travel – My London+

I think you could say that I’m a little obsessed with books about London and books about rivers. I buy them new and second hand. I also have a box I call my tourist box which contains leaflets and bo0klets, maps and postcards from other places I’ve visited in the UK, or would like to visit.

There is nothing I like better than to spend time on the internet planning or researching places to visit. Right now travelling isn’t something any of us can do much of, but it doesn’t stop me making lists!

This year I have found places in my locality I didn’t know were there. I’ve also walked and taken more photos this year than I would normally do. I’m a bit of an itinary freak. I like to have an idea of what I am doing and when on holiday. Just taking things as they come isn’t really me, but I do try and take time out. When I stayed in Winchester I spent part of most afternoons reading in the garden. But it’s not long before I’m planning again.

Of course some of these books overlap, but that’s okay, because there is always that bit of information in one that might not be in another, or a better map to follow. I have sometimes taken two books out with me, or a book and a map I’ve downloaded from the internet. And yes, I do use both. I switch between them depending on what I want to know. I also love just flicking through them. I don’t think I realised just how many London books I had until I got them out to photograph them for this blog. Maybe that’s my cue to stop buying books about London. Let’s see how that works out!

The Holiday and Travel Show sponsored by The Times/Sunday Times is an annual outing, and we have been going for many years. I do mourn the demise of the performance stage, which was dropped a few years ago. It had its own timetable of events with demonstrations of different styles of dancing from Flamenco to Bollywood and everything else in between. It was my favourite part of the show. These days mini performances take part in small areas and don’t seem to be timetabled. You just come across them as you work your way through the exhibition hall. There are, however, still spaces where you can listen to talks about countries, travel and holiday tips, and interviews with famous travellers. One year I got to hear Simon Reeve and one of the chaps from the series Coast.

If you are planning a trip somewhere this is a good place to visit to gather information, and often companies offer discounts for booking a holiday through them on the day.

On the old days we would stagger home with a great many brochures, but these days we limit it. It’s just too temping to go for everything just because it’s there.

The Wanderlust Photo of the Year Gallery is another stop on my walk through the exhibits. They are always breathtaking, and you can vote for your favourite.

Speaking of photography, you can book Photography Masterclasses in advance. They cost £30. Learn how to take those stunning travel shots!

Each year the amount of companies advertising UK holidays has diminished but there are still the Ramblers Association and my personal favourite HF Holidays. I did get chatting to a girl from a company that arranges self guided walking holidays in the UK and abroad and that appealed to me and I intend to do some research on their website.

As well as the different holiday companies there are food stalls (though I am mean and take my own food and drink!), two book stalls and clothing outlets with knock down prices on everything from walking boots and socks to shirts, rucksacks, hats and water purifiers. Everything you might need (or think you might need) is here.

One big change I totally approve of is the ditching of all those plastic bags that are handed out as you pass. They are now reusable cotton tote bags. Brilliant!

The exhibition runs for four days. Today is its first. It finishes on Sunday 2nd February. The nearest tube is Kensington Olympia (Overground) which is just opposite the venue.

I always received a free ticket (which allows one guest). I think I must have gone with a friend originally and then when they had my details on the form they automatically sent me a ticket every year after that. That’s the best way because tickets are otherwise £11.

Tag: travel

An obsession with London books – NaBloPoMo – Day 14

Holiday Destinations Exhibition, Kensington Olympia