Summer Bank Holiday Fun On A Budget With Ideal World

There's something equally poignant and special about the last bank holiday before autumn sets in.  

It's our last chance to pull out all the stops and ignore the fact that it has been raining for weeks, the Husband's locked himself in the shed and the kids have been rendered mute by iPads.

Many of us have blown our budget on days out around the UK, not to mention the fact that our offspring have eaten us out of house and home.  We are still trying to dig our way out of a crisp packet mountain having naively thought it was actually possible to win a holiday on that Walkers' Spell & Go promotion.

So, are there ways you can have fun cheaply without forking out another £100+ on a theme park family ticket for the privilege of inspecting the motorway tarmac as you roast in a traffic jam and then spend 2 hours queuing for a ride which lasts less than 5 minutes?

Well, possibly - but it might involve a bit of fibbing and a lot of "well that's what we used to do in the good old days".

Nothing like a good old fashioned game of  "hunt for the rusty bicycle"

If you're all out of bribery tactics and wine o'clock is now commencing when the sun is over the yard arm anywhere in the world,  here's some budget friendly suggestions for the last 'blow out' of summer.

*  plan ahead - you can save money by booking attraction tickets online in advance and there may be some last minute hotel bargains to be had from sites like lastminute.com.

* save on train fares by investing in a Family & Friends Rail Card which gives you 1/3 off fares and 60% off the kids' fares 

Thankfully the kids haven't noticed that the sea is approximately 5 miles away

* check for offers on your loyalty cards, such as Tesco Clubcard and dining cards like Tastecard which for a small annual fee gives you up to 50% off in over 7000 restaurants across the UK, plus a range of other attractions and cinemas.

*If the weather's fine, just pack a picnic and a football and head off to your local nature reserve or the beach (but be prepared for queues as usual).  Don't forget the suncream

*Of course there's the standby of the Great British Barbecue, even if it's raining!  

*Or what about a movie afternoon with popcorn for the kids and something made out of grapes for mum?  

* If it's raining, a family boardgame challenge will pass a couple of hours - the old favourites are best - Monopoly, Cluedo or how about Kerplunk or Mousetrap?  

If all else fails and the kids strop off to their bedrooms with their gadgets, you could always catch up with a bit on online shopping and snap up some of the bargains to be had.  

Why not join the fun with Ideal World (Sky 654, Freeview 22, Virgin 747, Freesat 812 and at www.idealworld.tv) who are giving free postage and packing on everything until 9 pm on Monday 29th August.  

They'll be running lots of fun competitions throughout the bank holiday weekend with some fabulous prizes on offer.

No queues, no public transport, no stroppy kids.  

Actually that sounds like quite a fun bank holiday to me......

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Safari and Beach Holiday Combo: The Perfect African Safari Experience

The Husband and I still haven't got round to having a honeymoon (4+ years and counting) but the romance of going on safari is very appealing. And what better way to relax afterwards than on a sandy beach whilst drinking cocktails at sunset?

In this guest post from Jenny Bowen of tailor-made safari company Sense Africa, Jenny suggests an idyllic itinerary for the perfect safari and beach holiday.

Jenny says:

I personally think the best way to experience Africa is to do a combination of safari and beach. Immerse yourself in the serenity of the African bush and experience incredible wildlife sightings with the relaxation and laid-back set up of staying at a luxury beach lodge.

Swaziland and Mozambique Combo 

My ideal choice would be to safari in Swaziland and to beach in Mozambique. The reason for this is that firstly this is really affordable as Swaziland’s currency is tied to the Rand and the Rand to Pound rate is exceptionally good at the moment, and secondly because driving distances are small so that you get more value for your time. You can experience everything up close; whether it be elephants in Hlane, rhino in Mkhaya or whales in Mozambique.

Swaziland

Swaziland

The Kingdom of Swaziland is a small country situated in the south east of southern Africa, bordering with South Africa and Mozambique. The reason I choose Swaziland is because it is a really friendly place which is not on the main tourist route and not only offers incredible safaris but also has a lot of adventure opportunities. You don’t have to spend all your time sitting in safari vehicles to see wildlife, you can do it on foot, by mountain bike and on horseback. Imagine walking through a ‘dazzle’ of zebra.

Getting to Swaziland 

Getting to Swaziland is really easy, fly to Johannesburg and then you have a choice of either taking a short international flight to Swaziland, which takes about 50 minutes, or taking a road transfer which is about 4 1/2 hours. Either way, you arrive in Swaziland roughly at the same time, as there is normally a few hours wait in Johannesburg for your connecting flight. If there are four of you travelling together then the transfer option works out more cost-effective.

Self Drive in Swaziland 

I would suggest a self drive on the Swaziland section because you can do things at your own discretion and feel like you are having your own mini adventure. It gives you the opportunity to move around the kingdom at your own pace and not be dictated by group timings.

Driving in Swaziland is really easy, the roads are well signposted, they drive on the same side as we do in the UK and the speed restrictions are very strict, so not too many crazy drivers! But be warned, you may get caught speeding by a camera trap, but do not worry, the police are really friendly and they will pull you over and probably have a very long chat with about what you are doing in Swaziland before kindly taking your money for your fine! It is a whole new experience.

