Whitstable

Philippines: x16 days, x15 nights – (this page is travel ready and printable below!)

24 hours in Makati, Manila

Fly in: Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) Terminal 3

Makati is the financial capital of the Philippines with large modern skyscrapers, iconic jeepneys, rooftop bars, expansive shopping centres and trendy street food scenes. Once the sun goes down, people hit the town to experience a booming nightlife scene.

Hotel: City Garden Grand hotel

Restaurant: El Chupacabra (address: 5782 Felipe St. Poblacion, Makati) is a Mexican-American restaurant serving street tacos, barbeque and cheap beer. The place has a buzzing street food vibe, swarmed with local foodies and expats at night – worth a visit!

Things to do: Go and explore Greenbelt Mall, a large shopping centre with a park and gardens. Generally the shops open around 11am, and happy hour is mostly from 5-8pm.

Travel: take a domestic flight from Ninoy Aquino Terminal 4 to Cebu Mactan Int Airport.

3 days, 4 nights in Moalboal, Cebu

Fly in and out: Cebu Mactan Int Airport (CEB)

Moalboal is a beach town on the south-western side of Cebu. For many years, it’s been a major attraction mostly for locals but lately it’s attracting more and more tourists.

Hotel: Oceanfront Paradise Resort

Things to do: Staying in Moalboal offers snorkeling with turtles, PADI diving with sardines, swimming with the whale sharks in Oslob and canyoneering at Kawasan Falls.

Restaurants: Lantaw comes highly recommended with a beautiful sea view and a menu with a choice of Thai, Chinese, Indonesian and Filipino cuisine.  The French Coffee Shop is a cosy lunch spot serving shakes, crêpes, baguettes and salads, and sweet treats homemade Belgian chocolate brownies and blueberry cheesecakes.

Travel: On the final day take a domestic flight from Cebu Mactan Int Airport to Puerto Princesa International Airport.

2 days, 2 nights in Sabang, Puerto Princesa

Fly in: Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS)

Sleepy Sabang is a backpackers’ dream; think hammocks on the beach, no electricity after dark, happy hour with cheap beer and wood-fire pizzas watching the sun go down.

Hotel: Café Sabang

Things to do: Staying in Sabang offers untouched beaches, pristine jungle and a famous underground river. Sabang’s main appeal lies in its wild setting – its beach is surrounded rainforest that is part of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

Restaurants: The Smoky Place offers the best wood-fired pizza in Sabang on candle-lit tables that line the beach. Voted the best restaurant is Pawikan restaurant at Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort, prices are more expensive, the food is served to perfection.

Travel: On the final day take a shuttle van / taxi from Sabang to El Nido, the journey time is roughly 5.5hrs with a stop off in between. Lexus Shuttle operates several trips daily from Sabang Port, the latest departing at 4.30pm.

3 days, 2 nights in El Nido, Palawan Island

Explore Palawan’s star attraction, the Bacuit Archipelgo from El Nido; a tourist hotspot with secluded beaches, hidden lagoons, decent restaurants and beach bars.

Things to do: El Nido is well-known for it’s white sandy beaches, coral reefs, clear waters and limestone rock formations. It’s worth spending a day at Las Cabanas, reachable by land from El Nido town as here you can ride a zip line from island to island.

Restaurants: Dine from a swing at Happiness Beach Bar, one of the most laid-back areas in town. For a taste of Italian, try homemade pasta at Mezzanine El Nido and grab a gelato (or two) at ice cream parlour Gusto. For live music head to Coco bar where they regularly have Filipino band’s performing good covers of classic songs on the beach.

Travel: embark on a 3-day boat expedition to explore the islands between El Nido and Coron.

3 days, 2 nights expedition from El Nido to Coron, Northern Palawan

Untapped adventures can be discovered via Buhay Isla’s amazing expeditions from El Nido to Coron. It’s the perfect multi-day expedition boat trip to become a true Filipino islander; stopping at remote beaches and witnessing picturesque sunrise and sunsets.

Eat, swim, snorkel, sleep, repeat! You can fully relax as you’re introduced to island life.

Things to do: Visit islands that few will ever see, sleep in a beach hut, experience freshly cooked Filipino food, snorkel amongst healthy reefs, embrace cliff jumping, spot wild dolphins as you sail across the seas and watch amazing sunrises / sunsets from an island.

