Latest news with #TravelSmart
The Independent
10-05-2025
- The Independent
The Mediterranean escape with something for all the family
In this week's TravelSmart, we're on the golden shores of Costa Daurada as Simon Calder explores one of Spain 's best-kept secrets, where Blue Flag beaches, water sports and a popular theme park combine to make an ideal family getaway. The Independent 's travel correspondent shares his advice on where to visit for kid-friendly fun – as well as culture and history – along with his money-saving tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your holiday. Watch TravelSmart on Independent TV.
Rhyl Journal
05-05-2025
- Rhyl Journal
Denbighshire woman is cancer-free and starts travel business
Sally Smart, 55, was first diagnosed with breast cancer at the start of 2022, before sadly receiving a second diagnosis last year. But Sally has been told she is now cancer-free, and has launched Travel Smart, which will aim to craft 'once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences' for its customers. More information is available at She formerly ran photography business Blue Bug Photography, which she set up in 2009. Sally said: 'I'm feeling much better. I'm still going through treatment, but the side-effects of it are quite minimal. 'When you have cancer, they can't ever say: 'you're cured', they just say that there's (currently) no evidence of the disease, so you've got to live your life while you're well enough to do so. 'When they told me I had the all-clear, I just thought: 'Oh, thank God'. But I've been given the all-clear before, and it then came back so aggressively and quickly, so it takes the shine off it a little bit. 'But to be told that, at the moment, I'm all clear, it was a relief that everything they've done so far has worked.' Sally has plenty of travelling planned herself – she and partner Iwan will honeymoon in the Maldives this summer, before heading to Australia for Christmas and the start of 2026. She also plans to spend more time in Cyprus, where she has bought a holiday home, and which feels like an 'escape from cancer' to her. Her goal for Travel Smart is to make 'personalised, hassle-free travel itineraries for people who want to make lasting memories while they're able'. 'I want to do loads of travelling,' she said. 'I was looking for something that I could do from anywhere in the world. I think I don't want to feel like I'm a waste of human life, with nothing to do - I need to do something, for my own mental health. 'It's a bit of a change from what I used to do - since I've launched it, I've been inundated with support, which is amazing. It's something to give me a sense of purpose, I suppose, that isn't just cancer.' Sally, who lived in Prestatyn before moving to Tremeirchion, was part of a group of 'breast friends' - 18 women with breast cancer who all received treatment through Ysbyty Glan Clwyd's cancer unit. She helped raise more than £30,000 in a year for the cancer unit at Glan Clwyd, and was honoured for her efforts by being shortlisted at the 2024 JustGiving Awards. Last May, the group presented the cancer unit with a cheque for £30,100 after 12 months of tireless fundraising, including by creating and selling a nude calendar.
The Independent
19-04-2025
- The Independent
TravelSmart's guide to holidays in Malaysia, from city stays to beaches and rainforest
This week, it's right into the heart of south-east Asia as TravelSmart turns its eye to Malaysia, a country of extraordinary beauty and diversity. Simon Calder, The Independent 's travel correspondent, shares his fondness for the islands of Langkawi and Penang, while Annabel Grossman explores what to do in Kuala Lumpur, the nation's capital. The pair also discuss Borneo, the world's third-largest island and home to the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. Watch TravelSmart on Independent TV.
The Independent
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
What to do in Abu Dhabi, from beach days to Grand Prix weekends
This week, TravelSmart is all about Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates and a place known for its modern skyline, luxury resorts and rich heritage. Simon Calder, The Independent 's travel correspondent, and Annabel Grossman take a dive into the best of the beaches, with pristine white sand and turquoise water on offer along the Persian Gulf – whether you're looking for a family-friendly day on the shore, water sports on the sea, or simply time to relax in the sunshine. Annabel recommends visiting during the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend for those seeking full-on glamour, while Simon shares his fondness for the cultural immersion on offer. Watch TravelSmart on Independent TV.
The Independent
22-03-2025
- The Independent
The TravelSmart guide to Singapore, from street food to green spaces
This week, this special episode of TravelSmart – in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board – is helping you get to know the incredible southeast Asian city state. It's a place famous for its contemporary architecture, weaving of green spaces into the urban landscape, and beyond impressive street food – and somewhere that is far from simply a place to stopover. Join Annabel Grossman and The Independent 's travel correspondent Simon Calder, who shares why the Lion City is one of his favourites, from its diversity to how it blends a colourful history with cutting-edge modernity – all while preserving its natural heart. Watch TravelSmart on Independent TV.