Mlilwane

Mlilwane for 3 nights 

First stop is Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary for 3 nights. As you drive through the reserve passing grazing zebra and warthogs rooting through the ground you will realise you are staying in a really special place. As you cross the dam towards main camp make sure you look at the small island on the right-hand side, hippo and crocodiles often bask in the sun here.

Mlilwane is an outdoor lovers’ paradise and here you can explore the reserve on foot, by mountain bike and on horseback. There are no Big 5 in the reserve which means you can walk in the Bush without even needing a guide. There are not many places in Africa that you can do this and I thoroughly recommend it.

The accommodation in Main Camp is varied but I would recommend the beehive huts. These are authentic styled rooms created in the traditional way with the added benefit of ensuite bathrooms. Make sure you mind your head when you enter as the doorways are quite low.

The whole camp has this rustic, friendly and tranquil air about it and as the camp has no fence wildlife happily wander through. I've woken up in the morning to find for the warthog hoglets lying in a row, a bit like pigs in a blanket, just outside my bedroom.

Mbuluzi

Mbuluzi for 2 nights

Next stop is Mbuluzi Game Reserve which is about an hour and a half drive from Mlilwane, and I recommend two nights here. I have to say that Mbuluzi is one of my favourite reserves because of its large population of giraffe. Again you can walk here and quite often I have been in the reserve and felt as if I was the only one there. Imagine waking up in the morning and looking out of your lodge window to see a giraffe sauntering past - magical!

You can spend time walking through the reserve seeing all the wildlife on foot and you can also do your own self drive safaris around the reserve as well. It is far too large to cover just on foot and there is a great bird hide that you can spend time at.

Mbuluzi only has self catering lodges which is why I only recommend those on self drives to stay there. All lodges have electricity with really good facilities for cooking and also lovely lounge areas for relaxing at the end of the day. Some even have plunge pools as well. The lodges also have beautiful sitting areas on decking overlooking the Mbuluzi river that meanders its way through the reserve. The lodges range from tented to individual lodges, some of which can sleep up to 8 people. So there is a lot of variety within the reserve catering for everyone.

Hlane

Hlane for 3 nights 

Hlane Royal National Park is the place to stay for three nights as it gives you the opportunity to go on a different safaris as well as simply relax by the main waterhole and watch rhino and elephant drink. There is something really charming about Hlane as it has that feeling of the old traditional camps of Kruger Park where there is no electricity and the main reason for staying here is to experience the African bush.

Safaris normally last about 2.5 hours so you have the opportunity to see the wildlife and yet also do things and under your own steam. If you have your own vehicle you can also do a self drive around the reserve and even spent time at Mahlindza waterhole.

Hlane’s Big 5 are in fenced areas, as the kingdom is so small that allowing elephants, rhino and lion to roam free would be very detrimental to the surrounding communities. Instead these animals are in vast enclosures. The lion enclosure has two prides of lion and is so large that I have been there and not seen a lion at all, but this is very rare. I love the safaris here because it is very relaxed. The guides are exceptionally knowledgeable by imparting traditional information but the best thing is that you will probably see big game, usually up close and very personal!

The accommodation here is delightful, traditional rondavels (round huts) set in the African bush with your own veranda where you can sit and watch the impala walk by. The main restaurant has wonderful decking overlooking Ndlovu waterhole. At night lanterns are lit for you to guide you back to your accommodation where you can be gently lulled to sleep to the distant roar of lion.

Mkhaya

Mkhaya for 2 nights

Mkhaya Game Reserve was initially set up in response to the need for breeding programs for the endangered and beleaguered wildlife of Swaziland, the flagship species being the black rhino.

Arriving at the entrance point I wouldn’t blame you if you wondered what you had let yourself in for; there are rusty cars, a small scrapyard and two rather dodgy looking long drops. The reason is the high security access to this reserve which is closely monitored and entrance into the reserve is only at 10am and 4pm and only with prior booking.

Once inside the reserve you can really appreciate that this is a gem of a place and worth the wait. I recommend two nights here so you get the full benefit of staying in this idyllic reserve where you are totally immersed into the wildlife and African bush life. Exclusivity at its finest.

Let the local guides transport you around the reserve in open topped Land Rover’s tracking the elusive black rhino as well as seeing other wildlife such as white rhino, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and a plethora of other plains game. The road system winds through the reserve from African savannah to riverine vegetation, and you never know what you going to see round the corner. The birdlife is also incredible and rare species such as the Narina Trogon can be seen.

Stone Camp is in the heart of the reserve and is beautifully situated along a dry riverbed. Each room is a stone cottage which is open to the surrounding bush and most people normally comment on their loo with a view! The bed has a cascade of mosquito netting that is drawn down at night for you so that you can see the African bush from your bed. Dine out under the stars under the giant sausage trees and become at one with nature.

