Hand Luggage Only Travel Tips.

Travelling with hand luggage only has become increasingly popular among families seeking convenience, flexibility, and a stress-free holiday experience and it is my favourite way to travel now. Packing light means never having to worry about missing bags on a flight, and having plenty of space in the car for a UK break (crucial when we already fill up all 7 seats in our car!). Prioritising items that work well from day to night and are versatile is important for both adults and children and we worked with Very to choose some items for Cora and I that are perfect for this

When travelling with limited luggage space, it's crucial to choose items that work well for both day and night. Both parents and children can benefit from packing multi-functional pieces that can be dressed up or down, allowing for maximum versatility. A few essential items for us include:

1) The Great White Dress

A white dress is a timeless and versatile piece that can be easily accessorized to create a variety of looks. Pair it with sandals and a sunhat for a day on the beach, then add a jacket and swap the beach bag for a bright statement bag for a nice dinner out in the evening. This versatile dress can be adapted to suit any occasion and is a holiday staple for Cora and I. Very have an extensive collection of white dresses in both the adults and child's section and you will find both the dresses we are wearing there.

2) A Jacket That Goes With Everything

Travelling light for us means choosing one jacket that will go with everything and a denim jacket is perfect for that. As the temperature drops in the evening we can cover up and keep warm. Opting for a neutral colour that can be paired with various outfits makes sense. These jackets are both from Very's own range and go well with shorts and t-shirts or a nice dress so are our holiday staple. Cora loves that we have matchy too (I am a bit jealous of her little frills)!

3) Stylish Footwear

We usually choose to travel in trainers and pack a pair of sandals as they are smaller and lighter to fit in our bag. For Cora and I, they need to be secure enough for adventures, comfy enough for every day wear and pretty enough to work in the evenings too. I went for some neutral coloured Teva sandals which go with everything and are supportive and Cora's colourful girl's shoes go with her bright taste and look nice in the evenings. Important tip before packing - make sure you wear your shoes in, or make sure they are comfy before you choose them!

You can find all the items Cora and I are wearing on the Very website. Let me know if you have any hand luggage only trips planned and what your essentials are! 

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3 Days in Salou, Spain

Salou is an amazing holiday destination for families with children, and I recently visited with Dylan, Archie and some friends with children the same age (and of course Rex came along too). We spent most of our time at Port Aventura and Ferrari Land, two theme parks that are sure to keep children of all ages (and parents) entertained.

One of the best things about Salou is its proximity to the beach. We balanced the busy days in the theme parks with a quieter one at the local beach, which was only a couple of minutes walk from our hotel. The sand was soft and white and during the Easter holidays it was so quiet. The seafront and town were full of souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes and some beautiful fountains. It wasn't quite warm enough for sea swimming in my opinion but we all had a paddle.

Salou is definitely a tourist destination and there are so many hotels to choose from. Our hotel had a huge pool with some fun water slides and plenty of sun loungers for relaxing. The kids could spend hours swimming and playing, and we could easily keep an eye on them while enjoying the sun (or chasing a toddler around). There was also a playground, games room and mini soft play for younger children as well as entertainment during the days and evenings. I imagine it gets very busy in the summer months but during our stay it was quiet. The restaurant on site is a buffet so you can book the hotel as an all inclusive or with just breakfast like we did.

One of the things I appreciated most about Salou was how child-friendly the town is, even late in the evening. There were always families out and about, enjoying the many shops, cafes, and restaurants. We never felt unsafe or unwelcome, which made our trip that much more enjoyable. We ate out in the evenings and I can highly recommend The Guiness Tavern which did excellent food and catered well for vegetarians and vegans.

Of course, the highlight of our trip was visiting PortAventura and Ferrari Land. There were so many thrilling rides and attractions to explore, and we loved every minute of it. From the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to the interactive 4D experiences, there was something for everyone. Whilst the bigger kids went on the fastest rides and were being spun upside down, Rex and I could have a wander through Sesame Street Land and we even found some rides that he could go on (Some of them had no minimum height but you had to prove that your child could walk to go on them).

We also enjoyed exploring the different themed areas of the parks, like the Wild West and Mediterranea. The attention to detail was impressive, and we felt like we were transported to a different world. When we needed a break from the rides, there were plenty of snack stands to refuel and recharge and there were shops dotted around for buying souvenirs.

Ferrari Land boasts Red Force, a ride that goes from 0-180km in only 5 seconds and that Rex couldn't take his eyes off of. The park was open from 4pm-10pm during our visit and there are shows and exhibits as well as rides for all ages. Tickets are available that cover both parks and we chose a two day-two park ticket.

Overall, Salou is an excellent holiday destination for families with children, especially tweens. The proximity to the beach, the numerous hotels with great pools, and the child-friendly atmosphere of the town all make for a fantastic family vacation. With PortAventura and Ferrari Land right on your doorstep, theme park lovers are guaranteed an unforgettable time. If we had longer in Salou we would have loved to travel an hour up the coast for a day trip to Barcelona and to explore more of Catalunya.

