26 June 2025

After months of juggling school runs and client calls, we finally packed our bags, bundled the kids into the car, and flew from Stansted to Verona with Ryanair for a much-needed family break. With sunshine on our minds and pasta on our wish list, we were off to explore one of Italy’s most family-friendly gems — Lake Garda. Getting There: The flight to Verona was quick and fuss-free — ideal for the kiddos. We rented a car from the airport which gave us total freedom to explore the area at our own pace (a must when travelling with kids!). Car hire in this region is straightforward, and driving around Lake Garda is a breeze. Where We Stayed: We stayed at the beautiful Bertoletta Village Apartments, Peschiera del Garda - Tucked just outside the centre of Peschiera del Garda, Bertoletta Village was perfect for us. Spacious, self-catering apartments, two pools, a peaceful countryside setting — and just a few minutes’ drive to the lakefront. Top Tip: Having kitchen facilities was a game-changer. With kids, sometimes you just need pasta in pyjamas — no restaurant needed. Where We Explored: Peschiera del Garda - A gentle introduction to the region with pretty canals, gelato at every corner and lakeside strolls. We loved the little ferry boats coming and going and the relaxed feel here. Sirmione- A dreamy peninsula town with a castle straight from a fairy tale. We wandered the cobbled lanes, mooching around the shops and even took a boat trip which took us around the famous Castello Scaligero. Top Tip: Go early to avoid crowds and wear water shoes if you plan to paddle — the shoreline is pebbly. Borghetto sul Mincio - A lesser-known gem, this tiny riverside village was one of our favourites. It is famous for Tortellini!. It’s so peaceful and romantic — but also a great spot to let kids run free for a bit. Desenzano del Garda - The largest town on Lake Garda's southern shore. It's a lively lakeside town with markets, shopping and great pizza spots. It's perfect for an afternoon wander or a relaxed evening by the water. ? Gardaland Theme Park: An absolute must for kids! There’s something for every age — from gentle boat rides to proper rollercoasters. Family Tips: • Book your tickets in advance online for discounts. • Arrive early and start with the rides that usually get busiest first (e.g., Peppa Pig Land for little ones, Oblivion for thrill-seekers). • There’s a shaded picnic area — great for a packed lunch break. Movieland: Think Universal Studios on a smaller scale — perfect if you have kids into action, stunts and all things Hollywood. The live stunt shows were a big hit with our two. It's smaller and less intense than Gardaland, making it a fun, manageable day out. ? Food & Family Dining: Most restaurants are relaxed, welcoming to kids, and serve up excellent pasta and pizza. Look out for “ristoranti con giardino” — family-run spots with outdoor gardens where kids can stretch their legs while waiting for food. ? Final Thoughts: Lake Garda delivered everything we needed — sun, simplicity, and a mix of adventure and downtime. Whether you’re theme park lovers, foodies, or slow explorers, there’s something for every family here. And from a travel agent’s perspective? It’s a destination I’d happily recommend to any family looking for a holiday that feels like a proper break — for everyone. ? If you’re dreaming of your own Italian escape, feel free to reach out — I’d love to help you plan something tailored to your family too.

