There’s something truly magical about a family holiday. Granted, they’re seemingly never stress-free: planning, packing and picky little travellers can test your patience at times. However, the special memories you’ll create exploring faraway places with your nearest and dearest will be cherished for a lifetime.

Deciding where to go is often half the battle. Catering to different tastes and personalities makes it difficult to find somewhere with something for everyone. Or at least it would be, if the USA didn’t exist. The States have long been an aspirational holiday destination for young families, and is home to some of the world’s prime tourist attractions. In this post, I'm going to discuss three important reasons why the USA is a wonderful place to visit with young children.

An Educational Experience

Family holidays are an excellent opportunity to broaden your children’s horizons and develop their world view in these formative years. Across the USA, museums, monuments and statues tell the story of this country’s fascinating history, and a visit to these sites is sure to both inspire and educate young minds. Best of all, there are lots of exhibitions that have been designed with children in mind, so they’ll never feel like they’re in the classroom when stepping back in time.

It can be compelling for children to see the sites they’ve learned about back home up close, and you never know whether a trip could ignite a new passion or interest that they want to pursue. On top of this, America is an incredibly diverse country, making it a great place to teach little ones about the importance of respecting and celebrating different cultures and ways of life.

Family-Friendly Locations

Especially in the main tourism destinations, you’ll find that most tourist attractions, restaurants and accommodations are geared towards welcoming visitors of all ages. Having easy access to the necessary facilities makes a holiday here more convenient for parents and can mitigate lots of the stressors associated with being away from home.

Some locations that are best geared towards family travel include:

• Orlando: Dubbed the theme park capital of the world, Orlando is perfect for adventurous families. From Walt Disney World to Universal Studios, fun and thrills are top of the agenda on any holiday to this part of the world.

• California: California is teeming with special spots that are tailor-made for a family holiday – think Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. For the icing on the cake, some of America’s most breathtaking national parks can be found in the Golden State, including Joshua Tree, Redwood and Yosemite.

• Hawaii: White-sandy beaches, luscious valleys and an abundance of beautiful wildlife are just some of things that await you in Hawaii. Head on a snorkelling tour of the bay to savour the local marine life, before venturing into the jungle on a Jeep tour.

It’s a Year-Round Destination

As any parent knows, timings for family holidays are often dictated by school schedules. This restricts you to only a few options throughout the year, with most trips naturally planned for the summertime. Fortunately, there are plenty of reasons to visit America at any time of the year, meaning you can be more flexible around when you choose to visit. 

For example, if you’re dreaming of a Christmas vacation, take a festive foray to New York City, where Yuletide responsibilities are taken incredibly seriously, and bright lights illuminate the cityscape. Or, the Easter holidays are the perfect time to enjoy the most popular tourist attractions at a more relaxed pace, after the peak summer season has come and gone. There is a perfect spot for your family all 52 weeks of the year – the only difficulty is deciding where to go first.

This is a collaborative post.

Top Car Hire Tips: 4 Techniques for Big Savings

One of the first things that crosses the minds of tourists planning a trip in the United Kingdom is whether car hire is something they should consider. A significant number of them dismiss this service because of its cost. However, once they learn these top car hire tips, they will surely start incorporating it into all their trips. As they will not only have a more pleasant and less tiring journey, but also save some money.

Check Multiple Locations

You should keep in mind that by simply tweaking the booking options, you are likely to end up with a better daily car hire rate. Typically, airport pick-up is costlier because travellers obtain a vehicle to explore with the moment they land at their destination, meaning there is no point in their trip to waste on looking for the best means of transport. However, the inconvenience of having to find a way to get to the city centre, the train station, or the harbour to pick up their car hire can reward them with lower hire rates.

Select Times & Dates Wisely

In the same logic as the location option, playing with the day and time of pick-up and drop-off can change the final cost of the car hire service. Most articles about top car hire tips will tell you that weekdays within business hours have the best hiring prices. Thus, if you can adjust your travel times and itinerary to this fact, you will definitely enjoy big savings on hiring. Another thing to keep in mind is to check for bank holidays in the UK or any festivals in the city of your choosing, as they might be the reason for higher-than-usual rates.

