If your sweetheart is adventurous, then you can’t go wrong with planning a surprise romantic escape. 

This guide shows you how to pull this off without your significant other knowing about it until you are ready for the big reveal! 

Make Sure Your Schedules are Clear

If the trip is longer than one weekend, then you’ll need to coordinate with your significant other’s boss. For example, if their schedule is unpredictable, it’s ideal to ask their boss to choose the best dates for them to take off from work.

Choose a Destination

Choosing a destination involves taking your lover somewhere that helps both of you break free from regular routines. 

It doesn’t matter if it’s relaxing in a cabana on a tropical island, a historic hotel, or journeying through the desert. 

The goal is to leave your lives behind for a little while. 

Pre-Plan for Adventures and Activities

Your significant other might love comedy shows, exploring with a local, or live music. No matter what the activities are, make sure you pre-plan and pre-book these activities and adventures. One idea is to build your trip around the date their favourite artist is performing in a fabulous location.

If your lover prefers leaving schedules open when you travel, make sure that happens. That way, there’s plenty of time for cuddles, relaxation, and rest.

Research the Best Places to Eat

If your S.O. loves food, your best bet is to research the best places to eat before embarking on your voyage. 

People who love food enjoy travelling to new destinations, which gives them opportunities to indulge in their senses and savour a new cuisine.

Pack in Advance

The best way to make sure you do not forget anything is by creating a packing list. You can also ask your lover to grab a bag and pack a few things before leaving. That way, the things that you both can’t live without don’t get left behind. 

Consider packing everything into a carry-on to avoid going through the luggage check-in process. This will also reduce the chance of your partner noticing the big suitcase being filled in the spare bedroom.

Determine the Best Time to Reveal

There are a couple of ways you can reveal this surprise romantic trip. 

First, you can make an excuse for why you need to go to the airport together. You can also tell your lover an hour or so before leaving so they can pack a bag of essentials. 

Another option is to leave clues during the weeks leading up to the trip. If your partner is like mine and does not change direction easily, then little clues that something is happening will make the big reveal go over much smoother.

Let’s Chat!

If you’re good at keeping a secret, you’ll have no problem planning a romantic surprise trip for you and your significant other. 

Drop me a line! We can work together to organize a special getaway that your partner will remember forever.

Spain is home to breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural opportunities unavailable anyplace else. There are endless reasons why Spain should be on your Wanderlist, from the chance to relax in the shade of palm trees and take in views of the gorgeous blue ocean to the wealth of historical sites and exquisite architecture.

To add to your must-see list, here are 7 more Spanish beauties that will undoubtedly take your breath away.

Barcelona

Barcelona is dream-filled with beautiful beaches, enriching history, and tasty wine.

Explore the Gaudi buildings and sample the best food in Spain. Check out La Boqueria, a local market dating back to the 13th century that features fresh produce from the region.

Tapas are endless in this city, so make sure you arrive hungry!

Cordoba

Visit Cordoba for the towering Moorish architecture with the grandeur of Muslim influence in Spain. The Old Town of Cordoba is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the Great Mosque, Roman Cathedrals, La Mezquita, amphitheatres, and much more for both history buffs and art lovers. 

Avila

If you want to walk through a history book, this is the perfect chance to do so. Known as “The Town of Stones and Saints,” Avila is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds the largest collections of Romanesque and Gothic churches in all of Spain. It includes countless monasteries, towers, museums, and palaces that will take you back in time to the 11th century. 

Salamanca

Featuring yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salamanca is a university town holding Baroque and Renaissance architecture. It has a diverse student population and gives a feel of the intellectual flora with cozy hangout areas and bars. 

Seville

Come and explore the ancient Roman ruins in Seville. 

Learn the enriching history of the architectural beauty among the lively music and delicious tapas that showcase fresh, delectable seafood.

Take a guided tour of the breathtaking Real Alcazar, catch a Flamenco show (you can even take a class), or simply sit back and people-watch with a glass of Spanish wine.

Cadiz

Cadiz feels like an island city, surrounded by deep blue water and endless sunshine.

