What are Pousadas?Pousadas de Portugal are hotels created out of monuments and other historic buildings. They were originally set up by the state to be rustic, genuinely Portuguese and to help preserve these wonderful buildings. Although they are luxurious and historic, their prices seem more than reasonable when compared to the prices paid in Britain for corporate chains such as the Holiday Inn, They are well worth considering… Continue reading
Salamanca Old Quarter
Paradors or Paradores are a chain of state-run Spanish luxury hotels created in the 1920s to promote tourism and preserve ancient buildings. They are usually castles, convents, forts and other historical buildings or more modern buildings in areas of special natural or historic beauty.
Although luxurious, many can be found at similar prices we Brits pay for identikit corporate hotel chains so they are well worth checking out as you may well be pleasantly surprised.
Essential Items to pack for Long Car JourneysAfter four long family road trips, each totaling between 2500 and 3300 miles, we put together this list of essential items that we now never leave home without… Continue reading
In these difficult economic times, there is a growing trend for families to take their holidays all together: grandparents, parents and grandchildren.
It makes perfect sense. Share the costs with people you know and trust, bring your family closer together and create happy long lasting memories – especially for young children. Ideal some would say, but be aware there can be pitfalls…
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Secrets to a happy holiday with friendsThere are many benefits to holidaying with friends such as shared costs, larger properties, friends on tap for the kids, joint childcare opportunities and a guaranteed social life. But there are many potential pitfalls too which could affect your friendship and even your marriage… Continue reading
Young children and airports – not always a happy combination. Of course, there’s nothing in the world quite like being met off a flight by your kids but travelling with them, well, that can be… stressful.
Are we nearly there yet?In the last 5 years my family has undertaken three epic family road trips around Europe (from Scotland to Portugal, and from Scotland to Croatia twice).
The key to a successful long car journey with kids is to think of it as the start of your holiday and make sure you all enjoy it. This is a chance to spend family time together, to talk, to share each other’s time, ideas, music etc. (Our book, the Family Travel Journal can help stressed and tired parents out here!) Essentially kids just love having your undivided attention.
Every time you complete a journey that is actually fun for the children, the easier it will be to sell them on the idea of travelling by car next time.