Holiday Archives - With love from Lou

5 Great Reasons To Go On A Cruise

17/05/2019 by Louise 14 Comments

According to a 2016 report by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), cruising has grown by 22% over land-based holidays. But why? Personally, I think it’s because travellers are looking for a holiday that provides a little something more. Whether that’s more fun, more entertainment, more amazing food or more than one destination to explore during their holiday, they’ll be sure to find all that and more when they choose to go on a cruise!

Travellers who haven’t yet tried a cruise usually say they haven’t ever booked to go on one as they’re worried they’ll get seasick or feel claustrophobic. But at the same time, compelling commercials they’ve seen on TV of families sliding down onboard waterslides or gazing out to sea from their private balcony make booking a cruise seem tempting.

If you’re among those who are considering your first cruise but haven’t yet taken the leap, you’ll definitely want to sit back, relax, and read today’s post, as I’m sharing 5 great reasons to go on a cruise with you. So, are you ready? Then let’s go!

01. A Cruise Holiday Offers Great Value For Money

Cruise holiday’s offer great value for money because the fares include nearly everything you’ll need to have an amazing trip. From food and accommodation to entertainment and transportation – everything is all in. You can regularly find fares for cruise’s that are much cheaper than paying for a hotel room, dinner and a show on land.

Got kids? On some cruise liners, kids sail for free or at a discounted rate when sharing a cabin with two adults. And if you’re looking to live the life of luxury while you’re away I highly recommend opting for a liner with alcohol and soft drinks, gratuities, shore tours, onboard spending credits, and flights all bundled into the fare. I guarantee you won’t regret it!

02. Cruise Holidays Are Easy To Plan

As cruise holidays package together both accommodation and transportation, they’re super easy to plan. Just pick your ship, itinerary and cabin, and away you go! There’s no need to search for hotels in your price range, no stress from having to coordinate travel between cities, and you can even get your travel agent to arrange your airfare for you.

Travelling as part of a group? No worries! Group travel is also simple to book. Cruise lines have plans in place for group travel, which eliminates the hassle of coordinating your 20 family members and friends from around the country who want to holiday with you. Plus, if you book enough cabins, you might find yourself getting a few extra perks, such as a free fare!

03. You Can Visit Multiple Destinations But Only Need To Unpack Once

Let’s face it, a cruise ship is basically a floating hotel, taking you from place to place without you having to worry about bus, train, ferry or plane schedules, or dragging your suitcase along cobbled streets. So once you’re on board and have unpacked, that’s it, you won’t have to do it again, no matter how many places you visit!

Every morning, you’ll wake up in a new place you can explore. But can’t decide between St. Lucia or Barbados, or Portugal or Spain? Why choose? Pick an itinerary that visits all the places on your travel bucket list.

04. Cruise Ships Are Family Friendly

From tots to teens, parents and grandparents, cruises are great fun for the whole family. If, like me, you struggle to find a holiday that both your 5-year-old and 15-year-old will enjoy, and has adult activities too then it’s definitely time to consider a cruise.

These days, ships usually have brilliant kids’ facilities, split by age. Teens have their own cool hangouts, far away from the play areas for the little ones. What’s not to love about a trip that features swimming pools and video games, while at the same time offers time for families to be together at dinner or on excursions on land? Parents can also sneak in a romantic dinner alone, by taking advantage of late-night hours in the kids’ club. Bliss!

05. Cruise Ships Offer A Variety Of Onboard Activities

Today’s cruise ships are designed to keep everyone happy. So whether you want to pamper yourself at the spa while your other half tries his luck in the casino, or soak up the sun while the kids splash around in the pool, you can! You’ll find loads to do on board your ships such as wine tasting, dance classes, pottery painting, movie theatre’s, dining areas, swimming pools, and much, much more. There really is something for everyone.

And if all you want to do is relax on a river cruise holiday and do absolutely nothing while the ship sails from port to port then you can do that, too. There’s nobody going to stop you. See, I told you cruising was amazing, didn’t I?!

And there you have it – 5 great reasons to choose a cruise for your next holiday.
Have you ever been on a cruise before? Let me know in the comments below!
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3 Luxury Holiday Destinations I’d Love To Visit

28/09/2018 by Louise 15 Comments

Here on my blog I often write about the places I’d love to visit with my kids. But I have to be honest and say that sometimes the pressures of everyday life get a little bit too much, and I find myself daydreaming about dropping everything and heading off on a luxurious adult only holiday where I could get myself some me-time without having to worry about a thing! Is that bad of me? I’m hoping it isn’t.

With that in mind, I thought I’d share a little bucket list of luxury holiday destinations I’d love to be able to visit one day. I hope you enjoy having a read. And if you’ve visited any of these destinations yourself, don’t forget to leave me a comment at the end of the post to let me know what you thought of them. I love hearing about other people’s experiences. So, are you sitting comfortably? Then let’s get going …

Mauritius

First up, I’m dreaming of visiting a tropical island hideaway with dazzling beaches, turquoise waters, and amazing accommodations that offer an air of exclusivity and romance. Yes, Id love to visit Mauritius! The island has a fairly mild climate throughout the year, which makes it the perfect place for me to visit as I’m not a massive fan of hot weather.

Believe it or not, there’s absolutely loads to do in Mauritius. It’s not just for those of us who want to lounge on the beach all day soaking up the sunshine! I could definitely see myself heading down to Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, and home of the super stylish Waterfront. Here, I could do a spot of shopping and dine out in one of the many beautiful restaurants there, before getting my glad rags on and heading out to enjoy the nightlife.

