29 September 2023

I am writing this with a blanket on my knee as I refuse to turn the heating on in September ???? and missing the sunshine so I thought I would steer away from Winter breaks and introduce Royal Caribbean's brand new ship ??? Icon of the Seas ??? Sailing from Miami in 2024. This multi-award-winning line has some of the most innovative cruise ships at sea, all offering a packed menu of activities and entertainment all under one roof: West End-style shows, fantastic food, spacious accommodation, and exhilarating activities and amenities. Icon of the Seas will push family-friendly thrills even further. ??Every Icon of the Seas sailing will call at Perfect Day at CocoCay. This is Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, designed exclusively for its guests. Its fantastic facilities (most of them complimentary) include a beach club, a water park, a zip wire, a helium balloon ride, and a freshwater lagoon pool. As a cruise line, Royal Caribbean also offers more than 50 experiences and activities at no extra cost, making its cruises a great value way to visit several destinations or countries in one holiday. What to expect from Icon of the Seas ?????This really is quite an extraordinary, game-changing new class of ship that will offer adventures beyond your wildest imagination. On board you will find Thrill Island, the largest waterpark at sea, with several record-breaking slides as well as two family raft waterslides - Hurricane Hunter and Storm Surge - that you can all ride together. ??There are more adrenaline rushes in store for the brave at Crown's Edge, which combines a skywalk, a high-ropes course and a thrill ride all in one, and Adrenaline Peak, a reimagined rock-climbing wall with racing lanes. For something gentler, try the Lost Dunes mini golf course. ??Meanwhile, Surfside will be a stay-all-day neighbourhood for families with younger kids (six years old and under), bringing together three water experiences: Baby Bay, where the littlest ones can take a dip, Splashaway Bay aquapark with its colourful water slides, cannons, spray fountains, and massive drench bucket, and Water's Edge infinity pool with ocean views. ??Some of the other fabulous offerings at Surfside will be Playscape with its slides and climbing structures, a quirky beach-themed carousel, and an arcade with air hockey and retro-style games. There will also be the kids’ and teens’ hangout zones Adventure Ocean and Social020 – plus an array of options for child-friendly meals, snacks, and drinks. ??Elsewhere on this breathtaking ship, the AquaDome neighbourhood will double as a dining venue and evening theatre. Swim & Tonic will be the largest swim-up bar at sea and the first in the Royal Caribbean fleet, with a pool complete with water loungers and DJ beats. And Royal Bay will be no less than the largest pool at sea, with raised whirlpools boasting fabulous views. ??And of course, some of the best holiday memories are made over meals and drinks. Aboard Icon, feast in places such as the colourful Surfside Eatery buffet restaurant, the laidback Surfside Bites or Pier 7 with its beachside bites, and the Lemon Post bar overlooking all the family fun of Surfside – with separate menus for adults and kids, drinks that change colour, and unique souvenir cups. And over at Thrill Island, Desserted has over-the-top milkshake concoctions towering with toppings, plus boozy adults-only options!

29 September 2023

Hey all, thank you for reading my blog last week, hope you enjoyed it. Grab a cuppa as I have another one for you. Sticking with the winter theme, thought I would show you Vancouver. ?First thing you may think about is skiing, however there is so much more on offer that is easily accessible from Vancouver. From snowshoeing at Grouse Mountain, to exploring museums and art galleries, shopping in boutiques, farmers markets and many more venues. Grouse Mountain is regularly voted the world's most liveable city, it is gorgeous, with mild climates and hardly any snow. ?Giving you the best of both worlds, a city break and an outdoor adventure set between the ocean and the mountains. Here are a few non-ski winter experiences on offer in and around Vancouver, some of which are available all year round. ??Capilano Suspension Bridge Park This is Vancouver’s most popular attraction for its combination of natural beauty, history, and family-friendly activities. After crossing the iconic bridge, you can stroll through a rainforest canopy with Treetops Adventure and take a thrilling walk above the canyon with Cliffwalk, a series of narrow walkways and platforms as high as 30 storeys above the Capilano River Canyon. Within the park, the Kia'palano has displays on the lives of British Columbia's First Nations people, including original totem poles. And in winter, Capilano’s Canyon Lights experience brings the rainforest to life with lovely illuminations. ?????Cycling the seawall on a guided tour At 28km, Vancouver’s Seaside Greenway is the longest uninterrupted waterfront path in the world. The best bit is the Stanley Park Seawall, which is divided into two sections - one for cyclists and inline skaters, and one for walkers and joggers. Guided tours help you make the most of it; starting in Stanley Park, they take a route that showcases highlights including Stanley Park totem poles, Beaver Lake, the largest old growth maples, and Second Beach. ??Harbour air sightseeing tours Seaplane tours are a great way to see where the city, the water, and the mountains meet. You can choose anything from a 20-minute highlights flight, taking you soaring over quintessential Vancouver landmarks that include Stanley Park, English Bay, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the North Shore Mountains, to a day-long adventure going further afield to Salt Spring Island to see organic vineyards and there's even the opportunity to go whale watching in Victoria. ??Vancouver Aquarium Canada’s first aquarium, open since the 1950s, includes the country’s only dedicated marine mammal facility – a hospital for sick, injured, or orphaned marine mammals. It’s a great place to come to learn about different ocean species and the amazing aquatic life of the region through interactive, hi-tech experiences ranging from touch pools and a wet lab to 4D screenings. ??The food scene Vancouver is earning a reputation as one of the world’s most unique and exciting cities in which to eat out, with an intoxicating multicultural mix of local ingredients with European and Asian influences. Must-dos before your visit include swotting up on the Michelin Guide to the city’s restaurants and booking a table at one of its Michelin-starred eateries to ensure you get to experience the fantastic dishes on offer during your stay. ?At the end of January, the Dine Out Vancouver Festival, Canada’s largest annual celebration of food and drink is a very special way to discover the city’s vibrant culinary scene in all its diversity. Canada’s biggest annual food and drink festival, it brings together more than 300 restaurants offering multi-course fixed-price menus, food-focused events, and culinary experiences. ?Before you travel, make sure you have applied for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The process is pretty quick and most applications are actioned within 24 hours. But to avoid unnecessary stress, it’s best to apply in plenty of time before your departure date.

