There are so many destinations you can visit that are full of history and culture. But if this isn't something you're into, then why not pick a location for it's use in a film? Some people even make a hobby of visiting locations where films were made! But no matter what the reason, film locations can do much for the tourism of an area. So in this post I've put together a list of the best film-based travel locations you can visit - suitable for the whole family!

The Caribbean - Pirates of the Caribbean

Although the later films are probably not so suitable for younger members, most people have a soft spot for Jack Sparrow and his pirate crew. But not only can you pretend you're a pirate on your trip, you can take in the beautiful island sites as well. Any fans of these films can visit St Vincent, Wallilabou Bay or Port Royal to see some of the locations from the films.

New Zealand - Lord of the Rings

J.R.R. Tolkien might not have created ‘Middle Earth’ in Lord of the Rings with New Zealand in mind, but many of the places used for filming fit the look of the book perfectly! There are holiday deals that will let you hang out in Frodo’s beloved Shire, and you can go to see the real Mordor too, which is located close to Mount Ruapehu.

Iceland - Games of Thrones

For anyone that has been following the antics of The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and the Iron Throne, a visit to Iceland to see where most of this epic series was filmed, would be a thrill! There are also Game of Thrones filming locations in Spain, Northern Ireland and Croatia. So plenty of chance to feel as if you're

London - Harry Potter

J.K. Rowling probably never envisaged that the Harry Potter franchise would become the largest in the world - now there are SO many locations you can visit that take you into Harry's world! The Harry Potter Studio Tour, which is just north of London, is a fantastic attraction. You get to see so many sets and props from the film such as The Great Hall, Diagon Alley and even the Knight Bus.

If you're in London then you also need to make a special trip to London King's Cross Station - better known as Platform 93/4 where Harry and friends board the Hogwarts Express. There is a special shop dedicated to all things magical, and even a special 'trolley prop' where you can have your picture taken. 

Kauai, Hawaii - Raiders of the Lost Ark And Jurassic Park

Anyone travelling to Hawaii would not be surprised that the producers and directors of these films decided it would be the setting for their films. You can kayak down the rivers or go on an air tour of Manawaiopuna Falls - which were used as the Jurassic Falls in the film. No one can guarantee that you will see any real dinosaurs or that rocks will come rolling after you, but you will see some of the most beautiful scenery that will more than make up for it!

With hundreds of new films released every year, the attraction of the filming locations is not likely to dwindle any time soon. The tourism industry have realised this, and more and more travel companies are now they are offering holidays to exciting film locations. 

Where would you like to visit?

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How to Prepare your Car for Long Road Trips

Most of us love days out and holidays as a family, but there are probably only a few of us who enjoy the long car journeys that these can involve. But with so many places to visit in the UK and further afield, it’s almost always worth the travel. And thankfully, there are a few ways we can prepare ourselves (and our cars) for these long trips!

Organisation
For any trip organisation is key, and this is especially true when it comes to packing your car. With clever packing, a long car journey could become a straightforward process! A spacious, reliable car will heighten comfort for everyone who’s travelling too. Luckily specialists like the AA can guarantee both qualities for customers, so you can keep children entertained and create comfort at the same time.

If you're worried about mess, make sure your children only bring small to medium sized items. This way they can easily be slotted in the side holders of each passenger door, or in the back pockets of the front seats. If you don't have either of these, it's definitely worth investing in a car seat organiser, as these save so much space!

Entertainment
Toys can be great entertainment devices, but only for a certain amount of time. Eventually, little ones are likely to want something else to focus on, so it may help to have a back-up plan. Consider your children’s hobbies. Do they like reading for example? If so, why not buy an audiobook of a story by their favourite author. Or if they like a certain film, then why not buy the soundtrack to listen to during the trip. You can even play simple road games as a family. Whatever it is, make sure to mix it up during the trip, to prevent anyone from getting bored.

Dining

A lot of people may prefer to avoid eating in the car at all costs. But when you’re stuck in a vehicle with children on a motorway, this can be tricky to sustain. Especially if you want to avoid hungry, grumpy passengers! If you prepare food wisely you can help to prevent most of the mess - opt for dry foods and lidded cups, and avoid anything crumbly or sticky at all costs. Better still, factor in a stop at a services - that way you can eat outside of the car, and everyone can stretch their legs too!

With a bit of forward planning, long car journeys can be just as fun as the destination we are driving too. Just remember to pack everything you need, plan your route properly, and stop regularly for food and toilet breaks!

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10 Ideas For Your Next Family Holiday

At this time of year, we’re all getting ready to hibernate for the winter. But sometimes, that is an idea you don't want to even think about. Maybe you didn’t get to have a holiday this summer? Or it was earlier on in the year, and you’re already stressing out about the long, cold, and dark months ahead? I can bet you’re not the only one though!

Most of us dislike the great British winter that we’re often faced with year after year. So, it can be a great idea to start thinking about your next holiday. When you start to plan your next family holiday, it can really lift your spirits and give you something to look forward. Whether we’re talking about something for next year, the October half-term, or even over Christmas, you’ll want to get thinking. So ifyou want to do something low key and close to home or big, different and special, let’s take a look at ten ideas that could inspire your next family holiday.

British Staycation

First of all, you have the idea of going for a staycation in the UK! Now, a lot of the time, you’re instantly going to think about going abroad to somewhere warm, and laying by the pool. But that’s not the only kind of holiday that is available to you. If you like the idea of doing things differently and changing up the scenery, why not stay right here in the UK? With lots of beautiful destinations and things to do, it’s a great way to change things up when you fancy something different.

City Break

If you do want to leave the UK, but not travel too far, why not try a city break. Maybe there are sights that you really want to explore. Maybe there are locations that you’ve always seen in pictures or in movies, but you’ve never seen them for yourself? Then why not head out and explore them next? You will often find lots of museums and parks so that there’s things to interest the kids too.

