Escaping to the Tropics with Annie West

Have
you ever lived through miserable weather and long tiring days of work and
longed to escape to a tropical paradise? I’ll put my hand up to that. Even now,
when the weather in Australia is of the heatwave variety, the idea of a
tropical beach appeals. Maybe it’s the gorgeous, glittering sea, the balmy
breezes or the shade of lush vegetation. Sigh.

That longing inspired the setting of my current book (The Greek’s Forbidden Innocent), so I happily indulged myself recalling time spent in the tropics. It made diving into my story each day so much easier!

If
you’re dreaming of a tropical escape here are a few tips.

First
up, check your dates. Even Paradise can get thrashed by rough weather
sometimes. This first photo is of Trinity Beach in far north Queensland (the
north east part of Australia). It formed part of my inspiration for Mina and
Alexei’s story. Out to sea is the Great Barrier Reef. So if you were planning a
trip there you’d want to be able to explore the Reef, right? And swim in the
sea? It’s best not to assume that because it’s winter in the northern
hemisphere, it’s automatically the best time to visit. Summer in this area can
be hot and incredibly humid. It’s storm season too, so if a cyclone is going to
roll in from the Pacific, this is the most likely time of year. Then too,
summer is stinger season in north Queensland – there are some very unpleasant
jellyfish that ride the currents at that time of year, which means for a couple
of months it’s better to swim in a pool than at the beach, though the reef is
usually okay. Wherever you’re going, do your homework in advance.

So,
you’ve checked your ideal tropical destination, saved your holiday money and
checked when to go. What else?

Take
your cue from the locals.  They don’t
usually sunbake all day. Pack a hat and plenty of sunscreen and, if you’re not
used to the sun, take it in small doses. Turning lobster red and sore on the
first day of sun exposure can take the shine out of the most wonderful holiday.
 Insect repellent is handy too.

Keep
up your fluids! There may be a sunken bar in your resort pool – lots of fun and
such a luxury. But remember to top up with water as well.

Oh,
and those pretty coconut palms? They do drop coconuts from time to time. Maybe
find some other shade to relax in.

But
with those couple of precautions, your trip should be marvellous, with the
beach on your doorstep and nothing to do but unwind. Don’t forget to take some
reading matter so you can loll about by the water, enjoying the decadence of
totally relaxing in idyllic surroundings and not working! Could anything be
nicer?

If
you’ve got the time and energy, don’t miss the chance to explore more than the
beach. Check out the local towns, maybe meet some locals, go on a tour of the
rainforest or learn about the local wildlife. The tropics are so richly diverse
and fascinating. Plus of course there will probably be jet skis, canoes, paddle
boards and all sorts of fun activities to enjoy.

If
you can, try to see at least one sunrise or sunset. They can be absolutely
spectacular!

If
you have suggestions on a tropical paradise to visit, please let me know. I may
just have to do some research for another book! Is there an idyllic location
you’d like to escape to right now?

About Annie

Australian Annie West loves writing passionate, intense romances and not just because it gives her a chance to ignore housework! She is a USA Today Bestselling author, published in 25 languages. Annie writes contemporary stories about charismatic heroes and strong heroines. She loves being in contact with readers as far apart as Brisbane, Bremen and Bermuda. When not writing and avoiding housework she can be found walking, enjoying good food and good company, travelling and reading.

Annie has a new book out right now!

Connect with Annie via

Her website: http://www.annie-west.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.author

Or sign up for her occasional newsletter
with book updates, behind the scenes information and giveaways: https://tinyurl.com/ya56pe7c

THE GREEK’S FORBIDDEN INNOCENT

The Greek’s
virgin bride…

…is hiding her royal identity!

While helping her friend escape an arranged
marriage, dutiful Princess Mina finds herself captive
on enigmatic Alexei Katsaros’s luxurious private island! Mina must convince
Alexei that she’s his future bride, but she doesn’t expect their scorching
chemistry to be so deliciously overwhelming… And after a night in the Greek’s
bed, suddenly there’s more at stake than just Mina’s hidden identity—her heart
is at Alexei’s mercy, too!

Escape to an island paradise with the
billionaire and his royal bride!

Buy on:

Amazon Kindle Amazon Paperback

Amazon UK Amazon Aus

Travel to Gran Canaria with Katrina Cudmore!

Earlier this year, in desperate need of some sunshine after the long cold winter we had just experienced in Ireland, I decided to take advantage of my youngest son’s primary school May mid-term break and the two of us jetted off to the cheapest sun destination I could find! Gran Canaria.

 

I went with little expectations, having already holidayed on another Canary Island – Lanzarote which I found too barren and touristy. But I fell in love with Gran Canaria. For me it has all I want in a holiday – a relaxed atmosphere, stunning beaches with warm seas, great accommodation and restaurants serving good value food, the friendliest locals I have ever encountered and cool bars for the night time.

 My son having fun in the surf!

Lesser Spotted Destinations with Katrina Cudmore & Giveaways!

Lesser Spotted Destinations

 

A few years ago after a particularly hectic weekend break in a jam-packed London, I read a travel article in the English Sunday Times that really resonated with me. The article argued that in a time of ever increasing tourism and the associated concerns over the environmental impact on popular destinations, we should all be seeking out new and less visited destinations. The Cliffs of Moher here in Ireland are a case in point. Last year the cliffs had over 1.5 million tourists. Cliff erosion is now a concern at the site, as is visitor management. I don’t know about you but when I travel, I like to visit unique locations. I hate the feeling of being yet another tourist in a too predictable destination.

