Travel In Comfort With The Tempur® Travel Pillow

If you do a lot of travelling, it's fair to say you will be familiar with two things, a stiff neck and shoulders and a lack of sleep.

I don't know about you but I am always loathe to leave my own bed and, no matter, how comfortable my travel accommodation, extremely glad to see it again.

Now Tempur®, the only NASA certified mattress retailer, has come up with a way to take a little bit of home comfort with you when you travel such as this travel pillow.

There's a range of travel pillows such as the Tempur Transit Pillow which gently supports your head and neck, allowing you to sleep more comfortably when travelling.  It has a temperature sensitive, visco-elastic filling which forms to you with minimum counter pressure to help you relax.

Or the Tempur Comfort Travel Pillow which I was sent to try.  This is the mini version of Tempur's original Comfort Pillow and I can see that it will have far more uses than just a travel pillow.  If you suffer with a bad back, as I do, it's often useful to have extra support in the small of the back and this fits just right.

It's beautifully soft and comes with a removable soft fabric cover which can be washed at 60 degrees C and meets the Oeko-tex 100 standard which means that it has been tested for harmful substances and poses no threat to health.

I was also sent a Tempur Sleep Mask which is soft as butter, forms to your face and effectively blocks out the light.  It's easy to fit - simply adjust the velcro straps behind your head. With this and my trusty earplugs I'm away with the fairies in no time.

If you are planning to travel this summer, particularly with the kids, then here are some tips you might find useful - as road-tested by the Hobbis family.

1. Use black out blinds for the kids.  You can find portable ones that just attach to the window with sucker-pads.

2. Don't be afraid to nap - use the power of the siesta.  In any case we should all be staying out of the sun between 12 pm and 3 pm.

3. Make sure you take the kids' favourite comforters - but don't lose them.  We once had to trek across what seemed like half of Cornwall because Ieuan left 'blankie' in Tescos in Truro.

4 If it's hot you might find it cooler to stay in cotton pyjamas as the cotton will wick away any sweat.

5. You can find lots of tips to help your kids sleep in hot weather in this post.

5. Avoid alcohol and high sugar / high salt foods.

6. Avoid eating too close to sleeping.  A light supper is fine - a three course meal, not so much.

7. Stock up on bottled water but get it free at airports. A trick I read recently from moneysaving expert Martin Lewis is to take an empty water bottle through to the departure lounge and fill up with free water from one of the airport water fountains.

8. Carry the kids' pyjamas in your hand luggage so you don't have to route through suitcases to find their things. If nothing else we make sure we've got the kids' toothbrushes to hand

9. To avoid jet lag you might be better off staying up until the 'normal' bedtime in your new location to allow your body clock to reset

10 Ear plugs, eye masks and travel pillows are your friend. A decent travel pillow will help support your neck while you travel and add a comforting touch to your hotel bed.

In his book "The Fitness Mindset", health expert and author Brian Keane in his book gives some very helpful advice about improving the quality of our sleep.

In a study by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one in three adults does not obtain the recommended hours of sleep and, according to the NHS, not sleeping enough can lead to immune system problems, weight gain and mood disorders in extreme cases. Add in the extra stress of travelling and you've a recipe for less than glowing health!

Brian has two very useful tips for improving your sleep and falling asleep properly.

Firstly he suggests avoiding the “second wind". This is a window from 10:45 PM to 11:00 PM when most people get naturally tired.

If you don’t go to sleep, you’ll get a cortisol (a steroid hormone) driven ‘second wind’ that can keep you awake until 2:00 AM or 3:00 AM. “If you can stick close to your body's circadian cycle and get to bed before 11:00 PM, you will wake up feeling more rested than if you get the same amount of sleep starting later.

Obviously easier said than done in a different time zone but if you know when you are likely to feel tired you can at least adapt and do something to boost yourself and stave off fatigue.

Secondly switch off your brain.  Journalling, meditation or even just some deep breathing may help. Perhaps you could carry a little travel journal to record your thoughts or write a list of things you are grateful for  (being seated together on an EasyJet flight?  no airport delays?)!

Travelling, whilst exhilirating, is often stressful and with some careful planning and understanding the needs of your body, you can do a lot to improve the quality of your sleep and rest, even when you're thousands of miles from home.

If you would like to try a Tempur travel pillow, why not take the Tempur Challenge which is running from now until 7th August.  Simply visit your local store, test a Tempur mattress and share your experience with Tempur.  Once you've registered your details, Tempur will email you with a date (21 days in advance) to revisit the store and claim your FREE pillow.  You can find out more about the Tempur Challenge here.

You can also find about more about Tempur on Facebook and Instagram.

This post is in conjunction with Tempur® but all thoughts are my own.

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Encouraging Your Kids To Travel Could Be One Of The Best Things You Do For Them

We all want the best for our kids. We want them to get the best education, to have their pick of jobs, and to live incredible lives. But have you considered that you should be encouraging your children not only to do well in school but to travel? 

Encouraging your kids to travel could be one of the best things you ever do for them. It can be scary, picturing them in a foreign country far away, maybe even on their own. However, there are so many ways it could help them to learn and grow as people. When your child is old enough, encouraging them to explore could mean the following things: 

They Experience Different Cultures And Walks Of Life

When you encourage your kids to travel, they will experience different cultures and walks of life. This will change the way they relate to the world and other people as a result. They’ll become more accepting, and see the world with a much wider view. They should often be able to see the bigger picture and develop an appreciation for people and things that are different to what they know.

It Looks Great On A CV

There’s no denying that an extensive experience with travel can look great on a CV. If you encourage your child to travel, make sure you also encourage them to do CV-worthy things too, such as volunteer at homeless shelters and schools. They can still explore and have lots of fun while doing this, and they don’t have to spend the entire time doing it. They may even be able to get some paid work if they’re lucky!

Image credit: Flickr

Develops Important Life Skills, Such As Independence

Travelling will not only enable your children to take on new challenges; it’ll help them to develop important life skills, such as independence. Sure, you can book homestay accommodation for them; just make sure you don’t hold their hand too much. Encourage them to do their own research and be as independent as possible. This will only ever be a good thing for all of their future endeavours.

Push Their Educational Horizons

On top of all of the things above, seeing amazing things for themselves will push their educational horizons. For example, your child may not have an immediate interest in architecture, but all that could change when they see some famous historical structures for themselves, up close. They may develop new interests, passions, and appreciations for all kinds of things.