Coast Close To Home

Maybe you do really want to go overseas and find a warmer climate, but you don’t like the idea of flying for too long. Then you could find that going to the South of France is perfect. You’ll benefit from the beautiful weather and the gorgeous sights and attractions, but you don’t have to spend hours on a plane to get there.

European Adventure

Expanding on a European city break, why not take it one step further and head out on a European adventure. Maybe you want to see all of the infamous sites, like the Colosseum to the Eiffel Tower. Then why not think about doing a kind of mini European tour around all of them? Maybe planning a few weeks touring through some of Europe’s mainland is exactly what will work out best for everyone. And it’s definitely an adventure for you all!

Skiing

To stay on the same theme, maybe you want to go skiing? Especially if you’ve never been before! Here, you’re going to want to find yourself a gorgeous base, like Chalet Iona in Meribel. You will often find that the resorts cater to all abilities and offer lessons and other leisure pursuits to help you really make the most of your experience.

British Road Trip

Now, another really fun option for you all, is to head out on a British road trip. A lot of the time, we think of road trips as being an American thing. But why not do something similar right here in the UK. After all, there are so many incredible cities, coastlines, and countryside to explore, that with a road trip, you’ll get to take in the best of it all.

Family Cruise

If you like the idea of doing absolutely nothing on your trip, but you’re still interested in seeing a range of sites, then, you could consider a cruise. Here, you don’t have to cook for yourself, or lift a finger if you don’t want to, but you get to stop at lovely sights around locations like Europe or The Caribbean.

Hiking Holiday

For the family that wants to use up their energy and really get active on their next holiday, why not hike? This is something that you may think of doing for an afternoon or on a weekend. But why not turn it into an active holiday! You could explore the mountains we have here in the UK, or head to Europe to explore some of the peaks overseas.

Cabin Fever

Another really great idea for families, is to head out to a great cabin or lodge in a gorgeous setting. And luckily for us all, there are so many wonderful mountain cabins and lodges that we could look to stay at. Maybe you want to be in the heart of the Alps or you want to enjoy some of the Spanish countryside? Then booking a lodge and enjoying the natural surroundings could be the perfect choice for you.

All-Inclusive Excitement

Or, maybe what you really want to do, is to enjoy an all-inclusive luxury resort where you can relax and just enjoy yourself. When this is the case, you definitely want great weather, a relaxing atmosphere, and some incredible food and entertainment too. While you could go just about anywhere in the world, all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean are perfect. You’ll definitely get the luxury, indulgent break that you know you need.

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6 Ways to Keep your Baby Safe in the Car

As parents, safety is always our number one priority. There are so many hazards in and out of the home that could cause harm to our children, so it's necessary to always be one step ahead of any dangers and taking preventative measures to protect our little ones. Of course this also extends to time spent in the car too. In this I am going to share a few tips on safety when you're out on the road with your children.

Buy the Right Car

You can buy the best car seat in the world, but of course it is crucial that you get a car that is safe for you and your little ones first. So many of us feel that we don’t have much money to spend on the perfect car, but there are so many affordable cars that are safe and sturdy if you do your research. You can buy Vauxhall used cars, and numerous other models, that come with essential safety features such as ISOFIX, and lane assist, as well as those all-important airbags! 

Safety Equipment

No, you don't need to buy your child a hard hat, but you do need to purchase all the necessary protective equipment for your child. Children up to a certain age need appropriate car seats - or a booster seat if they are older / taller. A baby car seat mirror is also handy when you have your child rear-facing, to enable you to keep an eye on them.

Correct Car Seat Installation

After buying a carseat you need to ensure it is correctly installed into your car. Reading the instruction manual is of course a must, no matter how clever you think you are. There is also advice here on the best place to affix the seat in your car, and how to do it properly. For further precautions, you might also want to get the seat inspected by a professional at somewhere like a baby store or a car store such as Halfords. Check this site to find the nearest expert to you.

Keep your Car Clean

If you ever needed an incentive to clean your car, then your child's safety should give you the reason to do so. Any piece of debris can be a choking hazard for your little one, so remove anything that is liable to cause harm such as small toys to pieces of food. Any loose large items can also be fatal if you get into an accident, so make sure to keep these in the boot just in case.

Entertainment

Long car journeys are difficult enough with children in tow, so it's always a good idea to be prepared for these moment. Your child crying or kicking up a fuss can cause a big distraction for the driver, so it's best to keep your little one as entertained as possible. You can purchase specific car toys, or attach their favourite to the handle of their car seat. A back seat dvd player could keep older children amused for a longer period of time too. If your child really doesn't enjoy the car seat, it could also be a good idea for the second passenger to sit in the back, just to reassure them throughout the journey.

It's all Common Sense!

Finally, remember some basics that will protect your child in the car. Double and triple check carseat straps to ensure they aren't too tight (or too loose). Roll down the window a little way to cool your child down when driving in hot temperatures. And never ever leave your child alone in the car for even a moment (there have been many nightmare stories in the media to remind you why you shouldn't). Sometimes it really is just about using your common sense to ensure the best for your child!

Have I missed anything? If you have car safety tips of your own comment below!

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Flying Long Haul with Children Made Easy!

The thought of opting for a long haul trip can be daunting, and can be enough to put some families off visiting certain destinations. But it needn’t be this way! Take a look at this guide to help you work out how you can experience some far flung destinations with your little ones, with a lot less stress.

Prepare

Preparation is the key. There is no point in trying to book a last minute exotic trip to somewhere you haven't researched. It will turn into the most chaotic fortnight of your life! Instead, spend a few months honing where you want to go, what you want to see and the sorts of activities you would like to find. Make sure that you draft out a basic itinerary too, to make it less stressful when you arrive.

