Most tourist areas are quieter early morning but for real peace stay away from the hot spots of Bowness, Windermere, Grasmere, Hawkeshead and even Coniston is usually busy.

Instead travel west to Wasdale also visit Eskdale and Buttermere and the Duddon Valley.

All of these area are less accessible and can be difficult to drive to as the roads can be narrow.  They give all give real insight into the typical Lake District landscape and are favourite walking and climbing areas.  Wasdale is spectacular and one of my favourite places.

Being on the lake is the best was to take photos of the scenery.

You could take a trip on the Gondola steam yacht. It glides quietly down the lake and you have views of the surrounding countryside and the mountain Coniston Old Man. It’s a restored Victorian era steam boat now owned by the National Trust, ticket are about £20.00.  There’s an open deck ideal to photograph from and inside it’s comfortable on cooler days.

Canoes can be launched from several areas the lower part of the lake is my favourite area. Just be aware that the lake is deceptive and can look mirror calm one minute and can quickly become dangerously rough with areas difficult to paddle through. Call in at Brantwood one of the four Gondola stops, it’s the former home of John Ruskin.

I haven’t been on the Windermere steamer for several years these boats get very busy and can take between 300 and 500 passengers. They are very old boats but have been restored over the years.  Smaller more modern boats also run cruises on the lake.

If you want a quieter experience try Ullswater it also has a steamer and  yachts can be chartered.

All lakes have a 10 mile an hour speed limit.

March and November are the months I don’t like in England.  They’re also the months I feel most comfortable in Dubai.  I think that’s what makes them the best months for travel between the two countries.

March in the UK is cold, with strong winds, sometimes snow, and most days are rainy. It feels dark and bleak, and after several months of winter, the warmth of Dubai is very appealing.

But the temperature difference is a challenge for travellers.  I visited Dubai in March of this year.  I arrived at Manchester Airport wrapped up for the cold and rain, but I was very aware that after the eight-hour flight, I would arrive in temperatures at least twenty degrees higher and with sunny skies.

The what to wear to travel dilemma never feels easy, even though I’ve been to Dubai many times.

Avoid bulky clothing items; remember to take a change of shoes. Winter boots don’t look or feel good in the Dubai heat.  Leave space in your carry-on bag to store your cold-weather clothing during the flight. Wearing layers makes adjusting to the plane temperature and then Dubai easier. 

Sunglasses help shield you from the bright glare you’ll encounter when leaving Dubai airport.  Always keep water with you, as the heat will hit you as you leave the airport, and staying hydrated helps.

My advice is to wear layers; natural fabrics like cotton and linen work best in the heat. Remember to pack a change of shoes, avoid bulky items, and bring sunglasses and water, as they are essential on arrival.

I made this journey a few years ago and took both options.  I suggest flying there because I like to arrive at my destination as soon as possible.  Then take the train back.

The flight departed from Charles de Gaulle Airport and arrived at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. The airport is about a 30-minute drive from the centre of Paris. It’s a short flight of about one and a half hours, and the approach to Nice is worth seeing. I flew at night, and it was a spectacular approach. Nice airport is approximately 20 minutes by taxi from the centre of Nice.

When I returned to Paris, I took the TGV train. Nice-Ville station is about 15 minutes by car from Nice, and the arrival in Paris is at Gare de Lyon station.

This was my first train trip on a double-decker train.  The journey was about six hours.  The seat was comfortable, the windows were large, providing a good view of the scenery, and refreshments were available in the next carriage.  I recommend the upper deck; the Wi-Fi was adequate, and although the train is very high-speed and tilts, the journey was comfortable.  

These trains can reach a maximum speed of approximately 300 km/h.

I booked this journey about a month before travelling via an app while I was still in the UK. Don’t miss the famous Train Bleu restaurant inside the station.  It’s an unforgettable experience at the end of a very special train journey.