Will you encourage your kids to travel when they’re old enough? It really could be one of the best things you do for them! Not only that, there’s only usually one time in a person’s life they have the opportunity to do this kind of thing before their own kids and jobs get in the way. 

If you want to start them off early, make sure you take lots of trips with them while they’re young, helping them to develop an open mind and appreciation for different cultures. Have fun with it!

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Five reasons why city breaks make great family holidays

Many families stay away from the idea of a city break, thinking that they’ll be too overwhelming for the kids, or that there simply won’t be enough to do, but this is far from the case. 

City holidays provide a completely different experience to a beach or activity holiday, and it’s one that no member of the family should miss out on. 

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider it the next time you come to book your family getaway… 

Image credit

Experiencing different cultures 

Let’s not forget that your main reason for going abroad is to experience a new culture, sample local delicacies, and try to learn a little of the lingo. This is amplified when you visit a city; you might meet a few locals on a beach holiday, but it mainly caters to tourists. When you visit a city, who knows what museum you might stumble upon, people you might meet or recipes you might try. It’s a far more fluid experience, perfect for adventurers.

Making education fun

Speaking of trying new cultures, let’s not forget that opting for a city break opens up a whole new world for your children, and it’s your chance to show them a little more of the wide world they’re yet to experience. Taking them to a museum in London, an opera in Rome or a modern art exhibition in Vienna is a great way of helping them to learn in a fun and engaging way. 

The Trevi Fountain in Rome

Location is important

From a practical perspective, booking a city break often enables you to pack more into your stay, simply because of the location. Most attractions will be in walking distance of one another, making things a lot easier when it comes to day-trip planning. Plus, because of the nature of a city, you’ll easily find restaurants and cafes for you to stop and grab a bite to eat, which isn’t the case with remote resorts.

Transportations systems save you money

Speaking of proximity, transport systems are often far better in cities than they are further out towards quiet coastal regions. Not only does this save you money in taxis every time you want to go somewhere, but it means you can book certain journeys (such as those on trains and coaches) well in advance of your trip to get the best rates. 

Image credit: Bicycles in Amsterdam.  

Cities to suit all budgets

While it might be true that cities will cost more than sleepy little towns, they won’t be that much more than port or coastal areas close to the sea, where land is at a premium. Plus, you aren’t confined to activities by the coast that will could be expensive, such as water sports. Many museums, galleries, parks and so on are cheap if not free, so you’ll be able to find plenty to do within your price bracket.

Are you heading on a city break this summer? Let me know where in the comments…

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Travel Inspiration: USA West Coast Wonders

Given the vastness of the United States, figuring out where you should travel to can be a long and arduous process. There’s just so much to choose from! There’s the brisk coast of the north-east states, the balmy heat of the Florida panhandle, or the charms of the deep south.

But what about west?

Sometimes, focusing your thoughts on a specific area can really help to zero in on what it is you truly want to see. The West Coast is well worth investigating for that reason; there’s everything you could possibly want here, from the heat of south California to the wild, rugged wetlands of Washington.

Of course, California is the dominant state when it comes to tourism along the west coast. It’s fair to say you probably know what’s on offer in the Golden State, which is why we’re going to skip it, and instead introduce you to areas that make the west coast special even without its most famous state.

OREGON: Portland


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Portland is one of those cities that many of us have heard of, but don’t truly understand. It prides itself on its alternative culture and is welcoming of anyone who cares to stay awhile - making it a perfect spot for a summer break.

You will never be short of things to do in Portland, as https://www.thecrazytourist.com/top-25-things-to-do-in-portland/ shows. If you fancy travelling outside of the city itself, around 50 miles by road will have you on the Pacific coast. You could day trip there and include a pit stop at the Tillamook Forest Center; perfect to add a little nature to your trip.

WASHINGTON: Seattle


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Seattle might not be the capital city of Washington, but it’s definitely the one that has the strongest place in pop culture and awareness. TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Frasier based their storylines here; it even played host to the divisive Twilight novels.

As one would expect, there’s plenty to see and do in Seattle. First and foremost, there’s the well-known Space Needle. If you’re feeling daring, you could walk along the exterior structure of this famous landmark - with a harness of course!

If the infamous Seattle weather means you would rather spend your time indoors, then there’s plenty to do here too.

OREGON: Joseph


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Joseph is a town rich with Native American history, which can provide a unique insight into the history of life on the western side. The main area itself is surrounded by more hiking trails than you could possibly tackle on a single holiday.

There’s a little something for art lovers, too. You will find sculptures by the likes of Steve Parks dotted around the town, often cast in bronze. So there’s history, art, and hiking trails to tempt you into a busy day on the hills - perfect!

WASHINGTON: Lake Chelan


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Finally, if the hiking trails of Joseph aren’t quite enough for you, the stunningly picturesque town of Lake Chelan has all the adventure sports you could possibly want. You can enjoy the lake itself with windsurfing and kayaking; which, as http://www.livestrong.com/article/81242-benefits-kayaking/ makes clear, is hugely beneficial for a variety of reasons. Alternatively, you could head for the hills to explore the trails on foot or on bicycle.

Whichever option you choose, it’s clear: the west coast has so much more to offer than California alone.

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Summer's Coming & So Are The Bills!

As the weather warms up, we start to think about holidays.  Or rather the cost of having a holiday. Taking the kids out of school during term time to go on holiday is a highly contentious issue and it's something, personally I would not do without a very good reason.

I'm not sure a fortnight in a theme park counts as a valuable life experience, which is often the justification put forward, although walking round Alton Towers wearing one of their transparent rain ponchos in a summer deluge probably does. I've not recovered from the last time.

So we parents have to grit our teeth and pay premium prices for holidays whilst trying to cut our cloth accordingly and hoping that nothing else comes along to add to the expense.

We're very fond of a staycation.  The UK is a beautiful country and, hands up, I haven't quite summoned up the courage to travel abroad with our two yet.  That day is fast approaching though as soon as I sort their passports out.

We try to budget carefully and make endless lists, not only of things to pack but potential expenses. We prefer self-catering where possible because it's great to have a base to relax in plus you don't have the cost of eating out every single night. There's a limit to the number of chicken nuggets and chips I can face in 7 days, although Ieuan can be prevailed upon to eat something green now and again.

