Travel
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts

Travelling To Majorca With The Kids

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Majorca was the first holiday we went to as a family of 3 way back in 2003. As we had never had to plan a holiday with a baby before we relied heavily on recommendations from our family and friends and whoever we spoke to Majorca always came up as a possible destination. If you are a parent, when it comes to booking a holiday to Majorca you want to know that it is suitable for your children and what we have found over the years is Majorca ticks every box.
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Our Top Tips For Staying Safe In The Sun

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You may have read our recent post about our favourite places to go on holiday, one of the things that we always plan very well for when going abroad is the heat.  Whether it be Florida, Majorca, or even at home in the UK, its always important to stay safe when the sun is out.  The last thing you want to happen on holiday to either yourself or your little ones is Sunburn.  You can lose a good few days from your holiday to the effects of sunburn and it can be easily avoided.  

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Favourite Holiday Destinations

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post

Summer is almost upon us and for most people that means they will be heading off on their Summer holidays. Whether it's in the UK, Europe or further afield, getting away is something we all love to do. It's nice to know that we can 'switch off' for a week or two and forget about the real world and just float about in our holiday bubble. When it comes to choosing where to go we all have different ideas of the perfect holiday. Whether it's somewhere you've visited before, a recommendation from a friend or through browsing sites online.

city skyline

We tend to visit places we have already been to before. We like the familiarity and also the no stress worrying whether it is okay, as we've been before. I recently asked a few blogger friends what their favourite holiday destination is and why? The results are fab and it has actually given me a few new places to take a look at.

Long Haul Destinations

We have been over to America twice now, first we went to New York and earlier this year we went to Walt Disney World. They are 2 of our favourite destinations and I'm glad to see that others think so too.

Carrie from Flying With a Baby loves Cape Town. " outdoor fun, stunning beaches, amazing food, penguins, sharks, whales all in the wild. There is just so much to see and do. It's (only 12 hours away - I say only as we are used to 24 hours as hubby is Australian) hardly any time difference and perfect for Winter sun too "

Angela from The Life Of Spicers chose Walt Disney World. " there is something for everyone. Our once in a lifetime trip three years ago sees us revisiting for the third time this year. It's truly magical "

Ann from Rainbows Are Too Beautiful also chose Florida. " especially in the Spring . . because it's good weather and has the best Disney park "

I have to agree with Laura from Mama Eden & Me about New York.  " It's magical. The energy, the people, the theatres. I love the place. Hopefully going back next year "

Lynne from New Mummy Blog loves holidaying in the UK however . . . " my favourite holidays (other than honeymoon) were always the American road trips hubby and I did pre-kids, we can't wait for the little ones to be a bit older so we can go back and do more, including Disneyland " 

Michelle from Mummy2Monkeys loves America. " Everything is just so big and better. We went to see our first ever basketball game and I absolutely loved it seeing all the cheerleaders doing their half time dance routines in their cheerleading uniform."

the canaries

The Canaries

I have visited Lanzarote and Gran Canaria and both are stunning. The weather is always lovely, people are friendly and they are real family friendly resorts.

Suzy from Our Bucket List Lives also loved her holiday this year to Gran Canaria.  " The weather was lovely in January/February. There's lots to do there as a family and we loved the hotels that we stayed in. We'd not been there before and we would love to go back "

Becky from Mummy Est 2014 has visited Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands  " It was amazing. We took our little man when he was 20 months and he loved the beach, the pool, and the lights and fun of the evening entertainment. I loved the fact it was hot, all inclusive (so nice not to have to worry about food and drink) and family friendly. Travel time was only about 4 hours which wasn't as horrendous as I thought it would be "

Africa

Not a place I have visited yet but somewhere I would love to try. 

Naomi from Not A Perfect Parent tells us why she loves Tunisia. " There are so many amazing places I've been to including Florida, Lanzarote and other places but Tunisia has totally stolen my heart "

" I've been twice and the culture and history is so interesting. Both times I was given tours of the markets and that was a whole new experience. It is so rich in history and culture that many people don't know about and I loved learning all about it! We were taken around Mosques and a Mausoleum and the Tunisian People showed us so much respect for being interested in it all "

 " Tunisia has such a bad reputation and is a country that many either love or hate "

" Added bonus is that it's only about a 3 hour flight but it's North Africa so amazing temperatures "

harbour

The Balearics

I have to agree with both Laura and Kerry on their choices. Both beautiful and lots to see and do. We have stayed in Alcudia, C'an Picafort and Sa Coma in Majorca. Sa Coma is by far our favourite and hopefully we will visit again next year.