Boredom is usually the main reason for your children switching from angelic cherubs into little demons. Don’t allow them to get fidgety or frustrated, by filling up their days with new and exciting experiences. You might want to consider a trip to the Inca trails of Peru, a jaunt to the beautiful Maldives or a foray to the Far East. As long as you are prepared, you have half of the battle won.

Know what you need to pack early on too and make a list using some of the ideas mentioned on The Telegraph. If your darling daughter cannot go anywhere outside of your house without their security blanket or a favourite toy, make sure this is packed in hand luggage immediately (just be careful not to lose it!). Pack some games, toys, and snacks so that there is an air of familiarity for your little ones. You want them to experience something new and different, but you don't want them to fear travel due to culture shock.

Where To Stay

Heading long haul means that you place a lot more faith in where you end up staying for the duration of your vacation. If you are travelling somewhere where you plan on moving hotels more often, this is inevitably going to be more stressful with little ones. Try to ensure that you stay in a place for at least three nights to allow your family to become immersed in a place. Moving nightly causes untold amounts of stress and your little ones may find it difficult to settle and to sleep in an ever-changing environment.

Alternatively, if you are staying in a place long term, you might want to look at apartments rather than hotels. The homes away from home available on sites like https://rumahdijual.com/ can make worrying about accommodation less of a concern. Travel to Indonesia, put roots down at a base and enjoy exploring the region from your apartment. You will have a kitchen area to cook your own food, have somewhere to wash your clothes, and have a generally more comfortable time while you are away from home.

Where To Go

If you are keen to explore the great outdoors, then a trip to Iceland, snowshoeing across glaciers and trekking near frozen waterfalls, can be awe-inspiring. You might want to take a tour to try and spot the Northern Lights and tick this natural phenomenon off your bucket list. The people are friendly, the region is very family oriented, and it is a safe country to visit.

If physical endeavours aren’t really your thing, but you do fancy exploring a part of the globe relatively untouched by tourists, perhaps hot-footing it to the Far East could be an option. Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan each have their own personalities, culture, and ethos ready to explore. If you want to get a little off the beaten track, you don’t have to head to Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka. Instead, take a bullet train and ferry to the stunningly beautiful and awe-inspiring island of Miyajima. Here, your family can enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan, you can climb a mountain, do a spot of temple hopping and enjoy finding out about the wildlife on the island. Peaceful and off the tourist trail,  Miyajima could be just what your family is looking.

There’s nothing better than trying to teach your offspring about different cultures, people, and environments across the globe. The best way to show them these aspects of life is to go and visit and immerse yourself in these regions for an extended period of time. Enthuse your brood with a love of travel from an early age and don’t fear the long haul trip with kids. It can be done!

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7 Ways to Save Money on Your Family Holidays

Going abroad can get expensive - especially with kids. However there are ways to cut costs! Here are just 7 ways to save money on family holidays abroad:

Take advantage of early bird deals - Booking a holiday early can get you access to early bird deals. When it comes to flights, this could include big discounts or even a free seat for a child. Booking early can also increase your likeliness of getting upgraded – many airlines will treat early bird customers to free upgrades to business class, whilst hotels may upgrade you to a family suite if you booked early. On top of this, booking early may allow you to pay off a holiday, in smaller instalments over a longer period, so that you have less saving up to do.

Take advantage of last minute deals - The alternative strategy if to book last minute. Many airlines offer cheap flights to last minute customers to fill empty seats, whilst you can also secure last minute cruises from Southampton for a steal. Some hotels meanwhile may also slash prices a couple weeks before to help book up empty rooms. Booking a last minute holiday can be difficult as your workplace may not allow you to take the time off last minute, although you could always book this time off in advance, and simply hope there are deals around a couple weeks before.

Travel out of season - Avoiding peak holiday times can also allow you access to cheaper deals, plus you won’t have to deal with the crowds on the beaches or the queues for attractions. This may be better suited to families with young children that aren’t in school yet though. You should make sure that you choose somewhere that’s still hot out of season. Destinations such as the Canary Islands or Turkey are ideal as they can remain pretty warm all year round.

Avoid tourist traps - Certain destinations are naturally more expensive such as Paris and Barcelona. Unless you’ve got your heart set on travelling to these places, consider trying somewhere off the beaten track. There are many upcoming holiday destinations that are cheaper simply for not being the traditional destinations – these upcoming places include Croatia, Turkey and Bulgaria. Of course, you may still be able to find a cheap place in France or Spain simply by avoiding the big resort areas.

Break up long flights - If you’re looking to travel somewhere further afield, you may want to consider breaking up the flight, rather than taking one long direct flight. Whilst you can get to Florida or Thailand in a single stint, such flights can be very expensive. Booking two shorter flights could cut the price by as much as half. If you’re worried the longer travel time will take its toll on the kids, you could always stop over somewhere and book a hotel for the night – even with the added cost of a hotel, you’re likely to save money.

Go all inclusive - All Inclusive holiday deals save stress and money in most cases. Such packages generally include flights, accommodation, food and drink and airport transfers. To get these all inclusive bundles, you will have to generally go through a travel company. You can shop for many of these deals online.

Try alternative accommodation - Whilst many people like the luxury of staying in a hotel, there are other accommodation options worth considering. For example, you could try staying on a campsite – even if you don’t fancy roughing it out in a tent, you could still save money compared to a hotel by staying in a caravan or lodge. For a big family, you could also look into renting out a holiday home. This could be much cheaper than renting out multiple rooms in a hotel and you’ll all be much closer together for the duration of your holiday. You can even find family hostels in many cities that could be perfect for a family city break – these contain more basic room amenities but as a result are a fraction of the price of city hotels.

