My 2020 #TTCtop10!

Happy new year to one and all!

I am very fortunate to work so closely with such a fabulous and diverse collection of Red Carnation properties, within the wider TTC family and so travel inspiration is never hard to come by!

During 2019, my travels were close to home, making several trips to mainland Europe. I love European cities, but I’m often in such a rush, that I don’t really take the time to properly enjoy it. That said; I was very fortunate to visit Uniworld’s SS Antoinette in Cologne this year. A beautiful city, loaded with culture and I thoroughly enjoyed a historic city tour.

This year, as a nature lover, I’ve been horrified to see the devastation of Australia’s forests through terrible fires. I’m conscious that every trip we take as tourists should benefit not just us as individuals but bring something positive to the culture and the locations we seek out.

1.      Contiki, Reefs & Rainforests, Australia.

Australia is a country associated with high adrenaline and action-packed holidaying, which is why I choose the Contiki tour. Full of excitement along the way and an opportunity to meet new people. At the heart of every TTC trip, sits our sustainability philosophy. I want to travel in a way that I know I’m doing something positive, not just for me, but hopefully leaving something positive behind also.

2.      Uniworld, Rhine & Moselle.

I’m actually half-German and proud of my culture! Germany is a country associated with strong culture and a love of the outdoors. To get the most of the beautiful cities en-route, I choose Uniworld, as I know I’ll enjoy a luxurious stay, aligned with what we at Red Carnation offer our guests, but also world-class guided tours at each stop, so I can catch up on the fascinating history and don’t miss anything.

3.      Haggis Adventures, Islay Whisky & Music Festival.

My grandfather was a proud Scot and I feel like I know Edinburgh well! Indeed, I’m very excited for our forthcoming 100 Princes Street Hotel, however I don’t know the rest of Scotland as well as I would like. I love Scotch whisky and especially Islay’s more smoky varieties! A real treat, to see the more remote westlands on this tour and experience the lesser-known music festival too. I’m sure Grandad would approve!

4.      Contiki, Grand Southern.

Wow! This is probably the most indulgent of my top 10. Can you imagine 26 days coast-to-coast?! I’m sure I can! The USA is such a huge country, often misunderstood and often overly generalised. State to state, the way of life can be so different and the experiences just the same. With so many cities and so many sites along this line, this really is the “once in a lifetime” journey one could remember forever!

5.      Trafalgar, Hawaii Four Island Adventure First Class.

Hawaii is one of those destinations we all think is a paradise -and I expect it is! My being a lover of all things in nature, I’d be blown away by the sheer scale of the volcanic forests and national parks across the islands. I also love coffee, so the thrill of visiting a coffee plantation is way up there!

6.      Contiki, Japan Unrivalled.

Those who know me well know that I speak reasonably fluent Japanese and am a 2nd Dan blackbelt in Karate. Japan and Japanese culture has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and I can’t get enough of the country. This route takes me to places I’ve never visited in my various journeys out there so far and with a high-energy crowd, the thrills in store sound fantastic!

7.      Contiki, Iceland.

My partner and I have often talked about Iceland, but never quite made it happen. Within this short four-day experience, the free-time experiences make this a non-stop action adventure holiday. This year, I think we’re finally going to make it!

8.      Costsaver, Highlights of St. Petersburg & Moscow.

My partner is actually Russian -and we have never been to Russia together! We never decided whether we should see St. Petersburg or Moscow. Why not both?! The Red Square by night experience is a definite.

9.      Contiki, China Adventure.

Twelve days to explore the oldest civilisation on earth. One which has catapulted its major cities to the very forefront of economic dominance, a true blend of the traditional and the hyper-modern. Don’t even get me started on the food! The Terracotta Army and Great Wall are things which to see in real life is a memory to treasure forever.

10.  U, Rolling on the Rhine.

For my tenth, I’m heading back to Germany! This time, with U. On this trip, there’s a chance to enjoy a contemporary accommodation and some exciting night tours. Coupled with vinyards, city tours and even a virtual tour, I’m sold!