25 June 2025

In February, my husband and I took our two children (ages 11 and 7) for a much-anticipated 3-night break to Disneyland Paris—and it didn’t disappoint. We travelled via Eurostar from London St Pancras, a smooth and comfortable journey that took just three hours, arriving directly at Marne-la-Vallée, conveniently located right opposite the Disney parks. No transfers needed—just step off the train and into the magic. Where We Stayed: We checked into Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, staying in a Superior Room with a garden view. We opted for the half-board meal plan, which included breakfast and one other meal per day at selected restaurants across the resort. This not only helped us plan our days better but also saved time and money, especially with hungry kids in tow! Staying onsite at a Disney hotel came with real perks—early park access (extra magic time), character meet-and-greets at the hotel, and the ease of walking to both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park in minutes. Our Disney Highlights: We kicked off our first evening with character dining at the Royal Banquet—a fun and relaxed way for the kids to meet Disney favourites without queuing in the parks. Over the next two days, we explored both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. The rides were a big hit with our family, although we all agreed that the queue for Peter Pan’s Flight was far too long for the short (and overrated!) ride. Personally, I’d recommend prioritising other attractions or heading there during early magic hours if possible. Stitch Live! was surprisingly hilarious and interactive—perfect for both kids and adults—and The Lion King stage show was very impressive! We also dined at the Ratatouille-themed restaurant, Bistrot Chez Rémy, which was a real highlight. TOP TIP: Table-service restaurants get booked up fast, so be sure to use the Disneyland Paris app to make dining reservations in advance, ideally as soon as your booking window opens. Final Thoughts: Three nights gave us just enough time to enjoy the parks at a relaxed pace, but still left us wanting more. With great dining, character moments, and immersive experiences, Disneyland Paris is a wonderful option for a short family escape—especially with the convenience of the Eurostar and the added value of staying onsite. If you’re considering a Disney break, I’d be happy to help tailor the perfect experience for your family.

08 February 2024

I recently had the chance to stay at Abaton Island Resort & Spa in Crete for a work trip—and if every business trip felt like this, I’d never complain about packing a suitcase again! First Impressions: Abaton is set right on the coast just outside Hersonissos, and the moment you walk in, it’s calm, whitewashed luxury with floor to ceiling windows and endless sea views (designed by the owner George). It’s stylish but relaxed—nothing feels too try-hard. Even though I was technically there for work, the setting definitely made it feel like a bit of a treat. The Room: I stayed in a Luxury Guestroom with Sharing Pool, which was light, modern, and super peaceful. The balcony looked straight out to the Aegean. I definitely made the most of that morning coffee spot! The rooms here are generous in size, and if you’re after something extra special, there are suites and private pool villas too. Work With a Side of Sunshine: This trip was about getting to know the resort from a professional point of view—and it really impressed. It has great facilities for groups or incentives, with lots of space and a high-end feel that still manages to be welcoming and warm. But in between meetings, I squeezed in a little time at the spa (which is gorgeous), explored the resort, and tried a few of the restaurants. Abaton has a great mix of dining—from beachside sushi to Cretan flavours with a modern twist. Plenty of variety, which is ideal for longer stays or fussy eaters (no judgement!). Who’s It For? Abaton is perfect for couples, honeymooners, or anyone looking to properly switch off. But it’s also got solid potential for wellness escapes, retreats, or small corporate groups—especially if you’re after something a little bit special without being over the top. Bonus: it’s only about 25 minutes from Heraklion Airport. If you’re dreaming of Crete or looking for a resort that blends style with soul, Abaton is a great one to have on your radar. And if you need help figuring out if it’s right for you (or your group), I’d love to help.

