London to Ibiza, why Winter is the best time to visit the island

*This post contains affiliate links  Ibiza, for many people the first thing that comes to mind is "party town" and yes in summer that is very much the case but the cooler months are completely different and locals back this up with many of them recommending visiting the Island in winter and here is why.   1. Less crowded and more relaxing I won't beat around the bush here, Summer in Ibiza is very busy and crowded, mainly with a younger crowd but the same cannot be said for the off-season months appeal to a different crowd, those who want to explore the island and take in the fantastic natural landscapes and sunsets as well as relax, in peace. Going off-season also allows you to soak up the local charm and heritage the island has to offer.  2. Mangable temperatures In the summertime temperatures easily rise above 30 degrees and for many, this can be quite taxing, especially if you want to get out and explore the island. During the off-season temperatures are still war......

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Why Iberostar Llaut Palma is top of our family travel bucket list

*Sponsored Collaboration with Iberostar and Tots100 The one thing I have learnt from travelling with kids is it often comes with compromise and it can be hard to find the perfect location, accommodation and activities that fulfil everyones needs especially if your looking for that true relaxing break away with a touch of luxury. While we have done many trips away that are more focus on the kids needs everyone now and then its important to make sure as parents we also look out for our own needs too so finding a place that seamlessly combines both is key. Good news is I feel I have found the perfect spot, which also happens to have a real focus on sustainability and is going straight to the top of our bucket list this year. That place is the five star Iberostar Llaut Palma hotel in Majorca and if you are in need of persuasion then let me tell you why this hotel is getting the thumbs up from us and best of all is they have a variety of options from full inclusive (with loads of ic......

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5 Short-Haul Exotic European Destinations

When it comes to exotic destinations we often thinks of places like Thailand, Costa Rica or far-flung Caribbean islands but you really don't have to hop onto a long haul flight to find those white sands and crystal blue seas as there are plenty of short haul exotic destinations right here in Europe, making them a great for a mini-escape when you have had frankly enough of the unpredictable British weather. This list could easily be doubled what I am going to share but I thought I would put together a mix of places I have either been to or want to visit and certainly capture that exotic far-flung feeling. 1. Isles of Scilly Less than a 10-minute flight from Lands End and you are instantly transported to somewhere so unique and special you will wonder why you have never visited before. We spent a week exploring the Isles of Scilly in 2016 and have been dreaming of going back ever since. Every morning we woke up to the most beautiful views and would take barefoot strolls on ......

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Top 3 Family Friendly Destinations for Winter Sun

Being a South African expat I find that even after nearly a decade living in the UK that the winters are still a struggle, as much as the magic of snow will never fade the idea of those short days and long nights and the biting wind that lingers just a little bit too long for me are always hard. I find my main coping method to this is seeking out a little winter sunshine as it's surprising what a week or two away in a different country, culture and climate really does wonders for the soul and goes a long way to breaking up those cold winter months. If you are a regular reader to my blog you will know we always travel as a family so that is always a factor when deciding and planning trips away. It doesn't necessarily mean we need everything tailor towards children but knowing where ever we decided to go that children are welcome is important to us wether it be a city, beach or culture break. I have put together our top 3 destinations if your looking for a does of sunshi......

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Planning for a Spanish and French adventure

As much as we love cultural city breaks we also enjoy a more slower paced holiday and one that preferably involves sunshine and swimming pools so this year we are planning a trip to Spain and the South of France, with our eye on the area in and around San Sebastian and Urrugne which has a stunning coastline famed for it's world class surfing and blissful dry summer season. The last time I was in Spain was for a week in Barcelona and wow what a colourful and creative city but this time we have decided to explore somewhere new and I must admit that even though San Sebastian is a city we do plan to stay a bit further out and enjoy relaxing as a family and taking it easy as well as hoping over the boarder and exploring the more rural villages of the South of France. One of the reasons we have picked this part of Spain and France is because we can take an overnight Ferry from either Plymouth or Portsmouth down to Bilbao which for one will be a really interesting way to trav......

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The Time of Your Life in Lanzarote

I feel the need to get away from it all, somewhere warm and beautiful ( image ) I don't know about you but I am really craving some sun after this seemingly long winter and not just sun but warmth, the kind that brings on relaxed evenings spent in shorts and a t-shirt nearby a beautiful sandy beach. I have been to the Canary Islands before and they did not disappoint and despite some destinations being known for a more party aspect it's still easy to get away from it all and indulge in the local food and culture and this time I have my eye on somewhere like Lanzarote and here is why. Lanzarote is known for its year round sunshine. In the summer it boasts up to 14 hours of sunshine every day. This kind of glorious sunshine makes Lanzarote a perfect location for both sun worshippers and those who just can’t bear to stay indoors on a nice day. Firstly to really discover and explore all the amazing things the island has to see and do then I highly recommend to hire a c......

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Our 2015 travel Wishlist

Mr A in Brussels last year If you read the blog you will know we are passionate about travel, between John and I we have travelled to 26 countries and every year we try to make that number grow. In some ways it was easier before having kids but oh how much more exciting it is with Mr A. My father always believed that travel was one of the best educations you could give a child and it's something that we strongly encourage and agree with. Being able to try new food and sample other cultures is the perfect learning experience at any age and even though we are expecting our second child in a matter of days we have some exciting plans, ideas and travel dreams for 2015. The three of us enjoying Amsterdam  Overseas A Scandinavian Cruise - we never really focused much on cruises before but last year we did an overnight ferry and Mr A loved being on a large ship and sleeping in a cabin with a big porthole and I think it's the perfect way to see amazing places in a rela......

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Barcelona style and interiors

Love the tiles in this beautiful Barcelona apartment ( image ) A few year back I spent 2 wonderful weeks in a rented apartment in the heart of downtown Barcelona. I found inspiration in every part of the city and loved all the street art, outdoor bars, relaxed lifestyle and interior style. I have been thinking a lot about that city lately and thought I would just share a little bit of the inspiration with you. The mix and match so many different patterns and colour into their life and home, something I am trying to actively do into our home. Such a stunning hallway ( image ) Barcelona is such a creative hub ( image ) When I went it was over New Years, so technically it was winter in Spain but still every day was sunny and around 18-19 degrees which was much warmer than the 4-5 degrees back in the UK. We enjoyed lots of tapas, cheap wine and Sangria as well as nights on the beach, secretly wishing I was back there with a big class of Sangria How amazing does......

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Travel Tuesday - trendy Barcelona

In 2007 me and a bunch of friends travelled to Barcelona for a week, we rented an apartment (a very small apartment) and our main purpose was to have fun, celebrate New Years and skateboard. I use to do a lot of skateboarding a few years back, in fact I won the UK Girls Skate Jam in 07 but due to having a bad knee injury and two subsequent knee surgeries I don't do nearly as much as I did. This trip also happens to be the last time I flew - thats not to say I have not travelled since becuase I have in fact I have travelled to many countries and have done many long and overnight train/bus and car trips all across europe but I have to admit I am terrified of flying, even though I have been lucky enough to fly around 30 times in my life, I have a major fear of flying which has got worst with age, but I hope to face my fear sometime soon. Sagrada Familia taken on my old film camera I loved this trip, we used the underground system daily, we walked all across the c......

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