Are We Nearly There Yet? by Lucy Vine

Are We Nearly There Yet? by Lucy Vine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alice is turning thirty and is stuck in a rut. Her friends are all coupling up and settling down, while she's still working as a temp, trying (and failing) not to shag her terrible ex, getting thrown out of clubs, and accidentally sexting her boss...

She decides to throw caution to the wind and jets off on a round-the-world adventure to #FindTheFun and find herself. Of course, she's no more likely to find the answer to true happiness on the beach in Thailand than she is at the electric beach in Tooting, but at least in Thailand there's paddleboard yoga.

Can Alice find happiness on her travels? Or is she more likely to lose herself all over again...?

When I heard about this book, I thought it would be right up my street, and it was. Alice has just turned 30, she has been in temp jobs for 10 years and she lives with her best friend Eva. However all that is about to change!

Alice decides she needs a break, she needs to find herself and goes travelling, beginning with LA. She knows someone who lives there so it will be perfect! While she is travelling she decides to keep in contact with everyone by writing her own blog.

It has been a while since I have whizzed through a book, through enjoying it so much, this was funny and I enjoyed seeing what Alice was going to get up to next.

For me and the reason I have not given this 5* is that I felt the mood change and during her time in Thailand when her brother shows up, the book becomes more serious and emotive, which for me I was a little disappointed with. I wanted it to continue as a fun adventure. Don't get me wrong it gave the book substance and more of a story line, I was just enjoying her care free attitude and it exposed Alice as a different type of person. I found it hard to like Alice towards the end, however she redeemed herself.

This was the first time I have read anything by this author, but on the strength of this I would seek out other novels.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Destination: India by Katy Colins

Destination: India by Katy Colins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Starting the Lonely hearts Travel Club was supposed to be the second chance that gave Georgia Green back her life. She thought it would be just like travelling, but the reality is far from rosy as she realises that starting a new business is definitely not a beach!

So when Georgia finds herself on an impromptu work trip to India she knows something’s got to give! Where has the girl gone who fought so hard to rebuild her life?

The land of Bollywood, gorgeous beaches and the Taj Mahal might just hold the key to Georgia finding her stride again… Only she is about to find out that when in India the country calls the shots – not you. But Georgia’s not going down that easy!

I have previously read Destination Thailand and also Katy Colins new book Chasing the Sun, which is also part of the Destination series. Although I haven't read these in order, it has made no difference to my enjoyment of the novels. I still have Destination Chile to read, I'm looking forward to that!

So we are back in Georgia Green's world and Ben and her are running a travel company, when they start receiving bad reviews for one of their most popular tours (India, Golden Triangle) Georgia decides to take matters into her own hands and go undercover out there to discover what the problem is. Her trip is not plane sailing and there are many dramas along the way.

Although I really enjoyed this novel, I did prefer the first in the series Destination Thailand, I believe it's because there was more about the country and the surroundings in it, this followed a character and how to help him, it felt more like a mach making/love story, which was different to the first in the series.

I took this book with me to India, while I was on the Golden Triangle tour and I think this also added to my enjoyment, I must say that I feel Katy captured India very well.

If you have read any of Katy Colins books then you should read this one, it is a good addition to the others in the series and I can't want to meet Georgia in Destination Chile next.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Chasing the Sun by Katy Colins

Chasing the Sun by Katy Colins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Georgia Green is on the conveyor belt to happiness. Live-in boyfriend, perfect career and great friends, it seems like Georgia is only a Tiffany box away from her happily ever after. But when she arrives in Australia for her best friend’s wedding and is faced with the bridezilla from hell, she starts to realise that she might not want the cookie-cutter ending she thought.

What was meant to be a trip full of sunny days at the beach and wedding planning over cocktails, has turned into another problem for her to fix – just like the ones she’d left behind. With hardly any time for her boyfriend, let alone herself, it feels like there is just too much to juggle. It might be time for Georgia to step off the conveyor belt to find the balance in life and see if she really can have it all…



I absolutely loved this book! I have found it difficult to find a book this year that I have really truly enjoyed, that has given me the escapism that I need. Katy Colins is quickly becoming one of my 'go to' authors for light relief and her books have a firm place on my shelf to be read time and time again.

