How to spend a day in and around Hay-On-Wye

There are many reasons why people flock to the Town of Books year after year. Not only is it charming and quaint streets packed with over 20 independent bookshops but with an array of independent eateries, a restored castle, quirky shops and gorgeous countryside walks, there is more than meets the eye. I feel very grateful to live around 1hrs drive from Hay which makes it a great day trip town for my kids and I and I wanted to share some of our favourite ways we spend a day in and around Hay-on-Wye. 1. Visit the restored Hay Castle Sitting in the heart of the town, the castle opened to the public in 2022 after years of restoration & is full of history and folklore waiting to be explored. The lawn, shop & cafe are free to enter, but I do recommend paying to explore the castle, where you can explore from the cellar up to the castle tower which offers amazing views across Hay. Entry to the full castle is £7.50 for adults & free for under 18’s. The ground floor & cafe is d......

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5 Tips for Choosing Mercedes Alloys for Comfortable Family Road Trips

A long family road trip takes more than just snacks and songs. You also need to think about what keeps the ride calm and comfortable. The wheels you choose can change how the car feels on rough roads. Choosing the right Mercedes alloys can make the journey quieter and more comfortable. Use these five simple ideas to find the right set. 1. Prioritise Comfort Over Style It's tempting to go straight for the flashiest design, but comfort should come first when your car is packed with family and luggage. Larger wheels often look striking, but they can transmit more road vibration into the cabin. Slightly smaller, well-cushioned alloys tend to absorb bumps better, keeping younger passengers comfortable and content during those longer stretches of motorway driving. 2. Match the Alloy to Your Tyre Profile The relationship between your alloys and your tyre profile matters more than many drivers realise. A higher-profile tyre paired with the right wheel size gives you a little more cushionin......

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Is Palmers Lodge the best backpackers in London?

I have not only stayed in many different backpackers and hostels all over the world, from South Africa to Slovakia and everywhere in between but I have also worked in a few across Europe and feel I know what makes a backpacker hostel stand out from the rest. I have stayed in a few different hostels across London over the years, but there is only one that I have returned for a second stay at that is Palmers Lodge Boutique Hostel in Swiss Cottage and both stays have been fantastic. The first time was a couple of years ago and I had a bunk in a female-only larger dorm, which was clean and comfortable, and each bed has a privacy curtain. My second and most recent stay this year was in one of their private en-suite rooms, and it confirmed to me that this is definitely one of the best hostels in London and here is why.  Location - Swiss Cottage While there are more centrally located backpackers, Palmers Lodge is in Zone 2 and well connected with a short walk to a 24hr tube station, bus ......

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UK Staycation Boom is Driving the Demand for Luxury Safari Park Lodges

Staycation trends are surging across the country right now, with the latest statistics showing that over 50% of Brits would rather stay domestically than travel abroad. A lot of this is being driven by cost savings, and local businesses are looking to capitalise on it. Safari Parks and Zoos are Expanding their Appeal with Luxury Lodges At one point, if you wanted to sleep next to giraffes or watch zebras out of your hotel window, you'd have to book a safari trip to Africa. Now, however, things are changing. UK zoos, wildlife and Safari parks are now offering exclusive after-hours tours, which include evening feeds and a luxury lodge that allows you to look over the animals. Chester Zoo is now offering an African-style safari lodge. London Zoo has a Sleep in the Gir Lion Lodge experience, which is inspired by India’s Gir National Park. This includes a three-hour tour at night. Whipsnade Zoo also offers a Lookout Lodge experience, which allows you to view white rhinos as well as rein......

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Why Weekend Getaways Are Perfect for Busy Families

Trying to balance work, school runs, and all the never-ending life admin can make planning a big family holiday seem impossible. If just thinking about coordinating a two-week trip makes you tired before you even start, you're not alone. But what if you could get all the good parts of a family holiday packed into just one weekend? Weekend getaways are a perfect fix for busy families, giving you that much-needed break without all the planning headaches. Less Planning, More Fun One of the best things about a weekend trip is how little planning it needs. You can forget about spending weeks looking for flights or organising complicated schedules. A short break often means you just pack an overnight bag, hop in the car, and head somewhere a couple of hours away. When you're already short on time, this simplicity is a huge relief. Since the trip is short, there's less pressure. You don't need to pack for every possible weather condition or plan activities for ten days straig......

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Slovakia, perfect for a family road trip and why E-Vignettes Make it Simpler

The first time I travelled through Slovakia, it was mostly supposed to be a “transit country.” But somewhere between the mountain roads, quiet towns, and surprisingly smooth motorways, the country completely changed the rhythm of the trip. What also stood out was how easy driving felt compared to some other parts of Europe. No endless toll booths. No confusing payment systems. No scrambling for coins while cars piled up behind us. That’s when I realised how much simpler road trips become when countries use e-vignettes instead of traditional toll gates. If you’re planning a European driving holiday, especially with family or on a tighter budget, Slovakia is one of those places where preparation makes all the difference. The Hidden Costs of a European Road Trip Most people planning a European road trip budget focus on the obvious expenses: *fuel *accommodation *food *car rental But once you start driving across borders, smaller costs appear constantly. Some are manageable. Others can qui......

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How to Enjoy a Relaxing Family City Break in Bustling Bangkok

Thailand's capital is a city of incredible contrasts, where gleaming modern shopping centres sit right alongside ancient temples and vibrant street food markets. The vibrant atmosphere is truly infectious, offering a wealth of sensory experiences that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. For travelling families, this dynamic energy is exactly what makes the city so appealing. However, the intense heat, continuous noise, and constant movement can quickly become overwhelming for both parents and children if you are not prepared. The secret to a successful city break in this tropical metropolis is learning how to balance exploration with proper relaxation. You do not have to choose between experiencing the local culture and having a restful holiday. With some smart planning, realistic expectations, and the right environment, you can enjoy the ultimate family getaway that leaves everyone feeling inspired rather than exhausted. Finding this equilibrium ensures that yo......

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How to Build a Reading-Friendly Family Travel Routine

Having done a lot of travel with my kids, including nearly a month-long Interrail, with all-day travel days, you have to learn how to be savvy with keeping both yourself and the kids entertained during these times. Just picture this. You're three hours into a train journey, the kids have already worked through their snacks, the card games have lost their charm, and the tablet battery is blinking red. Sound familiar? Family travel can be full of these in-between moments. The waits at airports or train stations, the long drives, the evenings in a hotel room when everyone is too tired to go out but too wired to sleep. Often, the easiest option is to fill those gaps with screens. But as time goes on, an interst with screens, esepically while travelling, can be short-lived. Screens, as useful as they are, are not always the option, there's an engaging option that gets pulled out of suitcases less often than it should. Books! Reading on holiday isn't just for solo travellers with......

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6 Things to Know Before visiting Vatican City

During our family Interrailing trip across Europe, we visited the Vatican City and while we are not religious at all, we still found the whole experience an interesting and culturally significant one. We also managed to do it in a fairly low-stress way, and I think they came down to research as it's not really one of those places you can easily visit on a whim due to crowds, so this really helped prepare us. I thought it would be beneficial to share some of these realistic tips with other families planning on visiting.  Visiting Vatican City is a must-do for many travellers, but showing up unprepared can turn this bucket-list experience into a frustrating ordeal. This tiny sovereign state, packed with Renaissance masterpieces, religious significance, and architectural wonders, deserves more than just a rushed walkthrough. Whether you're a history buff, art enthusiast, or spiritual pilgrim, understanding what awaits you will transform your visit from ordinary to extraordinary. ......

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