own habitat just going about their business kicking up the turf to get to the grass for a snack”.

Sri Lanka is a special holiday destination because of its mixture of culture, history and wildlife. The ideal destination for family holidays, weddings, honeymoons, and golfing trips and I would highly recommend it to anyone.