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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