I booked my first cruise like I book most things – with enthusiasm, mild panic, and zero clue what to expect. A two-night mini cruise from Southampton to Le Havre on the MSC Virtuosa felt like a safe way to dip my toe into cruise life. What I got was a whirlwind of sea views, unexpected spa trauma, and more hen parties than I’ve seen since 2006. Here’s how it went… The Balcony Cabin Was the MVP Let’s start with the win – booking a balcony cabin was hands down the best decision. After being hit with neon lights, loud music, and 3,000 people in party mode, that little private balcony became my safe space. Sea views, fresh air, a coffee in peace… bliss. Honestly, even if the rest of the cruise had been chaos (spoiler: it was), the cabin made it bearable. The Ship Was Buzzing (Possibly Too Buzzing) MSC Virtuosa is stunning – like a Vegas hotel at sea. Clean, flashy, and full of things to do. Bars, restaurants, live shows, shops, even a casino – it’s hard to get bored. We made it our mission to explore as much as possible in 48 hours, and I think we managed about 10%. Highlights? The sail away party was unreal, the cocktails were flowing, and the atmosphere was full-on holiday mode. But here’s the thing – this cruise was clearly billed as a ‘let your hair down’ kind of trip. Which was fun… but maybe not ideal for a first-timer looking for chill vibes and gentle sea breezes. Food, Drink & A Bit of a Shrug The drinks package? Absolutely worth it. Zero stress, loads of choice, and if you’re not a fan of surprise bar bills, it’s a must. The food, on the other hand, was a bit of a mixed bag. There was loads of variety, but some dishes arrived cold, and others felt a bit underwhelming. Let’s just say I didn’t go full ‘foodie cruise blogger’ on this one – but I didn’t starve either. Spa or Street Fight? Now let’s talk about the spa. I had big dreams of fluffy robes, essential oils and peaceful music. What I got was an overbooked chaotic corridor, no relaxation space, and a massage that felt like I owed someone money. Honestly, I walked out more tense than I walked in. 0/10 for serenity. Would not recommend. Le Havre & the Excursion Dilemma Here’s a tip: always research your port stops before you go. In Le Havre, the cruise line offered a shuttle into town for 14 euros… even though it was walkable. Sneaky, right? We skipped the long excursion to Paris (it was hours on a coach and an early start) and chose to explore locally. Only catch? It was Sunday. Everything was shut. We wandered around, had a coffee, and decided we’d definitely check opening hours next time. Would I Cruise Again? Absolutely. Just not like that. This was a brilliant intro to cruise life – loud, fast, a bit chaotic, but fun. Next time, I’ll go for a longer sailing, some actual downtime, and hopefully fewer inflatable unicorn costumes. But if nothing else, I learned two important lessons: Balcony cabins are essential. Always pack for chaos – mentally and physically. I might not have sea legs yet, but I’ve definitely got the cruise bug.
Parga is one of those places that steals your heart with its colourful charm, sweeping sea views, and lively Greek spirit. We recently stayed at Elena Apartments , basic but clean, with a nice balcony overlooking the pool. The bathroom occasionally flooded, and the rooms were a little on the small side, but it did the job. The pool itself was lovely, though it closed early, and the bar also shut relatively early in the evening. Exploring Parga The location of the apartments made it easy to walk downhill into town, which is full of charm with two main beach areas , one on the town side where we stayed, and the other on the Valtos side near the castle. Be prepared though , it’s hilly. Getting to Valtos beach and the castle involves quite a bit of uphill walking, especially in the heat, but the views are absolutely worth it. An early morning walk to the castle is a must , peaceful, scenic, and a great way to beat the crowds and the heat. Where to Eat and Drink Filomina , located near the castle, offers a charming and peaceful setting. 5 Senses was our absolute favourite. The courtyard setting, incredible food, and wine list had us going back twice. Sakis served great local dishes in a warm and welcoming environment. Med Bar had stunning views and excellent cocktails , perfect for a sunset drink. Dakos was a fantastic evening out with live Greek music, traditional dancing, and plate smashing, which our son especially loved. Simple Grill served some of the best gyros we’ve had in Greece , full of flavour and no fuss. Fillipas was our top pick for gyros. The tender meat, fresh pita, and generous portions made it a standout. Miam Miam offered delicious gyros right on the harbour, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal with a view. We also enjoyed the local wine served by the carafe , great quality and very reasonably priced. As for beer, Alpha in an iced glass became our go to every evening. Day Trips and Activities A boat trip to Antipaxos , absolutely stunning and a highlight of the trip. The Acheron River offered a beautiful and mythical day out surrounded by nature. A mini train ride up to the nearby mountain villages was a fun and relaxed way to explore the area. Meteora made for a longer day out but was well worth the journey to see the dramatic monasteries. Lichnos Beach was easily reached by water taxi and perfect for a change of scene. Final Thoughts Parga truly has something for everyone. From lazy beach days and scenic boat trips to hillside walks and lively nights out, it balances tradition and fun beautifully. Yes, it’s hilly, but the views, food, and charm make every climb worthwhile. Our 13 year old especially loved the Greek night at Dakos and the buzzing atmosphere of the town. Whether it was gyros by the harbour, a sunset cocktail, or exploring the castle at sunrise, Parga gave us a mix of relaxation and adventure we’ll never forget.
