05 June 2019

1. If you can - check in early I always suggest to pre-book your seats, but if you haven’t done this when you booked, then I would definitely make sure that you aim to select your seats as soon as check-in opens. It can be a complete pain if you aren’t sat together. Sometimes a kind stranger will swap seats with you, but why have the added stress of asking them and what if they won’t! 2. Allow enough time Ok so it’s an obvious one I know, but if you’re someone who generally likes to fly by the seat of your pants and arrive at the airport just as the boarding desk is closing (I kid you not this is how my husband likes to travel!). This is just not advisable with kids. You absolutely need to factor in, the impromptu toilet stops, the extra time it takes to get through security, requests to stop and watch the planes taking off through the concourse window, the dropped teddy etc. Much better for your stress levels if you can be sat having a coffee with plenty of time to spare. 3. Invest in Kiddie headphones This is one that I almost forget, as my kids don’t generally wear these. However, when on a flight with strangers (who may or may not have kids) then they will thank you for packing a pair of headphones. I mean seriously, who really wants to hear the theme tune to Peppa Pig on repeat? No-one. Also add it to your list to download films, games and apps to their iPad before you leave home, or at the airport on the Wi-Fi with all that spare time you built in! Another great tip I saw was to pop your iPad or phone into a Ziplock bag so that you can hang it on the seat in front…genius! 4. Pre-order your baby milk I get asked a lot particularly by new mums about what they can and can’t take, will they have to taste it at security, how much are they allowed. Well, did you know that good old Boots offer a pre-order and collect service at the airport departures. Problem solved. 5. Pack plenty of snacks, snacks and more snacks. Kids are allowed a cabin bag so why not allocate their little rucksack as a fun bag for all the essentials, snacks (as much variety as you can fit), wet wipes and pocket games. I’d even chuck in a couple of pull-ups. They may just save your bacon if your little one just plain refuses to go to the toilet on board.

22 May 2019

I’m not suggesting we sit in the corner of the room or on the bottom step of the stairs, but I do think taking time out to regulate ourselves can only be a good thing. Today I met with some fellow Travel Counsellors and spent just a few hours away from the laptop and mobile phone relaxing in the beautiful surroundings of Thoresby Hotel and Spa in Nottinghamshire. On arrival, I wasn’t sure what to expect as my preconception was that a couple of hours out was just not going to cut the mustard - but how wrong I was. After signing into the spa and stepping into my swimming cossie and fluffy robe, I was soon daydreaming about being on holiday and enjoying the slower pace of life. Don’t get me wrong, my life as a travel agent is not stressful by any means - in fact, it’s a joy. However, being a mum of a 7- and 5-year-old sometimes can be. Juggling football, dance lessons, parties and playdates; if you are a parent, you know where I’m coming from. Why is it that for some people the only time they genuinely unwind is that week or 2 each year that they go on holiday? Is that enough? Surely not! Maybe you’re thinking that you can’t afford to always go on holiday abroad but 'vacaying' in the UK is within everyone’s reach. So, go on do yourself a favour and take a mini-break even if it’s just overnight or a few stolen hours one afternoon. After all, being in time-out isn't just for the kids!

13 February 2019

Back in October 2017 I was lucky enough to win a place on a trip with Hurtigruten, on board MS Kong Harald from Tromso to Bergen. If you’ve not heard of Hurtigruten, they’ve been sailing along the Norwegian coast since 1893 delivering the post, cargo and passengers to numerous tiny villages, towns and cities along the way. Today their vessels depart Bergen daily for the voyage over the Arctic Circle to/from Kirkenes still ‘working’ delivering post, cargo etc. Given the spectacular scenery it has become known as the ‘world’s most beautiful voyage’ and absolutely the best way to see Norway. Having never been on a cruise before, I was surprised to be informed that I would not require my ball gown or best party gear! In fact, I needed to pack jeans, fleeces and a good pair of boots/shoes. Slightly smarter attire for the evening. Now, for anyone who knows me they will know that this meant a visit to a well-known outdoors retail establishment as I’m a heels and dresses kind of gal. Fast forward to the day of the trip and I hopped on a short flight from Manchester to Oslo where I met my fellow companions and took the connecting flight to Tromso. We had a lovely meal as we waited for the ship and to our delight were greeted with the Northern Lights - what a treat. We boarded the ship and were soon made comfortable in our cabins. I was sharing a cabin and we decided to set our beds in bunk bed configuration, giving us more room in the cabin. We had a window which meant we could see the beautiful scenery as we came into each port. We were advised to not oversleep so that we didn’t miss the Vesteralen islands as we headed towards Lofoten. There’s a moment on the journey where it looks like your heading straight for the mountain wall, but as you get closer a narrow opening appears. We visited the Hurtigruten Museum whilst in Storkmanes and later whilst in Trollfjord went on a fishing village walk. This was so fascinating learning all about the history and techniques used by the local people. The next day we crossed the Arctic Circle and were asked to join the Arctic Circle Ceremony. I noticed the bottles of champagne on the side and excitedly got into the queue. It soon became apparent that we were not in fact having the champagne but a ‘rather large’ spoon of pure cod liver oil!!! I’m not even joking it was disgusting but hilarious fun. I was also grateful to learn that the alternative is the ice bucket challenge. Whilst in Trondheim we visited the Nidros Cathedral hidden rooms and later in the afternoon the most amazing Bergatt Marble Mine. The remaining part of our trip saw us pass the picturesque Nordfjord which lies below the enormous glacier Jostedalsbreen. The rugged landscape and natural beauty of the fjords is just breathtaking. I joked earlier about the lack of dressing up, but this is a voyage not a cruise. When I was wrapped cosy in a blanket, feet up, sipping a hot chocolate, or settled in the hot tub on the deck at the back of the ship, I realised what a truly relaxing experience it was to be on board. No airs and graces or formalities necessary. If you’re a keen walker or a family that like to explore then this trip is a must.