Food: It’s so impressive what can be cooked up in such a small kitchen, the quality was the best local food that we had in the Philippines. For breakfast imagine fluffy banana pancakes, eggs, toast and fresh fruit. Lunch / dinner treated us to grilled fish, pork adobo (a signature dish), vegetables, calamari, curries and of course rice (Filipino power!)

3 days, 2 nights in Coron Town, Northern Palawan

Coron has a rich underwater history; home to shipwrecks from WWII, and coral gardens protected by dedicated locals. For us, we’d already done quite a lot of snorkeling / island hopping , so we wanted to explore the unique scuba diving on offer around Coron Bay.

Hotel: Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel

Things to do: watch the sunset from Mt.Tapyas, it’s 700 steps high but worth the hike. If you’re keen for a unique scuba diving experience take part in a wreck dive, such as the Lusong Gunboat which is sunken 11m into the water.

Food: Coron is still a pretty undeveloped town (on a remote island) so don’t be surprised if the menus are limited and the service is slow. Our favourite place (which always had a queue) was Altrove restaurant, serving wood-fired pizzas and sharing salads. Dali Dali is a tiny Korean restaurant that cooks up a tasty Bibimbap. La Sirenetta has the best sunset views but the service is unbelievably slow, so expect to have drinks whilst you wait.

Travel: travel from Busuanaga airport to Manila (Terminal 4).

1 day, 1 night in Manila, Paysay City

Fly in: Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) Terminal 4

Before the adventure comes to an end spend your last night in Manila in Paysay City. We stayed close to Terminal 3 for easy walking access to the airport in the early morning.

Hotel: MG condominium at Two Palm Tree Villas Manila

Things to do: There’s two large shopping malls close to the airport. We went to the cinema and casino at Resort World, which has a touch of ‘Las Vegas’ vibe.

Food: Ichiba Japanese Seafood Market in Newport Mall (next to Resorts World) serves authentic Japanese fresh food from market to table, you can order from your waiter and they’ll collect the dishes from various food stations dotted around the restaurant.

Travel: Terminal 3 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport can be accessed via a long foot-bridge from the hotel. It’s an easy 10-15 min walk to reach the airport.

Jaz and Jul’s

Address: 1 Chapel Market, London, N1 9EZ

Jaz and Jul’s Chocolate House in Islington is a chocoholic heaven serving up a sweet and savoury treats, including a bottomless brunch with unlimited refills of hot cocoa.

The weekend chocolate brunch menu offers a chocolatey twist to a range of sweet and savoury vegetarian and vegan dishes. You choose one savoury, one sweet and one extra , accompanied with unlimited cocoa (£20) or prosecco (£30) if you fancy some bubbles!

From the savoury dishes, the cornbread waffles topped with beer-battered mushrooms and spinach caught my eye – with a fried egg from the “extras” to be extra indulgent!

I was not disappointed. I’m not usually a fan of savoury waffles, because I have an extremely sweet tooth, but the mushrooms soaked in beer sounded interesting and my intrigue was satisfied. The cornbread waffles were crispy yet fluffy, and perfectly served!

For my second course (and to satisfy my sweet tooth) I had the Pimped Banana Bread served with heaped yoghurt, seasonal fruits and of course indulgent chocolate sauce.

Oh wow – it was soo chocolatey! The sauce oozed off the plate…

All of the ingredients in their chocolate concoctions are made from single-origin chocolate, carefully sourced from producers that only use ethically-sourced ingredients.

The cocoa can be served vegan-friendly and optionally dairy-free,with a range of almond, oatmeal, soya milk on offer to meet all requirements. The team uses naturally flavoured chocolate from Madagascar, accompanied with spices & fruit oils.

The titles are enticing – my favourites were the Orangeytang (which has orange, cardamom & cloves) and Mintchievous (peppermint). The brunch offers unlimited cocoa drinks, so you can sample them all – topped with artisan marshmallows for extra luxury!

Info: The weekend brunch is served from 10am to 6pm every weekend at their Chocolate House and shop, which is also where the team make their acclaimed hot chocolate mixes.

Brunch menu: Choose one savoury item, one sweet item, one item from the “extras”, with unlimited: Prosecco and hot drinks (£30), Prosecco, hot drinks and breakfast cocktails (£35), Hot drinks and orange juice (£20).

Website: http://www.jazandjuls.co.uk/menus

Copenhagen: x2 days, x2 nights – (this page is travel ready and printable below!)