This is the second book I have read by Katy Colins, although I haven't read them in order it has made no difference to my enjoyment of the book. From reading Destination Thailand I knew Georgia and it was nice to be back with her for this book.

Georgia has stopped her regular backpacking and is working in the travel industry in the U.K with her boyfriend Ben. Georgia is heading over to Australia for her friends wedding, thinking everything is going to plan she is in for a shock along the way, starting with the hen do!

This is a laugh out loud read, it was nice to really get into Georgia's world and I enjoyed every moment of it. One of my favourite parts has to be on the plane over to Oz, I felt I was with Georgia and willing things to get better for her. I still have a smile on my face as I read this as it was very amusing. I raced through this and now can't wait to go back and read Destination India followed by Chile.

This is the perfect holiday read for the summer, it will leave you wanting more and you won't want to put it down. Katy Colins is a very talented author who really draws you in and makes you want to stay in her world forever, I really do hope she has her next book up her sleeve as I can't wait to get my hands on it.

If you haven't yet read any Katy Colins books I recommend you start with one this summer, you won't be disappointed.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review and really helping my find one of my favourite books of the year so far.

I am so excited to be able to bring you an extract from Chasing the Sun, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 

Extract: 

CHAPTER 6

Odious (adj.) – Extremely unpleasant; repulsive


I let the familiar thrum of the busy airport wash over me as I padded through the check-in hall‚ narrowly sidestepping floor polishers and rows of trolleys. I felt a funny pang in my chest as I walked past amorous couples kissing goodbye. Forget the arrivals hall scene from Love Actually‚ saying farewell to your loved ones was just as emosh. Ben was late for a breakfast meeting‚ so our own goodbye was more of a peck on the cheek as he rushed out the door than a heartfelt profession of love. I’d tried not to feel too disappointed he couldn’t see me off at the airport‚ I knew that I’d see him soon‚ but a small part of me felt like he was still sulking over us losing the investment‚ probably thinking that he could have done a better job if he’d been there. I shook away these negative emotions and made my way through security‚ deciding to treat myself to a new perfume in duty free to cheer myself up and get into holiday mode.


I wasn’t nervous about the long flight that loomed ahead of me; the fact that I was going to be travelling for the next twenty-four hours on my own actually filled me with excitement at having some well deserved me-time. My out-of-office was on‚ I’d filled my e-reader up with beach reads‚ loaded up my iPod‚ and found this mini travel facial kit that the beauty pages of a magazine Kelli had been reading raved about.


I plodded patiently down the aisles of the plane‚ waiting for others to faff around with squeezing their bags in the overhead lockers ahead of me. A queue had blocked the path to my seat as the couple in front decided that this would be the perfect moment to have a detailed debate with their travel partners over who should take the window seat before taking off layers and bundling up jackets into the lockers.


I eventually got to my row‚ where a middle-aged woman wearing a hijab was ensconced in the window seat‚ rabbiting on a mobile phone in a language that I didn’t understand or recognise. The middle seat was empty and‚ in my seat – the aisle seat – sat an overweight man who looked about late thirties. The type who would linger around the buffet table at a party and who shopped at Big and Mighty; his fleshy rolls hung over the armrests like uncooked pastry on a pie tin.


‘Oh‚ excuse me. I think you’re in my seat‚’ I said to him politely‚ noticing flakes of eczema around his scrunched-up‚ piggy eyes.


He creased up his round‚ bowling-ball-shaped face into a look of disgust that I’d deigned to pull his attention from the inflight entertainment channels.


‘What? This is 24C.’ He said this as a statement rather than a question. ‘My seat is 24C.’

He had one of those nasally voices that grated on you with every heavily articulated syllable. I hastily looked at my boarding card‚ even though I’d memorised it enough times in the wait to board. ‘Yep‚ that’s 24C but 24C is actually my seat.’ I flashed him my card to prove that I wasn’t lying.


