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.
Rosie has been cabin crew for 30 years – and Senegal is a destination she hasn’t forgotten aboutCredit: TUIThe country is great for winter sun and has no jet lag for BritsCredit: Shutterstock
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.
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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.
TUI Muesement offers day tours to Goree IslandCredit: Shutterstock
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.
Zebra, giraffe and rhino can be seen at Bandia ReserveCredit: TUIThe Riu Baobab is an all-invlusive TUI hotel with four pools and direct beach accessCredit: TUI
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.
Winning tip: History, buns and Italianate porticoes in Münster
In an often overlooked corner of Germany, near the Dutch border, Münster is an absolute gem. Covered porticos will convince you you’re in northern Italy, gothic churches will remind you you’re in Mitteleuropa and the buns from Zeit für Brot will insist you’re in heaven. Nature-lovers can take in the Botanical Gardens and relax by the Münstersche Aa river. Those of a historical bent can peek into the room where the Treaty of Westphalia was signed in 1648 and mull the report card of nation states in the nearly 400 years since. But really, it’s a great place just to drop-anchor and lose a few days. Jeremy
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Photograph: Hackenberg-Photo-Cologne/Alamy
In the verdant countryside near Düsseldorf, the 129-year-old Müngsten Bridge, the country’s highest railway bridge, rises 107 metres above the River Wupper. The impressive iron and steel structure is billed as Germany’s answer to the Eiffel Tower (yes, really!) and if you’ve got a head for heights, you can don a harness and make the exhilarating climb to the highest point. You’ll be rewarded with incredible views across the valley, especially if you steel yourself (!) for the nerve-racking walk across the narrow beam that spans the top of the bridge. Eat your heart out, Sydney Harbour Bridge. Bex
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