13 September 2023

I have decided to start a (mini) blog, first time ever doing something like this so any feedback would be welcomed, along with any suggestions of something you might like me to write about. Off the bat, I need to apologise for the theme of the first one, as it is about the 'C' word ???? which seemed a fitting way to start considering we are now 100 days away! Anyone else excited for the festivities, but haven't got a clue what presents to buy?! I am excited most for the lead up, hot chocolate ?Christmas food ?? mince pies ?? Christmas jumpers ?? but most of all I am looking forward to Christmas markets ??. So far I have planned Leeds Christmas market, first one in four years and sounds incredible. York, I did this a few years ago with the kids and visited the Museum Gardens Christmas lights. I visited Manchester last year, so excited to go again this year. We are in discussions of doing Edinburgh, tiktok keeps showing me videos tempting me in! I thought it would be nice to share some tips and ideas of Christmas breaks and holidays. ???? 3 unique Christmas markets to visit in 2023 ?Valkenburg’s Christmas Market in the Netherlands. Some of the stall are in the caves and tunnels of the 18-century Gemeentegrot quarry, sounds eerie but exciting! This market runs from late/Mid-November to early January and includes regular overground stall with products from the Limberg region if tunnels are not your vibe. ?Gothenburg in Sweden Host to the fabulous Liseberg amusement park, with traditional rides and hi-tech coasters. The Christmas market has a host of festive stalls, restaurants, ice skating and a Santa's village with workshops run by elves! ?Zagreb in Croatia This may not cross your mind as a festive destination, but Zrinjevac Park hosts a winter wonderland with lanterns, wooden huts and festive stalls selling treats such as štrukli pastries with soft cheese, I think this sounds like the picture perfect Christmas market. Zagreb advent runs across the city for six weeks from late November, and includes live music and various ice rinks. If markets are not your thing and you are looking more for a getaway over the Christmas break, check out ???? 3 of the best ways to spend Christmas ??Many hotels and resorts around the world see visits by Santa, but few match his arrival by helicopter at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah in Muscat. Spread across two wings, one family-friendly, this resort has amazing facilities and amenities that make it great for winter sun. And in December, you benefit from milder temperatures that are perfect for both lounging on the beach and for exploring. ??Alternatively, embrace the cold with a private wilderness escape in Scandinavia, at Octola – a ten-bedroom chalet on a private forested reserve in the Finnish part of Lapland, that's ideal for families and groups. For a true winter wonderland feel, you can explore the surrounds with a wilderness guide and there’s also Nordic dining from your private chef, check out the photo, Christmas dinner (prepared by a chef) with that view, wow! ?? If like me Christmas destinations makes you think of New York City, I am not surprised, the City really comes into its own at Christmas. With must-see sights including ice rinks, festive markets, famous live window displays by iconic department stores, and classic entertainment including Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, the New York City Ballet's The Nutcracker, and Handel's Messiah at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. This has been on my bucket list since I saw the Rockefeller tree on Home Alone! If you want a bit of sunshine over the Christmas period, check out ????Where to spend Christmas in the sun ??Christmas Day on safari, anyone? You can do all this and more with a Christmas trip to South Africa, which is in full summer bloom at this time of year. That said, because of its history, the country has public holidays around this time of year. Take part in popular activities including trips to the beach, hiking, and visits to mountains, forests, waterfalls, and national parks – including Kruger with its opportunity to spot the Big Five. ?Or celebrate Christmas before everyone else with a big trip to Australia. Kids here are on their summer holidays from mid-December, and there are Christmas festivals and carol services, big Christmas lunches (usually of seafood and cold dishes), and Boxing Day beach barbecues. Boxing Day also sees a famous yacht race from Sydney to Tasmania that’s well-worth a watch. ??Then there’s Barbados, a party-loving island perfect for a festive getaway and a relaxed Christmas Day on the beach – but also for light displays and other festive decorations, carol singing, and holiday markets.