Laura from Mum On A Mission favourite holiday is Mallorca. " Anywhere on the island. Many reasons but primarily because it is beautiful. It's also only 2 hours away and there are plenty of cheap flights. I lived there for 5 years and it still feels like my second home. I'd recommend it to anyone "

Kerry from Kerry Shaw Mummy Of Four loves Ibiza " One of the most beautiful Islands I have ever been to, especially when you fly in just after the sunrise, on a really quick and very cheap flight "

Europe

Proving to be quite popular for the perfect holiday destination.

mickey, minnie, donald and goofy

France

Beth from Twinderelmo and Jade from Mummies Waiting both agree that Disneyland Paris is the perfect getaway. 

Beth " not too far to travel and pure magic from start to end "

Jade I love to get away, but completely away from everything with so many distractions to take in. It makes our whole family so happy and the experiences always bring a tear to my eye"

Italy

Kate from Five Little Stars likes to get away to Lake Garda (specifically Desenzano and up around the west of the lake). " It's beautiful, so easy with children, and the food is immense. We have been several times, pre and post babies, and always have a lovely time. And we are off to Corsica in September and I have high hopes that it will be a top holiday location contender for us too "

Louise from Pink Pear Bear also is a fan of Northern Italy " Amazing food, stunning scenery, lush weather, some of the most breathtaking art and architecture on the planet, less then 2 hours flight AND super duper child friendly! We love it "

Joy from The Sensory Seeker is also a fan of Italy " We loved our trip to Italy - Gelato and culture what's not to love. It was a place where the whole family loved with our various ages and the public transport system is fantastic "

Denmark

Nadia from Scandi Mummy loves Copenhagen " especially in the summer months. There is so much to do whether you are going for a childfree romantic getaway or for a family trip. Some of the best restaurants in the world, fantastic attractions and it's close to the sea and great beaches "

beach

UK

We love visiting different parts of the UK. It is a beautiful country and if you get the right weather it is definitely a perfect holiday destination. 

Katy from Katy Kicker enjoys a visit to CenterParcs " One hour from home, lots of activities and lovely facilities "

Hollie from Thrifty Mum chose The Isle of Scilly " Amazing. Only off the coast of Cornwall by small plane or ferry, they're beautiful islands, some are free of traffic and that low in crime no-one locks their doors. Perfect for an Enid Blyton friendly childhood. They have the best weather in the British Isles so you're guaranteed a nice tan too "

Emma from Me and B Make Tea would have to say good old Blighty. " Specifically Devon. We holidayed abroad with the little one but i've found I had a better time at Center Parcs and places like Ladram Bay and Cofton Holiday Park. We love Haven too. They are so geared for kids and there is so much to do even in rainy weather. Often when we go abroad the pools are freezing even though the heat is 30. So the UK - don't underestimate what you have on your doorstep "

*****

I have absolutely loved reading everyones 'perfect holiday' destinations and it doesn't seem to matter whether its a long haul trip to America, a villa in the Canaries, or a weekend in the UK we all love to get away and we all have our own favourite destination. 

Michelle


*collaborative post - all images thanks to Clickstay*

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What Would You Choose? #ImpossibleExperiences

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If you could do anything or go anywhere in the world what would you choose? For me it would be a family holiday to Disney World in Florida. I've dreamt about going there all my life but what if I could do something even better. What if I could create #ImpossibleExperiences. Have you ever thought "I wish I could do that?' or "If I won the lottery I would...". We have all had those thoughts at some point but what would your impossible experience be?
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Our New Years Eve

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This is a little late, but better late than never I suppose. We ended 2016 with a visit to the Liverpool Ice Festival. It's something we did a few years ago and we thought it would be nice to do it again. Both Daddy and I aren't keen on New Years Eve so a nice day out was perfect.
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Planning Our Next Holiday To Cyprus

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You may already know that we visited Cyprus in August for the 2nd time and it was amazing. Cyprus was never on my destination list until I won a holiday back in 2014. There was a huge list of places we could choose from and after months of deliberating we chose Cyprus - best decision ever. We stayed at the Malama Beach Holiday Village and it is perfect.
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Premier Inn - Hemel Hempstead Central Review

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As you may already know we recently visited London for the weekend. When booking our trip we decided to stay at the Premier Inn Hemel Hempstead. Although it's not actually in London it's quite close and we have stayed there before and never had any problems.
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Holiday Extra's - Holiday Inn Express, Manchester Airport Review

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For our recent trip to Paris we were offered the chance to stay over at Holiday Inn Express - Manchester Airport before our early morning flight, thanks to Holiday Extras. 

