Traveling with your family is so important; it gives you all the chance to take some time off and relax while spending some quality time with one another. Travel is also a great educational tool for your kids because it helps them learn about new cultures and makes them more well rounded people. That’s why you should be taking them away as often as possible. The only problem is, traveling can get pretty expensive these days. By the time you’ve added up the cost of flights (including all of the extra charges like luggage and airport parking) accommodation, and spending money it might be out of your price range. But that doesn’t mean you should give up on the idea of taking your family away altogether because there are some great cheap alternatives.
Camping
Camping is one of the best options for a cheap getaway and it offers a different experience to most other holiday ideas. Most of the time, you’ll be taking the family somewhere with all of the normal comforts that they have at home but when you go camping, they won’t have that. It’s often good for kids to get a bit of perspective and spend a weekend living without all of their normal comforts. It helps them to stop taking things for granted and appreciate the things that they do have. On top of all that, it’s a great way for the family to spend time together and get out in nature for a while. There are some great places to go camping abroad but there’s really no need. The UK is filled with beautiful countryside and quaint coastal towns where you can go camping for the week. If you’re taking the family camping for the first time, you need to make sure that you’re getting a spacious tent and taking plenty of games along to keep them entertained, otherwise, they’ll quickly become bored.
Sailing
If you’ve got a bit of money to go abroad but you want to save some money on your travel costs, why not go by boat? Sailing with the family can make a great change from flying and it’s usually cheaper. There are some great sailing destinations around the world and it’s often a far better way to see a country. Boat travel is ideal for families because sitting on a plane or in a cramped car for hours is likely to rub the kids up the wrong way but on a boat, you’ve got plenty of room to walk around the deck, grab a drink and something to eat, and take in the scenery.
Have A Staycation
Most of us haven’t fully explored the city that we live in so if you really don’t have the money to go away anywhere, why not start there? Instead of going away somewhere, stay at home and make a list of all of the local attractions around the city that you want to go to. Spending a bit of time discovering a different side to your hometown is just as fun as going away for the week.
These are all great alternatives to the family holiday that are still just as fun.
Considering a visit to the Emerald Isle? Here are some of the ways you can get the absolute most out of a trip to beautiful Ireland.
Discover History and Culture
Ireland has a complicated, fascinating religious history and culture and history surrounding this is clear to see. The increase in church building in the nineteenth century was what contributed to the evolution of towns, where some Catholic churches became the focus of a religious precinct of related buildings, Today, there are abbeys, cathedrals, friaries and monasteries that you can take in and walk around and get a real glimpse into the past. More recent history is visible in the Titanic Experience in Cobh, detailing the ship and it’s first and final voyage. You can also see the Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, a former prison which is now a museum. Culturally, Ireland has many made fantastic musical contributions to the world, and you can experience this by attending one of the numerous festivals or even enjoying the nightlife in a club in a major city! Being the richest store of mythology in northern Europe, there’s lots to discover about Ireland’s literary contributions too. You can visit the National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland, attend guided tours or visit places of mythological interest such as Giant’s Causeway. Interlocking hexagonal columns jut up from the water, fitting together almost perfectly, in this stunning coastal rock formation. The legend goes that this is where Scottish giant Benandonner threatened Ireland and was defeated by hero Finn who dressed up as a giant baby!
Take in The Breathtaking Scenery
There are a number of reasons why Ireland is famous for its landscapes, and it’s enormous variety is just one of them. While there are many rolling hills of green (no wonder it’s called ‘the Emerald Isle) there’s significantly more going on too. There are incredible waterways such as rivers, canals and lakes. There are sandy beaches and awe- inspiring mountains, cliffs and underground caves to explore, all will all provide you with plenty of amazing views to take in. Visit Galway’s mystical tombs, or the Mourne Mountains that inspired the Narnia series by CS Lewis. There are some incredible national parks too, Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal attracts outdoorsy folk from across the land. You can go hiking, fishing, bird watching or just enjoy an afternoon tea with a mountain view! Connemara National Park is another to visit, is famous for (and named after) its herd of native Connemara Ponies and its wild countryside. Giving awesome views of the Twelve Bens mountain range and the magnificent Kylemore Abbey, a former monastery housed in one of Ireland’s most beautiful castles. If you want to get outside, get active and enjoy some views that will knock your socks off then Ireland certainly won't disappoint.
Visit The Vibrant Cities
As well as magnificent natural scenery, Ireland is also home to some incredible vibrant, bustling and exciting cities. Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Derry are just a few that you could visit if you’re after fantastic dining, shopping and tourist attractions. Cork is a particularly nice one, you have the famous English Market which is made-up of Princes Street Market and Grand Parade Market. It’s regarded for its mid-19th century architecture, and locally produced artisan food; it’s considered to be one of the best markets in Ireland. If you’re staying in the city, find good accommodation like the the Shandon Cork City Hotel to make your visit extra special. A cheap alternative is to consider camping, despite being a city there are still numerous campsites which can bring a fun element to your trip. With so much to see and do in cities, to get the most out of your trip your best bet would be to plan and write an itinerary, that way you can see, experience, dine and stay in all of the places that have the most appeal to you.