Fly in and out: Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

Local travel: Copenhagen Airport is located in Kastrup, 9km southeast of central Copenhagen. There are easy, round-the-clock connections to the city centre via train and metro (costs around Dkr36). A taxi ride is around Dkr250 to Dkr300. The best way to travel from the airport to the Tivoli area is to get the S-train to Central Train station.

Catch line 029 from inside the airport – the journey time is about 13 mins. It’s then a short 15 min walk or short bus / taxi ride to the hotel, from Central Station.

Hotel: Scandic Palace Hotel, Rådhuspladsen 57, 1550 København V, Denmark

Day 1: Start the day with a quirky breakfast / brunch at Paludan Book Cafe in the heart of Copenhagen’s Latin quarter. Rent a city bike to establish your way around the local streets, or find your bearings with a walking tour from City Hall square. In the afternoon head to Nyhavn to see the Little Mermaid statute, and take a harbour boat cruise. Admire Nyvahn’s colourful houses, inc. the old house of H.C.Andersen. In the evening head to the Meatpacking district to dine at Mother resturant. Stroll through Tivoli Gardens at night.

Day 2: Take a morning visit to Christianiashavn to explore the hippie vibes of the neighbourhood. Stop for a danish pastry from Lagkagehuset, before climbing up the 400 steps of the Church of our Saviour to admire the best view across the city. Admire the interior and exterior of the Marble Church, before catching the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace. Enjoy lunch at Nyhavn, before witnessing the crown jewels stored at Rosenberg Slot. Finish the day climbing the spiral slope of the infamous Round Tower.

 

24 hours in Paris – (this page is travel ready and printable below!)

Transport: Eurostar from St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord.

Journey time: approx. 2 hrs 15 mins

Morning:

Breakfast / brunch: Angelina Tea Rooms

Arrive at Paris Gare du Nord and jump on the Metro to station ‘Concorde’, from here you walk to the infamous Angelina Tea Rooms, on the edge of Jardin des Tuileries. Hopefully the café won’t yet be too overcrowded and you can indulge in a Parisian brunch inside.

From here you can walk to the Musée du Louvre to take an iconic photo.

Jardin du Luxembourg

I recommend jumping back on the Metro to cross the River Seine and arrive at Jardin du Luxembourg. You can walk off your breakfast as you stroll through the gardens.

Early afternoon:

Shakespeare & Company (the Latin Quarter)

Shakespeare & Company book store is a leisurely 15 min stroll from the Jardin du Luxembourg. To get there you’ll walk down one of the oldest Parisian streets Rue de la Bûcherie. Shakespeare & Co have a café next door, to pick up a coffee and lunch snack.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

From the book store walk to the Pont au Double bridge to cross the River Seine and arrive on the doorstep of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. It gets very busy on most days so queues are likely, but if you’re lucky and the wait isn’t too long, it’s free to enter.

Late afternoon:

River boat trip along the Seine

Make your way back over the bridge to the Batobus river boat stop, where you can catch a one-hour river cruise. The cruise will circumnavigate  around the main sights of city, so make sure you sit towards the back of the boat to get the best view of the Notre-Dame as you depart, if you take the full hour cruise you’ll be dropped back to where you started.

Early evening:

Dinner at Au Veux Paris D’Arcole

What better way to finish the day off than to treat yourself to a traditional Parisian supper. Just a block away from the Notre-Dame is Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole, the perfect spot to enjoy hearty regionally sourced cuisine and France’s famous escargots dish!

It’s then a short 6-min walk to catch the Metro from Cité to travel back to Gare du Nord. Ride on the purple line 4, and you should reach the Eurostar Terminal within 20 mins.

Madrid: x3 days, x2 nights

Fly in and out: Madrid Barajas Airport Airport (MAD)

Train: Travel time from Madrid Barajas Airport to Puerta del Sol train station is around 35 minutes including two changes. Board the first train at Terminal 4 (Aeropuerto T4) to catch the pink line to ‘Nuevos Ministerios’. Then take the dark blue line to ‘Tribunal’, get off and travel another two stops on the light blue line to ‘Sol’ for Puerta del Sol square. It will cost around €5.00, including €3.00 airport surcharge.

Hotel: Petit Palace Mayor Plaza, Calle Mayor, 46, 28013 Madrid, Spain

Day 1: Check into hotel. Have a tapas lunch at the Mercado San Miguel. Board the hop on/hop off tour bus around the city to whizz around the sights. Stop for an afternoon apéritif at Circulo de Bellas Artes’ rooftop bar. Dinner at Corral de la Moreria, before watching the famous flamenco dance show.

