ARUBA - by Louise Gorbatov

Travel Stop • October 17, 2023

ARUBA - by Louise Gorbatov

In March 2023 British Airways launched their first twice weekly direct flight to Aruba (with a short touchdown in Antigua). In October I was lucky enough to be invited by the Aruba Tourist Board to experience all of what the Dutch Caribbean Island has to offer. 
Also known as ‘The Happy Island’ o ne of the islands greatest assets is it’s people , whose warm welcoming smiles greet visitors at every turn. Another advantage being it’s location sitting outside of the hurricane belt it can be enjoyed all year round. It felt extremely safe, I would recommend hiring a car on arrival to experience all that the small yet vast 20 mile long and 6 mile wide island has to offer. 

Eagle Beach has been rated one of the best beaches in the Caribbean boasting the widest beach in Aruba – showcasing clear, sparking turquoise waters, soft white sand and the islands renowned signature Fofoti Trees.

For accommodation, there is something for everyone; from the authentic boutique Boardwalk Hotel which is situated on a former coconut plantation to the grand Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort in the heart of the capital Oranjestad, offering everything from a casino to complimentary access to it’s own private island.

20% of the island comprises of Arikok National Park which we were lucky enough to experience a Jeep Safari through. We were picked us up from our hotel for a thrilling two hour drive through the park stopping at Quadiriki Cave and Fontein Cave , as well as excellent views of Boca Prins.

To see Aruba from a different perspective and for those into their marine life head to De Palm Pier for a Catamaran snorkelling cruise. On the afternoon tour we had two stops which were at the Antilla Shipwreck and Boca Catalina.

Good food is a big part of the Aruban culture, and it shows! For an unparalleled dining experience every trip to Aruba should include a meal at ‘Passions on the Beach’ , we enjoyed our final evening here which is perched on the award winning Eagle Beach, opposite Amsterdam Manor Hotel. Make sure you are here for sunset!

Fancy a visit to Aruba? How about combining it with another island, it would work really well as a twin-centre with Antigua, or perhaps one of the other Dutch Caribbean Islands, Bonaire or Curacao. There are also frequent direct flights to Aruba from Amsterdam, so a short flight from Norwich or Stansted with a connection in Amsterdam is also worth considering.

ITALIAN TRILOGY - by Louise Gorbatov

By Travel Stop • April 17, 2024
After a short early morning flight we arrived in Rome for the first of a 3 night Italian Trilogy with Kirker Holidays and the 5* Baglioni Hotels. We checked into the Regina Baglioni Hotel which is located just a short stroll from the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese Gardens and easily accessible on foot to all the major landmarks. We started with a ‘light lunch’ (the Italians don’t do light!) then burnt off said lunch with a private walking tour of some of the major sights, to include the Colosseum, Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.

CANADA – BRITISH COLUMBIA by Louise Gorbatov

By Travel Stop • December 9, 2019
Day 1 Prestige Holidays invited me to Canada to join them to experience Vancouver and the not so well-known Okanagan Valley region of British Columbia. From Heathrow we boarded our direct British Airways flight to Vancouver. On arrival we were read full story The post CANADA – BRITISH COLUMBIA by Louise Gorbatov appeared first on Travel Stop.

THE QUEEN MARY 2 by Cheryl Locke

By Travel Stop • August 29, 2019
The Queen Mary 2 and the Norwegian Fjords The Queen Mary 2 (QM2) is a beautiful ship and one which was a joy to sail on. I had a couple of minor reservations when booking this cruise on two counts read full story The post THE QUEEN MARY 2 by Cheryl Locke appeared first on Travel Stop.

SWITZERLAND by Louise Gorbatov

By Travel Stop • July 19, 2019
Switzerland – Interlaken & The Bernese Oberland. My Journey started on the evening of Thursday 9th May where I checked into the Thistle at London Heathrow. In the early hours of Friday, I checked out and headed to the Heathrow read full story The post SWITZERLAND by Louise Gorbatov appeared first on Travel Stop.

CELEBRITY EDGE by Sonia Reece

By Travel Stop • July 19, 2019
What an awesome sight! As you drive into the port at Southampton and you see your home for the next two nights. The Celebrity Edge is an amazing sight and anyone would be impressed as they approached her.   Parking read full story The post CELEBRITY EDGE by Sonia Reece appeared first on Travel Stop.

SOUTH AFRICA by Hannah Moore

By Travel Stop • June 26, 2019
South Africa – Western Cape I was lucky to recently travel to South Africa with African Pride to the Cape Town area. The trip started with an overnight flight on South African Airlines, on their new Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Business read full story The post SOUTH AFRICA by Hannah Moore appeared first on Travel Stop.

CHINA by Bridget Keevil

By Travel Stop • June 25, 2019
We arrived into Shanghai at 07.45am after an eleven and a quarter hour direct flight from London Heathrow.  Having had to go to the China Visa Centre in London to give our fingerprints as part of obtaining the Chinese Visa, read full story The post CHINA by Bridget Keevil appeared first on Travel Stop.

ICELAND by Anne Fisk

By Travel Stop • April 10, 2019
My Iceland trip commenced from the North Terminal at London Gatwick flying with Icelandair. On arrival into Keflavik, after a 3-hour flight, we were met and taken to our private vehicle to visit the famous Blue Lagoon. The journey only read full story The post ICELAND by Anne Fisk appeared first on Travel Stop.

Vienna City Break by Bridget Keevil

By Bridget Keevil • March 27, 2019
As with any city break when time is at a premium, it is always best to have a plan.  Plan where you want to go and what you want to see at the same time as booking your break, and read full story The post Vienna City Break by Bridget Keevil appeared first on Travel Stop.

SOUTH AFRICA – KWAZULU NATAL by Louise Gorbatov

By Travel Stop • November 15, 2018
I was invited by Africa and Beyond (an independent tour operator, specialising in Africa, the Indian Ocean Islands and the Middle East) to join them on an exciting trip of the KwaZulu Natal area of South Africa, along with 4 read full story The post SOUTH AFRICA – KWAZULU NATAL by Louise Gorbatov appeared first on Travel Stop.
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