Tag: Holiday

Holidays

The Dos And Don’ts Of Keeping Kids Interested While Travelling

JayneLeave a comment

Kids are notoriously difficult travel companions. Even if they might be excited to head off on holiday at first, all of that excitement can quickly wane once they have been on a train or plane for a few hours. They can quickly become bored and fed up of all the travelling that is usually involved with going away on holiday, and this can be extremely frustrating for everyone they are travelling with.

So, there’s no wonder that many parents try to think of as many ways as possible to keep their kids entertained while on the move. If you are planning to go away as a family any time soon, you might want to know these great strategies.

Photo Source

Do Visit Somewhere The Kids Want To Go To

This might sound fairly obvious, but there are still some families who head to destinations that their children have no interest in whatsoever. The first thing you need to do is make sure that your children actually want to go, and then they’ll stay excited for longer on the journey. Travelbag’s great guide to film location destinations could give you some destination inspiration, as it could be worth going to where your child’s favourite film or show is filmed. They will love the idea of being in the same place as their TV and movie heroes!

Do Pack Plenty Of Entertainment

Make sure that you pack as many books and travel games as you can into your hand luggage. These will be invaluable once the boredom starts to hit. Most older children will be able to pass the time by getting engrossed in a book, while you can distract younger kids from the boredom of travel by playing a game with them.

Don’t Forget Snacks

If your kids get hungry when out on the road then they will immediately start to complain. In order to prevent this from becoming a full-blown tantrum, it’s a good idea to pack a few snacks and drinks into your hand luggage as well. Try to stick to healthy snacks as giving your kids too much sugar could send them as high as a kite, something which certainly won’t go down well with all the other passengers on your mode of transport!

Don’t Take An Indirect Route

If you are booking flights, try to always fly direct if you’re travelling with kids. Needing to change will only lengthen the journey, and that will mean that there’s more time for your children to moan and complain. So, stick to a direct route so that you get to your destination a lot quicker!

Do Get Them To Keep A Travel Diary

Another way you can keep the kids entertained is to encourage them to keep a travel diary. If you give them a notebook, they will be able to jot down their observations while travelling. It’s also a good idea to give them a disposable camera for the trip as well.

Hopefully, your kids won’t complain too much on your next holiday!

Family · Holidays

Saving for a family holiday? Read this first!

Jayne1 Comment

If you’re anything like me, chances are you’re already dreaming about your summer holiday. It might be the first of many or it might just be the one family treat that you all look forward to every year. We all deserve a summer holiday but saving and paying for one isn’t always as straightforward as we might like. From being bamboozled with deals and last minute options to choosing the location and how you’ll get there , to having enough money to spend when you get there, and not forgetting the whole new wardrobe the kids seem to need and all the other bits and bobs that you’ll end up paying for too…

I thought holidays were supposed to be relaxing! Well, if you’re already pondering how you can save a little extra money before your family holiday, look no further. You’ll find 4 of the simplest ways you can put a little money aside in the lead up to your well deserved break, and you may even end up being able to afford a limo to the airport!

Look at your energy supplier

It’s amazing how many of us still haven’t switched to a cheaper tariff! Whether you’re on domestic oil – for the latest oil prices check out emo oil – or gas an electricity, head online and see if you can get a cheaper deal elsewhere. Most energy providers do all the hard work for you and contact your current supplier too. You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll be able to put away just by switching. Try it now!

Stop your spending

No one deserves that new pair of shoes more than you, but if you’re saving for a family holiday then you need to kerb your spending a little. Try to avoid spending on additional purchases for about 2 months and you’ll notice a big difference in your bank balance. Things like takeaways, meals out, those jeans you really want or a new eyeshadow palette. Put them all on the backburner until after your holiday.

Learn to say no

It’s not easy to say no to the kids – especially when they’re being extra good. But learning to say no will certainly save you a bit of money. Saying no to those sweets or magazines that you usually treat them to, going out for tea – whether that’s at a fast food chain or a nice restaurant – even going out for the day. Instead of paying high prices for an afternoon at a theme park, look for places with free admission, or places of interest that ask for a donation rather than a fixed fee. They might not like it, but they’ll understand!

Don’t forget to set a budget

Make a list of everything you might need to save for. From the holiday itself, to the holiday clothes, toiletries, car hire, fuel money (if travelling in the UK), and anything else you can think of. Make a list and try to budget as best you can. You’ll find that you’re in more control when you’re heading around the clothes shops looking for holiday outfits!

Travel

The Ultimate Summer Holiday Shopping List

Jayne4 Comments
Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplashpacking, 

The holidays should be a time to de-stress and have fun. One way to make sure that’s a reality is to get on top of everything you’ll need for your summer vacation!

Read on for your ultimate summer shopping list that’ll ensure your holiday is one to remember for all the right reasons.

