Travel Archives - With love from Lou

Find Your Perfect Christmas Break in the Lake District

14/11/2017 by Louise 10 Comments

The Lake District is stunning at any time of year, but at Christmas, it’s a truly magical place to be. The very warmest of welcomes awaits you in this gorgeous part of the world, whether you want a cosy and traditional Christmas with family and friends or a chance to relax with that special someone. Whatever your Christmas style, the Lake District can offer you the perfect break.

The Great Outdoors Christmas

For lovers of the great outdoors, the Lake District is the ideal place to be at this time of the year. From the snow-capped mountain peaks to the serenity and peacefulness of the Lakes themselves, there’s so much to see and do in this truly spectacular winter landscape. Take a walk in a picture postcard wonderland before returning to your hotel for mulled wine and food as wonderful as the scenery.

The Friends and Family Christmas

There’s not a more perfect place to spend a traditional family Christmas than in the Lake District. There’s so much to see and do, with traditional Christmas markets and magical trips on the Ullswater steamers. Don’t miss Santa’s Express or the chance to take tea with Peter Rabbit and all your other Beatrix Potter favourites. With beautiful Christmas lights to enjoy and fairy-tale castles to visit, why not enjoy owls at moonlight or a climbing challenge at the Kong Adventure Climbing Wall?

Hotels in the Lake District are renowned for their warm welcome, and there really is nowhere nicer to be on Christmas Eve than gathered around the fireplace in a traditional family-friendly hotel, toasting marshmallows by the fire and enjoying mulled wine as the lights twinkle on the trees outside.

The Getting Away from it all Christmas

If you’re fed up with turkey and find Christmas a bit of a bore, then why not rediscover your love of the Christmas spirit with a proper traditional Christmas where you don’t have to lift a finger?

The Lake District is adorned with traditional decorations, and the aroma of mulled wine lulls you into a feeling of pure relaxation. Enjoy a cosy atmosphere and delicious food, combined with a Cumbrian service at one of the many hotels. You will feel at home from the moment you arrive for Christmas in the Lake District.

The Someone Special Christmas

If all you want for Christmas this year is a romantic getaway with that special someone, then the Lake District is the perfect place. In particular, the town of Keswick is the ideal bolthole for a Christmas made for two. Whether you prefer to explore the beauties of the surrounding countryside or shop until you drop in the Boxing Day sales, make your first Christmas together a truly beautiful experience with a break in the Lake District.

Have you ever spent Christmas in the Lake District?
If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!
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Wedding Abroad: Top Countries for a Ceremony

06/10/2017 by Louise 10 Comments

In the past century, no one could have even thought about holding romantic weddings abroad. But today it’s quite normal. You just have to have a desire and money. People consider conducting a wedding abroad as a fantastic and romantic moment that remains in the soul for a long time.

BEST WEDDING PLACES ABROAD

01. Maldives

A wedding in the Maldives is rather a formality, but it is a real paradise: green islands, fragrant exotic flowers, and the ocean. It’s just a standard of the exquisite wedding ceremony. Your celebration can be arranged on a small uninhabited island, where no one interferes you while making vows to each other. Or you can go on a mini-cruise around the islands of the archipelago. Don’t forget about a romantic dinner on the shore of the ocean: delicious champagne, exotic fruits, and national dishes will wait on you.

02. Greece

This is a place where ancient heroes and legends come to life; this is a place where millions of lovers from all over the world are ready to plunge into the world of romance and love; this is a place that will fill with love connecting hearts for many years. The wedding ceremony in Greece is an absolutely legal for many residents of other countries. And excellent hotels with all-inclusive meals are an excellent opportunity to spend an inexpensive but high-quality honeymoon right after a wedding
ceremony. A wedding in Greece rightfully takes an honorable second place among romantic weddings abroad.

03. China

Go to the Land of the Rising Sun to swear love and loyalty to each other. It’s very romantic and unusual. You can choose a Tibetan temple or one of the modern skyscraper hotels for a wedding ceremony. In any case, a wedding in China is an opportunity to touch one of the most mysterious civilizations of our time. And weddings in China definitely can’t be called just simple weddings abroad.

