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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Femme Luxe Loungewear

Advertorial in collaboration with Femme Luxe

I feel like all my posts recently have been about the big things.  Travel, adventure and birthday posts seem to be what I come to the blog for and it probably makes my life look a lot more glamorous than the reality, which involves endless club runs, meetings at schools and the excitement of getting new loungewear.  I will continue to post mostly about the exciting things we get up to, because I love looking back on our adventures and I hope I can inspire someone else to dream big even with a whole gang of children, but today I am writing about the more ordinary aspects of life.

One of the best things to come out of the lockdowns in my opinion, is loungewear.  I don't think I owned a single pair of joggers before 2019 and now I can't get enough of them.  I still wear my jeans but comfort has become so much more of a priority when I am buying clothing now.

I chose a few pieces off the Femme Luxe website and this  loungewear set of joggers and a hoody is my new favourite thing to change into once the school and club runs are finished for the day.  Despite promising myself we wouldn't get so busy again and wouldn't resume all the commitments, once real life restarted, we appear to have more going on than ever.  The moment I can sit down with a cup of tea on the sofa is absolutely one of my favourite parts of the day.  This drawstring hoody and high waisted joggers set is comfy, warm and has the kind of pockets things don't fall out of (which is a big factor when choosing things for me).  The hoody has a drawstring bottom so it can be pulled in for more shape, but I like it left loose.  I normally wear an 8/10 and I am five foot nine. Everything I am wearing is a 10 and true to size I would say. 

I also chose an oversized white hoody dress which I have been wearing both with skinny jeans, over running leggings and with loungewear because it is so effortless to throw on.  It is so easy to wear and the fleecy inside is very soft. I particularly like how the sleeves are nice and long as I often struggle with being taller and having long limbs.  I have already got lots of different ways to wear this hoody dress planned so expect to see it crop up on my pictures regularly!  Femme Luxe sell a variety of hoody dresses and I really like the look of the denim look one.

These loungewear pieces are the kind of clothes that are perfect for the everyday that I don't share so much of.  They are perfect for the school runs, which seem endless now I have children at 3 different schools.  They are ideal for the playgroups, baby gymnastics and chasing a toddler round a park.  They are designed for cooking the three different versions of a meal most nights as I have run out of ideas of things everyone will eat, and I am comfy in the evenings whilst I eat ice cream out the tub in my bed with the TV on.  The 'lazy weekends' (where I am still up early to drop boys at football or parkour) are a whole lot more comfy since the pandemic made us realise the beauty of loungewear.

Femme Luxe do more than just comfy loungewear, check out their Denim shorts and Summer dresses if you are getting ready for the warmer weather

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Our Family Ski Holiday 2023

Every year we think about booking somewhere different for a family ski holiday and every year we end up going back with Snowbizz. Why? Well the formula just works so well for us.  The resort is small enough that we know it well and the children can have a little freedom.  The 'pink ladies' childcare team are so much fun that my children want to spend time with them, meaning we get a bit of time as a couple. The snow is great and there are plenty of runs suitable for all of us, and it is easy to get to with a coach transfer from Turin airport.

This was our first year skiing as a family of seven but Rex was booked into the creche (run by English speaking, fully qualified nannies) so we knew we would be able to enjoy some time on the pistes.  The creche is open 9am -5pm and Rex did various hours between these times each day.  There is a babysitting service available in the evenings too but we didn't use it during our stay.

The big four were all dropped at ski school in the morning where they had time to play either indoors or out in the snow with the pink ladies before their two hour ski lessons.  My children love making holiday friends and this is where the bonds were made.  The lessons were split on ability and they are happy to move children around if a different lesson would suit their skills better.  Each child moved up a level during their week and got the next badge which they were so excited to be presented with at the awards night.

Ed and I could head up the mountain each morning to do our favourite runs, stop at one of the mountain cafes for a refreshing drink and have some much needed child free time knowing the whole gang was happy.  In the afternoons we swapped between sledging, skiing with just the bigger two or taking all four out on the slopes whilst Rex played in the creche.  The resort has a sledging area and small kids playground and the creche has sledges you can borrow for free if you want to play.  

Each evening there was a different kids club, from treasure hunts, winter olympics and crepe and games night.  The big four wanted to do every single one of course, which meant making them dinner in our apartment before hand and then getting to go out for a quiet meal in the evening (with Rex still).  They loved catching up with their friends and the talent show was a big hit.

Learning to ski as a family is such a special experience and we leave every year desperate to book our next trip.  I can't recommend skiing as a family holiday enough.

