Are you annoyed because you can’t go abroad this year? Do you wish for things to return to normal so that you can get on with your life? The COVID-19 pandemic has been pretty brutal, and it’s hard to adapt to the “new normal” that people keep on harping on about.

However, as with every storm, there is a silver lining. You may not want to take the risk and book an international holiday, yet you can still experience a Great British breakaway. Before you reflexively answer, you should take a look below.

These are the reasons a staycation beats a holiday abroad.

The UK Is Varied

If you think you know the United Kingdom inside and out, you’re mistaken! Sure, there are some things that you don’t like, and some places you’re not keen on visiting because they don’t sound pleasant. On the flip side, many destinations will make you feel as if you’re vacationing in the Mediterranean or French Riviera. From Devon and Cornwall in the Southeast to the Lake District and Chesire in the Northwest, you shouldn’t be hard-pressed to find an affordable beauty spot that you have never experienced before. Just open your mind as well as a map of Britain!

You’re Helping Local Economies

The economic effect of your holiday isn’t an element that you focus on too hard. Sure, you realise that you spend more cash on a break than usual, but that’s about it. Of course, as the Coronavirus crisis has highlighted, the travel and tourism industries are vital to economies around the world. During a pandemic where thousands of small businesses are struggling to stay open, it’s nice to know that your money is giving them an opportunity to avoid filing for bankruptcy.

It’s Less Hassle

A staycation isn’t stress-free by any stretch of the imagination. However, it isn’t as hasslesome as packing for a two-week trip and heading to the airport at 3 am! For one thing, there’s no reason to fret about the beauty products and medicines in your suitcase. Premium CBD oil for every day wellness is 100% legal in the UK, as are your paracetamol and Ibuprofen tablets. Then, there’s the fact that you can move on if you’re unhappy. A foreign holiday is rigid – once you arrive, you have to stay until your return flight date. At home, you can get back in the car and head home. It’s that simple!

A Staycation Is All You Have

Yes, you may prefer the idea of an exotic holiday in a luxurious destination, yet it isn’t feasible. Currently, the best option is to stay at home where you know you can get home without dealing with an insurance provider and forking out a fortune on flights and accommodation. It’s not as if your hometown will end up on an international watchlist while you’re away! Remember that you need a break, especially when times are tough, so a staycation is an ideal way to unwind.

Where do you stand on the staycation debate?

Family

Road Trip Essentials for Your Next Family Excursion

June 18, 2020April 21, 2022 JayneLeave a comment

Over the past few months, many of us have spent a lot more time cooped up in our homes. As the country continues to ease restrictions, many of us are chomping at the bit to get back outdoors. If you and your family are ready to pack up the car and head out on an adventure, make sure to pack the essentials first! We’ve compiled the ultimate family road trip packing list, filled with things you’ll actually need and use when you hit the open road, family in tow. Also, you may visit travooo.com for more road trip guides.

Extra Ziploc Bags: This might seem like a random suggestion, but we promise these will come in handy in one way or another. You can use these baggies for leftover snacks, to collect various items like seashells, rocks, and leaves you find on your adventures, or even as a makeshift trash bag! They also serve as a great motion sickness bag if your little ones ever get nauseous during car rides. We have it on good authority that affordable party bus service in Temecula suggest this to all of their customers!

Portable Phone Charger: Make sure you always have power to navigate, call for help if needed, and stay in touched with family and friends while on your road trip. A portable charger should be pre-charged before you head out and used to charge your phone in the event you don’t have access to electricity to charge your devices.

First Aid Kit: If you don’t already have a first aid kit in your car, it’s time to invest. If you do have one, make sure it’s stocked with all the essentials, and refill with anything you may have run out of. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and first aid kits offer many of the essentials you’ll need in the event anything goes wrong.

Pain relievers: If your family is partaking on some outdoor time and taking on any type of trail, prepare for your muscles and joints to speak up a little, especially if you haven’t been able to get out and stay active over the last few months. Prepare with CBD topical relief that are safe for the whole family, stock up on easy travel icepacks, and bring along Tylenol.