05 June 2023

In April this year (2023) during the kid's Easter holidays, we took our family holiday to the Rixos Premium Belek, Turkey for 10 days …and we were not disappointed! We flew from London Stansted into Antalya with Pegasus airlines. The flight took approximately 4hrs 20mins. On arrival, we located out transfers outside the terminal building. Transfers from Antalya airport (terminal 2) tend to all gather at the ‘Meeting Point’ which is to the left hand side out of the Terminal’s main exit. The drive to the hotel took approx. 40mins. April is the very beginning of their summer season in Antalya and we had warm sunny days and some overcast, overall it was very pleasant but it wasn’t boiling. Luckily the enormous outdoor pool was heated as well as a gorgeous indoor pool – so the kids were happy with that! CHECK-IN We were greeted by a smiley girl from the hotel’s Guest Relations Team and offered chocolate-dipped strawberries accompanied by a cold glass of fizz or bottled water – which were very welcomed after the day’s journey! Check-in was carried out in the comfort of the large sofa/seating area in the hotel reception lobby – which again was a welcomed touch after travelling with kids all day. We were instantly added to our own exclusive WhatsApp group with two of the Guest Relations team – to easily contact with any requests or enquiries throughout our stay – which was invaluable! They would also send us the daily entertainment programme each morning. ROOMS We stayed in a Family Deluxe Room – which was basically two interconnecting rooms: The first room with a large double bed, spacious bathroom (with large rainfall shower) and balcony – connecting through to the children’s room with two singles, their own bathroom (again with large rainfall shower) and balcony. Both rooms were modern, spacious and well stocked with a mini-bar/fridge replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled still & sparkling water; Nespresso machine & pods plus kettle and a selection of teas. A lovely touch was not only being provided with robes and slippers, but the children having their own kiddie sized robes too ?? very cute! FACILITIES Staying at this hotel includes FREE access to The Land of Legends Theme & Water Park (10km away) plus free shuttle bus daily - (Here you will find loads of rides and a water park, there is also a daily Dolphin Show in the afternoon as well as a Boat Parade in the evening) You can find the Games Centre on the hotel's Lower Lobby floor which has a wide selection of FREE arcades (no coins needed – just simply push the button and go!) including Basketball, Air-Hockey, 4D Simulator, Rides for smaller children and more of the usual favourites. There are also pool tables plus a mini bowling alley too. The evenings brought Live entertainment and a Dancing Fountain Show every night. If you’re looking for active, then you will love the Sports Academy and 24-hour gym. Here you can take part in everything from spinning and Zumba to meditation and anti-gravity yoga. Darts, table tennis, beach volleyball, fitness sessions, tennis, football, basketball and a number of exciting watersports are also available. SPA The Anjana Spa oozed Arabic luxury! It was like stepping into a true sanctuary. Complimentary access to the Turkish Baths is not to be missed for a true authentic experience that even the kids could enjoy too! LOCAL We mainly stayed in the hotel for our holiday and ventured out to Land of Legends. However we did visit the local market in Belek town centre which opens every Saturday (10 mins from the hotel) mainly selling souvenirs, clothes and loads of handbags! RESTAURANTS Turquoise restaurant, the hotel buffet on the Lobby level is huge! And opens for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Includes an Adult-Only seating area, separate kids buffet, sushi -corner & Italian area. Breakfast has a good variety of Turkish treats – think cheese & mince filled Boreks (pastries); breads & croissants; Fruits; Juices; Yoghurts; Omelettes etc Lunch and Dinner showcased an abundance of salads! Bread counter; Traditional Turkish food; there really is something for everybody _________________________________________________ The hotel also has …. A-La Carte restaurants All need reservations – made on the day of intended booking. People’s – International Cuisine (no booking needed) I would highly recommend the Turkish Breakfast! Aksam – Stunning Steak House – perfect for a special occasion. Gorgeous outdoor area. Italian – Also opens earlier between 2-5pm Asian – This was our fave!! We went for the tasting menu so we could sample a bit of everything and an abundance of sushi - plus the biggest fortune cookie I've ever seen!! Mykorini – A beautiful blend of Mykonos and Santorini. Open summertime only. There is also a ‘Food Court’ area available at lunchtime if you fancy just grabbing a bite to eat without having to go to a restaurant. Kebabs, Jacket Potatoes, Salads, Burgers, Churros & Waffles, Fruit Pots and a Bar. Starbucks – Available on French Street and on the beach KIDS Our kids were 9 and 5yrs when we went and they fully made the most of the kids entertainment available! There was both an indoor and outdoor kids club – the indoor being more for young kids – although it did have a cinema room and some ps5’s and Xboxs at the back. The Outdoor Rixy Club was fantastic! Outdoor splash pool with slides, Table Tennis table, Outdoor Climbing Heights, Basketball Court, Playground area. Kids Zone mini soft play area, its own ‘Rixy Restaurant’, Arts and crafts Tables, Painting Easels, Cinema Room, Sleep Room – they literally have thought of everything! Teen Zone - Bar, Selection of card and board games, Pool Table, Xbox and Playstation area A free little 'Rixy' train for kids circles the grounds daily throughout the day - a great jump on-jump off for little ones POV All in all, a fantastic family hotel! A true 5*, luxury resort with excellent facilities and so much for the whole family to do - I would highly recommend.