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Last night I stayed up late - to 00:00 GMT (or 01:00 BST), to grab the AVIOS flights as they were released - 355 days before the flight's departure date. The reason? There is a solar eclipse in August next year, and I knew I could save on standard flight costs by purchasing with my stash of AVIOS. Flight Costs - with AVIOS I was booking the outbound flights only for now - it will be another week, until the return flights are released, and I didn't want to risk losing the flights to someone else. Standard flight costs with a bag are currently £222. There are 4 of us going - so that would have cost an eye watering £888 - just for one way. By staying up late and leveraging my AVIOS points - I was able to book 10,750 AVIOS and £17.5. The AVIOS were free to me, as I received them with Credit card spend. So all 4 of us were booked for £70! I do value AVIOS points at 0.8p - so even if you include that figure the total cost would be £414. Additional Benefits Additionally - should we decide to cancel - I only lose the cash element of the cost - £70, and the AVIOS are refunded to my account. A full hold bag is included for each passenger. With my status with BA - I was also able to reserve our seats for free. Meteor Storms: A Cosmic Bonus As if the eclipse wasn't enough, I recently learned that the Perseid meteor storm is expected to peak on the night of the 12 August - which just so happens to be the same night as the solar eclipse. By mid-August the sun is setting around 22:00 in Iceland - so it could be a fantastic stay. Preparing for the Adventure With the outward flights booked, the next step is to secure the return flights. I've got an excellent idea for accommodation - which I just need to do a little more reading up on before I fully commit. After that - I just need to figure out where is best to see the eclipse and where best to see the meteors - they will be about a few days before and after the eclipse. Even though it's just under a year away - good planning now will ensure availability and cost savings for the options that I'm considering. Happy travels!

Par Saevik (owner of Havila) gave his 8 grandchildren the task of picking a star to name each ship after. Built in 2023, by Tersan shipyard (Turkey). Technical Details Length - 124m Beam (width) - 22m Propulsion - Hybrid Ship - large battery packs and new engines Speed - 15 knots Capacity - 179 Cabins & Suites, 640 guests Gross tonnage - 15,519 Passenger comfort Free WIFI 3 Restaurants - Havrand (Main), Hildring (Fine Dining) and Havly (Cafe) 2 x Saunas, 2 x Jacuzzi and 2 x small Gyms Panorama bar and lounge Laundry room Large outdoor observation deck and walk around deck Viewing Lounge / Bar Shop Expedition Team Laundry room You can find MS Pollux's current position using this link; https://www.cruisemapper.com/ships/Havila-Pollux-ferry-2176

Par Saevik (owner of Havila) gave his 8 grandchildren the task of picking a star to name each ship after.  Built in 2023, by Tersan shipyard (Turkey). Technical Details Length - 124m Beam (width) - 22m Propulsion - Hybrid Ship - large battery packs and new engines Speed - 15 knots Capacity - 179 Cabins & Suites, 640 guests Gross tonnage - 15,519 Passenger comfort Free WIFI 3 Restaurants - Havrand (Main), Hildring (Fine Dining) and Havly (Cafe) 2 x Saunas, 2 x Jacuzzi and 2 x small Gyms Panorama bar and lounge Laundry room Large outdoor observation deck and walk around deck Viewing Lounge / Bar Shop Expedition Team Laundry room You can find MS Polaris' current position using this link; https://www.cruisemapper.com/ships/Havila-Polaris-ferry-2175

It's such a buzz when the sisters meet at sea. Havila Voyages have 4 ships on the Norwegian Coastal Route; Capella and Castor are full sisters - built in Tersan Shipyard (Turkey). Polaris and Pollux are also full sisters having a false start in Astillero Barreras Shipyard (Spain), the original builds were abandoned when the shipyard had financial issues. As a consequence the ships were fully built Tersan shipyard (Turkey). Capella and Castor are half sisters to Polaris and Pollux. Hurtigruten have 7 ships on the Norwegian Coastal Route MS NordNorge and MS NordKapp are full sisters - built at Kvaerner Kleven Shipyard (Norway) MS Nordlys, MS Richard With and MS Kong Harald are full sisters - built at Volkswerft Shipyard (Germany) MS Polarlys built at Ulstein Mek. Verk. Shipyard (Norway) and MS Midnatsol Fosen Mek. Verk. Shipyard (Norway) are half sisters to each other and the other two groups of sisters Here are the links to each of the ships; Havila Voyages Capella - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/havila-voyages-ms-capella Castor - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/copy-of-havila-voyages-ms-castor Polaris - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/havila-voyages-ms-polaris Pollux - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/havila-voyages-ms-pollux Hurtigruten MS NordNorge - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/hurtigruten-ms-nordnorge MS NordKapp - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/hurtigruten-ms-nordkapp MS Nordlys - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/hurtigruten-ms-nordlys MS Richard With - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/hurtigruten-ms-richard-with MS Kong Harald - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/hurtigruten-ms-kong-harald MS Polarlys - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/hurtigruten-ms-polarlys MS Midnatsol - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/hurtigruten-ms-midnatsol Happy travels!