Flashlights: Bring more than one, especially if your road trip involves camping. You can purchase flashlights for kids with straps so they can use them if they need to use the restroom in the middle of the night.
Tennis balls: If your road trip will take many hours, you’ll want to take regular breaks. Bring along tennis balls that you can toss back and forth during your rest stops; this helps release pent up energy and will allow everyone the chance to stretch while enjoying a little game time.
Water gallons: Bring along fresh water to refill your drinking water or rinse your hands if needed along the drive, especially if your route takes you through remote areas with few rest stops.
Blankets & Pillows: Your children are bound to fall asleep during the drive, so make sure they’re comfortable with blankets and pillows. While these provide added comfort during your trip, they can also be used when you reach your destination – double-duty! If you want to make things extra cozy, consider investing in some family snuggies used specifically for your car travels.
Fun Backpacks: Depending on the age of your children, you may want to pack individual backpacks for each, filled with fun, age-appropriate items to keep them happy and occupied during the trip. It could mean a few books, coloring accessories, and their favorite snacks, along with any electronics they bring along.
Toilet Paper: If your road trip will see you going long stretches without seeing any signs of civilization, make sure to pack bathroom essentials that will come in handy when nature calls. With little ones, it can be hard to predict and plan potty breaks, so pack your car with toilet paper and wet wipes.

Final Notes

Make your next family road trip a great time for the whole crew by prepping with these must-haves. You can never be overprepared, so pack your car with the above essentials and get ready to make memories you’ll never forget.

Family · Holidays

Why You Shouldn’t Feel Worried If You’re Not The ‘Right Kind’ Of Family

August 27, 2019 JayneLeave a comment

Pexels

It’s a cliche, but it’s true. Many of us feel that if we haven’t the main nuclear family setup with 2.5 children and a white picket fence, we aren’t up to snuff. Something has surely gone wrong when making our life decisions. But of course, that is absolutely nowhere close to the truth. Too many families are made to feel as though they are too out of the ordinary simply because they may not have the ability or the inclination to raise children, or that they are a same-sex couple, or that they might have been together for years without getting married.

This can unfortunately leave you to think you are the odd ones out, even though in your heart you know you are just as worthwhile as any other family. Let our advice help you feel more certain in yourself – for no other reason than this is simply the right way to consider things. We hope it helps you grow back that confidence, no matter how you have bene treated.

Love Is All That Matters

If you have love, that is all that matters. No matter if you’re related, if you’re adopted, if you live in the same house, close, or far apart. A family is family when it loves one another. There are many ‘families’ out there that are related by blood but never speak to each other. There are parents who simply threw money at having their children raised by nannies and rarely ever spoke to them. Love is all that matters, however you express it in a caring manner. If you have that, you are a verifiable family.

Blood Isn’t Thicker Than Water

‘Blood is thicker than water’ is a saying that often suggests you should prioritize your blood relatives above all else. But most of us know that is never the case. Blood is never thicker than water. For that, let us use an example. Perhaps a mother of a child has been single for some time now, and wishes to enter the dating scene. They meet someone despite not forcing their interactions, and they hit it off naturally. They fall in love. Said step-father loves the child of his new partner wholeheartedly. It doesn’t matter to him that the child is not his, because by all accounts, he loves said child like one of his own. He works day after day to provide for them, and spends most of his free time playing with or speaking to them. He is dependable, always there when needed, attending band practice, sports days, and teaching said child how to stand up to the bullies at school.

Said stepfather finds out about how Tacori offers a broad catalog of gorgeous engagement rings, and purchases one for the proposal, which is swiftly accepted. Is that stepfather any less of a father because the child was born of another man? It might be that said biological father didn’t leave due to bad personality management, but due to a saddening and unfortunate circumstance. Does this lessen the fact that the stepfather is the true father? Some might have opinions about this, but we would say absolutely not. We are not raised and do not learn life by those who biologically bring us into this world, but by who stands next to us throughout our journey with unconditional love. If your family has that in any capacity – you’ll also realize that blood is not thicker than water, at least in the figurative sense.