In a world where holidays can be booked with a few taps online, you might wonder if travel agents are still relevant. The truth is, now more than ever, working with a trusted travel professional gives you more value, more security, and far less stress. At Explore Escapes, we do more than just book holidays. We create seamless, tailored experiences with complete financial protection and support at every step. Here's why using a travel agent in 2025 makes all the difference. Expert Knowledge – Tailored to You We do not rely on algorithms or generic packages. We listen. Whether it is your first cruise, a family trip with accessibility needs, or a luxurious city break, we match your wishlist to the perfect destination, hotel, and itinerary. We have travelled extensively, lived abroad, and handled every kind of trip – from mini breaks to complex multi-stop holidays. You are not just getting a booking; you are getting insider advice, personalised options, and a holiday planned by someone who truly understands travel. Financial Protection You Can Rely On When you book with Explore Escapes, your money is safe. We are proud members of Protected Trust Services (PTS), which means: Your payments go into a secure, independently managed trust account Funds are only released when your travel is confirmed You are fully protected under the UK Package Travel Regulations For flight-based packages, we also work with ATOL-protected suppliers, so you are covered in the unlikely event of airline or company failure. Real People, Real Support Things can and do go wrong – from flight delays to last-minute changes. The difference with us? You will not be stuck on hold with a call centre. You will speak to us directly. We are here before, during, and after your trip, with genuine support, not scripted responses. It is like having your own personal travel concierge. Transparent Pricing – No Hidden Fees Online deals are not always what they seem. Hidden charges, poor room allocation, and lack of ATOL protection can turn a bargain into a problem. We offer clear, honest pricing with no unexpected add-ons. Plus, we can often match or beat quotes from larger companies – with a far more personalised service. We Handle the Details – So You Do Not Have To From travel insurance and special requests to excursions and accessibility needs, we take care of the details you might forget. We also work closely with specialist care staff for supported travel holidays, so all clients – regardless of their needs – can enjoy a stress-free escape. Ready to Plan Your Next Escape? At Explore Escapes, we are more than just agents. We are your travel partners. Our goal is simple: to make sure every trip you take is safe, memorable, and perfectly tailored to you. Get in touch today and let us turn your travel ideas into reality – the stress-free way.
Looking for a laid-back, sun-soaked escape with real Cretan charm? Tucked into the hills above the busy coastline is Koutouloufari – a peaceful village that instantly makes you feel like you’ve found the real Crete. We based ourselves here on a recent trip and loved every second. We stayed at the Adonis Apartments, a basic but spotlessly clean spot with a lovely pool, peaceful vibe, and sun loungers always available (no sunrise towel battles here!). Ben, the manager, was incredibly helpful—pointing us towards the best beaches, sights, and foodie spots nearby. It’s just a short walk up into the village, but do bear in mind the hill is fairly steep, so it may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties or wheelchair users. The Village Triangle: Koutouloufari, Piskopiano & Old Hersonissos Koutouloufari is part of a trio of traditional Cretan villages, along with Piskopiano and Old Hersonissos. Each one has a relaxed, authentic feel with narrow lanes, friendly locals, and plenty of tavernas and cafés to discover. You could easily spend your evenings hopping between them. Local Food Highlights: Where to Eat (and What Not to Miss) Nikos the Fisherman (Koutouloufari) – Easily the best seafood risotto we’ve ever had. Cosy, friendly, and full of flavour. Emmanuel’s Taverna (Koutouloufari) – The slow-cooked lamb dish here was out of this world. Rich, tender, and full of traditional Cretan flavour. Loakasti (Koutouloufari) – A little pricier, but absolutely worth it. Delicious, elegant dishes in a gorgeous setting. Marcel’s (Koutouloufari) – Don’t miss the white sangria. Trust us. Zachos (Old Hersonissos) – Generous portions, great prices, and a true family-run feel. Sofas (Old Hersonissos) – Warm hospitality and big flavours. Taverna 1930 (Old Hersonissos) – A hidden gem with a magical atmosphere, especially when the music starts and the square lights up. Day Trips Worth Doing Stalis – A relaxed beach resort with soft sand, gentle waves, and plenty of seaside cafés. Rethymnon – Full of character with its Venetian harbour, winding alleys, and historical buildings. Elounda – Stylish, peaceful, and perfect for a quiet coastal stroll or boat trip. Agios Nikolaos – Built around a lake and full of charm, boutique shops, and