02 June 2024

Taking a holiday with teenagers can be a daunting prospect for many parents. Keeping restless young adults engaged and entertained while also appealing to your own interests as adults is a delicate balancing act. Luckily, Europe offers an abundance of destinations that seem to strike just the right mix of youthful attractions and mature cultural experiences. Here are some of the top picks for an unforgettable European getaway with your teenage crew. Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon makes for an incredibly dynamic teen-friendly getaway, seamlessly blending old-world European charm with a modern, artsy edge. Explore the atmospheric Alfama district's maze-like lanes and historic plazas and ride the iconic funiculars up Lisbon's seven hills. Don't miss the 16th-century maritime marvels in Belem like the ornate Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. Teens will love hunting down Lisbon's vivid street art, checking out the buzzy food and music scenes, and indulging in iconic pastries like the custard tarts at Pasteis de Belem. The beach resort town of Cascais provides a convenient escape, with its scenic promenades, coves, and lively dining and nightlife. With its rich tapestry of history, culture, coastal beauty and youthful energy, Lisbon offers an engaging mix to entertain teenagers. The affordable prices are another perk for families. This charismatic Portuguese capital seamlessly blends old and new for an unforgettable city break. Barcelona, Spain Barcelona pulses with an energy and spirit that resonates brilliantly with teenage travellers. The Catalan capital's quirky architecture, lively social scene, and superb food culture make it a huge hit with the young adult set. Exploring Barcelona's mind-bending modernist masterpieces by Antoni Gaudí is a must. The fanciful Sagrada Familia basilica and the whimsical Park Güell are two prime examples that beg hours of wandering and pondering their genius. When feet get tired from pounding Barcelona's walkable streets, make a beach break on the city's sunny Mediterranean coastline. Or wander the famous Las Ramblas for world-class people-watching amid street performers and cafes. Staying at a hotel with a pool offers a refreshing perk - the perfect way to cool off after long days taking in Barcelona's dazzling architecture and lively ambiance. Come evening, set off on a tapas crawl to refuel on small bites like patatas bravas at local haunts. With its vibrant street life, artistic flair, thriving food scene, and laid-back beach culture, Barcelona effortlessly blends culture and youthful energy for an unforgettable getaway with teens. Berlin, Germany Berlin provides a fascinating living history lesson for teenage travellers. This ever-evolving city allows visitors to vividly experience its rich, complex past through immersive tours and attractions. Take a cycling tour past Cold War landmarks like Checkpoint Charlie and the powerful Berlin Wall Memorial - interacting with these tangible remnants makes the tumultuous era feel viscerally real. The city's multitude of excellent museums, from the Topography of Terror to the Jewish Museum, further bring Berlin's 20th century upheavals to life. But Berlin is much more than just its historical weight. The city thrums with a youthful, artistic energy that teens will instantly vibe with. Explore the cutting-edge street art and hip enclaves like Kreuzberg. Refuel at Charlottenburg Palace's lively biergarten over currywurst or check out Berlin's booming street food scene. Between its layered history and effortlessly cool factor, Berlin provides an endlessly engaging, eye-opening experience for young adults. Reykjavik, Iceland Packed with natural wonders and offbeat culture, the world's northernmost capital is about as cool as destinations come for young travellers. Walk the coastal trail winding beside volcanic beaches, soak in natural hot springs, or join a whale watching cruise. In town, kid-friendly attractions like the Icelandic Phallological Museum and Reykjavik Park's rollicking rides are delightfully offbeat. And you're just a bus ride from the dramatic lava fields and waterfalls of the Golden Circle. Rome, Italy It may be an ancient city, but Rome has plenty for 21st-century teenagers. Ultra-hip neighbourhoods like Monti and Prati offer cafe-hopping amidst street art and vintage shops. Take an Instagram-worthy selfie in front of the Colosseum, where you can also do a gladiator tour to learn about its brutal history. Visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum to see innovative inventions and artwork by the Renaissance genius. Or splurge on pizza, gelato, and other iconic Roman treats. If shopping is their game, the city's boutiques won't disappoint either. And of course, you're surrounded by thousands of years of world history to absorb together around every corner in Rome. No matter which path you take across Europe, letting teens experience other cultures is an enriching way to broaden their horizons and make lifelong memories together as a family. With its dynamic mix of history, cuisine, nature, and countercultural edge, the continent is full of destinations to captivate young travellers' wanderlust.

