As we wait for the stranded astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to return to Earth we anticipate that one day they too will be inducted in Kennedy’s Hall of Fame… watch this space.
And join the latest deserving NASA astronauts, Bernard Harris and Peggy Whitson, on May 31 getting their moment in the sun
And with Wendy Wu you know that she will bring you the world.
Simply book one of our selected fully-inclusive group tours with just a £99 deposit per person and your partner Flies FREE on any departures in 2022 or 2023.
And if you’re travelling solo you can enjoy the same savings with 50% off you airfare.
And Wendy’s generosity doesn’t just stop at that. She’s including a free Airport Lounge Pass with every booking.
So without further AWu.
Wu deals
Shape of things to come: Japan
Japan – Save up to £350 per person
Southeast Asia – Save up to £300 per person to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and more
Central Asia – Save up to £400 per person to Uzbekistan, Georgia and the Silk Road
New Zealand – Save up to £350 per person
South America – Save up to £400 per person to Peru, Ecuador, Brazil and Argentina
Far East – Save up to £300 per person to South Korea and Taiwan
Middle East – Save up to £250 per person to Egypt,and Jordan.
Offer ends Monday 29 November. Book online or Call 0808 2580 600.
Sandals in the Windies PtI
Here’s to Sandals: And Barbados
Sharing is caring and I’m either full of Christmas spirit or just too damn kind.
Because i’ve passed over a place on the inaugural Virgin Atlantic flight from Edinburgh to Bridgetown so a Barbados virgin can get on board.
No, not one of them, but a work colleague who has never been to Bim like Bim Jim has.
It was luxury all the way with Sandals then and we have remained pals with the swanky hotel chain keeping me abreast of all their offers.
Like their Black Friday Flash Sale which offers customers the chance to save an extra £100 off your next Luxury included holiday with code BF100.
And so you’ll get change out of £2,000 at £1,949pp for seven nights at Sandals Royal Barbados for travel on September 22.
Where you’ll stay at the South Seas Crystal Lagoon Club Level Barbados Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub. Including flights with Virgin Atlantic, of course.
Sandals in the Windies PtII
Of course the question you constantly get asked when you’re in a Caribbean island is which is your favourite.
To which you need to answer… I’ll tell you when I’ve been around them all.
Sandals Ochi comes in at £1,399 for seven nights. You’ll be staying in a Butler Village Poolside One Bedroom Villa Suite. And again our friends at Virgin will be flying you there.
Book by midnight on November 30.
Yes, now we’re travelling again, I’m all behind the Back to Black Friday.
And I’ll give you more of our favourites over the weekend.
And they took just enough time off the rides to update us on the thrilliest, spilliest place on Earth.
Stars in my eyes
Now in a Galaxy’s Edge far, far, away in Disney’s twin centre in Anaheim… well, two years ago I got a glimpse into the future in the first party to try out Star Wars world.
And the future is here now in the present and ready for y’all to see it both in California and here in Orlando.
Of course Mickey, Donald and their pals have been celebrating since last month their 50th birthday (well, not theirs, they’re much older but Disney World’s).
On a theme
Rat-a-tat-tat: Food for thought
And the four theme parks and beyond have been in fine song.
Among the most anticipated attractions, and the ones we’ve zeroed in on are:
Disney Enchantment, a new all-new nighttime extravaganza at Magic Kingdom Park, featuring captivating Disney music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.
And we’ve danced along to Mickey’s In Da House party on that very street and can advise that you lose all inhibitions (or was that just me, Mickey and Donald?)
Then there’s Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at Epcot, where guests shrink to the size of Chef Remy and race through Gusteau’s restaurant on a wild adventure.
You like your French gastronomeee, oui?
Then La Crêperie de Paris is a new restaurant located in the France pavilion at Epcot which offers both table and quick-service options and features a menu from celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse.
The Showbiz Lion and I
Scots wahey: With Bev in Orlando
Now as a veteran of the Orlando theme parks I know how nothing sits still (well, it wouldn’t with you twirled this way and that).
Personally, I prefer a wet one, as my old sparring partner, Lady Lyons, Bev, of Showbiz Lion fame, would say.
And so we both loved Aquatica Orlando. AO can now boast Florida’s first-ever duelling waterslide, Riptide Race, which opened in the spring.
You’ll start atop a 68-foot tower and race side-by-side at top speeds, navigating tight loops and accelerations through indoor and outdoor sections.
While Florida also loves its natural as well as animated animals. And it has those in abundance, particularly flamingos.
In the Pink
Pickin’ ma pocket: Flamingo time
The Flamingo Mingle at Discovery Cove is a new, exclusive animal experience where guests can feed and learn about our pink friends in an outdoor setting.
Another old pal I met back then in Anaheim is The Jurassic Park VelociCoaster which opened in June at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
The ride sends you catapulting up to 70mph and over 150ft in the air with the swiftest of prehistoric predators.
