Archive for the ‘holidays’ Category

• The more things change, the more kids stay the same.

  Date: 2011.03.09 | Category: France, Holiday Parks, holidays, Italy, Latest News, Places to go, Self catering, Spain, Villas | Response: 0

  The more things change, the more kids stay the same. The family Chevy turned into the family station wagon, turned into the family minivan, which is now the family SUV. Even with the advent of in-seat TV’s, mp3 players and Nintendo DS — surprise — kids still can’t get along in the backseat! Here are a few quick tips for travelling with children.

  Before you even leave the house, it’s a good idea to prepare your kids for the trip. If they are old enough to read, give them books about the area you are travelling to and do some research online. If not, read to them and show them pictures of the places they will see. If you are travelling to a foreign country, introduce them to the food they will taste at home before you go to help ease the culture shock upon your arrival.

  Finding Family-Friendly Lodging
  In most cases, the more space the better. Rather than booking a handful of rooms, or worse, trying to cram everyone into two standard double beds, you might want to try staying in a mobile home or a villa in the country of your choice.

  Have a look at Callao Negro Villas in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
  Enjoy a great family holiday at Callao Negro Villas in Spain. Callao Negro Villas is a 2 bedroom Villa in Playa Blanca that sleeps 4.
  Callao Negro is a small development of just 16 semi-detached 2 bedroom villas in a quiet cul de sac, each with their own private swimming pool (7m x 3m, depth 0.8m to 1.6m, with roman steps), garden and sun terraces. Recently built, very tastefully and comfortably furnished and well equipped, Callao Negro is just 1km from the main beach and 1.2km from the attractive resort centre of Playa Blanca, where there is a variety of shops, bars and restaurants, and is ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to use their car all the time. Each house is built on an 800 sq metre plot; therefore there is plenty of space as well as privacy from its neighbour. They are ideal for couples or small families looking for high quality accommodation at a reasonable price.

  Find a large choice of holiday parks and villas>

• Travelling abroad without insurance is not a good idea

  Date: 2011.03.08 | Category: holidays, Latest News, Your Travel Essentials | Response: 0

  Travel insurance is boring but a necessary evil. If you travel without it and become ill abroad the average cost is £2,040 and if you travel to the USA you could be looking at a hospital visit for around £6,000.
  To get a cheap deal on travel insurance try one of the price comparison sites, but check the policy carefully as you may find the cost is small and the cover is even smaller. Make sure you get the cover you need; some policies do not cover lost baggage or missed flights or even stolen wallets/purses. It makes sense to get the correct cover even if it does cost a little more than the basic price quoted.
  If you are travelling abroad more than one in 12 months it may be a good idea to look at annual multi –trip packages instead of buying separate policies for each trip. It is advisable to buy your holiday insurance as soon as you book your holiday as you will then be covered for cancellation costs if you are unable to make the trip.
  There are many reasons why your travel insurance company will not pay out for a claim, but the most common reason is for pre-existing medical conditions not previously declared. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking if I don’t tell them I can keep the cost down. Should you have to make a claim for medical expenses the insurance companies are able to get access to your medical records and if there is something you have not told them, they can give your claim the payment denied stamp, be warned.

  If you are looking to travel abroad this year have a look at the following sites for great holiday options:

  Find Family Holidays can take you to most places in Europe>

  Find Holiday Parks have accommodation in France, Italy, Spain as well as the United Kingdom>

• Driving in Cornwall – dump the SatNav!

  Date: 2011.03.04 | Category: Cornwall, Family Man, holidays, South West England | Response: 0

  Is it just me or does the car Sat Nav system deliberately set out to add to my stress when driving with a full car (family and luggage) and towing our caravan? And, what is it with Cornwall in the South West of England that makes the use of a Sat Nav so completely and utterly pointless?

  I was pondering these questions on last year’s summer holiday.  On our way to Newquay the SatNav spent a great part of the journey telling me I was actually driving through fields.  Now I may be a bit of a townie but I can assure you that I can tell the difference between tarmac and pasture!

