ONE of the joys of travel writing is sharing experiences with readers and inspiring them – I hope – to have adventures, whether at home in our glorious country, or further afield.
And this summer I’ve got some corking trips to share with you.
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I’m often asked as a travel writer what my favourite country in the world is and I honestly answer, hand on tartan heart, reply: Scotland.
Even many people living here don’t realise what we have across over 800 islands, over 10% of Europe’s coastline and a country twice the size of the Netherlands.
I’ll be back in some of my favourite spots, checking out the new visitor centre at Scapa distillery on Orkney and I’m also returning to the Borders exploring Kelso and its surrounds.
Writing a weekly page also lets me cover some places you might not have thought of holidaying in. Look out this summer for my articles on the gorgeous coastal villages of West Fife, which come draped in rich history, superb food and lashings of attractions.
Then there is Falkirk, which these days offers much more than the wonderful Falkirk Wheel and selfies with those striking Kelpies. I’ll be meeting the singer of local band Wrest for an inside take.
I’ll also be out on the water cruising what for me is the finest cruising area on the planet – our very own Hebrides. First up will be a trip around the Small Isles in the new vessel from Hebrides Cruises, then sailing from Oban to Holy Loch with Argyll Cruising, who are now under new ownership.
Moving overseas, I’ll be in Spain for two weeks. At one end of the scale, I’ve got my favourite luxury hotel and top tips in Barcelona to help you conjure up the ultimate city break; at the other end a more budget-friendly option at Eurocamp in Salou. Most of us are having to watch the pennies at the moment so I have lots of ideas for different budgets.
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Every Sunday I’ve got either a Hotel of the Week or a Travel Tip with this in mind too.
Up there with the joy of sharing experiences with the readers is enjoying them with my family. I’ll be in Spain with my two daughters, Tara and Emma, which adds a whole different dimension as I see things as a parent and glean the richness of their views too.
In Spain we’ll be travelling sustainably around by train looking at for less visited cities, such as Cuenca and Albacete.
This summer will be packed with life-affirming travels home and abroad. I’d be delighted to share them with you in my Sunday National travel page.
If you subscribe you will get all of this, plus into autumn adventures in Sicily, Sri Lanka, New York, Iceland and, of course, right here in my favourite country in the world. Hop on board next to me – I might even let you have the window seat – and away we go. Slainte!
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