Travelling along the Norwegian Coastal Route is a unique adventure that showcases stunning landscapes, inviting coastal towns, and the breathtaking beauty of the fjords. Whether you're sailing with Havila Voyages or Hurtigruten, packing appropriately is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. This guide provides specific recommendations to help you pack sensibly for your journey, ensuring you are prepared for the changing weather conditions and activities you will encounter. Understanding the Climate Norway's coastal climate can be quite unpredictable. In the summer months (June to August), temperatures can exceed 30°C on sunny days, while winter (December to February) can see temperatures drop well below freezing, accompanied by snow and ice. For example, Tromsø in winter, temperatures can average around -5°C (23°F). It’s essential to check the weather forecast leading up to your trip and pack accordingly to stay comfortable during your travels. When packing I always start with a list. Hopefully this is useful as a checklist against your own packing process. Clothing Essentials Layering is Key When packing for the Norwegian Coastal Route, layering is vital. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, which helps keep sweat away from your body. Choose an insulating layer like a fleece or wool sweater for warmth. Finally, a waterproof and windproof outer layer is necessary to shield you from rain and wind. For instance, a good quality rain jacket can keep you dry during unpredicted showers. Base Layer Moisture-wicking thermal tops & bottoms (especially for winter/shoulder seasons). Lightweight t-shirts or merino wool layers for summer. Mid Layer Fleece jacket or wool sweater. Insulated vest or light down jacket (packs small but warm). Outer Layer Waterproof & windproof shell jacket (Gore-Tex or similar). Waterproof trousers if you plan to be on deck often or go on excursions. Comfortable Footwear Comfortable footwear is crucial, especially if you plan to explore the many ports of call. Consider packing a pair of sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots and warm socks for excursions. Additionally, pack a pair of casual shoes for onboard activities. Waterproof shoes are also beneficial, particularly in wet weather. . Accessories for All Weather Don't forget key accessories that boost your comfort. A warm hat, gloves, and a scarf are essential for colder days. For sunnier days, bring sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your skin. Though - this is a good idea all year around - especiallly with snow. Compact umbrella (will probably get blown away) or a waterproof poncho can be convenient for unexpected rain. Outdoor Gear Daypack for Excursions A lightweight daypack is ideal for carrying your essentials during shore excursions. Ensure it is spacious enough to hold your water bottle, snacks, camera, and any extra layers you may require throughout the day. A pack with compartments will help you stay organized as you explore. Binoculars for Wildlife Watching If you're interested in wildlife, bring binoculars to enhance your experience. The Norwegian coast is rich in marine life, including seals, whales, and diverse bird species. Dining and Evening Wear Casual, comfortable clothes (ship is relaxed, no formal dress code). A couple of smart-casual outfits for dinners if you’d like. Swimwear for Relaxation After a day of exploring, a dip in the jacuzzi or some time in the sauna can be great fun and an opportunity to unwind. Seasonal Extras - Packing Tips Winter (Nov–Mar): Heavy insulated parka or layers upon layers, preferably wool, with a windproof outer layer, snow boots, thermal underwear, microspikes for icy paths (optional but useful). Summer (Jun–Aug): Lighter waterproof jacket, shorts & t-shirts for warmer days (can reach 15–20°C), but still bring a warm sweater. Spring/Autumn (Apr–May, Sep–Oct): Mix of winter & summer gear—layers are extra important. Toiletries and Personal Items Opt for travel-sized toiletries to save space in your luggage. Whilst there is shower gel and shampoo available - we all have our favourite shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and skincare products that we might prefer. Travel Documents and Essentials Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including your passport, tickets, travel insurance and any required visas. A travel wallet can help organize everything efficiently. Additionally, consider packing a portable charger for your devices; you'll want to capture the stunning scenery along the way and ensure that your phone is ready whenever you need it. Entertainment and Relaxation Books or E-Reader Long journeys can be an excellent time to enjoy reading. Bring along a book or e-reader loaded with your favorite titles. This simple pleasure can help you relax and make your travel time more enjoyable. Journal for Memories Consider bringing a journal to document your experiences. Writing about your journey allows for reflection on your travels and helps preserve memories of the stunning landscapes and unique adventures you encounter. Final Thoughts Packing for your journey along the Norwegian Coastal Route with Havila Voyages or Hurtigruten takes thoughtful preparation. By following these packing tips and focusing on layers, comfortable footwear, and personal necessities, you can ensure an unforgettable adventure along Norway's spectacular coastline. Pay attention to the climate and anticipate your activities to make the most of your experience. Having said all of that - you are passing through a number of ports - so there is plenty of opportunity to buy what you might have forgotten - with the added benefit that its Norwegian - so will be tried and tested to suit the weather. Enjoy travels!

