France, Croatia and UAE

Europe was my destination last year. I always love to visit past favourite destinations combined with new – so back to Paris again it was. I love Paris. I’m losing count of how many times I have been. This time I stayed in the centrally located 1^st Arrondissement. I do like to stay in this area as I can walk to all my favourite haunts; over to the Tuileries Gardens at 7am every morning admiring the beauty of the gardens, the fountains, past the Big Wheel at Place de la Concorde, up to Champs-Elysee and arriving at my favourite café for breakfast. Just watching those beautiful Parisian women walking past with such style that I admire. Energised again, I walk all the little back streets over to the Eiffel Tower. Yes, I can’t help it – it beckons me every time. This visit was slightly different though, one of my daughters wanted to hire one of those eCityBikes you see everywhere in the streets of Paris. It has been a long time since I have been on a bike. So off we went – best decision. Down through the area of St. Germain and over to the Notre Dame, then finally back home. Yes, all in one day. I love Paris!

New destination – I’ve always wanted to go and finally landed in Croatia. I will definitely be going back. Unspoilt beaches, Roman and Mediaeval ruins and shopping. I didn’t have time to explore the Island Hopping (that will be next time). After two nights in Split, we picked up our car hire. I tell everyone to get their international drivers licence, I am so pedantic about it. But what did I forget? My drivers licence. So my daughter had to do the driving with me in the direction seat. Let’s just say it would have made a very good TV show watching our exchanges. We had the best time, I can’t believe how easy it is to drive the roads. We saw some of the most prettiest towns, all fringed with the most gorgeous beach with the outer islands twinkling in the sun. Well, the jewel awaited me at the end. We arrived in the UNESCO World Heritage Listed old city of Dubrovnik, and stayed in a hotel overlooking the old town. I could have, and did, spend days wandering the streets, eating at the gorgeous restaurants, and yes again, shopping. I am going back to Croatia.

I finished this trip in Dubai. Where do I finish Europe every time? In Dubai. Pristine beaches, incredible shopping, world class restaurants, amazing architecture to intriguing culture – the UAE has everything for me. Not to mention their beautiful weather. If it reaches above 30 degrees, I am happy.

This year I am travelling around the world. Las Vegas, New York, Europe, Dubai and the Maldives. My first four weeks off in eight years! I will keep you posted.

Written by

Wendy McSwaine

Business Class, Luxury and Travel Specialist

Feature Image Credit: Pexels