Autumn hideaways

With long nights and chilly mornings just around the corner - in the Southern hemisphere at least. This summer has been little more than a brief (but fun) fling. Although many of us aren't ready to say goodbye to our summer romance just yet, the start of autumn is the perfect time to escape.

No school holiday traffic jams to contend with - pack up the car, book a train/plane, or set sail and explore.

Queenstown, New Zealand in Autumn

The ultimate pre-winter sojourn is Queenstown, New Zealand. Avoiding the tourist spots and peak times is well worth the effort. However, if a weekend escape in Central Otago isn't possible, there is a dupe escape which is at least half as good.

Around this time of year the annual 'flu bugs start to do the rounds and it's Murphy's Law that you will get sick before you go away anyway. Save the hassle and head straight to the sofa to binge watch the first season of Jane Campion's Top of the Lake. With dark themes, awe inspiring scenery and tough women, it is brutal to watch but incredible in its honesty. Set around Queenstown and Glenorchy, the scenery is breathtaking and a character of its own in this gothic drama.

The Remarkables, Queenstown, New Zealand

Whether your poison of choice is some legendary Central Otago Pinot Noir or a comforting pot of homemade chai tea, having a little indulgence at the start of the colder months will help to lift your spirits. If you have binge watched the whole series and are still feeling under the weather, try a classic hot toddy recipe to help.

Little seasonal escapes (even if it is just a Netflix binge to another place) are bliss until you have time to do the real thing.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Take it slowly as winter rolls around again. Look after yourself and don't stop doing what you loved doing over the Summer months - just make sure you rug up and soldier on...

Keep warm xx