‘Well‚ that’s just great. Great‚’ he said through gritted teeth‚ glaring at me as if I’d been in charge of the flight seating plan and messed up on purpose just to piss him off and ruin his day.


I flashed him an apologetic shrug as I waited for him to swap seats. He huffed loudly but still didn’t make any effort to move and let me sit down‚ leaving me standing like a lemon. Passengers began tutting behind me now that I was the one blocking the aisle. I felt my cheeks heat up as I appeared to be in a stare-off with this flaky lump of lard.


‘Everything okay here?’ A pretty blonde-haired flight attendant with a crispy high quiff fluttered over‚ flashing us both megawatt smiles on her expertly contoured face.

‘Oh‚ erm‚ well‚ I think this gentleman is in my seat.’ I hurriedly passed her my ticket.

She flicked her camel-length eyelashes at my boarding card and looked at the seat blocker. ‘Sir‚ this lady is correct. Do you have your boarding card so I can check where your seat is?’ she asked‚ filling my nose with a heavy rose-scented perfume which made my stomach flip with nausea.


He huffed once more then pinged open his seat belt to get up‚ acting as if it took all the effort in the world. He half stood‚ half bent over to rummage in his sagging jeans pocket‚ flashing us all a glimpse of his hairy arse crack. I glanced at the passengers waiting behind me and threw them my best apologetic face. They all glared back.


‘Ah‚ sorry sir‚ you’re actually in 24B‚ so if I could ask you to move over one?’ The flight attendant took his crumpled-up boarding pass that proved me right. Hah. In yo face‚ Fatso!

‘I specifically remember requesting the aisle seat.’ He scowled at the pair of us as if we were in this together, conspiring against him and his inflight needs. ‘I can’t sit in the middle seat. I need to be able to move around frequently. Gout problems‚’ he replied as an afterthought.

‘Madam‚ would you mind taking the middle seat?’ The flight attendant turned to me. Her previously perky voice now had a hint of irritation at how long this was taking. Well‚ yes‚ I did bloody mind. I hated sitting in the middle seat anyway‚ but trapped between Mr Rude and Mrs Chatterbox‚ it would make an already long flight even longer.


‘Well …’ I paused‚ trying to work out how to politely but firmly stand my ground.

‘Great! Thank you‚’ the flight attendant said cheerfully‚ before I’d finished‚ and bundled me into my place to let the queue move on. Fatty bum-bum simply manoeuvred his legs to the side so I could squeeze past‚ not even bothering to say thanks.


Soon after‚ the pilot gave his welcome speech (that no one appeared to pay attention to) and the now flustered flight attendant told the woman next to me for the third time that she needed to end her call and put her phone in flight mode. Suddenly‚ I was gassed with the most noxious‚ eggy-fart smell coming from my right. I flung my hand up to my mouth to cover it with the sleeve of my jumper and cast a serious‚ pissed-off look at the man next to me. He had his eyes fixed on the small TV set in the seat back in front of him‚ pretending that it wasn’t him with the bowels of a sewage plant. Then‚ as if to make matters worse‚ I felt something thump the top of my head.


‘Ow!’ I cried and glanced around‚ rubbing my crown. A grinning gap-toothed boy was standing on the seat behind me‚ holding a plastic toy train and looking pretty proud of himself. His mother in the seat next to him was too busy flicking through a magazine to apologise or even acknowledge the assault.

Great. Just great.





Katy Colins (@notwedordead) is a best-selling author and award-winning travel blogger (www.notwedordead.com) with over 44K followers on Instagram.

After Katy’s wedding was called off in 2010, she made the life-changing decision to travel solo around South East Asia, leaving behind her successful career and selling everything that wouldn’t fit into a backpack. As she travelled, Katy finally put her adventures and thoughts into words and secured a six book deal with Harper Collins.

Chasing the Sun is Katy’s fourth novel featuring the inimitable Georgia Green, and the perfect beach read for this summer.

Don't forget to stop by at the other stops on the tour!

The Honeymoon by Tina Seskis

The Honeymoon by Tina Seskis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There's trouble in paradise . . .