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The Best of Ireland this Autumn

Ireland is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year, as whilst it isn’t known for its sunny weather, it’s incredibly atmospheric and the people are fantastically friendly. There’s also a lot of variety to be found in Ireland - on the one hand, you can be in the modern metropolis of Dublin which is quaint yet packed with things to do, then on the other hand, you could find yourself in a tiny little village where the accent will be so broad, you’ll struggle to understand what they’re saying.

The thing with Ireland however, is that there are many 'hidden gems' that you’re unlikely to know about, unless you go on a tour with a company such as https://loveirishtours.com/. Although if this isn’t for you, a good option would be to rent a car and explore for yourself! Ireland is a rugged, rustic and rural place that really does require a car to squeeze the most out of it.

With the Summer drawing to a close, I think all of us are getting excited for the cooler months, and special events ahead. So I am going to be sharing three fun things to do in Ireland this Autumn.

Celebrate Halloween

Did you know that Halloween was actually invented in Ireland? It was voted in a poll by USA Today as the best Halloween spot in the world! The Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival in Derry even beat the world famous Halloween spots such as Salem and Transylvania.

Get Locked in a Pub

Irish traditional music session tends to take place in a pub, with a copious flow of alcohol and a bunch of merry men playing a variety of instruments, and the local crowd all joining in the atmosphere by dancing and clapping. And although this sounds like an adults only kind of affair, these environments are perfectly friendly places for kids to hang out - in fact, they’re likely to get a lot of warm attention from the locals, and it’s a great way to build their social confidence in a warm and friendly environment.

These gatherings are often extend into the early hours - way beyond closing time. With a blazing open fire to keep you cosy from the howling wind and rain, it really is the very spirit of Ireland. You’re sure to make some new friends!

Celebrate the Harvest Festival

In Ireland, you’ll have access to a variety of farmers markets, some big and some small, where you’ll have the chance to pick up fresh food, straight from the farm. These farmers markets can be found throughout Ireland, yet one of the best is the English Market in Cork.

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Transatlantic Crossings on the RMS Queen Mary 2

I am sure we've all seen the film Titanic; with the love story of Jack and Rose, and the fictionalised account of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. The real romantic story however, was the power of the Transatlantic crossing. These giant ships crossing the Atlantic Ocean, departing from the UK and reaching the USA in about a week, was something the world had never seen before.

Designed by engineering geniuses, and built by the bare hands of skilled labourers, these ships were the pride and joy of each nation they were born from. In this modern day and age, crossing the Atlantic is done all the time, but the romance of such a journey has not lost an ounce of its power though.

Many commercial ships are actually cruise ships, and not ocean liners. The difference? Well, cruise ships are purely for entertainment purposes that cannot cross large distances in a short amount of time, or sail in rough waters. Ships like the Queen Mary 2 however, are the Rolls-Royce of cruising through the oceans. They have fantastic family voyage trips that are very popular for those that want to treat themselves to a luxury ride and adventure.

You can probably tell from the name, but RMS Queen Mary 2 is a British ship. More than twice as big as the Titanic; although her design may be sleek and long (rather than wide and large like cruise ships), she’s extremely sophisticated on the inside. She weighs over 149,215 gross tonnage and is thrust by around 150,000 horsepower - giving her a top speed of 35 mph. There are no class systems anymore, like there was in the Titanic, instead rooms and amenities are dependent of the kind of package you order.

Her maiden voyage was completed in 2004, but she had an extensive refitting and overhaul in 2016, making her even more luxurious. Decor was been updated, along with the addition of many more rooms and improved facilities. Of course she is a classic British ocean liner, not a theme park with a hull. So rather than having a waterpark, you can expect to see jacuzzis, swimming pools and steam baths instead. Theatre, dance performances, and fine dining is what the Queen Mary 2 offers its guests. There are lots of things for little ones to enjoy as well, as there are many play areas and video games onboard.

There are many voyages that happen all year round, but things do start to slow down during the winter season. However the operator line Cunard, does still offer some translation crossing. So if you book a cruise holiday with Bolsover Cruise Club, they can fix you with a roundtrip transatlantic crossing that lasts for 17 nights. The club has every cruise you can possibly think of and all the operators and ships are available. It's the epicentre for all the most notable cruises around the world, but mainly for Western passengers.

You can rest assured that you'll be sailing in luxury when aboard the Queen Mary 2. There are many suites to stay in, all varying in experience, space and decor (and of course price). The Britannia Balcony Staterooms are one of the more basic style of rooms, and are on the lower deck so you will have a closed balcony. If you want to really travel in the highest luxury, then suites such as the Royal Suite and Duplex are for you. They have kingsize beds, extended lounge rooms, and fine dining menu options. The Grand Duplex, is two floors with just about all the space you’ll ever need, splendid materials, decor, features and modern entertainment such as satellite television too. 

Privacy and common courtesy embody what the Queen Mary 2 is all about, and this kind of travelling captivates new customers each day. Ocean liners have a different attitude to crossing continents. Calm and powerful, the crossing from Southampton to New York still sends chills down the spines of all who are lucky enough to get the full British experience. Why don't you book your trip today?

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10 Amazing Things To Do In Scandinavia

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Scandinavia’s mixture of impressive rugged landscapes, unique Arctic wildlife and Nordic heritage make it an exciting and diverse part of the world to visit. I know it's definitely somewhere we hope to visit in the future! So if you're looking at visiting, or have a trip booked, here are some of the top attractions that Scandinavia has to offer.

Stay in an ice hotel in Sweden

Advertised as ‘the coolest hotel in the world’, Sweden’s Icehotel in Jukkasjarvi is the world’s first ice hotel. Everything from the glasses at the bar to the furniture is built from ice. Even the beds are built from ice - although reindeer fur and polar-tested bedding ensures that you still get a good night’s sleep. No two rooms are the same and artists are often invited to carve out new ice sculptures and build new suites. With room rates starting at 1,500 krona a night, it’s certainly not a cheap stay, but the fact that it’s such a unique experience makes it worth it. The hotel is kept at a constant temperature of -5 degrees, so it’s best to wrap up warm (there are hot tubs and a sauna though when you need a break from the cold).