What makes up a traditional breakfast varies greatly around the British Isles. Having been brought up in Northern Ireland, and then lived most of my adult life in England - I appreciate both an Ulster fry and an English fry. That said - we gave up frying the sausages and bacon some time ago. Over time these two frys have merged, been influenced by the Guernsey fry and yes components have changed - depending on availability, tastes, and what we now understand is bad for you - such that we now have a hybrid. TL;DR Never, never, never - should Beans and Eggs touch on a breakfast plate. The RetiredCormac Grill The components of this in no particular order are; Fried or scrambled egg - poached isn't an option Grilled Unsmoked Back bacon - streaky has been banned, as has smoked. The fat can be removed if desired Grilled Chipolatas - no one has the time to waiting for a proper sausage to cook Beans - Standard Heinz Beans - no other beans or variants are allowed Potato bread Other optional items may include sour dough toast tomatoes mushrooms black pudding toast/toasted bagel Served with Tea Golden rules Beans should not touch eggs Eggs should not touch beans and vice versa GOOD PRESENTATION - CHIPOLATA DAM AT WORK BAD PRESENTATION - BEANS TOUCHING EGGS The Chipolata dam Chipolatas should be used as a physical barrier to prevent bean juice from leaking over the eggs. Another good alternative is to serve the beans in a raminkin - but it's a family breakfast and no one puts a raminkin on a plate at home. Elevate Your Breakfast Experience Follow the rules folks. Keeping eggs and beans apart on your breakfast plate goes beyond just looking good. It's the law - providing for a harmonious breakfasting experience. Also - remember in Northern Ireland there are no beans in an Ulster Fry - so when you visit you won't have to concern yourself with this issue. Happy travels! P.S. Don't get me started on brown or red sauce and eggs.

Hurtigruten (translates to 'the fast route') operates 7 of the 11 ships that sail the Norwegian Coastal Route. Previously a publicly traded company, it's now owned by a private equity group. The Hurtigruten Fleet Hurtigruten currently operates seven ships on the Norwegian Coastal Route. The ships that make up the Hurtigruten fleet are named after a variety of Norwegian themes. Hurtigruten - MS Richard With - Read more here; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/hurtigruten-ms-richard-with Hurtigruten - MS Nordlys - Read more here; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/hurtigruten-ms-nordlys Hurtigruten - MS Nordkapp - Read more here; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/hurtigruten-ms-nordkapp Hurtigruten - MS Nordnorge - Read more here; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/hurtigruten-ms-nordnorge Hurtigruten - MS Midnatsol - Read more here; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/hurtigruten-ms-midnatsol Hurtigruten - MS Polarlys - Read more here; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/hurtigruten-ms-polarlys Hurtigruten - MS Kong Harald - Read more here; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/hurtigruten-ms-kong-harald

Havila Voyages (known as Havila Kystruten in Norway) operates 4 of the 11 ships that sail the Norwegian Coastal Route. It's a separately traded company, though the largest share holder is Havila Holding (a family owned investment company) The Havila Voyages Fleet Havila Voyages currently operates four identical ships on the Norwegian Coastal Route. Par Saevik (owner of Havila) gave his 8 grandchildren the task of picking a star to name each ship after. They chose the following names for the Havila Voyages Fleet; Havila Capella - Read more here; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/havila-voyages-ms-capella Havila Castor - Read more here - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/copy-of-havila-voyages-ms-castor Havila Polaris - Read more here - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/havila-voyages-ms-polaris Havila Pollux - Read more here - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/havila-voyages-ms-pollux