Clothes and safe shades for cool kids

Get the kids set for summer with some sunglasses that have a high Eye Protection Factor (EPF). Those that are rated 9 and 10 block out almost all UV radiation. Not only will they look super adorable and stylish, but their eyes will be protected from sun’s harsh rays.

It’s also good to make sure that you’re bringing the clothes your children will actually need to wear. Pack tons of shorts and T-shirts so the kids can be active and have fun, as well as protective swimwear. If you’re spending all day at the beach, rash guard swimsuits are perfect. They come in seriously cute and colorful designs, so what’s not to love?

Bags and suitcases

Determine what kind of luggage you’re going to need for your trip. If you’re catching a flight, perhaps the kids can have their own carry-on suitcases. Not only will it give them a little independence and responsibility, but it’s less you’ll have to carry around yourself! Kids having their own little bags with quick-access compartments will mean a more comfortable, stress-free trip for everyone. A definite win-win!

Clothes and summer accessories for mom and dad

It can’t be all about the kids, right? Mom and dad deserve to look and feel fabulous while on holidays! Online shopping can be the best option for parents with limited time to go out shopping for themselves.

If you want to score yourself a bargain, you can find them on PromoCodeWatch. There’s an array of coupons to all your favorite stores, and you can even set up alerts to email you when there’s a sale or a great deal going.

Camera

The summer holidays are all about making memories that will last a lifetime, and what better way to remember the good times than with photographs?

You’ll want to get a camera that’s waterproof and shockproof, especially if any of the little ones are budding photographers. There are many compact cameras on the market, so you can pop one in your bag and always have it ready to capture special family moments.

Sun cream

This one is definitely a must-have! If you’re going to be in the sun all day, you need to be smart and protect yourself and your family. Aim for a sunscreen with SPF 50, though 30 will do too, and apply it every few hours.

Don’t be left red-faced, literally, by forgetting this. Nothing will ruin your holiday more than everyone complaining about their uncomfortable sunburn.

Holidays

5 Goa Attractions That Spell History

JayneLeave a comment

Despite its tiny size on the map of India, Goa attracts a good percentage of tourists in India. However, the tourists in Goa are mostly attracted to the beaches. We are not saying that the beaches of Goa are overrated, but, the other attractions are definitely underrated. If you think you can visit Goa only for its beaches, you need to think twice. The beaches should be on your bucket list. However, adding some of the other attractions of Goa to your itinerary will make your visit more fulfilling. Here, we are giving you top 5 attractions of Goa that can introduce you to the rich and varied history of the place.

Fort Aguada, Sinquerim

While Britishers dominated the entire Indian Subcontinent, Goa witnessed the rule of Portuguese. Fort Aguada at the Sinquerim beach is one of the finest epitomes of Portuguese architecture you can find in India. This remarkable fort and lighthouse, covering the entire peninsula at the south-western tip of Bardez, is braving the ravages of time since the 17th century. The fort has not only guarded and protected Portuguese but has also served as a jail. It is believed that none of the enemies conquered the fort. Every nook and corner of the fort will tell you stories from Goa’s past. In addition to this, the place is also known for its alluring natural beauty and tranquillity.

Ajoba Temple, Kero

Located on the shores of the Keri beach in Goa is a beautiful temple famously known as the Ajoba temple. The word temple may give you a hint that it is a place of worship for Hindus, but it actually is not. The Ajoba temple is important religiously as well as historically. You can find devotees of all religion, caste, and creed visiting the temple with same respect especially if you visit it on Sunday or Wednesday as these are traditionally the days for extending you thanks to the deities. People perform rituals on these two days after fulfilment of their wishes. The beautiful temple painted in turquoise and orange is a must-visit place in Goa.

Safa Masjid, Ponda

Compared to other historical sites the Safa Masjid in Ponda is an unheard-unknown structure. This mosque built in 16th century by the Adil Shah Dynasty is one of the most famous and oldest mosques in Goa. Several other mosques were built at the time but eventually got destroyed by the Portuguese invaders. This national monument, under the purview of Archaeological Survey of India, is charming despite its simple architecture. The primary attraction of the mosque is the huge masonry water tank with about 40 chambers built in the Mehrab architectural style.

St. Cathedral, Old Goa

St. Cathedral is one of the oldest and most revered religious structures in Goa. This magnificent monument was built in 16th century by the Roman Catholics under the Portuguese. This is Asia’s largest church to date. It is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria as a memorial for the victory of the Portuguese over the Islamic army which ultimately led to the capture of the city of Goa.