Go whale-watching in Iceland

Whales can be spotted all around Scandinavia’s shores, but for your greatest chance to see these mighty sea creatures up close, you’re best heading to Iceland. Boat tours from Husavik in the north have the highest success rate (it’s worth hiring a car to get here). Twelve types of whales can be found swimming off Iceland’s shores, as well as porpoises and the white beaked dolphin. There is also a whale museum in Husavik that is also well worth a visit whilst in the area.

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Take a trip to Lapland

Lapland is the famed home of Father Christmas and is Scandinavia’s most northerly region. Here you’ll find picturesque villages and scenic wintry landscapes, perfect for a magical trip away with the kids or a romantic getaway. You’ll find a number of spa hotels in Lapland that are perfect for a relaxing break. As this Lapland activity holiday guide shows, there are also plenty of active pursuits for thrill-seekers in this region such as husky sledding and snowmobile rides.

See the sights in Stockholm

For an exciting city break, Stockholm can be an excellent destination. It’s full of historic architectural sights including Drottningholm Palace and Stockholm City Hall. You can also take a promenade through the city’s historical centre Gamla Stan, containing the city’s iconic multicoloured buildings. It’s worth buying a Stockholm pass to save you time and money when getting around! Whilst you’re in Stockholm, don’t forget to also dine of the city’s signature dish of meatballs - there are countless restaurants to choose from.

Visit Legoland in Denmark

For a memorable trip with the kids, why not try Legoland! Situated next to the original Lego factory, this amusement park is the world’s largest and the original Legoland park. There are a number of rides to choose from and of course the famous mini lands built from millions of Lego brick. It’s worth visiting this park over a couple days in order to make the most of it!

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See Geirangerfjord in Norway

Norway’s UNESCO protected Geirangerfjord region is one of the best places in Scandinavia to go for admiring the sheer natural beauty. Here you’ll find epic fjords, vast canyons and snow-capped mountains. You can explore the region by following one of the many hiking trails or you can take a scenic drive along the winding cliff top roads. It’s even possible to take a cruise along the fjord if you fancy a more luxury mode of travel. Those brave enough can take on the Geiranger skywalk, positioned 1500m above sea level, and take in breathtaking views of the region.

Go skiing in Lillehammer

Scandinavia has no shortage of ski resorts. Lillehammer in Norway contains some of the most renowned resorts, attracting skiiers and snowboarders from around the world. It contains 44km of piste, with each run offering alpine settings and epic views. There are challenging Olympic runs and more gentle slopes for beginners (and those wanting a more leisurely ski). It’s possible to buy a multi-pass that allows you to use multiple resorts in the region - with so many slopes to choose from, you’ll never get bored!

Relax in the Blue Lagoon

Whilst Scandinavia is known for its chilly temperatures, its volcanic activity means that there are also plenty of natural hot springs for bathing in too. Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is the most famous geothermal pool and is perfect for those wanting the ultimate hydrotherapy experience. Technically, the blue lagoon isn’t natural given it was created as a the result of creating a geothermal power plant, however the hot water itself is natural, heated by lava deep beneath the earth. 

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Tour the castles in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the perfect destination for those that love their castles. There’s Rosenborg Castle with its crown jewels and royal regalia, plus Hamlet’s Kronborg Castle on the outskirts, of which the Shakespeare play was based. Many of these castles are well preserved giving you a true insight into the country’s vast history. Copenhagen has countless other historical sights to see from including Frederik’s Church and Copenhagen City Hall. It’s also the home of Denmark’s iconic Little Mermaid monument. Definitely well worth a visit!

See the Northern Lights

The Aurora Borealis is one of the Earth’s greatest natural phenomenons. This natural lightshow can be seen all across Scandinavia on clear winter night. March is the most popular month for catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights, and the further north you go, the more chance you have of seeing the lights. Rural locations that haven’t been disturbed by light pollution are also better for increasing your chances - Ivalo in Finland and Alta in Norway are just two popular hotspots worth trying.

Where would you like to visit most?

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6 Places to Travel This Summer If You’re Pregnant

There’s a lot to think about when you’re planning to take a holiday during pregnancy. You want to make sure you’ll be relaxed and as comfortable as possible, and chances are you’re going to want a little bit of luxury thrown in there too - you are growing a human, after all!

Luckily we’ve done some research to take the headache out of your decision-making process. Here are six places to travel this summer if you’re pregnant.

Paris, France

The capital of France is known as the city of romance, which is why it’s ideal for a pregnant getaway.

To enjoy the culture without the crowds (and get a bit more space for you and your bump), head to smaller, lesser-known museums like Musée de l’Orangerie and Musée Marmottan, or stroll around the picturesque parks and gardens. Jardin du Luxembourg is a favourite.

If you want to sample the best authentic French cuisine, skip the tourist hotspots and enjoy the food at small, family-run bistros instead. And if you're on a budget, The Guardian has created a fab list of the best free things to do in Paris.

Photo by JOHN TOWNER on Unsplash

Santorini, Greece

With its bright white buildings and clear blue skies, Santorini is perfect for those who want to clear their head and relax in peaceful surroundings.

The slowed-down pace of life means you can do whatever you want, whenever you want. Why not explore the cobbled streets or people-watch outside a café? And don’t forget to watch at least one postcard-worthy sunset.

Photo by Orlando Brooke on Unsplash

The Maldives

For the ultimate in luxury, jet off to The Maldives. A popular destination for couples, this cluster of islands promises privacy and all the prenatal pampering you could wish for.

