Continue reading »]]> Travelling with children can be difficult at the best of times. In the car you can develop coping strategies and if they don’t work you can always turn the radio up! but travelling with children on an airplane is a whole different matter you aren’t the only ones that have to deal with your children’s screaming so you develop a coping strategy and take the proper preparations before you travel. There are several key things you can do to make travel more fun and enjoyable for you, your children and the rest of the planes occupants.

If possible choose flights that go at non peak times. While these flights may not be your first choice there may be free seats available to allow your children to stretch out and sleep across or to play upon. This can be especially useful if you are undertaking a long haul journey, as every parent knows children act up when they are uncomfortable or tired, so reduce this stress by giving them more space.

With every flight it is important to set off for the airport in plenty of time but this is especially the case when you have children. Not only will they have forgotten their favourite toy but sprinting down an airport with your children in order to catch your flight can be disastrous. While this can mean you spend longer in the airport you can use this time to make sure you have everything you need for the flight. If you have never flown with your child before it can be worth while taking this time to explain the flight to your child making sure they understand what will happen and if they will need anything for the flight. It is important to keep your child entertained so in flight entertainment is vital, make sure they have toys, books and portable gaming devices.

Continue reading »]]> This time of year the romance levels are high and everyone is looking to create that romantic moment, for some they are able to fly away to some gorgeous destination with the warmth to help rekindle their romance.

Unfortunately not all of us are lucky enough to jet away but there is a simple way to recreate the romance of a foreign country at home, by cooking dishes in your own home. They say romance and food are intricately linked and it is easy to understand why, there are certain foods that whirl you away to another time and place.

Oysters are said to be an aphrodisiac as are most sea foods, they also have an added advantage of being finger foods the perfect way to start a relaxed evening in full of fun and laughter. Paris is said to be the most romantic city in the world so why not try your hand at some classic French dishes, add some candle light and a good bottle or two of wine and you could almost be there.

It isn’t just mains that can help invoke the romantic  feelings, why not try your hand at cooking something sweet such as heart biscuits or cakes and muffins. There has been a realisation in recent years about the value of valentines foods, there are now cookie cutters in heart shapes as well as cake tins and even chocolates.

With so much choice out there you are set for a perfect night in filled with the romance of a meal in the star light under the light of the Eiffel Tower.

Continue reading »]]> It’s easy to be excited about sports this year, even if you’re not usually a fan. Why, I hear you ask – well because, in case you’ve been hiding in a darkened cave for the past year and don’t know – we’re holding the Olympics in our very own London this year. Brilliant, well, if you managed to get tickets that is.

For those of us that missed out, but still fancy some sporting action – why not head abroad for one of these equally memorable events that will have the Olympic goers feeling envious, despite their tickets!

The Grand National, Liverpool

You don’t even have to get on a plane to enjoy one of our best sporting events. With plenty of history and tradition behind it, enjoy the atmosphere as well as the racing, as the huge hats come out to play and millions are bet on our most exciting horse racing events!

RBS Six Nations – Europe

Rugby is well loved by us Brits so if you fancy combing a brilliant sport with a trip across Europe then grab yourselves some tickets and get going! Interrailling is the new flying you know.

The United States Grand Prix, Texas

F1 is returning to American soil for the first time in 5 years and for the first time ever, it’ll be heading to the Circuit of Americas in Texas. The purpose built track holds 100,000 people and as the second from last race in the season – the atmosphere will be electric!

Wimbledon, London

The Olympics isn’t the only sporting event in London this summer – head to classic Wimbledon for the best tennis you’ll probably ever see, along with a large serving of strawberries and cream!

Continue reading »]]> Fancy a holiday to remember this year? Why not check out one of the new wonders of the world for those picture perfect moments that you’ll remember for many years to come.

Here’s the full list of our modern wonders – which is your favourite?

Chichén Itzá, Mexico

These ruins built by the Maya civilisation are one of Mexico’s greatest archelogical sights. The towering pyramid is thought to be both a temple and a solar calendar and at the equinox, the shadows create the illlusion of a serpent moving along the staircase.

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

Brazil’s most famous sight, millions of people flock here to see the huge statue of Christ watching over the city. The arms, spread wide, have a total wingspan wingspan of 100ft, and this art deco-style figure has become the iconic image of Brazil’s tourism.

The Great Wall, China

The sheer magnitude of the Great Wall of China is astonishing and stands at 3,725 miles long and was first built to prevent invaders from the North. Avoid the crowds and head to the quieter areas at Mutianyu or Simatai

Machu Picchu, Peru

Perched high up in the Andes, the mysterious ruins of the Inca Empire draw thousands of visitors every year. If you can, the 3/4 day hike is spectacular but you can also catch a train from Cuzco.