Sinquerim Fort, Sinquerim Beach

Located just at a distance of 18-Kms from Panaji is the mighty Sinquerim Fort. Constructed in the year 1612, the fort served as a reference point for the ships coming from Europe. The fort was built for guarding Goa under Portuguese from Dutch, British and Maratha armies and is also seen by many people as a lower extension of the Fort Aguada. Although the Sinquerim Fort is lesser known when compared to Aguda fort, it is an equally crucial historical structure. The beach is cleaner here, and the waves are not as harsh as others.

What are you thinking now? Book cheap Chennai to Goa flights before summer starts getting unbearably hot. Enjoy the beaches of Goa but try to look beyond them too.

Holidays

Greece – The Ideal Destination for Families and Couples

Jayne1 Comment

Before Husband and I met and had a family, we both did a little bit of travelling, mine more Europe focused, his in both Europe at the US, but we always wanted to travel farther and wider as a couple and later as a family. Obviously we were lucky enough to get married in the Maldives and have always said that we’d find it hard to top that experience, but we’ve been doing a lot of research in recent months and think that a holiday to Greece could be an amazing experience, both for us as a couple and the whole family unit.

Greece and the surrounding islands have so much to offer, from incredible historical sights to stunning beaches, not to mention the food! I thought I’d ask my friends if they’d been to Greece or if anyone had stayed in one of the many glorious homes for rent in Greece and the fact that I got such a big response proves how wonderful the country is!

My friend Pippa said “I would say you have to visit Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon at sunset. We took a bus from where we were staying in Athens when we were on our Honeymoon (back in 2001) and arrived around three hours before sunset. We explored and sat on the beach, watching little fishes swim around our feet as we paddled.

It was an amazing afternoon, not even made less special with the rush to get to the bus a few minutes after the sun had set!

Oh and don’t eat the Cheese Pie. Yes I know it’s traditional, but it was also horrid! Oh and do buy Prayer beads, they are a great fiddle toy, much better than a fidget spinner!!!”

My friend Sara actually got married in Greece and said “Santorini is beautiful; I got married there last year. Kamari was reasonable for food and drink and to stay, Thira was more expensive but great to visit and see the caldera (volcanic crater)”

My friend Joanne wrote her own post about Greece and has some excellent tips about visiting the Acropolis “Well you’ve got to, haven’t you? This is the site that everybody visiting Athens has to visit, and so it’s one of those places that’s constantly busy. Get there as early in the day as you can, and buy the combined ticket that gives you access to other museums too. Allow most of the day for a trip here, because you will want to visit the Acropolis Museum too. Though be careful if you have mobility issues, since there is a lot of walking over stony ground.”

My friend Jen also wrote a post about her holiday to Paros and says “Paros is nice for a relaxing break, but really don’t expect too much excitement. The weather is fairly consistently warm (around 27 degrees during August) though it can get very blustery, as we found on a few days; the sunsets are pretty, the water is clear, and there are no shortage of eateries. In general, people are friendly, and we were pleased to find that it was not too jammed with tourists, despite being high season. The nightlife is family-friendly and, while the sun sets fairly quickly and quite early (around 8:15), it is still warm enough to enjoy a lingering meal or a few extra drinks into the late evening.”

My friend Nickie visited Roda in Corfu and couldn’t speak highly enough about it, especially the food: “Every single restaurant in Roda deserves your custom. The quality of food is unbelievable and the hospitality is second to none.  All food and drink is reasonably priced and you are given very generous portions. It’s not unusual to eat late and eat slowly so sit back and enjoy the view whilst you sample local delicacies.  Our two most favourite restaurants were Roxannes (you can find this on the beach road in town) and Thalasea (on the main road in Roda).”

Something that Husband and I like to do is go to lesser-known places, which aren’t purely touristy, so we’ve been doing a lot of research into the more unusual places to visit in Greece and we’ve come up with a list of our top three (although I’m thinking this may require more than one holiday to get it all done!)

Necromanteion of Ephyra

Lots of people visit the Oracle of Delphi, but fewer go to the Necromanteion of Ephyra, which was built as a temple for Hades and Persephone. It’s basically a series of underground chambers and is thought to be intended as an entrance to the underworld – I get the feeling it will appeal to Sausage’s recent gothic leanings!

Ghost town of Gavros

We’ve got a bit of an obsession with ghost towns (have you seen the images of the island off of the coast of Japan which was abandoned, or the drome images of Chernobyl?) and the one at Gavros looks like a fascinating place to visit. It’s not actually known why the locals abandoned it, but I’d love to take a look around and try to get my head around the mystery.

Volcanic crater, Nisyros

As we mentioned above Santorini also has a volcanic crater but the one at Nisyros is lesser known and also open to the public. The very bottom of the crater is closed off, but if you go as close to the edge as you can and you’re wearing flip-flops or thin soled shoes, you can actually feel the extreme heat coming up through the ground!

Have you been to Greece or one of it’s surrounding islands? Please leave me a comment below.