Perhaps a mysterious gravitational force is what draws me inexorably back to amazing Thaiand. This beautiful country and her kind and gracious hosts never fail to disappoint, and there are always more beautiful islands to explore for the first time. After all, this is one of the world's premier travel destinations. The only change I would note since my last visit is the recent obligation for travellers to complete an online form prior to arrival, but it's a breeze and only takes a few minutes. To the best of my recollection the immigration official didn't even look at the QR code, and it seems a drama free entry is still pretty much a formality. Anecdotally I had heard a lot…

Well then dear reader, it's time to fly over Spain in order to continue the island hopping adventures. To be honest this is the first time I've gone from a destination in the Atlantic Ocean to arrive at an island in the Mediterranean Sea. How awesome an experience is that!I I boarded an Air Iberia flight from Tenerife which featured a stopover in Madrid, and then headed on to the legendary island of Ibiza. I'm thrilled to be here after all these years, this is most certainly a dream destination for your intrepid travel correspondent! I can finally cross the world famous party destination off the bucket list. With its somewhat notorious reputation I didn't really know what to expect.…

It was way back in 2019 while travelling in French Polynesia that a fellow traveller planted the seed of a visit to the Azores. Mind you, many years have passed since embarking on that incredible adventure, but like all committed travellers when a destination is put on the bucket list it's only a matter of time before it inevitably gets checked off! My friend, a remote worker, advised if there was anywhere in the world she would like to settle it would be the Azores, now that's some recommendation and always stuck in my mind. Well, finally I have the opportunity to see what all the fuss is about, and the chance to visit the Macaronesian Islands proved to be…

It's a privilege having the opportunity to revisit Europe after a long six-year hiatus. I had almost given up on the thought of coming again to explore the old continent, with all that has transpired in recent years. But here I am, flying with China Eastern via a stopover in Shanghai, and then catching an onward flight to legendary Madrid. I jumped on the subway and with one change of lines was close to my hostel, and as soon as I reached street level the scene hit me like a thunderbolt. The elegant street pavements and classical architecture of the old buildings in Central Madrid are so beautiful it nearly makes one's heart fit to burst. Wow, was all I…