Mozambique

Mozambique is famous for its azure blue seas, white sandy beaches and delicious garlic prawns. However there is a lot more to this country such as its vibrant culture, its bustling markets and its incredible architecture in the form of forts dotted along the coastline. Having said this most people do visit Mozambique to experience an island hideaway or stay in an exotic beach location.

Getting to Mozambique 

Getting to Mozambique can be really easy, if you are not coming from Swaziland then a simple flight into Maputo and then connecting flights onto any of the islands is really easy. If you are coming from Swaziland it is only a three hour journey from Mkhaya to Maputo marina. A private transfer is definitely recommended because driving yourself across the border and through Mozambique can be quite stressful with police roadblocks being rather unfriendly and quite aggressive and the driving of the Mozambicans is certainly leaves something to be desired! So leave your hire car in Swaziland and enjoy a hassle free transfer across to Maputo.

Machangulo

Machangulo Lodge for 5 nights 

Machangulo Lodge, in my mind, is the only lodge that is affordably accessible from Maputo which also ticks all the boxes of being idyllic, eco-friendly, secluded and luxurious. It is exactly how you would imagine a beach lodge in Mozambique to be.

Getting to Machangulo 

Machangulo is reached by a boat transfer and this needs to be organised in advance from the marina. It takes about 1 hour 15 mins to get to Machangulo and the first hour is across the open sea away from Maputo. During the last 15mins you will gently sweep past a small bay filled with brightly coloured wooden fishing boats, flamingos and palm trees bending over white beaches in the sunshine. It is at this point that everything seems to slow down and before you even reach the shores of Machangulo, you have already relaxed.

Location and Activities at Machangulo 

Machangulo is situated at the end of a promontory with the Indian Ocean on one side and sheltered areas on the other. This makes it perfect for all sorts of activities ranging from fishing to snorkelling and scuba diving to whale watching. There are also opportunities to visit the local village (where a lot of the staff are employed from), as well as being taken to a remote beach and left there for the day with a sumptuous lunch to dine on. Alternatively you can spend the day on one of their boats snorkelling in the national park and diving on the coral reefs. The last time I was there I spent most of my time looking in rock pools for small fish. Machangulo thinks of everything for everyone.

The Lodge is situated above the beach on the promontory and the views from the dining and bar area are spectacular. Be warned, there are a lot of steps to climb to get around the Lodge although small electric carts are provided for the less able. There are plenty of areas to simply relax in hammocks, lounge by the pool or sit in sofas on private decking overlooking the sea.

The rooms are divine and each one has views out over the surrounding area and some of them even have outdoor showers, as well as indoor showers, so you can wash as the sun sets. The rooms are beautifully designed in keeping with the environment yet have that luxury quality about them for the more discerning visitor. The serenity of the place simply allows you to relax from all those exhausting safaris that you have been on!

End the day with a sumptuous meal probably caught by one of the guests, fresh fish is the order of the day although there are plenty of other options available as well. I always dine out on seafood when I stay there, it is divine. The beauty of the food here is that it is all very fresh and more often than not it will have been bought from a local fisherman. Not only will the fish be fresh that day the lodge is also supporting the local community as well. Fresh fruit and vegetables are bought from the nearby village and everything is in keeping with the environment. And after an exhausting day of relaxing go to sleep to the sound of the gentle lapping of waves on the beach knowing that it will be a yet another beautiful day at Machangulo.

Jenny Bowen

Jenny has been organising tailor made safari holidays for 15 years through her business: Sense Africa. She is a qualified ecologist, and enjoys writing about the many once-in-a-lifetime experiences of Africa.

You can follow her blog, Sense Africa Blog, for more African Safari stories and information, and keep up-to-date on the wonders of Africa by following her on Twitter (@senseafrica) and Facebook.

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Our Family UK Staycation Bucket List 2016

Now, as you know, the Hobbis family sojourns into the wilderness have basically got as far as Devon since it has taken me the last four years to muster up the energy to get my passport updated.

Selfridges, Birmingham

But it strikes me that, although the parenting rite of passage that is the Disneyland visit is on the agenda, if ever there were a year for supporting our home nations, it's going to be 2016.

Leaving aside the, to me, incontravertible proof that climate change IS beginning to affect us and the likelihood that the levels of rainfall we are seeing are here to stay, the UK has so many glorious beauty spots, places of interest and cultural quirks that exploring as many as we can should be on all our travel bucket lists.

The other side of this rather waterlogged observation is that, this year, the UK tourist industry needs our financial support more than ever.

I grew up in the 60's and 70's at a time when the Costa del Sol package holiday was in its infancy. Those who braved air travel to fly to Spain were considered very 'posh' indeed.

My Dad took a different approach.  He took his family to all of the areas of outstanding beauty in the UK. We travelled up to Inveraray and back down to Edinburgh.  We visited Keswick and Ambleside in the Lake District and marvelled at the beauty of the Lakes.  We stayed just outside York and visited its cathedral and explored the Shambles.  The Cotswolds were (and are) a favourite haunt with many visits to Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-On-The-Wold.  We saw Donald Sinden as Othello in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon and travelled by boat to Hampton Court out of a dusty and overheated London.