Start the day by laying out on the Castillo de San Sebastian and head to La Caleta Beach for tasty seafood cuisine. 

Burgos

Spend the day getting lost in the quaint historic centre, wandering around the beautiful streets and exploring the ruins of Burgos. 

Be sure to visit the Gothic Cathedral and admire the scenic view as you walk along Fuentes Blancas’ banks, the province’s largest park. 

Let’s Chat!

Spain holds stunning scenery, delectable cuisine, vibrant villages, and gorgeous architecture and art that will make you feel like you’re in another world. 

If you’re ready to start planning your trip to one of the most beautiful countries in the world, let’s chat and plan a trip that’s a perfect fit for you!

To make it easier for you, here are 8 Spanish beauties that will undoubtedly take your breath away.

Sierra Nevada 

If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, Sierra Nevada is a beautiful mountain range that holds Spain’s highest peak, the Mulhacen. It’s a great place to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, and hiking and cycling are popular in the off-season. 

The mountain views will rival the culinary scene in the Andalucia region. If you’re looking for something less active, put your feet up with some delicious tapas and local wine.

Santiago de Compostela

Go back in time to this historical city in the region of Galicia. This spot holds the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Town. This famous pilgrimage site in northwest Spain became a symbol of the Spanish Christians’ struggle against Islam.

Almeria 

Looking for a local spot that tourists don’t usually go to? Located in Andalusia, Almeria is one of the warmest spots in Spain and holds gorgeous beaches, caves, and mines for endless exploring.

Be sure to visit Playa San Pedro if you want an even more relaxed ambience.

The Costa Brava

Costa Brava is one of the most popular beaches for the sunkissed weather and pristine beaches. You’ll encounter plenty of wildlife and plant life in the Medes Islands and Montseny Natural Park in Costa Brava, which will give you a glimpse of the natural gems of the coast. 

Toledo

If you’re looking to see a melting pot of cultures, the city of Toledo will exceed your expectations. Also known as the “City of the Three Cultures”, this city is filled with intermixed styles from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian cultures in their food, architecture, and even music.

Granada

Filled with medieval history, the number one spot to visit in Granada is to gaze at the majestic Alhambra Palace. The influence of Arabic and Catholic cultures surround the city with traditional Moorish architecture and classical Catholic monasteries. 

Madrid

Madrid is a must-see if you’re ever in Spain. The city is filled with famous artworks, diversity, entertainment, and delectable cuisine. 

Be sure to stop at Madrid’s Royal Palace to catch a glimpse of the 17th-century architecture and make your way to Plaza May, where you can roam around the cobblestone streets filled with live music and visit the local boutiques and eateries. 

Pamplona

This city of Pamplona is known for the annual Running of the Bulls festival, where bulls run and chase revellers down the narrow streets. It’s usually held in July, so jot this down in your itinerary if you’re planning to visit in the summer. 

If that’s not quite your cup of tea, you may prefer to take in Pamplona’s historic centre filled with architectural gems like its Gothic cathedral, 16th-century citadel, and Baroque town hall.

Let’s Chat!

Spain holds stunning scenery, delectable cuisine, vibrant villages, and gorgeous architecture and art that will make you feel like you’re in another world. 

Are you ready to start your trip to one of the most beautiful countries in the world? Let’s chat about all your options and plan a trip that’s a perfect fit for you.

With the upheaval and lengthy delays in the airports recently, I decided to up my packing skills. Of course, this meant getting all the tea from my sister on how she and her husband pack for their travels.

Here are a few of her best tips:

Have the Right Gear

Buy a suitcase that has a well-designed interior that optimizes the space available. My suitcase also has a great pocket on the outside that is the perfect size to slip my laptop. That way I don’t have the weight on my back but it’s still easy to access for security. And make sure that it is easy to roll since you will have it with you all the way through the airport. There’s nothing worse than fighting with your luggage as you’re hurrying to your gate.

The second carry-on must-have is a great backpack. Pick one that has a lot of pockets for keeping things separated and organized like your camera, phone, chargers and toiletries. 

You will be amazed how much you can get into these two pieces of luggage with a bit of planning.