We stayed in Hotel Jaime 1 and booked as a package. As the weather isn't guaranteed over Easter time the prices are cheaper than peak, so I paid around £500 in total for Myself and the three children which covered our flights, accommodation and breakfast for our 3 night stay. It was between 20 - 25 degrees during the day but dropped down in the evenings.

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Our 3 Day Ibiza with Kids Itinerary

If you're planning a family holiday to Ibiza, you might be wondering how to make the most of your time on the island. I recently visited Ibiza with my three youngest (aged 1, 6 and 8 years old) and my sister and this is our itinerary;

We caught an evening flight to Ibiza and went straight to our hotel in Sant Antonio to sleep. We were travelling on a small budget so we stayed in the Hostal Anibal which was a basic 2 star hotel with clean rooms, a pool and a bar that served food and drink. It was £120 in total for three nights in a room and I would stay again. There are plenty of other options in this family friendly area if you have a bigger budget.

Day 1 : Sant Antonio

We were eager to start exploring the beautiful island of Ibiza. Our first day was spent in the charming area of Sant Antonio and the seafront was only a few minutes walk from our hotel. We decided to take a stroll along the front and discovered many parks that were perfect for the children to play in. It was around 21 degrees which felt so warm after the English weather, so we couldn't resist having a paddle in the sea and collecting shells along the beach.

For lunch, we chose a local restaurant where we could dine outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. There were playgrounds next to many of the restaurants so the children could play whilst they waited -something we really appreciated! We then browsed the shops and bought some souvenirs before heading back to our hotel for a swim in the pool and some quiet time.

In the evening, we made our way on foot to the sunset strip to watch the sun set. As most of the clubs and bars weren't open yet, there was plenty of space to sit with a picnic and watch the sun going down and the kids loved climbing in the rocks. I think in the height of the season this is an area you need to pay to enjoy as the decking is all used by the bars but over the Easter holidays you can bring your own food and drink and enjoy the views for free.

Day 2: Abandoned Festival Club and Ibiza Old Town

The next day, we decided to explore some of the historical and cultural aspects of the island. We drove to the abandoned festival club and were blown away by the graffiti art that covered the walls. The children were fascinated by the vibrant colours and designs. This wasn't the most toddler friendly area as the ground is uneven and there is lots of rubble, but the 6 and 8 year old just loved exploring. We took plenty of photos to remember this unique experience. It isn't easy to reach unless you have a hire car but is well worth the trip. We only saw one other family the whole time we were there.

Afterwards, we drove to Ibiza old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We admired the beautiful white streets that I always associate with Spain, and went up to the castle to take in the stunning views and see the canons. For lunch, we decided to try some tapas at a local restaurant but we headed further down from the castle as the prices got cheaper the further you went. There was a playground next to the place we chose so the children were happy to play and make new friends while we enjoyed our meal.

After returning to our hotel for a swim and rest again, we went to Sant Antonio beach with a picnic to watch the sunset and play football on the sand. The beach was pretty much deserted and the colours of the sky were incredible. This was possibly my favourite memory from our trip, the children were so happy, the views so beautiful and I felt really grateful for the experience.

Day 3: Hippy Market and Playa Den Bossa beach

On our last day in Ibiza, we knew we had to visit the famous Hippy market. It's full of vendors selling handmade goods, jewellery, clothing, and other unique items. It was a great place to buy souvenirs and soak up the atmosphere. We spent a couple of hours wandering around and browsing the stalls. The market only runs on a Wednesday so make sure you time it right and bring cash.

Afterwards, we headed to Playa den Bossa to swim in the Mediterranean sea and play on the beach. The kids loved building sandcastles and playing in the water. We did find it harder to get food in this area as many of the local hotels and bars aren't open yet but there were still some open restaurants and we pretty much had the beach to ourselves. The sea is quite cold still in April, but we all had a swim.

We drove back to the airport in the early evening ready for a late flight back to the UK.

Overall, our holiday in Ibiza was an unforgettable experience. I feel like our itinerary gave us a great overview of the island, it suited all our ages and we managed to do it on a very low budget (other than flights, accommodation and food our only expenses were car hire and souvenirs. We ate out once per day but bought the rest of our food from the supermarkets and made picnics). Would you visit Ibiza with children?

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Ibiza as a Family Friendly Destination

Ibiza, the party island of the Mediterranean, may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a family holiday. However, with its stunning beaches, family-friendly attractions, and the good chance of sunshine during the Easter season, Ibiza is an excellent destination for families with young children.

One of the main draws of Ibiza for families is its abundance of gorgeous beaches. During the Easter season, the weather in Ibiza is typically mild and sunny, making it the perfect time of year for families to enjoy the outdoors without the intense heat of the summer months. During our trip it was between 20 and 25 degrees during the day which is definitely shorts and t-shirt weather, even if the sea was still a bit cold! With over 50 beaches on the island, there is no shortage of places to relax and play in the sand and water. Some of the most popular family-friendly beaches in Ibiza include Cala Llonga, Cala Vadella, and Santa Eulalia. We visited Playa Den Bossa which had the softest white sand and clear waters.