Mauritius is also known for its rich heritage, and I’d love to visit the naval museum to learn more about this. I also fancy hiking through the forest in the hope of finding a waterfall or two, visiting the botanical gardens and diving in the beautiful turquoise sea. Mauritius offers everything I could possibly want from a getaway, and much more. Want to find out more? Then make sure you visit the website.

France

Next, I’ve picked out the South of France. My other half holidayed here with his family when he was younger and he always talks about how much he enjoyed it. I’d love for us to spend a weekend away here together at the Caudalie Spa in Bordeaux. Just imagine how relaxing would it be!

At luxury French hotel Les Sources de Caudalie excellent regional wines can be found in bottles, barrels and infused into facials, scrubs, massages and more. Designed to look like a country village from an antique postcard, each of the hotel’s elegant rustic buildings has a new treat for visitors to discover. Things I’d like to do while staying here include exploring the surrounding countryside on one of the hotel’s bicycles, taking in the stunning views on a horse-and-carriage ride around the winery, visiting a nearby art gallery, and of course getting some treatments at the spa. Pure bliss!

If time allowed, I’d also love to take in some of the local area. I can think of nothing more intriguing than visiting the Bordeaux Cathedral, seeing a production at the Grand Theatre and cruising down the Garonne River whilst enjoying a delicious meal and a glass of wine. I truly think that Bordeaux would be right up my street.

Bali

And last but certainly not least on my list of luxury holiday destinations I’d love to visit was actually voted as the world’s favourite by travellers during TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards back in 2017. And that place, is Bali. Known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs, this beautiful Indonesian island seems like the perfect place to take a well-deserved break.

Beyond the beaches, there are many natural wonders to take in in Bali. And I for one would love to visit its verdant highlands and go hunting for one of its many photogenic waterfalls and lakes. Bali enjoys around 12-13 hours of sunshine per day, which would give me plenty of time to explore the island.

While in Bali I’d be sure to visit some of the wonderful temples they have there. There are so many of them, magnificently set against the most scenic backdrops. And, whilst most Bali temples might be centuries-old, they come to life with daily flower offerings, ornate decorations, lively processions and seasonal festivities. They’re sure to give an amazing spiritual experience no visitor will ever forget. It looks amazing!

And there you have it – 3 luxury holiday destinations I’d love to visit one day.
Would you like to visit any of them? Why not let me know in the comments below. Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | Pinterest

Why choose a cruise for your next holiday?

26/09/2018 by Louise Leave a Comment

Wondering where to go on holiday? Struggling to narrow down your list of must-see places? Trying to please every member of the family? If so, you should consider a cruise for your next holiday. Not only do you get the chance to visit many different places, but you can travel in style and enjoy incredible facilities. And that’s not all – there are more interesting facts to discover about cruises below.

The chance to see many destinations

Unlike other types of holidays, cruises let you explore a multitude of destinations all in one trip. If you love a certain part of the world – whether it’s the Med, the Caribbean or Scandinavia – you don’t need to choose a single country or city to visit. Instead, you can visit all your favourite places. Spend your days exploring cities, attractions and beaches, then in the evening, enjoy the facilities and restaurants back onboard.

Long-haul cruises are unique: you can travel between continents and see all kinds of wondrous landscapes without booking separate trips. You’re not limited to a solely beach or city break, either – you can have the best of both.

A wide range of ships and cruise lines

With the number of cruise ships and companies available, you’re guaranteed to find one that suits your needs and preferences. The facilities you want, the entertainment you’re after and the people you’re travelling with will all affect the type of ship you choose. There are mega ships that have everything from waterparks, West End shows and dozens of restaurants, to smaller and quieter ships with fewer onboard activities.

If you’re travelling with children, a big ship with great facilities will go down well. However, if you’re going away for a romantic break or for a special occasion, you might prefer a smaller boutique ship.

It’s great value for money

Cruises may not immediately spring to mind when you think of good-value holidays – but they are, as so much is included in the cost. An all-inclusive cruise package is astonishing. You’ll get high-quality accommodation and access to the ship’s range of restaurants for every meal. In the evenings, you can attend any number of entertainment venues – from comedy to theatre. Then by day, you can explore fitness and spa facilities, as well as splashing out in the pool and enjoying a full list of activities.

It can appeal to everyone

Cruises are the perfect break for couples. However, more and more families are taking to the ocean for their holidays. Cruises are brilliant for families thanks to extensive onboard facilities and activities. From kids’ clubs to swimming pools, today’s cruise ships are designed for even the youngest family member. And while the children are off enjoying their activities, there’s usually spa treatments available to help parents relax and unwind!

It’s not just the youngsters who have a full activity timetable: you’ll find loads to keep you occupied. From rock climbing and swimming to running tracks, pottery and dance classes, you’ll find your favourite hobbies onboard.

Holiday logistics are easier

Cruises make it easier to have an exciting holiday: the packing isn’t as stressful and nor is the planning. When you first board the ship, you only need to unpack once – even if you’re visiting many destinations. And if you do forget anything, you’ll be able to get hold of it onboard. Most ships have facilities like Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, medical centres and food outlets.

Cruises are also much easier to plan, especially if you want to take in lots of sights. You’ll receive a travel itinerary created by experts, so you won’t miss out on anything. Once you’ve chosen the route you want to take, simply step onboard and let the countries come to you.

