Family Staycation's

Before Leo was even a twinkle in my eye, Luke and I were always looking toward the next holiday we were going to book up. We lived for the next faraway adventure that we could jet off too and experience the different cultures and activities.

Our very first break together was to Disneyland, a place I had always longed to go and explore and a destination that I knew Luke would resist but soon enjoy. Our second break together was to the sunny skies of Egypt where we spent two weeks in the sun on one very busy two week break.

We had plans for everyday, different activities that we wanted to cram in, the Pyramids in Cairo, scuba diving in the red sea, quad biking in the desert and let’s not forget the paragliding trip on the back of a boat!

Our holidays have had to adapt somewhat for the little man who is now in our lives, and no longer do we have holidays booked up with daily activities to keep us busy, because Leo keeps us busy all on his own. Our holidays now have to be tailored to our family needs and we need a break that is suitable for a toddler.

Our time in Egypt was amazing and one day in the not so distant future we wish to take Leo along with us, but we are holding out for him to be a little bit older before then and exploring places a little closer to home. 

We have taken Leo to France and many different parts of England. He is one well-travelled little boy and has been able to play along the sea front dipping his toes in and out of the sea before running away and getting sandy little feet. This was his favourite game whilst in Bournemouth a few years ago.

We aren't alone in venturing on staycations instead of holidaying abroad. Each year more and more British holiday makers are looking to stay closer to home for one reason or another. It means that we are discovering parts of England that we never knew existed and attractions that we have never considered visiting before.

If you are considering a holiday in 2015 but are looking to stay within the UK, there really are some beautiful areas you can visit without jumping on a plane. You could source some inspiration from the Park Resorts Staycation Guide that has some beautiful destinations on offer.

It has been lovely venturing around within the UK, and back in the Summer we spent the week at Lands End in Cornwall and had such a super time. With the beach a short walk away and good weather for the majority of that week, we really were spoiled. 

We rented a house and it really was a home from home, and to say that the scenery of Cornwall is beautiful, really is an understatement. With sandy beaches and clear waters, when the sun shone it felt like you were abroad, but with traditional English Fish and Chips right on the doorstep it really was my idea of heaven,

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Right on your Doorstep

Life is all about making memories with those closest too you. Just last weekend I visited Cornwall with my little guy, and we skimmed stones into the sea and took in the fresh sea air. We spied fish swimming in the shallow waters and visited the Maritime Museum. It was a weekend full of fun, and Leo had an absolutely amazing time. 

We all have special memories of a special place with your nearest and dearest, it may be a seaside destination like Cornwall or maybe a camping trip, whatever the occasion the UK really is full of some very special places. I know that in the past I have over looked these destinations, but I only have to venture out of my front door to find the Cotswold's. It amazes me how people travel from all over the world to see the beauty that the Cotswold's have to offer, and it also highlighted to me that I really do take it for-granted. 

Ukbreakaways are currently running a competition, they want you to share your passion for the UK by way of a travel related blog post. It could simply be a personal guide to the destination you want to talk about, or a 'Top 10 Things To See or Do' type post. All you have to do is use your personal insight and experiences. 

You have until the 31st August to enter when the judges will choose the winners:

1ST PRIZE... £250 CASH!

2ND PRIZE... £100 in ukbreakaways Holiday Vouchers

3 x RUNNERS UP PRIZES... £50 in ukbreakaways Holiday Vouchers

The entries will be judged based on the content of their blog post and how it is being engaged with, the judging panel consists of Ukbreakaways Managing Director, Business Development Manager alongside a member of the Reservations Department.

The winners will be notified no later than Friday 6th September 2014.

Terms

Entrants must be over the age of 18. You must follow the instructions on 'How to Enter' to ensure your entry is valid - all entry instructions form part of these Terms. The Prize offers no alternative. Ukbreakaways reserves the right to publish winners names via Social Media or via their website. Competition is not open to employees or agents of Ukbreakaways (Travelstyle). No purchase necessary. One entry is permitted per person. The prize winners will be contacted initially via their Twitter account with further instructions. The promoter's decision is final and binding in all matters relating to this competition.

Good luck!

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Once Upon a Time...

Once upon a time, before kids and before the responsibilities of running a house we used to have a lot more expandable cash, much more than we do now. Life was all about taking risks and enjoying holidays. We didn't have to worry to much about how long the flight duration to our chosen destination would be, or whether the hotel would be child friendly. In fact back then we would have probably preferred a grown up only retreat with no children. It's funny how becoming a family can sway your idea of the perfect holiday, instead of spending the day exclusively by the pool or trying our hand at scuba diving in the red sea... Or even hopping on a bus to see the Pyramids of Giza, we are looking at different aspects, and we are doing this because we are now a family, and because we have to cater for Leo's needs too.

