08 April 2019

Disneyland Paris 2019 what an amazing time we had! We decided to take our son for his 4th birthday and he absolutely loved it. We arrived into Paris around 9am and we jumped into our private transfer to take us to Newport Bay Club Hotel. The transfer took approximately 40 minutes and before we knew it, we had arrived. We were met by security guards and X ray machines to check our suitcases. It was all a bit overwhelming at first, but you got used to it after the first time. Check in was extremely busy but well controlled. We were given our welcome pack with our cards for the theme parks in and told to return at 3pm when our room would be ready. We left our suitcases with the hotel and headed on down to the parks. A short 10-15-minute walk takes you right around the lake to the entrance, but the shuttle buses were running every half an hour if you didn't fancy the walk (we chose this option a few times, but the walk was quite nice). Again, lots of security presence when we arrived, and metal detectors/bag checks were done upon entry. We arrived on a Wednesday and it was quite busy, by Friday and Saturday the parks were extremely busy with queues of up to 70 minutes average for the more popular rides. My tip would be to try and get at least 1/2 days through the week so you can make the most of your time there. We soon discovered that the price of food was pretty extortionate, and we didn't have a dining plan so all of ours had to be paid for. I had accounted for this before we went but if I was to return I would 100% make sure we had a half board dining plan at a minimum. With staying in the Disney resort, you get 'extra magic hours' where basically the parks open to Disney customers an hour earlier (08.30-09.30). This was a godsend for the more popular rides. Our little boy loved the Buzz Lightyear laser ride, so we used this time to go on that each morning and a few of the other popular rides (It’s a small world, Peter pan, Pinocchio). It’s very long days while you are there, Noah is 4 and all he did was complain his legs were tired. I would definitely consider taking a pushchair for under 4's or you could hire one when you are there, children of all ages were in them! We wanted to make sure we saw the illuminations one night, so we had the morning in the parks then walked back to our hotel for a little afternoon nap then headed back out for tea and the illuminations. I have to say they were amazing! You won’t understand until you see them, but they literally brought a tear to my eyes. They were on every night at 7.30pm at the castle. We didn't have a plan for our trip, we just kind of went with the flow or what our legs where telling us. This meant that we were not disappointed if we missed a certain ride or never got to see our favourite character. In a nutshell I would definitely recommend a stay in the Disney resorts. With a meal plan. Take plenty of snacks for the parks. Don't miss the illuminations and most of all take your kids before they get too old! It’s the most magical place in the world.

18 December 2018

Last year we decided we wouldn't miss out on our annual family holiday just because we had a 3 very young children (2,1 and 9 weeks). Although it was hard work I would do it all again in a heartbeat. We had to think very carefully about where we were going to go and how we would manage it but eventually we decided that a villa would be our best option and we invited the in-laws for a bit of extra support. Here's what I learned along the way …. Accommodation Wherever you decide to stay make sure it is properly equipped for your family (cots, high chairs etc). We decided on a villa and I would highly recommend this for families with young children. I didn't have to worry about how I was going to sterilise the bottles or if I needed to put a wash on, I had everything I needed. If you don't choose a villa, I would recommend a self-catering apartment. You need full kitchen facilities, so I would be very reluctant to stay in a hotel room. Time of year/Weather I would try and avoid the height of summer as it can be too hot for the children and trying to keep them shaded and cool all day can be quite tricky, never mind the endless amounts of sun cream you would need to put on them. I went late September to Menorca and whilst it was warm the pool wasn't warm enough to get in. So, do a bit of research before you choose. Mid 20's would be just right in my opinion. We took a small paddling pool with us, so the babies could enjoy a warm splash. Food/Drinks All's I would say on this is if you have a bottle-fed baby make sure you take everything you need with you. Don't rely on the supermarkets there. If you have fussy eaters also try and pack a few bits of food, you know they will eat just as a backup. Sterilising the bottles was my biggest worry. I managed to purchase some disposable Dr Browns sterilising bags which were a god send and they packed very neatly in the case as the box was really small. Stock up on plenty of bottled water, you will use a lot of it, I even used it to sterilise the bottles. Getting around Most airlines allow you to take an additional pram and car seat for each child traveling so I would recommend you take a cheap lightweight buggy that you’re not bothered if it gets damaged on the airplane. We hired a car so took Robyn's car seat, but it was also very handy as she could stay in it right up until boarding the plane. Toddlers get tired very quickly especially in the heat, so I would probably even take a buggy for my eldest now who is 3 1/2. Airport/Airplane Take plenty of snacks and stuff to keep the little ones occupied. Whether it be a colouring book, small toy or a tablet don't forget to pack something in your hand luggage as they get bored very easily and even if it’s only a 2-hour flight that's still quite a long time to keep small people entertained. Most of all try not to worry. Kids cry! I quite enjoyed it when I could see a full-grown man getting annoyed at my 9-week-old! Noah was so excited to go a plane for his very first time...… that excited he fell asleep just as we were about to take off. Safety Pool safety was my biggest fear. Having to have eyes in the back of my head. Although we didn't have one you can get villas with gates around the pool. If I was to stay in a villa again I would 100% pick one that is gated. Even if the children are a bit older you can never be too safe when it comes to water. Enjoy Don't let having young children put you off although it was a lot of packing, we had an amazing time and made some lifelong memories on our first proper family holiday.