Find Your Packing Style

There are different methods of packing that are touted as the best way to save space. My sister and I roll all our clothes and fit items inside each other.  Every shoe, every corner is utilized.  But her husband prefers to layer his clothes.  He will lay seven t-shirts flat one on top of the other and fold them together and lay them flat in his suitcase. Both methods work well to optimize space.

Less Is More!

I know you already know this but really, you don’t need all that stuff you pack. I always come home with clothes I haven’t worn.

Plan Ahead

You have to plan what you are going to wear.  You can’t leave packing to the last minute and just throw everything in.  Start packing early, look at your itinerary and what you will be doing each day and plan what you will wear.  Factoring in changes in temperature or weather with items that you can layer over like a sweater.  My sister has a jean jacket that she always travels with because it is full of pockets, she can roll it up in a ball and use it as a pillow and it is great when the temperature is a bit cooler.

Layers and Multi-Use Items

Everything you pack should do at least double duty.  Dress up that pair of Capri pants you wore sightseeing the day before with a pashmina and dressy sandals and you are ready for dinner. That beautiful cover-up you wore to the pool also looks great over a black dress with heels. And speaking of a pashmina, it’s an essential. I have a favourite that I use as a blanket on the plane, and a wrap for evenings out.

No One Knows What You Wore Yesterday!

Here is another secret – if you have an itinerary where you are changing hotels or even changing countries, no one will ever know that you wore the same dress to dinner last night.  But just to keep it fun, perhaps carry some special costume jewellery that is only used while travelling.  It takes up little space but can completely change the look of a simple black outfit.

Laundry

If it is a long itinerary, work in a few nights in accommodations with laundry mid-way through.  If it is a cruise, there is always the option to do laundry on the ship.

Go Shopping

Leaving something out of your luggage that you will need will give you a great souvenir to shop for and a treasured memory to bring home. I have a great sweater that I bought in Alaska because I hadn’t brought enough layers. It always reminds me of standing on the bow of the ship and watching a momma seal and her pups on an ice floe.

Minimal Toiletries

Unfortunately, you can’t travel with an abundance of products.  If you need the litre bottle of your favourite shampoo or body wash, it is impossible to do carry-on.  However, it is possible to make do with the products provided by your accommodations. And you can always buy something in-destination.  It’s also a great excuse to pamper yourself with a visit to a spa or a little local hair salon.

Let’s Chat!

So why don’t you give carry-on a try for your next trip? Watching my sister zip through the airport while I wait for my luggage has convinced me to give this a try. I know that once you experience the ease of travelling with only carry-on, you can never go back. 

I would love to share more travel tips so reach out and we can chat!

To answer these questions and more, I reached out to my photographer (and husband), Jeremy Cove, lead photographer at Cove’s Photography, to get his best tips on how to capture memories while we’re travelling.

When you’re travelling with a camera, there are a lot of things to think about.

The good news is that there are also a lot of things you don’t have to think about.

For example, there’s no need to worry about how much space your photos will take up on your phone or laptop. Just purchase a large memory card, leave it in the camera, and keep shooting. Personally, I use 64GB cards, but 32 is enough if you’re shooting jpeg and images only, not video.

There’s also no need to worry about how many batteries you’ll need for your trip—just bring one spare battery (and a charger for the batteries), and you’ll be good to go for days and days.

1. Focus on the Golden and Blue Hours

The best light for photography is in the early morning and late afternoon. The sun is low in the sky, so it casts long shadows and gives objects a dramatic, three-dimensional look. It’s also soft, so you get more nice details in your photos. There are many places to find out when the best time to photograph is, or you can also download a phone app for reference while you’re travelling.

2. Plan Your Shots

Taking great photos while travelling begins long before you reach your destination. Learn as much as you can about the area by reading up on it online and in travel books. For instance, in warmer areas, the daytime may grow foggy so going early may be the better plan.

When you’re there, before you start shooting, take a few minutes to think about what you want to capture. Ask yourself: Where do I want to shoot? What do I want to see? What’s my goal? Is there anything specific I want to capture? If not, go ahead and shoot whatever catches your eye.