Readers of this blog will know I'm a big fan of Skint Dad's Penny Challenge which helps you build a pot for Christmas by saving a little each day (1p on day 1, £1.30 on day 130 and so on).  By following this system you can save around £677 per year but that's for the festive season and it still leaves the challenge of budgeting for July and August.

Added to which the MOT on my beloved Skoda Roomster is due, along with an annual service and possibly new tyres.  If you're going to be doing a lot of driving this summer you may need to get your car checked over to see if it's safe for all those summer trips.

Our garden wall is about to cave in thanks to rain and subsidence and we have a list of DIY projects as long as your arm since the house was built in 1929 and is beginning to show its age.

The Husband has been promising (or is it threatening) to convert the garage into a gym to put in a treadmill or a rowing machine.  And Ieuan is very enthused by the idea of having a punch bag and space to practise his Tae Kwon-Do.

None of this would be possible without knocking the existing garage down and starting from scratch which not be an inexpensive construction project!

Our approach to spending on the house is to squirrel away whatever cash we can in an ISA, use these funds to pay for the construction project (or whatever) and then start saving again.

A sensible approach is to talk to your bank, of course, or your credit card providers to see if existing credit card debt can be amalgamated or transfered with a balance transfer deal and hopefully a lower interest rate.

Most of us know, by now, the way to cut expenditure and raise a bit of cash.  You know the kind of thing:-

* having a declutter and selling items on Ebay, Craigslist, Gumtree or your local car boot sale

* reducing unnecessary daily expenditure (yes you know you shouldn't be buying expensive coffees and should be taking your own lunch but it's so difficult to get into the groove, isn't it?)

* menu planning and budgeting for your food

* using comparison websites to check you are getting the best deals on your utilities, mobile and insurance deals

But how many of us actually do these things, even though we know we should. When the bills stack up we seem to be struck down by a kind of financial inertia!

Incidentally you can find plenty more ideas in my half yearly budget post.

Sometimes though, money is needed urgently and a pay day loan from a provider such as Cash Lady may fill the gap.  Prioritising the repayment of the loan is key however.

And once over the financial hump, so to speak, the best approach is to start saving for next year's major expenses now.

Easier said than done, but well worth the effort in terms of the stress control!

How do you budget for your summer holidays?

*collaborative post

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Tips For Coping With A Child's Car Sickness

The holiday season is fast approaching and I'm sure many of us parents are planning our holidays, making endless lists, bulk buying toiletries and trying to summon up the energy to do the packing.

On top of this, there's an extra stress if you are travelling long distances by car or if your children (or even you) suffer from car sickness.

I wasn't too bad as a child but my sister would be looking green before we'd travelled more than a couple of miles!  Cue much packing of potties and urgent pit stops in lay-bys.

My dad gave me some sensible advice about carrying a large plastic box in the boot with a change of clothes per child, including towels, wet wipes and also a big bottle of soapy water for quick clean ups. He also advised carrying travel potties or old ice cream cartons.

My parents used to give my sister Sarah and I travel sickness pills and packets of Wrigleys Double Mint chewing gum to give us something to focus on.  And we quickly learned that reading whilst the car was moving was a no-no!.

I asked some of my fellow parenting bloggers how they cope with the nightmare of travel sickness and they had much wisdom to share.

Here are a few of their suggestions which also include advice for travelling on ferries and planes.

Shannon says "maybe not for a child for fear of them choking. How about lollipops? Or even a chewy toffee or sweet?".  [sarbthoughts.blogspot.com]

Mary says "My nephew used to be really travel sick even on short journeys but it all stopped when he used child travel bands. He's just left Uni so I don't think it's an issue any more, but they certainly saved us all having empty ice cream tubs in our card when we'd take him out!  With ferries - don't sit at the front of the boat or look at the horizon." [Over 40 And A Mum To One]

Claire says "I always had a pack of wipes, plastic bags and spare clothes. Keep a window open to let air in. Don't let them drink milk, and strong juice before the drive or during. Keep snacks light." [familypanelreviews.co.uk]

Helen says "I had really bad travel sickness as a child and the only thing that worked was a bobble on my wrist. The ones with the metal bit pressed on the inside of my wrist. Not sure how safe it is but it 100% worked" [http://hrbx.co.uk/]

Lisa of Travellovingfamily.com has a great post about coping with travel sickness on aeroplanes.

Tips from a Flight Attendant - Preventing Travel Sickness

Mellissa says "When all else fails Kwells is great and suitable for those over 10. You can take one as soon as you feel ill although it is better to take one 20 minutes before the journey." [Flydryexplore.com]

Rebecca says "Avoid dairy products before you travel if you suffer with travel sickness, they seem to make it worse! Two of my children suffer badly but not so bad if they've not had dairy products." [www.mumof3boys.co.uk]

Sophie says "For ferries I discovered that laying in a chair like you're in a rubber ring (if that makes sense) helps because the sensation is more like bobbing along on a lazy river" [onetenzeroseven]

Coral says "I was only car sick in smooth cars never in land rovers or lorries. Was told sitting on a news paper prevented it. Mind over matter I guess. Doesn't help in a cyclone in Fiji though. Avoid reading and devices. Look at the horizon. I talked a person out of sea sickness on a ferry. NLP and hypnosis can work." [Travellingcoral.com]

Michelle says "My parents used to give me child travel sickness tablets & anti sickness wristbands." [Looking For The Silver Lining]

Katy says "Distraction can be a fantastic way to ease the anxiety of a child who gets sick on long journeys. Often the anxiety can be what makes the child feel unwell. Packing toys, games or even a tablet can be a great way to distract a child!" [www.katykicker.com]

Rebecca Ali says "My mum used to keep a cool bag with ice cold water or go to the on-boat bar and get some ice which used to help loads (especially on boats and planes). Cars I was okay with but my granny always uses limacol in the car - it's a super strong lemon-lime scented thing thay she'd rub on a cloth and breathe and apparently that helped her from her youth to now." [Pocahontas Jane]

So there you have it - quite a few votes for wristbands which I'm off to try.  Otherwise I'll be relying on travel sickness tablets for children and a big bucket safely stowed in the boot!

Do you have any tips to add?  Please share them in the comments below.

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Review: Butlins Minehead - Fun Stands The Test Of Time

When I was a child in the 1970s, my sister and I were taken to Butlins Minehead several times by our grandparents.