04. Bali

The place where Russian girls are often found. As in other countries, there is an opportunity to hold a wedding ceremony in different ways. For example, you can marry in a safari park, sitting on an elephant and be surrounded by festively dressed locals. Or you can get married in one of the Balinese churches. Bali treats family values very carefully. Besides, the Balinese are unusually friendly and hospitable people.

05. Mexico

A marriage in the country of cactus and tequila is perhaps the most interesting variant. There you can face mystical atmosphere, the spirit of ancient riddles and legends, beautiful nature, and an excellent choice of wedding ceremonies for every taste. Agree that it is a very pleasant combination, especially for romantic and sophisticated natures.

06. Cyprus

Can you imagine a wedding in an orange garden or on a yacht? All this is very real, especially if you decide to hold a wedding ceremony in Cyprus. And can you imagine what wonderful photos can be made and what amazing memories will you have?

07. Australia

Hospitable Australia is ready to provide all its attractions for an unforgettable wedding ceremony. There you will see Great Barrier Reef, tropical gardens in the vicinity of Sydney, etc. If you are not afraid of a long flight and you are sure of obtaining a visa, then definitely it is worth choosing this country.

How much should you pay for a wedding abroad? We want to remind you that contrary to stereotypes about the prohibitive cost of weddings abroad, such a ceremony will cost you at least not more expensive than a usual wedding at your country. And the extraordinary impressions received at the beginning of family life can make your union more interesting and romantic. However, the choice is yours. Let your wedding abroad be the brightest and most incredible!

Did you get married abroad? Or is it something you’d consider?
Let me know in the comments below.
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My Travel Bucket List

22/06/2017 by Louise 33 Comments

If there’s one thing I could do with right now, it’s a holiday! Between the kids being poorly, Oscar still not sleeping, work becoming a little stressful, getting behind with the housework, and basically just seeing everyone else’s wonderful holiday snaps popping up on my Facebook feed, I’ve had more than enough, and have been doing some serious fantasising about taking some time out for a little R&R.

We still have to wait another month before our annual family holiday to Great Yarmouth begins. So I’ve been filling in the little bit of spare time I’ve had by looking up places online that are on my Travel Bucket List, and wishing more than anything that I could afford to book another trip away! And today I thought I’d share my top 5 with you all. I hope you enjoy it.

05. COACHELLA VALLEY | USA

The first place on my travel bucket list just has to be Coachella Valley in California. The valley is home to the popular Coachella Music Festival, which is held every April. And ever since I found out about it 6 or 7 years ago I’ve been desperate to go! Every year I sit and watch loads of YouTube videos by people who were lucky enough to get tickets to the festival, and it always looks like so much fun! It looks really clean and tidy too, which is nothing like any of the music festivals I’ve ever been to here in the UK. The Coachella Festival is suitable for the whole family to attend, and I think my two would enjoy it as they’re really into their music, just like their mum. The only thing I’m not sure we’d cope well with is the intense heat from being in the dessert, but we’d be willing to give it a try!

04.REYKJAVIK | ICELAND

Another place I’ve been wanting to visit for a while now is Reykjavik in Iceland. This is mainly because I would love to see the magical Northern Lights, but Reykjavik is also steeped in viking history, so even if we didn’t get to see them, there would be lots of other things to keep us entertained. I’d love to visit the Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral, dine at the revolving, glass-domed Perlan restaurant, whilst taking in the stunning views of the sea, and maybe even see a concert at the Harpa Concert Hall. There really does seem like there’s lots to do in Iceland’s capital, and I’m sure we’d love it there if we’re ever lucky enough to visit.

03. PARIS | FRANCE

When I was about 12 I went on a school trip to France, and one of the places we were supposed to visit was Paris. However, there was work being done on the Eiffel Tower at the time, and it was closed to visitors, so the teachers decided to take us to Boulogne instead. I was absolutely gutted as the only reason I went on the trip was to visit the French capital. And, needless to say, I didn’t enjoy the trip at all. One day I would love to go back to France and finally see the sights and sounds of Paris. I’d love to visit the Lourve, Notre Dame Cathedral, The Eiffel Tower, and, of course, Disneyland Paris for the little ones. They’d love it!

