Memorable Travels...

Mariellen Ward
Toronto, Canada

I've always wanted to visit...everywhere in India. Despite already having visited nine states there, the places I didn't get to - Varanasi, Jaisalmer, Darjeeling, Ladakh, Calcutta, Ranthambore Park - are now the places I most want to visit. The India list will never end ...

Best airport...The tiny Flintstones-like airport in Koh Samui, Thailand. The airport building itself was just a roof with pillars made of wood. Our luggage was just placed on the ground by the side of the very short airstrip. Very rustic, totally charming.

Favourite hotel...The Ajit Bhavan in Jodhpur is a Garden of Eden in the Rajasthan desert. Originally, it was the swanky home of the maharajah's son. I felt like a princess swimming in the grotto-like pool. And in the evening when a sand storm hit, I felt I was in the Arabian Nights. You can stay in charming, circular adobe cabins or luxurious tents. Heavenly.

Most memorable meal... in the centre of Delhi, in an open-air rooftop restaurant overlooking the 12th century ruins in Hauz Khas. It was sweltering hot, and huge fans, with built-in hoses spraying a fine mist at us, cooled things off a bit as we ate the best lamb ever. A huge piece of tenderly marinated meat ... it took us an hour or more to finish it off.

I'm proudest of...At the age of 45, I put on a backpack for the first time in my life and travelled by myself for six months in India.

The souvenir I always bring back is...The feeling that I have truly experienced life.

Tessa Mills
Director, Career Break Guru

I've always wanted to visit....Cuba, especially as in a few years it will have changed so much. 

Best airport...Singapore - all those orchids and coi carp and a sense of calm as I shoppped for hours until my flight.

Favourite hotel...Le Quatier Francais in Franschoek, South Africa.  A classy colourful boutigue gem with individually styled rooms and the best and most innovative breakfast I have ever had.

Most memorable meal...Champagne and a full and traditional English breakfast in the Serengeti after an early morning balloon flight.

I'm proudest of...actually going on my grown up gap year despite my anxieties.

The souvenir I always bring back is...a cooking implement from the country I've been to. I love authentic food and cooking something in a traditional manner always brings the memories back.

Richard Johnson
Intrepid Traveller, London

I've always wanted to visit...South America. History, beauty, intrigue and relaxation all rolled into one.

Best airport...Patong Beach Airport – imagine landing so close to the beach you can see what factor sun cream people are using!

Favourite hotel...Amari Boulevard in Bangkok, Thailand. An oasis of quiet and beauty in the manic and vibrant streets of central Bangkok. The rooftop pool was a highlight.

Most memorable meal... Eating crocodile and kangaroo in Cairns, a snappy assault on the senses.

I'm proudest of...being able to find my way safely around the world when some days I miss the turning off the M40 to Birmingham.

The souvenir I always bring back is...The postcards I forget to send whilst I’m there…and an empty bank account.

Emma Mills
Senior consultant, GYG

I've always wanted to visit...China. I think it's such a fascinating and terrfying place, all at the same time.

Best airport...Skipol in Amsterdam. There's a great coffee shop there with floor to ceiling windows, and it's quiet and efficient.

Favourite hotel...Killa Bahwan in Jaiselmer, Rajasthan. Built into the fort wall it's an incredible find, like a tiny castle with a view of the city and desert beyond. It's simple and classic - and the owners are wonderful - it's like staying with friends.

Most memorable meal...Chez Bruno in Positano, Italy. It's a wonderful Italian restaurant, with an incredible view of the moutains and the beach. One night there was an impromptu concert on the beach with choral singing, fireworks and candlight. The music echoed off the hills and the atmosphere was magical.

I'm proudest of...travelling around the world by myself when I was 17.
The souvenir I always bring back is...a bracelet. When I had my gap year I ended up with 21 bracelets when I got home. It made a great talking point when I met people and was a unique way to map my trip.