Petra, Jordan

If you’ve watched Indiana Jones then you’ll have spotted the magnificent exterior of Petra, although you might not know it. The resting place of the Nabataeans is half built and half carved out the the rose hued rock in the desert.

The Roman Colosseum, Italy

Home to gladitorial contests and mythological plays and even executions, the Colosseum has a long history and makes an excellent day tour.

The Taj Mahal, India.

A spectacular architectural feat with a romantic history. This beautiful structure was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, who died in childbirth.

Continue reading »]]> Cities can be expensive places to visit and as one of the world’s most visited capital cities, London is certainly no different. But in between the expensive sights and michelin star restaurants, there are plenty of freebies too.

London has some briliant museums and the best part is that many of them are free to visit! Here are 3 of my favourites to really get the best out of the grey city:

The V& A Museum, or to call it by its full name, the Victoria and Albert Museum is up there with the best. It’s one of the biggest, if not the biggest, museum in the world and it has plenty to keep you occupied. With no less than 4.5million works of art on display permanantly, from a variety of eras, it’s a fascinating place to visit.

The Science Museum is a great place to visit, both for adults and kids alike. Founded in 1857, this dazzling museum has earned it’s place among London’s best museums. It is home to more than 300,000 sciencific related artifacts, including the first jet engine and Stephenson’s rocket. The IMAX 3D cinema costs extra, but tickets are fairly cheap and is a great treat for the kids.

The Tate Modern is one of the UK’s most respected art museums and has an expansive art collection, from the 1900s onwards. It has plenty to see, including a timeline display of the twentieth century’s most inspirational artistic moments. It has also undergone a massive revamp, to help accomodate more visitors – a nod to it’s well deserved popularity.

Continue reading »]]> When it comes to far flung destinations, you can’t get much further away than the land down under – Australia. It’s pretty big though, so just what should you do when you get there?

Here are our top picks for sightseeing in Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef
It goes without saying that the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most spectacular marine sights in the world. Whether you want to find Nemo or swim with rays and reef sharks, you can do it all with a snorkelling or diving trip out to the reef.

Ayers Rock
It’s not exactly in the most convenient location, but this mystical rock is one of Australia’s most iconic sights. See it in the early morning or dusky evening to see the full effects of the gorgeous rock colouring.

Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge
Head to Sydney Harbour to see 2 of the most famous sights in Australia. Pose for picture perfect moments in front of the shiny white tiles of the Opera House and if you’re feeling brave, head on a bridge climb for spectacular views of  Sydney.

The Blue Mountains
Misty eucalyptus, endless wildlife and gorgeous rainforest, with tiny towns nestled in between the trees – the Blue Mountains are famous for good reason. A perfect day trip from Sydney.

Kakadu National Park
Make like Crocodile Dundee and head into the bush near Darwin for some serious croc spotting. Expect mud, creatures with teeth and spectacular scenery all round.

Continue reading »]]> Now that winter is finally here, we can say goodbye to all those thoughts of beautiful sun, sand and sea. But it’s not all bad – winter is here which means one thing – let the ski holidays commence!

Skiing holidays are your chance to make the most of the winter wonderland and Europe has some fantastic resorts to choose from, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here are just a few of my favourites that I think make the best skiing holidays!

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

As well as being one of the most famous resorts in Europe, Cortina d’Ampezzo is also one of the most beautiful. Expect it to be busy but that’s thanks to the sheer choice of slopes and the great après ski but it’s the sheer beauty of your surroundings that really makes this a great destination.

Val D’Isere, France

This is one France’s oldest ski resorts, dating back to the 1930s, so they must be doing something right. Built of the slopes of Solaise, this is a bit of a great all rounder when it comes to ski resorts. Not only is it great for expert skiiers, but it also offers ski schools and a brilliant range of beginner slopes, so there really is something for everyone. For that reason, it’s really popular with families and has the facilities to cater for them too.

Chamonix, France

Another French favourite, Chamonix offers some of the best mountain skiing in the whole of Europe and this is thanks mainly to the 12 ski areas, which offers something for skiiers of all levels. With picturesque scenery (it’s situated right next to Mont Blanc) and a whole range of activities other than skiing, this is a really popular family resort and is great if you want to bring your kids along too!