We explored North and Mid Wales and stayed in a cottage in the shadow of the mountain, Cader Idris just outside Dolgellau.   My sister and I splashed about in the river close to the Swallow Falls at Betws-y-Coed.

My parents are from Plymouth and most summers were spent visiting our grandparents.  There were many trips on the "Dockyard & Warships" boat trip, drives to Modbury Beach and Burgh Island and drives over Dartmoor to see Widdecombe and climb up Sheepstor, hopefully (but not always) avoiding the rain.  On Lands End, the winds were so strong, we had to hold on to my mother, lest all 4 foot 11 inches of her blew away to sea.

These are all places I hope to visit with the family over the next year or two.

What my Dad gave us, I now realise, was an education about the wonders of geography and history that was far more interesting than the O level geography syllabus topics of glaciation and orange growing in California.

There are, though, many gaps in my UK travel education and places still to explore.  My grandmother, Jessie, had relatives in the West Midlands and, aside from a trip in the 80's to see Chris de Burgh in concert (even pre-"Lady In Red"!), Birmingham is a city I have yet to explore.

Victoria Square, Birmingham

It's so much easier today now that hotels have comfortable, spacious family rooms.  I remember on our trip to London in the 70's that my Dad rushed out to buy a camp bed to put up next to our hotel room's sole, rather rickety double bed.

These days, too, there is a far greater range of family friendly activities.  Around Birmingham we could visit the National Sea Life Centre or Cadbury World. Then there's the award-winning Black Country Living Museum near Dudley.  I might persuade the Husband to take the kids to the National Motorcycle Museum whilst I explore the shops in The Bullring which has over 160 shops.

Another city I have never visited is Newcastle Upon Tyne which has Europe's largest shopping centre, The Metrocentre.  It has 300 shops, an 11 screen cinema and a fun fair!

Tyne Bridge

There's the science and local history museum, The Discovery Museum, The Great North Museum which has a planetarium or the contemporary art gallery, The Biscuit Factory for starters.

Yes, 2016 is going to be a great year for exploring and I sometimes think that if you waited for perfect weather in the UK, you'd never go anywhere.

No wonder my Dad made sure we always had our waterproofs with us!

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Experiencing Italy On A Plate With Expedia

In celebration of all the fabulous places to which you can travel with Expedia, they have thrown down the gauntlet and launched a culinary competition - the "World On A Plate Challenge".

Multi toned socks are an integral part of the Roman look apparently.

The aim is to try your hand at the local cuisine of one of their package holiday destinations.

Now, as readers of this blog know,  although there's nothing I can't do with a baked potato, the kids are, shall we say, ever so slightly discerning when it comes to 'grown up food' and Ieuan can take three weeks to finish one mouthful of carrot.

Nevertheless, not daunted by this fact nor by the loving moniker the Husband has given me ("Queen of The Reheat"), we decided to reproduce a beautiful sea bass dish from Italy.  I say "we".  Obviously I mean "under maximum supervision by the Husband".

Many years ago, I visited the wonderful city of Rome and then travelled to Amalfi and Portofino. Gazing at Mount Vesuvius across the Bay of Naples is a view that will always stay with me; as will the sheer scale of the Forum and the Colosseum in Rome.

The Colosseum in Rome Credit:  telegraph.co.uk

And of course, I had to throw the famous "three coins in the fountain" at The Trevi Fountain.

The Trevi Fountain:  Credit trevifountain.net

It's only taken me 4 years but I have finally renewed my passport so I can now legally travel further than Devon and as a family we can begin to introduce the kids to the World's wonders.

Part of the charm of Italy, of course, is its food and much has been written about the health giving properties of the Mediterranean diet with its high proportion of fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, olive oil and red wine.  Then there is also the legendary Sophia Loren's claim that "everything you see I owe to spaghetti".

Actually, many of us beleaguered parents owe a debt of immense thanks to pasta as it is frequently one of the few food groups which can be spooned into a protesting child without too many repurcussions.

We did, bizarrely, manage to get Ieuan to eat spinach recently when the Husband told him that the role of spinach was to protect carrots and it was also known as "carrot guardian" and had superpowers. Sadly,  that moment has never been repeated.

So, to create our homage to the beauty of Italy (with me hinting rather largely that Rome would be such a nice place to be taken for my next birthday, particularly the River Palace Hotel), we began our creation.

Since the kids have had pasta twice this week already in their school dinner, we adapted a recipe by Giada De Laurentiis called Sea Bass Alla Fiorentina.

You just can't get the staff, can you?

Ingredients:-

4 x Sea Bass fillets
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly chopped baby tomatoes
Baby Bell Peppers
3 Garlic cloves
Fresh chopped Parsley
Sea Salt & freshly ground Black Pepper

Freshly chopped tomatoes, peppers and garlic

Instructions:-

Season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper.

Heat the 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a frying pan and cook the fish until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.

Transfer fish to a plate.

