Unforgettable Family Holidays in the UK: Discovering Fun, Safety, and Adventure

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post. 

You all know we love a good family holiday but when I think of planning a family holiday I automatically think of travelling to another country. However the UK is a beautiful country, with so much to enjoy right on our doorstep. Whether you are looking to learn all about its history, take in the stunning landscapes or family-friendly attractions, the UK is a top choice for creating unforgettable memories.

Whatever you are looking for the UK can offer a variety of destinations perfect for families. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best family holiday spots in the UK and share tips on ensuring a safe and stress-free trip including how you can never lose your family car using a car tracking device.

Top Family Holiday Destinations in the UK

Cornwall: Coastal Adventures

Although we have never been to Cornwall, I had to put it top of my list. It's one of the places I really want to visit as soon as possible as it looks stunning with its golden beaches and charming seaside towns, a real paradise for families. Although I'm not a massive fan of the sea I can imagine the boys enjoying surfing lessons in Newquay, whilst John and I explore the mystical Tintagel Castle. Another reason to visit Cornwall would be to visit the Eden Project, home to the world's largest indoor rainforest. For a mix of adventure and relaxation, Cornwall is an ideal choice.

Lake District: Nature's Playground

As regular visitors to The Lake District I can honestly say we never get bored. There is just so much to see and do whether it's enjoying a boat trip on Lake Windermere, hiking through Grizedale Forest or just relaxing in a coffeeshop in Ambleside. The Lake District is ideal for those who enjoy the great outdoors however we always ensure we have lots of ideas for rainy days in the Lakes as the weather is very unpredictable. The scenic beauty and numerous activities, such as kayaking and wildlife spotting, ensure that both kids and adults will have an unforgettable experience.

London: Urban Excitement

Again another city we visit at least once a year is our capital city, London. London has everything you need for a fun holiday that is packed with attractions for families. Visit the interactive exhibits at the Science Museum, enjoy a day out at the London Zoo, or take a ride on the iconic London Eye. There is also nothing better than seeing London's landmarks from the River Thames. Hop on a boat cruise and see the London Eye, Big Ben and St Pauls Cathedral from the comfort of your boat. London's parks, such as Hyde Park and Regent's Park, offer plenty of space for picnics and playtime.

Edinburgh: Historical Wonders

Another city on my 'to visit' list is Edinburgh. Edinburgh combines rich history with vibrant culture. Explore the majestic Edinburgh Castle, walk the Royal Mile, and if you are a fan of Harry Potter like us you can visit the various landmarks that inspired the books. The city's festivals, including the famous Edinburgh Fringe, provide endless entertainment options for families.

Wales: Adventure and Relaxation

When I was growing up we would visit Wales every year for our annual holiday. My dad would pack up the car and I would watch from the window as we passed stunning landscapes and charming villages. It was like another world and I still get that feeling now everytime we visit. Families can explore Snowdonia National Park, visit the fairy-tale Castell Coch, or relax on the beautiful beaches of Pembrokeshire. The Welsh countryside is perfect for activities like cycling, horse riding, and camping.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Family Holiday

Plan Ahead

Research your destinations and book accommodations in advance. Look for family-friendly hotels and restaurants to ensure everyone's comfort.

Pack Smart

Pack essentials such as first aid kits, snacks, and entertainment for the kids. Don't forget weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes for exploring.

Keep Everyone Involved

Engage the whole family in planning activities. Letting kids have a say in the itinerary can make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Stay Flexible

While planning is important, being flexible can help you adapt to unexpected changes, like weather shifts or sudden closures of attractions.

Safety First

Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. While enjoying the many attractions the UK has to offer, ensuring your family's safety and peace of mind is paramount. One crucial aspect is securing your transportation. We use a car tracking device which is perfect for our trips. Knowing you can always locate your car allows you to focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about where you parked. On family holidays, the car often becomes a home away from home, storing everything from snacks to souvenirs. Losing your car can quickly turn a dream holiday into a stressful nightmare. 

Family holidays in the UK offer a blend of adventure, education, and relaxation. From the coastal charm of Cornwall to the bustling excitement of London, there's something for every family to enjoy. By planning carefully you can create lasting memories without the stress. So pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on an unforgettable family adventure in the UK!

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- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

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- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

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7 Money-Saving Techniques for Wanderlust

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Disclosure - this is a collaborative post 

We have come out of the turbulence created by COVID-19 and started to travel actively - this is the best thing that has happened in the last few years. But the issue of tightening monetary policy is still making itself felt and the labor market is gradually declining. Against this background, it is logical to reconsider your costs.

If you are not ready to give up traveling, but still want to save money, I hasten to please you - it is possible. It is impossible to tell in a nutshell how to save money for travel. We have prepared for you 7 ways that work today and help you reduce your expenses, sometimes even by 30%.

