TUI Cabin Manager Rosie Poulios has spent over 30 years travelling across all continents – but there’s one destination that tops her list.
It has beautiful beaches, wildlife, colourful fishing villages and the best news for Brits, absolutely no jet lag. The destination in question? Senegal.
Talking about the West African country, Rosie says it combines “sunshine, culture, character and experiences” that you can’t easily find elsewhere.
Senegal is six hours away from the UK and TUI is reintroducing its direct route from London Gatwick on November 2.
There’s no time difference between Senegal and the UK either, so holidaymakers can get their winter sunshine without any jet lag.
There’s plenty to do too like exploring Gorée Island, a UNESCO-listed island that’s car-free with pastel-colored buildings.
On the island is the House of Slaves ‘Maison des Esclaves’ a pink-coloured building and memorial museum from 1776 commemorating millions of enslaved Africans.
For those looking to see wildlife, there’s a chance to see all sorts of animals at the Bandia Reserve.
On a safari-style drive, visitors can spot giraffes, zebra and rhino.
Another popular experience is visiting the Saloum Delta which is waterways and mangroves which is lush with birdlife.
If you go on holiday with TUI, you can book these tours with TUI Musement – full day tours of Goree Island from £69 per adult and £48 per child.
Half-day safaris at Bandia Reserve from £59 per adult and £41 per child.
When it comes to staying in Senegal, Rosie suggests checking into the Riu Baobab.
The all-inclusive resort has four swimming pools, a waterpark and is a few short steps away from Pointe Sarene beach.
Guests can try out water activities, lazing about by the pool and enjoying meals at its restaurants.
Rosie said:”It gives families all the convenience of an all-inclusive beach holiday while also offering the chance to discover a fascinating destination beyond the resort.
“And it’s brilliant for adults too with kayaking and paddleboarding on offer on the beach, or thatched parasols to laze the day away beneath.”
TUI offers a one week all-inclusive stay at the Riui Boabab in Pointe Serene from £1046 per person.
This is based on a family of four departing London Gatwick on November 30.
For anyone who has Africa on their bucket list, Rosie described Senegal as “one of the easiest introductions to Africa you can find.”
Rosie also describes the Senegalese as “some of the friendliest I’ve met”.
She added: “They’re welcoming, proud of their culture and genuinely happy to share their country with visitors.”
“You get the wildlife, the culture, the history and the scenery people dream about, but in a way that feels accessible and completely unintimidating.”
The best time to visit Senegal is during the dry season from November to May – and temperatures sit around 30C all-year.