The Sea Bass fillets

Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.

Add the garlic, tomatoes, peppers, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook at a simmer for 10 minutes.

Add the parsley and the fish and heat for 2 minutes.

We served the fish with baby potatoes sautéd in olive oil and a heavy dose of optimism.

To add to the fun, the kids 'went Roman' - although the combination of tomato and bed-sheet is probably not to be recommended.

OK, so I can't tie a toga either

Over dinner, we talked about the ancient Roman civilisation which the kids are currently studying in school.  We recently visited the Roman Baths in Bath and Caitlin's school trip was to the Roman remains in Caerleon.

The flavours of Italy never fail to inspire - although the combination of fava beans and a nice Chianti is probably one to be avoided.

Sea Bass Alla Hobbis

I'm hoping 2016 will be the year I can revisit Rome.  In the meantime I will channel my inner Sophia and build my strength up with spaghetti.

But my chances of getting Ieuan back in a toga are slim.

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Plan A Fun, Memorable Trip To Italy With The Kids In Tow

I have always loved to travel. When I was younger, there was nothing I looked forward to more than my next trip away. I could go where I wanted when I wanted. I didn’t need to plan, I could hop on a plane and head off to any corner of the globe I fancied, without a second thought.

Nowadays, however, that’s no longer the case. With a family to think about, including two young children, traveling takes a lot of planning. There is still excitement, of course, but there’s also that massive fear that my partner and I won’t survive the trip, due to the stress.

Photo source

That being said, we still love to travel as a family. It might be a lot more stressful than traveling child-free, but we want to make fantastic memories with our kids. So we always make sure to plan at least one family trip a year. This coming year, Italy is on the cards. So I thought that I would put together a guide to making a family trip to Italy fun and memorable, for yourself, as well as the kids.

Don’t worry about boredom 

The good news is that in Italy, kids are welcome in every region. Being a bright and vibrant place, children will love the look and feel of this fabulous country. They’ll also enjoy the attention they’ll get from locals; Italians are very child-friendly.

The surprising thing about Italy is that in every place, there is something that will excite your little ones. From Gondola rides in Venice and beautiful sandy beaches on the Amalfi Coast to yummy pizzas in Tuscany, Italy is a child’s dream. Not forgetting the fact that Gelato - aka, Italian ice cream, is everywhere.

Be choosy about where you go 

While Italy is a family-friendly place, you’ll still need to be choosy about your destination. Think about the type of trip that you want, and your kids will enjoy. Look at the different destinations, and choose one that suits your hopes for your trip.

Are you a beach family - a trip to the Amalfi Coast could be perfect for you. Do you love exploring cities - Venice is the ideal location for your trip. Are you history mad - Rome could be the best place for you. Each of Italy's regions is different, so choosing your destination carefully, is a must.

The Colosseum in Rome

Pick your accommodation carefully

Once you have chosen a destination, the next step is to select your accommodation. While there are plenty of family hotels, with kids in tow, self-catered accommodation is often, best.

Firstly, because staying in a villa or rental house will give your kids more room to play and run around. Secondly, you won’t need to worry about the noise your children are making. And thirdly, because kids can be fussy eaters, especially when away from home. So having access to a kitchen to cook them something you know they’ll eat is a good idea.

To find the perfect place to stay, have a look at the selection of houses online. Often, you can find some fantastic deals on holiday villas if you shop around. So don’t go with the first option you come across, take some time to look around.

Plan before you go

Once you know where you’re going and have your accommodation booked, start planning the details of your trip. Ideally, by the time you arrive, you should have every detail of your trip planned out. From how you will get around while you are there, to what you will be doing each day.

When there are kids involved, doing lots of planning in advance is crucial. You'll find that your trip is much less stressful, if you plan out as much as possible in advance.

To ensure that your family holiday to Italy is as enjoyable as possible, take note of the tips, above.

Thanks for reading Mother Distracted.  I really appreciate your support and I'd love it if you could share this post across social media. If you’re new to Mother Distracted, why not join me on the Mother Distracted Facebook page, tweet me on @lindahobbis or follow me on Instagram.

For loads more parenting advice, just visit the parenting section of my blog.

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I Like My Holidays Fully Medicated

Readers of this blog will know that I have terrible trouble packing.

Or rather I have trouble fitting in clothing to the metric tonnage of toiletries and tablets I am compelled to take on holiday.

For our approaching week in a log cabin in the wilds of Malvern, I am obviously preparing for sudden climatic change and an outbreak of some terrible fever or ice-cream related injury.

There will be an outdoor hot tub (will it have a mosquito net?) and a hammock (with a gym mat underneath in case of falling out, I'm hoping).

What has all the hallmarks of a really fun place has turned, in the wry twisting of my neurotic mind, into an endurance test a bit like "Ninja Warrior" mixed with "The Cube".

Needless to say, the Husband, who travels around the world with a spare vest and a toothbrush, cannot comprehend how I could possibly be allowing the dark clouds of holiday anxiety to roll not just over my head, but over the whole family.

But then, men rarely do the packing, do they?

