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In Family Time

Islands in the Mediterranean

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on
Islands in the Mediterranean

2019 looks set to be a ridiculously busy year for us. We’re moving house, we have lots going on with work, school, other events booked in; do you blame me for looking for a holiday so we can all have a bit of a breather? With so many islands to choose from, deciding where to spend our time can become an almighty task. You have the Greek islands, along with Cyprus and Italian islands, too; all with their own perks and beauty. Which of these would you choose?

Cyprus

Cyprus has a special charm that infatuates hundreds of tourists, year after year. Dubbed in Greek legend as being the birthplace of Aphrodite, Cyprus is renowned for its stunning beaches, historical ruins, archaeological sites, and beautiful nature. Visit the Adonis Baths, the Paphos Mosaics and the Archaeological Museum in Limassol. For added luxury, stay at one of the beautiful Cyprus villa retreats located throughout the island.

Capri, Italy

If your holiday checklist comprises of beaches, sun, sea and idle sight-seeing, Capri is perfect for you. While here, you’ll be surrounded by a light-hearted atmosphere as well as tasteful shops and to-die-for gelato parlours. Be sure to enjoy a cocktail in the Piazzetta, or if you’re in need of a caffeine hit, enjoy a morning espresso.

For the best views, head to Giardini di Augusto’s terraces or the ruins of Villa Jovis. You should also witness Capri’s most famous sights – the Blue Grotto – and enjoy one of the many boat tours of the island.

Bozcaada Island, Turkey

After picturesque whitewashed houses, historical ruins and windmills? Do you want to unwind on a small beach and beautiful, rocky coves? This Turkish island is spectacular, to say the least, with its azure blue seas and vineyard. Walk the streets or take up a snorkel and swim with schools of fish in the Mermer Burnu.

Gozo, Malta

Visit Gozo and stay in one of the hilltop villages that offer sweeping seaside views. In your free time, explore the island’s watermelon fields and fig orchards, and take a hike long the cliffs of Dwejra and San Lawrenz. Snorkelling and diving are popular sports, especially within the Azure Window. Gozo does not shy away from its Christian roots, meaning you have many cathedrals, churches and chapels to explore, and the Citadel itself has many hidden gems for tourists to explore. Visit the graffiti ridden prison, the old medieval houses that are open to the public, and step foot in one of the many museums.

Hvar, Croatia

Croatia has grown in popularity the past few years, especially Dubrovnik, a well-known filming location for Game of Thrones. While Dubrovnik is a beautiful walled city, Hvar should also be on your list of places to visit.

The island has an abundance of vineyards, is surrounded by cobalt blue seas, and the Renaissance old town holds a breath-taking piazza. Streets are paved in marble, you’ll be spoilt for choice with monasteries, chapels and battlements, plus there’s a hike to the fortress that offers wonderful views. For late night luxurious dining, book a table at a quayside bar or at one of the rooftop restaurants. You’ll be surrounded by sparkling harbour lights as you enjoy a tasty meal. 

So Many Islands to Choose From

I’m torn! I’ve always wanted to go to Italy but think that Croatia would tick more of our boxes. The research is ongoing. If we’re going to do it, five star accommodation or something similarly swanky would really be the icing on the cake for me. Have you been to any of these places?

 

In Family Time

The Kwik Fit Tyre Challenge

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on
The Kwik Fit Tyre Challenge

As some of you might know I don’t drive however Roy does and we use the car for family outings. With this in mind, it is important that his car will get him safely to work and back again, and ferry us around in the same safe manner too. We are very keen on car safety, which is why when the Kwik Fit Tyre Challenge came up we thought we’d have a look.

Kwik Fit have a tyre challenge on their website and I have to say, it’s been something of an eye-opener. Roy has taken it and got 9/10 and a friend 6/10. With the rules and regulations around driving changing and updating as time goes on, it is important to keep on top of all aspects of safety when it comes to travelling at any time of the year, not just during winter. Winter travelling does, of course, offer a number of additional challenges though when you consider the often shockingly bad UK weather.

kwik fit tyre challenge

Have a go at the Tyre Challenge and let me know how you did, I’m interested! I’d love to know how we, as a country, rate in terms of tyre awareness. If we could raise this, perhaps there would be fewer accidents reported, less damage and most importantly fewer people hurt in accidents.

Regular Tyre Checks, Servicing and MOT

Did you know that if your car isn’t MOT’d that a police car driving by can access that info and pull you over?It’s no accident that the police just happen to stop drivers with no insurance and what not! This happened to Roy years ago. He’d had his MOT done and passed a few days previously but the garage issuing hadn’t put the relevant info into the VOSA database (we should have gone to our local Kwik Fit) so we were showing as driving illegally! Thankfully we had all the docs still on the side and he was pulled over outside our home so we could confirm that all was legit!

I think police being able to check MOT’s on the go like that is fantastic because it is a powerful deterrent to anyone who feels they can get away with not having their car checked for roadworthy-ness! Now, MOTs are all well and good but twelve months is a long time. What about between MOT book-ins? We have our car checked periodically and ensure that we keep on top of maintenance not just because it avoids hefty bills come MOT time but because it is the safe and sensible thing to do! Waiting for the car to stop working and then sorting out the problem is not really the best way forward when it comes to safe motoring. I have a lot of opinions about how people should drive and maintain their cars considering the fact that I am a passenger seat driver only!

Seriously though, be super safe when travelling this winter and make sure your tyres are working for you as well as they should be!

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