Travel – Page 4 – Mediocre Mum

Travelling to Iceland with Kids

Is Iceland Child-Friendly?

‘Mummy can I go with you so we can throw snow at each other?’ Madame Age 6

In December, I had the opportunity to go to Iceland for a few days, I’d been once before about 14 years ago and my husband coincidentally was there for work back in October, now I’m desperate to take my daughter back.

‘If you don’t like the weather wait 15 minutes’ a local

I’m not going to lie to you it was cold, very cold, temperatures ranged from -5 to -10 degrees but according to the locals it was an unusually cold winter, typically at that time temperatures normally hover around 0 degrees, which I found surprising. If you take loads of layers, including thermals and you will be fine, they say that summers are quite pleasant, all though the sea never warms up enough to swim in it. Nevertheless, there are loads of natural hot springs you can wallow in to warm up.

It’s on everyone’s bucket list!

Iceland is the perfect destination for families, beyond the obvious ; the natural beauty, excellent food, friendly people, and culture but because it’s so different to anywhere I’ve ever been to before, a truly unique destination. Clearly I’ve never been to Mars, but the landscape is out of this world.

Wildlife

Iceland is not known for vast amounts of native wildlife, except for the Arctic Fox. However, there is an abundance of Bird and Marine Life. You can take to the seas and go Whale watching, something I would love to do. As my daughter is in Puffins class this year I’m sure she’d insist on going Puffin watching. I’d also like to take her horseback riding on the small but hardy Icelandic Horses.

Nature

Most kids are drawn towards theme parks for adrenalin but there is nothing more exciting than the power of mother nature.

Golden Circle

A drive to the Golden Circle is a must, a 160 mile round trip from Reykjavik, you could either hire a car or take one of the many minibus or 4 x 4 tours. The Golden Circle Tours include Gulfoss, Iceland’s most famous waterfall, Strokkur Geysir which erupts every 5-10 minutes and Thingvellir National Park, where you will learn how Iceland was born.

Blue Lagoon Thermal Pools and Spa

We only had a fleeting visit to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, which was accidentally formed following activity at a nearby geothermal plant in 1976, which proved to have health benefits, but I would have loved to spend all day there. I’m sure my daughter and I would have a scream covering ourselves in mud.

Quad Biking

Quad biking with ATV Adventures Iceland was the highlight of my trip. We zoomed along the rugged coastline in the snow. I have experience quad biking in Canada, but nothing like this. Don’t worry you don’t need experience but you do need to hold a valid driver’s license and children as young as six can go along as a passenger.

Northern Lights

Most people have Iceland on their bucket list to see the Northern Lights. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see them, you will know by 6pm each day if the weather condition will be right to see them so you can plan accordingly. Personally, this wasn’t a disappointment for me as I grew up in Canada and have seen them in the north quite a few times.

Bizarre and Exciting Foods

Reykjavik is a foodies paradise. You can get just about anything you would get at home from Sushi to Pasta, plus you can also be a bit more adventurous and try some of the local fare. We went on a walking tour ‘Reykjavik by Food’ which was very interesting. You could try everything from Rams testicles to Sheep’s head (inclusive of eye-balls) to Fermented Shark.

They opt to eat rotten shark as this particular shark can’t be eaten fresh as it would be poisonous, as it has no kidneys and all the toxins pass through the flesh. I can’t begin to tell you how awful it tasted and requires a shot of local spirits to wash it down.

I also tried Minke whale, reindeer and several types of dried but couldn’t bring myself to try the horse or puffin.

Fussy Eaters

However, if you’re children are not that intrepid you can always go for a Hotdog, arguably Iceland’s National Food, at Baejarins Beztu Pylsur or grab a burger at the Hamburger Factory. Don’t worry they won’t go hungry.

And you also have to take a trip to the Laundromat Cafe, it’s truly child-friendly with a children’s menu, but pop downstairs and check out the Laundromat, with an area for parents to read the papers or surf the net whilst doing laundry and a play area for kids. Pure genius!

Safe

(That is an iPad on his chest)

Even though Icelanders do have a lot of guns per capita, there is very little crime and you’ll feel extremely safe walking around but obviously do apply some common sense.

‘Violent crime was virtually non-existent. People seemed relaxed about their safety and that of their children to the point where parents left their babies outside and unattended.’ via BBC News Magazine

Accommodation

We stayed in the stunning ION hotel en route to the Golden Circle, with an award winning ‘Northern Lights Bar’ and the Hotel 101 a boutique hotel in the heart of Reykjavik, which made it perfect for exploring Iceland on foot. However, if I went with my family I would opt to hire a car and go self-catering.