For as long as she can remember, Jemma has been planning the perfect honeymoon. A fortnight's retreat to a five-star resort in the Maldives, complete with luxury villas, personal butlers and absolute privacy.

It should be paradise. But it's turned into a nightmare.

Because the man Jemma married a week ago has just disappeared from the island without a trace. And now her perfect new life is vanishing just as quickly before her eyes.

After everything they've been through together, how can this be happening? Is there anyone on the island who Jemma can trust? And above all - where has her husband gone?



When I read the blurb of this book I knew it would be one that I was going to enjoy. It sounded right up my street.

This book jumps from the past to present and gives the reader a picture of how Jemma ended up in a luxury resort in the Maldives. This is something that she has dreamed of for years and now it has finally arrived there seems to be trouble in paradise. One morning Jemma wakes up and Jamie (her husband) is missing, she chooses not to alert the authorities straight away but decides to confide in a woman she has just met.

When things start to become serious and it looks like Jamie isn't coming back the police begin to suspect Jemma. Is she really capable of killing her husband? What would be the point?

I did enjoy this, it was everything I enjoy in a book, mystery/thriller chick lit and set somewhere exotic, however I thought it took a long time to build and then the ending happened so quick. Almost you blink and you miss it, I also felt a little let down by the ending as I thought it was unbelievable. Saying this I would still recommend it to others as it would be a fab holiday read. Due to these reasons I have given this 3.5*, rounded up for Amazon and Goodreads.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Destination Thailand by Katy Colins

Destination Thailand by Katy Colins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



What if you had a second chance… to find yourself?

Instead of slipping on her something borrowed and tripping up the aisle to wedded bliss, Georgia spends her big day wondering where it all went wrong.

Forced to make a bucket list of her new life goals by best friend Marie, it’s not long before travel-virgin Georgia’s packing her bags for a long-haul trip to Thailand.

Yet, Georgia’s big adventure doesn’t seem to be going to plan. From strange sights, smells and falling for every rookie traveller scam in the book, Georgia has never felt more alone.

But the good thing about falling apart is that you can put yourself back together any way you please. And new Georgia might just be someone she can finally be proud of…

I finally got round to reading this, it has been sat on my shelf for a while, but when I booked a trip to India, I knew I needed to read this series. (India is next so I can't wait!)

This is what I thought would be the perfect mix of chick lit and travel with a bit of humour and a romance. I got all of these things from this book. It begins with Georgia, she is away with a friend, seems like the perfect holiday, however she is mending a broken heart as it is meant to be her wedding day. Her soon to be husband called it off a few weeks ago and its come out that he has been cheating. She decides to create a bucket list and in the spur of the moment decides that she needs to go travelling, it's now or never and now she hasn't got any ties can't think of one reason why she shouldn't go.

Right from the very beginning I enjoyed this book, I seemed to be on the journey with Georgia, booking her tour, flying out to Thailand and soon discovering this was the tour from hell. I loved every minute of it, yes there are a few things that are perhaps a little unrealistic, but I didn't care, I was enjoying the story.

There are many adventures in this story and Georgia meets many different people, she has got a taste for backpacking, which I am thrilled about as I have another 2 books in the series to go. This is a really quick read and if you are looking for something to encourage you to go travelling make sure you pick this up.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

100 Places to Go Before They Disappear by Patrick Drew

100 Places to Go Before They Disappear by Patrick Drew
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

What would our world look like if the planet's average temperature were to rise by only a few degrees? Cities including Venice, Bangkok, London, Chicago, and New York would experience severe flooding. The tea fields of Sri Lanka and the vineyards of France would suffer under heat and drought. Beijing and Timbuktu would be transformed into deserts, and the Great Barrier Reef's coral colonies would die. The entire nation of Tuvalu would sink into the Pacific Ocean as water levels rise. As plants and animals vital to local ecosystems continue to perish due to climate change, the face of our planet is already being transformed. 100 Places to Go Before They Disappear features locations on all seven continents that are in the greatest danger of disappearing within our lifetime. With an essay by Desmond Tutu, this stunning book will inspire travellers and environmentalists to help save the gorgeous places that might soon be only a memory.



