EXPERIENCES
6 of The Best Caribbean Beaches
By Donna Dailey
Experiences | 16/08/2019
No matter where you chose to go, a good beach is a must. Both island and mainland tourist spots offer hundreds of busy beaches and quiet coves. Below are six notable beaches in three very different...
Top 15 Holiday Reads
By Lorraine Loveland
Experiences | 09/08/2019
From biographies and non-fiction bestsellers, which will keep you connected with the real world, or escapism at the hands of a psychological thriller or chick-lit favourite - there's a book out there...
Florida Holidays For Thrill and Chill
By Natasha Hegarty
Experiences | 07/08/2019
Florida is packed with things to do, so it all depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re a Disney lover this is the most magical place on Earth to visit in Orlando, and for those who want all the...
Drinks From Around The World
By Will Hetherington
Experiences | 02/08/2019
Clearly International Beer Day does not carry the same political resonance as International Women’s Day or World Holocaust Day, but we shouldn’t underestimate the social importance of beer and other...
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Fun 2019
By Charli Nice
Experiences | 31/07/2019
Situated on the east coast of the country on the estuary of the River Forth, Edinburgh has been the Scottish capital since the 15th century and is home to two distinct world heritage sites: the Old...
Travel Tales Of The Unexpected - Places To Go For Something Different
By Lorraine Loveland
Experiences | 26/07/2019
Here are six places packed with suggestions of ways to spend a day and uncover something different, far from the tourist crowd.
The Best Food And Drink Festivals Around The World
By Charli Nice
Experiences | 24/07/2019
Eat, drink, sleep, repeat. The only thing better than food and wine is when they combine into a perfectly planned festival. From sampling local delicacies to trying tantalising tastes from afar,...
Eight Of The World’s Best Waterparks
By Lorraine Loveland
Experiences | 19/07/2019
For an action-packed day out with the whole family, Siam Park in Tenerife takes some beating. The park is regularly voted one of the best in the world and for a number of very good...
Four Great Golf Destinations
By Peter Ellegard
Experiences | 17/07/2019
This beautiful corner of the UK is not only packed with superb golf courses, it is a great holiday destination too, offering everything from sandy beaches to the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, and...
Top Things To Do In Umbria, Italy
By Jeanette Parkin
Experiences | 12/07/2019
The ‘green heart’ of Italy charms visitors with its wooded peaks, hilltop towns and sunsets the colour of amber. Its attractions are subtle, letting the slow burn of love for this region...
Top Holiday Packing Tips
By Sarah Lee
Experiences | 10/07/2019
"When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money," said writer Susan Heller Anderson, and they are wise words that should be...
Celebrate US Independence Day With Travel
By Valerie Nicholas, RCI Member
Experiences | 03/07/2019
Valerie Nicholas and her husband, Robin, have been RCI members for over 30 years and have travelled extensively the world over, using their RCI membership, but Las Vegas tops their list of the best...
How To Take Great Holiday Photos
By Charlotte Semark
Experiences | 28/06/2019
I’m by no means an expert, but I’ve had a lot of practice, and I hope my helpful hints snag you some good shots this summer.
48 hours in Antalya
By Lorraine Loveland
Experiences | 26/06/2019
Divide your time between both the sand and the city to get a healthy dose of action and relaxation and enjoy the best of both holiday worlds.
The Best Things To See And Do In Portugal And Madeira
By Lorraine Loveland
Experiences | 19/06/2019
Here are the best things to experience in Albufeira, a coastal city in the southern Algarve region of Portugal and Funchal in Madeira, part of the Portuguese archipelago most known for its outdoor...
Time Away For Father's Day
By Helen Foster
Experiences | 14/06/2019
Even if you have got your Father's Day gift wrapped up, read on, because you might want to consider a gift for next year that takes some planning, such as a holiday! And for those of us who leave...
Top 5 Things To Do In Budapest
By Jodie Treston
Experiences | 12/06/2019
After browsing various holiday destination websites, reading many a TripAdvisor review and several 'discussions' later, my partner Tom and I decided we wanted to visit beautiful Budapest -...
Dreaming Of Phuket
By Carmel Smith, RCI Member
Experiences | 07/06/2019
Over our 30 years as RCI members, we have taken around 21 exchanges as well as several trips back to our home resort in Marbella, which we love. We visited our home resort a lot when the children...
6 Great Things To Do Around Lake Michigan
By Donna Dailey
Experiences | 05/06/2019
Lake Michigan is the third-largest of the five Great Lakes that lie along the US-Canadian border. Its name comes from a Native American word meaning ‘great water’, a description that many would say...