Chat With The Friendly Locals
It’s well known across the globe that the Irish people are one of the friendliest cultures in the world. When you visit the country, you’ll find the Irish to be genuinely warm and welcoming, and there are few more enjoyable ways of understanding of the inhabitants of this fascinating country than with a chat with a local. One of the reasons why Irish people are so friendly is because they have grown up in a culture that is laid back and relaxed. The social environment is very different from most places- it’s common to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger with the popular saying, “to make a friend; you must be a friend” ringing true.
Now the weather is finally starting to improve, many of us are thinking about our summer getaways. Whether you are going away later in the year or within the next few weeks, this is the perfect time to start thinking about your holiday fashion essentials. The high street is currently full of all of the hottest summer trends as well as those beach essentials that we’ve all come to rely on. Wait a month or two and Autumn trends will start to appear, and you’ll have missed your chance to stock up on summertime pieces.
The problem with summer holiday shopping is choice. With so much on offer, it’s hard to know what to buy. You want the perfect outfit for any occasion as well as those that are comfortable in the heat. Yet you might not want to pay extra for more luggage. This is why the summer capsule wardrobe has become so popular. These are key outfits that work well in different combinations and easily take you from a day on the beach to a classy evening dinner and back to the Courtyard Toluca Airport hotel before your flight home. Here are the holiday essentials that you can’t afford to miss.
A Sun Dress
A simple, light, cotton sundress is an absolute must whether you are going somewhere exotic or spending a summer camping in this country. It easily takes you from a walk on the beach to an evening party and looks good at any occasion. Dress it down with flip flops and a beach tote, or up with some sparkly accessories and oversized shades. Comfortable, classy and always stylish, a must have piece for any trip.
Beach Trousers
Cotton loose fitting trousers have grown in popularity over the last few seasons for their comfort and style. Choose a bold print to stand out and wear with a bikini top of a soft white cami. Beach trousers are perfect for days chilling on the beach or around the pool but also incredibly comfortable for long journeys.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are worth spending a little more on, especially if you need a prescription pair. A good pair of sunglasses that you love will work well with any outfit, feel comfortable, protect your eyes and last for years. Try to avoid the latest trends and fashions, instead opting for simple and classic styles that will last you for many holidays to come.
Sandals
One of the hardest things about packing for a holiday is narrowing your shoe collection down to one or two pairs. But, it’s summer, all you need is a good pair of comfortable and stylish sandals, and they’ll work with every outfit. Like sunglasses, try to avoid trends and stick to styles that suit you and are always fashionable, in a colour that works well with your wardrobe. Think nudes or neutrals.
The Right Swimwear
We all get a little self-conscious sometimes. But, the last thing you want on your holiday is to feel uncomfortable in your swimwear or like you want to cover up all of the time. Tankinis and sexy one-pieces are a much better option than a bikini if it’s something that you are worried about. Take your time to try some options before committing.
There are lots of bargains to be found online when shopping for fashion. Stores and designers compete for your custom by reducing prices to an attractive and affordable level. Fashions change so quickly that it would be a shame to miss out on bargains by paying premium prices everytime a new range is released. You need to know where to look and how to source on trend fashions and this article aims to help.
Cashback sites
Cashback sites literally pay you for online shopping. Some sites will enter you into monthly prize draws so that you have the opportunity to win £500!
The cashback sites work by accessing the store you want to buy from through their link. You need to register on the cashback site and then search for the store you wish to buy from, if it is listed click on the trackable link and you will receive your award once a purchase has been made.
The cashback sites make their money by affiliate and referral links.
Sales
Sales are highly publicised and can result in an almost “scrum like” experience as everyone tries to grab a bargain. Shopping at online sales is slightly less stressful but ensure you log into the site when the sale first opens as bargains go fast. Some stores such as next allow shoppers VIP access to sales, so that they can buy before the rest of the public. Sign up early and use the opportunity.
Often clothes, accessories and shoes enter the sale section of a website well before a sale actually occurs, this is when the real bargains can be found and you may find prices rise at publicised sale times. Check the sale section of your favourite websites frequently.
Alerts
There are websites that will send you a notification as soon as your sought after item is reduced. List clothes that you have your eye on and let the website do all the hard work by monitoring prices and alerting you of price drops.
Ebay
Ebay is full of bargains and there are facilities that are embedded in the site which will notify you when an item goes for sale that matches your wishlist. Often designer clothes sell out immediately after launch. If you’ve missed out, you may be lucky on ebay, as many people buy designer wear to immediately sell on. There may also be items listed by people who bought pieces that didn’t quite fit and they’ve left it too long to return it to the store.
Voucher codes
Huge savings can be made by searching for voucher codes that give discounts on your purchases. There are many websites dedicated to discount codes, so remember to always search before purchase. You may qualify for free delivery with a specific code, or you may be entitled to 20% or more of the total price!
Shop out of season
You may not buy an item that has just been released if you shop off season, but there are many bargains to be had, especially if you choose classic styles that don’t go out of fashion quickly. You may not feel like buying a bikini in October or a winter coat in July. but you will be thankful the following year as long as you remember where you’ve stored it!