Cruises are a great way to explore the world without doing reams of planning and paperwork. You can choose a list of destinations that you’ve always wanted to visit, and relax on the way there with facilities that rival some of the best hotels around.Have you guys ever been on a cruise before?
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5 Great Reasons To Go On A Cruise

10/09/2018 by Louise 33 Comments

01. A Cruise Holiday Offers Great Value For Money

Cruise holiday’s offer great value for money because the fares include nearly everything you’ll need to have an amazing trip. From food and accommodation to entertainment and transportation – everything is all in. You can regularly find fares on sites such as the Bolsover Club that are much cheaper than paying for a hotel room, dinner and a show on land.

02. Cruise Holidays Are Easy To Plan

There are also companies out there who offer Cruise Parking, a service where you drive to a parking lot near to the place your ship leaves, safely park your car, and then hop on a shuttle bus which takes you straight to the ship, safe in the knowledge that your car will be looked after while you’re away.

03. You Can Visit Multiple Destinations But Only Need To Unpack Once

Every morning, you’ll wake up in a new place you can explore. But can’t decide between travel to the polar regions, St. Lucia or Barbados, or Portugal or Spain? Why choose? Pick an itinerary that visits all the places on your travel bucket list.

04. Cruise Ships Are Family Friendly

05. Cruise Ships Offer A Variety Of Onboard Activities

And if all you want to do is nothing while the ship sails from port to port then you can do that, too. There’s nobody going to stop you. See, I told you cruising was amazing, didn’t I?!

12 Places I’d Love to Take My Kids This Year

16/01/2018 by Louise 45 Comments

Over the past few years, I’ve found myself wanting to visit more and more places with the kids before they grow up and fly the nest. But it wasn’t until recently that I actually found the confidence to just jump on a bus or train and take them away by myself. And while I still have this new found confidence, I really want to make the most of it, and take them to more places than ever this year.

So, for today’s post, I thought I’d compile a list of 12 places I’d love to take them this year. I honestly don’t think we’ll be able to cross them all off the list before 2018 comes to an end, but we’re going to give it our best shot! OK, then. Are you sitting comfortably? Then let me tell you about all the lovely places we’d really love to visit this year!

01. Calypso Cove

The first place on our list is actually somewhere I’ve been vowing to take the kids for a good couple of years now. But we still haven’t been! And that place is the Calypso Cove Waterpark in Barnsley. The waterpark can be found in the Metrodome Leisure Complex, and it has 3 different pools for the whole family to enjoy.

As well as having the different pool areas, Calypso Cove is the home to 3 amazing looking flumes, a slide that’s perfect for little ones, as it goes down into the shallow end of the pool, and a fantastically fun four-lane open slide that’s great for racing your friends! There’s even a diving board made to look and feel as if you’re about to walk the plank. How cool is that?!

After your swim, you can enjoy a tasty treat at The Hideout poolside restaurant. It looks like they do some really delicious snacks and meals, and I’ll definitely be taking the kids to eat there when we finally go for our swim. I hope we can cross this off our bucket list of places we’d like to visit quite early in the year, as like I mentioned before, the kids have been wanting to check it out for years.

02. Thomas Land

Next up, I’ve picked out the amazing Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Theme Park. My mum and I took Oscar for the day back in 2016, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Despite only just turning 3 back then, he remembers it really well and often asks if we can go back. And of course, I always say yes!

Next time we visit, though, I’d love to take advantage of their ‘Stay & Play’ offer, so Oscar can enjoy spending the night in one of their Thomas themed bedrooms. I just know he’d love it! Thomas Land is the perfect place to take little ones who are fans of the TV show, as there are loads of rides and attractions for them to enjoy. And I’m pleased to say they’re all age appropriate.

When we visited last, our favourite rides were Diesel’s Locomotive Mayhem, Harold’s Helicopter Tours, and the Bertie Bus ride. I think Oscar would get more out of it if we went again as he’d be able to go on some of the bigger rides. I really hope we can go back at some point this year.

03. Shrek the Musical

I’m not sure whether or not I’ve mentioned this before, but my daughter, Stacey, is a big fan of singer Amelia Lily. And this year she’ll be playing the part of Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical, which you’ll know we’ve been wanting to see for absolutely ages if you happened to take a look at my theatre bucket list last year.

The show is a touring one, too. And I noticed that it’s coming to both nearby Nottingham and Sheffield, which should mean we’ll be in with a good chance of seeing it at some point. Yay! Oscar keeps saying that he doesn’t want to see it as it will be scary, but he’s been to absolutely loads of shows over the last few years, so I think he will be OK. If you’ve seen it, let me know in the comments below if it’s suitable for young children or not. I’m sure it will be.

I think it would make Stacey’s year if she got to see Amelia in a musical. I didn’t take her to see American Idiot with me, so she’s never seen her perform live on stage before. She really is amazing, though. She has an incredible voice and really knows how to grab an audience’s attention. I bet she’ll be just as fantastic in Shrek!

04. Red Kangaroo Trampoline Park

Trampoline Parks are big news right now, and both Stacey and Oscar are dying to visit Red Kangaroo, which opened up on the outskirts of Nottingham last year. Firm in the belief that everyone is born to bounce; Red Kangaroo’s Trampoline Park features sessions and facilities for all ages and abilities. As well as a huge main court with wall-to-wall trampolines, which are much bigger than the industry standard.