17 July 2018

I was honoured to be asked to go on an educational trip to Jersey just last week. Not knowing enough about this beautiful island, I jumped at the chance. We flew from London Gatwick and the flight took just 40 minutes. We literally took off, I ate my sandwich, had a cup of tea and we were on descent. With clear blue skies all the way I had a great view of the island flying into Jersey. It was just a three-day break, so we had a lot to do and see. After we got through the very small airport we went straight to our hotel. We were a group of four Travel Counsellors and two of us were staying at The Atlantic hotel and the other two were staying at The Merton hotel. Both amazing hotels but very different. The Merton is a very family orientated hotel with a variety of water slides around the pool area, hot dog van by the side of the pool and generally a very family friendly hotel. The Atlantic is also a family friendly hotel but prides itself in being a part of 'the small luxury hotels'. It is a 5* hotel and spa and is very popular for those who really want to unwind relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. I was put in the Atlantic so was very happy as my few days away also meant a little break from the kids. What better place to do it in? After a very quick check in and freshen up, a lovely gentleman called Mark picked us up to go on a history live tour of the island. Off we went in the glorious sunshine to learn about how Jersey got to where it is now and how the Germans took over the island in WWII. Right around the edges of the island they still have the bunkers dotted every couple of miles. Most of these are now privately owned and turned into houses and some even restaurants. We looked at the Jersey potato fields and visited some of the oldest buildings across the island. A lovely afternoon spent with Mark who was extremely passionate about his island and its heritage. For dinner that evening we visited a beautiful restaurant, Sumas in St Martins. The food was outstanding, and the location was perfect overlooking the sea. We then went back to the hotel for a very much needed night’s sleep. We had an early start as we were going paddle boarding! To say I was nervous was an understatement. Carrying a bit more weight than normal and not being a very good swimmer, I had no idea what to expect. We had a very brief tutorial and off we went straight into the sea. I thought there was no way I was going to be able to paddle around the island into the little cove next door but much to my surprise I got on my board (on my knees) and off I went. I was actually moving! It was quite a physical activity and five minutes in I could feel my thighs hurting. Anyway, I carried on and away I went. Halfway around I thought I would try and stand up! As soon as I got halfway up I fell straight back down and into the sea. I thought it would be freezing but it was actually quite refreshing. Back onto my board I got and carried on (on my knees) until I reached the other side. We stopped in the breath-taking cove for 10 minutes before heading back. The current was on our side this time, so it was a lot more relaxing and less work heading back. Lunch that afternoon was spent in a very random but unique ‘barbeque on the beach’ style restaurant called Falkner’s Fisheries. This looked nothing from the outside but let me tell you it was amazing. It was set around an old bunker where you picked what seafood you wanted, and the guys cooked it on the BBQ for you. We then sat on the benches overlooking the sea with a lovely cold beer and ate our lunch. You have to eat here if you visit, it is amazing! After lunch we had a few hours before the style awards, so I decided to relax with a glass of wine whilst getting ready. We were picked up by a Bentley (talk about arriving in style) and dropped off at The Royal Jersey Showground. Greeted with Champagne and glorious sunshine - what better way to spend a Thursday evening. Guests arrived and stars such as Alesha Dixon and Gemma Collins rocked the red carpet. The evening went on and the awards were presented with awards such as Restaurant of the Year, Wine List of the Year, Independent Retailer of the Year and Visitor Attraction of the Year to name a few. The night was truly fabulous, and I was honoured to be a part of it. As the night drew to a close we headed back to our hotels. On Friday morning we had some time to relax which was very much needed after a very busy couple of days. I had breakfast and decided to relax by the pool for an hour or two before check-out. A final spot of lunch in El Tico, which again was superb, and we headed off to the airport to catch our flight home. Before visiting Jersey, I knew nothing about the island. It is an absolute hidden gem. The food is amazing, the people are amazing and most of all the beaches are amazing. If you have never visited Jersey I 100% recommend you go!

18 June 2018

I travelled to Abu Dhabi almost 4 years ago now and it will always hold a special place in my heart as this is where Sean proposed to me. We stayed in the amazing Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel which is built across the F1 Yas Marina Circuit. The hotel of an evening is illuminated and is known as one of the icons of Abu Dhabi. The adult only rooftop pool was where we stayed in the day (as we had no children then) but the hotel also had a family pool which was big enough for everyone. We hired a car (I felt this was necessary) so we could take advantage of being within driving distance of Dubai. There was plenty to do on Yas Island though where we were staying. We visited Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World which has the fastest rollercoaster in the world (I didn't go on as I was pregnant, but Sean did). There were plenty of places to eat and all of the shopping malls were within driving distance. There was even an Ikea which we stopped at for a hotdog! A small drive away (40 minutes) was Dubai. Here we visited the Dubai Mall which has a large fish tank right in the middle of it and the Mall of the Emirates. Who doesn't love a good shopping trip? In the evening we decided to go up the Burj Khalifa which is the tallest building in the world and this is where Sean proposed to me, without a ring may I add but there was good reason for that as also in Dubai they have diamond souks which he had planned for us to visit the next day to choose my own engagement ring. The next day we returned, and I picked my own diamond and had it put into the ring that I wanted all done by a local man in a small workshop situated within the Souk. Amazing I know! Later on, we visited the fountains of the Burj Khalifa which is a must if visiting Dubai. We took a drive around the Palm to see what all the fuss is about and it’s something else. Its where I wish to stay if we ever go back. We went in the beginning of August and it was very hot and humid. If I return it would definitely be in their winter season (November-March) although it wasn't that much of a problem as everywhere you go indoors is well air conditioned. We saw just a tiny bit of what Abu Dhabi/Dubai has to offer. The place is spectacular. Until we meet again!