Adventures In Athens
By Natasha Hegarty
Experiences | 31/05/2019
As one of the oldest, and most interesting cities on Earth, Athens is a place that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. Like an outdoor museum, the ancient city boasts incredible ruins and...
Inspirational India
By Neelima Vallangi
Experiences | 29/05/2019
With crystal clear waters and a gorgeous white-sand beach, Cavelossim is a perfect getaway for swimming in the quiet waters or enjoying light watersports, such as parasailing and windsurfing. Not...
Learning The Lingo: Top Tips To Master Another Language
By Lorraine Loveland
Experiences | 24/05/2019
Here are some tips – from the traditional to the more unusual – to allocate time to learning a new language before, during and after your holiday. In no time you will be reaping the rewards and...
Playtime On Lanzarote
By Alice Kearney, RCI member
Experiences | 22/05/2019
We are RCI Platinum members and know how to use the exchange system well to get the best holidays. Owning four weeks at Club Las Calas (1448), right at the heart of Puerto del Carmen, it was always...
The South Africa Safari Guide To The Best Wildlife Encounters
By Lorraine Loveland
Experiences | 15/05/2019
Whether you are looking for a romantic break for two, or a family adventure, you’ll find a diverse and fascinating mix of options here in these blogs to tempt and delight. But one of the...
Three European Destinations For Your Next Holiday
By Steve Adams
Experiences | 10/05/2019
Because that’s really what Europe Day celebrates, as 9 May marks the anniversary of the ‘Schuman Declaration’, a speech given in 1950 by the then French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, during which...
Friends On Tour: The Best Breaks With Your Besties
By Lorraine Loveland
Experiences | 08/05/2019
It’s loud and raucous, offers fabulous weather and round-the-clock entertainment. A week in Las Vegas is a group holiday dream, catering to every taste and budget.
Start as you mean to go on,...
The Four Best Things To Do In Mexico
By Lorraine Loveland
Experiences | 03/05/2019
Mexico is so diverse it has an uncanny ability to tune into your preferred pace of travel. Whether you like a chilled out rhythm or love nothing more than getting the adrenaline going, it's all...
Holiday To Infinity… And Beyond!
By Jem Pearce
Experiences | 01/05/2019
International Space Day falls annually on the first Friday in May to celebrate the achievements and benefits of space travel, to provoke thought about what may lie beyond our own planet’s atmosphere...
Summer And Winter Holidays In Finland
By Helen Foster
Experiences | 24/04/2019
With 24 hours of sunshine a day in Lapland, and up to 19 hours of it in southern Finland, this country deserves its romantic title of The Land Of The Midnight Sun. In the south, summer kicks off in...
Easter Festivals Around The World
By Steve Adams
Experiences | 17/04/2019
The celebrations of Holy Week – which runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday – commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and involve festivals, processions, passion plays,...
Disney For Adults, Not Just For Kids
By Holly Foster
Experiences | 12/04/2019
Let’s start with the top tips and how you can get the best experience from your trip to Walt Disney World.
I’ll begin by saying that if you plan out your trip before you go, it will save you a lot...
Four Of The Best Local Markets
By Lorraine Loveland
Experiences | 10/04/2019
From discovering age-old traditions, through handmade crafts on sale to sparking conversations with locals while shopping for some freshly-picked ingredients for traditional recipes, markets are the...
Top 5 Things To Do In Gran Canaria
By Natasha Hegarty
Experiences | 03/04/2019
Known for its fabulous coast, year-round sunshine, and beautiful scenery, there is so much to keep you entertained on this diverse and exciting island. Here’s our top five things to do on...
Special Destinations for Mother’s Day
By Sarah Lee
Experiences | 29/03/2019
With the rush of daily life, few of us get to spend as much time as we might like with our parents. A trip over Mother’s Day gives us an opportunity to take in some great European destinations, full...
Music Festivals For Families
By Steve Adams
Experiences | 27/03/2019
Love music and music festivals but think they’re just a distant memory now you’ve got children? Think again – a growing number of festivals cater to families and children, with many making that...
Three Iconic European Cities On A Shoestring Budget
By Will Hetherington
Experiences | 22/03/2019
Barcelona really is one of the world’s most exciting cities. Ever since the 1992 Summer Olympics it’s been on an upward popularity curve, not least because this was the event which inspired the city...
Your 2019 Holiday Hotlist
By Jemma Pearce
Experiences | 20/03/2019
In our 2019 top holiday picks, we’ve included some new ways to revisit old favourites, taking you off the well-trodden tourist path. We also hope to inspire you with some destinations further afield...