As well as the main court, Red Kangaroo have a whole host of additional aerial activities such as an assault course that features a demanding vertical climbing wall, hanging bags to swing from and ‘doors’ to clamber through, all without touching the ground, an awesome wipeout game where players jump over or duck under a rotating sweeper arm while trying desperately to perch safely on their podiums without toppling off, a double cardio wall for two people to test endurance and reaction skills against each other, and loads more.

From what we’ve seen online, Red Kangaroo looks a lot bigger and better than any of the other Trampoline Parks we’ve visited in the area, and we’re hoping to visit over half term so we can all burn off lots of energy!

05. Flamingo Land

At the end of the summer last year, we went to Flamingo Land for the day. And we had the best time ever! There were loads of amazing rides for the kids to enjoy. And Oscar discovered he loved the bigger thrill ones rather than the ones aimed at his age group, which made for an interesting day! LOL.

One of the main reasons I wanted to take the kids to Flamingo Land was because it was one of my favourite places to go when I was their age. I imagined it had probably changed a lot over the years, but it was almost exactly as I remembered it. But with lots more rides and attractions, of course.

Sadly, we didn’t get time to explore the whole of the park, as it was super busy with it being the school holidays, but we still thoroughly enjoyed it. And Oscar sobbed most of the way home because he didn’t want to leave! This year I’d like to stay over one weekend so we can enjoy everything the park has to offer. I know the kids would love that too. Of all the places I’ve put down on my list, I know this is the one we’ll definitely visit again this year.

06. Disneyland Paris

Next up on my list of places I’d love to take my kids this year is Disneyland Paris. And I’ve got to admit that there’s a super selfish reason behind this one. Basically, Stacey is going on a school trip to Paris in 2019, and one of the places they get to visit while they’re there is Disneyland. But I always imagined that I’d be the first person to see her reaction if we were ever lucky enough to visit. So now I’m desperate to take her before she goes with her friends. That’s so bad, isn’t it?!

Both Stacey and Oscar have been asking for years to go to Disneyland Paris. We’re kind of Disney crazy in our house, and I know they’d love to meet their favourite characters, and see the parades and firework displays and stuff. I think they’d really enjoy all the rides as well.

If any of you guys have been to Disneyland Paris before and have any tips for booking a trip away, please let me know in the comments below. I always think the booking process looks super scary, and I don’t want to mess it all up if we do finally get the chance to go!

07. Disney on Ice Worlds of Enchantment

As I mentioned before, the kids and I love a bit of Disney and very often head to Nottingham Arena to see the latest Disney on Ice. This year’s show is called ‘World of Enchantment’, and it has four different stories in it: Cars, Frozen, Toy Story 3, and The Little Mermaid. And as Stacey’s a big fan of Cars, and Buzz Lightyear is Oscar’s hero, I’d really love to take them to see it!

Disney on Ice never seems to lose its magic, no matter how many times we go to see it. And the skaters are just incredible. Stacey and I have seen all 4 of this year’s stories brought to life on the ice before, but we’ve both agreed that we’d still love to see them again. I just need to keep my fingers crossed that tickets don’t sell out before I manage to get hold of some.

08. The Algarve

Next on my list of places I’d love to take my kids this year is The Algarve in Portugal. We’ve not been on a foreign holiday since Stacey was 2, and I’ve recently found myself wanting to jump on a plane and enjoy the warmer climes of somewhere like Portugal.

It would be my dream to stay in a lovely villa with a private pool so the kids can go for a swim whenever they wanted, and I could take lots and lots of photographs without having to worry about being told off because I might get other people’s children in them.

As well as spending lots of time just relaxing, and splashing in the pool, I’d love to check out the local area and maybe go on a boat trip or something similar. It seems like The Algarve has a lot to offer, and I’d really love to explore it. I know that Stacey would enjoy it too, as she’s always saying how much her friends love their foreign holidays! Have you ever been to The Algarve? If so, let me know what you thought of it in the comments below.

09. Camp Bestival

When I was younger, I really enjoyed going to music festivals with my older brother, and it’s definitely something I’d like my two to experience at some point too. And Camp Bestival looks like the perfect first festival to take them to! If you’ve never heard of it before, Camp Bestival is a multi-award winning festival that combines an all-encompassing family festival experience with an action-packed camping holiday!

Set in the majestic grounds of Lulworth Castle, on Dorset’s dramatic Jurassic coastline, Camp Bestival is jam-packed with entertainment! From first-class musical performances and cultural delights to stunning sideshow attractions and lashings of family fun.

Camp Bestival has something for everyone, which is perfect for someone like me, whose kids have a ten year age gap between them! Oscar would be sure to enjoy the soft play area and circus skills, and Stacey would love seeing some of her favourite bands and having a go at go-karting! I think it would make the perfect little getaway for us this summer.

10. Disney Cruise

If I had to name just one thing I’ve always wanted to do, I would have to say it’s to go on a cruise. I always think they look so glamorous! But if I’m being honest, I don’t think my kids would be quite as excited to go on a cruise as I would be. And that’s why I’d like to take them on a Disney Cruise instead!

Yes, our love of Disney has made another appearance. I’m so sorry! But their cruise’s combine a trip around lots of different places with a little bit of Disney magic! The cruise ships look absolutely incredible, and there are plenty of dining options, kids clubs, and evening entertainment to keep the whole family happy.

You can even meet your favourite characters on board. And have certain meals with them, just like you can at the theme parks. I think a Disney Cruise would prove to be a big hit with the kids. But if I’m being honest, it’s likely to be the one thing on my list that we won’t get to do. Purely because they’re quite pricey. A girl can dream, though. Can’t she?