3. Composition

Even if you’re using automatic settings on your camera or phone, the composition is still important because it helps viewers understand what they’re seeing in an image. For example, if you’re taking pictures of people along the street, make sure their faces are in focus and their bodies are cropped out of the frame as much as possible—unless that’s what you’re trying to show!

It is a good idea to get other angles as well, such as getting down on the ground and seeing if you can get a better view. If you can, go on top of something and take shots from above. Try shooting photos from a variety of distances and angles to see what you come up with. You may begin with a wide photo, then transition to a medium one, and ultimately zoom in for a closeup.

4. Exposure

The exposure triangle is one of the most important things to understand in photography. It’s the three main settings you can change on a camera that affect how your picture looks: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

These are called “the three dimensions of photography” because they control three different physical properties of light, which together determine the exposure of your image.

The basic idea is that by adjusting these three settings, you can make your photos brighter or darker, blurrier or sharper, and noisier or cleaner.

Here’s a quick guide to what each setting does:

The aperture controls how much light enters the camera through the lens. Aperture is measured in f-stops; for example, f/1.4 is a wider aperture than f/22. A wider aperture means more light can enter your camera, which can be useful when working in low-light conditions or trying to achieve a shallow depth-of-field effect (see below). A narrower aperture means less light gets into your camera and therefore requires longer exposures or higher ISO settings to compensate.

ISO controls the sensitivity of the camera sensor. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive it will be to light. It’s a trade-off though—increasing ISO also increases noise in your final image.

Shutter speed controls how long the lens stays open, which affects your exposure settings (see next section). If you’re shooting in low light, you’ll need to use a slower shutter speed to let more light into your shot. You can use this to create motion blur in waterfalls or moving objects like cars or even people walking through the frame.

5. The Little Things

When you travel and take pictures, you’ll definitely get a lot of pictures of big landscapes, quiet beaches, and busy streets. All of these photos are amazing and show the beauty and spirit of the country. But when you get there, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the little things.

This shouldn’t be hard since you’ll probably be seeing everything for the first time, and wherever you look, you’ll find interesting things. Look for things that are unique to your area, like buildings, clothes, materials, foods, colours, textures, and patterns. Most of the time, these small details make your story more personal and give the audience a better idea of where you were.

Close-up shots of architectural details are a great way to add more interest to your photo book. This style of photo works best when the subject or pattern covers the entire frame. Find the little things, like flowers, leaves, stones, and shells, whether you’re in the country or at the beach. Look closely at the little things.

Let’s Chat!

Remember that to capture those memories in the perfect photo, you first need to plan the perfect trip. Let’s chat about your interests and passions and find the destination that will give you the experiences you will want to capture.

Let’s start our adventure in Cairo, where the majority of visitors land. Known as the city of a thousand minarets, Cairo is the natural starting point for your visit to Egypt. 

Most travellers spend two or three days here, but you could easily spend more. There’s so much to explore in the fascinating city, from ancient religious sites and bustling markets to world-class museums, not to mention the history and culture and architecture. Plus, it’s your hub for day trips to the pyramids.

Here are some of the popular city sites :

1. Bab Zuweila

As you walk through Old Cairo, visiting Al Azhar Mosque and the Tentmakers’ Souk, make a stop at Bab Zuweila (bab means “gate” in Arabic). It’s one of the last gates still standing in the Old City. 

Here, you’ll find two of Cairo’s famous minarets. Be sure to head to the rooftop for panoramic views.

2. The Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan

Architecture lovers will be in awe. Home to the tallest minaret in Cairo, this massive mosque and madrasa (Islamic college) is one of the best examples of Mamluk architecture in the world. 

Built in the mid-1300s, the monument is still appreciated today for its innovative architectural components.

3. The Egyptian Museum / Grand Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square in Cairo is considered one of the best museums in the world, with an astonishing collection of antiquities. 

The Grand Egyptian Museum, when it opens near the Pyramids of Giza, will replace the Egyptian Museum. The new museum will be larger, more modern, and even more renowned than its predecessor.