Every Family Has Faults

While there are of course certain levels of family fault to consider (abuse is never acceptable), if you discount your family ties because you might have disagreements from time to time – understand that it is natural. Back to our stepfather example, it might be that despite being there, a stepfather isn’t the most social or friendly with the children. However, he still provides and is still responsible.

While perhaps not the picturesque hollywood-movie view of a family, it’s important to know that whatever works for you, works for you, and being unapologetic about that can be important. We often forget that a family grows together, and cares for one another. When you keep in mind that you are all on a journey together and sometimes, learning happens through minor conflict, you can default to being more supportive and less worried about your definition of your family health.

With this advice – we hope you can feel more certain in your loving relationships with your family members. With communication, all can be healed or appreciated.

Travel

9 Reasons to Visit the Algarve

July 29, 2019 Jayne1 Comment

You probably already know that the Algarve region of Portugal is a hugely popular holiday destination with travellers from all over the world flocking to this area yearly. What you may not be quite so clear on is why, exactly, is it such a favourite with so many different types of travellers? It probably has a lot to do with the fact that the area enjoys year-round sunshine and average temperatures between 20ºC and 30ºC. The natural white sand beaches lapped by warm, crystal blue waters are also a possible factor, or it could be something to do with the many vibrant towns and cities waiting to welcome you.

If you’re still not convinced that the Algarve is the destination for you, here are nine more which might just persuade you to find out for yourself what all the fuss is about.

Parque Natural de Ria Formosa

The Parque Natural de Ria Formosa is in the south and sits between the towns of Vale do Lobo and Manta Rota. Since 1987, it has been a protected area of 18,000 hectares of untouched marshlands, lagoons and lakes which are bursting with unique wildlife and rare birds as well as plants, trees and flowers. It’s a wonderful attraction for tourists which you can explore via a guided walk, a boat trip, a bike ride or even in a kayak.

Vilamoura

The town and resort of Vilamoura is often referred to as ‘the Monaco of Portugal’ thanks to its sophisticated and vibrant atmosphere which is perfect for luxury getaways. The town is buzzing with energy, providing visitors with world-class restaurants, stylish bars, four excellent golf courses, beautiful beaches, exciting watersports, casino and, of course, the incredible marina which is home to jaw-dropping yachts. It’s also not unheard of to be able to indulge in a bit of celebrity spotting in this part of the Algarve. If you’re looking for a place to experience the best of the best, James Villas offer a wide range of luxury villas in Vilamoura.

Faro

Faro is one of the most popular destinations for sun-worshippers as it’s renowned for the high levels of sunshine it experiences all year round. It’s also a great place to see some Moorish and colonial architecture and fascinating museums and historical buildings such as the Nossa Senhora da Assuncão Convent.

Tavira

The picturesque town of Tavira is about 30km east from Faro and one of only a handful of towns which retains much of its original architecture. The whitewashed buildings and authentic roofs and chimneys are a beautiful sight to behold, and it is home to 28 churches and chapels, more than any other town in the Algarve. It also includes a Roman bridge which provides breath-taking views across the Gilão river. Make sure you take the time to sample the marzipan pastries, fig pastries, almond paste and caramel pastries from Tavira.

Castro Marim

The town of Castro Marim has three beaches, all of which feature soft golden sands and warm turquoise waters. You’ll also find the river Guardania which is lined with banks of vegetable gardens and orchards as well as rolling hills of countryside and wildflowers.

Carvoeiro

In the centre of the Algarve in the Lagoa region, you can find the coastal fishing village of Carvoeiro. It’s a very popular and lively hub for tourists for several reasons, but the main attractions are the wide variety of quality bars and restaurants, free live entertainment and the sheltered beach which is ideal for snorkelling.

Monchique

The mountain village of Monchique is near Faro and is renowned for its natural thermal spa which has been drawing in visitors since the age of the Romans. The hot sulphur springs and baths amongst the woods of the Serra de Monchique mountain range.

