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How to Choose the Perfect Family Holiday Accommodation

Once you have decided where you would like to go on your family holiday, you will need to think about where you will stay. There are several factors which will influence this decision:

Taking the car?

If you are hiring a car, or taking your own vehicle then you might want to search for accommodation in a central location between the various attractions in the area which you would like to explore. This would ensure that these destinations are all within a sensible distance, and youll avoid any excessively long car trips!

Going green

Relying on local public transport? Look for accommodation near a train station or bus stop, and check out how regular the links are. If relying on public transport in rural locations you may want to plan your excursions in advance.

Raring to relax?

If you are planning to stay on-site for the duration of your stay, then you might want to look for a site which offers its own forms of entertainment especially if you have children who easily get bored. Some holiday parks even offer kids clubs, meaning you could get some quality time to yourself while they are busy making new friends.

The options

There are several options for your family holiday each with their own pros and cons. Here is our comprehensive summary below:

Holiday Park:

Holiday parks often offer a range of self-catering caravans or apartments, and sometimes offer a full or half board option. These can be good if you want to spend all or part of your time on-site, as there will usually be organised activities for the children, as well as quizzes, keep fit and cabaret for the adults.

Pros:
Full / Half board means you dont have to worry about cooking.
Self-catering gives you flexibility to eat what and when you choose.
Kids activities to keep them entertained.
Evening entertainment.

Cons:
More expensive than some other accommodation (without entertainment).
Kids activities could encourage them to stay on site, where you might want to go on day trips.
On-site food and drinks will usually be more expensive than the local town.
Full/Half board can be restrictive in terms of planning day trips away.

Bed and Breakfast / Hotel

Having a family room or suite in a hotel can be an option if you plan on taking lots of day trips, and can make sure that you get up and out.

Pros:
Having to leave the room at a certain time will make sure you get on with your plans for your holiday.
Many rooms will come with TVs providing some entertainment should the weather be disappointing.

Cons:
Family rooms may be expensive, and hotels will be more expensive than most other types of accommodation.
You may have to be out of the room at certain times, not allowing you to spontaneously do as you please.
Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts are not the most child-friendly places (usually).
You will have to pay for all meals either eating out or at the hotel / B&B.

Self-Catering apartment or cottage

Self catering allows you the freedom to come and go as you please, giving you a good base to explore from.

Pros:
Flexibility to do as you please.
Flexibility to eat what and when you like.
A larger space, so if you want to spend a day in the children would have room to play.
A cheaper alternative to inclusive holidays.
Somewhere to go if it rains.

Cons:
You will have to cook.

Camping

A cheap and cheerful camping holiday used to the quintessential British holiday.

Pros:
Cheap.
You can teach your children the basics of camping.

Cons:
Can be uncomfortable if it rains.
Not suitable for very young children.
Will have to cook without mod-cons.
Only really suitable for the summer months.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Family Adventure Holiday this Year

Planning a holiday with the family is always an adventure in itself and can be a lot of fun if planned methodologically. Perhaps the most important decision you can make for an interesting and exciting break is choosing the right holiday plan that keeps everyone suitably entertained and relaxed.

As seen in travel brochures or on the Internet, there are heaps of options available for one. Many tour companies today offer special adventure holidays for families; typically where small groups can enjoy outdoor activities like rafting, bungee jumping, cycling and climbing, etc., while others can focus on cultural interests.

Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities offered in activity holidays. In this feature, we have shared with you the top 5 reasons to choose a family adventure holiday this year:

1.Cost and Quality: With Family adventure holidays you get what you pay for. Tour companies offer quality holidays with minimal time wasted or organisational hassles. They will do the groundwork for you and find out the best spots to visit. Your holiday will be fun with no hassle and no worries. A family adventure holiday is sure to provide a memorable trip and can be done at budget and time to suit your needs.

2.No Brainstorming for Planning is Involved: When you opt for a family adventure holiday, the burden of planning every last detail is put on the shoulders of the professionals because the itinerary of such trips is set prior to the departure. You can enjoy your holiday with your family without any stress of mapping out every intricate detail and can immerse yourself completely in the joy of boating, kayaking, climbing, rafting or hiking as you see fit.

3.Enjoy Adventure without Stress or Danger: Many atimes, when you are on holiday, the activities that are the part of your trip might involve danger with it. Though the danger that is involved is lifted and the professionals have accounted for every circumstance to let you experience a stress free and danger-free holiday. The most exciting thing to takeaway is the huge number of incredible memories that you can keep with you forever, while others can only dream about it.