  The SatNav could be slightly excused because maybe I should have paid out for newer maps (although it is only a couple of years old and why should we be conned in to constantly paying out for something it should update for free) but there is no such excuse for it when it took us the fastest route to Newquay airport via 4 different routes even though we left from the same place.  However, that was nothing to the route it took us next – when the road got smaller and smaller until it was better described as a path.

  By this point we had lost confidence completely in its ability to get us anywhere.  Which is a problem when you are on a caravan touring holiday.  After all you rely on the SatNav a great deal with your caravan on the back to help the journey go smoothly, but when you are suddenly thrust back into pre SatNav days how do you cope??

  Er, well not well actually.  It is amazing how quick you can fall back in to those map reading arguments -driver demands for instant direction decisions and navigator panic followed by refusal to work under such streesful conditions!

  Our learning from last year’s trip to the South West:

  • Update the satNav maps
  • Plan your route using an internet route planner and write down the basic route
  • Make sure you have an up to date map book in the car for those all else fails situations

• 2 weeks for the price of 1 in Ireland

  Date: 2011.03.03 | Category: Cottages, Easter, holidays, Places to go, Special offers - time limited | Response: 0

  Imagine Ireland are offering an amazing 2 weeks for the price of 1 on many of their cottages through Spring and Summer making it a great destination for the Easter holidays.
  Ireland is choc-full of great things to see and do, making it the perfect Easter holiday destination. Whether you are looking for a property which is close to a beach, in walking country or to make it your touring base, Imagine Ireland’s specially selected range of holiday cottages are ideal for a memorable Easter holiday or short break.
  Each one of Imagine Ireland’s cottages has been individually selected and inspected so you have the best choice – from Donegal to Dublin, Kerry to Kinsale and from coastal cottages to country retreats, we’ve something for everyone. The majority of their cottages include bed linen and towels, and most include fuel and power, so there are no extras.
  Take the car or hire when you get there: either way, there are great deals on ferry inclusive holidays and car rental, plus personal and vehicle breakdown insurance for that extra peace of mind. Their holidays are ideal for dogs too – they stay free and no pet passport is needed.

  Have a look at Ardcath, Bettystown Coast in County Meath>

  Find more places to stay in Ireland>

• Happy St David’s Day

  Date: 2011.03.01 | Category: Cottages, holidays, Latest News, Self catering | Response: 0

  It’s St David’s day so what better time to book a holiday in Wales. Whether you are looking for an Easter break or a summer holiday then Wales is the perfect choice.

  Why not try a cottage holiday in the Brecon Beacons; South Wales or Isle of Anglesey in North Wales.

  There are many wonderful cottages in Wales including Primrose Cottage, Amroth in Pembrokeshire>

  Find more cottages in Wales>

• Stunning luxury apartment on the River Dart, Dartmouth, South Devon, £100 off

  Date: 2011.02.28 | Category: Apartments, holidays, Self catering | Response: 0

  This stunning luxury property is situated in an extremely desirable spot, on the edge of the River Dart, in the famous maritime town of Dartmouth. Sleeping up to four people, this apartment provides accommodation of the highest standard, recently receiving the top accolade from VisitBritain – a coveted Five Star Gold award.

  Relax in the beautiful open plan living space, complete with a sumptuous designer sofa. The stunning views up the river can be enjoyed from the fully opening windows, which can open back on a sunny day to create an internal ‘Juilet’ style balcony! Whether you are looking for a romantic break for two or a luxurious holiday with the family, this property offers exceptionally contemporary and lavish accommodation.

  What’s more, you can enjoy this apartment with £100 OFF – for the weeks commencing 5th, 19th & 26th August (if booked before 31st March 2011).

  Find out more about this apartment and special offer>

  Find more cottages and apartments > South West England > Devon > Dartmouth >

• Family fun Ice skating at Worthing, West Sussex, South East England

  Date: 2011.02.28 | Category: Apartments, Cottages, Holiday Parks, holidays, Places to go, Self catering | Response: 0

  Steyne Gardens Worthing, West Sussex hosts an outdoor ice skating rink; this year it is open from 5 February till 6 March 2011. Sessions last an hour with approximately 45 minutes spent on the ice. Each session begins on the hour and the first session of the day is 11am, 10am at weekends and the last session time is 8pm.

