Two Days in Venice on a Budget.

Venice has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember and I recently had the opportunity to visit.  I had been keeping an eye out for cheap flights and managed to find some bargain options so I packed a small bag and flew out early one Thursday morning, returning late Friday night.  We found a B&B on the island with breakfast included and I will leave costs below if you are looking to plan something similar.

Our 6am flight meant we were in Venice by 9am and we (I travelled with two friends) got the bus over to Venice island.  The buses stop just as you arrive as there are no vehicles allowed on the island, boats are the only way to get around other than walking.

Breakfast views from our B&B

We spent two days exploring on foot and boat.  We bought a 24 hour boat pass which meant we could go over to Burano Island -famous for the super colourful houses, and Murano -known for being the island where glass is blown and the best place for shopping for glass.  We could also get the boats all over the island and down the grand canal with this.

As we were travelling on a budget, we did forego the 80 euro gondala rides and opted for the 2 euro version which took us across the grand canal.  It was a much shorter trip but still fun to be rowed on a gondola on the Venetian canal.

Our 2 Euro Gondola ride

Other free activities we did were visit the famously quirky Libreria Acqua Alta - a bookshop with some brilliant book steps and a gondola boat out one exit. We also booked the free rooftop viewing terrace on top of the DFS building which has incredible views out over the city.  It does need to be booked 21 days in advance and you get a 15 minute slot but I would highly recommend it.  There is so much to see by just walking around the island and my favourite thing was to get lost in the streets.

Views from the free DFS viewing terrace

We ate all the gelato, pizza and pasta and I can recommend Farini for cheap but delicious pizza on the go and Suso for incredible gelato.  Whilst you can spend money on a nice restaraunt, there are plenty of more budget friendly options and we didn't find food too expensive. We stayed in a a b&b in the Cannaregio district and there were some fantastic bakeries in the area.  We flew back around 9.30pm on Friday night.

Whilst you could pay a lot of money for a romantic break to this incredible city, it can also be seen on a budget and still enjoyed.  Take comfortable walking shoes and avoid buying food and drink in the main square and next to the Rialto bridge.

I paid

£58 return flights

£50 for a room in a B&B with breakfast (based on 3 of us sharing a quad room)

£30 for a nice meal out with a cocktail in a beautiful courtyard restaurant.

£4 a slice of pizza bigger than my head.

£25 for a boat pass that gave you 24 hours unlimited travel

£15 return bus from the airport to the island.

£2 for a gondola ride across the canal.

Have you visited Venice before?

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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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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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