Mind you, the Husband says he spends most of the time taking stuff out that I put in so that the car will actually move and we can fit the kids in!! That's after one of his comprehensive car maintenance sessions of course. Cue much huffing and puffing and shouts of "where is the tyre gauge"?

It's ridiculous because nothing usually goes wrong on our infrequent trips  I did, to be fair, spend my 25th birthday in bed in an Egyptian hotel room in Luxor with terrible travellers' tummy.

That particular anniversary was marked by my managing to ingest one finger of a Twix.

An Egyptian doctor was sent to my room who gave me a strange injection in my bottom and wrote a sick note which said I had "psychic problems" (true, my tarot reading is very dodgy).

I was duly flown home by British Airways and felt better as soon as I put one foot inside the plane.

Is it any wonder, then, that I am a bit nervous when travelling, health wise?

My coping strategy is shopping for toiletries and medications and I have been whiling away the odd half hour internet shopping at Chemist Direct, which carries a surprising large range, including an online doctor service and offers a prescription service for both you and your pets.  (You simply order your prescription and post the prescription slip to them).

The brands include the usual favourites such as Colgate, L'Oreal and Vaseline but also some surprises such as La Roche-Posay and Roger & Gallet.

I ordered the La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Comfort Tinted BB Cream with SPF 50+  at £14.95 which offers UVA and UVB protection with a matt tint and the Roger & Gallet trio of soaps in "Jean Marie Farina" at £12.99.

I have been searching for Roger & Gallet "Fougère" soaps ever since I was an au pair in Paris at 19 but with no luck.

I'm hoping this Mediterranean inspired fragrance will be a good substitute.

In preparation for our holiday, I stocked up on a Stereoplast Holiday First Aid Kit at a bargain £4.95 and a Jungle Formula Plug-In Mosquito Killer at £8.99.

I also found some TravelMAX travel tablets for motion sickness and traveller's tummy which contain ginger as the main ingredient - a bargain 60 tablets for £1.  I'm planning to use these instead of the full strength travel pills to see if the ginger plus the 'placebo effect' might work.

I placed my order on 8th July and received it two days later via courier, on the 10th July.

Everything was well packaged and as I had ordered it.

Delivery is free over £40 or otherwise £3.49 for delivery within 5 working days.

Next day delivery options start at £4.75.

I thought the service was great, the prices reasonable and, unlike shopping in store at the two main big name UK drugstores, there's less of a risk of being lured in by BOGOFs and promotional gifts which tempt us toiletry addicts to spend far more than we should, or need to.

That doesn't mean I won't be having another quick 'check' before we go though.

Doesn't hurt to be prepared for every eventuality, does it?

*A voucher was received for the purposes of this review.

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Help! I'm Going Glamping - That'll Be An Experience

This year, we're off glamping.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that this is an act of bravery not surpassed since I had hysterics whilst abseiling off Merthyr Viaduct.

I am a B&B type of girl. Better still, a 5 star hotel type of girl.

Comfy beds, soft sheets, a deep bath and an exciting range of mini toiletries and I'm happy.

But the thing is, when you have kids, it's not about you any more is it?

I'm working up to the full 'under canvas' experience but at least this year we're giving the kids the chance to (sort of) experience a life slightly wilder than living in a suburban semi.

I did go camping with my parents and my sister a couple of times when I was a teenager.

We stayed on a campsite just outside Stow-on-The-Wold in the Cotswolds and then on a site in Stratford-Upon-Avon a year or so later.

I imagine that camping facilities are much more sophisticated these days but then it was still the wafer thin ground sheet and an 'off with a toilet roll into the bushes' experience.

After a week of sunburn, sleep deprivation and flop bot I was glad to go home.

I admire those mums who chuck their off-spring into a sling, don a pair of Hunters and trot happily off to a festival, irrespective of the threat of hearing damage to their little ones and numerous hideous diseases from the porta-poos.

I wish I could sit on a camping stool knitting my own bunting and teaching my kids about the starry constellations lighting up the night sky.

There is such a romance about it.

This time, there will be an extra challenge for us.

One that never existing even 20 years ago.

There will be no electricity.

So no phone charging or iPad charging.

In the confines of our wooden cabin we will have to, gasp, talk to each other, interact as a family, play games, chat and share confidences.

Isn't that what really makes a holiday though, no matter where you are?

It's the shared experience.

That's a really unique gift to give your children (and will help strengthen your relationship with your partner too).

When I look back on my camping trips now, although I hated the accommodation, I remember the beauty of the Cotswolds - particularly the quaintness of Bourton-on-the-Water and The Slaughters.

I remember sitting somewhere on the edge of a traditional English green watching the locals play cricket in the sunshine.

At Stratford, Mum and Dad took us to see the Royal Shakespeare Company perform Othello (Donald Sinden was the lead) and I can remember it to this day - seeing Shakespeare performed in a truly authentic way, surrounded by an audience so awed by the play you could have heard a pin drop.

(No mobiles going off or the constant irritation of mobile phone cameras flashing in those days!).