St Patrick's Day Traditions
By Helen Foster
Experiences | 15/03/2019
Think St Patrick's Day and you will be thinking shamrocks and a proliferation of green, everywhere. I had often wondered how the shamrock came to be the elevated symbol of Ireland. While looking into...
Follow The Planes
By Steve Adams
Experiences | 08/03/2019
The early part of a new calendar year always brings plenty of holiday tips and ideas, with all manner of travel writers and experts telling us which are the ‘hot spots’ to visit in the year...
The World's Best Carnivals
By Charli Nice
Experiences | 06/03/2019
Carnivals last for days - or even weeks - with both locals and tourists celebrating and having fun together. Here are just a few of our favourite carnivals to whet your appetite and inspire...
Washington DC Road Trip
By Donna Dailey
Experiences | 01/03/2019
From atop the ridge, we looked down into the blanket of misty grey fog that filled the Shenandoah Valley. Above us, there was blue sky and sunshine. We sat on the rocks, enjoying the cool morning air...
A Weekend In Malta
By Lorraine Loveland
Experiences | 27/02/2019
Check in at your hotel and enjoy all the on-resort facilities for the afternoon. Make full use of the pool and spa to rejuvenate your weary bones ready for a full on city break adventure.
Resort...
Gorgeous Goa
By Neelima Vallangi
Experiences | 22/02/2019
Blessed with a stretch of stunning coastline peppered with forgotten ramparts, abandoned forts and fringed by villages that still retain their rustic charm, there’s more to the tiny state of Goa than...
Easter Holiday Planning
By Steve Adams
Experiences | 20/02/2019
Are you looking forward to the end of term and the next school holiday? The two-week Easter break is a great time to bid farewell to winter and embrace the spring, swapping the cold dark days for...
Thinking Ski? Think Scandinavia...
By Shelley Burton, Ski Enthusiast
Experiences | 08/02/2019
Scandinavia has long been a mecca for skiing, in both the downhill and Nordic forms of the sport. So when you are thinking outside the box and planning your next ski holiday, why not...
Colourful Culture In Vietnam
By Beverly Rhodes, RCI member
Experiences | 06/02/2019
When their daughter Rhiannon came along, the Rhodes knew that they wanted to use their membership to have amazing family holidays and see as much of the world as possible. When Rhiannon was just...
Top 5 Things To Do In Barcelona
By Holly Foster, RCI Intern
Experiences | 11/01/2019
Let's start with the city's hugely impressive basilica, the Sagrada Família. This iconic building has been under construction for 137 years and isn't set to be completed until 2026. It was...
Road Trip through Andalucia’s White Towns
by Donna Dailey
Experiences | 28/12/2018
Chains of ruggedly beautiful mountains form the backdrop to a picture book of rural views. Vast fields of sunflowers ripple across the valleys. Real black fighting bulls – more often seen on hilltop...
Where To Holiday In 2019
Lorraine Loveland
Experiences | 21/12/2018
Suffering from holiday inspiration block? Here are the top four destinations RCI staff have been inspired to visit next year. Already been there, and done that? Well read on, as we bring you fresh...
72 Hours In... Lapland
By Mary Anne Evans
Experiences | 12/12/2018
Remember when Christmas was a'coming and the geese were getting fat and you woke up with that toe-curling, stomach-crunching feeling of almost painful anticipation? And now it's been replaced by a...
12 Destinations For Christmas
By Lorraine Loveland
Experiences | 07/12/2018
The colourful port city of Bodrum on the west coast of Turkey, is fringed by the Aegean and has a distinctly European feel. Ease yourself in with a scenic boat trip across the dazzling waters of...
'Tis The Season'... For A Winter Holiday In Scotland
By Donna Dailey, Travel Writer
Experiences | 05/12/2018
The days may be shorter, but to make up for it, there are long, cosy nights of curling up by a log fire with your partner, a glass of whisky or wine, and that great book you got last Christmas but...
Follow The Winter Sun... To Tenerife!
By Mary-Anne Evans
Experiences | 30/11/2018
It's December and you're shivering at home, looking out at a dark and gloomy sky. Why not give up waiting for the spring sunshine and get up and go to find some for yourself?...
Chasing The Northern Lights
By Natasha Hegarty
Experiences | 28/11/2018
The Aurora Borealis appear when the sun’s electrically charged particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere, which results in the colourful display across the night sky. So, they’re not something that can...
The Texas Art Triangle
by Donna Dailey
Experiences | 21/11/2018
When you think of Texas, do you picture cowboys and cattle drives? Or perhaps the idyllic Gulf Coast beaches and the islands between Galveston and Brownsville spring to mind? Our family...