That why’s I thought I’d share with you two alternative coastal destinations in Ireland for you to consider, where more often than not you will be only one of a handful of visitors on any given day and where you will find a more authentic Ireland.

 

Geokaun Mountain & Fogher Cliffs on Valentina Island are located in County Kerry in the South West of Ireland at one of the most westerly points in Europe.



Valentina although an Island is accessible by a bridge and is a wild and beautiful place on the Atlantic coast full of stunning walks, in particular the 600ft Fogher seacliffs. The Blasket Islands can be seen in the distance from the cliffs and the area is renowned for its flora and fauna. Ferries leave from the nearby fishing village of Portmagee for the Skellig Rocks. Skellig Michael towers 714ft above sea level and is famous for its sixth century monastic settlement. The site, reached by steep steps, includes stone beehive-shaped huts, oratories and crosses. Thousands of puffins breed on Skellig Michael during the warmer months and it was a recent location for the filming of Star Wars movies.

Beaches I have loved by Michelle Douglas #Giveaways

Sarah and the Secret Sheikh is set in the fictional Arabian country of Keddah Jaleel, and while I’d love to show you pictures of my adventures in that part of the world, I’ve never had the opportunity to experience it (maybe one day).



The desert sounds so magical, doesn’t it? But I haven’t been outside my own country in over four years! However, Keddah Jaleel does have the most spectacular coastline…and those who know me know how much I love the beach. It doesn’t really matter which beach—I pretty much love them all. So today I thought I’d share some of my favourite beaches with you. 

 

 

 

My childhood beach was in the tourist hamlet of Tuncurry, which is just over two hours North of Newcastle (which is where I live). This particular spot is called The Rock Pool (though it’s more a netted beach than an actual rock pool), and is very child friendly. It’s tucked into the mouth of the harbour, bordered by the breakwater, and it’s not unusual to see dolphins frolicking in the harbour on the other side of the net. J (This spot featured in my 2011 release, The Secretary’s Secret).

[caption id="attachment_870" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Rock Pool, Tuncurry…with the iconic Forster and Tuncurry bridge in the background[/caption]

 

Travel to Skye Island, Scotland with Andie Brock

Recently my husband and I spent a few days on the Isle of Skye. An island off the west coast of Scotland, it really is the most beautiful place.



Over the years I’ve had many holidays in this part of the world. Although not Scottish, my father was raised in a little town called Thurso, about as far north as you can go on the mainland. My grandfather was a customs and excise officer there but he died before I was born. Dad always had a huge fondness for Scotland and as kids we had lots of family holidays there. But this was the first time I had been to Skye – and I wasn’t disappointed.

Travel to Montana, USA with Lynne Marshall

Last August we visited a state we’d never been to before, Montana. I’ve always wanted to go there but had yet to make it. So when my husband suggested we take a trip to Montana and North Dakota, I was quick to sign on.

We’d visited Wyoming and South Dakota a few years back, so it only made sense to head north. We arrived in Missoula. The next day we headed for Whitefish, Mt, a cute and trendy kind of town, then on to Glacier National Park where we spent two of the most wonderful days of our lives sightseeing and hiking. We spent one very long driving day through the grassland and prairies of Montana, stayed the night in Glasgow, MT (I bet you didn’t know Glasgow existed in MT) then on to North Dakota. After two days we came back to Billings, Montana for two days.

I hope you enjoy this little taste of Montana. I’m smiling remembering the gorgeous views.

They call Montana the Big Sky state for a good reason.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam with Melanie Milburne #BookGiveaway

Two years ago my husband and I did a European river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam.

The cruise was wonderful. We visited places we might not have visited if we had been travelling on our own. Everything was catered for and it was lovely only having to unpack the once! Our cabin was always beautifully prepared for us and the food was amazing. As we toured through different countries the food and wine were sourced from those areas. That was so special.

 

 

Travel to London with Liz Fielding #BookGiveaway

My very special day out was not exotic for me - I've been visiting London all my life - but I know it's a "bucket-list" destination for many people, even those living in the UK - and I want to share my very special day out on a very hot summer day.

[caption id="attachment_644" align="alignleft" width="300"] London[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a play-date with my daughter and grandchildren and the one thing we were determined to do was take a trip on the London Eye. The important thing if you're planning a trip to London in the summer holidays is to pre-book your ticket. You can do this on the internet - you get a confirmation email that you take to the office alongside the Eye and they will give you your tickets. They also have a place to safely leave buggies since you can't take them on the Eye. You can pre-book fast boarding for a little extra and I'm very glad we did that because the queue was very long.

 

 

Travel to San Diego, USA with Amy Ruttan

[caption id="attachment_703" align="alignleft" width="300"] San Diego[/caption]

 I went to San Diego California. I flew. It's quite a bit of a drive from where I live in Canada to San Diego. It's about a 5 hour flight from Toronto, Ontario. If you drive it turns into 40 hours of driving, not that I wouldn't mind the drive. I prefer driving over flying, but I was on a time crunch.

 

I had a good experience. I was there for business. I was attending the Romance Writer's of America national conference. It's one of my favourite conferences. So much information and it's amazing to meet people who you interact with daily, but just online. I loved the city. The weather in July was beautiful. I wish I could've stayed longer. Wonderful place.

 

 

Travel to London with Rachael Thomas #BookGiveaway

 

During 2016 I was lucky enough to visit London several times and I can’t wait to go again!

Living on a farm in the Welsh countryside is very different from a big city and London is so full of excitement from the moment I step off the train. There is so much going on, so many people, it’s fascinating.