And Boy did I make the most of it?

Starting with my trip to Helsinki in May and finishing as I drove back in the Rolls from Paris at the beginning of August, I managed three months and several countries; 5000 miles driven in the Rolls and various hire cars; France, Finland, Italy, Morocco, Germany, Austria... a splendid Grand Tour (old Tipsheeters used to enjoy my annual travel bulletins including food updates - I remember, as Consultant to then BMG Chairman Richard Griffiths, getting an urgent message to call him only to discover he just wanted my recipe for vinaigrette!).

Best hotel? Probably between the Excelsior on the Lido in Venice and the Cavalieri Hilton in Rome (photos in the PHOTO area) but the best for me was the Rabat Hilton which had a pool within 5 yards from my room so I did 20-30 lengths every morning and evening - very good for me and very pleasurable.

I managed to get rooms that normally cost £350 a night for £70 a night - that's one of the great blessings of the Internet. For air fares, hotels and car hire it is magnificent.

Best food? Several gorgeous restaurants - I still love Reserve Loulou in Cagnes Sur Mer and it is always nice to be greeted with open arms and recognition - the most impressive was probably the gorgeous Terralliers in Biot near Antibes.

Best time? Strangely enough I love the driving - the changes in scenery between Italy and Austria - and Germany and France - are fabulous.

My last minute decision to revisit Venice was an incredibly good one - I spent a magnificent 48 hours there, reviving memories.

The masseur at the Cavalieri Hilton is fantastic, as is the view!

The Chinese Restaurant in the Munich Hilton is excellent and the masseuse there also brilliant.

My main impression was how NICE people are in other countries - the average Brit seems to be surly and grumpy; overseas everybody is smiling and welcoming and positive. I have to say the IBIS in Nice is so clean and smart and well run (and all highspeed internet is free).

Paris is as lovely as ever and Le Tour D'Argent is most impressive. Rome is equally fabulous but the traffic can be extraordinary. The South of France remains wonderful (check out the Martinez beach restaurant). Morocco is one of my favourite countries in the world and I love the people and the cultures there - and the food is much improved over the past 7 years. But it can get SO hot there (I wilted in Fes).

Three glorious months of happy holiday. But it is best of all to get home!