Despite being editor-in-chief of Travel Weekly, I actually don’t get to travel anywhere near as much as many
of my team.
But the last couple of weeks have seen me hotfooting it from the UK to the French Alps, then out to Vietnam via Singapore. In fact, I’m writing this from the amazing Ho Chi Minh City where I’m moderating Clia’s first global river cruise event in Asia.
It’s great to experience first-hand some of the products and destinations that we write about, and you sell, week in, week out.
Last week, while staying in a fantastic Pierres & Vacances apartment in Belle Plagne, I visited Neilson’s new Turquoise chalet hotel – perfect for families after a day on the slopes.
Twenty four hours later I was checking in at Heathrow for a Singapore Airlines flight and was wowed by the onboard food, comfort and service.
Here in Ho Chi Minh, seeing really is believing. I’d heard how frenetic the city was, but nothing prepares you for crossing the road.
There are mopeds everywhere – even on the pavements – and they stop for nothing. We saw one carrying a family of five and a chicken!
The noise, sights and smells are truly incredible – what a privilege to experience it.
I’m travelling again in the next few weeks to see Carnival Horizon in Italy, to the launch of Marella Explorer in Barcelona and to the Advantage conference in Miami.
Just as here in Vietnam, I’m looking forward to making the most of seeing and experiencing new places because, after all, that’s what this wonderful industry of ours is all about.