Getting there and away

easyJet now operates ten flights per week to Reykjavik from London Luton, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol Airports.

It’s the perfect destination for families, we only live about 20 minutes from Luton Airport so it’s very convenient for us. The flight to Iceland due to head winds was just over 3 hours but it was only 2.5 on the way back.

Disclosure: My trip was compliments of easyJet for purposes of this review.

How to avoid the dreaded Motorway Services

How to find a decent place to eat when on a road trip in the UK

I have a deep hatred of UK Services on the motorways. Please don’t take this personally, but I vividly remember experiencing my first UK Motorway services about 14 years ago; after badly navigating the one way system almost exiting by mistake, then fighting for a parking spot, nervously leaving your car fully loaded with valuables, hoards of stressed people to then be offered substandard fast food, notably Wimpy in this case.

In Canada, services are very minimal, sometimes you will be lucky to get a flushing toilet and a few picnic tables, but normally in quite beautiful surroundings with the odd bit of wild life wandering around.

Off the beaten track

We do try to avoid them at all costs and thanks to technology we can. I have the Good Pub Guide App (£4.99) on my phone. I simply have to select, ‘find a pubs and breweries near me’ then I can scroll through and find one that is close, serves food and is child friendly.

We’ve found some absolute gems and they are only minutes off the motorway.

Once I find one in the guide I simply enter the post code into my Sat Nav and off we go. If you want to plan ahead you can also use the post code and address option.

Do try it as it will make your journey much more enjoyable.

Happy travels…..

Things to do with Kids in Bucharest, Romania

Travelling to Romania with Kids – Suggested Itineraries

As an intrepid traveler when I was first invited to join Easyjet’s inaugural flight to Bucharest, I jumped at the chance, then it donned on me….

‘Where the h*ll is Bucharest?’

I’ve been to Budapest in 2000 for the Solar Eclipse, but drew a blank on Bucharest, after a quick Google I worked out it’s in Romania and the same part of the world but farther south bordering the Black Sea and is less than 3 hours away by plane. As it’s farther south it was about 5 degrees warmer, so made it very pleasant in late October.

Prior to my visit to Bucharest I knew very little about Romania. I was in my last year of high-school during the revolution and my world didn’t extend much further than my home town. The only other experience I had was the documentary ‘Children Underground’ (2001) which follows a group of homeless youth while they try to survive in the streets and subways of Bucharest, which may have left me with the wrong impression of Bucharest, it’s not to say that this doesn’t still happen, but I felt just as safe walking around the city as I would in any large city.

‘Little Paris of the East’

With the recent investments by the EU I can’t help feeling that Bucharest is an up and coming destination. It boasts large boulevards, lots of green space, loads of museums, the old town is heaving with outdoor bars and cafes and the people are extremely friendly. Definitely a great weekend city destination for couples.

Things to do in Bucharest with Kids

I didn’t have my daughter with me but on any trip I’m always looking at it from a families perspective. Would I bring my daughter here? Yes, I do think the capital city is a great start to any holiday in Romania and will put things into context for you. So, before you dash off to the visit the fairy-tale castles, beaches and small towns spend a day or two in Bucharest.

Although very interesting and informative for adults, I do think a trip to the Palace of Parliament, walking tours and some of the museums may be a bit heavy for younger kids and not overly engaging/interactive but I would recommend a visit to the places below.

The Village Museum is a must. 5o buildings representing the history of rural architecture in Romania have been transported from their original locations and rebuilt giving you an opportunity to explore inside and out. The Museum is set in 30 acres on the shores of Lake Herastrau. Take a picnic and make a day of it.

In summer time, they have tonnes of workshops for children. Handicrafts, weaving classes, music classes, painting Easter eggs, traditional art, religious art (icon painting) and other fun activities. You can spend a half a day there.

I really wanted to go to the Peasant Museum, a collection of artifacts representing rural peasant life in Romania, there is also a display of communist iconography in the basement which also includes one of the very few pictures still remaining of Ceauşescu unfortunately time wouldn’t permit.

The Geology Museum is also a must as they are one of the only museums in Bucharest that has actively put on activities for kids.

