THIS view is one of the many reasons why record numbers of people are taking to the seas.

A WEEKEND break in Belgium? How about Wallonia for its award-winning bubbles, chocolate, scenery and frites!

DON’T be put off by the black water or the smell of tar - this is Slovenian spa water, found nowhere else on earth.

NATALIE sailed on board the world's eighth largest passenger liner, the Anthem of the Seas sailing from England to America.

THIS is my favourite shot taken while hiking the seven Rila Lakes in Bulgaria. The landscape was stunning.

MAY 31st was a cold Wednesday morning. In 1916, thousands of sailors were waiting on the rolling grey waves in the North Sea.

I CAN shimmy now. Yes it’s true. I’d never been able to do that before. This is what Prague has taught me.

HERE’S something I didn’t know: Stockholm is a capital of 14 islands. This impresses me but I can’t find a Swede who agrees.

FORGET Danish Hygge, Croatians are giving us Špica…and it all begins with a cup of coffee.

THIS is where I stayed in a socialist tower covered in graffiti in Croatia better known as the gateway to the islands.