11. Yorkshire Wildlife Park

I don’t know about you guys, but we love visiting zoos and wildlife parks as a family. And one that we’ve been meaning to visit for years is the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. I mean, it’s practically on our doorstep! It’s said to be a dynamic centre for conservation and welfare, and it boasts over 400 animals and over 70 different species. How cool is that?

Oscar loves looking at different animals, and learning about where they come from and what sorts of things they like to eat etc. So I think he’d thoroughly enjoy it here. They have lots of our favourite animals from lions, tigers, lemurs and leopards, to zebras, rhinos, giant otters, meerkats, and everything in between! I think it would make a fantastic day out that we’d all enjoy.

12. LaplandUK

And last, but certainly not least, this year I would love to take the kids to LaplandUK this year! If you’ve never heard of it before, LaplandUK is an original adaptation of the Father Christmas story and the secret world of the elves brought to life through a 4-hour immersive experience of unprecedented scale and quality.

When you book the experience you get a personalised invitation and entry into Father Christmas’ arctic homeland, an Elf Passport for every child, all activities at the venue, ice skating and a beautiful gift for every child. Also included is one photograph of your children with Father Christmas per booking. Plus a Christmas Morning Thank You card from Father Christmas!

The whole experience just looks magical, and if you’d like to read more about it, then make sure you check out my lovely friend Rebecca’s review of it by clicking here. I know my two would thoroughly enjoy this (despite one of them being a teenager), and I think it would help add an extra layer of magic to Christmas this year. I actually want to go right now!

And there you have it, 12 places I would love to take my kids this year. I hope you enjoyed having a read, and that it’s inspired you to check out a few new places in 2018 as well.

Have you ever visited any of the places on my list?
Don’t forget to let me know in the comments below.
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Tips And Tricks For Time Away

17/10/2017 by Louise Leave a Comment

When it comes to being a tourist, we want to have the best experience we can and soak up all the local knowledge there is on offer. However, often it doesn’t work out like this due to language barriers, directional difficulties, and arguments amongst you and your family. But there’s some things you can learn to make a habit of when it comes to taking a holiday that will better the time for everyone involved. Here’s some tips for your consideration.

For the Packing Side of Things

Everyone’s suitcase is going to look different, but there’s some things everyone should have in theirs to make their time away a lot more comfortable. Travelling will be made a lot easier as a result.

Don’t pack your heaviest clothing, and instead wear that on you at the airport. You can fit a lot more in your luggage this way, and therefore leave a lot more room for the important things, like your much needed books and travel straighteners.

Make sure your toiletries are only what you can’t buy at the airport or otherwise elsewhere on your holiday. Like the above point, they’re just going to weigh you down. Only take one set of nightwear with you and be cutthroat when it comes to your other clothing; you aren’t going to need as much as you think!

Eat Where the Locals Do

You’re going to find the best food at the street vendors you see plenty of the locals frequenting, and it’ll be a lot cheaper than the meals at the fancy hotel you may have booked.

Be adventurous and branch out with your meal decisions. Just make sure you know how to ask for the bill or some more water when it comes to it.

Talk to Others on Getaways

Plenty of other people have been in our position before now: wanting to go away to a new land whilst not knowing anything about what to do when you get there. So be sure to talk to other people who have been on these getaways; you don’t even need to know them to do so.

Scrolling through or writing in travel site comment sections, like that of the Bolsover Cruise Forum, can gain you a few fabulous friends and some helpful first hand advice. Using travel sites is all well and good, but sometimes you can come across propaganda on behalf of the hosting site. This way you know you’ll get unbiased reviews and the proper knowhow. You could also find yourself a guide who lives in the country you’re travelling to.

Travelling can a lot of the time be a learning on the job type of activity, yet there’s plenty you can find out about before you go away. Be thorough in your research, and try to cover all the details you can think of. Don’t stress; try to include the rest of your family in the planning session, as you might need your different strengths in different areas.

Do you have any other tips and tricks for time away?
Don’t forget to let me know in the comments below!
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5 Reasons You Should Visit Wales In Winter

12/10/2017 by Louise 32 Comments

Wales is a brilliant country to visit all year around, but there’s something about the winter season that gives it that little extra sparkle. Once the autumn winds have stripped the beautiful trees bare and the sun disappears below the horizon, Wales becomes mystical, dark and the perfect time to think about perhaps booking one of the options for Welsh caravan holidays available and uncover the real Wales. Here are the top 5 reasons you should visit Wales in winter.

01. Windswept Walks

When you visit Wales in winter, you’ll be greeted with miles and miles of windswept beaches and near-deserted coastline almost to yourself. From Colwyn Bay beach to the seaside town of Rhyl, you can beat the tourists and feel like you’re completely at one with nature and its surroundings. Discover nature walks at Penrhyn, or enjoy stunning views over the Faenol, Menai Strait, and Snowdonia as you walk through the tranquil grounds of Plas Newydd. This is only a snapshot of the walks available – you will simply be spoilt for choice. So pop on your best walking boots, wrap up warm and get moving!

02. Country Pubs and Villages

There’s something quite hearty about stopping by a local village pub for some food and a warm drink after a day of adventure. Thankfully, Wales has no shortage of these. One of our favourites is Porthmadog, a quaint Welsh harbour town filled with charisma and charm. Porthmadog is rich in maritime history and is a perfect base for touring the beautiful surrounding area. It sparkles in winter and if you find yourself needing accommodation in Porthmadog, there’s plenty of places perfect for a winter weekend getaway.