Last summer we took Leo to Cyprus on a 4 and a half hour flight. We had planned ahead and packed a Trunki full of goodies that would hopefully keep him entertained along the way. I even invested in a portable DVD player so that when all else failed we could sit back and let the screen take over for 5 minutes.

Of course when kids come into the picture you may decide that you don't want to take them abroad until they are older. You may decide that you would keep the hair on your head in tact if you take your family holidays closer to home. We have done both and they both take just as much preparation in my eyes, if you aren't stuck in a airport or on a plane, you will most likely be sat in the car and maybe even stuck in traffic (if you dare venture on your trip the Friday of a bank holiday weekend!).

My pearls of wisdom before booking any kind of holiday are simple..

- Carefully select a destination where there is lots for everyone to do. If you are flying or even driving, take into account the traveling duration before hand.

- Get the kids to help you pack a bag together full of things that will entertain them along the way. Books, colouring pencils, paper, games consoles, travel games and so on.

- Don't forget to pack refreshments, you will want snacks and drinks along the way.

We are now getting to the time of year where Summer is not a million miles away, and we are even encountering some Blue skies for the first time in a long while. Luke and I have definitely been pondering the idea of a Summer holiday, but the jury is still out on whether we will go abroad or have a stay-cation within the UK with Hotel Direct.

There really is so much more that we have to take into consideration these days, and for the moment those adventure holidays that we used to jet off on are on hold. Now is the time for a whole new adventure, an adventure with our toddler in tow, opening up Leo's eyes to the wonders of the world. Leo adores being by the seaside and he doesn't care if he has flown 5 hours to get there, we could take him an hour down the road to Western Super-mare and he would be just as thrilled. 

And as long as we get away on a family adventure, we could be absolutely anywhere in the world.

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Perran Sands Holiday Park

Perran sands holiday park, cornwall

With more and more of us looking to holiday a little closer to home, our eyes are setting sights on the British coasts and what they have to offer. This summer has been the perfect opportunity to hop in the car and drive, the climate has reflected similar to those abroad and provided the perfect chance to see what the sunny UK has hidden away.

 Just a short drive from Newquay lies Perran Sands Holiday Park; one of Britain’s favourite holiday resorts. And with fantastic access to some of Cornwall’s best beaches and surfing hotspots, you’d be hard pushed to find a better location for your next holiday.

About Perran Sands

Perran Sands Holiday Park couldn’t be closer to the beach unless it was on it; with direct access to the beach over the sand dunes, you can be at the large sandy bay within minutes of leaving your caravan. And because holidays in Cornwall attract a wide range of people, Perran Sands offers a wide variety of accommodation to suit every family and every budget.

If you’re looking for something more unusual than tents and static caravans, why not try glamping? This new trend to hit the camping world has taken the UK’s top holiday hotspots by storm and now you can enjoy it at Haven too. Save yourself the hassle of pitching your own tent by staying in a pre-assembled supertent that sleeps up to six people.

And for a truly luxurious camping experience, stay in one of Perran Sands’ yurts – a round, wooden canvas tent that comes fully equipped with a grill and a fridge freezer. They sleep up to eight people but book fast because they sell out quickly.

Why choose Perran Sands

Have we already mentioned Perran Sands’ fantastic location? Lying right at the heart of Cornwall’s surfing scene, the minute you arrive you’ll know you’re in one of the UK’s most vibrant holiday destinations. Popular with both the young and the old, and if you like it here that much you can even buy your own caravan. With caravans for sale that suit a wide range of families and budgets, it’s easy to find the right one for you. What’s more, to give you that extra bit of help financing your holiday home, Haven offers affordable finance packages and the possibility of renting out your caravan when you’re not using it. This will help you to generate extra income to cover your holiday home’s running costs.

Things to do in Cornwall

Cornwall is one of the nation’s favourite places to visit so you’ll never be short of something to do there. And while the scenery alone is a sight to behold, if you’re looking for something a little more exciting a trip to Flambards Theme Park is a must. Ride the Skyraker 001, the only drop twisting tower ride in the country and explore the big ride zone, which will be loved by thrill seekers the world over.

But Flambards isn’t just for big kids; take your little ones to Ferdi’s Funland where they can enjoy the classic teacup ride, the pirate ship and take a ride on the animal express.

And for a timeless day out that generations of families have enjoyed, spend a day at Land’s End. Just one hour from the Perran Sands holiday village, Land’s End is the most south-westerly point of mainland Britain and its beautiful, rugged scenery is not to be missed. Complete your holiday with a family photo at the famous Land’s End signpost. Who knows, one day your children may even go back with their own children and have a photo taken there too.

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