Carmarthenshire, UK

Mike has taken film footage of Wheatsheaf, Barley and Meadow Cottages to put up on U tube.  Just search for "Bwlch Tre Banau".  This is Welsh language for gap through the hills. You can take a visual stroll through the cottages and around The Bwlch Tre Banau Estate. Today we are taking a  drive over to the nearby historic and pretty town of Lampeter for lunch in the restaurant that won The Best Fish and Chips in Wales followed by a stroll 2 doors down from there to Conti's Ice Cream for their delicious home-made ices and a cappuccino or espresso.  Heaven!  Parking in the town is free and a walk through the Lampeter reveals individual small shops, boutiques and bakeries .  Don't miss the traditional ironmongers, stepping back in time to our parent's era - I can never pass it without picking up some useful item for the Estate. http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/

Torquay, UK

Make for the harbour to see the sailboats and cruisers.  For the ladies, stop off in Hoopers, the exclusive department store right on the seafront overlooking the Marina for a coffee and check out the latest top designer shoes, bags and clothes.  Wander  down to Maggie's, a shop that would be at home in Bond Street or Rodeo drive for friendly personal service and the most beautiful small range of hand picked designer clothes & costume jewellery.  Their personal shopper service guides through the collections and if you are just browsing they are happy just to chat about the clothes and the top designers they stock.  For the guys, sip a beer in a waterfront cafe and watch the world go buy and the sailboats slip into the marina before sampling the freshest local caught seafood at No.7 Bistro just along at the crescent.  Halcyon Summer days in Torquay. Stay at the exclusive West Wing Cottage  http://www.torquay.uk.com/ with its extensive lawns and gardens overlooking Tor Bay. http://www.torquay.uk.com

Florida, USA

Anna Maria Vacations has a superb group of properties on Anna Maria Island, Florida.  The island lies in the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast of Florida just below Tampa Bay.  Peaceful and friendly with great restaurants and easy access over either of 2 bridges to the mainland to Tampa and Orlando.  Take the children up to Busch Gardens or enjoy a couple of days in Disney then return to the natural seaside pleasures of 7 miles of pristine white sand beaches and a gorgeous villa with its own private swimming pool http://annamaria.com/ A visit to The Sign of the Mermaid restaurant is a must during your vacation - try their prize winning home made Key Lime Pie. http://www.amisland.com/