Travelling Again – you Know it Makes Sense

With travel now very much on the cards, you will have destinations in mind for your much anticipated holiday. Perhaps it will be somewhere new. If it is somewhere you have been before, you may wish to revisit because your senses were aroused. They will have stored that place in your memory as somewhere special. We always remember the smells, sights and tastes of a country. Here are five of my favourites.

Bali, Indonesia

I first visited Bali after living in Egypt for 10 years. The contrast of rice paddy fields compared to the unfertile desert I had become accustomed to, nearly knocked me for six! The deep green hue is lush and vibrant, bringing a freshness that you can enjoy from the jungle of Ubud to the breathtaking landscapes on the way to Tulamben. Daily offerings are left in courtyards and on shrines up to 15 times a day as thanks to the Hindu gods, for peace and abundance. Incense floods the air carried on Bali’s gentle breeze and lingers pleasantly in your nostrils. Don’t even get me started on the smell of banana pancakes and suckling pig...

Experience Bali's rich culture and impressive diving on this holiday

Egypt

No matter where you are in Egypt – the Valley of the Kings, Soma Bay or Sharm el Sheikh - there will always be a shisha café providing the locals with sugary mint tea and a hubbly-bubbly pipe. Sticky sweet apple molasses wafts around every street corner. It transports you to somewhere in Egypt’s rich history and culture, even if you are within a few feet of Starbucks or McDonalds! The sound of lamb kofta sizzling on the grill is coupled with friendly banter - “lovely jubbly” - as you pass market stalls and shops. I can’t wait for the first sensation of the salty Red Sea on my lips when next I launch myself off the back of the boat!

Join this diving holiday to Sharm el Sheikh and experience its warm hospitality and camaraderie

Philippines

In the Philippines family is at the centre of everything. You won’t be able to travel anywhere without bearing witness to their routine and the colours that surround it. It really warms your heart! Preoccupied children sit immaculately dressed on the porch outside a church. They punch each other on the arm as their devout elders worship at the service inside; a Filipino matriarch crosses the road on holy day, arms full of casserole dishes and cakes to prepare the family feast; a mother, father and two toddlers balance precariously on a moped at the crossroads waiting for the green light to let them enjoy their day at the beach; angelic voices ring through the warm evening air as a karaoke session gets underway at the café. Did I mention the rich colour of the ripe mangoes?

Discover the Filipino way of life on an island hopping adventure

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

I have a selection of bird recordings on my phone from my trip to West Papua. Going to the bathroom will never be the same again after you have showered listening to calls of the palm cockatoo and willie wagtail! A bird watching visit at sunset treated us to hundreds of hornbills coming to roost in the jungle canopy. The sound of beating wings and their squabbling for prime position in the tree tops will remain in my memory forever. Don’t forget of course there are also opportunities to enjoy the mating rituals of the birds-of-paradise with their opulent plumage and tail wires. Best time to see them is July-September.

Explore a world-class location for both marine and wildlife on this diving holiday to Raja Ampat

Tofo, Mozambique

You can hear the waves breaking on the Tofo shoreline from deep inland. The sound of the Indian Ocean will rock you to sleep at night as the ocean breeze gently rustles through the palm fronds outside. This is easily one of the nicest views in the world – a dune-like beach, turquoise water and lush vegetation. Travel between October and March for whale shark encounters or visit between June and October and you may even be lucky enough to see humpback whales breaching from your private terrace! Accompany all this with the smell of Peri-peri seasoning on the barbecue and you really are in paradise.

Watch beautiful sunsets and dive with whale sharks in Mozambique

If you're feeling inspired to visit any of the above destinations contact us to find out more or view all our diving destinations.