So I'm going to grit my teeth and pitch in.

My parents did it for my sister and I so it's my turn to bequeath the same chance of life-long memories to my kids.

And if it all gets too much for me, I'll be investing in some experience days of my own when I come back - starting with a massage and ending with an afternoon tea!

This is a collaborative post.

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Parkdean Holiday Parks inspires families to get active and discover top walks in stunning locations this half term

AWARD-WINNING holiday park operator Parkdean is celebrating the wonderful walks on offer round its parks by inviting families, couples, dog owners, and outdoor enthusiasts to get together, get active, and try a top walk as part of their half-term holiday.

Parkdean has gone the extra mile this year by highlighting key walking routes to help families get out exploring over the holidays, combining a bit of exercise with everything else they love doing on holiday, in the some of the most beautiful locations around the UK.

Scenic Trecco Bay, Porthcawl, South Wales

Durdle Door, Sandford, near Poole, Dorset

Parks will open in Scotland, Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Wales for February half-term and Parkdean has found a walk that takes in areas of natural beauty in each of the different regions.

With a choice of woodland, coastline, or rolling countryside, and walks for every age and ability, Parkdean is encouraging visitors to wrap up and keep their healthy new year’s resolutions alive by following one of the recommended routes to view the vistas they love, or haven’t seen before.

Looe Bay, Looe, Cornwall

John Waterworth, chief executive at Parkdean Holidays, said: “There is so much to explore in the areas around our parks and walking is a great way of getting quality time together. 

Families can talk to each other without distractions and discuss the world around them - the wildlife and history in and around our parks is enchanting - you also feel better tucking into your favourite foods that evening if you’ve been physically active during the day.

“The New Year also brings new stage shows to Showtime parks, live shows at other parks, and exciting new activities at the free kids’ clubs available on all parks. 

We hope families are inspired to get outdoors and do some exploring on their holiday – even if it’s just a little every day.”

With six award-winning parks across England, Scotland and Wales and a host of fun activities on offer for adults and children in and around each park, visitors looking to cosy up after a blast of February fresh air will be spoilt for choice. 

Individual parks offer a variety of facilities, relax by the pool or warm up in the coffee shop, there is something to keep everyone happy.

Holidays start from as little as £99 for four people at Looe Bay Holiday Park commencing 20th February 2015. 

So dig out those walking boots, look at the choices below, and get ready to make memories in some of the UK’s most picturesque settings this February half-term.

Scotland:  Tummel Valley Holiday Park, Near Pitlochry, Perthshire

On the banks of the river Tummel, tucked away in the Tay forest, right in the heart of the Perthshire Highlands, Tummel Valley Holiday Park offers escapism at its best.  

This holiday destination is the perfect gateway to the outdoors with endless opportunities for beautiful cycles, walks and day trips in the nearby Cairngorms National Park or Tummel Valley – and the chance to see Scottish deer!

For history buffs, the famous gorge Killiecrankie, known for its battle history, is just around the corner, as well as Blair Athol Castle. 

Guests looking to taste Scotland’s best drink can head to Dewars World of Whisky and for souvenirs families should head to the pretty nearby villages of Pitlochry or Kenmore.

Park facilities include an indoor pool, Costa Coffee, restaurant and bar, so visitors can relax and refuel before their next day of adventure.

Prices start from £249 for a three-night break in a two-bedroom lodge (sleeping up to four), starting 20th February 2015, and seven night holidays are also available.

Tummel Valley, Scotland

Best Walk: Allean Forest, Loch Tummel

Description: Walk up through a forest of larch, Scots pines, spruce and grand firs to find breath taking views over Loch Tummel - a spot called Queen’s View – named after Queen Victoria’s visit to the viewing point in 1866. Allean Forest is also the home of red squirrels, pine martens, goldcrests, siskins and Scottish crossbills, so keep your eyes peeled!

Distance: 2 miles

Start & Finish: Pitlochry (20 minutes driving from Tummel Holiday Park)

England: Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde Bay, Devon

Saunton Sands, Devon

Set by the stunning surf spot Croyde Bay beach, Ruda Holiday Park has miles of rugged beautiful coastline to explore, with spectacular views of Lundy Island, quaint thatched roof cottages and traditional village pubs to stop off in.

Nearby attractions include Combe Martin Wildlife Park with over 250 species of animal, Exmoor Zoo with cheetahs, pumas and wolves, and Illfracombe Aquarium for those trying to find Nemo.

All the facilities at Ruda Holiday Park will be open for the first time this February half-term so children can enjoy Cascades Tropical Adventure Pool and the whole family can enjoy Showtime Entertainment in the evening.

Prices start from £339 (saving £50) for a seven-night break in a three-bedroom caravan (sleeping up to eight), starting 13th February 2015, short breaks are also available.

Best walk: Coast In Conflict, North Devon Walk

Description: An invigorating coastal walk that takes in cliff views and sandy beaches of the North Devon coastline, with glimpses of marine conservation and Beacon Point. 