I love travel and visiting interesting places that are off the beaten track. I spend hours browsing travel photography and information books looking for inspiration on my next adventures. This is what I was expecting from this, a little gem, hopefully that would become one of my favourites in my collection. I was, however very disappointed in it.

When reading it, it turned into a nag basically at how the human race has damaged the world we live in and things like Global Warming and other things are making the world change and as a consequence a lot of wonderful places will soon no longer exist. I found the book was a little heavy at times and not really what I was looking forward to at all.

The photography is hit and miss also in the book I found, some of the photographs are beautiful, while others look like they could have been taken by an amateur and didn't really feel that they 'fit' in the book.

Some of the places highlighted in the book were unexpected such as 'Chicago' that perhaps initially you wouldn't have thought would be vulnerable. So the book did have an element of surprise for me, but unfortunately I found most of it was just a moan at how awful people are.

There are many very good 'coffee table' books out there and this is not one of them. It is smaller than expected and for me too deep. This will sit on my bookshelves, but I don't think I will be picking it up for some time. Perhaps I misinterpreted the book before I started reading it, but it was not what I expected at all and was just so disappointed it didn't live up to my expectations. Saying this, this book might be exactly what someone is looking for and love it. Don't get me wrong, this is very well researched and includes some background information on places. But it's not for me.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Naughty Girl's Guide to Las Vegas - Sienna Sinclaire

Naughty Girl's Guide to Las Vegas by Sienna Sinclaire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For locals and visitors alike, who want to experience something naughty in Las Vegas, look no further! Naughty lifestyle expert Sienna Sinclaire’s recently released second travel book, Naughty Girl’s Guide to Las Vegas covers everything saucy in Sin City - from dining to shopping to clubbing while also delving into the history of each venue. So rather than surf the internet for hours trying to finding fun in the most exciting city in the States, this single gal by choice compiled all the naughty information that’s fit to print for those looking for something different to do around town.

Sinclaire serves as a personal tour guide, leading the reader through planning the perfect getaway for singles, couples or just the girls. A must read for anyone planning to visit Las Vegas that makes Las Vegas sexy – not sleazy or slutty.



I requested this on Netgalley as I am going to be visiting Las Vegas next month for the first time and wanted to find out a bit more about the place.

The contents make this book very easy to follow and gives clear indication where to find things about Vegas. I decided to read the majority of this book as I found it all relevant.

I really enjoyed reading about the history of Vegas and seeing how it emerged. Building the Hoover Dam was also great to have in this book as it isn't the initial thing you think of when you think of Vegas and it reminds you that there are other areas of interest to visit outside the Strip.

I loved reading 'Vegas cleans up its act' this talked about different hotels on the strip and the hotel I am going to be staying at was mentioned here as a 'chic resort' which really made me excited about staying.

There were great tips in this guide for girls that you wouldn't actually think about before leaving home. When I read that the lobby to your hotel room can sometimes be 1 mile, and that you should be packing some flip flops for when you are out as well as your heels, this is something that is now high on my priority for packing. Thanks so much Sinclaire for this piece of advise. This is probably going to be the most valuable advise I will have before going.

There is some of the guide that I didn't care to read as I didn't have any interest in that when I am there but it is quite easy to filter that out as it is non fiction.

I would say that this is a good guide for Vegas, it has a selection of things to do during the day and night, plus info on hotels, spas, shopping and shows. I have discovered a lot since reading this guide that I didn't know before. I am really glad I decided to request this guide and I am glad it is handy on my kindle. I will be opening this book again closer to my visit to Vegas. I will also probably read it again on the plane and once I am there.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Travel Tag



This morning when I woke up and saw that jennyinneverland@WordPress.com had published a travel tag, I knew I would have to join in with this one as I love travelling so much. I would like to thank Wanderness as she made the tag up! I hope you enjoy reading my answers.

1. What was the last country you visited?

The last country I visited was Norway, I went on a cruise last summer. I am however going away in 27 days to Las Vegas so I can't wait for that! 