4.Kids Get to Learn: In a family adventure holiday, many activities are meant for adults as well as kids. Allowing children to participate in the activity together with their parents. In other holiday packages, kids are sent to the kids group and are only confined to the activities that are meant purely for them. While in a family adventure holiday, they spend time with the family and get an opportunity to learn and strengthen bonding with their parents.

5.Lets You do Something that You Love: As there are several activity holidays options available with various adventure activities are a part of it, people usually choose an adventure holiday based on these activities. If you are an adventurous and active sort of person, choose a holiday package that involves the activities of your preference. Kayaking, climbing, rafting and mountain-biking in new lands are all examples of popular adventure holidays that you will love.

When taking your family on an adventure holiday, you can widen your horizons quite a bit as planning such types of holidays can be a journey in itself. All that discussing, researching, packing, getting ready and hard work will however be paid off many times over and make for the most memorable life experiences.

Altitude Sickness on your Skiing Holiday

Altitude sickness is little documented but very real problem for skiers of all abilities and levels of experience during their skiing vacations. Often a stay in an idyllic, high altitude La Plagne chalets can cause the same problems as a hike up Kilimanjaro! Here we give you the lowdown on the symptoms and experiences of skiers with altitude sickness.

What with all the rich holiday food, the intense exercise and that bottle of mulled wine you saw off around the fire of your La Plagne chalet the night before, you may put your light head and nausea down to indigestion, tiredness or even a hangover. But often, the real culprit is altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness can be a real problem for skiers, especially in high altitude locations. It is a problem which is often overlooked but which can be extremely dangerous if you find yourself affected whilst out on the slopes. Even from the comfort of your La Plagne chalet it can be an extremely unpleasant experience.

Symptoms of altitude sickness include:

Light-headedness

Physical weakness

Tiredness

Exhaustion

Nausea

Headaches

Dehydration

Mental Confusion

Trouble Sleeping
The effects of altitude sickness whilst skiing can range from the unpleasant to the extremely dangerous. You are unlikely to find yourself suffering too severely in your La Plagne chalet because skiing accommodation is often situated lower than the ski slopes themselves. But once up and ready to ski, especially at altitudes greater than 6,500 ft, you could get into real trouble.
There have been plenty of frightening reports of altitude sick skiers becoming disorientated and lost in the cold. The key, according to many health professionals, is hydration. Drinking lots of water, around 8 litres a day, can help you to fend off altitude sickness. Equally, avoiding large amounts of coffee and alcohol can help stop you becoming dehydrated and therefore altitude sick.

Ascending mountains slowly can also help to reduce the problem. Perhaps spending the first day of your skiing holiday on lower ski runs and then working your way up is advised, as this will allow your body to get used to the lack of oxygen. Above all, be sensible! If you feel unwell then avoid skiing, snuggle up in your La Plagne chalet and, if the symptoms persist, seek the advice of a local doctor who will be well versed in altitude sickness problems.

Affordable and Festive Indoor Holiday Decorating Ideas

It is the time of year when we begin to experience cool air, changing leaf colors, increased visits by our family and friends, and for most, attention paid to affordable indoor holiday decorating ideas. Its time spent in the attic, garage and that closet that gets the least attention the rest of year by those who are looking for ways to decorate for the holidays without breaking the bank. Fortunately, affordable indoor holiday decorating ideas are a great way to celebrate the holidays and still have money left for the New Year.

Start at the Front Door

Stepping into a home with a table in the foyer area covered by a nutcracker runner, or floral Christmas basket will immediately set the mood for the festive occasion. Red bows hung in the foyer or a hallway decorated by lighted string Christmas card holder can be a warm greeting for a visitor. A snowman rug or welcome mat inside the front door will convey a greeting, saying “We are glad you are here to join us in celebrating the season.” Dont ignore the opportunity to make the first impression a statement of celebration and welcome. Indoor decorating the entrance into the home can be very affordable.

Decorate the Common Areas

The lighted Christmas tree need not be the only effective decoration. Throw pillows decorated with the seasons theme for the sofa or chairs are an inexpensive and yet expressive way to celebrate the season. Lighted cordless wreaths and garland are becoming more and more affordable and are great ways to decorate a mantle or the top of a door frame. Lighted cordless corner swags will welcome the visitor as they pass through a doorway from one room into another. Ceramic snowmen on the end tables or colorful Santa doorstops can be used as affordable but effective ways to decorate.

