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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A Weekend Glamping with Featherdown Farms

We arrived at our Featherdown Farm canvas hideaway in Layer Marney, Essex, in the rain.  The older two children were sceptical, the younger ones unsure.  We played some games, ate dinner and eventually settled for the night in the (incredibly) comfy beds. The next morning I was prepared for cries of 'I'm bored' and 'there is nothing to do', and I definitely heard those from the tweens who are used to technology and activities all the time. I knew I needed to keep going though so I offered suggestions and let them work it out. 

It didn't take long at all until things changed. Before long their fingernails had turned brown, their hair looked like they had been climbing through hedges and the light of the campfire danced in their eyes. I had looked at what was around locally but that list went unused, we had everything we needed on site.  It was such a wonderful opportunity to do very little, but in the best way.  I don't know how long I have got before my elder ones take too long to revert to this childhood wildness so it felt like a really special chance to spent this time with them.  It was a detox from technology and modern life and a connection with nature that we all needed more than I knew.

We stayed at the Tudor site Layer Marney which is a small site with six canvas hideaways (named after the six wives of Henry VIII).  In the mornings we met the farmer at 8am to change the goats hay, feed the sheep and collect the chicken eggs and the children all loved getting stuck in with this.  For the rest of the day we alternated between cooking outside of our canvas hideaway, playing table tennis by the wood stores, going to the playground and back to see the animals and sitting around the fires.  The children were convinced their food tasted better after being cooked outdoors - even more so as the eggs came from the chickens on the farm.  They loved watching the fires, collecting more logs and of course roasting marshmallows over them.  They played together, they made friends with the children staying in the other canvas hideaways and they were wonderfully wild for the duration of our stay.

Our trip had been timed to coordinate with the Tudor Fayre being held at Layer Marney tower on the Sunday and there was a pass for the tower in our guidebook for everyone to use. The fayre was fantastic, with so many people dressed up demonstrating Tudor crafts and skills like weaving and arrow making.  There was live music, lots of games for the children to try out and birds of prey to admire.  All the children played 'the game with no name' with a Tudor man and raced wooden horses. I was delighted to see how reasonably priced the gift shop was as we love to bring home a souvenir and they enjoyed choosing something each.

Our canvas hideaway was a great size for the six of us (Due to work commitments it was just the five children and I).  It is divided into three rooms, one with a double bed, one with bunk beds and then the cupboard bed which was a brilliant den in the day if they wanted to chill out.  All of the beds had incredibly comfortable mattresses and warm duvets provided.  As we had booked with a baby we had a cot set up in my room too.  We had a toilet in our canvas hideaway and running water in the kitchen area, a table with enough chairs for us all, a sofa and a log burner in the middle of the room which we used to warm the hideaway and to boil the kettle.  Outside we had a private hot shower, a fire pit and a wood stove which we cooked on.  The hideaways were well spaced out so we had lots of privacy.

We arrived home late on Sunday evening smelling strongly of smoke with a bin bag full of dirty clothes, dirty fingernails and with a sense of contentment from a weekend well spent.  There are Featherdown Farms all over the UK with availability for this summer (and dates released for next summer too). I thought this would be the ideal getaway for my animal loving seven year old but it was exactly what my tweens needed too. Rex at 20 months was just delighted by the freedom and space as well and we definitely plan to visit again in the future.

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The Night Before Seven

You have been counting down to your birthday since Alexa told you it was 100 days away and I can't wait to see your excitement in the morning when the day is finally here.  We have a badge ready for you to wear to school tomorrow and a party with your friends planned for this weekend.

Six was the year you seemed to finally grow after being small for so long.  You are still one of the shortest in your year, but your limbs seem to be stretching out and all the clothes that always seemed too big are now looking short.  Six is your last year at infant school and you are getting ready to leave it behind next month and start at a new one in September.  

Six was the year dogs were finally knocked off the top of your 'favourite things' list (although you would still love to have one as a pet).  Animals are still your biggest interest, but Izzy's Koala World has pushed the Australian marsupial up to top spot on your list.  It is an ever changing top 10 animals list and so I wouldn't want to try and write it down as it may have changed by tomorrow.

Rex is still your favourite brother and you are excited to see him every time we collect you from school.  You look up to Dylan a lot too and like to support the same football team as him.  I think you quite enjoy being the only girl in a gang of boys.

You are kind and creative, messy and wild, so very girly and one of the boys all at the same time.  You are observant, motivated and full of joy and spending time with you is a privilege. 

I can't wait to see what seven is going to bring! But before the adventures of seven begin I want to stop for a minute and soak up everything you are now.  The freckles that pop out as soon as the sun starts shining, the love of that black velour sequin dress - even when it is completely inappropriate to wear, the way everything is special and needs to be kept, including the back of a receipt that we played noughts and crosses on.  I want to remember the way you always wait for your friend to be picked up from school so you can walk home together, the way you want to look after me and the way you know your own mind so completely.

You will never be this small again.  The clocks will move forward and so will you but I never want to forget this wonderful stage in your life.

Baby girl, you are more loved than you will ever know

xx

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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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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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