2. How many countries have you visited?

Now I have been very lucky when it comes to travelling and have visited a lot of places, I think I have currently been to 56 countries and 2 US States.

3. What is your favourite place on the planet that you have been to?

This is a really tricky question to answer when you have been to a lot of Amazon  places. I think if I could only choose 1 I would pick Singapore. It is such an amazing place and has so much to offer. I do not like to return to places as there are so many other places in the world to explore. But if I had to go back somewhere this is where I would choose. 

4. Favourite place in your home country?

As a child I spent most of my summer's at my grandparents, they lived in Cornwall so we ended up exploring this in depth. This still remains my favourite part of the UK. 

5. If you could board a plane right now, where would you go?

Well as I am going  Vegas in a few weeks I guess that's it! 

6. What’s your cup of tea – tropical island getaway, snowy ski break or city exploring trips?

I like exploring cities, however I also like to make sure I have some time to unwind and relax. There  is not a better place to do that except for a tropical island. I am very keen on the Caribbean for their laid back attitude and drinking cocktails on the beach! 

7. What are your top 3 hand-luggage must haves?

1, my kindle. 

2, a good book. 

3, my bikini! 

8. Any travel tips to share?

I would say don't be afraid to go somewhere different. There are many beautiful places out there to be discovered. 

9. Most embarrassing moment abroad.

I was on holiday in Malta and I went swimming with dolphins, which is something I had always wanted to do, when the dolphin pulled me along I lost my bikini bottoms! So top tip, if you go swimming with dolphins make sure you wear a swimming costume oppose to a bikini! 

10. Biggest disappointment.

We never let ourselves get too disappointed with a holiday, mainly for the reason we explore unusual places, which are not always tourist destinations. We take each place as it comes. 

11. Nicest surprise.

We were on our honeymoon on a cruise over Christmas one year. On Christmas day we were invited to eat with the captain at his table, we then enjoyed a completely free night with VIP treatment, private booths to watch the show and other things. 

12. Three places at the tip of the travel bucket list.

I am not finding any of these questions easy! 

1, India

2, Japan

3, French Polynesia

13. Favourite food discovery.

I used to be a very fussy eater but the older I have got the better my taste buds are! I found an amazing beef dish while I was in China, I have never been able to get it again since I returned home as we were unsure what it was. It was hot and spicy and just amazing! 

14. Why do you travel?

I travel as it gives me a sense of freedom, I have a large passion for travelling and there is nothing else I would rather be doing in the whole world. 

15. What 3 things would you take on holiday/travelling if you could?

There is only one thing I wish I could take and that is my cat, I miss her dreadfully where I go away, especially if it's for a long time. Other than that I think I have everything I need. 

16. Have you picked up any phrases from travelling?

No, I am a bit useless when it comes to languages! 

17. What two places would you not go back to and why?

We have decided that we would not go back anywhere as there are so many places in the world to explore, so I will flip the question round. If I had to go back to two places they would be, Canada and Singapore. 

18. Your dream travel companion?

I am really lucky I get to travel with mine every time I go away, that's my husband. To be honest I would not want to explore the world without him. 

19. Most surreal travel moment?

Hmm, I guess the Ffords are pretty amazing in Norway. Or seeing Niagra Falls partially frozen, or walking behind Angel Falls in Venezuela. 

20. Three people you would like to see do this tag

Anyone can join in 

100 Countries, 5,000 Ideas - National Geographic

100 Countries, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do by National Geographic Society
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

'Following up on the enormous success of the "Journeys of a Lifetime" series of travel gift books, National Geographic bring you "100 Countries, 5000 Ideas", a large-format, lavishly illustrated, softcover travel planner. This essential travel companion to one hundred of the world's most fascinating countries is packed with more than 250 big, colorful images, 110 original, detailed maps, and evocative text to inspire your next great trip. Divided into two sections, this book helps you choose destination that suits your interests, how to get there, and what to do. The first part presents a series of charts that helps you pick the best places to visit according to your needs and desires, including the best seasons to go to each country - whether you're interested in a three-week vacation or a long weekend or something in between - as well as a chapter including which destinations are best for children, adventure seekers, history lovers, and the like. In addition to vacation ideas, you'll be given specific airfare costs, approximate cost of a trip, health precautions, and other important tips. The book's second section surveys the one hundred countries - from Argentina to Zimbabwe, and everything in between - describing each one's unique highlights and ideas on what to do while visiting, as well as offering a wealth of practical information to help plan a memorable trip. A special sidebar outlines the pros and cons of each destination. "100 Countries, 5000 Ideas" is an irresistible blend of practical travel information and inspiring ideas - adorned with stunning imagery - to help fuel your wanderlust, and make your dream trip possible.'







