Travel with Kat

14 fabulous quirky places to swim around the world

Have you ever dreamed of swimming in a crystal clear pool surrounded by a lush green jungle? Is a Polar plunge in the Antarctic on your bucket list? They’re both on mine, that’s for sure. To inspire such dreaming and to help you make some of them come true, I asked my fellow travel bloggers about the most unusual places they’ve ever been swimming. From an onsen in Japan filled with red wine to a…

The benefits cold water swimming (and why I love the Bluetit Chill Swimmers)

I step gingerly into the clear, cold seawater. It’s spring, the sun is shining but it’s not that warm on the south coast of England. Squeals, giggles and whoops of laughter fill the air. I’m determined. I’ve swum in water this cold before, I’m sure. But this time it’s different. This time, I’m part of a flock. A flock of Bluetits no less! The water is past my waist now. With a gasp, I immerse my…

The prettiest villages in England

England is home to no end of idyllic villages dotted around the country’s rolling hills, valleys and coastlines in some of the most picturesque landscapes imaginable. We’ve collated this guide to the prettiest villages in England. Each one will whisk you away to a bygone era, although in the summer months you’ll need to arrive early to avoid the crowds that flock to the best known of them. Check…

Where to see the best of England’s flower fields this summer

Picture the scene, it’s a glorious summer’s day, with a clear blue sky overhead, the sun sinks low in the sky and casts a golden glow over the seemingly neverending rows of sunflowers. Perhaps you’d prefer pastel stripes of delphiniums or a vast field of wildflowers? Not forgetting the quintessentially English fields of lavender. A heady floral scent lingers in the air as pretty girls in floppy…

The best beer gardens and alfresco dining in London

From flower-filled pub gardens to riverside fine dining, there is no end of wonderful places with outdoor areas to eat and drink in London. Together with some of my fellow bloggers I’ve brought together this list of our favourites. Each one offers something a little different. Each has its own unique atmosphere. And each one is a great spot for a drink or a bite to eat alfresco. Read on to…

Where and what to eat in Manilla, Philippines

What comes to mind when you think of the Philippines? Secluded islands surrounded by coral reefs. Endless sandy, palm-backed beaches lapped by crystal clear turquoise water. Lively cities, colourful markets and a sizzling tropical climate. The Philippines is all this and so much more. There’s plenty to dream about when you plan a visit to the Philippines and, let’s face it, we could all do with…

Goan cuisine | A guide to the food of Goa

Top ten things to eat in Nagoya and where to find them

When I visited Nagoya, Japan’s third-largest city, I came across food I loved as well as food I hated. I regretted not having done my homework before I went. If only I had met Lena! She’s a real expert when it comes to food in Nagoya. In this guest post, she introduces you to the local Nagoya cuisine, firstly with five dishes every Westerner will love. Followed by five dishes that may seem a…

Bite Away Review | How to treat insect bites and stings

“The best way to prevent flea bites is to be by someone the fleas find tastier.” Explained an expert in Entomology (the study of insects) in a lecture I once attended as a student of Zoology. This rule apparently is the same for any biting insect. The problem is, I’m usually the tastiest person in the room as far as mosquitoes and the like are concerned! Wherever I travel and whatever precautions…

Walking in the South Downs National Park

Standing by the restored windmill, the white sails and red terracotta tiles look glorious against the deep blue sky. Surrounding me, the 360-degree views are breath-taking. The rolling hills of Sussex, some covered in woodland, others blanketed in a layer of barley, spread out into the distance. To the south-west, beyond the spire of Chichester Cathedral and the glistening sea, the Isle of Wight…

How to find the best last minute travel deals

Travelling is a fabulous stress buster. It’s been proved to be good for you in many ways. With the world in lockdown, many of us have been getting very itchy feet. Slowly restrictions are being lifted, so whether you are considering a staycation or a holiday further afield I hope these tips about finding the best holiday and last minute travel deals will be useful and save you both time and…

Jacara Shoes Review | Insect repelling, waterproof shoes from Craghoppers

The wildlife of Borneo and the Kinabatangan River

A low-lying mist hangs over the water. The sun peeps above the treeline as a family of long-tailed macaque monkeys explore the lower tree branches along the riverbanks. Adults sit surveying the scene as youngsters jump from bough to bough before pausing to select a tender young leaf to chew. It’s breakfast time across the floodplain of the Lower Kinabatangan River. A proboscis monkey yawns, its…

From glorious untouched nature and crystal clear seas to colourful urban culture and stunning Game of Thrones locations, Croatia, and its eclectic attractions, are waiting to be discovered. In the last 10 years, this fascinating country has been the fastest-rising vacation destination in Europe. And, while it can get crowded in Dubrovnik and Split, particularly in August and July, in the main,…

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There’s something magical about sleeping under canvas and, while I‘m more partial to glampingthan camping these days,…

We may not be able to travel far at the moment but if like me, you enjoy travelling with your taste buds, I’ve plenty of delicious recipes to share with you collected on my travels. Today’s Zuppa Gallurese recipe from the Italian island of Sardinia is real comfort food at its best. It’s both tasty and filling and a great way to use up stale bread.

I first tried Zuppa Gallurese during a traditiona…

I close my eyes and soak up the gentle warmth of the late afternoon sun on my face. The pool water refreshes me after the long drive over the Western Ghats. Beyond the palm trees that edge the pool, the waterways of Kerala flow by. Tomorrow we’ll be heading out in a converted rice boat, one of the highlights of my time in southern India. Tonight, however, we are staying in the paradisal hotel,…