08 October 2018

I recently spent a long weekend (4 days/3 nights) in Malta. A super quick 3-hour flight from East Midlands and we were out of the cold chill and in the wonderful all year-round warm climate of Malta. I must admit I wasn't sure what to expect, as the only people I really knew that had been to Malta were of the older generation (aka mum and dad and a few of their friends), but I was happy to make up my own mind. Just a short 15-minute transfer from the airport to our hotel, The Corinthian, St. George, close to but far enough away from the very lively, Julian's Bay. Our hotel was positioned on top of a hill overlooking the bay and had everything you could wish for from a private spa, adult-only pool, great views, and two fine dining restaurants - Buddhamann and Caviar & Bull. With private access straight into the bay it was a perfect spot to rejuvenate and relax. I also cannot fault the hotel services, I had a couple of issues during my stay and used the hotel's WhatsApp to communicate with hotel staff and could not believe the speed of response. **Day One** We decided to take a day trip to the capital city of Culture for 2018, Valletta. It reminded me very much of Italy, and some of the buildings reminded me of those that can be found in Rome. There is plenty to see and do, no matter what your interest. From shopping to sipping coffee in a hidden away café you will be hard pressed not to fall in love with this beautiful place. We managed to walk around with ease, but if you prefer there are horse drawn carriages or a mini train that you can jump aboard to take a tour around the city boundaries. We also marvelled at the enormous cruise ships that docked literally in the bay - how do they float - seriously?! **Day Two** We went on a bus ride to The Blue Grotto - which were a series of sea caverns on the Southern Coast. Every day from sunrise until around 1pm a unique sight can be observed. Due to the cave's location combined with sunlight, they mirror beautiful shades of blue. We took a 25-minute boat trip which cost around 8 euros each and it was lovely to see the coast line and caves whilst skimming the waves. Afterwards we moved onto the fishing village of Marsaxlokk which boasts a fresh fish local market amongst other locally produced items. It was a sweet picturesque village and a nice way to spend a few hours whilst enjoying the local wine and food. On the Monday we decided to stay closer to home and enjoy the facilities at our hotel. If we had been staying another day I would have liked to have gone to Gozo and see the Ggantya temples which are older than the pyramids of Egypt - but I guess I must save that for the next time. After a few laps of the pool, a treatment and some afternoon tea, it was soon time to leave and make our way back to the airport. I have to say that we had no trouble at all during our stay, our taxi driver told us that there was very little crime and that the area was very safe, and I have to agree. They are very proud to have almost non-existent unemployment and we found everyone very helpful and pleasant. Malta is definitely not just for the oldies. if you're stuck for an alternative place to go for some winter sun I would definitely keep Malta in mind!

24 June 2017

I’ve just been reading about all the wonderful places that Italy has to offer and it has inspired me to quickly share why I love Italy so much that I chose to get married there! Where to start – well you can’t really go to Italy without going to Rome. I was lucky enough to visit Rome a few years ago and from the moment we arrived in this jaw-dropping city I was a taken back with the sheer size and magnificence of some of the famous landmarks. From the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain, walking up and down the Spanish steps you really can spend hours and hours wandering around soaking in the history and culture this wonderful city has to offer. I have spent one New Year in Milan, choosing to stay in a small boutique hotel off the square facing the Duomo. Although I didn’t manage to see a fashion show I most definitely partook in my other favourite pastime – shopping! Then there’s the beautiful Lakes. Bellagio in Lake Como is simply breath-taking. You can take a boat ride and hop on and off at various destinations along the way, exploring secret gardens and villas and stopping for a refreshing glass of prosecco and some great local Italian food to round things off. For those of you that like to ski or trek then there is of course the Italian Alps. Or perhaps you would prefer to ride or hike along the Amalfi Coast (definitely one for my list). This is just a handful of the places to visit not forgetting to mention Venice, Pompeii, Florence, Positano, Umbrio the list is endless. A visit to Italy never disappoints. There is a part of this beautiful country to suit everyone’s taste. If you would like to know more or want help planning your own Italian escape then get in touch, I would be delighted to help - I even promise not to come with you.