Alton Towers, Staffordshire (review published 2007)

It was the ultimate Alton Towers white-knuckle ride experience. I was challenged to tame Oblivion, Air, Nemesis, Ripsaw, The Flume and Rita – Queen Of Speed – all in under 45 minutes. But it wasn’t as stomach-churning as it sounds. For this was Alton Towers’ new miniature golf course where the holes are based on…

Seville, Spain (review published 2007)

There’s much more to the capital of Andalusia than flamenco and oranges… here’s how to spend 72 hours in Seville on a budget.  / DAY ONE When Star Wars creator George Lucas needed a location to double as the most beautiful planet in the universe he turned to Seville. The spectacular mixture of Spanish and…

London (review published 2007)

It was like a dream come true. I was within touching distance of Kylie Minogue’s famous gold hotpants. This time, however, they were not struggling to contain the pint-sized pop princess’s perfect posterior – I should be so lucky. Instead, the hotpants were forming part of an exhibition – and behind toughened glass to stop…

South Birmingham canals (review published 2007)

It was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life. Cars were queuing up either side of the Shirley drawbridge over the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal and the agitated motorists were beeping their horns. The traffic barriers were steadfastly refusing to open to let them pass and I was stood at the controls – helpless and…

Ayia Napa, Cyprus (review published 2007)

Are you dreaming of a romantic wedding on a stunning sun-soaked beach on some Caribbean isle? Are those dreams in danger of being dashed because your nearest and dearest can’t afford to join you in ‘paradise’? Don’t despair – there is a cheaper alternative to the Caribbean and you don’t have to compromise on the…

Carcassonne, France (review published 2006)

I had seen pictures of Carcassonne and read how this French medieval walled citadel was the largest in Europe. It all looked and sounded very impressive. But no amount of research could have prepared me for the jaw-dropping moment I first set eyes on its walls and the realisation that this was going to be home…

Taba Heights, Egypt (review published 2006)

Where in the world can you laze on a beach enjoying clear views of no fewer than FOUR different countries? Think about it… it’s not easy. Well, to your right would be Saudi Arabia, straight ahead would be Jordan, to your left would be Israel and at your feet would be the golden sands of…

Olu Deniz, Turkey (review published 2005)

  Imagine throwing yourself off a 2,000m high mountain and entrusting your life to a complete stranger. Then imagine soaring with the birds as you and your ‘pilot’ dangle from a flimsy looking silk sheet over one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons. I imagined it… and it scared me half to death. So I…

Menorca, Spain (review published 2005)

Talk about a sea view – they don’t come much better than this. The turquoise waters of a crescent cove gently lapping a sweep of fine,  golden sand… just perfect. We could have happily stayed on our balcony the entire week, just sipping sangria and soaking up the sun. The resort was Cala Galdana on…