Snippets from our Interrail Adventure

28/11/2022

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The Vatican
Chillin in The Vatican


We have recently got back from the most amazing adventure, by train, across Europe, on a budget. I have so much to write up about our trip but I thought I would share a few snippets while I put more in-depth posts together. 

Firstly it was amazing to be able to travel again in what felt like pre-pandemic times, yes we had to wear masks on all the German trains but that didn't bother us at all and we are more than happy to comply with any travel requirements, as long as we can travel. 

I was so excited to take the kid's Interrailing as it's something I've done myself a few times before having children and it's certainly not just for 20's something backpackers but suitable for all ages!


Salzburg
Looking out across Salzburg


After lots of planning, with a variety of routes we could have taken, we settle on whizzing down from London to Turin in Italy and then spending time exploring Levanto, The Cinque Terra, Pisa, Florence and Rome before taking a night train to Salzburg in Austria, across to Stuttgart in Germany and then finishing it off with a night in Paris. 

We managed to tick off 5 Countries - France, Italy, The Vatican, Austria and Germany! As this was our first dip into family interrailing, we definitely have plans to do more next year and go even further afield. I myself have been as far as Croatia, Hungry, Czech Republic and Slovakia all by train as the European network is so well connected. 


Cinque Terra
Riomaggiore in the Cinque Terra


As I said I will be writing more in-depth into how you go about planning an Interrail trip from costs to train supplements, tips, hacks and best routes. As well as sharing family destination guides to the places we stopped and where we stayed. 

We stayed in a mixture of mainly Hostels and backpackers with some budget hotels and a self-catering apartment (in Levanto). All I have to say is don't be put off by the idea of Hostels - all of the ones we stayed in we had a private ensuite room in central locations with fantastic amenities - again I will be writing about this more in-depth. 

Disclaimer - we were provided with adult and youth Interrail passes - as standard my youngest had a free pass as ALL children under 12 get a free pass with an adult. All supplements, food, accommodation and activities were paid for by me. My words are 100% my own and I will always provide an honest and unbiased review. 


Florence, Italy


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Getting creative with k'nex

14/11/2022

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k'nex

*We were kindly provided with a k'nex box to review

If you are looking for a Christmas present this year that inspires creativity and thinking out of the box, literally, then k'nex is a great option! We were recently sent the k'nex 300 starter box, which provides enough pieces to make 20 builds although of course kid don't have to follow the instructions and just like lego can create their own builds. 

What is really unique about k'nex is that the rod and connector building system no only allows you to build some pretty awesome things but they also move! My son built the mini swing and loved that it actually worked and with the wheels provided in the kids the cars move.


k'nex


While k'nex isn't suitable for under 3yrs old due to small pieces, it is suitable for a variety of ages as there are different skill levels, so both of my children, who are 7 & 12, found knex fun and engaging. I did think that perhaps my eldest would find it boring but he didn't at all and he really liked the harder, more challenging builds, in fact so did I (who doesn't love a creative challenge) 

What I also like about K'nex is children can build and expand their collection as they go, as the sets are all compatible with each other. There is a huge range including working rollercoasters, cranes, cars and also  educational packs that focus on STEM exploration, offering that perfect combo of fun and learning. 


k'nex


We all want our children to spend less time on screens and k'nex is not only fun but also builds on dexterity skills, design and creativity. You can read more about knex on the Basic Fun website and John Lewis offers a great range starting from around £8.50.
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