Seefield, Austria

This Austrian resort is Austria’s best cross country ski resort and has a whopping 250km of marked trails to choose from (including one designed for the Olympics in 1976 and 1985). One of the major perks for me is the relatively short transfer time (about half an hour). With some gentle, low slopes, this is also a popular resort for beginners.

Continue reading »]]> Britain is home to a wealth of locations offering romantic and evocative scenery and/or history for those couples looking to spend quality time together, or perhaps reignite a relationship in the right surroundings. These are the best locations in Britain for couples to spend time together in.

Lake District

The Lake District in England is noted for the beauty of its scenery, but it is probably best to avoid the most well worn routes and areas, as these will be heavily populated with tourists and traffic. There are a large number of other, relatively undiscovered parts, which will make better locations for romantic breaks – for example the Winster Valley.

Scottish Highlands

One of the most beautiful parts of the UK, blessed with absolutely stunning scenery, thereby providing the perfect backdrop for romance. Furthermore, the highlands of Scotland are remote enough to take you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday modern life.

The Peak District

This area is again perfect for romantic stays, featuring an abundance of lovely villages, historic buildings and dark, moody caverns, which provide a variety of different romantic mood settings. The mountain that looms above and the ruined castle further enhance the atmospheric qualities of the area.

Giants Causeway

This part of Northern Ireland is one of the most popular tourist places amongst those seeking a quiet, beautiful spot for a getaway. It is the sole UNESCO World Heritage area in Northern Ireland and possesses romantic, mythical qualities thanks to its coast with the strange, carefully aligned columns of stone along it. The area provides a perfect setting for dreamy cliff top walking complete with some of the loveliest scenery in the whole of Europe.

Polperro

This beautiful picturesque fishing village, situated in South east Cornwall, provides the kind of views straight out of a Turner painting, along with narrow winding roads and old cottages that will make any couple visiting feel as if they have left the stresses of the modern world and stepped back in time.

Continue reading »]]> When I think of exotic holidays, the first image to spring to mind is that of a secluded beach on a tropical island. I’m clearly not the only one – island holidays are increasingly popular and now you can fly to some of the most popular island destinations from most UK airports.

If you fancy a little sun, sand and sea, try out one of these amazing destinations.

Skopelos has managed to remain very much under the radar, despite being the location for major Hollywood movie Mamma Mia. Its secluded beaches, rocky outcrops and divine food make this Greek island a brilliant choice. And the best bit is that, despite its star status, you’ll find very few fellow travellers here.

Flatey in Iceland is ther perfect destination if you need a few extra hours of sunshine. In the summer, the sun shines for 21 hours a day so this is the perfect place to relax. Located in Breiðafjörður Bay this tiny island is home to lush meadows and bright multicoloured houses as well as having an amazing view of the Snæfellsjökull volcano.

Mabul, Malaysia is a serious hotspot for scuba and snorkelling enthusiasts. The amazing marine life is on a parallel with the Galapagos islands in South America and you can spot all kinds of weird and wonderful things under the water. The stunning turquoise waters are just one reason to visit – check out the Sunday markets for some gorgeous souvenirs.

Continue reading »]]> With foreign travel anywhere in the world so easily affordable and travel insurance UK also easy to access, to ensure health, safety and financial protection, it can be hard to choose to right destination for a honeymoon. Nowadays consumers almost have too great a choice. Therefore it can be useful to know what locations are generally popular destinations for honeymooners, as this gives the consumer some idea of where to start when choosing.

To begin with, if you like to shop Dubai is an ideal location for a honeymoon as it considered the commercial epicentre of the world, offering exotic souks in addition to luxurious state of the art modern shopping centres – which should ensure that there are gifts to entice even the most choosy purchaser. Dubai also has luxury hotels, where you can spend your honeymoon by the pool and some of the finest beaches in the world.

If you prefer a more languid honeymoon, enjoying tropical sun and scenery, Barbados is a perennially popular destination. The fact that the sun shines pretty much all year round makes it a perfect location whenever you happen to be honeymooning. In addition Barbados offers an impressive nightlife and a friendly populace for when you want to party.

Another favourite honeymoon destination is the Seychelles. The first class resorts available here have some of the finest honeymoon suites anywhere in the world. The hotels here are designed to cater for newlyweds, providing the seclusion and privacy you will require, as well as a variety of luxury options for relaxation including spas and beaches.

Finally, if your preference is for a fast moving, exciting honeymoon experience then New York is often the most popular choice of destination. The city moves at a breakneck pace with a virtually unrivalled span of cultural and entertainment attractions. This is a destination very much for those who want to get out and about and enjoy new cultural experiences while on their honeymoon.