TRAVELABROOD

by Henri Currie When I moved to Japan for a 6-month stint with my job, I had one goal in mind – immerse in as much of its unique nature and cuisine as I possibly could. Hokkaido , Japan’s far north island, was at the top of my list for a getaway that would provide both. Just a 2-hour flight from Tokyo, it’s impossible to cover all of Hokkaido’s wonders in a week and you will quickly find yourself shortlisting day-hikes and ramen shops. Whilst it is typically a winter and ski destination, the island offers a host of memorable adventures from toddlers through to grandparents. For me, it was a solo 8-day road-trip covering Chitose to the Shiretoko Peninsula and every summit in between. I visited Hokkaido in mid-October (7-15th ), at the tail-end of the hiking season. Although the autumn colours typically peak in late September, they were a bit later this year and I got to enjoy a variety of lush green and vibrant autumn hues, as well as snow on the higher peaks. Temperatures ranged f...

 LISBON, CASCAIS & SINTRA September 2023 Albufeira We drove from Spain to Lisbon via Albufeira in the Algarve  region of southern Portugal. The Algarve is popular with British travellers who can fly from London and be on the beach in under three hours. The region also has many internationally acclaimed golf courses, along with resorts, fabulous food, cycle trails and boat tours. It would be very easy to spend a week or two exploring the area.  Arriving in Lisbon late afternoon, we dropped our car off at the airport and ubered to the Wine & Books Hotel in Belem. Located within walking distance of Belem Tower , the Maritime Museum , the Archaeology Museum , Jeronimos Monastery and of course the famous Pasteis de Belem  (home of the original and best Portuguese custard tarts), the suburb of Belem is a good half hour drive from Lisbon city centre.  CASCAIS Cascais is about an hour west of Lisbon and regarded as the Portuguese Riviera. Easily reachable by t...

MADRID, CORDOBA, SEVILLE & CADIZ (and a day trip to Segovia) September 2023 Our recent trip to Spain and Portugal had been in the making for a least two years. We booked our flights with extra-legroom seats as soon as we could and avidly watched Somebody Feed Phil and James Blick's Spain Revealed  YouTube channel to whet our appetite even further.  Arriving in Madrid we were on the hop to drop our bags at The BLESS Hotel before heading straight out to our late lunch booking at restaurant Botin . Founded in 1725, Botin (according to the Guinness Book of Records) is the earliest restaurant in the world and is famous for its suckling pig. We don't usually get caught up in touristy restaurants; however, Botin is an institution and there was no better way to spend a drizzly Sunday afternoon, tired and hungry than having a very yummy lunch. When you think about Spain, you automatically think about bullfighting and Matadors. The Las Ventas Bullring is the largest bullring in M...