Those were the 'Hi Di Hi' days when accommodation was a small but comfortable prefab chalet with a tannoy to summon campers to their meals with gusto at 7 am in the morning.

My sister Sarah and I with our grandparents, Harry and Phyllis at Butlins Minehead circa 1974

There was an impressive network of cable cars which seemingly floated over the camp as well as a Gaiety Ballroom and a Gaiety Theatre.

Sarah and I - gran always dressed us as twins!  Can you tell I'm shattered?

Food was everywhere, particularly, I recall, freshly made mini doughnuts.

The fairground was free and when we weren't there or in the arcades playing slot machines for a penny, we would religiously attend the Donkey Derby, the Glamorous Grandmother competition, It's A Knock-Out and I think there was even the traditional Knobbly Knees.

The Red Coats were friendly, glamorous and talented.

We ate ourselves into oblivion, attended a show every night and stayed up far too late dancing in the disco.

Fast forward almost 40 years and I'm back at Butlins' kind invitation holding on tight to my memories and wondering how the camp would have weathered the passing decades.

And this time I've got two kids with me who are roughly the same age as my sister Sarah and I were when we visited.

ARRIVAL & CHECK IN

Our initial impression on arrival was a sense of overwhelm.  I had forgotten just how big the site is and finding our way to West Lake Villages where we had a lake view chalet involved a little too-ing and fro-ing up and down the car park and a little heated marital discussion on the basis that the Husband had a map.  Give a man a map and he automatically becomes Roald Amundsen.

We had a Lakeview Chalet in West Lakes Villages

But everything is signposted and eventually we found the chalet accommodation office where we were required to book in.  If you do get lost return to the large Guest Check In centre at the front of the complex and they'll be able to help.

The site is a collection of 'villages' with designated check-in points so you have to make sure you go to the right place.  You park your car, check in and then drive round to your accommodation where there is a designated parking place and you can unpack.

Our tips: if you get lost, return to the central Guest Check In and they'll direct you.

ACCOMMODATION

We were based in West Lake Villages, a complex of new style chalets built surrounding a man-made lake with a fountain.  Everything was well laid out and pristine - and incredibly peaceful. You pay an extra supplement for a chalet right by the water but ours, with a lake view, was very pleasant.

Our chalet was on the top floor.  The chalets are built in small runs of one-up, one-down and entered via a contactless key card.

The bedrooms, bathroom and comfort family sized sofa

There was a double and a twin bedroom, a bathroom with a toilet, a combined bath and shower and a generously sized lounge / diner with a fully equipped kitchen including a fridge and a microwave.

A generous sized kitchen and lots of retro detail

A balcony looked over a green central area towards the lake and was visited by ducks, geese and rabbits.  There was a table and chairs on the balcony so you could just relax whilst the kids played football on the green space below.

Kids being kids, it didn't take long before they were out making new friends.  Top tip - take a football.

Our chalet also had housekeeping and towels were supplied. The bathroom had a small pouch with toiletries but you would need to bring your own and particularly a bar of soap.

I was really impressed with the quality of the chalet's fixtures and fittings.  The chalets are, of course, reasonably new, but the accommodation was a world away from the prefab days of the 1970s.

There were several clever little touches too - a chalk board with chalk for the kids to play with, coat hooks running around the rooms for all those towels and coats and when we arrived our towels had been turned into an Easter bunny.

We didn't take food with us, although we did take teabags and biscuits plus a bottle or two of wine. The site is well equipped with supermarkets which carry all the basics you could possibly need.

In any case, you will find you are amply fed if your package includes dining, with only lunch and snacks to provide for.

WiFi was free for us for two devices, however, depending on your package you may only have 30 free minutes a day and need to pay for top ups.

Our tips: bring soap, tissues and toiletries. If you don't have housekeeping with your package, don't forget towels and bring extra ones for swimming. Caffeine addicts should bring their favs with them plus some milk if you don't like milk capsules.  And there was a corkscrew, but a spare never hurts. Bring a ball for the kids (although you can buy one on site)

There are plenty of maps and information leaflets to help you.

DINING

We had the Premium Dining package which meant that breakfast and dinner was all in and we could choose between two restaurants, The Deck or The Yacht which were situated in a block a short walk from our chalet.

Caitlin and Ieuan testing the food at The Deck

The dinner menu changed daily and for the duration of our stay we dined in The Deck which is the bigger of the two.

Both restaurants are on the ground floor with a bar situated just outside and toilets inside.

The food is served buffet style and there are stations for grilled food such as steaks and burgers, wok-based food and pasta.  Dishes are cooked fresh for you if you want to wait or you can help yourself from the dishes already laid out.

There is also a large well stocked salad bar, various soups in tureens and cabinets full of desserts, primarily cheesecakes or, if you're quick, cheese & biscuits.

The children's buffet food is laid out separately and I would say that it is geared for kids much younger than Caitlin and Ieuan.  There are plastic plates and knives and forks available and the menu is pretty much chips, nuggets, sausages and standard kiddy fare.

My only gripe with the food we had is that the temperature of the children's food could have been much hotter and the chicken dish laid out one evening had gone completely cold.

My suspicion is that given the number of adults to kids, the adult food gets replaced far quicker and far more frequently than the kids food does.

The temperature of the adult food can also be a little hit and miss depending on what you choose. One evening we had freshly cooked chicken, noodles, veggies and soy from the wok station which was lovely but on another we had a vegetarian Jalfrezi curry which was just hot enough.

Dining runs from 4.30 - 7.30 pm so you take pot luck depending on when you choose to dine. Sunday night seems to be the night for early dining as there was a pool party starting at 7 pm in Splash Waterworld.

But the desserts...... apologies to Butlins at this point for Caitlin and Ieuan empyting the ice cream machine and the cheesecakes were lovely.

Teas and coffees are available from a self serve machine as are squashes for the kids and these are free of charge.  Alcoholic drinks are available from the bar outside and have to be paid for by cash or card - you can't add the cost to your room.

Occasional fluctuations in temperature aside,  the food was lovely, great quality and varied enough so you didn't have to eat the same thing each meal.

Breakfast offered pasties, fresh fruit and yoghurt, cereal and a buffet style full English with the works - including fried bread and kippers.

Breakfast is served from 8 am up to the very reasonable 10 am but, again, towards the tail end of the time period you may find some of your favourites have gone.

Caitlin and Ieuan loved going off to get their own food (particularly the ice cream and squash) and of course, you can refill your plate if you are extra peckish.

