All posts filed under: Travel

Camping with Kids – the Essentials

Published by Jen

Camping with kids can initially sound like a crazy thing to even attempt; I mean, several days spent in the countryside with zero screen time, a bed filled only with air, reduced meal options and potentially questionable facilities – why would you? Well, it’s cheap and cheerful, for starters, and there are a thousand stunning places to explore in the UK alone. Getting back to nature is proven to help children learn and focus, lots of fresh air means they are more than ready for bed at bedtime, and spending quality time as a family, without the distractions that are abundant at home, provides an excellent opportunity to bond as a unit. To make the whole camping process run as smoothly as possible, it is important to do like the Scouts and be very well prepared. Here, I have collated a number of essential items as well as a few extras that can make a whole World of difference: SLEEPING A good night’s sleep, I’m sure we can all agree, is a must for any …

4 Exciting Summer Holiday Activities for Kids in London

Published by Jen

The summer holidays are fast approaching and a trip to London is a great way to embrace warmer weather with your children. The capital has exciting activities in abundance — from outdoor paintball to bike tours — to establish a top-notch itinerary. The end of the school year is right around the corner so, as a parent, you’ll have the task of keeping your kids entertained for the next six weeks. So how about a trip to London? A trip to the UK’s capital will provide more than enough sights and attractions for the grown-ups and a wide range of exciting activities for your children. Here are five of the best that should be on your to-do list. Explore London’s Parks London boasts some of the most engaging historical landmarks and fantastic architecture in the world — and its parks aren’t too shabby either. No matter which area of London you are situated in, there is a nearby park to suit you needs. Scenery to die for, vast areas of grass to enjoy a picnic, …

Planning a Cruise: Norwegian Fjords

Published by Jen

I feel I should tell you first of all that I am not a great sailor; for me, cruises generally represent a terrifying experience that should be avoided at all costs. The vast waters, the days at sea, the claustrophobic aspect of being trapped on-board. Though I am getting better at travelling on water, I imagine it is far easier to distract oneself on the relatively short rides between Greek Islands than it is on a cruise. However. There is one destination for which I would be prepared to try to overcome my fear of cruises. Norway. The Fjords. Such dramatically beautiful landscapes coupled with fairytale stops along the way. This is one journey I would love to make. A fascination of Norway, indeed Scandinavia in general, fuels this dream and a desire to travel as a family encourages me to make more imminent plans. Added to that, Jasmine has requested that we see the Northern Lights, and Sonny has asked that we find somewhere to go where there will be snow. A Norwegian Fjords cruise may just tick …

Un Peu D’Amour Français

Published by Jen

I’ve been a little bit in love with France since a school trip in Year 7. Surprisingly, really, considering the trip consisted of multiple assault courses, thunderstorms, and evening meals of such dubious composition that they inspired an ill-advised attempt at vegetarianism. Still, since that amazing holiday, there have been far lovelier trips, including four to Paris. Highlights have included two weeks in a beautiful yurt in rural Calvados, five days spent exploring the Normandy/Brittany border (bonjour, Mont St. Michel), and a comprehensive tour of the prettiest seaside towns the North of the country has to offer. Despite these numerous visit I have but scratched the tip of the French iceberg; there are many more places that I would like to see. Provence for the lavender, Monet’s garden, a vineyard or two; skiing, even. A villa in the south, a chateau in the North. Borders and peninsulas. Camping. City breaks. Mountains and countryside. So much more to see and do. I am fascinated by the draw of other cities; how do they compare to Paris? Are they as loud, …

Last Minute Country Escapes

Published by Jen

Spontaneous nights away are just about as exciting as it gets for me, I love nothing more than hastily packing up an overnight bag, grabbing the kids from school and heading off for the weekend. We are so fortunate to have some truly beautiful locations within an hour’s drive away and you can’t really beat the English countryside for a relaxing short break. We have been lucky enough to stay in some gorgeous places in Surrey, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall and have a long wishlist of destinations we would still like to visit. I have been browsing the Great Little Escapes website and am very taken with the Peak District, though it is that bit further and would be impossible to manage in a weekend, sadly. As well as being relaxing, short family breaks are oh so good at promoting strong family relationships, reconnecting with nature, and can be as educational as you want them to be. We have only recently returned from Devon but I am already looking to book in our next few …