03. Christmas Markets

Nothing says winter like a beautiful Christmas market filled with all your favourite treats and gifts. Christmas markets are held throughout all of Wales in winter and are generally held in typical town squares or market areas. All of the Christmas markets sell food and drink along with your typical seasonal items from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional dancing and singing. These markets are inspired by the traditions that started in Germany – but Wales does a brilliant replica!

04. Embrace Welsh Traditions

Another great thing about winter in Wales is that many of the Welsh traditions take place during the winter months, including Hen Galan, which is the Welsh New Year; Noson Gyflaith, which is known as the toffee making tradition and St Dwynwen’s Day, known as the Welsh Valentine’s Day – an excuse to celebrate twice! You’ll have the opportunity to get a first-hand experience of traditional Welsh culture, food, and drink. You can truly embrace the life and atmosphere of a local.

05. Christmas in Snowdonia

Winter means there is plenty happening at the beautiful Snowdonia, from stargazing, fairs and more. Or if you’re an experienced walker then the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia have their own winter charm of untouched snow and snow-capped peaks. There’s nothing quite like winter than a beautiful snowy view of the mountains and Wales will treat you to some of the most beautiful views around.

This is just a snapshot of the amazing things on offer during winter in Wales. You will simply be spoilt for choice. Embrace Welsh nature at its finest and stumble across wild waterfalls, mysterious castle ruins and ancient sites and some good surf spots if you can handle the temperature. A winter break to Wales is perfect for any length of time, you won’t run out of things to do whether you’re on a week-long holiday or a romantic weekend break.

Have you ever visited Wales in winter?I’d love to hear what you loved about it!

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Top 8 Things to Do in Benidorm

14/09/2017 by Louise 62 Comments

If your idea of the perfect holiday is spending lots of time lounging on the beach, great weather, fantastic family attractions, and amazing nightlife then Benidorm could be the place for you! The resort, situated on the Costa Blanca, has an almost-iconic skyline of apartment towers running alongside four miles of beautiful, sandy beaches.

It’s safe to say that when visiting Benidorm you’ll always be able to find plenty to do. Whether it’s playing golf, paintballing, water sports or hiking, you could have an action-packed week or two in the sun, or enjoy a lazy little break doing next to nothing. And for today’s post, I thought I’d share my list of top 8 things to do while holidaying there. I hope you guys enjoy it.

01. LAVANTE BEACH

Lavante Beach is probably the most popular beach in Benidorm. And, in my opinion, this has a lot to do with its beautiful arc of pale, golden sand. During the summer months, the beach tends to fill up fairly quickly. But even on the busiest of days, you can usually find a secluded spot away from the rest of the crowd to sit and enjoy the sun.

Lavante Beach runs alongside a long line of skyscrapers. And if like me, the sea air tends to make you hungry, you can find hundreds of bars and restaurants along here to eat at. Of all the beaches I’ve ever set foot on, Lavante Beach is by far one of my favourites, and I can’t wait to visit it again some day. I think the kids would love it too!

02. MUNDOMAR

If you’re holidaying in Benidorm with your little ones, I highly recommend visiting Mundomar, a wildlife park that has shows and demonstrations that the whole family can enjoy. The park has lots of different species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, and you can tell by the rapport that the show animals have with the keepers that they’re very well cared for.

Mundomar is open every day from 10am till 7pm, and it’s one of the many attractions you can enjoy all year round, which is perfect if you’re planning on visiting Benidorm in winter. You can also upgrade your trip by booking a special experience such as swimming with the sea lions, getting up close to the dolphins, or even becoming a keeper for the day. It’s sure to be an outing that everyone will remember for years to come.

03. AQUALANDIA

If splashing around at a water park is your idea of fun, then look no further than the absolutely amazing Aqualandia! Home to the Big Bang, the tallest water slide in Europe, Aqualandia is one of Spain’s best and oldest water parks. It opened for business back in 1985 and has gotten bigger and better every year, with new rides and attractions being added all the time.

There are plenty of different things for the whole family to try at Aqualandia, from calm pools for the little ones, rapid rides for those wanting a little more excitement, and a vertical slide for those who love white knuckle rides. I know my two would both enjoy a trip to Aqualandia if we’re ever lucky enough to visit Benidorm again, as they love nothing more than the thrill of whooshing down brilliant water slides! Oh, and did I mention that the water for all these slides, pools and jacuzzis is piped straight from the Med? Following a bit of desalting, of course!

04. TERRA MíTICA

If you’re a parent with older children then I’d most definitely recommend treating them to a day out at Terra Mítica, a theme park that transports you directly to the history of Greece, Egypt, and Rome and is crammed with roller coasters, shows and other attractions.

Terra Mítica is aimed at those of us who enjoy an adrenaline rush, as most of the rides are those of the white knuckle variety. There are a few rides for the little ones to enjoy there, but it’s mostly aimed at adults and older kids. Unless, of course, your 4-year-old is like mine and loves nothing more than wild rides that would have most children crying for them to stop!

05. BALCÓN DEL MEDIERRÁNEO

The very first time I visited Benidorm was back in January 1991 during the Gulf War. Every morning we would have breakfast, and then the British would be led to a private room where we could watch the news and keep up to date with what was happening. Anyway, once the news had finished, my mum, dad and I would go for a walk around the town. And it was during one of those walks that I remember coming across the Balcón del Medierráneo for the very first time.

