Showing all posts tagged holiday

In Family Time, General, Reviews / Sponsored

Winter Escapes

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on

The British have something of a reputation for being obsessed with the weather. I don’t see this as a bad thing. I might be more of a weather watcher than some (I have two weather apps on my phone) but I’m not too bad. I have been known to have a weather-related moan from time to time….

I’m not a summer gal at heart, you see? I don’t like to be hot, I like floppy jumpers, crisp autumn leaves, fresh spring breezes and a proper winter.

A proper winter seems to be escaping us up in North Yorkshire once more (although it might be too soon to tell for this year). Last year was ridiculously mild and I think we had no more than one decent frost all year. If we aren’t going to have a decent winter with frosts and snowmen and such-like I’m going to opt out next year!

Now, I might not be a hot weather gal but I’ve been told by them in the know that when you go abroad, and to the right places, that the heat is a different type of heat. If it means escaping drizzle and out of whack seasons I’m going to have to risk it!

Now I’m not your clubbing on holiday, Ibiza type gal either. I’d be looking for something warm, not blisteringly hot and something interesting. I want culture, art, architecture and decent authentic food. What’s more I want all of this as part of a family holiday full of winter sun and fun so that we can all enjoy these experiences together.

So…

  • A beach
  • Nice accommodation
  • Nothing *too* touristy
  • History, culture, awesome buildings by the bucket-load
  • Food, wonderful tasting food.

Short of attempting to find my own personal Narnia, what can I do? Is there a family friendly location that will offer me all of this without having to sell one of Roy’s kidneys (I’m quite attached to my own)? I quite like the idea of Morocco – have any of my readers been? It’s too late to book for this year but I’m really coming around to the idea of a winter sun vacation next year, especially if we have another wet and miserable winter this year.

Where would your ideal spot be?

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Photo credit

 

In Family Time, Women's Interest

A Retreat to Portugal? 

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on

 

Don’t blink but it would appear that the first whisper of summer has arrived. Indeed we’ve even managed some days out in the garden. We’ve even have enough sun to get some gardening done!

I love the UK, it is my home and I’d never move abroad however the problem with this good old British summertime is that it doesn’t last two minutes. You sent the kids out to school in the morning in boots, with a coat buttoned up and a sun hat and sun cream in their back. Slightly unpredictable could be the understatement of the century.

While it doesn’t matter where you go and of course you can’t 100% predict the weather there are some places which offer a fairly good chance of sun and for those days where your luck runs out and the clouds, or worse the rain descends there are plenty of other wonders to see, experience and enjoy which don’t reply upon the goodwill of the weather. Portugal is one of these wonderful destinations.

I was talking to a friend of mine who thinks that there should be a special holiday option for mums (and dads of course) where you can simply disappear for a long weekend or more and recuperate from the almighty juggle that is being a parent, working, looking after a house and everything else. Doesn’t that sound magical? I think that if I could choose anywhere; a special retreat for myself I would probably choose a four day holiday in Portugal.

Why Portugal? I haven’t been there, it isn’t a hellishly long way to travel from my base in North Yorkshire and I’ve always been intrigued by the beauty and the history of the place. The coastline looks absolutely amazing, with gorgeous sandy beaches that stretch for miles and I like the idea of exploring the little villages which appear to be largely untouched by the touristy feel that other popular areas seem to fall victim to all too easily.

I’ve actually got it all planned out. I’d fly out on a Thursday (Leaving on the Monday after lunch), arriving in time to check into a gorgeous hotel with the most beautiful sea view. I’d eat at a local rustic eatery, take a stroll and retire to my room and sleep. I’d sleep for at least fourteen hours because I’m a Mum and I haven’t slept for fourteen hours since I was a teenager. I’d enjoy a leisurely bath, without rubber ducks or interruptions from little boys and then set out (after a lovely breakfast of course) to see museums, historical and cultural places of interest, local shops, the beach……

Back down to earth for a moment I’d miss the boys and Roy terribly and probably spend every five minutes on my phone checking that they were ok and what not. Perhaps a solo Mum retreat isn’t on the cards however Portugal is very much on our “hit list” for places to visit and enjoy.

Have you been? Is it as lovely as it sounds / looks online?

 

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