Unmissable Things To See And Do In Albufeira
By Lorraine Loveland
Experiences | 14/11/2018
The city of Albufeira rests on Portugal’s south coast, a former fishing village which has been transformed with a modern marina and waterfront promenade, popular with locals and tourists alike....
Top 5 Christmas Markets
By Steve Adams
Experiences | 09/11/2018
The traditional wooden-stall markets originated in Germany, but are now held all over the world and, as well as providing shopping and gift inspiration, are very much an outing in themselves.
And...
Celebrating Diwali Traditions
By Natasha Hegarty
Experiences | 07/11/2018
The festival falls between October and November, but the exact date changes each year, as it is based around the Hindu Lunisolar calendar and also depends on the phases of the moon. This year, Diwali...
Fireworks Around The World
By Steve Adams
Experiences | 02/11/2018
The fateful event took place in November 1605, but fireworks have been used as a form of celebration for centuries, dating all the way back to seventh century China, where it’s believed they were...
Halloween Travel Tricks & Treats
By Steve Adams
Experiences | 31/10/2018
The ‘tricks’ are great, time and money-saving tips to make the most of your holidays. The ‘treats’ are some ideas on how to splash out, with the savings you’ve made using our 'tricks', on...
Always Fun In Tenerife
By Len and Gill Fletcher, RCI Members
Experiences | 26/10/2018
Tenerife deserves the title of ‘Island of Eternal Spring’ as the weather is great all year round, which we love. There is so much to do, you'll never be bored, no matter what kind of holiday you're...
US Beach Treat: Gulf Shores Alabama
By Donna Dailey
Experiences | 19/10/2018
I’m ambling along the shore, soft powder-white sand oozing through my toes. The gentle sea breeze cools the rays of the early evening sun, and a brilliant gold and purple sunset is building over the...
Crete: Freedom
By Amy Franklin
Experiences | 12/10/2018
Travelling with a friend, and both of us equally new to Crete and so a little unsure of the best area to stay in, we more or less shut our eyes and put our finger on the map – on Bali, to be...
Top Tips For Running On Holiday
By Jo Smith
Experiences | 10/10/2018
My idea of a great holiday was parking my rear end on some sun-drenched hot spot, by the side of a pool, plugging in my ear phones and perhaps burying myself in a good book. If I’d have worn my...
48 Hours In Las Vegas
By Steve Adams
Experiences | 05/10/2018
Arguably the world's most iconic entertainment capital, Las Vegas offers a ridiculous array of things to do. Although it is best known for its gambling and casinos, it's not called the Gambling...
Top Tips For An Unforgettable Thailand Holiday
By Cameron Rutherford
Experiences | 26/09/2018
Chiang Mai is a bustling northern city in Thailand which is surrounded by dense rainforest, and I was thoroughly entertained by its charm and welcoming atmosphere. I quickly learned that Chiang Mai...
Beer, Bratwurst and Bavarian Fun: Oktoberfest 2018 Is Here
By Ellen Smith
Experiences | 21/09/2018
The festival was first held in 1810 - 208 years ago - the missing years when the festival was not held was due to war and epidemics. The first event which took place on 12 October, was to honour the...
Where To See Autumn Colours On Holiday
By Natasha Hegarty
Experiences | 14/09/2018
The trees become a kaleidoscope of colour, with red and golden hues illuminating the countryside. This is the perfect time to get out and about and enjoy the outdoors. Here are just five of the best...
Racing To Hungary For The Formula 1 Grand Prix
By Kane Keating
Experiences | 12/09/2018
Many people reading this, will no doubt wonder if there was a selfish reason for my choice of destination on the same weekend as the Formula 1 Grand Prix was set to take place there, but it just so...
The Best Of Florida
By Lorraine Loveland, Travel Writer
Experiences | 07/09/2018
Three RCI member couples, who call Florida home for two weeks every year, share the very different holiday experiences they each enjoy out in the US state of fun. Read on to learn...
Ways To See Finland
By Ellen Smith
Experiences | 31/08/2018
As much as 70 per cent of the land in Finland is covered in forests and it is estimated that Finnish woodlands hold ten trees for every person in the world – not just every person in...
RCI Holiday Picks
By Alex Brinnand
Experiences | 29/08/2018
It’s the anecdotes about quaint eateries and lesser-known activities which make for perfect travel inspiration. Each week on our Facebook page, RCI staff members share their own stories and...
Secret Beaches To Discover On Your Next Holiday
By Natasha Hegarty
Experiences | 24/08/2018
A beach that ticks all the boxes, but without the crowds of people spoiling the view and vibe, sounds good, right? Well there are so many undiscovered beaches all over the world that are just waiting...