If you can bear to leave the beach, seek out local restaurants selling freshly-caught fish. There’s a dining experience to suit everyone - whether you want a laidback lunch or something more sophisticated. The National Museum and Utheemu Ganduvaru (a small palace-turned-museum with wooden interiors) are well worth a visit, too.

Photo by Aishath Naj on Unsplash

Puglia, Italy

Found in the heel of the boot, the Puglia region of Italy makes for a picturesque holiday destination. There’s plenty to see and discover, from the White City of Ostuni to the trulli zone (a group of conical houses that UNESCO has awarded World Heritage Site status).

However, if you’d prefer to relax then there’s no shortage of spaces to do so. You can take your pick from the beaches, the seaside towns and the hilltops, where you can sit back and admire the stunning views.

Photo by Daniel Corneschi on Unsplash

Lausanne, Switzerland

If you can’t decide between a city break or a countryside getaway, then why not have both? Lausanne is a pedestrian-friendly city with lots of culture and history to explore. It's leafy surroundings and location by Lake Geneva mean there’s also a lot of greenery and fresh air, which if you're an outdoorsy types, you will love.

Browse the markets, sample the food and visit the unique museums dotted around the city, then head to water’s edge for a stroll.

Photo by Chris Slupski on Unsplash

Ojai, USA

An hour and a half away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, the sunny village of Ojai (pronounced Oh-hi) is ideal for chilled out holidays. You’ll appreciate the views, with oak trees, orange groves and the Santa Ynez Mountains making for pretty surroundings. While the art galleries and independent clothing boutiques make it easy to while away the hours.

For a well-deserved treat, head to Spa Ojai and indulge in their Pampered Pregnancy package, which includes a massage, a facial and a pedicure. Holidaysafe recommend you get waited on hand and foot during this precious time, so why not take advantage?

Photo by Tyler Shaw on Unsplash

This is a collaborative post.

Three US States you Need to Visit!

A trip to the USA can involve a lot of hard work and planning, and that's before you even step foot on the plane! The country is home to no less than fifty states, so you'll need to conduct a lot of research if you want to make sure you see the best sights and make the most of your trip. With that in mind, I've picked three different states that I think you MUST visit this year. I promise you won't regret it!

Illinois

Illinois is a mid-western state that many people seem to overlook when they visit America. The area has a heavy French influence, as it is where many European people settled hundreds of years ago. Chicago is the biggest and best city in Illinois, and so you might like to spend some time there if you enjoy the hustle and bustle. However, there are lots of small towns and cities you should visit, and that is where you will find the real America. The Crazy Tourist and lots of other blogs publish articles that give you a heads up on the best places you won’t want to overlook. 

Louisiana 

New Orleans might have been devastated a few years ago by Hurricane Katrina, but the city is thriving once more these days. If you only visit one place in Louisiana, make sure you stop off for at least a few days in New Orleans. It is the jazz and blues capital of the US, and you’ll find streets with hundreds of bars playing live music all day long. It’s also an excellent place to visit during Mardi Gras if you enjoy the festival atmosphere. Best of all? Accommodation and food are both cheap due to the lack of visitors at the moment, and that means you won’t have to wait around to get served at the bars too!

Tennessee 

Tennessee is a fantastic place to visit if you enjoy country music history. Home to the iconic city of Memphis, you will find Sun Studios and just about every Elvis-based tour and museum in the country - definitely an essential stop on your adventure. Tennessee is also home to some of the best whiskey and bourbon in the world, and so most people like to visit the Jack Daniels distillery if they have time. You can keep costs down by staying at mom and pops-style hotels. You can also sleep in late, watch country musicians all night, and get a feel for cowboy and cowgirl America.

The USA is a big place, and it would be a shame if you only visited the most popular tourist traps. Don’t hesitate to try something different and visit sites others avoid because that is the bases for an excellent adventure. So why not try one of these three more unique states next time you plan for trip to the States!

This is a collaborative post.

Must Do Attractions When Visiting Singapore

Singapore is not a destination that most people think of when planning a trip. But it is full of excitement and sites to see, that even some of the locals don't know about! Today I am going to share a selection of things that I think you must do if you visit Singapore.

Tree Top Walk at MacRitchie

MacRitchie is a beautiful nature reserve, that has a suspension bridge through the treetops. It connects the two highest points of the park and will give you views of the different parts of the forest. It takes about an hour to walk to from the car park, and a bit longer than that to cross it, but it will definitely be worth it! Just one word of warning though - mosquitos love it as well, so make sure you are well sprayed with repellent before walking across the bridge.

Forest Adventure

This is said to be one of the most underrated experiences in Singapore, and most locals do not even know it exists. Forest Adventure is a very challenging obstacle course that includes lots of climbing, zip lines and finishes with a free fall at the end. The safety system is amazing, and even though you feel you are taking risks, you are of course safe at all times. Corporate bodies often use it as a team-building exercise, and it is good for bonding sessions or just having fun. This is a fantastic experience, that barring medical conditions, everyone should try.

Surfing At Wavehouse

The sea around Singapore is known for its lack of waves, which might be perfect for swimmers, but is not much good if surfing is what you want to do. If surfing is what you are after though, Wavehouse if the place to go. The wave simulator can create them up to 10 foot high making it very popular with tourists. They also have a pool, bar surf shop, and restaurant for you to finish your day off at Wavehouse.

Singapore Zoo

Singapore Zoo is considered to be one of the best there is! The animals are well looked after and they have plenty of open space to live in. Their environments have been thoughtfully built and landscaped to make them as near to their natural habitat as possible. Animals are even separated from visitors by moats and wooden fences - but don't worry, there are elevated platforms and viewing galleries so you can see the animals.