The Bucharest parks are quite amazing, with lots of flowers and beautiful trees. Cismigiu is the most central of the parks and boasts 30,000 trees, with a big lake in the middle where you can hire small boats and hydrobicycles and in the winter it turns into a skating rink, open-air cafe’s, and a large children’s playground. Herastrau Park is one of the most popular parks on the northern side of Bucharest covering 187 hectares and home to the Village Museum although it’s busy it’s large enough to swallow up the crowds. And don’t overlook Tineretului and Titan as some of the locals argue that they’re far superior to Cismigui and Herastrau.

There is a small zoo, which won’t compare to some of the larger zoos that you may have visited but has an excellent display of exotic birds and would make a good half day out.

Eating out with kids in Bucharest

In Bucharest , you will find every kind of eating establishment from fast food to Michelin Star. The majority of restaurants are child friendly but do bear in mind many of them still have large smoking sections and can get a bit smoky. To avoid this I’d suggest eating a bit earlier, self catering or find one that is non-smoking.

Suggested Itineraries for Romania

If you’re planning a family holiday to Romania, I’ve quizzed the locals about suggested itineraries for family breaks. Here are two suggested itineraries, you could stretch them out for longer breaks.

Itinerary one (7 days)

Bucharest – 2 days

Danube Delta – 3 days

5 hours drive from Bucharest, also accessible by train is a natural wonder. Children are delighted to see thousands of birds, nenufars and other aquatical plants. While you enter the natural reservation the landscape is truly amazing. Children can learn how to fish or swim in the Danube. Hiring boats is not expensive. The food (based on fish and related products) is great. You can see and explore the point where the Black Sea meets the Danube and also enjoy quite virgin beaches.

The seaside – 2 days

It is two hours drive from the Danube Delta. In Mamaia resort you have lots of clubs and an intense night life. In Vama Veche resort you have a hippie atmosphere.

Itinerary Two (6 Days)

Bucharest – 2 days

Sinaia- 2 days

2 hours drive from Bucharest (if not in the week-end) Sinaia- Peleş Castle, an adventure park suitable for children, the mountains (highly accessible for all ages).

Braşov – 1 day

Braşov – 1 hour drive from Sinaia Braşov- a mountain city, with gothic churches and an excellent Aqua Park. Bran Castle, often named Dracula’s Castle even the history tells us that it has nothing to do with Dracula .

Sibiu – 1 Day

2 hours drive from Braşov Sibiu region- isolated villages with traditional houses, excellent for families as the children can play in big gardens, just near the woods.

A HUGE thank you to Ana-Maria Caia who put these itineraries together for us. If you do take a trip to Romania with your kids or have been already I’d love to hear your tips.

Flights to Bucharest

With easyJet now flying into Bucharest 4 times a week with fares starting from as little as £28.49 including taxes (per person based on two people flying on the same booking) it’s never been easier.

And if you’re just looking for a weekend away easyJet Holidays are offering a two night stay at the Grand Hotel Continental in Bucharest for £140 per person, which includes flights (price correct as of the 15th October 2013) for more details check out easyJet Holidays.

Things to do near Birmingham during the school holidays

Warwick Castle, Warwickshire

During the school holidays we were heading to the West Midlands Safari Park near Birmingham for a day out so we thought we’d make a mini break of it as I had a few more days off left.

On route to Birmingham we stopped at Warwick Castle for a few hours. We had a fabulous time exploring the castle inside and out, the weather really made it. There is so much to see and do, we saw several of the live demonstrations; The Bowman, Flight of the Eagles, Battling Soldiers and Jousting. Unfortunately, we missed the Trebuchet Fireball as someone needed the toilet at that precise moment in time.

I’d really recommend a day out at the castle but my only suggestions would be to bring a packed lunch and if you decide to do the Horrible Histories Trail, finding the rats and collecting stamps, don’t wait until the last hour or you will be racing around the site with very tired legs.

Child Friendly Hotels in Birmingham

We stayed in the newly refurbished Jurys Inn in Birmingham, which have teamed up with some of UK’s biggest attractions to offer family packages that won’t break the bank. They currently have offers with Cadbury’s World, Alton Towers and The New Sealife Centre to name a few.

If I’m honest, when we first approached the hotel from Broad Street and saw it, you can’t miss it really, it looked like a circa 1960s concrete office block. However, once we made our way around to the car park, as it’s located on a one way street, you have to make your way down one block and then come back on yourself, we were truly impressed with the hotel. It’s recently benefited from a £4.7 m refurbishment and is very centrally located for exploring Birmingham.