Taste For Travel
By Leigh Connelly
Experiences | 17/08/2018
France is a foodie’s dream. The French take great pride in their food, placing emphasis not only on processes and presentation, but also on the experience of eating as a social activity.
Breakfast...
Around The World In Seven Photos
By Sarah Lee
Experiences | 15/08/2018
Photos of our holidays provide us with a window on the world and a cherished memory bank of our encounters. Looking at a photo from your travels can transport you back to that time and...
A World Under The Waves
By Natasha Hegarty
Experiences | 10/08/2018
If it's looking at all the different types of coral dancing on the rocks, or seeing little Nemo in person, scuba diving will open your eyes to the incredible life that lives in the sea, and you never...
Search For Fun
By Leigh Connelly
Experiences | 08/08/2018
They say ”the most important shot in golf is the next one”, so why not take yours in the golf capital of the world – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? Dubbed the ‘supermarket of golf’, Myrtle Beach has...
Loving Lanzarote
By Jeanette Parkin
Experiences | 03/08/2018
It can be hard to choose between Lanzarote’s three main resorts. Laid-back Playa Blanca boasts mountainside villas and a clutch of small town beaches, while purpose-buit Costa Teguise lures with its...
Top 10 Things To Do In Colorado – Away From The Slopes
By Steve Adams, Travel Writer
Experiences | 01/08/2018
Get the flags and banners out, it’s time to join the party and celebrate Colorado Day!
The state’s big day is 1 August, and marks the anniversary of Colorado becoming the 38th state to join the...
Holidays With The Elderly
BY HELEN FOSTER
Experiences | 27/07/2018
I have always saved a week of my holiday each year to take with my parents and we have had the best of times together the world over. Sadly, my Mum died five years ago and, just a couple of...
The Grand Tour Of Hungarian Wine
By Quentin Sadler, A Member Of The Association Of Wine Educators
Experiences | 25/07/2018
The picturesque Lake Balaton has plenty of outdoor activities' such as cycling, hiking and water sports on the lake, as well as pretty beaches to relax on, making it a perfect holiday destination....
Sweden: Sun Or Snow
By Mary Anne Evans
Experiences | 20/07/2018
Lindvallen, like all the resorts in Sweden, offers year-round fun. In summer this small town on the western Sweden/Norway border is the best place to unwind.
You can walk all day along the...
I’ll Take the Low Road - Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
By Donna Dailey
Experiences | 18/07/2018
The dew is still glistening on the grass as I set out for an early morning drive through Galloway Forest Park. The sun casts a soft light on the heather-covered hills, and in the distance the massive...
The Masters Of Madeira
By Lorraine Loveland
Experiences | 13/07/2018
Madeira is well-known for its mild climate and awe-inspiring landscapes, as well as its charming, friendly people.
Of course to experience this first hand, a visit to one of the many vibrant...
Málaga as a city
By Donna Dailey
Experiences | 11/07/2018
I wouldn’t normally be drinking wine before noon. But I’m at the Antigua Casa de Guardia, Málaga’s oldest bar, and it would be a shame not to taste the sweet, fortified Málaga wine that has been...
The World's Best Holiday Cycle Routes
By Natasha Hegarty
Experiences | 06/07/2018
The teams will cover a total distance of around 2,069 miles throughout the tour as they tackle hills and mountains and the odd flat terrain here and there, to prove to the world they are the best of...
Rocky Mountain Highs In The US National Parks
By Steve Adams
Experiences | 04/07/2018
Few holiday destinations offer as much variety as America, but as much as I love visiting its exciting cities, nothing beats the beauty of the country’s National Parks, which are undoubtedly also its...
Milan Day Trippers
By Ellen Smith
Experiences | 27/06/2018
Although we visited in October, we were surprised to find the temperature was still up in the mid-twenties. You can’t beat that feeling of stepping off a plane and feeling the welcome warmth from the...
Relaxing With Yoga
India by Sarah Young and Vinyasa Yoga Asanas by Laura Hodgson
Experiences | 20/06/2018
Yoga is an ancient practice of philosophy, science, lifestyle and physical movements which originated in India, in the Himalayas. It was originally taught and passed down from teacher to student...
Driving California’s Coastline
By Steve Adams, Travel Writer
Experiences | 13/06/2018
Highway 1, which runs almost the entire length of the California coastline, could hardly have been more aptly named, as it’s often cited as the number one driving experience in the USA.
The...
Forever Friends
By Helen Foster
Experiences | 08/06/2018
Were it not for Susan's husband, Brian, causing a bit of a splash by trying to throw Susan into the swimming pool at the Hotel Bella Colina in Mallorca 40 years ago, the two couples would most likely...