Whether you visit the old or new location, you won’t be able to see everything in a single visit, but you must check out the famous Tutankhamun Galleries. Beyond that, you can decide what treasures interest you most.

4. National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations

If you’re fascinated by mummies, you’ll want to make a stop here. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations (NMEC), dedicated to telling the entire story of Egypt’s human history, is the permanent home of the Royal Mummies Collection. You can expect to see Ramses II and III, Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I, Seti I and II, and more!

5. Coptic Cairo

Near NMEC, you can visit the Christian stronghold of Old Cairo called Coptic Cairo. 

The area is filled with many biblical sites, including the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, where local legend says Mary, Joseph and Jesus sought refuge from King Herod.

Just outside the quarter, you’ll find the first mosque built in Egypt: Mosque of Amr Ibn al-As.

6. The Nilometer on Roda Island

Ancient Egyptians used the nilometer to measure the Nile River’s clarity and water level to determine if there would be famine or flood. Head over to Roda Island to see this fascinating piece of Egyptian history often overlooked by visitors to Cairo. 

And here are two popular day trips: 

1. The Pyramids of Giza

You can’t plan a trip to Egypt without the pyramids! About 10 miles from Cairo, the sprawling Giza Necropolis is home to the iconic Great Sphinx and Great Pyramid, as well as many other structures that have endured the last 4,500 years.

The massive ancient tombs, still so mysterious to modern humans, never fail to delight and leave visitors in awe. 

2. Dahshur & Saqqara

Less than 20 miles from Cairo, you can visit “the other pyramids” … pyramids that are even older than those in Giza.

In the royal necropolis of Dahshur, ancient Egyptians perfected their pyramid-building skills. You can see their first attempts. 

And in Saqqara, you’ll find the 4,700-year-old Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s oldest. Check the news before you visit. Ongoing excavations here mean ongoing discoveries that often make headlines.

Let’s Chat!

Your trip to Egypt is sure to be life-changing in many ways and I look forward to helping you plan out the details. Contact me by phone, email or on social media to start the planning process!

So, where should you even begin to explore once you arrive? No matter what kind of exploration you seek, Belgium has it. 

Although I will put together an itinerary specifically designed for you, here are some of the best and most popular places to visit…

Grand Place, Brussels

Beautiful architecture and historical sites encompass Grand Place. The busy square is where you’ll find access to many of the attractions. 

Hint: go on the balcony of townhall to get the most magnificent view of the town. 

The Battlefields of Flanders

Historically significant, The Battlefield of Flanders is a must-see. Walk among the thousands of tombstones and endless cemeteries to pay your respect to the fallen soldiers.

The Canals and Belfry of Bruges

Travel by canal or walk through Bruges to take in its magnificence. Take pleasure in the charming bridges and hidden gardens.

Ghent’s Gravensteen and Old Town

This monumental fort once housed the counts of Flanders. This moated fortress is one of the last of its kind. You can’t miss the opportunity to explore its massive stone walls while it still stands strong. 

Horta Museum and Town Houses

As one of Victor Horta’s surviving buildings from the early 20th century, you must take the time to visit. Check out the original stained glass mosaics, meticulous woodwork, and detailed decorations.

Cathedral of Saint Bavo, Ghent

This Gothic and Romanesque structure is one to behold. Its beauty makes it one of the most significant tourist attractions. 

Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges

The Cathedral of Saint Bravo may be breathtaking, but if there is one church that you intend to visit, make it the Basilica of Holy Blood. Why is that? Well, this stunning church holds a truly influential religious history. 

Grand Place, Antwerp

Also known as the Grote Markt, you can expect to see some of Belgium’s most significant examples of guild house architecture. Visit the 16th-century Town Hall as well as the Coopers’ House and Grocers’ House.

Meuse Valley

The south part of the nation is where you can indulge in Belgium’s peaceful countryside. Meuse Valley sits along a beautiful river that captures the country’s thick forests, old-fashioned towns, limestone cliffs, and other natural sites. 

Mons Old Town

This town is fun to explore. See ornate, architecturally detailed structures as you make your way through the centre of town. There are many opportunities for sightseeing so take advantage of them. 

