Ad: Bathing Solutions have commissioned me to write this article.* This is the first year in our kids’ lives that we’re not having a family summer holiday. I’ve always wanted to keep having family holidays for as long as possible, and previously I’ve written about what to do when your teenager doesn’t want to go on […]
On dogs and friendship
AD – This post is sponsored by PetPlan* When our daughter wanted nothing but a puppy for her ninth birthday, I wasn’t sure what to do. My husband and I had both grown up with cats as pets, and had never even taken a dog for a walk, let alone lived with one. Our son, […]
Celebrity Edge: new ship for people who don’t like cruises
As I walk into my room I feel relaxed and at home straight away. The passenger accommodation on board Celebrity Edge is designed by Kelly Hoppen MBE. With her signature neutral palette and beautiful textures, it feels stylish and welcoming. My Aquaclass Stateroom has a kingsize bed with a cashmere mattress, an airy balcony and […]
Highlights of a 3-day trip to Tunisia
[AD – this was a press trip] My first trip to Tunisia* has left me keen to go back to explore more of this welcoming country. I was there on a three-day press trip in April, with fellow bloggers Cathy Winston and Nichola West, and we were hosted by the Tunisian National Tourist Office. Tunisia […]
7-day itinerary for Porto, Lisbon & Silver Coast, Portugal
I’ve been asked to create this itinerary by Discover Car Hire, who are sponsoring this post. My first experience of Portugal was a marvellous two-week family road trip exploring Porto, Lisbon and the Silver Coast. Our kids were 18 and 13 years old at the time, and the holiday was a balance of cultural visits, foodie […]
The one where I claim flight compensation
When my flight from London to New York was cancelled, I was rebooked on a flight the following day, from a different airport. On my return, I claimed compensation for the cancellation. I’m sharing how I did this here, in case it’s helpful for you. This is what happened. The closer it got to our […]
New York City 6-day cultural itinerary
I’ve enjoyed visiting New York City a few times with my family, but recently (thanks to my husband covering teen and dog care duties) I was lucky enough to be able to spend a few marvellous days there with friends. We spent hours in museums, art galleries and junk shops, and we tried different eating […]
How to go seal watching in Winterton, Norfolk
On a January trip to Norfolk to visit a friend I was amazed to see some seal pups on the sandy beach at Winterton. My friend is a volunteer seal warden at the beach, and she explained that these pups will have been born in December. Their mothers will have stayed with them on the […]
Thailand with teenagers: a two-week summer itinerary
If you’re planning a summer family holiday with a teenager, have you thought about Thailand? This south-east Asian country is a friendly and welcoming place to explore, the food’s amazing, it has more than 5,000 miles of coastline and it offers great value. AD – Some of our accommodation on this trip was provided for […]
Travelling with a child who has anxiety: advice for parents
I have to start by saying that, luckily for me, I don’t have anxiety issues. I’m writing this from the perspective of parenting a child who does, and of seeing what works for my family and for others. What is anxiety? We all feel anxious sometimes, for example if we’re starting a new job, or […]