Our tips:  come early for the hottest food and biggest choice and don't forget cash / card if you plan to buy drinks from the bar

ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES

As I child I remember being so tired getting back on the coach to return to Plymouth that I could barely speak.  (The Husband can only dream of this now).  I was expecting a jam-packed few days and there are certainly plenty of things to do.

The central hub of the camp is the Skyline Pavilion - a massive white tented structure which houses a shopping mall, the stage areas, numerous cafes and restaurants, arcade type machines, a pool and bowling hall and more toilets.

The Skyline Pavilion is the hub of the camp

There is also a handy information desk which helps you get your bearings and tells you the day's available activities and what shows are available at the Skyline Pavilion (which has a large stage area surrounded by seating), Centre Stage and Reds.

The Skyline Pavilion stage is home to the Skyline Gang (a Butlins version of Lazy Town) and Silent Cinema.  Centre Stage hosts the bigger, music based shows, for example The RollerBoys and Freddie In Concert (A Freddie Mercury tribute act) whilst Reds hosts shows for the little ones such as Justin Fletcher's Just Sing & Dance and Billy & Bonnie In The Wizard.  Billy and Bonnie are Butlin's resident bears.

We saw three shows, wrestling, Sam & Mark On The Road Show and the Teletubbies.  I say we,  I watched the Teletubbies whilst Ieuan muttered "I am SO too old for this".  I enjoyed it.  Both the Teletubbies and the wrestling were in the Skyline Pavilion where, again, the noise levels were an issue for me.  I much prefered the Centre Stage venue which, though spacious, is more intimate and hosts fewer visitors.

Our tips: plan your shows in advance so you can use your B-Line passes if you have them and secure early entry and better seats.  Some of the shows don't start till around 8:30 pm.

Daily Activity Schedule

Each day has a full timetable of activities included in the price of your break, details of which are available on the leaflet "Butlins When And Where".

In it you'll find lists of daily activities and shows all handily designated with the age range these are best suited for.

On first sight, these are primarily geared towards tots and I was initially worried that there would not be enough for Caitlin and Ieuan's age group to do.

I needn't have worried. For example, there is archery, shooting and crafting for the over 9s.  There's also a circus school, drum workshop, magic workshop and numerous science workshops.

The Husband took Caitlin to the code breaking workshop hosted by Bletchley Park.  In this, they had to crack the code by breaking into three safes to assemble a six digit code to break into the master safe.  They also wanted to go to the Bath Bomb workshop hosted by The Royal Institution and L'Oreal UK & Ireland to investigate the science of fizz but it was fully booked.

As it was Easter, there was also an Easter Egg Hunt where youngsters had to crack the code by finding crates in secret locations around the camp and solving the puzzle to get part of the code.

There is something on right throughout the day, whether it's a sporting activity, crafting or a show and the programme spans from 8 am through to 12:30 am with live music in one of the complex's pubs, Inn On The Green.

Not everything is free, however, for example the Adventure Golf, Ten Pin Bowling, American Pool, Go Karts and Bungee Trampolines all have a charge.  The golf is £3.50 per person and go kart hire is £9.50 per half hour per kart.  It's worth getting an All Action Pass which includes all these activities a £17 per person.

We loved the go karts

You can also buy B Line fast passes from £20 per person for 3 nights which allows priority access to Centre Stage, Reds and Splash Waterworld.

We absolutely love the Go Karts which we hired twice and which brought home my dismal level of fitness quick nicely.  Cycling round on these is a great way to get your bearings and to appreciate just how big Butlins Minehead is.

Our tips:  get there early to get your pick of the best go karts.  The outdoor activities get busy early. Plan your day to make sure you get everything in!  

Eating and Drinking

Because we have breakfast and dinner in our package, the only thing we had to provide for was lunch, snacks and drinks and there is plenty to choose from.

There's Ludo's Restaurant (Italian), The Diner (50's themed burger joint) and the Firehouse Grill as well as the Sun & Moon family pub, Soho Coffee Company and Inn on The Green (drinks only).

We ate in both the Sun & Moon family pub, the Firehouse Grill and the Soho Coffee Company and found the food in all three good quality and good value.  The children's menus were adequate and the portion sizes generous.  In fact, after a full breakfast at The Deck we didn't have all that much room for lunch!

Children's menus are priced around the reasonable £6.50 mark for a main, dessert and a Ribena Mini.

Our tips: we found the Sun & Moon to be quieter and more relaxed than the food venues around the Skyline Pavilion.

The Pool

The outdoor lido with the fountain I remember has been replaced by the huge Splash Waterworld, an indoor heated pool complex with a wave machine, a disco beat and a number of very long and exhilirating water slides.

The queues to get in were long although given that it was Easter weekend this was not surprising. (so a B Line pass is a good idea). Once through the door you are given an allotted time frame (we had an hour and a half) and a coloured arm band in the good old fashioned British style.  (Yellows out of the pool now!!!).

There are multiple changing areas with cubicles and lockers which require a pound coin to get your key out.  Due to the number of people who had already been there that day, the changing area we chose was a little less than fresh but this is a common problem where there is lots of nappy changing going on!

The Husband took Ieuan on the waterslide but, again, there was a queue.  There are three slides of varying length and Ieuan waited 20 minutes to get on his.  A lady in the queue behind him had waited 45 minutes to go on another of the slides so she was clearly earning her mummy stripes.  Despite the wait, haring down a waterslide with his dad in a small inflatable boat was one of the highlights of his holiday.

I stayed with Caitlin in one of the three smaller pools.  The main pool has a continual current and a wave machine and is definitely not suitable for non swimmers.  We were in the second pool, smaller, no current and well manned by lifeguards.  There is a third kiddy pool nearby.

I was really impressed by the lifeguards who were really attentive and not afraid to usher swimmers back into the shallows if it looked like they were not confident swimmers.

On a personal note, as a tinnitus sufferer, I found the volume of the pool absolutely deafening - not helped by the disco music played to encourage swimmers to circle round the wave pool but this is not a criticism of Butlins.  If you do suffer from tinnitus I would suggest you take ear plugs.

Our tips:  be prepared to queue, both to get in and to get on the waterslides; don't forget pound coins for the lockers and if you are a tinnitus sufferer, take your ear plugs.  Parents of non-swimmers - make sure you stick to the designated non-swimmer areas.

