A delight to be in the capital of the Orkney Isles, for the northernmost Travel Show so far. Thanks to all involved in organising and producing the programme - you know who you are!
Fifty nine degrees north of the Equator, closer to the Arctic than the tropics, and in terms of journey time from London further than Greece or Morocco - yet Orkney is a delight: fabulous landscapes, lovely people, fascinating heritage and spectacular beaches. I talked to Barbara Foulkes of VisitScotland, who told me that it's mainly for older travellers - but I must say it strikes me as the ideal destination for young families. "Like Norway, only cheaper," is my suggestion for the marketing slogan.
To business: the Thomas Cook chief executive, Manny Fontenla-Novoa responded to a newspaper headlined "20 Holiday Firms to Go". In the light of Kiss Flights' collapse, how can travellers be sure about their holiday dreams coming true? He said "Book with reputable companies". David Speakman, founder of the leading agency Travel Counsellors, told me "Cheapest is weakest".
Great calls and emails - starting with Jan in Bromley who's heading for a wedding in Jacksonville, Florida, and wanted the cheapest fare. Fly to Orlando and take the train, I advised. And the best route to drive to Barcelona? Straight over the Pyrenees at this time of year.
I'm heading over the Alps for next week's programme - I'm going to the Verona Opera. Talk to you then.
Simon