Compare Deals

Any top car hire tips article would be incomplete if it didn’t mention the need to compare available deals in the area of your interest. The easiest way to view all the options is to visit comparison sites. One such site is holidaycars.com, where you get a list of airport car hire options at the best prices. They are presented in an easy-to-compare format, with all the essential information to spot the deal that sounds best for your circumstances in no time. Thus, you save both money and time with this tool.

Inspect the Car

If you take only one tip from this article, let it be this one: you should carefully inspect the hire car, take photos and videos of any blemishes, and report them to the car hire firm. This is the only way to avoid getting charged for damages, as you can prove that you haven’t caused them.

This is a collaborative post.

Packing Hacks for Families on the Move

This post has been written and provided by An Post Insurance. #ad 

It’s been a while, but many of us are thinking about dusting off our passports, pulling the luggage out of the attic and setting off on long-awaited family holidays. Whether you’re scheduled for a beach break in sunny Spain, a skiing adventure on the Swiss slopes or a fun-filled foray along the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll be wondering what to pack. There’s nothing worse than opening your case to find one sock and half a swimsuit, so it’s worth taking the time to make sure you do it right – and An Post Insurance have got a couple of handy hacks to help you on your way. 

Check the Weather

Sure, it can change last-minute, but there are lots of great apps available to help you gauge what type of weather to expect. There’s a big difference between packing wellies and waterproofs or sandals and shorts, so it pays to check the forecast before you set off. If in doubt, include some lightweight layers, an easily-foldable raincoat and water-resistant shoes. It won’t win any fashion awards, but a cheap and cheerful plastic poncho is always a handy addition to your backpack.

Start Writing Lists

Yes, it probably does mean you’re turning into your mother, but a list is a traveller’s best friend. Make one for each member of the family, and put the most important must-haves at the top; that way, if you run out of space, it’s no big deal to cross a few items. Once you’ve finalised your list, take a copy with you on your trip, so that you can cross-check it on the way home to make sure you haven’t left anything behind. Much-loved teddy bears have been known to hide under hotel beds!

Fill your Phone

While holidays are back, they’re not without new rules and regulations – all designed to keep us as safe as possible while we travel. It’s important to check the official tourist sites for both your home country and your destination location to make sure you’re up to date with the latest developments. You’ll probably have to prepare some paperwork in advance, so give yourself plenty of time, print originals where required, and keep copies of everything in your phone, from booking confirmations to important contact details. That way, if you’re asked to provide a certificate, a form or your ID, you’ll always have a copy in the palm of your hand.

Pack Smart

Much has changed about flying these days, but luggage limits remain as tight as ever. Invest in a small luggage scale to make sure you don’t face extra charges at the airport. It’s worth leaving a little room too, in case you want to bring home any souvenirs from your trip, such as olive oil, local coffee or a stick of rock. Maybe skip the stinky cheese though, or at least wrap it extra-carefully! Packing cubes are a great way to protect your delicates and keep your small items separate, allowing for easy access to your swim shorts the minute you arrive. If you’re going to use locks, make sure they’re airport-safe, so officials won’t break them off while carrying out routine checks.

Make Sure you’re Covered

That means with sunscreen, mosquito repellent and great value travel insurance too. Accidents can happen, whether it’s something as simple as a lost wallet or as serious as a personal injury. Good travel insurance gives you the peace of mind you need to fully relax on your holidays – if things go wrong while you're abroad, you can rest easy knowing you will get the assistance, cover and care you need.

That way, you can get on with enjoying your much-deserved break, ordering dessert every night and making memories your family will treasure forever.

An Post Insurance can also protect you in other aspects of your life – including car and home insurance. Find an insurance quote online now.

An Post Insurance Travel Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Chubb European Group SE.

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5 Tips for Visiting the Edinburgh Christmas Markets

If you’re going to be heading into Edinburgh for Christmas, then you owe it to yourself to experience the city’s amazing Christmas markets. The city is beautiful throughout the year, but when it’s all lit up at Christmas time, it’s truly magical. 