This book was bought for me while I was spending some time away in hospital. I am so glad this was given to me, as it kept me entertained for hours.

The book is broken down into different countries in alphabetical order. On each page there is a map of the county, some facts and pros and cons. There is also info on the weather for the best time to visit for different activities.

I cannot actually do this book justice when writing a review as it is so fantastic you have to see for yourself. It has unusual destinations in here, which prompt inspiration and makes you think about these as new places to visit.

I particularly enjoyed reading about the travel guide, such as any medical you need, how long it takes to get there, time difference etc. This is also available on every page for each county. Some countries with greater interest have more than one page dedicated to them, such as China.

The photography in the book is excellent and captures unusual parts of the countries at times, this something from National Geographic you would come to expect.

This is a brilliant 'starting point' book, if you are looking for in depth amounts on each country then this may not be for you. However if you want a snapshot and an idea to give you inspiration, this book certainly will give you that. It makes an excellent addition to any travel library.

I would recommend this book to others, especially those keen on travelling and are perhaps thinking about making a journey that is less touristy. I will definitely be looking into others in the series of the National Geographic as I enjoyed this book so much. I personally shouldn't be allowed near these travel books, as it encourages me to think about my next trip... lets pay for the trip currently booked for first eh?

Caribbean Cruising - Thomas Cook Publishing

Traveller Guides Caribbean Cruising, 5th: Popular, compact guides for discovering the very best of country, regional and city destinations by Thomas Cook Publishing
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

'The traveller guides are informative and concise, and are aimed at mainstream travelers wanting to discover something a little different on their trip.  These indispensable guides offer the perfect blend of culture, history, practical information, mapping, photography and listings.

TIME-TRAVEL with a trek into the primordial forest of Dominica's Morne Trois Pitons National Park, skirting volcanoes and fumaroles, and brave a dip at the foor of the spectatcular Middleham Falls.

STRUT to the rhythms of steel bands and soca at Trinidad's carnival, amidst a sea of glittering dancers, devils, bird-men and butterfly-women.

FEAST on a traditional St Lucian breakfast of saltfish and bakes, served up with fluffy dumplings and a steaming cup of chocolate tea, the nutmeg-laced local cocoa.


DIVE beneath the waves for an extravaganza of darting electric-blue kissing fish and black-and-yellow seargeant majors, a spectacle to rival the carnivals above the surface.'




I bought this book before we cruised. I bought it online and was unable to see the destinations it covers, to be honest most are covered. However we found that during one of our cruises there was little information on certain destinations. Saying this we thought it was a good introduction to the Caribbean and if you have not visited the region before this is a nice guide to have.

We liked the layout of the book, it begins with brief history of the Caribbean, the culture and festivals etc. Then it splits into the destination guide. These are very brief, however the Caribbean is a place made up of many, many islands and for them all to be covered in this guide it would need to be huge.

All countries covered in the guide include background information, your arrival from the port, a map, and any local interests. Towards the back of the guide there is a helpful section on When to go, this gives you information on hurricanes and the general weather. There is also essential information which we found very useful at the back.

Finally there is a directory at the back which includes places to eat and the prices of these, these too are useful, however we rarely ate off the ship as we would spend a whole day exploring and just have a big breakfast before we got off.

If you want a guide which gives you in depth info on the country then this is not the guide book for you, however if you want a snap shot with many countries in to help you learn a little of the country you are visiting this is great. It is compact and can fit in your bag with you.

I am a fan of Thomas Cook Traveller books as I feel they give you a good general overall picture of a place, it is broken down into small sections and is easy to follow.