The Balcón del Medierráneo is basically a beautiful viewpoint between Benidorm’s two main sandy beaches, atop a rocky divider where a castle once stood. It has chess board tiles on the ground and white balustrades around the edge. And the views surrounding it are absolutely breathtaking. You should even be able to spot Peacock Island in the distance. Which brings me nicely to my next recommendation …

06. BENIDORM ISLAND – AKA PEACOCK ISLAND

Benidorm Island, more commonly known as Peacock Island, is a small island and nature reserve just off the Spanish coast. You can take a boat trip across from the mainland to visit the islands wonderful wildlife. And of course, you’ll be able to see lots of wild peacocks while you’re there! The boat leaves every hour from the port, and it just goes back and forth, so you can spend as little or as long as you like there. There’s a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat, and when you look back at Benidorm with it’s huge skyscrapers you’re guaranteed to be taken aback. It really can be a lovely little trip that won’t break the bank.

I haven’t been to Peacock Island for a long time, but it was one of my favourite places to go when I was a kid. I’ll have to see if I can dig out an old photo that my mum has of me sitting on the island in a red cardigan. And if I can find it I’ll add it into this post at a later date. As long as you guys promise not to laugh. After all, it was taken back in the 90’s!

07. SIERRA HELADA

If you enjoy going for a hike whilst on holiday then make sure you check out the Sierra Helada Natural Park, which covers a large portion of the coastline just next door to Benidorm. Within minutes you can leave the sky-scraping towers behind you and find sky-scraping cliffs instead! All you need is a good pair of shoes, a hat to protect you from the sun, and a bottle of water, and you’re all set for a hike through a rugged landscape of limestone rocks and Aleppo pines.

At the northern end of the park, you’ll find a paved road that leads up to the fantastic Albir Lighthouse. And if you enjoy a more challenging walk then make sure you head for the radio masts at the highest point of the park, 300 metres above the sea. Sierra Helada is absolutely beautiful and well worth the short trek out of town to explore.

08. BENIDORM PALACE

For a night out to remember, make sure you head on over to the Benidorm Palace, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular variety show featuring live music, humour, magic, and, of course, some traditional Flamenco Dancing. Olé! You can also pay a little extra to have your dinner while you enjoy the entertainment. Many people say that the shows at the Benidorm Palace rival those in London’s West End, but at a fraction of the cost. And I’d be inclined to agree.

The Benidorm Palace is currently open from Tuesday through to Saturday, and the doors open at 8:30pm with the show starting at 10pm. It’s most definitely worth a visit if you want an enjoyable night out that isn’t going to cost a small fortune.

Have you ever been to Benidorm before? If so, do you have any other recommendations for things to do?
Make sure you let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading.
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Last-minute family holiday ideas

06/09/2017 by Louise 27 Comments

Generally when we think of holidays, we think of months of planning and cash, cash, cash. But that’s not always true, at least not any more – last-minute deals and packages tailored to your family’s needs can all help keep your pennies good and pinched. It pays to put in the research – or rather, it saves. Here are a few tips and tricks for saving cash with a last-minute holiday.

Option one – Package holidays

Package Holidays can be pocket-friendly life savers if they fit your family’s bill, and will usually have something that pleases everyone. They’re incredibly convenient, as everything is essentially booked for you, with much of the price all rolled into one.

What’s more, package holidays aren’t completely one size fits all – at the top are all-inclusive holidays, where your flight, hotel, transport to and from the airport, food and sometimes drinks (yes, including alcoholic ones) are included. This can be an especially huge money saver if you’re travelling with little ones whose appetites more or less rule the holiday schedule, as snacks are often included in these packages. Outside of activities not held at the hotel, you’re basically covered.

Opting for bed & breakfasts and self-catering facilities generally offers an even smaller bill. Here, you’ll have all the same amenities – generally including pools and entertainment – but with less or none of the meals. With self-catering, this’ll allow you to make your own meal plan under your own budget, with the help of your room’s kitchenette. Especially for families with picky eaters, this is a godsend.

Though it might seem counter-intuitive, booking package holidays at the last minute can also offer up some incredible money-saving deals. By last minute, I don’t mean the night before, but rather, around eight weeks or less before you’d ideally like to head off. These deals crop up because travel companies will have reserved rooms and flights, and need to fill them up in order to avoid losing cash. Your plans will need to be a little more flexible, but to make matters easier there are websites that lay their last-minute deals bare so you can see exactly what’s on offer.

Option two – Camping trips

Okay, so camping trips aren’t exactly for everybody, but hear me out – camping holidays are not only a more frugal way to get a much-needed break, but they can also be a lot simpler to organise than you think. They were basically made for last-minute holiday lovers.

And just because you aren’t necessarily using 5* facilities doesn’t mean you have to pitch up your tent in the middle of nowhere. Camping holidays mean you can pick and choose what natural sites you’ve got at your fingertips, from scenic hiking trails to lakes and beaches.

Another bonus of camping trips is that, if you remain in the UK or head elsewhere in Europe, you can drive to your site. That means you don’t have to worry about limited suitcase space or too-big bottles of liquid. This also means that bulkier items aren’t off limits. Instead of buying all new sleeping bags, you can bring an old duvet. And nobody needs camping-specific utensils when your household spatula and cutlery will work just fine. That said, if you do want special camping gear, you don’t even really need to purchase all new stuff in general, not when sites like Gumtree and eBay are flogging used camping bits like tents and coolboxes.