.... was to get rid of my allotment. TL;DR The allotment was a sanctuary from the 9 to 5. When I retired - I realised that I no longer needed the place to escape to. It's an Odd Move - Isn't It? When I first got my allotment, it felt like the perfect escape. Yes it was just a patch of soil, a shed full of tools, and more digging than actual fresh vegetables. For years, I would keep the weeds at bay whilst balancing the demands of work. The allotment was a sanctuary from the 9 to 5. But when I retired, something changed. The Freedom of Retirement Retirement brings a kind of freedom you can't really appreciate until it arrives. Suddenly, my calendar was blank. I got to fill my time with stuff that I enjoyed - travelling, holidays, chilling.... But with that freedom came the realisation that the allotment was no longer the break I needed from daily stress — it was becoming another responsibility. The Demands of the Plot Weeds don’t stop growing when you want a weekend away. I wanted my retirement to be about choosing what I did with my time, not keeping up with the relentless weeds. Shifting Priorities I also realised that I no longer needed the allotment as an escape, and my sense of fulfilment started coming from different places — from travelling, and simply having time. Letting Go Giving up the allotment and moving on was surprisingly easy - just like with work. I needed to let that chapter of my life go to make space for a new one. I still pass it (the allotment) when I go out for my daily cycle. I've now stopped looking over the fence to see how the poly tunnel is looking. I still garden — but on a smaller, gentler scale. A few pots on the patio, a raised bed for herbs. I've even started growing flowers. Happy travels!

Vienna will host the 70th Eurovision Song Contest The Austrian capital has been selected by Host Broadcaster ORF and the EBU to host the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in May 2026. The Grand Final will be held on Saturday 16 May at the Wiener Stadthalle with Semi-Finals earlier the same week on Tuesday 12 May and Thursday 14 May. The logo remains terrible. TL;DR I had already booked my flights and hotel - gambling that Vienna would be the host city, and the Eurovision final will be on Saturday the 16th May 2026. Hurray! The 'Gamble' allowed for me to book cheaper flights and hotel accommodation. Now the news is out, the flights for the weekend will rise substantially. Accommodation is already difficult to find. Next challenge is to secure tickets - which is always tough. Happy travels!

Here's an update to yesterday's previous... Vienna will host the 70th Eurovision Song Contest The Austrian capital has been selected by Host Broadcaster ORF and the EBU to host the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in May 2026. The Grand Final will be held on Saturday 16 May at the Wiener Stadthalle with Semi-Finals earlier the same week on Tuesday 12 May and Thursday 14 May. The logo remains terrible. TL;DR I had already booked my flights and hotel - gambling that Vienna would be the host city, and the Eurovision final will be on Saturday the 16th May 2026. Hurray! The 'Gamble' allowed for me to book cheaper flights and hotel accommodation. Now the news is out the flights for the weekend will rise substantially. Accommodation is already difficult to find. Next challenge is to secure tickets - preferably for the final, but the afternoon final rehersal is a good alternative if that doesn't work out. Happy travels!

We plan to visit the land of the rising sun in January 2026. It will be our second time in Japan - and this time we are travelling much further from the normal tourist spots. Our travel itinerary takes us through these four fantastic cities: Sapporo, Osaka, Okinawa, and finally Tokyo. We are flying between each of our stays. TL:DR Japan revisited. A walk through our proposed itinerary before we slot in day trips and experiences. Sapporo (2 nights) The birth place of Japanese beer, and home to o ne of Japan's oldest and most popular beer brands, Sapporo Beer. We'll definitely make a bee-line for the brewery tour. As it will be northern Japan in January - I expect to see snow on the ground - they get 6m a year - a winter wonderland, making it a perfect starting point for our adventure. Osaka (3 nights) Next is O saka which is best known for its food . It's often called "The Nation's Kitchen" due to its delicious and diverse street food. I want to try the takoyaki - grilled octopus, and okonomiyaki, a savory pancake with various fillings. Osaka's street food scene is so good that over 300 food stalls line the famous Dotonbori district alone! Okinawa (3 nights) Then it's on to Okinawa - the birthplace of karate, and first introduced to me as a teenager as the home of Mr. Miyagi, and where he took Daniel LaRusso for a trip. This should be quite different to Sapporo - no snow here - should be t-shirt and shorts weather. . Tokyo (5 nights) Lastly we return to Tokyo famed for its unique blend of futuristic technology and traditional culture, offering a wide array of attractions and experiences. From memory it was a bit mad - the robot restaurant highlighted that. Tokyo boasts iconic landmarks like Shibuya Crossing , Tokyo Skytree , and various temples and shrines, alongside bustling districts such as Akihabara and Ginza .  January 2026 - Japan Flights and hotels are all booked - just need to work on day trips and experiences now. Happy travels!