  
  Prices are from a low as £2.50 ‘credit crunch’ up to £7 for peak time adult and include skate hire. The minimum age is 4 and the smallest shoe size is child size 8. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone or in person at the rink.

  If you need a place to stay try Find Family Holidays for cottages, apartments, lodges and holiday parks>

• Family fun at the National Stud, Newmarket, Suffolk, East Anglia

  Date: 2011.02.26 | Category: Been there, Cottages, Family Man, Holiday Parks, holidays, Latest News, Review 5 star | Response: 0

  Whilst holidaying in East Anglia we were looking for something to do on a family day out and we came across the National Stud at Newmarket… what a great find it was for all the family!

  The National Stud is, not surprisingly, to be found just outside the town of Newmarket in Suffolk – the home of horse racing in the UK. It is easily reached by car with plenty of parking but don’t be fooled by the automatic electronic gates which are closed until you approach by car – we almost turned away thinking it was closed.  And, according to several of our tourist leaflets, the tours weren’t available until mid March when we arrived in February, so we were pleased to find that they were very much open.

  Set in acres upon acres of land (over 500 acres), the National Stud is big business with some of the resident stallions being worth over £10 million and owners paying anything from £10,000 to £60,000 to bring their mares for a visit.  On the tour, which is about 75 minuntes, you get to see the Stallion Unit which included Bahamian Bounty and Cockney Rebel, seen from a respectful distance as they are not keen on people. You also see the Foaling Unit and get to see lots of mares and foals up close in the Nursery Yards and paddocks. And, it’s not often your children can say they have stroked a Grand National winner… the 2004 winner Amberleigh House is a very friendly horse that the family will love meeting.

  The tour is one of the most informative and interesting we have been on, giving you a fascinating insight in to the world of racing and breeding and was thoroughly enjoyed by all the family. The price was £20 for a family ticket which was excellent value. It was a relatively sunny February day when we were there and, as much of it is outside, we would recommend going on a day when it is not raining.  Find out more about the Tour>

  Staying in self catering in East England > Suffolk > Newmarket

  Staying in lodges in East England > Suffolk >

  Holiday parks in East England > Suffolk >

• Want £80 off the price of your Easter Holiday

  Date: 2011.02.16 | Category: Cottages, Holiday Parks, holidays, Self catering, Special offers - time limited | Response: 0

  Hoseasons are offering up to £80 off weeks and £40 off short breaks. Looking for the best deals this Easter, then look no further than their selection of ‘eggstra’ fantastic Easter offers. Choose quieter holiday parks where you can simply relax and unwind, or fill-every-minute parks with family entertainment, indoor pools and bags of activities for everyone!
  This offer only applies to holidays starting on or after the 8th April and completed by the 25th April 2011.

  Enjoy a great family holiday at Golden Sands in Lincolnshire. The parks great selling points include:

  • Indoor pool
  • Easy beach access
  • Great entertainment

  Enjoying an enviable location this park sits opposite a long stretch of dune-backed Blue Flag golden beach. Boasting a vast array of facilities with something to suit everyone this is an ideal choice for a seaside family holiday to remember.

  Ideally situated for exploring the many family attractions in the area you are almost midway between Skegness and Cleethorpes. Pleasure Island Theme Park and historic Lincoln with its excellent shops and magnificent cathedral are both close by.

  You’ll be spoilt for choice at Golden Sands. The heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools offer hours of splashing fun for all; while a fishing lake*, multi-sports court, go karts* and kids clubs are just some of the all-weather activities available. *Charges apply.

  Find this great holiday and many more>

• Keep the kids entertained this half term at Sandy Balls in the New Forest

  Date: 2011.02.15 | Category: Holiday Parks, holidays, Latest News, Places to go, Self catering | Response: 0

  Sandy Balls is a Holiday Park near Fordingbridge in the New Forest, Hampshire. There is the option to stay in a mobile home, wooden lodge or take your own equipment and stay on one of their quality touring pitches.
  From outdoor adventures to indoor rainy day play and fantastic evening entertainment – there’s plenty to keep all families entertained. There are parachute games, bracelet making, woodland walks, ceramic painting, biscuit decorating and even try your hand at creating your very own bird box. (Activities are weather dependent and subject to availability, it is advisable to book in advance.)