Let’s Chat!

Belgium is a wonderful place to get away. It will encourage you to create memories to last a lifetime. 

So, get ready to plan your trip and contact me for more information. 

Together, we will design the perfect itinerary for your visit to one of the world’s most beautiful places. 

Filming for some of the world’s most popular movies and shows happens in Scotland, including the hugely popular Outlander series, the period drama Downton Abbey, the superhero blockbuster The Flash, as well as some gritty crime dramas. We take a look at the star-studded action that takes place around the country – and re-visit some other iconic film spots. 

The Royal Yacht Britannia

Some very familiar faces were spotted on board this regal vessel in spring 2022 when the cast of Downton Abbey stepped aboard to film the period drama’s second movie. Downton Abbey: A New Era is the second film to be released following the end of the popular television series. The film sees the Crawley family enjoying a grand adventure to the French Riviera to uncover the mystery of a villa inherited by the Dowager Countess, played by Maggie Smith. During the movie, the family take a trip on a rather familiar yacht. Speaking about the experience, Raquel Cassidy, who plays ladies maid Phyllis Baxter said: “We were really lucky because we got to go up to Edinburgh and film on the Royal Yacht Britannia, which was a history lesson and extraordinary and a really special experience and then straight off to France.” 

Why not combine a visit to see The Royal Yacht Britannia with a stay at Britannia’s sister ship, Fingal?

Image: Filming Downtown Abbey on The Royal Yacht Britannia. Picture credit: Ben Blackall / ©2022 Focus Features LLC.

Kinross House

The exceptional elegance and style of this incredible historic property caught the eye of location scouts for the hugely popular Outlander series. The cast descended on this five star, exclusive use estate and filmed in the Reception Hall, Garden Room and Gentlemen’s Drawing Room. Keen-eyed Outlander fans can catch a glimpse of the scenes shot in Episode 5 of Season 6.​ Why not follow in the footsteps of the Outlander cast and plan a magical private stay at Kinross House?

Image: Filming Outlander in Kinross House Garden Room

Glen Nevis

Located at the foot of the mighty Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, find Glen Nevis, one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland. Discover soaring peaks, gushing waterfalls and complete tranquillity. It’s one of the most popular filming destinations for big hitters including, Braveheart, Highlander, Rob Roy and the first two Harry Potter movies.

Glen Etive

A spectacular glen that encapsulates the rugged remoteness of the Scottish Highlands, the single track road to Loch Etive has featured in many blockbusters. One of its most recent appearances was the James Bond movie Skyfall, where 007 and his boss M stop to survey the glen’s deep valley, the meandering River Etive. This sensational backdrop also appears in: Thor: Dark World, Gladiator, Sherlock Holmes, Braveheart and The 39 Steps.

Eilean Donan Castle

A magnificent 13th century property in the Highlands of Scotland, situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, Eilean Donan Castle is arguably one of Scotland’s most iconic settings. Located in Dornie, by Kyle of Lochalsh on the northwest coast of Scotland, it has taken centre stage in films such as The New Avengers, Highlander, Loch Ness and James Bond, The World is Not Enough.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

This magnificent icon is one of the world’s most famous pieces of railway infrastructure and the longest mass concrete rail bridge in Scotland. Each summer, it attracts thousands of visitors a week eager to catch a glimpse of the Jacobite Steam Train which runs from Fort William to Mallaig on the West Highland Line. It has been used as a location in several films and television series, including Ring of Bright Water, Charlotte Gray, Monarch of the Glen, Stone of Destiny and most famously, four of the Harry Potter films.

Glencoe

With its mountainous backdrop, rare beauty and haunting history, Glencoe is located in the very heart of the Highlands. With eight Munro mountains towering above the glen, the dramatic landscape that makes up this area has featured in many films, most notably as the location of Hagrid’s hut and the Hogwarts covered bridge in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, as well as Braveheart, Rob Roy and most recently, Mary Queen of Scots. It also appears in the first episode of season 6 of Outlander, when we see a flashback to Jamie’s time at Ardsmuir.

