A Week in Malta

Ed's business often takes him to Malta and this summer we got to accompany him on a week there.  We stayed in a residential area called Naxxar as it meant we could have more space than if we stayed in a busier town.  It was our first time in a villa and it won't be our last based on the week we had.

Malta is a very small country (smaller than the Isle of Wight) and heavily populated on one side, with lots of internet based companies residing there.  The weather is incredible though, with 300 days of sunshine per year and it fluctuated around 34 degree during the day on our visit, and around 28 degrees at night.  Having our own pool meant we could always cool off.

We wanted to see as much of the island as we could during our trip, so we spent time in the capital Valetta which is beautiful, the business area of Sliema, the more party area of St Julians, the ancient city of Mdina as well as Naxxar where we stayed and a trip to the blue lagoon off the coast of Comino island.  The location means there is a mix of Italian and Arabic influence in the architecture and language making it a really unique place.

I have shared more on Instagram of our trip, but I wanted to put a few of my favourite photos on here to look back at.

Our Villa

Our Villa had such a great outdoor space with a pool table, table football and table tennis as well as a pool big enough to really swim in.  It was spacious indoors too and a great location for exploring the island.

Mdina

The ancient capital of Mdina doesn't have a lot for families but is definitely worth a visit.  The small walled city is in the middle of the island and has some really interesting buildings.

Naxxar

We really liked Naxxar as a residential area.  There was a 5 a side pitch next to the kids playground which was a big hit with my boys and it was a good base for seeing more of the island.

Splash and Fun Water Park

A day at the water park is a given with five children and this one had plenty of slides, a lazy river and a huge pool with wave machine.  Unfortunately the way the water was treated didn't agree with Archie's skin.  As Malta has no natural water sources, they use salt water from the sea and treat it with something (we aren't sure what).  The rest of the gang had a great time and Archie chilled on a sun bed with ice creams and snacks.

Blue Lagoon

Whilst Ed was working I took the children on a speed boat to the Blue Lagoon.  It was very crowded and I would definitely do this on a trip next time that went to a quieter area as the ferry stop was so busy.  The water was crystal clear though and we had little fishes swimming around us, and they sold cocktails in fresh pineapples which is always a winner!

St Julians

We went to St Julians for lunch and had delicious food at Two Buoys on the river front.  In the evenings this is the party capital but during the day it is lovely (and busy) with some great places to eat and shop.

It was our first visit to Malta as a family and I feel like we got a great overview of the country.  It was sunny, chilled and beautiful with so much great Italian food, brilliant transport and lovely people.

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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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A Winter Getaway to Vilnius, Lithuania

I wanted to get away for a Christmas market trip over December and after looking at a few options, it was Vilnius in Lithuania that I was drawn to.  As well as a Christmas market for shopping, there was a new country to explore and the flights were very reasonable for the dates we wanted.  I had initially planned to go with just Rex but I ended going with four friends as well.

We found flights for £45 return, leaving Friday and coming back on the Monday and we booked a beautiful apartment right by the old town which worked out £60 each for the three nights.  Vilnius airport is very small and it cost us seven Euros for a large taxi from the airport to our apartment (slightly less for a standard sized car).

In December Lithuania is slightly colder than the UK and temperatures ranged between-5 and -15 during our trip.  There was a brief flurry of snow one evening and if you got away from the town centre there was snow on the ground and trees still. We came prepared with warm layers, thick socks and thermals and the cold didn't feel nearly as biting as the UK in my opinion.

There were two Christmas markets on whilst we were there, the first one was just for a weekend and was an international market in the town hall which was mostly tables run by different embassies.  The second one was in the Cathedral square and centered around the huge Christmas tree.  Every year there is a different theme to the tree and 2022 looked like a three tiered cake.  It was spectacular day and night, however the market was quite limited.  We did get mulled wine and some Lithuanian candy but bought more from other stalls around the old town rather than the market here.

Whilst the market was disappointing, the mini break certainly wasn't and I adored Vilnius.  The architecture is incredible and the old town with its cobbled streets, beautiful coffee shops and Christmas lights was pretty special.  There were so many buildings which had gone big with their Christmas decorations and made the whole town feel so warm. 

Here are some of the places we visited during our stay

1) Uzupis is a self declared republic within Vilnius and a short walk from the old town.  You can find their constitution in 23 languages written on the wall which contains statements such as 'everyone has the right to cry'.  The area is full of fun street art, interesting boutiques and a tourist office where you can stamp your passport.

2)Lukiškės Prison is situated in the centre of Vilnius and was closed as a working prison in 2019.  Over the winter there was an ice skating rink in the central courtyard and you can go for tours around this prison (where scenes in Stranger Things season 4 were shot). It was really interesting to walk around and we found a fun bar inside the prison where you could get drinks and snacks.

3) There is a Christmas train that drives around the old town at night, all lit up with fairy lights.  It is 2 euros per ticket and a fun activity to get out of the cold for a little while and see the beautiful city.

4) Food was an important part of our trip.  We had a delicious brunch at Backstage cafe who also did great coffee. Rosehip Vegan was incredible - make sure you book a table as they do get busy. Etno Dvaras is a chain doing reasonably priced traditional food.  Hales Market is fun for a wander and you can grab smoothies, pastries and the traditional Lithuanian cakes there.

5) Other members of the group visited Vilnius' MO Museum of Modern Art and really enjoyed it.  (Rex was not in the mood).  If you are interested in art then they recommend it.

6) Sky Bar is located on the 22nd floor of the Radisson and we booked a table on the day we wanted to visit.  With views out over Vilnius it is a great spot to drink a cocktail and there were hundreds on the menu as well as staff happy to make something up based on our likes. Children are allowed in the bar until 10pm, although we didn't see any other than Rex. Cocktails were around 9-10 Euros each.  

Rex was 12 months old when we visited and was so easy. He was happy in the stroller or sling as we explored and I made time to find empty coffee shops for him to explore or took him back to the apartment for a crawl around when he needed it. The bars we visited (sky bar and the prison bar) were both happy to have a baby in and the city was stroller friendly.  Vilnius is a beautiful city to visit, small enough that you can see a lot in a couple of days and it felt very festive in early December.

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