Include the Food

Decorating ideas should include those areas were food is being served. Most families will entertain by having others into their home for dinner or snacks. A holiday centerpiece is an inexpensive way to dress up one of the most central areas of holiday gatherings. Candles are always an affordable way to decorate a table. A hurricane lamp globe with a candle inside and surrounded by garland is an inexpensive festive and seasonal centerpiece. A Santas sleigh votive candle set will please children and adults alike. While children are often focused on the lighted Christmas tree, adults are most often focused on the food. A suede holly and poinsettia decorated table runner will add festive color to the serving table. Nutcracker place mats and napkins can be an affordable way to decorate. Holiday chair covers complete the holiday dining experience.

Deck the Halls and Walls and Nooks and Corners

Wall decorations are festive and need not be expensive. Christmas holiday paintings and photos are eye catching and pleasing and add to the atmosphere of celebration. Fireplace screens and magnets, music boxes, Christmas plates and wire holders, plush animals sitting around on tables and chairs, hanging Advent calendars and Santa cookie jars are all affordable and expressive ways to celebrate.

Indoor holiday decorating ideas do not have to be expensive and complicated. After all, the season is to be enjoyed, and should not be a season of stress brought on by excessive spending for decorations. A persons expression of joy and celebration that results from this holiday season can be displayed by doing thoughtful decorating with little expense.

Holiday Destinations for Single Men

For most unattached men, the word “single” brings a dual, or should that be duel, feeling. Being single is synonymous with freedom, but on the flip-side, very few men look forward to a lifetime spent alone. Thankfully, there are many destinations for a single vacation where a guy can tackle this conundrum on his own terms, in due time, but always after a hot experience in paradise. Here are five places that are custom-made for a singles holiday.

Medellin, Colombia:

Made for: Adventure-seekers, and romantics The draw: Endless jungles, and seduction as a culture

The terrain surrounding this ancient city is one of the most diverse in Colombia and a great vacation for singles. It has tall mountain peaks, jungle highlands and lowlands, deep gorges and canyons, and amazingly hypnotic farming areas. Every type of terrain offers the opportunity for extreme guided excursions. Places like the Abbura Valley are unmatched in the world for seasonal color. Temesis offers endurance hikes and waterfall rappelling only minutes from the city. Of course, there are thousands of private places like Los Katios National Park, where the jungle meets a crystal clear pool, perhaps with a cave or hot spring. This is the ideal spot for a single guy to entertain a lovely local girl, or fellow traveler in a dream-like setting.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Made for: Fit men who can dance and who crave noise The draw: 24 hour socializing and parties

Party Mecca for single men is Carnival, and Rio is its home base. Almost all year long, people in this city throw back the curtains for tourists. This is especially true for single guys who are extremely comfortable with leaving their self-loathing behind the moment the step off the plane. Festa (Portuguese for feast/celebration), is ingrained in Brazilian culture. In the ancient world, all roads led to Rome. In Rio, all roads lead to the beach, or a world class nightclub. There are the classics like Ipanema and the Copacabana, but other venues are becoming popular, especially if you have a favorite beach activity. Praia Vermelha is a surf hub, and Praia da Barra da Tijuca is famous for motor sports and parasailing. After working on the tan,go for dancing, drinks, and booty-watching at clubs like Leviano with its massive mosh pit, and Casa Rosa for laser-lit, edgy interaction. Rio might well be the perfect place for singles to holiday.

Bangkok, Thailand

Made for: Urban-oriented, tryst addicts The draw: Food, adult entertainment, and more food

Men from all over the world find Bangkok to be a fascinating study in opposites. There’s no argument that adult entertainment in all forms is a major draw, but local laws and customs must be respected at all times. It’s absolutely possible to find any type of entertainment that you want, but it must be enjoyed on the culture’s terms. Bangkok is like a single travellers fantasy theme park, but definitely…ahem, lives up to its name. The people of Bangkok are exotic creatures in familiar westernized, U.S. and Euro-style packages. They are very accommodating to the expectations of single male tourists, and have the inviting currency exchange rate to boot. Restaurants like Xing Fu satisfy a guy’s stomach. Fitness and outdoor gyms help a guy retain his muscle tone while away from home. Elephant riding in the Khoa Yi National Park provides opportunities for selfies to make friends jealous. Adult clubs, lounges and hotel concierge like will certainly where out a single guy’s eyes (if not his entire body). As a single guy wrestles with the notion of settling-down in life, he can get the “wildness” out in this huge bachelor party of a destination.