We had such a great day on Wednesday. Some of us went off site for a brainstorm day. Sorry I know some readers hate that kind of phrase, so I will say blue sky thinking. Whilst one would always like to think they have innovative ideas and often these come on the hoof – it is also true that you get so tied up with the detail of they day job you need to go away to do this. It is very exciting that we have come up with a lot of ideas which in turn means you will see a greater variety of product and the best communication from us to you. I can’t believe that any reader won’t be inspired to take a holiday with us once they see how we are expanding our product to suit anyone that likes the way Bales can put holidays together.

I am now in Chicago and it is prettier than I imagined with the beautiful coast line and the harbour around the lake. I have to say as much as I love airports and appreciate that Chicago is a very busy hub – I did admire the patience of hundreds of passengers arriving from various destinations as it took 2 hours to get through immigrations. Yes I think we all appreciate security has to be tight but it somewhat bewildered me to see that under half the immigration desks were actually manned. I am sure someone will be able to give a reasonable explanation? Anyway that has all gone now as we are just really enjoying the Windy City. I know others will appreciate it is special that children of over 18 still come on holiday with their parents so I feel so lucky that David and James came with us.

We fly off to Washington on Sunday to meet my beautiful step daughter Rachel and spend some precious time with her exploring Virginia before we head to Baltimore for her big wedding celebration party.

I would say this wouldn’t I – but having flown with Virgin Atlantic – I think it is such a great experience – it is about attention to detail and customer service and they have all that.

Bye for now…

About Mandy Nickerson

Other articles by Mandy Nickerson

Mandy endeavours to share her travel experiences (where she will 'tell it like it is') and also detail the latest exciting projects that she is involved in. Mandy welcomes your feedback - please feel free to submit your thoughts, queries, comments and theories below.