Faskally Forest 

Just north of Pitlochry, a little further on from Dunkeld, find the stunning Faskally Forest which was created as a model woodland in the 19th century. Today, its naturally beautiful setting has seen it feature in a number of films, including Season 4 of Outlander as the location of the Mohawk village where Roger is held in the last four episodes of the show. Quite an elaborate set was created here, including wigwams and canoes, although nothing remains today. However, this is a lovely part of the world, and the walks through the forest are well worth the visit.

Central Scotland 

A scenic strip that lies north of Glasgow and Edinburgh and south of the Highlands, this area has played a starring role in many of Scotland’s key historic events. Its diverse landscape, with swathes of woodlands and waterfalls, distant mountain peaks and a coastline dotted with fishing villages and sweeping sandy beaches, has not gone unnoticed in the film industry. One of the most well-loved movies of all times, Chariots of Fire, used West Sands in St Andrews for the iconic ‘athletes running in the sand’ sequence, while Doune Castle in Perthshire, was the main outdoor location for Outlander as well as appearing in Monty Python and The Holy Grail.

Doune Castle

East Lothian 

East Lothian’s rural scenery, golden beaches and historic buildings has made it a popular film location choice in recent years. This stunning slice of countryside on Scotland’s east coast, just a short drive from Edinburgh, has provided the backdrop for a host of films including The Railway Man, Mary Queen of Scots, Outlander, The Awakening, House of Mirth and The BFG.

North Berwick

Glasgow

The streets of Glasgow were turned into Gotham City last summer as a set of rather famous masked vigilantes dashed around filming for DC Comics The Flash blockbuster. The legendary batmobile was also seen in dramatic action. Starring Ezra Miller, Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton, the film is set to hit theatres in November 2022. Parts of Outlander were also filmed here.

Glasgow Cathedral

Scottish Borders

A largely rural area, The Scottish Borders is punctuated by peaceful woodlands, rolling hills and rugged coastlines. It boasts an array of picturesque market towns as well as historic houses, beautifully restored castles and glorious gardens. It is no stranger to film crews, with many towns featuring in blockbuster movies, such as North and South, partly shot in Selkirk, Almost Heavenly in Peebles, Mrs Brown in Duns Castle, Melrose Abbey for parts of Shoebox Zoo, Hermitage Castle for Mary Queen of Scots and Floors Castle where the iconic Greystoke – the legend of Tarzan was filmed. 

Floors Castle where Greystoke, the Legend of Tarzan was filmed.

Let’s Chat!

No matter whether you prefer drama or sci-fi, there is a Scottish filming location waiting for you to visit. Which one strikes your fancy? Contact me when you’re ready to plan your perfect Scottish vacation!

On an AmaWaterways river cruise, you’ll say goodbye to your standard routine and hello to outdoor activity, fine dining and relaxation. Our goal is to match you to a luxurious but affordable vacation experience that is both comforting and adventurous.

When you’re not touring a destination, you’ll be enjoying the many amenities offered on the ship, as well as breathtaking views from the Sun Deck. With a smaller number of passengers on board, you’ll have more time to enjoy the amenities in a more personal way.

After their river cruise, John and Debby say AmaWaterways “is a first-class operation and we felt more like honoured guests than passengers.”

Interested in what a typical day may look like on your river cruise? All cruises offer the below amenities for you to take advantage of throughout the day.

Fitness Center & Classes

Each ship offers a fitness centre to help you stay active between excursions. And if the treadmill isn’t your preference, there is also a professionally trained Wellness Host offering daily classes. Start your day with a yoga session on the Sun Deck, a spin class on the back of the ship, or a light stretch class, and set the tone for a relaxing day.

Award-Winning Meals

Enjoy coffee and the breakfast buffet each morning, light lunches and refreshments throughout the day and exquisite meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients for dinner. AmaWaterways is especially known for its fantastic meals on board.

We recommend booking The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant for at least one evening and would be happy to take care of those details for you. John and Ken write:

“The Chef’s Table was an evening to remember! Watching the preparations throughout the evening, and then getting to enjoy them was great fun! We have actually re-created a dressing that he used on the Watermelon and Seared Goat Cheese salad!”