If you’re going to get the best from your stay, you’ll want to track down some high-quality accommodation at a convenient location. If you’re a key worker, then you might be able to do so without paying over the odds. Did you know you can find Premier Inn discounts for NHS workers available online – and there are fifteen branches throughout the city!

So, what activities are on offer at this time of year? Hopefully this post will give you plenty of ideas...

Have a Mulled Wine

Christmas just isn’t Christmas unless you’re enjoying a mulled wine. It’s on sale from multiple street vendors, and it’ll keep you warm even when the weather gets chilly in the evening. Of course, this isn’t the only festive tipple on offer in the city – but it is the one that’s traditional.

Go to a Panto

Pantomime season will be in full swing at Christmas time, and there are a range of different shows available. They’re all family-friendly and uproariously funny. There’s Sinbad at the Brunton Theatre in Musselburgh, there’s Cinderella at Edinburgh South, and there’s Mother Goose at Howden Park Centre in Livingstone.

Check the dates before setting out, and make sure that you’ve booked your tickets in advance if you want to avoid disappointment!

Enjoy a Glass of Fizz at the Dome

No venue screams Christmas quite as volubly as the Dome. There’s a festive set menu on offer throughout December, and an a la carte menu available after Christmas Day. Of course, if you’re going to be dining here, then you should set aside a little bit of your budget for a glass of quality fizz. There are plenty of options to choose from!

Go Ice-Skating

Outdoor ice-skating is one of those activities that’s only available at certain times of year. Even if you’re not all that steady on your feet, you can still enjoy your time on the ice. The ice rink has been a major draw of the market for years. The skate hire is bundled in with the cost of entry, making this an affordable way to spend your time, too.

Go on the Rides

The Christmas market is famous for its stunning fairground attractions, including a sizeable ferris wheel from which you can get a decent view of the surrounding city. And if you’re going to be taking children to the market, then going on a ride or two should be considered obligatory.

Have you ever visited Edinburgh at Christmas time before?

This is a collaborative post.

4 Reasons to Choose Camping for your Next Family Holiday

With summer quickly approaching, you’re probably trying to think of places and locations that you and your loved one can enjoy. And as travelling hasn’t been the easiest thing to do over the past couple of years, you might be looking for a quick, simple and tried and tested way to enjoy time with your loved ones. So what a better way to spend time with your family than going on a family camping holiday. Hitting the open road and soaking up the fresh air and countryside views couldn’t be better. However, if you have yet to experience a family camping holiday you may be wondering what the benefits are, so hopefully this post will help.

Home Comforts

One of the best things about going camping is the fact that you can pack most of your home comforts and belongings into one space without any restrictions. If your little ones have a favorite pillow, or they will only eat a certain type of cereal, you can load up your campervan with everything they could possibly need. With modern hybrid campers you can also enjoy a durable and comfortable environment with a whole host of amenities and features that will truly feel like a home away from home!

Time Away from Technology

How many times have you tried to tear your children away from their devices in the past couple of weeks? If it seems as though games consoles, mobile phones and other electronic devices are taking over your household, then camping is a great way to get a break from the constant screens. There will be fewer opportunities for your child to log into their favourite digital games without easy internet access for a start Instead you can toast marshmallows around the campfire, play a good old fashioned game of cards together, and just enjoy being outside in the fresh air together.

More Choices of Location

With a campervan at your disposal you can truly choose from a whole host of locations that you may not have even thought of before. Of course you'll need to plan and book a campsite before you set off, but there are so many sites to choose from all over the UK, so the world really is your oyster. Plus there's nothing stopping you from travelling and stopping at a number of locations over a few weeks - make a road trip out of your holiday!

More Flexibility

Going on trips in your family camper van can be much more spontaneous and enjoyable compared to catching flights and trains. You aren’t restricted to any timings and you can’t be 'late' for anything, so you can make your drive as quick or slow as you like. Want to stop at a few places along the way, why not? Plus if you hire a bigger caravan or camper, you can expand who you bring along on the trip too.

As you can see, there are a number of benefits that go hand in hand with camping. Your next family holiday could be filled with fun, enjoyment and a whole host of memories if you take the leap and invest in a campervan for your family this year. Start planning your trip on the open road today and have a fun-filled summer!

This is a collaborative post.