The Fairground

Again, this is free.  It's smaller than I remember and I was hoping for a ghost train but there is a carousel, a helter skelter, dodgems, waltzers, go-karts. Chair-o-Planes and the Rockin' Tug.  Kids have to be tall enough to go on each ride and if you don't like fast rides you are rather limited to the safer choices of the helter skelter and dodgems.

You're never too old for a carousel

The fair closes at 5 pm during the week but is open till 8 pm on Friday nights which coincided nicely with our arrival.

Little ones have their own Little Stars Fairground.

Out and about

Should you find the time to actually leave Butlins, Minehead beach is literally just across the road and is a lovely soft sandy beach.  Nearby there is Dunster Castle and Somerset Valley Railway sends its steam trains along the perimeter of the camp.

Minehead beach is literally a stone's throw away - shame about the lack of sun!

BOOKING YOUR NEXT BUTLINS BREAK

The kids absolutely adored our 3 days at Butlins and were shattered by the end of it.  I asked Ieuan what was his favourite bit and his response was "there's so much to do.  I'm struggling".  Both Caitlin and Ieuan asked to come back and, not surprisingly, Butlins Minehead is pretty fully booked for the rest of the year.

There is, however, an on site Holiday Acccommodation office where you can book your next Butlins break with an up to 40% discount.  You can also secure your next booking for just £10pp.  This makes subsequent bookings even better value if you rebook whilst you are there.

We have a 3 night break on the same basis (lake view chalet in West Lakes Village and the premier dining package) for just over £800 - with a significant saving of around £400.

Our tip:  if you want to come back, secure your next break for the minimum deposit of £10 per person.

So, did Butlins Minehead 2017 compare favourably to the Butlins I remember in the 70's?  Yes it did - it's a lot more comfortable and nobody shouts at you over a tannoy to get you up for breakfast. Come to think of it though, that tannoy might be very useful on school mornings.

Big thanks to Butlins for our break and for giving the Husband a chance to laugh at my rubbish cycling abilities.

Things will be different next year.  You'll see.

Find more information and to book your break go to  www.butlins.com.

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Reasons To Choose A Family Staycation This Summer

If you haven’t yet booked your summer holidays as you can’t decide whether to hop on a flight or get in the car, these key reasons why you should stay in the UK with the family just might sway you.

Get more for your money

One of the most topical reasons to stay in the UK is the cost benefit. There’s been much debate about whether UK holidays are in fact cheaper than going abroad but if you factor in the current exchange rates and the fact you don’t need to pay for flights, then more expensive accommodation is generally outweighed.

There’s even more opportunity to save money by going self-catering in the UK. You also don’t need to renew your passports or get one for the kids. An adult passport costs £72.50 and child passports cost £46, or more if you need it in a hurry, which all adds up.

The beauty of the UK

It’s easy to forget just how beautiful and historically-rich the UK is, when all we see is where we live and the main roads to nearby cities. From ancient castles and country houses to stunning steam railway journeys, breathtaking walks and some of the best beaches in the world, our fine country has a lot going for it.

Walking around any of our national parks is a treat, but some of my favourites are The Lake District and my former home grounds of Dartmoor and Exmoor. And as for our beaches, there are so many that rival those abroad, even if we don’t have the guaranteed sunshine. Try the North Norfolk coast for seal spotting, Cornwall for coves and surfing opportunities, the caves, stacks and rock-pools of Yorkshire, the vast stretches of sand in Devon and the craggy beauty of the Gower peninsula.

Do lots or do nothing

One of the best things about holidaying in the UK is there’s less pressure to make the most of every second, as you can always come back for a long weekend some other time. This means that you can head out to some of the local family attractions or just walk around the countryside. A day in your pyjamas doing puzzles and playing board games isn’t out of the question, either!

If you get a rainy day and you don’t fancy spending it in the holiday home, somewhere like the Warner Bros Studio Tour is a fab option that Harry Potter fans of all ages will love. There’s plenty of indoor Hogwarts action, like visiting The Great Hall, Diagon Alley and Platform 9 ¾ sets, plus learning how the films were made and getting pictures of you flying a broomstick in the green screen.

Convenience
Lastly and by no means least in terms of having a stress-free break, UK holidays mean far less travelling, no time differences or language barriers and fewer uncertainties. As for travelling, you don’t even have to staycation for a week to make the most of it as you won’t be travelling for a day each way.

Other convenience factors are that you know the culture, you’re probably familiar with the area you’re going to and you’re certainly familiar with the food. While part of the charm of going abroad is trying all the different flavours, you really can’t argue with fish and chips and clotted cream ice cream by the harbour (teaching the kids how to fend off seagulls is a rite of passage). Plus afternoon teas, pub lunches and all the take-aways we like.

Are you going abroad or staying in the UK this year? And have I missed any of your deciding factors off the list of why to staycation? Let me know below.

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Treat Your Kids to a Weekend Holiday

The weekend is a time for relaxation and unwinding before we prepare for yet another busy work week. However, there are some great and exciting ways to spend the weekend that don’t involve sitting around the television watching a movie or playing video games with your children. In fact, if your kids are still young, it’s beneficial to take them out more often so they can experience more of life and soak in all the sights and sounds of the world.

Going on holiday with your kids is a fantastic opportunity to bond as a family and create some wonderful memories. Thanks to digital cameras, Facebook and online photo storage services, you could create long-lasting memories and come out of a holiday with hundreds of photos, dozens of souvenirs and a refreshed mind before working hard at your job again.



Photo Source

Ask your kids what they’d like to see

Whether it’s the beach, a museum or somewhere fun like a fairground or theme park, ask your kids where they’d like to go and try to meet their requests. You have to consider how practical it is as well. For instance, if you drive then you’ll probably be able to take them to a nearby city or a distant city, but if you need to fly, then you might have to reconsider the location because the weekend will be over before you know it and the last thing you want is to spend an entire day flying to and from the location.

Set a budget

If you’ve been saving the pennies and you’ve built up some additional income, then you’re probably financially able to afford a weekend holiday with your children. However, it’s important that you set a budget so you don’t go overboard and end up spending more money than you first anticipated. Make sure that you check prices for travel or fuel, the price of admission into whatever events and shows your kids want to see, and also the costs of accommodation.