7 Budget Ways to Travel

Collect and Use Points and Miles

Many people know about this, but I have no right to skip this point - miles and points are friends of travellers. This is an absolutely legal, working and proven way to save money. Simply, when purchasing airline tickets, use your miles to pay for part of the ticket. They are awarded to you for using credit cards. If you're a true enthusiast, you might even be able to cover your entire flight costs, but you need to prepare in advance. 

Be Anonymous When Booking Hotels and Buying Air Tickets

Nowadays absolutely everyone is watching us on the Internet: companies, websites, bots, ISPs and even hackers. The concept of anonymity and privacy is always considered from the point of view of moral peace, but it can also help save money.

Try installing a VPN and changing your IP address. Then go to a hotel booking or airline ticket booking site and check the prices. A dynamic pricing strategy can help you save money. For residents of certain regions there are often promotions or simply different prices. By posing as a resident of that region, you can save money.

For example, when booking a hotel, you can try to connect to a VPN server in the country where you are going to travel. For locals, prices are often lower, and local hotels are also available in the search, which may be hidden from an international user by Google or a similar system.

Advice! It happens to me that I can't connect to VPN. No matter how many times I press, VPN won't connect, it tries, and then the connection is lost. My solution is to change the VPN server or even the VPN provider. Although you can also try other solutions to the problem of VPN not working in your browser, smartphone or PC. For example, you can change the communication protocol, reinstall the VPN, switch to a paid tariff, etc.

Choose the Right Time

If your main goal is to save money, then you should be more flexible in planning your trip. Try to visit the country during off-peak season. Another way is to analyse airfare prices by day. Often, prices are highest at the beginning of the week and at the end. On weekdays in the middle of the week you can buy a ticket 5% cheaper. Please note that traveling in the off-season is not always possible due to the climate or cultural characteristics of the region.

Let's illustrate this tip. If you're planning a flight from New York to Paris over Christmas, you'll be spending $870-$910. If you go on December 24-25, the price will be $480-560. Not a bad saving, isn't it?

You Can Take Snacks With You

Any purchases at the airport or from street vendors in tourist areas are financially unprofitable. You can just take some snacks with you on the road and ignore the food courts. Moreover, now there are protein bars. They are much more organic and better for a healthy diet than any fast food.

Try Contacting the Hotel Directly

Hotels can often offer a better price if you book directly rather than through aggregator sites, such as Hostelworld or Booking.com. You can call them by phone and find out all the details. Perhaps there are some bonuses, loyalty programs or more affordable rooms in the old building. Also, many of them have the ability to make online calls.

Use a Travel Agent

Travel agents can often offer a better price for an all-inclusive holiday than booking everything manually. Often hotels offer them special terms of cooperation, inexpensive transfers and excursions for their groups of tourists. Everything in a group is usually cheaper per tourist. I'm not saying you'll save money, but it's worth a try. My trips to Mexico and Crete cost me $370 and $280 less, respectively, compared to my personal miscalculation.

Use Free Travel Insurance

None of us can guarantee that everything will go smoothly during the trip. But buying insurance is also quite expensive. How about using free insurance? To do this, you need to find out about the conditions for using credit cards in banks in your region. Some may offer free travel insurance if you book your trip using their credit products. This way you will be safe and will not spend a cent extra.

There are many more ways to save money, but most are tied to a specific location. So I forbid you to buy carpets in Turkey or touch people in Asia. This has financial consequences. But these are local features that you should become familiar with before visiting each country. Moreover, we already have a lot of valuable tips and reviews of great places in most countries of the world. Just use other materials on our blog.

- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

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49 Things To Do In Manchester This Month (May 2024)

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Manchester is one of my favourite cities as it has everything you need for a day out, weekened away or even a week. Our What's On Guide will give you lots of ideas on how to spend a weekend with 49 things to do in Manchester this month. There is plenty to keep you busy whether you are spending it with the family, friends, your partner or on your own. 

Image by Sky and Glass on Freepik

Click To Theatre, Shows, Music and Concerts

Click To Parks, Outdoors and National Trust

Click To Indoor Entertainment Venues

Click To Escape Rooms

Click To Trampoline Parks and Indoor Play Centres

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The Impact Of Blocked Gutters On Your Property’s Value

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post 

When considering the upkeep of a property, gutters may not immediately spring to mind as a crucial element. However, the state of a property’s guttering system can significantly influence its value and appeal. Blocked or poorly maintained gutters can lead to a host of problems that not only diminish the appearance of a property but also its structural integrity and overall market value. In this article, we explore the consequential impacts of gutter blockage on your property's value and emphasise the importance of regular maintenance.

The Role Of Gutters In Property Management

Gutters serve a critical function in directing rainwater away from the building’s foundation, protecting the structural integrity of the property. Properly functioning gutters prevent water accumulation around the base of the property, which can lead to severe issues like damp and foundation damage.

