Back in December I suggested to my brother Ken that we take our annual 'winter break' on a cruise along the Norwegian coast. In recent years we have indulged in a little seasonal migration around February - to escape the English winter and pursue  various interests. Noticing the temperatures in northern Norway in February, Ken did not seem terribly enthusiastic. 

Thermals. It was something of a last-minute notion, prompted by the weather forecast in the days before we were due to start our Naturetrek trip to the Levels. So, thermals bought and packed, we set off to Wells to meet our fellow travellers and our two guides, Charles and Ed.

Tadoba, currently one of our most productive of Indian national parks when it comes to mammal sightings, adds Ratel (Honey Badgers) to its list of recent highlights. We’ve received some interesting photos of Ratel and other mammals from our favoured lodge in Tadoba taken by camera-traps mounted on game trails and waterholes in the 100 acres of land surrounding the lodge.

It's a balmy, pleasant morning and at 6.30am it's still no less than 20 degrees Celsius. As the waves crash onto the sandy beach, Carib Grackles are calling nearby while colourful Bananaquits are squeaking around the bar area waiting for their morning supply of sugar!

Watching Brown Bears padding out of the forest, delicious meals and the thrill of a night spent in a forest hide: Gill Murphy describes her 'Sweden's Bears' holiday with us last year.