Don’t miss out on the views that brought Victorian vacationers and smugglers to this part of the world and keep an eye out for surfers and seals down below, as well as rock climbers up above!

Distance: 1.5 miles

Start & Finish: Hillsborough car park (15 minutes driving from Ruda Holiday Park)

England: Looe Bay Holiday Park, Looe, Cornwall
Looe Bay Holiday Park is only a mile from the charming fishing town of East Looe, where families can explore narrow cobbled streets with shops and cafes, or take a coastal cruise to explore the sights at sea, this is the perfect holiday for those in search of peace in the rolling Cornish countryside.

Families can immerse themselves in nature and learning at the world famous Eden Project, which has the largest rainforest in captivity, stunning gardens, and first-class sculptures, or let your little ones meet other mischievous creatures at The Monkey Sanctuary.

With an indoor swimming pool, adventure play area and Showtime Entertainment there is plenty for all the family to do when they’re relaxing on the park too.

Prices start from £99 for a three-night break in a two-bedroom caravan (sleeping up to four), starting 20th February 2015, and seven night holidays are also available.

Adventure play at Looe

Best walk: Looe to Polperro

Description: The South West Coast Path is 630 miles of superb coastal walking around the South West peninsular from Minehead in the North to Poole Harbour in Dorset in the East. 

This coastal walk follows the SWCP and passes a sixth century monastery, rock pools, beaches, pretty seaside towns and villages, shipwrecks, Looe Island and lots of wildlife – birdwatchers should look out for finches, warblers, skua and terns.

Distance: 5 ½ miles

Start & Finish: Looe Station (3 minutes driving from Looe Holiday Park)

England: Warmwell Holiday Park, near Weymouth, Dorset

Lodges, lakes, trees and skis, Warmwell Holiday Park is set in a tranquil woodland with three fishing lakes and a few surprises, including an all-weather ski slope for hours of family fun, the park also has regular visits from wandering roe deer!

A fifteen minute drive brings you to the colourful seaside resort of Weymouth on the stunning Jurassic coast and historical market town of Dorchester. 

Other nearby attractions include The Tank Museum, Monkey World and Lulworth Cove.

Families will be spoilt for choice on the park which has a swimming pool featuring a wave machine and flume, the 110m ski slope at Warmwell Snowsports Centre, and Showtime Entertainment available in the evening.

Prices start from £219 for a three-night break in a one-bedroom lodge (sleeping up to four), starting 20th February 2015 and seven night holidays are also available.



Lulworth Cove, Dorset

Best walk: Nothe Gardens and Rodwell Trail

Description: Follow this walk for sea, forts, castles and old railway lines and a wide range of wildlife too. 

One of the joys of Weymouth and Portland is its diverse range of habitats, pop into the Discovery Centre to check out what wildlife is around the area or has been seen recently.

Distance: 4.7 miles

Start & Finish: Jubilee Clock tower, Weymouth

England: Sandford Holiday Park, Near Poole, Dorset
This leafy Dorset holiday park has everything for a family full of energy, with an indoor pool, an amazing tree house, adventure playground, crazy golf, tennis courts, lively kids’ clubs and it even has a pirate ship!

Families looking for a day out can head to nearby Bournemouth beach, Poole Harbour, or Wareham Forest.

Sandford is also a Showtime park so visiting families will be able to enjoy the exciting new shows for 2015. 

Prices start from £269 for a seven-night break in a two-bedroom caravan (sleeping up to four) starting 13th February 2015, and short breaks are also available.

Sandford Beach

Best walk: Old Harry Rocks

Description: This chalky headland offers spectacular views across Poole harbour to Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight. 

The easy walk takes you along the clifftop and through the chalk grassland of the surrounding area.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Start & Finish: South Beach car park

Wales: Trecco Bay Holiday Park, Porthcawl, Wales
Trecco Bay Holiday Park is only a stroll away from a striking Blue Flag beach and the bustling town of Porthcawl - perfect for family days out. 

Travel further afield and guests can explore the Glamorgan Heritage Coastline which offers great walking.

With a Splashland indoor pool, indoor adventure play, mini ten pin bowling, bingo and adventure golf at Trecco, families on this park will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing which fun activity they will do next. 

Trecco is also a Showtime park so visitors can enjoy the exciting new stage shows in the evening.

Prices start from £149 for a three-night break in a two-bedroom caravan (sleeping up to six), starting 13th February 2015, and seven night holidays are also available.



Swimming pool at Trecco Bay

Best walk: All Wales Coastal Path, Porthcawl

Description: The All Wales Coastal Path is the world’s first uninterrupted route along a national coast, with 870 miles of coastal path to explore. 

The path shows off beaches, estuaries, cliffs, woodlands and hills, there are also city waterfronts, writers’ retreats, fun-parks and historic castles - follow this stunning stretch that is popular with walkers and watersport buffs for amazing sea views.

Distance: 5.5 miles

Start & Finish: Rest Bay Car Park

Don’t miss out and make sure you book early! All holidays are subject to availability.

For further information visit www.parkdean.com or call 0344 335 3348.

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