Their 300 species of animals include white tigers, Asian elephants, pygmy hippos, otters, and kangaroos, as well as reptiles and birds. The most popular though are the large families of orangutans and chimpanzees who provide many hours of pleasure for zoo visitors. You can walk around the zoo or take a guided tram tour with audio commentary too.

Public Swimming Pools

Public swimming pools in Singapore are nothing like the ones here. For an entrance fee of just $1.50, you get to use wave pools, slides, jacuzzis and both indoor and outdoor pools. They are spotlessly clean, just like everywhere else in this wonderful city, and much underused. You can go to any one of them and not find many people there at all.

Cycling in Pulau Ubin

While you’re travelling in Singapore, you simply must take a very short boat ride to this island just of the coast of Singapore. For $5 a day you can hire a bicycle to explore around the area, with views that will never leave you. There are a few locals on the island, but it is mainly a case of riding through natural habitats and landscapes, the best of Singapore’s eco-systems being located at one end of the island.

Stay Local

Of course, there are plenty of good quality accommodations for tourists in Singapore, but why not experience living more like the locals do. Renting an apartment during your stay will let you make more connections with the people that live there, who are said to be some of the friendliest around. Just make sure you know the hdb rental rules first. It’s pretty simple to rent, but it pays to be prepared. 

Board Game Cafes

Leave technology behind, gather a few friends and have a great evening of fun in a board game café. This is a fun social activity that will be much better than sitting in a darkened room watching a film! It can cost as little as $2 an hour to hire the games, and there is always drinks and snacks so that you do not go without while you are playing.

The National Museum

The beauty of this museum is that before you even go inside, the building itself is incredibly to see. The architecture is a sheer delight and as you walk through the doorways, you should check out the rooms you are entering before looking at any of the exhibits.

It has two parts to the building that are joined by a huge glass concourse. The Singapore History Gallery with its stunning display of a day in the life of Singapore is a magical experience for anyone the least bit interested in the past. The displays are changed periodically, but there is so much to see here, you could easily spend a full day wandering around and admission is free.

Midnight Shopping at the Mustafa Centre

Located in the heart of Little India, the Mustafa Centre is the only shopping mall in Singapore that is open 24 hours. Go along at midnight and it will be quieter than in the day, but it will still be very busy. There is not much you cannot buy there, and it is renowned for its low prices. Both the locals and tourists love the Mustafa Centre and if you have the urge to shop late at night, this will be the place to head for.

Picnic In The Botanic Gardens

If you ask the locals where the best picnic spot is on the island, most of them will tell you the Botanic Gardens. If you do not have the inclination to make your own picnic, there are several shops nearby that will put one together for you too. You can spend a few lazy hours relaxing in the gardens, and take a stroll through the many plants and trees in this beautiful place. There is an orchard garden within the boundaries, but that will cost you an extra $5 to get in to.

Haji Lane

Visit Haji Lane in the daytime and you will find independent Singapore designers showing their creations in the local stores. It is one of those places where you will find original clothing at a very reasonable price, but come evening time and the whole atmosphere changes in just a few minutes.

The stores close and the cafes and restaurants spill out onto the pavements. You can sit back and relax in Haji Lane and be entertained by the many street performers, who make their way here on Tuesday to Sunday evenings each week.

Lots More To Do In Singapore

It is said that many people are put off visiting this wonderful island because it is too clean, and because they are strict with their litter law. But surely that is a plus, right? To be able to move around without overflowing bins, without stepping on chewing gum and without worrying if the bench you are about to sit on is clean, has to be better than the situation you find in any of the large cities around the world.

It is not just the streets though. Whatever attraction, stores, apartments or anywhere else you go while on the island you will find they are well maintained and kept clean, as well as being great fun!

This is a collaborative post.

Bluestone Wales Resort | The Perfect Holiday for Under 5s

We all know that holidays with little ones can be stressful. Just the thought of travelling with small children is enough to put some parents off the idea all together. But there are some amazing resorts in the UK that are perfect for families - especially ones with really little ones.

One of these resorts is Bluestone Wales. Situated in the heart of Pembrokeshire National Park, the resort is surrounded by countryside, beaches, wildlife and plenty of history. It boasts 'free-range fun' for all ages, and honestly, it doesn't disappoint!

We enjoyed our second visit to the resort back in September; this time with an almost 4 year old and a 2 year old. It was just as lovely as I remembered from our first visit, however there have been some lovely additions making it even better for little ones.

Accommodation

I think my favourite thing about staying at Bluestone is the accommodation. We stayed in a Ramsey Lodge, which is suitable for up to 4 adults plus a little one in a travel cot (already provided in the lodge on arrival). These lodges feature 'upside down' living, with the bedrooms on the ground floor and the living space upstairs.

The lodges are perfectly equipped for a self catering break, with everything you would expect in a kitchen included (as well as a dishwasher which is a lovely little bonus!) One highchair is provided in each lodge, and stair gates are fitted as standard at both the top and the bottom of the stairs.

The only negative I will say about this style of living, is that the kitchen is very accessible to little hands. There are no cupboard locks - even on the ones containing glassware and the sharp scissors - and our two year old Parker had great fun with the oven / dishwasher buttons over the week too. I do think this is something they really need to consider, as I'm sure I'm not the first parent to notice this!

Food / Eating Out

Although the lodges are completely self-catering friendly, there are still plenty of places to eat around the resort.

Grab a snack prepared that morning at Tŷ Coffi, go for al fresco dining in the forest at Camp Smokey, settle in for a hearty pub lunch at the Knights Tafarn or try a delicious pizza at the Oak tree. You can head to the Farmhouse Grill where you will find a menu filled with delicious Pembrokeshire produce or dine with a difference at one of our dinner shows!

We ate out a few times, and found each location to be super child friendly. We loved the children's lunch boxes (a big favourite of Indie and Parker!) available at Ty Coffi, the dedicated children's menus at the bigger restaurants, and the fact that everywhere had colouring sheets and crayons on offer.