gorgeous views. Spinalonga – A fascinating island with a haunting past, once used as a leper colony. It’s hot with little to no shade, so be prepared with water, sunscreen, and something to cover up. An interesting and educational experience—but definitely pack for the heat! Malia – A mix of traditional charm in the Old Town and lively vibes in the newer part. The beach is beautiful and there’s loads to do—from arcades to beachfront bars and water sports. Final Thoughts Koutouloufari and its neighbouring villages offer a blend of traditional charm, amazing food, and easy access to some of Crete’s best day trips. It’s a great spot if you want to unwind without being too far from the action. Fancy experiencing Crete the Explore Escapes way? We can help you build a tailored holiday packed with hidden gems, good food, and Greek sunshine. Message us to start planning! Getting Around & Local Tips One of the great things about staying in this area is how well connected it is. Public buses run regularly and are reliable and affordable, making it easy to get around without hiring a car. If you fancy a beach day, a taxi to Stalis beach costs around €5. You can also walk down to Hersonissos, which is roughly 1km away downhill. The walk back, however, is steep and can be tough in the midday heat—thankfully, taxis are readily available and reasonably priced. For something a little different, check out the local Greek night in Mochos. This traditional village comes alive with live music, dancing, and authentic food in the square. It's a brilliant way to experience local culture and well worth the short trip up into the mountains. We also hired a car from Orion Car Hire and couldn’t recommend them more. Emmanuel Katsoulakis was friendly and helpful—he even gave us a lift back to Old Hersonissos for our dinner reservation after we returned the car. Top-class service! Hersonissos itself is much livelier than the villages—packed with bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, and family-friendly attractions like go-karting and a water park. It’s a bit like Blackpool in the sun—lively, fun, and full of energy. Final Thoughts Although Hersonissos wasn’t quite our scene, our 13-year-old absolutely loved it and had a blast spending his euros on treats, games, and souvenirs. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’ve got kids to keep entertained! The beach at Stalis was one of our favourites—soft sand, calm sea, and a relaxed atmosphere. But we found ourselves drawn back to the villages, mooching around the quirky little shops, soaking up the charm, and enjoying the slower pace of life. We didn’t even manage to try half of the restaurants, which means only one thing—another visit is definitely on the cards.
We’re Gaynor and James – two paramedics who’ve spent years dealing with emergencies, night shifts, and the kind of chaos you can’t make up. But in between the 12-hour shifts and back-to-back callouts, we had something else in common: a shared love of travel. Fast forward a few years (and quite a few holiday chats over tea and Prosecco), and Explore Escapes was born. Here’s how two paramedics ended up planning holidays instead of handling 999 calls. Why Travel? For both of us, travel was always the escape. Whether it was city breaks, cruises, or beach holidays, getting away gave us something to look forward to – a reset after the stress and emotional toll of the job. We knew how important it was to switch off, slow down, and make memories. We also knew how hard it was to find someone who actually *gets* what kind of break you need when life’s been hectic. The Turning Point It wasn’t one big ‘aha’ moment. It was more like a slow build – chatting about holidays, helping friends plan theirs, realising we had the passion (and let’s be honest, the obsession) to actually do this properly. So we decided to stop just talking about travel and start building something. How Explore Escapes Started We launched as a fully independent travel agency – no call centres, no scripts, and definitely no generic packages. Just us, helping people plan trips the way we’d want someone to plan ours. It’s personal, it’s honest, and it’s based on real-life experience – from cheap getaways to 5-star stays. What Makes Us Different We’ve been the stressed-out parents trying to book a break on a budget. We’ve travelled solo, with kids, with partners, and on group holidays. We know how precious time off is – and how much pressure there is to make it count. We bring the same calm, care, and organisation we used as paramedics into planning holidays. It’s just a different kind of emergency now – lost passports instead of lost pulses. From One Job to Another This isn’t just a business for us – it’s something we genuinely love. Travel gave us joy when we needed it most, and now we get to help others find that feeling too. So whether you’re after a weekend escape, a cruise, or a full-on reset, we’ve got you. And no blue lights required.
The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.
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