If you like your fun irreverent and green and ogre-like then you’ll love Shrek (guilty).
Guests can interact, dance and be photographed with multiple beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation’s hit film franchises, including Trolls, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda – all in one location.
And seeing it’s all about you in ’22 then here’s what’s still to come.
Wet, wet, wet
Twirl power: SeaWorld Orlando
Ice Breaker, SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster, will open in February and riders will shiver through family-friendly adventures featuring four launches, both backwards and forwards.
It all culminates in a reverse launch with a 93ft tall spike with 100-degree angle, the steepest vertical drop in Florida.
Aquatica Orlando’s newest water slide, Reef Plunge, will launch in spring with guests sliding through translucent cutouts and rings.
You’ll get to twist and turn though 330ft of fiberglass; and zoom past a vibrant array of marine life.
Commerson’s dolphins, leopard sharks, sardines, and a variety of other cold-water fish will be part of the new dynamic habitat.
Well, if it’s good enough for Justin Timberlake who opined: ‘Forget your face, I swear I will, St. Barths, Anguilla anywhere I chill’. An invite then to Netflix and chill in Anguilla with Timberlake and the jet set.
JT isn’t alone in singing the praises of the British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean.
Just dance: Justin Timberlake
Paris Hilton is a fan of the Anguillans and called it her ‘secret island’.
She only revealed this was her dream getaway after she’d left.
Jay-Z and Beyonce decamped to Anguilla in the early days of their courtship.
Paris style: Paris Hilton
While Paul McCartney and his wife Nancy are visitors.
As are Denzel Washington, Liam Neeson, Leo DiCaprio, Sandra Bullock and Michael Jordan.
Yeah: Macca’s going to Anguilla
Although not that we know all at the same time.
For us we are restricted to watching on and living our dreams vicariously through things like Netflix.
Money to throw away: Leo DiCaprio
And such as the World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals Season 2.
Each episode explores one unique, one on a budget and one luxury option from destinations around the world.
On the Waterfront explores the ultra-luxury Long Bay Villas Anguilla.
And thanks to our friends at Anguilla Tourism we are reminded that the prices range from £180 to £24,000+ a night.
Flutter by butterfly
Lie back and think of… Anguilla
The Little Butterfly: And this is a one-bedroom luxury apartment on the mezzanine level of Papillon Villa.
Feel like an emperor or empress butterfly.
Social Butterfly: And you can be one
With a king-sized bedroom and Jacuzzi tub, open-plan living and dining areas, and an outdoor deck with vistas of the Caribbean and the mountains of St Martin. Prices are from £183 per night.
Cove love
Peace and quiet: At the Cove
Fletch’s Cove: Inspired by modern Mexican architecture, Fletch’s Cove is a two-bedroom oceanfront villa which opens onto a pool terrace with views of the Caribbean and the neighbouring islands.
Prices are from £320-£680 per night for two in one bedroom. And from £497-£760 per night for four guests in two bedrooms.
Long and short of it
Walk this way: The Long Bay Villas
Long Bay Villas Anguilla: A celebrity spotters’ dream, only they’re secluded, so you’ll have to shell out the £2,500-£10,600 for your five bedrooms in this 7,000sqft villa complex.
The trio of these villas is title Sand, Sea and Sky… sounds ethereal.
You’ll have an oceanfront terrace with heated infinity pool and hot tub and exquisite living and dining areas.
Five-star bespoke services are provided by the butlers, beach attendants, house keepers and concierges.
Villa thrilla
Light up: The Cerulean
Cerulean Villa: Right, that’s two at our end of the price budget but we do love to dream so here’s the exotic Cerulean Villa.
Sold in a private group basis, this is a nine-bedroom and multiple beachfront 20,000sqft villa.
With dining and lounging terraces, expansive pool deck, infinity pool, tennis courts, private gym and dedicated spa room.
Guests can choose one of two options: Cerulean A La Carte or The Cerulean Experience.
The Cerulean Experience offers a staff of 18 including a private chef.
Prices from £73,200-£124,425 per week for Cerulean A La Carte while prices for the Experience are on application.
Green for go
A corner of a British authority: Anguilla flies high
And the good news is that Anguilla is green from October 4 for fully vaccinated visitors.
British Airways (Gatwick and Heathrow) and Virgin Atlantic (Heathrow) fly out to Antigua followed by a short flight to Anguilla.
Opricot: And just where you’d expect to find Princess Margaret and her set.
This four-bedroom villa in the Endeavour Hills with ocean views, and near The Tennis Club, the Cotton House and beach, has the option of a fifth bedroom.
The big selling point is the private swimming pool and large bar area.
And what’s more it’s fully staffed with housekeeper, chef, gardener and butler.
You’ll have to empty your piggy bank. It’s from £1505 per night, but you can share the costs.