Even when there wasn't a child's size available, we found that the staff were always accommodating. For example when we popped to Ty Coffi for milkshakes one rainy afternoon, the staff didn't hesitate to split an adults sized portion into two. Even adding extra marshmallows which the littles loved!

Unfortunately we never made it to any of the dinner shows, but they looked and sounded amazing. Especially the Camp Smokey Shindig, which involved yummy food, singing, dancing and lots of family fun!

Activities / Things to Do

There are a plenty of things to do at Bluestone for little ones, and many of them come included in the price of your holiday. You can also book a number of activities at a small charge, including baby / toddler sensory, messy play, Mini Rangers, bug hunting, story time and there's even a fully equipped creche (because it's our holiday too!).

We didn't book into any payable activities this time, instead letting Indie and Parker decide what they wanted to do each day. They loved the adventure play area (a fantastic addition to The Village), and would have happily spent hours each day playing there. Now they're a little older they definitely got more out of the activities in The Adventure Centre. The Lego wall and soft play were probably their favourite parts though.

A highlight of visiting Bluestone has to be The Blue Lagoon swimming pool. Entry is included with your holiday, and resort guests get private access between 9am and 12pm. We never had any issues finding a family change room and it's gorgeously warm! The pool is great for little ones as it has a beach style layout, so they can sit on the edge and play. There are also two small 'coves' with water fountains and very shallow water to choose from too.

In general though, my two love nothing more than running around and exploring, and there was plenty of opportunity for that at Bluestone. We loved wandering around the lake, spotting the fairies and animals along the nature trail, and roasting marshmallows at Camp Smokey. Bluestone is car-free too so adventuring is a lot safer - you will still need to watch out for the golf buggy, bikes and resort vehicles though.

We had the loveliest mid-week break in Wales, full of fun adventures, cosy evenings in our lodge and lots and lots of memory making. We of course didn't manage to do enjoy even half of what Bluestone has to offer - a 5 day break just simply isn't enough time. But I think that just gives us a perfect excuse to come back time and time again!

We received a midweek stay in a Ramsey Lodge in exchange for our open and honest review. All opinions are my own and we were not compensated in any other way for this review.

BabyZen YOYO+ | Review

A couple of years ago, I remember watching this video from Sarah in absolute awe. The BabyZen YOYO looked liked such an amazing pushchair. Especially perfect for travelling and using in and around the airport.

When we booked our family holiday this year, I instantly knew what pushchair I wanted to use for our almost two year old Parker. I was therefore thrilled when the lovely team at Whitestep offered to lend us their BabyZen YOYO+ to test out. And my goodness, were we impressed!

At the Airport

Travelling with the BabyZen YOYO+ really couldn't be easier. Measuring just 52 x 44 x 18 cm it is the most compact pushchair I've ever seen. We had to travel by car, bus and then train (we went to the wrong terminal.. whoops!), just to get to the airport, and we managed it all so smoothly.

The pushchair took up minimal room in the car boot - an essential when you've also got bulky suitcases in the back. We then breezed through the airport and straight to the plane. Unfortunately we had to put the pushchair in the hold on our outbound flight (there were already TWO other BabyZen's taken on!). Thankfully though the pushchair comes with it's own transport bag, so I had no worries about damage.

On the flight home we had no issues taking the BabyZen YOYO+ onto the plane though. It fit perfectly into the overhead compartment, and made travelling at the other end SO much easier. The second we were off the plane we unfolded it, popped Parker in and we were on our way. No waiting at baggage claim. No toddler running around through security. Easy.

Features & Thoughts

Day to day we use an iCandy Peach for Parker. A pushchair I always thought was light and easy to push. But since using the BabyZen YOYO+ I honestly can't believe how heavy that pram now feels. The YOYO+ is light (only 6.6kg max) and is so lovely to push.

The full handle means it can be pushed with one hand, and the patented 'soft drive' system means there is no need to block it's front wheels, regardless of ground conditions. We tested the pushchair over cobbles, bumpy streets, and even took it on the beach (backwards of course, but it managed it!). And at no point did Parker seem uncomfortable.

If anything Parker couldn't wait to get in and go! The height of the pushchair meant he could climb in and out by himself, which is what I think he enjoyed most. I did find the 5 point harness a little tricky and I think it could be made easier, but that's actually the only negative I have about the whole thing. The backrest is also easily adjusted by pulling the strap at the back of the seat, although we rarely used this feature as Parker is far too nosey.

Three features I absolutely love about the YOYO+ are the hood, the basket and the handy zipped pocket. The hood is extendable and features a clear pocket so you can peep through at your little one without disturbing them. The hood also has UPF 50+ protection, so it's great if you're travelling to a sunny destination.

The basket size is another plus. Okay so it wouldn't fit a changing bag in, but I was surprised by how big it actually was. Perfect for storing the rain cover, drinks, snacks and any other bits and bobs. At one point we had it stuffed with rubber rings and water toys and there was still room for more.

The zipped pocket on the back of the hood is also perfect. Wearing dresses most of our holiday I didn't have any pockets. The pocket was therefore so handy for popping my phone, Jack's wallet and spare dummies in. This also meant they were easy to grab as and when we needed to as well.

You may have noticed I haven't mentioned how to use the pushchair in this review. That's because I've actually put together a video that shows the YOYO+ in action. I had to watch a few of these myself to get the technique right, but after a few goes I had it mastered. Don't worry though, it's easy!

Overall we absolutely loved using the BabyZen YOYO+, and I'm honestly gutted we're saying goodbye to it. It's easy to use, soo convenient and definitely the perfect pushchair for travelling and beyond!

Disclosure - We were loaned this pushchair in exchange for our honest review. All opinions are my own.