Day 2: Catch the bus to the Temple of Debod, and walk from here to the Palacio Real. Treat yourself to a coffee and churros at the famous Chocolateria de San Ginés. Head to the Parque de El Retiro, hire a rowing boat and visit the Palacio de Cristal (“Crystal Palace”). Spend the early afternoon visiting the Gin Club on Calle Gran Via, and for dinner, head to the world’s smallest restaurant Restaurant Botín for a traditional meal.

Day 3: Catch an early train to Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas to arrive for 10am. Take a audio tour of the famous bullring. Catch the train back to El Rastro flea market. Head to the Mercado San Miguel for lunch to sample the infamous calamari sandwich. Stroll through Madrid’s literary quarter, Barrio de Las Tetras. Stop at the Me Hotel Madrid Reina Victoria Hotel for an afternoon drink, admiring the rooftop views. Grab a sweet treat from Patisserie La Mallorquina and catch the train back to the airport from “Sol”.

Southern Italy: x7 days, x7 nights

Fly in and out: Naples Airport (NAP)

Day 1: Sorrento – Travel from Naples airport to Sorrento (33 miles – 1hr30mins) by Curreri bus (€10pp). Check into your hotel in Sorrento. Grab lunch at Ruccio restaurant at Marina Piccola. Visit I Giardini di Cataldo lemon gardens. Walk to Valley of the Mills and Piazza Tasso in the old town. Explore Marina Grande. Dinner at Trattoria Da Emilia.

Day 2: Positano – After breakfast make your way to Marina Piccola to catch the hydrofoil (Gescab) to Positano (40 minutes). Walk to the Spiaggia di Fornillo to reserve a sun bed to start off your beach day. Head into the centre of town for a spot of lunch and admire the church of Santa Maria Assunta. Hire a pedalo back at Spiaggia di Fornillo. Catch the SITA bus back to Sorrento and enjoy dinner at Café Latino in Sorrento, finishing off your day with a icy sweet treat at Gelateria “Il Duomo” along street Corso Italia.

Day 3: Ischia – Start the day early by catching the hydrofoil (Alilauro) from Marina Piccolo to Ischia at around 9am (1 hour – €47 round trip). Take the local bus (1, CD, CS) to Baia di Soregto to spend half the day bathing in the hot springs. Head back to Ischia Porto to indulge in the best gelato on the island at “Bar Da Ciccio”. Catch the hydrofoil back to Sorrento. Enjoy a traditional Italian evening meal at Ristorante Zi’Ntonio, back in the heart of Sorrento – don’t forget to order the Scialatielli allo scoglio!

Day 4: Amalfi – Another early start (but it’s worth it). Walk to Sorrento train station to catch the SITA bus to Amalfi (1hr30mins – €3.40 each way). Spend a beach day at the Marina Grande private beach club. Head into the centre of town to admire the Duomo di Sant’Andrea cathedral. Treat yourself to an aperol spritz, before catching the bus back to Sorrento. Enjoy a magical evening on the waterfront in Sorrento at Marina Grande, order fresh mussels from Porta Marina Seafood Restaurant, whilst watching the sunset.

Day 5: Mt Vesuvius and Herculaneum – Catch the train to Ercolana Circumvesusiana station to purchase tickets from the Vesvius Express booth. Spend the morning exploring the summit of Mount Vesuvius. Walk to nearby Herculaneum archeological ruins to experience and audio guide tour. Catch the train back to Sorrento. Dine a O’Parrucchiano restaurant, famous for inventing the Cannelloni dish over one hundred years ago.

Day 6: Capri – Time to venture to the beautiful island of Capri. Catch the high-speed ferry (Snav/Alilauro) from Marina Piccola (20mins – €19 each way). Take a boat tour around the island. Walk to the Giardini di Augusto to admire stunning views of I Faraglioni. Cool down with a lemon slush from Granita di Limone. Explore the famous Carthusia perfume factory. Stop off at Marina Piccola for lunch and relax on the beach before catching the ferry back. Enjoy dinner at Ruccio restaurant – the calamari is to die for!

Day 7: Sorrento – On the last day treat yourself to a well-deserved a lie in and chill at the Marameo Beach Club. Spend time bathing in the blue water, read a book, listen to music and over indulge with ordering a pizza to your sun bed. Head to Piazza Tasso to pick up some local souvenirs ( limoncello is a must), before watching the sunset from Villa Comunale, before enjoying a meal at Ristorante L’Abate in the ambience of live music.