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What To Pack In A Teenager's Suitcase

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Big J has just arrived home from his third trip abroad without us. Its so weird to think he has experienced parts of the world without us. He has been to Rue in France for 5 days, Skiing for a whole week and last week he went to Spain for 5 days.

When it came to packing his suitcase he really wasn't interested at all. I think thats a boy thing because Daddy doesn't like packing either. They both are just happy to watch me do it. I did make a list of things he needed to make it easier for him but I still ended up doing it.


First I packed his hand luggage. He didn't have much in it as the school already had his Passport, EHIC and Euros. His hand luggage just had his phone, earphones, wallet containing some english money for the airport and plane and a book.

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10 Reasons Why I Love June

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I am so excited that June has finally arrived and here is why.

1. Daddy and I had our first ever date in June. It was the 21st June which is the longest day. This year the 21st falls on Fathers Day too so it's twice as special.

Looking Back - June 2010 Central Park, New York City

2. Daddy and I were married in June. This year we will be celebrating 15 years together and 5 years married. We were married in New York City and it was the best day of my life. It was so amazing and very personal as I had always wanted to get married in New York and Daddy made my dreams come true.
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Going On Holiday - How Do You Choose?

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I was watching the boys in the garden last week and they were playing in the water. It was bright, warm and sunny and it got me thinking about our Summer holiday.

Sa Coma - June 2003 
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In The Night Garden Party At Alton Towers

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A few weeks ago little J got his first ever birthday party invite. It was so exciting as it was to celebrate the first anniversary of the In The Night Garden Boat Ride in CBeebies Land at Alton Towers.

Iggle Piggle, Upsy Daisy and Little J blowing kisses
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Holiday Inn - Leamington Spa

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When planning our recent trip to Warwick Castle we decided to book a stay the night before at a hotel. Usually we head straight to Premier Inn or Travelodge as we have never had a bad stay at either. They are always cheap and perfect for us. Anyway while we were browsing hotels near Warwick the Holiday Inn - Leamington Spa popped up so we had a look at the details.
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A Day Out In York

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We've had a few hospital appointments over the last few weeks which can be stressful and worrying so it was nice to relax at the a few weekends ago and enjoy a day out in York. We have been to York before little J was born and it was a lovely place so I was excited to get back there and enjoy the sights.
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Project 365 Days 33-39

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Hi all. Another week and another seven photographs capturing what we have been up to this week.

The sun has been shining this week but it is very very cold. It was -1 during the week on the way to school.

33/365 - Little J spent the morning in nursery today and was so tired he fell asleep for almost 4 hours. 

34/365 - The Meat and Greet details were available online for the forthcoming McBusted Tour. Too expensive for me. Gutted.

35/365 - It was nice to have some time with Big J tonight and we played some board games. We received Disney Hedbanz for christmas and its so much fun. Its very similar to Guess Who but with disney characters.

36/365 - Daddy had a little go on a tombola in Tesco today for charity and won two little prizes. Well done Daddy.

37/365 - Enjoying a pre valentines meal at Prezzo. Keep an eye out for our review this week.

38/365 - In the early hours of Friday Morning Daddy and I became an aunty and uncle for the first time. Big J has a new cousin, baby A. He is absolutely adorable and we couldn't wait for cuddles.

39/365 - Big J and little J rolling down the hill at Clifford Tower, York. We had a lovely day taking in the sights in York.

TheBoyandMe's 365 Linky




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Three Things I Love About My Favourite City - NEW YORK

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I am the biggest fan of romantic comedies and growing up into my late teens I always pictured myself going to New York and finding true love just like they do in the movies.  Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan found love twice in New York, on top of the Empire State Building in Sleepless in Seattle and over the internet in You've Got Mail its just looks like the most amazing place in the world and it was my dream to go there one day
Accor Hotels are hosting a competition and they are have asked entrants to list the three things they love about my favourite city so I've entered mine and here it goes.
MY WEDDING DAY
Well I didn't find love in New York because I met Daddy here in Liverpool BUT he did give me the most amazing day ever when we married New York. Even though he is so scared of flying he overcame his fears to give me the wedding of my dreams.
FAO SCHWARZ
New York is home to biggest toy shop you will ever see FAO Schwarz and if you have seen the film BIG you will be excited to find that you can have a go on the floor keyboard just like Tom Hanks did in the movie.

THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
For me this is just the most romantic place on earth. I love going up the Empire State Building. The views are amazing (we are actually at the top of the Rockerfella Centre looking towards The Empire State) We went up on our wedding night and it was just magical.

So these are my favourite three things about New York. Do you have a favourite city? What are your favourite three things?
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Christmas Is Over

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Either today or tomorrow we will start to de-christmas our home. We actually put our decorations up really early this year and I think it was the 1st December so they have been up for over a month already. I always think the house looks bare once the decorations go away plus it means Christmas is over *sad face*
This Christmas was very different for us and although I enjoyed it overall I never want to spend another like it. Leading up to Christmas both big J and little J were sick and I don't just mean for a few days, it was pretty much the whole of December.  They were full of cold, runny nose one minute then blocked nose the next. Both got an ear infection too so it wasn't pleasant for them both. 
We did manage to get to our Santa's Sleepover in Alton Towers which as always is lots of fun and great for the kids. Before the journey we did have to take a trip to the local NHS walk in with big J who had mucus in his ear, poor thing. It didn't stop him having a good time though although the waterpark had to be postponed until they were both feeling better.
This year CBeebies and was open for us to enjoy. Little J loves Cbeebies land and although it was a little cold we had fun on the rides, including his two favourites, Postman Pat and In The Night Garden.
We did get to meet Upsy Daisy which was a nice treat. She was very friendly and gave us lots of cuddles.
Father Christmas was in his grotto in the woods and we got to meet him and he gave both big and little J a lovely present. Little J was too interested in seeing what he had got that he wouldn't pose for a photo.
After an afternoon in the theme park it was time to head back the hotel for a Christmas dinner. We had a nice evening watching the children entertainment before it was time for bed. 
Christmas Eve started with our usual tea party. Little J however slept right through it so it was just the three of us. 

After little J had woke up and had some food it was time to watch The Snowman. I have watched the Snowman every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember so its our Christmas Eve tradition.

Then we opened a few Christmas Eve Presents. We always get new PJ's on Christmas Eve :)

Father Christmas has been.


Christmas Morning was filled with opening presents and lots of playing with toys. Then it was time to visit our families. Usually we will go to one of our parents in the morning and then the other in the afternoon. As little J wasn't too good we decided to keep him home which made Christmas very different. Daddy stayed home while big J and I went to my Mums then after we came home Daddy and big J went to his brothers for Christmas Dinner. This was the first year in fifteen years we haven't had Christmas Dinner together which was sad but it was better for little J to stay home. I then went to my Mums in the evening and had my Christmas dinner there.


Then just before bed there was still more presents to open.


Big J treated us to a home made snow cone which was very tasty indeed.
So Christmas this year was very different but it still was fun. Big and little J got some lovely new toys to play with.
Hopefully next year we will be illness free and we can enjoy the big day all together.
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Ramada Hotel Birmingham Solihull

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If you have read any of my recent posts you will know we had a lovely trip recently to Lollibop and we stayed at the Ramada London North. We had such a great time and when planning a trip to Warwick Castle I decided to look for a Ramada Hotel close enough for our visit.
 
Ramada Birmingham - Solihull is perfectly located for lots of attractions including Warwick Castle, Sealife Centre, Cadburys World, The National Motorcycle Museum and Birmingham Airport.
 
The Ramada Birmingham - Solihull offers free Wifi throughout the hotel which is a must for me because I can't live without my internet.
 
Accommodation is a choice between double, twin or family.
 
If you are looking for something special you can stay in a townhouse suite. The two storey rooms have a separate bedroom area accessed via a spiral staircase. The rooms sleep 2 and look lovely.
 
If you are flying from Birmingham Airport you can take advantage of a Stay, Park and Fly offer from Ramada Hotel - Solihull.
 
The package includes 1 nights accommodation for 2 adults and 2 children including a complimentary breakfast. Up to 8 days car parking at the hotel and transfers to and from the airport.
 
You can visit the offer here
 
If you are in the area and fancy popping in to the hotel for afternoon tea you will be welcomed in George's restaurant or bar. Serving a traditional afternoon tea including bloomer bread sandwiches, scones, macaroons and amaretto truffles and fresh strawberries with marshmallows and dipping chocolate. All the above served with traditional or speciality teas.
 
Times and prices can be found here
 
This is just a snippet of what the hotel has to offer so if you want to know any more information you can visit the website here. Make sure you keep an eye on my blog to read about our stay.. coming soon.
 
Have you stayed at a Ramada Hotel before?
 
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