The awe of Aurora
Dip your toe in
Aurora: Contemporary and colonial with views of both the Caribbean and Atlantic this can be rented as a three-bedroom villa.
Or along with Jasmine Cottage. So that’ll house five and will set you back £2,005 per night.
We were drawn in by the central courtyard, rock plunge pool and al fresco dining in the gazebo.
After all it’s all about the outdoor living in the Caribbean.
And you don’t have to lift a finger because it’s fully staffed.
Balinese luxury
Lie back and think of Mustique
Blackstone: A five-bedroom villa set on a ridge overlooking Britannia Bay and the Caribbean this is what you’ll get for your £2,173 per night…
We like the idea of the media and games room.
And the pebble-tiled pool which wraps around large, natural black stone, giving the property its name.
It figures that a Virgin would need the best insurance.
So it makes sense that Virgin Atlantic are insuring that we are covered with the best possible fallback if things go wrong when we’re away.
A subject that is very close to my heart as I consider whether to travel to countries which aren’t on the UK exempt list.
Virgin is offering an extension to your own travel insurance meaning that they’ll take care of the health and quarantine costs that could acre if you or one of your travelling companions fall ill during Coronavirus.
And I’m turning left
My fellow beardie is offering:
*Up to £500,000 necessary and emergency expenses incurred due to Coronavirus affecting your travel should you or your travelling companions be denied boarding or individually requested to quarantine in your destination. Then this free policy will cover many necessary additional costs.
They’ve got your covered
*Repatriation, should it be medically necessary due to Coronavirus.
*Cover for your whole trip, with no upper limit on the length of your time away.
*Cover for all passengers with no restrictions on age, travel class or length of journey.
*No excess payable (unlike many traditional travel insurance policies).
Polish hero of Ireland’s Famine
There’s a game which the travellusty like to play which is more countries than your age… 20+ by 20, 30+ by 30 etc. And while I may look it, I’m not getting any younger and so I cheat.
Although it’s not quite cheating because I play the embassy game where if you set foot in an embassy you’re officially in that country.
So as an example in the last couple of years I’ve been to Georgia and Poland in the same day and spent the rest of the evening in Dublin.
Which isn’t the same as visiting these marvellous countries of course, but that treat awaits me.
For now, it’s the Son and Heir who visited Krakow in Poland for World Youth Day and paid homage to the Holocaust victims at Auschwitz, who has the knowledge in our family.
Cobble me a trip to Poland
All of which ramblings brings me to a shout-out for , a forgotten hero of the Great Irish Famine.
The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life at Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo will host an exhibition about the humanitarian who helped more than 200,000 children during the Famine.
It was created by Nikola Sekowska-Moroney at the Polish Embassy. Go see it… and the good news is that it is going on tour around the country.
My Native American name
My Native American friends
Now I’ve regaled you with my dealings with Native Americans – and promise you I will do so again, and again, and again.
I met Freckled Face and Eats No Meat in Denver and it got me thinking what my name might be, the first thing coming to mind Farts Like Thunder.
Names are important, what we call each other and it would be wrong to assume in these woke days that we are all oversensitive.
But if we just listen to each other we will get it right.
Olympian high
Which is what the Washington Redskins did and which Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows has done too by just talking to the Washoe Tribe, announcing that after the 2021 skiing season it will b known as something else.
What’s just as important here is and I have my good friend Catherine ‘Skis Like The Wind’ Murphy, the eminent award-winning ski writer’s recommendation here, the skiing is brilliant.
For anybody who saw me in Soll may I suggest my new Native American name ‘Bambi on the Piste’.
Taste of Aberdeen
Don’t shoot me but if it hadn’t been for The Scary One and Daddy’s Little Girl cooking my meals here in North Berwick, south of Edinburgh, I wouldn’t have eaten… or survived on just peanuts!
So I’m happy to blow the mothballs off my wallet so that they can avail of the 50% off deal for meals at the beginning of the week that is operating in the UK but runs out on Monday.
Had I not taken a certain fork in the road we could all be living in Aberdeen and I feel that life is driving me ever northwards to the Granite City.
So I’ve felt for them during their localised lockdowns and that they haven’t been able to avail of these deals.
The Chester Hotel though knows its patrons and are offering diners 50% off all food in their alfresco Gallery Experience on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from September 1-16.
No, I haven’t persuaded The Scary One to leave the delights of North Berwick near Edinburgh, I’m merely flagging up Edinburgh Airport’s http://www.edinburghairport.com reopened destinations.
And the last word is to back Aer Lingus’s www.aerlingus.com stance on the Irish Government’s latest direction of travel on quarantines.
While welcoming the lifting of the restrictions from July 9, they merely want clarity until then.
As one who would gladly queue overnight to get back, I echo their call. And all my airline friends who we appreciate even more, if that’s possible, now we’ve been seeing them less Flyday Friday – Airline angels with wings
Nylon Pool, Tobago
