A three week trip to Sydney over the Easter period seemed like the natural choice for two parents with a small child, “Challenges can be over come with a small amount of planning”, these words would be at the forefront of my mind for the remaining two weeks, six days and twenty-three hours.

Although travel had changed over the years (for the better I was assured) and travelling half way around the planet was no more daunting than a trip to a supermarket, somehow the addition of a four year old managed to change everything. I had been systematically informed that all we needed to worry about was the 24 hour flight - after this it was plain sailing. This flippant but all-too-used statement had been blown away when we realised no one told us that the 24 hours they were talking a

I was born and bred in Tours, in the Loire Valley, so it’s time I give credit to this simple yet beautiful city.

Tours had a stint at being the capital of France, which explains why there are so many castles. The most famous one is probably Chambord, the one built on a small artificial lake, but there are hundreds of them, scattered along the river Loire. Even in Larçay, the small village where I lived, there are two small chateaux!

Tours is also known for wines, with many small obscure ones that you’ll hardly find in a supermarket in England, but that are worth testing. My mother’s favourite is a red Bourgueil - just trying to pronounce it makes you feel like you’re there…

Still, you don’t have to be into wines or castles to enjoy Tours. It’s a great ci

Fly into Shannon and fly out of Knock, Ireland"s West Airport

If you want to experience the real Ireland then forget about Dublin and fly into into one of the many Domestic airports in Ireland.  You’re guaranteed to experience real Ireland as soon as you arrive at any of these airports. Some of these airports are so small that as soon as get off the plane you’re out of the airport in minutes.

Fly into Shannon in Co Clare; Shannon is Ireland’s second biggest airports and has international flights daily.  There are also many low cost carriers so the choice is yours.   Hire a car when you fly into Shannon and make sure you are able to drop off at Knock Airport. Th

Yes most definitely – Cruising is for everyone of all ages.

Eastern Caribbean  - 7 Night Cruise:

Loved: 
Ship – Navigator of the seas
Activities on board
Staff
Food & Entertainment
Excursions

Not so good:

Nothing!!!

We flew from Dublin to Miami the night before the cruise and headed out on Collins Ave for the night.  What a great way to start the holiday!  Eight women living it up in Miami and heading off the next day on a seven night cruise…

What struck me most the following morning when we crossed over the Bridge heading to Miami Port was the size of the ships. There must have been at least seven cruise ships, one bigger than the next.  The taxi dropped us off at t