Canary Island Adventures
By Ellen Smith
Experiences | 06/06/2018
With temperatures averaging 18 degrees centigrade from December to March, and around 25 degrees at its hottest in August, the Canary Islands prove to be an ever popular escape route all year round...
A Love Affair With Crete
By Donna Dailey
Experiences | 01/06/2018
On a recent visit, my husband Mike and I stayed near Rethymno, on the north coast. Crete’s third-largest city has a warren of old-town streets rife with architectural remnants from the island’s past...
Spa Stars For Sheer Indulgence
By Lorraine Loveland, Travel Writer
Experiences | 30/05/2018
Relaxation usually ranks pretty high on the list of things to do on holiday. And let’s face it, there’s something rather inviting about whiling away a day enveloped in a fluffy white robe,...
Celebrating unlikely food origins on Hamburger Day
By Steve Adams, Travel Writer
Experiences | 25/05/2018
However, the humble burger is no longer just the mainstay of the typical high street food chains, with trendy restaurants, gastro pubs and street food trucks serving up their own take on the...
Finland in the Summer: Fun, Foraging and Food
By Mary Anne Evans
Experiences | 18/05/2018
Summer is the time to escape the cities for Finland’s wonderful lakes where little red wooden cottages sit on the banks with a sauna nearby, and families splash around in the warm waters.
Getting Married Abroad
By Natasha Hegarty
Experiences | 16/05/2018
However, if you are not a member of the Royal Family, your wedding will be unlikely to be seen by millions, but it doesn’t make it any less special. To celebrate the new Royal couple’s nuptials,...
Blooming Lovely – Six Of The World’s Top Gardens
By Steve Adams, Travel Writer
Experiences | 11/05/2018
This year’s Chelsea Flower Show takes place from 22-26 May and organisers are hoping it’ll be one of the biggest and best yet, with a wide array of gardens, plants and flowers for visitors to...
Top 5 Places For A Family Holiday
By Natasha Hegarty
Experiences | 09/05/2018
The wide choice of resorts available to RCI members in the holiday exchange company's network have everything covered when it comes to catering for families. Timeshare accommodation...
Let the Music Move You – On Holiday!
By Ellen Smith
Experiences | 02/05/2018
Looking at a map of some of the southern US states, song titles seem to jump off the page, just begging to be sung. I can’t help but notice a few of these towns and states have inspired rail-based...
Hungary For More
By Adrian Phillips, Author Of Hungary: The Bradt Travel Guide
Experiences | 27/04/2018
A Hungarian menu is rather like a history book. Pasta, onion and garlic? That’s down to the 15th-century Italian scholars and artists who brought these ingredients to the Renaissance court of King...
Colours Of The Exotic
By Lorraine Loveland, Travel Writer
Experiences | 18/04/2018
There is something ever so enchanting about Mexico's Riviera Maya region. With numerous all-inclusive resorts sprinkled along this glorious section of coast, what better way to wake each morning than...
The Best Vineyards in the Algarve
By Quentin Sadler, A Member Of The Association Of Wine Educators
Experiences | 13/04/2018
It’s also a popular wine-making region, which has recently started producing wines to rival even the most well-established vineyards across the country. With more wine estates, and better wines in...
Golf Gatherings: Best Places For A Golf Family Break
By Marj Anderson
Experiences | 06/04/2018
"Along with my husband David and son Martin, we have long enjoyed golfing and had the pleasure of taking part in green time across the globe over the years. However, Scotland, Spain and Tenerife are...
Six Travel Apps To Revolutionise Your Holiday
By Lorraine Loveland, Travel Writer
Experiences | 04/04/2018
Reduce jet lag with this nifty calculator that uses your flight information to tailor the perfect plan for the best night’s sleep. Travelling across different time zones can get our body clock...
Easter Traditions
By Natasha Hegarty, RCI Travel Writer
Experiences | 29/03/2018
Here are just some of the weird and wonderful traditions that different cultures celebrate at Easter time.
Las Vegas - A Great Bet For Couples
By Steve Adams, Travel Writer
Experiences | 27/03/2018
The fabulous array of things to see and do in Vegas is legendary. From glitzy casino-resorts to stunning stage shows, and high-adrenaline entertainment to laid-back dining, this desert oasis has it...
Sipping And Chilling On The Costa Blanca
By Quentin Sadler, A Member Of The Association Of Wine Educators
Experiences | 23/03/2018
The Costa Blanca forms part of the Comunitat Valenciana - the Spanish region which includes the wonderful holiday destinations of Valencia and Alicante. Boasting one of the healthiest climates on...