24 May 2024

Dubrovnik fully deserves its nickname as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." This walled city is a stunner, with shimmering limestone streets, terracotta roofs, baroque churches, and that brilliant blue Adriatic lapping at its shores. The Sun Gardens Dubrovnik was an absolutely luxurious resort that served as our home base. The sprawling grounds featured immaculately landscaped Mediterranean gardens, multiple stylish pools, and a private beach area with views across the glittering Adriatic to the nearby island of Lokrum. There were several restaurant options on site, as well as excellent recreational facilities like tennis courts, a spa, and a kids club. Our spacious multi-bedroom apartment had a full kitchen and elegant furnishings, with a private balcony offering panoramic sea vistas. It was the perfect deluxe retreat after busy days exploring Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands. A highlight was our private speedboat tour of the nearby Elaphiti Islands. After zipping across that dazzling turquoise water, we reached the tiny, car-free island of Kolocep. With only about 200 residents, it had the most wonderfully relaxed vibe as we strolled the peaceful trails, admired the hidden coves, and cooled off with swims in those translucent waters. But the real standout was exploring the legendary Odysseus Cave on Mljet Island. Our captain skilfully navigated us into the yawning 300-foot cave mouth, and we gasped at the brilliant shafts of light streaming through from above, bathing the turquoise waters and cave walls in radiant blues and greens. It was simply magical. After the cave, we went cliff jumping from the rocks beside the entrance - definitely an adrenaline rush! We spent an incredible afternoon swimming, sunbathing on the flat rocks, and just soaking in that remarkable scenery. Later, we had a delicious lunch of fresh seafood and Croatian wine at a scenic restaurant on Saplunara Island. Seeing Odysseus Cave was without a doubt a highlight. Dubrovnik's Old Town itself was a joy to wander, from the polished limestone streets to walking the ancient city walls and climbing up to the old fortress. We loved browsing the local artisan shops too. With its stunning scenery, rich history, warm hospitality, and incredible food, Dubrovnik utterly charmed us. In fact, we've already booked a return trip to Croatia this summer to explore more - next stop, Split!

05 May 2024

In our fast-paced, always-connected modern lives, it's easy to get caught up in the grind and go months or even years without truly unplugging and recharging your batteries. However, making time for a real break by taking a holiday is crucial for both your mental and physical wellbeing. Getting away from your usual surroundings and routines can provide many benefits that help you return refreshed and revitalized. Reduce Stress and Burnout One of the biggest advantages of taking a holiday is reducing stress levels. When you're stuck in your normal daily obligations, it can lead to feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and burned out. But stepping away for a holiday allows you to temporarily escape those pressures. You get a break from chores, commutes, deadlines, and other sources of tension. Leaving those stressors behind, even just for a week or two, can work wonders in clearing your mind and promoting relaxation. Boost Your Mood and Outlook In addition to relieving stress, holidays can provide an overall elevated mood and improved mental wellbeing. New surroundings and experiences stimulate your brain in positive ways. Spending time outdoors, whether hiking in the mountains or strolling along the beach, exposes you to fresh air, sunshine, and natural scenery which can lift your spirits. You may find yourself laughing and smiling more, all helpful for emotional regulation. This mental reset puts you in a more positive frame of mind when you return to your regular life. Increase Energy and Productivity While holidays are meant for resting and recharging, the cognitive and emotional benefits they provide can actually increase your energy levels when you go back to work. The simple act of getting away from your usual environment is rejuvenating, helping to prevent burnout. You return feeling refreshed, more clearheaded, and ready to tackle tasks with a renewed sense of motivation and productivity. Time off allows you to come back to your daily life with more focus and creativity. Strengthen Connections Many people take holidays with family, friends, or a romantic partner, providing valuable opportunities to spend quality time together away from ordinary distractions. Shared experiences create lasting memories that strengthen bonds and deepen relationships in ways that aren't possible at home. You can be more present with loved ones, providing chances for relaxed conversations you may not have when preoccupied with your usual routines and responsibilities. Whether it's taking a road trip to a quaint mountain town, flying to a far flung country, or even just doing a staycation at home, any chance to take a true break can provide immense mental and physical advantages. Don't underestimate the importance of unplugging regularly to reset, recharge, and return to your daily life refreshed and at your best.