Kerala in South India

Kochi Fishing Nets ©Solange Hando

Formerly known as Cochin, this is the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', a fascinating city set on a peninsula and islands around a vast natural harbour.

The old district has a rich history and there's a lovely promenade along the waterfront lined with stalls and seafood restaurants, and a beach, best at the far end. But most iconic are the Chinese fishing nets, each one pulled in and out of the water every 15 minutes or so.

Kerala Backwaters ©Solange Hando

Then just inland are the Kerala backwaters, the highlight of any trip to southern India. There, for a few hours or overnight, you can explore the waterways as you sail across canals, lagoons and lakes in your traditional bamboo-covered boat. 

Banks are beautifully lush and green and it's a great place to see the local life as you pass a village or two or a Hindu temple glowing in the sun. The main waterways and big Lake Vembanad may bustle with tourists and local craft but there are some amazingly quiet areas, tucked in the greenery away from it all. 

Classical Kerala ©Solange Hando

Traditional culture is alive and well, not just for visitors but for anyone in Kerala, it's is a matter of pride and identity. Above is a main character in a Khatakali performance where after the opening rituals, a centuries-old story is performed, expressing every emotion through eye and face movements.

Heavy make up and large colourful costumes add to the drama, punctuated with the relentless beating of a drum. 

Up in the Western Ghats ©Solange Hando

A short drive east leads you to the hills of the Western Ghats, an entirely different world but still part of Kerala.The Periyar Wildlife sanctuary has tree top look-outs where you might spot elephants or a lone tiger, if you are really lucky, and myriad birds if you sail on the lake where the Mulla and Periya rivers meet.

Up there, at over 700 metres the nearest village is Kumily set among spice plantations, including cardamom, the most important, which gives its name to the nearby hills.

Tea Plantations in Western Ghats ©Solange Hando

The ride from the coast to the hills is spectacular, winding past tall rubber trees, coffee bushes, spice gardens and extensive tea plantations, rolling emerald green across the slopes. Best overall views are from the pilgrimage site of Pattumala on St Francis Mount.

Sunset on the Arabian Sea, Kochi Beach ©Solange Hando

  

Want to be a Travel Writer / Part 2

HOW DO YOU DO IT?

KEEP GOING AND FOLLOW THE RAINBOW

Work sent, pictures sent

How long do you wait?

At least 2 or 3 weeks before you chase up politely

OOPS

 'No thank you', no reason given?

Put your work aside for 2 or 3 days then look at it again

Be honest, did it fit 100% or maybe not quite?

Learn as you go and the future will be bright
Now remember the other markets you had in mind? Try again, one at a time

WOW..

It's a 'yes'

If any changes are needed, don't argue, just do it

Then when all is ok, you may ask about 'usual' rates

Modest for a first piece but if they really like your work, may offer more next time round.

FOOT IN THE DOOR?

Brilliant, keep moving

Offer new ideas as soon as your work is published or even sooner if that takes a long time.

Meanwhile check new ideas, new markets and have several queries/features out at the same time 

The harder you work, the luckier you'll get

ANYTHING ELSE?

Blog or print, read lots of travel and learn from others

Join any relevant associations, attend travel shows and network as much as possible

Ask tourist boards and operators to put your name on their lists for any new information

Work on your profile, have a website and link everything you do to social media.

Flying High

Be a Travel Writer

Want to be a Travel Writer? Part 1

How do you do it?

Just 5 steps to success
Come along and follow me up

STEP 1

WHERE DO YOU START?

*Prior to travelling

Do some research, know what you want to see

*On location

Keep a diary, note what you notice, what you feel, not google stuff but your own observations

Take lots of photos, a pocket camera will do but if you're aiming for print, high resolution's best

STEP 2

WHAT TO WRITE

*Blogging

Want to tell the story of your trip? Perfect

Blog as you go along, keep it regular and link to social media to increase followers

*Print

Focus on specific ideas, the tighter the better

Family attractions, city break, cycling, water sports, food and wine, saving turtles, Hindu temple

The list is endless, how many can you think of?

STEP 3

WHERE TO SELL IT

Decide on your top 3 ideas

*Check out possible publications: newsagent or internet

Look beyond the obvious: niche markets, women's mag, seniors, crafts, gardens, health... 

