We all have dreams in childhood, dreams of adventure in far flung places. So use those dreams when looking for inspiration for your next journey…

Having played the Emperor of Kyoto in a school play, dressed in a kimono (is that what Japanese men wear?) with fan in hand, Japan and the orient have always held an allure for me. This has been compounded for through some great TV - ‘Monkey Magic’, ‘Shogun’ and ‘The Water Margin’ (none of which I imagine have stood the test of time).

My other main inspiration from childhood is the Netherlands (or Holland as we called it in school). To me the stereotypical combination of canals, windmills with clog clad mice dancing on the steps (don’t ask!), tulips and big red edam cheeses was irresistible. At 7 years old, I went so far as to get a Dutch phrase book from a well travelled family friend, with every intention of learning the language. Needless-to-say my Dutch has not come on greatly since.

These long held dreams may provide some of our most precious experiences.