Option three – Glamping trips

If the idea of roughing it during a camping trip might sound appealing if it weren’t for the insects and other creepy-crawlies, wild animals, sudden storms, leaking tents, smelly sleeping bags, and questionable food, there is now a camping option that is growing in popularity: glamping.

Glamping offers the same exposure to the great outdoors as traditional camping, but the amenities found at the campsite – and in the tents themselves – far exceed anything most campers have ever experienced. Take glamping north east, for example: instead of having traditional tents for you to sleep in, they offer luxurious lodges with private hot tubs. Bliss!

Option four – Going DIY

Finally, there’s the option of going totally DIY, which is perhaps the most flexible way to plan a pocket-friendly family holiday. While with package holidays you’re forced to fly with whoever the tour operator is partnered with, here, you can choose the airline offering the lowest prices or the best deals. Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet might only let you bring a carry-on bag for free, but the reduced flight rates can make it well worth the sacrifice.

The same mentality goes for booking your hotel – you’ve got the freedom to choose a hotel within your budget and at your destination of choice, or even ones just slightly outside a specific city that are a little less expensive, but still on a good bus route into town. Renting out an entire house on sites like Airbnb will also generally offer reduced rates, but feature the same facilities as a self-catering apartment.

Holiday with another family and rent out an entire villa, and you’ll reduce rates even further – you’ll also have a built-in babysitter for when it comes high time for you and your other half to have a much-needed break. While returning the favour at a later date, of course.

Once you’ve booked, it’s totally up to you how to spend your cash.
Got any money-saving tips for holidays? Let me know in the comments below.
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Holidaying Abroad | 3 Things We Want Our Holiday Accommodation to Have

08/08/2017 by Louise 38 Comments

We’re well into the second week of August now, and I’ve seen Facebook post after Facebook post of friends and family enjoying their summer holidays abroad. And I’m not going to lie – they’re making me jealous! It’s been a good 11 years since I last left the country, and although I didn’t miss holidaying abroad to begin with, I’m itching to visit places outside of the UK now.

I’ve recently found myself checking out apartments and villas for rent on a daily basis over on the Clickstay website, as they offer a massive range of holiday accommodation in over 50 different countries. And since I started searching for the perfect place to visit, I’ve realised that there are 3 things that the kids and I really want our holiday accommodation to have. Can you guys guess what they are?

1. A Private Pool

The thing that’s most definitely at the top of the list of things we really want our holiday accommodation to have is a private pool. You may remember me sharing a post on my daughter Stacey’s travel essentials recently, and in that post, she included an inflatable unicorn that we picked up in Primark earlier this year. Sadly, the pool in the complex we stayed in wasn’t all that big, and she was told that she couldn’t use it due to their being other people in there at the same time as us. But this wouldn’t have been a problem had we holidayed abroad in an apartment or villa that had its own private pool!

There are loads of other perks to having a private pool in your holiday accommodation too. Such as being able to take photo’s of the kids without being told off. Knowing you can use the pool whenever you want to and not be having to worry about it being full of other people. And the big one for me: being able to change into a swimsuit and splash around in the pool with the rest of the family without wondering if everyone around you is taking note of just how fat you are. Bliss!

2. Air Conditioning

If there’s one thing us Brits can’t stand, it’s got to be the heat. We spend all winter complaining about how cold it is, yet when the sun comes out for the whole five seconds of summer, what do we do? Complain that it’s too damn hot!! The weather really can’t win, and if you think it’s been scorching hot here in the UK recently, just wait until you feel the heat of the sun abroad! It’s crazy hot, and I don’t think anything can really prepare you for it.

During the day you might be lucky enough to get a nice bit of a breeze to accompany the heat, but at night you’re sure to just feel hot and sticky. And that’s why we want to be sure that our holiday accommodation has air conditioning, so we can be sure that we’re going to get a nice, cool, peaceful night’s sleep. Oh, and so I can escape the sun for an hour or two during the day and read a few pages of the book I started like, four years ago. But don’t tell the kids that!

3. WiFi

OK, I know what you’re going to say! Why do I need WiFi when I’m supposed to be on holiday relaxing? Well, for one, my full-time job is blogging, and I like to make sure any posts and social updates I’ve scheduled for the day have gone out as planned, even when I’m supposed to be taking a break from it. And secondly, I have a teenage daughter whose friends all use social media while they’re on holiday. If I told her she couldn’t do her Snapchat streaks for a couple of weeks I would be, without a doubt, the worst mother in the world.

I feel that making sure she had a satellite internet service so she could keep in touch with her friends while we were away on holiday would mean I could ask for her help with other things without being moaned at for it. After all, the WiFi can easily be turned off if need be!

If you’ve been following my blog for a while now, you might have read my travel bucket list, where I talked about the 5 places outside of the UK that I’d most like to visit at the moment. And The Algarve in Portugal made it to the very top of that list, so I’m sure it won’t come as any surprise that that’s the place I’ve been looking at on Clickstay. And I’ve actually managed to find a villa in Praia Da Luz that has all 3 of the things we want from our holiday accommodation. How cool is that? I’ve inserted a picture of it above for you to take a look at. Isn’t it beautiful? It’s situated close to the beach as well, which is a bonus as I’m sure Oscar would want to build sand castles or dig a hole to bury his big sister in while we were away.

And there you have it, our list of 3 things we want our holiday accommodation to have when we finally book to go abroad. Which reminds me, I’m going to need a new passport. Eek! I’ll have to look into renewing that first thing tomorrow morning.

Would you make sure your holiday accommodation had these 3 things in when travelling abroad?
Or would you want something else? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading.
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