Wren Elite Travel

An incredible Tasmanian experience

The group at Cradle Mountain
Originally uploaded by Bertie Bassett2008

I got back from Tasmania just before the weekend, and though the famil trip I was very lucky to be a part of was extremely hectic, it was such an amazing experience to get a taster of this wonderful part of the world.

Tasmania is very much a wilderness destination - you head there for the spectacular scenery as varied and diverse as it is. But I also discovered that Tasmanian wine is pretty spectacular as well! And this lesser visited Aussie state certainly knows a little bit about fine dining (so I've come home a few pounds heavier than when I went!).

Eating and shopping in the Big Apple

There has been a recent drop in posts due to the fact that I've been in New York for a week - pretty much doing as the title of this post suggests - eating and shopping! I was on holiday with my teenage son (New York is the perfect destination for hard-to-please teens - you can find numerous distractions that actually stop them from grumping) and we stayed in the fabulous downtown location of Greenwich Village - home to hip shops and funky eateries.

The 'Big Apple' is definitely the most wonderful city to eat in, because there is pretty much any cuisine you want at any budget, and with the current weakness of the dollar, going out for a plush meal in NYC is like going for an average curry in the UK!

10 life-defining experiences from around the world

Looking for an ultimate travel experience and need some ideas? (Riding the Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach doesn't count). Then you might like to read my pick of ten experiences which can truly provide an epiphany - or if not that, at least some of the best thrills the planet can offer!

I recently wrote this picture gallery article for www.ivillage.co.uk, which you might like to read.

5 exciting long weekend or short-break ideas

Looking for a short-break that isn’t just another country hotel ‘dinner, bed and breakfast’ deal? For what you might spend on a country hotel for two or three nights, you could be tracking down tiger in India, or climbing in the mighty Atlas mountains of Morocco.

Here are five discovery or adventure holiday ideas for short-breaks that will knock your socks off (prices given are from London, but regional departures can be arranged):