*Which magazines/newspapers would be interested in your idea?
Find at least 2 or 3

Imagine the readers: age group, budget, interest

STEP 4

GETTING THERE

Choose your favourite market and email a query to the editor (travel or features)

That's professional and will save time to both of you

*Keep your letter short but make it interesting

*Write it in the magazine style so the editor knows you've read it

If you have fabulous images, send 2 or 3, low resolution at this stage

*No CV, editors just want ideas 

Don't ask about rates until your work is accepted

STEP 5

READY, STEADY, GO

*Check similar articles in your chosen market and make sure you get it right

Word count, paragraphs, 1st or 3rd person, vocabulary, fact box

Plus nitty gritty, it or it's, three or 3, metric or imperial and so on

*Now you can write but make sure you respect format and style

Read and enjoy
'Packed with practical advice and entertaining'
Be a Travel Writer

Charleston Luxury Hotel Bennett South Carolina

Hotel Bennett, Downtown Charleston ©Solange Hando

Opened in 2019 after 20 years planning, this is one of the grandest hotels in Charleston, set on a corner of King Street and the vast Marion Square with a pleasant terrace overlooking the greenery.

'European outside but southern inside', it is right at the heart of town within walking distance of designer shops, the city's historic market and harbour.

Welcome to Hotel Bennet ©Solange Hando

Step in  and you are greeted by this inner circular entrance where colourful murals by local artists reflect Charleston as it was, at the mouth of three rivers.
A grand stairway beckons beyond the reception and you can expect elegance all around enhanced by glowing marble.

A Place to Sleep Well ©Solange Hando

Guest rooms are spacious and light with floor to ceiling windows and most of them have a balcony with a view. Enjoy a superb bathroom, fine bedding and amenities and since a library used to be on the spot, your own bookcase. It's remote control for curtains and lights, easy to use once you get the hang of it.

The hotel has 179 rooms and suites, single or double, suites ranging from Junior King to Ambassador and Presidential with scenic terrace all around. 

Swimming Pool , Hotel Bennett ©Solange Hando

Lovely place to cool down, this is the rooftop pool where guests can reserve a cabana for privacy and shade. Close to the bar and terrace with a view. 

Other facilities include a gym and spa with tempting rituals such as blue diamond facial,  aromatherapy massage or  'holy city' healing wrap (the city is so called for its many spires).

The Champagne Bar ©Solange Hando

Inspired by Fabergé's egg and named Camellias, the oval-shaped Champagne Bar is the talk of town, especially appreciated for its caviar delicacies. 

Fiat Lux, the rooftop bar whose name means 'let there be light', serves delicious Mediterranean food and there's also a Pâtisserie and coffee shop for hand-crafted sandwiches and  pastries.
'Gabrielle' is the main restaurant, offering oysters, clams, red snapper, lamb roulade, Peking duck a l'orange and more.The chef comes from New Orleans and the pastry master from France. 

Cosy Corner at the Bennett ©Solange Hando

Hotel Bennett has conference and wedding venues and some quiet stylish corners to meet and chat with friends. Then for a real VIP treatment, book access to the King's Club when you reserve your room. Among other things, this covers a Champagne welcome, use of the private lounge with verandah,  services of a dedicated concierge and exclusive transfer to the city.

View from the Terrace, Ravenel Bridge over the river Cooper ©Solange Hando 

Carcassonne Citadel, UNESCO Site in South of France

The Citadel of Carcassonne, World Heritage ©Solange Hando

There it is across the river Aude, the largest medieval walled town in Europe, restored in the 19th century by Viollet le Duc with some artistic license, but a fairy tale nevertheless.

Best overall view is across the river or from the old medieval bridge, now traffic free, which you can see on the right hand side. Ideal location for Bastille Day fireworks.

The main entrance to the Cité ©Solange Hando

The windswept Narbonne gate takes you across the drawbridge then you can stroll through the lists between the 3km enclosure of double ramparts, taking in dark dungeons and 52 towers.

Then climb up the cobbled lanes in the inner town and explore souvenir and craft shops, museums and restaurants.

Looking North ©Solange Hando

You can also walk up on the ramparts for most of the way and enjoy all round view. To the north you look out to the Black Mountain and the foothills of the Massif Central and to the south by clear weather the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees.