Praia de Odeceixe

If you’re looking for a quiet beach which offers fantastic surfing at any time of year, Praia de Odeceixe is the place to be. It’s a crescent-shaped and sheltered beach in the south which is rarely busy even in high season.

Albufeira

Albufeira is one of the leading resorts in the Algarve which offers tourists everything they could ask for from a holiday destination. Although a peaceful fishing village by day there are plenty of bars and restaurants which create a vibrant nightlife. It is particularly well known for the beaches which include Oura, Gale, Vigia, Baleeira, Maria Luísa, Falésia and Olhos de Água. Albufeira is also home to some of the area’s best golf courses including Balaia Golf Village, Pine Cliffs and Salgados.

Family · Travel

Planning A Unique Family Vacation to Scottsdale

April 25, 2019 JayneLeave a comment

If you are looking for an ideal family vacation, then you should not look further than Scottsdale. Located in Arizona, Scottsdale stands out when it comes to relaxation. Surprisingly, this mid-sized city has the most spas per capita in the US.

Even if you’re not heading there for a spa treatment, this little factoid can tell you all you need to know about Scottsdale: it’s the perfect place to relax, kick back, and enjoy yourself. Whatever your ideal destination looks like, Scottsdale is it or not far from it. There is plenty to do, and it’s one of the most gorgeous natural spaces in which to do it.

What to Expect

On your visit to Scottsdale, you can expect a wide range of things. Scottsdale has an upscale reputation amongst US cities for its exceptional spas, luxurious golf courses, lavish lifestyle, beautiful scenery, pronounced culture, and excellent transportation system. These set the city apart from other possible destinations you might have in mind.

Scottsdale golf courses are among the most creative in the country. While in Arizona, you can enjoy the popular old sport in a luxurious golf course. The green design of courses and the perfect layout make these courses magnificent.

The culture and scenery of Scottsdale also make the place an ideal place to unwind after long and tedious months of schooling or working by your family. The numerous cultural attractions coupled with the beautiful scenery should make Scottsdale your preferred destination. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

Getting a place to stay and also getting around the city is easier. The numerous hotels and resorts offer a wide range of services that are sure to satisfy the diverse needs your family may have. There are several means of transportation available from private transportation services to free ones like buses and metro light rail. These make traveling easy and convenient.

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch is one of the most popular hotel choices. It has a world-class golf course in the Gainey Ranch Golf Club. The luxurious Spa Avania offers an immersive and restorative experience. There are also activities like tennis and rock climbing. They also have plenty of activities to keep your kids busy while they learn about arts and crafts, Native Americans, or the various animals of the region. It’s also near boutique shopping spots that are great for spending an afternoon… or a whole weekend at. This Scottsdale Resort & Spa is an all-in-one example of everything Scottsdale has to offer. Click here to take a look at their website to see what else they can provide to make your trip even more relaxing.

Things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale offers plenty of activities that are likely to leave the entire family relaxed and enjoying the vacation. Here some other things you should do while in Scottsdale.

1. Art Walk

For years now, this has been a Thursday routine for locals and visitors alike in Scottsdale. This allows them to get the chance of viewing the art from the Southwest’s leading artists. The showcase is open every Thursday from 7 pm to 9 pm along Main Street and Marshall Way.

2. Grand Canyon

The eye-catching colors and the enormous Grand Canyon is really a bucket list attraction. Aside from its natural splendor, the unique fauna and flora make this attractive to visitors in the region of 5 million people annually. It can be an unforgettable experience for you and the whole family.

3. Sedona

The topography of this tourist attraction site makes it perfect for photography or just exploring. Journey around Native American ruins and hike the mesa. All these are likely to leave unforgettable memories for you and your family.

Scottsdale has been one of the principal tourist attraction cities in recent years. Its numerous sites and options for things to do while on vacation can not only make your family have fun but also make unforgettable memories.

Tag: Holiday

Rule Britannia: 4 Reasons A Staycation Beats Holidaying Abroad