The best part for us is that it is truly child friendly. In addition, to offering the Safari Park tickets as part of the package, they also have Jurys Little Library Service where you can borrow books for the duration of your stay. The restaurant ‘The Grill on Broad Street’ has a Healthy Options Kid’s Menu with all the usual suspects; Spaghetti Bolognese, Pizza, and Bangers and Mash but all freshly prepared.

Plus, the adults menu is rather impressive as well, I splurged and ordered a Rib-eye steak, obviously accompanied by a glass of red wine and it was cooked perfectly. I’m not normally a pudding person but treated myself to a piece of this gorgeous Maple Cheesecake.

And check out this chandelier! It’s got my name written all over it.

The package was on a B & B basis so we were able to fuel up with a cooked breakfast before our busy day out. What I really liked about the hotel is that, as a family, we can still stay somewhere that is classy and a bit more sophisticated but truly welcoming to children. There is no need to be relegated substandard budget hotels.

I also need to mention that the Hotel Staff were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay.

Midlands Safari Park

We had a great day out at the Safari Park, which is a 4 mile self-drive route through Mini Africa in Bewdley, Worcestershire, where you will get up close and personal with White Lions, Cheetahs, Giraffes, Elephants, Rhinos and much more. The nice thing about the park is that you can drive around as many times as you like. At the end you can also park up and explore Mark O’Shea’s Reptile world, Sea Lion Theatre, Penguin Cove and an African Village you can walk through and see the adorable Lemurs and Meerkats.

Wallet Warning!

There is a Leisure Park with rides at the end of the Safari Park and there is no way you are going to get out of going on a few rides. I’m not sure why, but I originally thought it was included as well but it’s not. However, I had already promised my daughter a few rides beforehand, so I bucked up the entry cost, which wasn’t extortionate. If I’m honest, I wasn’t overly impressed with the Leisure Park, there weren’t a huge amount of rides and they looked tired, but this may have something to do with the fact that we’ve recently been to Thorpe Park and Legoland, so it’s not really fair to compare. But most importantly my daughter loved it.

Disclosure: Our Stay at Jurys and Safari Park Tickets were complimentary for review purposes. One night’s B&B based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing with tickets to the West Midlands Safari Park from £104.70

Creating Childhood Memories in London

Things to do with kids in London

In association with Direct Rail

‘We recently took the girls into London and had a fabulously random day! ‘

Taking children to London can provide then with memories that will last well into adulthood. For children, central London can seem like a giant playground. Everything looks like it’s on a much large scale, from the lions in Trafalgar Square to just the sheer size of the buildings towering overhead.

Whereas other cities have their own unique charm, no other UK city can compare to London in terms of scale, history and the ability to create lasting memories.

We love the Natural History Museum!

London also has a lot for children to do, so much so that you could spend an entire week there and still find new things to keep your little ones entertained. Child-friendly museums abound in the city, which is a fantastic way of making learning so fun that children won’t even realise they’re having an educational day out.

The Natural History Museum is a must for children of all ages. Seeing the life size model of the Blue Whale will be a memory that will stay with them for a long time, while kids love seeing the roaring T-Rex. Another popular destination is the British Museum where encountering real life mummies will satisfy most children’s fascination for the macabre. While the child friendly, HMS Belfast offers a unique and fun day out.

Travelling around London with Kids

Even just a simple trip on the Underground will often seem like an adventure for children. The old tunnels will capture their young imaginations, while the novelty of travelling underground provides an extra thrill. It is also a great opportunity to tell them stories about the history of the city and how Londoners would shelter in the dark tunnels during the Blitz.

Children love stories and London’s thousands of years of history provide lots of stories to tell. You can bring some of these to life by visiting places like the London Dungeon and the Tower of London; they will also help to capture children’s ghoulish imaginations.

Sometimes by sheer chance and luck you’ll be in the city on the day of a big occasion or ceremony, but even if this isn’t the case London has a lot of daily traditions that are great to watch. Perhaps the most famous of these is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, although you will probably have to navigate through tourist crowds for a view.

Memories will also be created at London’s theatre district. Musicals are a great way of introducing older children to the theatre, while if you want to start them even earlier look out for productions inspired by much loved children’s books. Introducing children to the theatre at an early age not only provides them with a special treat, but also means that when they are older a night out at the theatre won’t seem as intimidating.

Children also delight in seeing street performances, so if you get a chance head to Convent Garden, again this is a great way of introducing them to art and culture while also providing them with childhood memories that will stay with them for years to come.

Written by Derin Clark, a writer, editor and blogger

Full disclosure policy can be found here.