Below you is the Bastide, or New Town, glistening along the river and the Canal du Midi which is also a UNESCO site.

The Counts' Castle ©Solange Hando

Inside the citadel right at the very top is the inner castle where medieval counts were well protected. Carcassonne was indeed a strategic crossroad, very close to the Spanish border until this was moved  further south by the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659.

See the museum inside and the nearby basilica.

Down to the Barbacane District ©Solange Hando

Walking back this way gives you different views of the ramparts, towers and gates but look out for the tourist train that uses the same path.

One of my Favourite Views ©Solange Hando

Venture round the back of the citadel and you will find these lush vineyards highlighting the iconic Cité, just as you would expect in the sunny south of France.

Namibia Canyon Village Hotel near Fish River

Canyon Village near Namibia's Fish River ©Solange Hando

A short drive from the famous Fish River Canyon, this beautifully isolated resort does look like a village with its scattering of semi-detached cottages set at the foot of rocky cliffs.

Wild life might wander across the grounds, softly lit after dark but you may appreciate a torch to return to your room.

Twin Room at Canyon Village ©Solange Hando

Rooms are colourful and comfortable, complete with nets, en-suite and air conditioning. Of special interest are wall paintings of traditional life, also found in the public areas highlighting the nostalgic charm of the hotel.

Swimming Pool at Canyon Village ©Solange Hando

The pool may be small but the location is stunning and you won't find a better place to cool down on a hot day. Sunbathe, relax, enjoy the view and listen to myriad sounds across the wilderness.

Canyon Village Main Building ©Solange Hando

The main building includes the reception, restaurant, bar and small boutique. The spacious terrace has parasols and in the evening, you can unwind around the log fire under a starlit sky.

With the Namibian wilderness all around, thatched roofs and flower baskets are sure to take you by surprise and in this sort of 'Wild West' setting, you may feel almost at home.

Sunset on the Rocks ©Solange Hando 

Sunsets are stunning and guests can join a sundowner walk among the rocks. There are also rides on donkeys and cart, safe rambling trails and of course, just a stone's throw away, the amazing Fish River Canyon, second only to the Colorado. 

Definitely a must-see in southern Namibia with a scenic walk along the ridge but hiking below is only for the brave, with a guide for 4 or 5 days.

Fish River Canyon View from the Top ©Solange Hando

India Tamil Nadu, Radisson Blu Resort, Mamallapuram near Chennai

Radisson Blu Resort in Temple Bay, Mamallapuram ©Solange Hando

Just south of Chennai, this beautiful resort is an ideal base to explore the world heritage site of Mamallapuram. Culture aside, it is right by the beach and claims one of the longest swimming pools in India, meandering like a river for 220 metres. Amazing...

Luxury Villa in Superb Grounds ©Solange Hando

The hotel has 144 rooms in chalets and villas, with pool, garden or seaviews. Enjoy 44 acres of landscaped ground, highly colourful with tropical blooms and trees.

Standard Room at Radisson Blu ©Solange Hando

Rooms are spacious and bright with a pleasant seating area, a cool tiled floor and four star facilities, including Wifi, tea /coffee and mineral water. Balconies and patios invite guests to relax and enjoy the views.

Wine and exotic cocktails are available in the bars then you can feast on seafood, grilled steaks and a whole range of international fare. Deluxe buffet at the weekend.

Sand Castle Competition ©Solange Hando

Radisson Blu has its own private beach close to the Shore Temple on the Unesco site. Activities include beach volleyball and boat rides, as well as cycling, basketball, table tennis, archery and 9-hole mini-golf.

Spas specialise in tailored rituals with herbs and exotic oils, as well as Ayurvedic massage and facials.

 Statues in Radisson Blu ©Solange Hando

These guardians welcome you near the entrance, reflecting the ancient heritage of Tamil Nadu, close to some of the top cultural sites in India.

As well as the Mamallapuram monuments, dating back to the 7th-8th centuries, guests can enjoy day trips to Kanchipuram, Pondicherry and of course Chennai.

 Infinity Pool, Radisson Blu ©Solange Hando

Just above the private beach, this quiet infinity pool offers superb views of the Bay of Bengal.