Pick a place to stay

Try your best to pick a reputable location sleep in. For instance, Dorsett Hotel is a well-known chain of hotels that has several locations in the world, giving it a solid reputation as opposed to random unknown hotels that are converted from houses; they might function as a hotel, but the point of a holiday is to have a fantastic memorable experience and that includes the sleeping arrangements! If possible, try to pick a location that is close to public transportation so that you spend less time moving around and more time enjoying yourself.

Don’t forget technology

Make sure you take your smartphone or a camera so you can snap up pictures wherever you are. A spare battery is also handy, but you could also take a portable battery bank to keep your devices charged up so that you can take pictures, record videos and keep in touch with relatives and friends. Remember that roaming costs for data in other countries can add up very quickly, so take care when using mobile data and always try to use a WiFi connection when possible.

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Are We There Yet? Holidaying With Kids Without The Stress

Everyone has fond memories of family vacations that they took when they were younger. You can remember the amazing places you discovered, the games you played, the fun you had. For many people, these are often some of the best memories that they have. 

Of course, one thing that you're never going to remember is the level of stress that your parents may well have been dealing with the entire time! Let's not beat around the bush here, traveling with kids can be a seriously stressful experience. Of course, it's also absolutely wonderful, and family vacations really are the best things in the world. But in an ideal world, you would be able to do everything that you can do avoid any problems getting in the way of creating those wonderful memories. 

Well, don't you worry because there are things that you can do in order to do just that! Here are some simple ways that you can take the stress out of traveling with your little ones.

Pack in advance



Picture From Flickr

Packing is often the first, and perhaps biggest source of stress when you're planning on traveling with kids. That's why the best thing that you can do is to get started on it as early as possible. That way you avoid the mad rush to get everything thrown into a suitcase at the last minute. So that you don't have to do it all yourself, why not make a list of everything that your kids need to take, they can even help with it, and then have them pack the bag themselves. That way, even if they miss things, you've got plenty of time to check it over and make sure that nothing ends up getting left behind.

Be careful with your money

One top of all of the other stress that often comes with traveling with kids, you don't want to have to deal with the money worries that travel can sometimes bring. There are plenty of travel tips out there on how to save money while on vacation and by being careful with your money you can take that load off your mind and focus on the fun you're having with your family.

Set up travel entertainment




Picture From Pixnio

As much as kids love taking trips and vacations, one thing that they simply cannot stand is long journeys. Now, if you're really lucky then your kids will simply sleep through the entire journey, but if it's especially long, or they're just too excited, then you're going to need a way to keep them entertained. 

Make sure that you have plenty of books, comics, magazines and travel games at your disposal. That way you can keep their attention focussed for as long as possible. You might even want to invest in a portable DVD player for them so they can watch their favorite movies on. If you can keep them entertained, then you just might be able to go the entire trip without a single "are we there yet?"

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Planning For The Holiday Of A Lifetime? Try Abu Dhabi

Before the children get any older, you may feel inclined to take everyone on an amazing holiday which nobody will forget. 

You want this holiday to be the best of the lot, and you are prepared to save as much as you need to ensure that nothing is going to cost too much or that aspects like the entry prices to different venues are not too high for your budget. 

The holiday of a lifetime means that it will not be forgotten about in a hurry by your children. In fact, it means the opposite. They will remember this holiday that you are planning for the rest of their lives and will continue to talk about it when they are in their twenties or thirties.



Picture source

A place which can cover all aspects of the meaning of your holiday of a lifetime, is Abu Dhabi which is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is the second most populated city in the UAE. 

The city is full of history, from artefacts to hotspots to memorials. It is also home to a dense amount of restaurants, pubs, cocktail bars and also has many places of interest to visit during the day. 

It is a common misconception that Abu Dhabi can be a difficult place to get to, in terms of flights and airport transfers to and from your hotel - but this is simply not true. 

Proof of this is booktaxiabudhabi which can provide easy access to transport you to and from the airport.

Heroes Sports Bar is a very popular destination for travellers. It is family friendly, has a great range of drinks and even offers food for a quick bite to eat if you are not stopping long. If someone in your family is a sports fan, various games are shown in the bar meaning it may be hard to get your husband or son out of there!

Origins could be a good choice for you and your family to eat at. The menu is varied, though consistent, and offers different types of food to suit everyone - even the fussy eaters. The ambience is peaceful, the price is good, the service is excellent. For something a little different, you could try Vasco’s, which has a great view of the sea. Depending on what you choose, the food can tend to be overpriced but nevertheless it still tastes delicious.

To please the kids, take them to Yas Waterworld which is a sprawling water park filled with all kinds of activities the children can get stuck into. While they are out having fun in the water or sliding down the water slides, you can relax under the sun with a nice refreshing drink. 

The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is also a place you must visit. Beautiful architecture, mouth opening artwork and an extremely interesting religious background means that this place will appeal to the children as well as the older generation. It may be better to arrive here in the morning as it can tend to get busier as the day goes on.

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How To Plan Your First Family Holiday

Are you thinking of booking your first family holiday? If you have kids, getting away for a well-earned break can seem a little daunting – there’s so much to organise, and you might be a bit nervous of how your little ones will cope with travelling.

Here’s a handy guide on how to plan a family holiday that everyone will enjoy.

Image credit

Consider the climate

Going on holiday to a really hot resort is not necessarily a great idea when you have small children. If the kids are used to a cool climate, high temperatures will be a huge shock to their systems. They’ll be more likely to suffer from heat stroke, sunburn and dehydration – all headaches that you can do without!

Before you book, do your research on the average temperatures for the month you’ll be going away – you can still enjoy the sun but everyone will be much happier and more comfortable!

Be prepared for medical issues

All being well, no one in the family will get sick while you’re away – but it can happen. Make sure you pack a first aid kit containing useful items like plasters, painkillers for both you and the children, cooling lotion that you can use to treat sunburn, and any medications that might be needed while you’re away.

You should also make sure that you have adequate travel insurance – if you don’t, and you need to visit a doctor or hospital while you’re on holiday, it could turn out to be a very expensive and stressful process.

Do your research to find the travel that gives you the best cover for your budget, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about when you head off.

Pack smart

When you’re travelling with kids, especially if they are very young or even babies – it can be tempting to pack everything but the kitchen sink in an effort to have everything covered. However, unless you are heading to the depths of the jungle, it is likely that you’ll be able to pick up a lot of those essential items while you’re away.

Things like nappies, baby wipes, formula and so on are easy to find in most European countries – so you can leave some space in your luggage for that duty free you’ve had your eye on!