Need more convincing? Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks are also offered with each meal.

Salon & Spa

No vacation is complete without a bit of pampering. The spa onboard offers massages throughout the day so you can relax on your own schedule. With fewer guests on board, you won’t have to fight for an appointment.

Feel like going out for the evening while we’re in port? Let the stylists at the salon give you a new look or simply help you look and feel your best before heading out.

Deck Pool

You may not choose a tropical cruise, but that doesn’t mean you can’t relax and enjoy the sun on the top deck! All ships have a heated pool (some with a swim-up bar for optimal enjoyment) or a jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing any tired muscles while cruising past the graceful, castle-filled countryside of Europe. 

Feel free to come back out when the sun goes down. As you cruise past larger cities, the views of bridges full of lights or cathedrals lit up under the stars are extraordinary.

This is the perfect atmosphere to socialize with your party and other guests. Many cruisers have truly built long-distance and lasting friendships and even return time and time again to cruise with people they met on previous sailings!

Excursions

Regardless of which cruise itinerary you choose, you’ll have a variety of excursions to choose from. Activity level varies to suit your preference for the day and bikes are available on the ship for you to take into town. There is even a tour option for “late risers” if you’d like to take advantage of your lush bed and catch a few extra zzzs.  

During some stops, you may prefer a mild hike; on others, wine tasting or touring a Kölsch brew pub. Alternatively, you may wish to take on some free time with your group and explore the city. Some of our clients’ favourite days are strolling through the cobblestone streets of obscure cities and feeling out the local culture.

Best in Class Service

If there is anything that could make your time on board the ship better, let the AmaWaterways team know! The only thing better than their dining is their service. The team truly prides itself on building relationships with each guest and creating a family-like feel for your journey. 

“Service was awesome. The crew was great. Truly for us, it was the “trip of a lifetime” kind of thing…”

Let’s Chat!

I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about travelling through Europe by river. All you need to decide is when you want to go and who you’d like to travel with!

There are dozens of reasons why Los Cabos should be on every traveller’s bucket list.

Located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos is a dream destination. 

With a little something for everyone, I’ve rounded up the top four reasons why you should consider Los Cabos for your next vacation. 

The Culture 

Part of the fun of travelling to Mexico is experiencing the culture. 

The country is known for its vibrant culture, amazing food, and history. 

Los Cabos combines the best of all three to offer visitors a truly authentic experience.

Walk the ancient cobblestone streets and marvel at the historic buildings while the scent of delicious Mexican food draws you into a local restaurant. 

Then, explore the local culture when you visit the art district and discover the local artisans’ talents while also picking up some fun souvenirs to take home. 

Mexico’s Best Beaches 

Los Cabos’ position as the southernmost point of the Baja California Peninsula means it is home to some of the country’s most stunning beaches. 

On one side, you have the gentle blue waters of the Gulf of California that are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, while on the other, you have the deep indigo waters of the Pacific, which are great for fishing. 

Thanks to the miles of coastline, you’ll find the beaches to rarely ever be crowded!

World-Class Golf Courses 

World-renowned courses with panoramic views from every hole make Los Cabos a golfer’s paradise. 

Four of its 18 courses were ranked among the World’s 100 Best Courses by Golf Digest in 2018. 

Those courses are Querencia, Quivira, The Dunes at Diamante, and the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol. 

Plenty of Activities 

If your idea of a vacation is a packed itinerary that has you on the go, Los Cabos is for you. 

While the area is filled with luxurious resorts designed for relaxation, you’ll quickly see that there’s plenty more to do. 

You can leave to go on a whale-watching trip or deep-sea fishing in the Pacific from the marina. 

Then, just behind the beach, head into the Baja desert and go hiking or rent ATVs for an action-packed day!

Let’s Chat!

If you’ve never considered a trip to Los Cabos, it’s time to start thinking about one.

This Mexican paradise is the ideal location for every type of traveller. 

If you’re ready to start planning your next warm vacation, let’s chat about Los Cabos and see if it’s the right destination for you.