Consequences Of Gutter Blockages

Water Damage and Structural Issues

Blocked gutters restrict the flow of water, causing it to overflow and potentially leading to water ingress in the property. This can result in costly damages like damp patches, weakened walls, and, in extreme cases, foundational issues. Such structural problems not only require significant expenditure to rectify but also decrease the property’s appeal to potential buyers or renters.

Aesthetic Deterioration

The external appearance of a property makes a crucial first impression. Overflowing gutters can lead to staining on the exterior walls and encourage the growth of unsightly mould and mildew. This not only diminishes curb appeal but can also impact a prospective buyer's or tenant's perception of the property’s upkeep and value.

Landscape Damage

When gutters are blocked, water that should be channelled away from the property may end up flooding garden areas. This can ruin landscapes, affect plant life, and lead to uneven settling of the ground, potentially causing further structural issues.

Pest Infestations

Clogged gutters are prone to accumulating stagnant water, which can become a breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes. Additionally, accumulated debris can attract rodents and birds, which can lead to further blockages and even structural damage as they nest or burrow into damaged areas of the roof.

Prevention and Maintenance Strategies

Regular Cleaning

The most effective way to prevent gutter blockages is through regular cleaning. Experts recommend clearing out gutters at least twice a year, ideally in late autumn after most leaf fall has occurred, and in early spring to address any accumulation from over the winter.

Installation Of Gutter Guards

Gutter guards can be a worthwhile investment, particularly for properties surrounded by trees. These devices help prevent leaves and debris from entering the gutter, thereby minimising maintenance needs and the risk of blockages.

Professional Inspection

Having a professional inspect your gutters annually can help identify and address minor issues before they evolve into significant problems. Professionals can also ensure that gutters are properly aligned, which is crucial for effective water disposal.

Timely Repairs

If damage or blockages are detected, it's vital to execute repairs promptly. Delayed action can exacerbate issues, leading to more extensive damage and higher repair costs.

The Impact on Property Value

Direct Economic Impact

The immediate consequence of neglected gutters can be the need for expensive repairs, which, if not addressed, may lead to severe structural damage. These issues are costly not only in terms of repair expenses but also in reducing the property’s market value.

Appeal To Potential Buyers Or Tenants

Properties with well-maintained gutters are more appealing to potential buyers or tenants as they indicate thorough upkeep. Conversely, signs of water damage or blocked gutters can turn prospects away, as they anticipate additional expense and effort upon acquisition.

Closing Thoughts

Maintaining gutters might seem like a minor part of home upkeep, but as outlined, its impact on the value of your property is considerable. Investing in regular maintenance and timely repairs safeguards not only the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the property but also bolsters its market value. For property owners, engaging with professional gutter maintenance services offers a reliable way to ensure that this crucial aspect of property care is handled appropriately, thereby enhancing a property’s worth and appeal in the competitive real estate market.

- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

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Smart Moves: Strategies for Successful Used Car Shopping

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post

Brighton is a beautiful and bustling place to live, but the cost of living is creeping up all the time, no matter where you live. And this can mean that some budgeting decisions have to be made to find savings wherever possible. A good switch is to opt for a good quality second-hand car for your next vehicle, rather than a new one – but how can you be sure of getting a great car for a bargain price? Let's have a look at some smart moves: what strategies you can use to succeed at used car shopping!

Know What You Want

What is it that you want from your new-to-you vehicle? Is it a basic runabout to get you a couple of miles to the school, to work, to the shops and home? Or is it more of a days out and fun in the Brighton sun kind of a vehicle? If the former, you can choose a smaller, nippier car that can park almost anywhere, and that perhaps doesn't have as good fuel economy as other models. But that won't matter because you'll be in stop-start traffic most of the time anyway, which is hard on your fuel consumption (unless you opt for a hybrid that allows you to crawl forward in busy traffic without engaging the petrol engine at all!). If it's the latter, then you might want to be a little more discerning, and make sure you get the maximum mile for your gallon, so to speak.

Choose a Reputable Vendor

Once you have an idea of what type of car you are looking for, find a reputable used car dealer. As a rule of thumb, avoid buying items like cars (high-end, expensive, very mobile) from people you don't know and that can't be verified for you. Instead, opt for a seller who has fixed premises and who offers good after-sales service. Shop for quality used cars in Brighton with KAP Motor Group and know that you will enjoy a great customer service experience, before, during and after the purchase. Choosing a good vendor means that you can forgo all the usual checks and worries that come with buying a used car: places like KAP Motor Group does their due diligence on each vehicle before it comes onto the lot.

Set a Budget

Finally, and perhaps obviously, fix a budget before you set out to find your pre-loved vehicle. Study up on the sorts of prices demanded by used cars in your preferred range to get an idea of how much you'd need to set aside in order to get the car that you'd really like, rather than one that you can only just afford. If you can, save a little extra, so you can treat the family to a day out in Brighton to get used to your new wheels in style!

- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

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