Budget for emergencies

It’s challenging enough to get the money together for your family holiday as it is, so it can be tempting to forget about having spare cash aside from your spending money.

Having a small pot of money ready for any emergencies will provide you with peace of mind so that you can get on with making the most of your break – so it’s well worth making sure you’ve got this sorted.

Find out about the water

In most European countries, the water is safe to drink. However, if you plan to go somewhere a little different or farther afield, it’s worth finding out about whether it’s ok to drink the tap water.

If you’re in any doubt, you can pack some water purification tablets or a small travel kettle to boil water to make sure it’s safe to drink.

This is especially important if you will be using the water to make baby formula, and for making sure that every member of the family stays hydrated in the sun.

Think carefully about the length of your break

The duration of your holiday will obviously affect how much it’s going to cost, but that’s not the only factor.

Going away for three weeks with small children might be too much, especially if you don’t have much help while you’re away.

You can book holidays from one week and more that meet all the needs of you and your family at www.travelsphere.co.uk/, so take your time to find out about what suits best.

Do you need childcare?

One of the benefits of many family orientated package holidays is that the option of a kids’ club is often included.

These clubs can allow parents to relax while the kids enjoy making new friends and trying out a whole host of fun activities, and they can be a godsend when you really need a break!

Some resorts and hotels will also include a babysitting service, so it’s worth looking into that if you’d like a romantic night out.

Get some ideas here on planning a budget family holiday. Do your research, plan carefully and be prepared for emergencies – and your first family holiday will be fun, relaxing and enjoyable for everyone, with memories that will last a lifetime!

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Top Tips For Booking Your First Cruise

I have a new obsession. Cruise documentaries and there seem to be quite a few of those on at the moment, not least Jane McDonald's Cruising which started last week on Channel 5.

There is something magnificent about those enormous, gleaming white ships with their promise of non-stop entertainment - and food.

The Thomson Dream

If, like me, you've never booked a cruise before, here are some of the things you need to consider and some things you really don't need to worry about.

There are so many types of cruise, from sea to river cruises through to combination packages where you can combine a stay with a cruise.

Your Itinerary

What do you want to do on your cruise?  Lots of sightseeing at the beautiful port cities or mainly lazing on deck, enjoying one of the many onboard activities or watching a movie or show?

Cruises can be anything from 2 nights up to a year depending on your budget but a 7 night cruise is probably a good starting point.

Turner Beach Antigua

You can wake up somewhere new each day but bear in mind that on a port heavy cruise, you'll spend most of your time on land.

Some longer distance cruises though will entail several days at sea.

Think about how you will reach your ship.  Will you be happy to use an airline to reach your departure port, or would you prefer to start your cruise in the UK, with the benefits of no luggage limit and no risk of bags going missing on a flight? You can sail from Dover or Southampton, although other ports such as Belfast, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Liverpool may be used.

If you chose a larger ship, you'll find lots of facilities and activities such as toddler clubs, gyms, spas, casinos, bingo and West-End style shows.

On the larger ships you can dine at any of the main restaurants at different times and you won't need to dress for dinner (although I'd quite like that!).

A smaller ship may offer a more low key atmosphere and may be able to reach ports that the larger ships can't.  These may be more peaceful and you won't have the long queues to disembark that are typical on the larger ships.

And don't forget,  if you book your own excursions and are late back to the ship, it doesn't have to wait for you and you may find your ship has sailed!

Brandon's Beach, Bridgetown, Barbados - Image Credit Barry Haynes

Food

It's said that, on average, you can return home up to a stone heavier due to all the fabulous food on offer.

On board you'll find cruise ships offer a variety of dining options. Typically, the bigger ships will have more options, but even the smallest ships tend to have more than one restaurant.

Usually cruise ships have a main dining room which will be a large seated venue where you can order from a menu of American and Continental foods. A dress code may sometimes be enforced at dinner and you will probably have to share a table with other passengers.

The Main Restaurant on the Thomson Dream

There may be a buffet restaurant near the pool, where the dress code is more casual and you can help yourself to pre-prepared food.

Many ships also have specialty restaurants which are smaller and more intimate if you're just after a quiet table for two.  You'll find steakhouses, French bistros, Italian trattoria or Japanese sushi restaurants.

And of course there will be outdoor grills and BBQ spots, pizzerias, hot dog stands or bakeries.

Some ships have exclusive dining venues, only accessible to passengers in suites or spa cabins.

Accommodation

There are several types of accommodation and these vary depending on your requirements and your budget.

Interior cabins are perfectly comfortable but have no windows.

Oceanview cabins have a porthole window.

Balcony cabins are more spacious with outdoor seating areas

Suites - these can range from mini-suites to larger suites with multiple living spaces, almost always with a balcony.

Suites are the best choice if you are travelling with your family.

Suite on the Thomson Celebration

Then there's the location of your cabin on the ship.

Cabins in the front of the ship (forward) and back of the ship (aft) are often less expensive as they feel the motion of the ocean the most.

Mid-ship cabins are the most stable and ideal for those prone to seasickness.

And talking of which, what about seasickness?

Even if you are prone to seasickness (my number one excuse for not booking a cruise to date), there are plenty of river cruises.  In any case, modern ships are built with stabilizers to minimize rocking.

You should also think about the time of year you plan to travel. The Mediterranean is a lot rougher in autumn and winter. Alaska's Inside Passage is quite calm, though the open sea up north gets rougher in September; and the Caribbean can get choppy during hurricane season (June 1 through November 30, officially).

Image credit: Pixabay - Lisbon

Budget

There are many kinds of cruise, from World cruises to themed cruises for art, writing, personal development - you name it there's a cruise for it.  Traditionally, of course, cruising has the reputation of being an expensive way to travel in luxury.

Today though there are so many package deals on offer you are sure to find something to suit.

Many cruisers opt for an all inclusive cruise which includes accommodation, full board dining, flights, transfers and tips with an inside cabin. although the cabin type can be changed at the time of booking and a surcharge payable to upgrade.

You'll still need to budget for things like spa treatments, drinks, bingo, fitness classes, internet use and, of course, your excursions, souvenirs and refreshments on land.

Don't forget you will need travel insurance and it may be worth considering specialist cruise cover policies, especially if you cruising for longer than 2 months.

Have you been on a cruise?  What would be your top tips?

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