Sunlounger - Belinda Jones

Sunlounger by Belinda Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

'Take a trip around the world with 44 of the hottest writers in Women's Fiction!

This collection of sun-kissed short stories will have you boarding a millionaire's yacht in St Tropez, exploring a sheik's palace in Dubai, swimming with dolphins in Australia, partying in Ibiza, surfing in Hawaii, exploring ancient ruins in Turkey and Cambodia and sipping Limoncello in Italy! 


Whether you read it on your favourite beach (Sunlounger features golden sands from Greece to Thailand) or on your daily commute or coffee break you will be spirited away on a variety of adventures - some will make you chuckle, some will make your heart pang, others will inspire you to live your life to the max.'




When I was chatting to Belinda on Twitter and she offered me a copy of Sunlounger to review, I jumped at the chance. I was going away and what could be more perfect than read stories set abroad?

All I can say is that Belinda Jones I am so sorry it has taken me so long to review, why? Well I didn't want the fabulous collection of short stories to end so I have been stringing them out. (Sorry!)

Well what can I say? This is a brilliant book which contains many well established authors and some not so which have written short stories based in different destinations across the world. Yes there are some a lot better than others, but this is expected in a collection book. What I love about it is that you can get a quick reading fix of a whole story in a short amount of time and feel you have accomplished reading a whole book.

What else I love about short story collections is that I regularly come across authors I have not read before. This happened on this occasion. I read a short story by Katie Agnew set in St Barts and absolutely loved it. I then went out and bought her story Too Hot to Handle on the strength of reading that short story. So thank you Belinda Jones for introducing me to her.

I find it really hard to write a review for a book of short stories as I find it unnecessary to go through each story, I feel that you have just got to read it to see how good it is. I didn't finish the collection while I was away, I savored it and treated myself to a short story over a few nights, this helped me get away for my busy life and just dream about being away on a beach somewhere, or troweling through a busy souk looking for a bargain under the sun.

This is a short story collection that I would recommend everyone to own. It is brilliant, it just makes me happy thinking about it. Thank you so much Belinda Jones for making this book happen and offering it to me to review. I do hope this is continued perhaps a Christmas collection?

I would like to thank Belinda Jones for sending me this copy to review.

Wonders of the World: 100 Incredible and Inspiring Places on Earth - Mark Truman

Wonders Of The World: 100 Incredible And Inspiring Places On Earth by Mark Truman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


‘Wonders of the World offers those with a nomadic disposition the opportunity to travel the globe without ever leaving the comfort of home. Settle back as the earth’s natural, architectural, and engineering treasures are spread out before you as a visual feast.

You will explore destinations both old and new, from awe-inspiring structures of ancient civilizations, such as the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, to modern – day wonders that exemplify the ingenuity of state-of-the-art building and engineering skills, like Japan’s Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge. Natures creative genius also shines with wonders like the Grand Canyon in the USA, and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. 


Wonders of the World include all the major natural and fabricated wonders you could ever hope to visit on the whistle stop trip of a lifetime.’



Opening this hard back is like opening the world, a brief atlas is on the inside cover and has small circled numbers which show where in the world those particular wonders are. I like this as you know which area in a country a particular wonder is.

The contents page is set out in the name of the wonders of the world, there is no heading to illustrate where in the world these wonders are. This is something I fell the book would have benefited from, as unless you are familiar with these you would struggle to place some of the wonders. As you begin to turn the pages, you do see that the wonders are in particular continents and they are grouped together.

I am not sure what made these particular areas of interest wonders, some are very famous and as you would expect. Others however leave you feeling why were they included, as there are perhaps wonders which are a more obvious choice.

Each page includes a high quality colour image, along with information on the location and then more in depth information on the actual wonder. At the bottom of each page there is a mini fact about this wonder. I thought that, that was a nice feature of the book.

This book is for someone who has read all of the famous wonders and is looking for something a little different. There are wonders I had never heard of before, which was a nice discovery. This book though has not been one of the best that I have read, but does make a nice addition to the travel bookshelf.