Mardi Gras Magic in Mobile
By Donna Dailey, Travel Writer
Experiences | 21/03/2018
As the crowd swells, I guard my front-row spot along the Dauphin Street barricades. The parade is coming our way, and I can feel, as well as hear, the distant booming of bass drums. Children toot toy...
Spring Has Sprung: Festivals From Around The World
By Natasha Hegarty, RCI Travel Writer
Experiences | 16/03/2018
I looked into some of the colourful spring festivals from around the world, to give you some inspiration to start planning and booking your next holiday as the resorts, along with the...
The Mountains Are Calling
By Jem Pearce, RCI Staff Member
Experiences | 14/03/2018
Spending a week or longer in snow-covered, jaw-dropping, white and slate landscapes never fails to remind me just how insignificant I am in the face of the power of Mother Nature. Over the past 100...
Get Away This Mother's Day
Natasha Hegarty
Experiences | 09/03/2018
This year in the UK, Mother's Day falls on Sunday, March 11, so make sure that date is in your diary and start planning something special as a 'thank you'.
Whether you want to make a handmade...
Top Tips For Taking Holiday Photos
By Steve Adams, Travel Writer
Experiences | 02/03/2018
Ready for your holiday? Need I even ask? Holidays are the highlight of any year, and as well as being a much-needed way to escape the real world and recharge the batteries, they’re a chance to spend...
Tenerife's Best Beaches
By Mary-Anne Evans
Experiences | 23/02/2018
Let's start with the most famous resort in Tenerife - and the most popular. Luckily, you'll find a whole string of beaches stretching along the coastline, mostly built especially for the...
Celebrating Chinese New Year
By Natasha Hegarty, RCI Staff Member
Experiences | 16/02/2018
The Chinese New Year is colourful, festive and lots of fun – everything a big celebration should be. However, it isn’t just about the earth becoming another year older. The Chinese are very...
The World's Most Romantic Places
By Lorraine Loveland, Travel Writer
Experiences | 14/02/2018
Move over Paris, there’s a new romantic city to adore. Barcelona is enduringly beautiful with plenty to please, from the cultural sights of Las Ramblas and Park Güell to lazy days at the beach.
The Romance Of Italian Wines
By Quentin Sadler, Wine Expert
Experiences | 09/02/2018
Start your vino adventure at Azienda Vinicola Sorrentino on the south slope of Mount Vesuvius. Here you will enjoy an abundance of tasty local dishes in the relaxed and casual restaurant,...
The Southern Delights And Sights Of South Carolina
By Melissa Shales
Experiences | 07/02/2018
Sand, sun and sea – and greens
We arrived bleary-eyed and jetlagged to be met by the forest of neon known as Myrtle Beach.
South Carolina’s answer to Orlando, entertainment...
Top 10 Things To Do In Lake Balaton
By Adrian Phillips, Author Of Hungary: The Bradt Travel Guide
Experiences | 31/01/2018
Get cultured – Keszthely is the capital of Balaton, a graceful university town at the western end of the lake. A highlight is the 18th-century Festetics Palace, one of the country’s finest...
Five Walking Tours To Wake Up Your Wanderlust
By Lorraine Loveland, Travel Writer
Experiences | 26/01/2018
What makes a better walk than one surrounded by free-flowing streams and fragrant flowers?
Levadas were built in Madeira in the 16th century to allow farmers to irrigate the farmlands and to...
Unlocking The World Of R&R: Roars And Relaxation In Orlando
By Lorraine Loveland, Travel Writer
Experiences | 19/01/2018
Finding your roar
When you visit Orlando’s parks you’re guaranteed to encounter a scream or two, and there are a whole host of places to find your roar. Opened earlier this year, park guests can...
The hottest holiday hotlist for 2018
Jem Pearce, RCI staff member
Experiences | 17/01/2018
Marvel at the 16th century architecture of this port city, pictured above, awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Small it may be but Malta actually possesses three UNESCO sites. Valletta has...
Dream, Discover, Explore, Experience
By Alex Brinnand, Digital Marketing Executive
Experiences | 10/01/2018
Cancún plays host to a ritzy hotel zone with the famous white-sand beaches and unabashed party scene.
While Cancún has a lot more to offer than just beaches, it is the ocean-lapped stretches of...
Must visit destinations recommended by RCI
By Danielle Millar, RCI Marketing Campaign Executive
Experiences | 27/12/2017
As familiar as it is warm, there's no surprise why Tenerife remains a firm favourite with British holidaymakers for both summer and winter getaways. With beaches galore, from golden sands with...