In addition to beaches, Ibiza has plenty of other family-friendly attractions to offer. For instance, the island is home to a variety of waterparks and theme parks, such as Aguamar Water Park and Ibiza Karting San Antonio, which offer hours of fun for the whole family. There are also several nature reserves, such as Ses Salines Natural Park and Es Vedrà Natural Reserve, which provide opportunities for families to hike, bike, and explore the island's natural beauty. We didn't make it to any of these this trip but we did check out the abandoned festival club which was a real highlight of our trip.

Ibiza is also known for its rich culture and history, which families with young children can explore together. For example, Dalt Vila, the historic old town of Ibiza, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to ancient fortifications, charming streets, and picturesque views of the island. The canons on top of the castle were a huge hit with my gang and we could see for miles.

When it comes to accommodation, Ibiza has a range of family-friendly options to choose from. Many hotels and resorts offer family rooms or suites, which can comfortably accommodate parents and children. Additionally, there are several rental options on the island, such as villas and apartments, which can provide families with more space and privacy. We stayed in a budget hotel that had rooms that accommodated four.

One of the benefits of traveling to Ibiza during the Easter season is that the island is less crowded than during the peak summer months. This can make it easier for families with young children to navigate the island's attractions and beaches without feeling overwhelmed or crowded. We watched the sun setting from the best vantage points without ever feeling crowded and we pretty much had the beaches to ourselves. We didn't need to book ahead for anything and without the clubs and the customers they attract, everywhere we went felt so family friendly.

Overall, Ibiza in April is a great destination for a budget family holiday . With its stunning beaches, child friendly attractions, and warm weather during the Easter season, there is something for everyone to enjoy on this beautiful island.

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5 Reasons to visit Vietnam with kids

Vietnam remains my favourite country that I have visited so far.  It has stunning white sand beaches, incredible cuisine, delicious coffee, friendly people and so much culture to explore.  Thailand is the more popular spot for families visiting South East Asia, but Vietnam is an absolute gem and a great family holiday destination.  Here are five reasons you should bump it up you family travel bucket list.

1. Vietnam is so child friendly.  As with most Asian countries, children are celebrated and always welcome.  When we went out to eat there was always someone asking if they could help hold the baby so we could enjoy our meal (high chairs are less easy to come by).  The children's requests were always accommodated and no matter what time we found ourselves out (we never really adjusted to the time difference so we were up late in the mornings and up late in the evenings), the children were welcome and expected.

2. We spent a few days at An Bang beach and Da Nang which are both along the coast.  The water was warm, crystal clear and amazing to swim in.  We saw little fishes swimming around without needing to go further than the kids could stand so it is great for small snorkelers. The water felt like being in a mild bath it was so warm so ideal for the tiniest adventurers. Our trip was over the UK summer and the beaches were so quiet that we often had the place to ourselves.

3. Vietnam is culturally rich.  There is so much to learn in Vietnam and it isn't just temples.  Hoi An is a world heritage site famous for its colourful lanterns and if I could move anywhere in the world it would be here.  I feel like my children really got to experience so muchfrom travelling around Vietnam.  There is something special about giving them an insight into a culture so different to what they know and Vietnam has many child friendly ways to submerge them in it.  The lantern boats are something not to miss and we send out wishes on the river too.

4. My children loved the unfamiliar but they also loved going to things like water parks and theme parks and Vietnam has a brilliant one in Da Nang.  Sun world had something for everyone with big rollercoasters, chilled carousels and everything in between.  It also had a huge Ferris wheel (it is 20 metres shorter than the London Eye) included in the price of a ticket - which was £8 for adults and £4 for children! The park has different areas themed around other Asian countries and opened conversations with the children about Angkor Wat which was replicated in mini in the Cambodia area.  The flying Ninja ride in the Japan region was a favourite with my gang but they loved the whole park.

5. Vietnam has incredible food.  The most traditional dish being Pho, there is so much more to taste though and we loved eating out and trying different foods.  In Hoi An we did a cooking class (I have linked the one we did) as a family which was a highlight of our whole trip.  We toured a local market to see where the Vietnamese buy their food, went on  traditional basket boats to learn about fishing, did some shore crabbing and then learnt to cook different meals.  As we had booked the class for children, they had extra adults around so each child had a helper and Ed and I could get properly involved too.  Getting involved in the preparation and cooking meant the children tried all sorts of new things.  If you have less adventurous children (which most of mine are), we found pretty much everywhere sold pizza or burger and chips as well as plain rice and noodles so we could encourage them to expand their palate without any pressure. 

I hope this has made you consider Vietnam as a family friendly destination.  It has definitely made me want to book a return trip to see more of the north of the country, as each area is so unique.

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