Saturday 28 May 2016

Greek Island Holiday, Symi, Pedi Beach Hotel

Symi Island, Yialos Harbour ©Solange Hando

Just 35 minutes from Rhodes by catamaran, Symi is one of the most enticing Dodecanese islands. The main settlement, also called Symi, includes the colourful harbour of Yialos and Chorio, the old village climbing up the hillside through a maze of steps and lanes.



Pedi Beach Hotel, Symi ©Solange Hando

 Yialos has its share of hotels but just over the hill on the east coast, Pedi Beach welcomes you in a secluded bay lined with fishing boats, pretty cottages and a clean pebble beach lapped by crystal clear waters.
It's the perfect place to relax, away from it all, casual and friendly in an authentic Greek setting.



Quiet Corner in Pedi Beach Hotel ©Solange Hando

This low-rise traditional hotel has 56 rooms, from single to family, simply furnished but all with balcony and sea or mountain views. The buffet restaurant and bar include a panoramic terrace overlooking the bay.
The Pedi Beach Hotel has air conditioning, a small library, a pleasant courtyard draped in palms and bougainvillea, beach umbrellas and sunbeds.


Looking across the Bay from Pedi Beach Hotel, Symi ©Solange Hando

Framed by mountains and cliffs, the bay is formed by a deep inlet of the Aegean sea, a true haven of peace, especially in early or late season.
Here you soon forget the hustle and bustle of Yialos but if you feel like a change, the town is within walking distance, about 30 minutes up then downhill (with spectacular views), but there's also a regular bus service for less than 2 euros each way.



Saint Nicholas Cove, Pedi ©Solange Hando

Guests can swim by the hotel but for a desert island feel, follow the scenic coastal path and within 10 minutes or so, you will reach this glorious little beach, accessed only on foot or by water taxi.
Other popular excursions in Symi range from mountain and village tours to cruises around the island, stopping en route at the stunning monastery of Panormitis down south.


Panormitis Monastery on Symi Island, Greece ©Solange Hando











Saturday 7 May 2016

Love Travel, Love Writing, How to Sell? Spread your Wings...

 Up and Away ©Solange Hando


Is the market shrinking in your corner of the world?
Think global
Over 80 countries use English as their official language
Check them out on the web
See what they publish
Lifestyle, in-flight magazines and more

Are glossy travel magazines just for famous writers?
Big names sell copies but no editor will turn down a brilliant idea
So if you have a riveting story to share, with images, go for it
Pitch before you write

Get off the destination track 
Most publications include travel of one kind or another
Choose a specific angle to increase your chances:
Interview, history, festival, hotel review, local transport, market, temple, visiting a school
Wherever you go, there's always a winning story
The tighter the focus, the better


Like to hop on? Cuba ©Solange Hando


Explore every niche
Look out for specialist publications

 Spa, honeymoons, health, outdoor activities, property
Heritage, hobbies, food and wine
                          
Families, seniors, singles, business, disabled, students
Vintage travel, railway magazines, cruising, canal boats
All have scope for a travel-related piece

Study general interest magazines
Top of the list, women's weeklies which need a lot of copy to fill their pages
Be sure to write for the readers

Add newspapers, county magazines, trade publications.


I could be tempted to throw in a few names but the publishing world is always changing, in with the new, out with the old at a moment's notice.

Got an idea?
Great but it's like the stock exchange 

Check the current market then go for it 
but remember to spread your wings in all directions and think small as well as big.


Would you like to know more?
We can help you