I have written a lot about family skiing with Snowbizz so if you want to know more then here are a few of my previous posts:

Ski Holiday through the eyes of an eight year old

A day in the life on a ski holiday

A video from a family ski holiday

Top tips for taking kids skiing

Learning to ski at 2 and 4 years old

Going on a ski holiday pregnant

First time skiing as adults

5 Things not to miss on a Snowbizz ski holiday

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Tomorrow You Are Eight

It is the eve of your eighth birthday, although it feels like you are already eight, we have been talking about this for so long.  This year it is all about football and Arsenal in particular and I think you are going to love your Saka shirt in the morning.  You have been looking forward to this birthday and counting down for months and I hope it is as special as you are.

 

It feels like you have really grown up a lot as a seven year old.  Whilst impulse control is never going to be your strong point, you have definitely matured in your emotions and communication and you are lucky to have such wonderful and supportive friends.  You have started junior school and absolutely love it. After a tricky end to Infants, I think the new challenges of a new school are exactly what you needed and I hope you continue to thrive there as an eight year old.

You seem to have moved away from the rainbows but definitely still like being bright, although anything with a gaming slogan or football gear is now what you pick from your wardrobe.  You still love a disco jacket though which makes me happy.

You are intelligent, capable, determined and so completely yourself.  You are vibrant, so incredibly loud and you are loving.  You frustrate me, push all my limits and bring me such intense pride and I can't imagine life without you.  

We have a climbing party with your friends tomorrow and then a family party which means lots of cake and lots of excitement and you can't wait!

Happy Birthday baby boy, Happy Birthday Finn.  You are loved more than I ever knew you could be

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Safe Skiing with Piste X Code

We first went skiing in 2014 and it has become one of our favourite things to do as a family ever since.  All four children now ski when we go away, with lessons in the morning and out with us in the afternoon and I love watching the pride they have in themselves as they progress.  It is still a couple of years until Rex can put on skis, but he has four mini teachers excited to help him out when he does.  Cora and Finn are still cautious and happiest on green runs (the easiest and flattest) whilst Dylan and Archie are more confident on the blues (next stage up) and love adding in little jumps and off piste sections. 

Learning the basics of a new sport is tricky and with skiing, it isn't just yourself you have to think of, it is everyone else on the slopes.  During a run we will inevitably come across people much faster than us, hurtling past and also people much slower who are still new to skiing and lessons taking place. Knowing how to navigate all that is so important and if the children are old enough to ski, then they are old enough to learn about safety.  This is where the Piste X Code comes in - a simple way to teach children (and remind adults) how to stay safe and respect others on the slopes.  In this video BBC Ski Sunday Presenter Ed Leigh introduces the code.

                 

Thankfully, we haven't yet had an accident on the piste but we do stick to the important rules and ski with respect for both the terrain and other people.  It won't be long until the children over take me with their skills and want to ski the runs beyond my ability so reinforcing the message regularly is so important.  I will be writing more about our family ski holiday this week so if you are considering booking a family ski trip then make sure you check back!

This post is for the Ski Safe Blogger Campaign by Alikats Mountain Holidays and Piste X Code. Find out more here

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Before You Turn Ten

Ten sounds so much bigger than nine, but then you are so much bigger.  You are growing up and it is only in looking back that I realise how far you have come.  In little ways you are becoming more independent and getting new freedoms and I feel immense pride watching you grow. 

You are an introvert, hard to get to know (a battle I think we will have with each new teacher) but wonderful when you do.  With those that know you, you are playful and loving, loyal and kind.  You come alive when you are skiing, you are bold and confident and so full of joy that I want to move to the mountains with you. When you are passionate about something it radiates from you and is impossible to ignore.

You don't want to cuddle as much now you are growing up.  You are comfortable setting boundaries and you are confident in your own beliefs.  You are still happiest snuggled up in a blanket with a gaming device in your hand.  You feel injustice strongly and are certain that you will make good decisions as you hit the teenage years - let's see if that happens! 

In some ways you are still the easiest child - not old enough to be asserting too much independence and not young enough to need too much help but I don't want you to ever feel lost in the middle.  Being part of a bigger family has its pros and cons and I hope you always feel special and unique.  You still absolutely adore your baby brother (even if you could take or leave the rest of the gang) and you love teaching him new skills and celebrating his milestones.  You are so protective of him - something I should have expected as you have always been kind and loyal.  

I like to re read all your birthday posts on the night before and see how much you have changed but also how much you have stayed the same, completely true to who you are. You are an amazing person and I am so lucky to be your Mum.

Before you turn ten, as I kiss you for the last time as a nine year old, I want you to know how truly loved you are.

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