Great Christmas Traditions
Shelley Burton, Head of Member Marketing, RCI Europe
Experiences | 20/12/2017
It transpired that all our parents had a very different deal with Father Christmas as to how many presents he brought us for Christmas. The treats we left out for Father...
Finland - Happy Birthday Celebrations
By Steve Adams, Travel Writer
Experiences | 13/12/2017
Finland declared its independence from the Russian Republic after the revolutions that took place in the aftermath of the First World War. The 100 years since then has seen the country develop a...
WIN a fabulous FREE 7-night holiday on the sun-kissed island of Tenerife
Experiences | 08/12/2017
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Travelling with kids
By Kane Keating, husband of Kara Keating, Campaign Planning Manager, RCI
Experiences | 06/12/2017
I think everyone has had that moment when you’re sat on the plane getting ready for takeoff. You’ve worked hard all year for your well-earned week away in the sun. The doors are about to close and...
Malta's mix of beaches, bays and baroque
By Danielle Millar, RCI Marketing Campaign Executive
Experiences | 29/11/2017
The Sunny Coast Resort Club (1201), overlooking Qawra Bay in Malta was where we stayed. This looked like an ideal escape to some much-needed winter sun. This resort is signed up to the RCI...
🎆 Remember, Remember the Fifth of November 🎆
By Mariella Ralph, RCI Social & Digital Intern, E-Commerce
Experiences | 31/10/2017
The first tradition, which started many years ago, has been given the iconic name of 'Penny for the Guy?'.
To celebrate the survival of King James I, people lit fires around London to...
🎃 Six Halloween hot spots
Mariella Ralph, RCI Social and Digital Intern, E-commerce
Experiences | 26/10/2017
First stop... Tokyo! Still celebrating its annual Halloween parades after 34 years, Japan is pulling out all the stops to make sure that everyone is out in the capital this October. A...
Grand Times In Gran Canaria
By Gemma Gregory, RCI Campaign Planning Manager
Experiences | 23/10/2017
When we arrived in Gran Canaria, the heat hit us as soon the plane doors opened. In that initial rush of holiday excitement, I wondered what the next seven days would bring on our first holiday,...
German Christmas Markets
By Helen Foster, Marketing Manager, RCI Europe
Experiences | 29/09/2017
This ancient city on the Rhine is famous for its towering Gothic cathedral, and there's a lively holiday market right at the foot of this spectacular building. But venture further afield to...
Alpine Holiday Adventure in Austria
By Shelley Burton, RCI Marketing Manager
Experiences | 21/09/2017
It was a school trip which first introduced me to the delights of alpine life in Austria. Little did I know then, that Austria would be the place where my partner, JB, and myself would 'tie the...
Fuerteventura for foodies!
By Cameron Rutherford, RCI Marketing Analyst
Experiences | 07/09/2017
The Canary island, Fuerteventura, is one of those places that you visit thinking that it will just be one of those sun-trap islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Africa....
A Winter's Tale
By Philip Hakim, RCI member
Experiences | 23/08/2017
It was with some trepidation that my wife, Michelle, our eight-year-old twins, Zara and Daisy, and Annabel aged 10 - set off to visit Santa in the December of 2014.
We stayed at Holiday Club Yllas...
Dutch Delights
By Deirdre O'Riordan
Experiences | 16/08/2017
After a brief flight of only 80 minutes, my colleagues and I landed in Amsterdam on a beautiful sunny Monday morning in the spring. First things first, we sought out some lunch in the...
I love Finland
By Karen Creedon, An RCI Guide
Experiences | 15/08/2017
I have just returned from an amazing seven-day stay in Finland. Magical memories were made, and it was a welcome change from the sun holidays I normally take. I travelled with three of my...
Mayan wonders and more In Mexico
By Leigh Connelly, RCI Travel Writer
Experiences | 15/08/2017
All-inclusive is the norm in Mexico, so take your pick of resorts, all of which provide some of the vital ingredients for a fully-indulgent and relaxing break. Cool pools, beaches...
Six top Tenerife day trips
By Mary Anne Evans, Food And Travel Writer
Experiences | 15/08/2017
Mount Teide, at the centre of the island, is a fabulously strange world. Drive into the 10-mile-wide volcanic crater and it’s like entering a science fiction movie – such as Clash of the Titans which...
Amazing Alicante!
By Rhona Norris, RCI Guide
Experiences | 15/08/2017
I had the pleasure of visiting warm and sunny Alicante in May 2017, and what a stunning place it was.
Our first stop was Denia in the north of Alicante, which became my favourite place because of...