02. NEW YORK CITY| USA

Ever since I read The Baby-sitters Club books as a kid, I’ve wanted to visit New York City in the USA. One of the main characters, Stacey McGill, was orginally from New York, and the way Ann M. Martin, the author, made the city sound was just fantastic. I don’t think it’s the sort of place you could ever get bored, as it has so much to offer. If I’m ever lucky enough to visit NYC some of the things I’d love to do include having a picnic in Central Park, visiting the Rockerfella Centre, taking an amazing Gossip Girl Tour, and, of course, I’d just have to see a show on Broadway!

01. THE ALGARVE | PORTUGAL

And the destination that’s made it to the very top of my travel bucket list is The Algarve! The Algarve is a popular holiday destination in the southernmost region of Portugal. Many things about it attract tourists to the area, including its beautiful beaches, Mediterranean climate, low costs and delicious local cuisine. Whenever I see photo’s of the Algarve I’m always blown away by the stunning coastline, caves, and mountains, and I think it would be the perfect place to take the family for a relaxing break. There are also 3 main water parks in the area, which I’m sure the kids would love to visit. If I were able to book a family getaway today, this is most definitely the place I would choose to go first as it looks like a truly amazing place to visit. In fact, I’ve been checking Hundredrooms on a daily basis to see the best price available on holiday rentals in The Algarve, and they’ve actually been coming up as being a lot cheaper than I ever imagined. Maybe a holiday here won’t be as far away as I’d once thought it would be!

And there you have it guys, the five places that made it to the very top of my travel bucket list. Have you been to any of them? I’d love to hear your thoughts on them if you have.

Do you have a travel bucket list?
If so, let me know what places are on it in the comments below.

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The 10 Secrets of Sicilian Cuisine

20/02/2017 by Louise 6 Comments

A visit to Sicily is surely on the wish list of anybody with a passion for good food. Lying at the tip of Italy’s boot, Sicily’s history is littered with invasions and occupations, which has created a cuisine that includes incredible flavours and influences from far and wide. Coupled with the unusual soil provided by the volcanic landscape of the island, there can be little doubt that the food of Sicily is some of the best in the world. Probably the strongest influence beyond that of Italy comes from North Africa, and many dishes that you’ll find here feature spices and ingredients more familiar to Moroccan palate’s: cinnamon, raisins, oranges. These are combined with the more traditional Italian staples such as chillies, garlic, lemons and capers. At heart Sicilian cooking is that of Cucina Povera, the food of the peasants. But don’t let that put you off, what this means is that the finest ingredients are treated with respect to bring out their amazing flavours. The only way to really understand what the food of this great island is all about is to visit, while the best way to experience the island would be by staying in an authentic villa in Sicily, perhaps overlooking the lemon groves or with Mount Etna in the distance, maybe with a swimming pool and an outside terrace to admire the views and to immerse yourself in one of the world’s finest food cultures.

Below you will find a list of the 10 secrets of Sicily’s cuisine:

01. Arancini: Beautiful deep fried rice balls, often filled with a vegetarian filling of peas and local cheese or a meat ragu. The perfect snack.

02. Pasta con le sarde: A simple pasta dish of bucatini (a type of hollow spaghetti) in a sauce made with sardines, fennel, pine nuts and raisins. A taste explosion. There is a version of this dish for when the peasants had even less to eat than usual and had to omit the main ingredient, referred to as pasta con le sarde a mare, translated as “pasta with the sardines at sea”!

03. Pasta alla Norma: a pasta dish of aubergines, tomatoes and ricotta, named for one of Puccini’s operas.

04. Sfincione: a pizza with a much thicker base than you will often see in Italy. A great street food.

05. Caponata: a glorious mixture of aubergine, tomatoes, pine nuts, raisins, capers and vinegar cooked slowly to create a deep rich vegetarian accompaniment that tastes good with virtually anything.

06. Frocia ai carciofi: a thick Sicilian omelette packed with vegetables such as artichoke, local cheese and breadcrumbs. Best eaten at room temperature.

07. Involtini alla Siciliana: these little rolls of swordfish packed with herbs, breadcrumbs, pine nuts and raisins are the perfect starter to any meal.