English 
Updated on February 26th, 2025
Last week I wrote to you about my exploits while hiring a car in Gran Canaria, the Canary Islands. If you have been holding your breath for seven days wondering what happened, the good news is that we returned the vehicle safe and sound and without any extra scratches. It was a huge relief to know that I was being refunded my €1000. If you missed the whole saga and my top tips for car hire on your travels, then hit reply and I’ll resend you all the details.
But it was not without some very tense journeys. And must be the most stressful hire car experience I have ever had!
Gran Canaria, I discovered is stunning. They refer to it as a “miniature continent” and I can see why. The small island is dotted with microclimates, volcanic craters, scenic hikes, sand dunes and ravines to be explored.
It also has plenty of sharp inclines, narrow roads, hairpin bends, switchbacks, blind corners, and summits where it is impossible to see what is over the top until you’re there. I sweated my way around all of those, with every muscle tensed! When we made a slight wrong turn, Google detoured us around the tiny back routes and added an extra 30 minutes to the drive without us realising, I almost wanted to cry!
It felt like a never-ending road trip and although I wanted to just stretch my legs, turn around and head (more directly) back home again, the drive resulted in a stunning hike with amazing views.
And on other days we promenaded along the beach, amongst the sand dunes, explored the charming port of Mogán, and hiked the circumference of Bandama Crater. We ate delicious food and even took in a drag show or two for the evening’s entertainment.
So, it was worth it. And I would recommend Gran Canaria if you are in search of an active holiday. It’s certainly not just for those of us who love to spend the day relaxing by the pool. But be careful who you book your car hire through, and hopefully enjoy a slightly less stressful driving experience!
Next stop, the Portuguese leg of the Camino de Santiago, so if you have any recommendations, please send them my way. Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.
In honour of the start of the 2024 F1 Grand Prix racing season, over on YouTube this week, I’m back in Singapore and sharing my experience from 2022 when I was lucky enough to attend the qualifying event. If you have ever fancied seeing this motor racing spectacle for yourself, then don’t miss this one. The tickets are not cheap, so you can get a good idea of whether it’s worth spending your hard-earned cash or watching it on TV instead! Join me via THIS LINK and decide for yourself if buying Grand Prix Tickets is worth it for you.
Also, did you get chance to watch my Singapore Food Tour video yet? I have been blown away as this one has taken off like a rocket! It’s my most successful video yet having been viewed over 4,500 times in a week. Check it out if you haven’t had chance yet by following the link HERE.
Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue xThis newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
More of my Adventures…
Blog – 10 Top Tips for Hiking as a Solo Female Traveller
Video – Singapore Grand Prix Tickets: Is it worth it?
Video – Sampling Local Singapore Food: A Fantastic Hawker Centre Tour in Chinatown
🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
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