Anita Thomas: Vietnam completely surprised me — bags of frogs for sale on the street!

Irish Examiner

2 days ago

Favourite childhood holiday memory
Our exotic family holidays usually meant packing up the red Derby and heading to Sparly Cove in West Cork.
My aunt had a static caravan down there and every year, without fail, we'd spend two weeks in the same spot.
No phones, just showing up and seeing the same families every year like a kind of reunion no one organised.
We always say it felt like we had proper summers back then: sunburnt shoulders and sandwiches with sandy hands on the beach.
You had to be quick for the first one before the sand got to them.
But I just remember everyone being really happy. Even the car journey was a sing-along. Simpler times, but that's what stays with you.
Most memorable trip
Anita Thomas at Emirates' A380 onboard bar
One that stands out was flying to Singapore with my husband and daughters.
My husband and I are both aviation nerds, and we've passed that on to our kids; we've been known to choose destinations based on aircraft type.
This trip was all about flying on the Emirates A380 and getting the chance to experience First Class as a family.
From the private suites to booking your own shower time at 30,000 feet, it was surreal.
We were pinching ourselves the whole way, and we ended up having such craic at the onboard bar, chatting and arranging to meet up in Singapore.
And all the little touches, the Voya products from Sligo, for example, just made us feel even prouder to be Irish while travelling.
Most surprising destination
Vietnam completely surprised me. I didn't know if it would be my thing, but I absolutely fell in love with it.
We started in Hanoi, and it was chaos in the best way, scooters everywhere, carrying everything from washing machines to umbrellas.
At one point, we saw actual bags of frogs for sale on the street.
Ha Long Bay in north Vietnam
Then we travelled to Ha Long Bay for an overnight boat trip that felt like something out of a film.
Later, in Da Nang, everything slowed down.
We helped cook on a local farm, though I can't cook to save my life, and I had a moment of panic when my fake tan came off during a traditional foot- washing ritual!
The poor woman thought she'd scalded me. It was one of those funny, unforgettable travel moments.
Favourite city
Dubai
Dubai. We go there so often as a family, with friends, and even my neighbours.
People often think it's all bling and not suitable for families, but it's actually the opposite.
Safety is key for me, especially with my three daughters, and I never have to worry in Dubai.
There's a buzz the second you land. Whether you want the beach, a city break, or something affordable, it has it all.
You could eat for €10 in Deira or go full luxury in Palm Jumeirah.
Most memorable food experience
It wasn't in a fancy restaurant, but in the Maldives. A local fisherman had just brought in his catch, and the chef invited me to choose a fish.
He grilled it right there, with some local spices and lime, and we ate barefoot by the sea with the sunset going down.
It was so simple, but everything aligned in that moment, the place, the food, the people. We still talk about it whenever someone mentions fish.
Favourite hotel
Atlantis The Palm Dubai
If we could only ever go back to one hotel, it would be Atlantis The Palm. It ticks every box for us: luxury, amazing service, loads of dining options, and great entertainment.
My family has very different tastes, and this is one place that works for all of us. From the waterpark to the aquarium to the food, there's so much to do, even if you never leave the resort.
And more than anything, it's the hospitality. The more you travel, the more you value that kind of service. That's what makes it really stand out.
Favourite thing to do while travelling
Food is a huge part of it. Even if I'm not hungry, I'll try something new. I love finding local spots — street food stalls or tiny restaurants in villages.
I'll always look for where the locals are eating.We also make a point to do at least one activity that's unique to wherever we are.
In Dubai, we've done the desert safari so many times, but it never gets old.
Bucket list trip
Kyoto, Japan
Since covid, we've tried to say yes to travel as much as possible.
We've covered the US, Europe, Asia, and the Indian Ocean, and we visit Dubai regularly.
But top of the list now is Japan. I'd love to do it early next year.
And as a family, we're planning to visit Australia and New Zealand in a few years once school schedules allow.