ORIENT EXCESS Asia’s biggest liner from Royal Caribbean has space for more than 4,000 passengers across 16 decks

Published in The Sun on 18th January 2020

Also published on The Sun digital

I AM a novice when it comes to cruising – the last time I sailed was on a tiny vessel on the Yangtze River when I was 11.

More than two decades later, I am back in China for another cruise. But this time it is aboard the biggest liner in Asia: Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas.

It is the first Quantum Ultra-class ship from Royal Caribbean and has space for more than 4,000 passengers across 16 decks. To keep sailors of every age happy, there is everything from a creche, splash pool for toddlers, laser tag for teens and a casino for grown-ups.

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SAY CHEESE Head down to Cyprus for great beaches and all the halloumi you could ever want

Published in The Sun on 10th November 2019

Also published on The Sun digital

FOOD is a big deal in Cyprus, with the island’s famous squeaky cheese taking pride of place.

Halloumi is so important in its home country that many locals are named after the salty stuff, from Mr Hallumas to entire families of Hallumakis.

So first stop on my culinary island adventure had to be the tiny village of Letymbou, in rolling hills seven miles north from Paphos, to see how the locals make the fabulously fry-able sandwich filling.

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LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE Welsh staycation in Pembrokeshire is ideal place to escape city life

Published in The Sun on 27th October 2019

Also published on The Sun digital

STUNNING beaches, good food and reasonably priced beers – lush Pembrokeshire has to be one of the most overlooked staycation spots in Britain.

At least that’s what it feels like when you set foot on a pristine beach on a sunny day and there’s hardly anyone around.

It could be that it’s just quite hard to get to. Without a car, you’d be spending hours on the train thanks to the trundling local stopping services.

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SINGAPORE FLING Cocktails aren’t the only attraction that makes Singapore a little gem

Published in The Sun on 11th August 2019

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SINGAPORE has always been a handy stopover and its incredible Changi airport is a great place to spend a few hours before heading on to Australia or New Zealand.

But this tiny country — half the size of Greater London — promises much more for those who spend a night or two exploring.

I took up a challenge to squeeze in as much as possible in 72 hours, starting with a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel’s famous Long Bar.

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MARSEILLE IT AGAIN Enjoy the cosmopolitan metropolis of Marseille with its bustling centre and secluded coastline

Published in The Sun on 16th June 2019

Also published on The Sun digital

IT HAS never been easier to explore the charms of the French city of Marseille.

It is rough and ready – a working port and buzzing metropolis with all the charms of the Med.

With the direct Eurostar from London St Pancras whizzing you there in just six hours, it is the perfect place for a city break.

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