On these pages you will find helpful links and information to make your self catering holiday more enjoyable and easy.
You will find information about weather, traffic, places and events to visit. Getting organized for your holiday can start right here!
Find useful travel information and advice ranging from driving directions to the latest live travel news direct from the BBC.
Car Trip Tips From Someone Who Loves to Travel by Car.
10 most fun games to play while you are on a road!Great Advice for kids, mums, dads, grandparents, godparents, nannies, brothers and sisters from a 'grown up kid', sister, godmother and nanny who has been there and back!
UK's Top 20 Destinations for Family Easy Days Out
6 Of the Best: Family Holiday Tips
Getting there and map reading
5 Quick Tips for a Great Holiday
Travelling Abroad? Useful guide how to apply for a European Health Insurance Card.
Top Tips How to choose the best Cattery for your beloved Cat
Top Tips How to choose the best Kennel for your beloved dog
Traffic Jams!
The Lone Woman Traveller!
It will Never Happen to me!
Make your holiday extra special!
Have a fun family day out!
I have fond memories of summer holidays from my childhood - like most of our family holidays meant car trips.
Nothing was more exciting then getting in the car and going someplace new. As a kid I didn't have to do the driving or worry about road conditions and traffic jams, all I had to do was get comfortable in the back seat and look out of the window. It didn't matter where we were going, whether for a day trip or for a week or two of holiday. We would drive through old villages, stunning countryside, big towns and little towns… there was always something new to see. My mum always prepared something yummy to eat to keep us quiet at the back. She also planned some exciting games that kept us occupied and did I mention quiet!? I loved travelling by car and I still do and I also love driving.
Recently my boyfriend and I drove from Farnham in Surrey to Barmouth in Gwynedd and back again in a long weekend away. It was delightful. We spent quality time together, sometimes alone in our thoughts or we'd chat away the drive time recalling our favourite childhood memories and favourite movies. We talked about our childhood, revealing stories that neither of us had known about the other, even after all our years together. It's something about a road trip that seems to bring back memories.
Planning for a road trip is just as important as any other trip. As with all good journeys it starts with good planning and preparation. So to help get your road trip off on the right track, I'll share my simple list of things that I do both before I leave, while driving and things I do along the way.
Before I leave...
I make sure that my car in good condition before leaving. I let my partner or dad :o) check the lights, condition of the belt, fluids. They also make sure that the tyres are properly inflated at the right pressure (right tyre pressure means safer driving and better fuel consumption) and that a spare tyre is useable.
Don't forget a first aid kit. I refresh my first aid help every three years. You never know what can happen and it's worth knowing what to do if you are in a situation where you need help someone.
Store the luggage safely so it won't move around while I drive or have to stop suddenly. I try to pack sensibly, trying not to take too many things with me.
I Prepare an 'Essential Comfort Road Pack'.Read more
I plan where we are going, where we can stop for breaks or for fuel, how longs it will take to get there and also alternative route for in case of road accidents or traffic jams.
I check the state of the road and weather before I go.
Put all the things like driving licence, money, bookings confirmation, tickets on a safe but easily reachable (and memorable - the times I hid important documents and spent ages looking for them!).
Get maps, guides and travel brochures ahead. Surf the internet to find local attractions and places to visit.
If you are travelling with children make sure to have proper car seats for children and make sure they're fasten properly.
While I am on a road...
Always obey the local traffic rules... Don't speed! It's better to get there late than have an accident.
Have a break every two hours. It's a good idea to plan the breaks ahead. We always try to find new interesting places where we can stop along the way like national parks, cathedral, ruins of old castle... anything really.
Always stop when you feel sleepy.
Share the driving with someone else if you can.
If you are towing a trailer, pull over and let the traffic past if the queue starts to build behind you.
Things I do along the way...
When I take a break I always make sure I stop in a safe place. Because we have a big dog we try to stop somewhere a bit further from a road so she can stretch her legs without worrying she will jump in a road.
If you have to leave your car somewhere make sure it's safe and secure.
Top Tip! Make sure you have a car keys with you and you don't lock yourself out as it happened to me times and times before.
Another One! Make sure you switch the headlights off!
Most importantly have fun and enjoy yourself wherever you are!
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Great Advice for kids, mums, dads, grandparents, godparents, nannies, brothers and sisters from a 'grown up kid', sister, godmother and nanny who has been there and back!
As a child I have travelled many times by car across the Europe with my parents and grandparents. Nothing was more exciting then getting in the car and going someplace new. As a kid I didn't have to do the driving or worry about road conditions and traffic jams, all I had to do was get comfortable in the back seat and look out of the window. It didn't matter where we were going, whether for a day trip or for a week or two of holiday. We would drive through old villages, stunning countryside, big towns and little towns… there was always something new to see. My mum always prepared something yummy to eat to keep us quiet at the back. She also planned some exciting games that kept us occupied and did I mention quiet! I am finding these games fun and easy to play when I am travelling with my partner (yes… we do still play games), sometimes we take his little nephew and nieces or my godchildren. I will now share these fun games with you.
1. Car Colour Spotting- hands up who never played car colour spotting in their life! Car colour spotting is one of the easiest games to play while you are on a road and will definitely keep the kids busy.
How to play it? You need to allocate colours to each child (and yourself if you want to join in) and count the number of cars you see in that colour. Whoever spots the most cars in allocated colour is a winner.
2. I Spy - is probably most popular game we played during long car trips. There were and still are plenty of things to 'spy' wherever you are.
You can also try different variations of this game, like the 'Colour I Spy'…"I spy something RED" or " I spy 6 letter word ending D"
3. And what will you buy? - This game is really fun and especially little kids love it.
What do you need? Two or more players.
How to play it? The first player says "I am going shopping" the other players respond " And what you will buy? Then the first player answers back. "I'm going shopping and I will buy apple (anything beginning A).
Then the second player will say ' I'm going shopping " and the other will reply "And what will you buy?" The second player answers " I am going shopping and I will buy apple (or some beginning A) and ball (something beginning B).
Then the next player add something beginning C and so on…
You continue taking turns. If you can't remember all the words that went on before, or mess the correct order of them, you are out. The person who lasts the longest is the winner.
4. Number Plate Game - as you travel you see other cars travelling on the roads and it's fun to play number plate game where you make funny sayings of the number plate letters. If you want you can put a time limit on it.
What do you need? At least two players, Pen and paper to write down the letters of the number plate. If you can remember the letters in your head you don't have to write it down.
How to play it? Write down the number plate. Then you make sayings from the letters of the number plate. For example when you see number plate L456 BSC - 456 little blue smelly cheese…
You can also change the game slightly and play the sums of the numbers on the number plate.
5. I used to love this one a lot when I was little! ' SPOTTO LIST' - my mum created the 'spotto list for us before we set off and we were following the map and marked off the spotted/ found items of the list.
How to play it? You need to put together a 'spotto list and map', ideally before you leave. You can add the traffic road signs and other things or places of interest you may find on the way. The first person to mark off all the items on the list is a winner.
Extra little tip is to give kids stickers to mark off the spotted things… or at least your kids will have fun sticking stickers on each other…!
The really good variation of this game is to ask children to spot the Park or the Playground. Tell them that each time they spot a playground you let them to play. They are normally happy to return to the car after 10 minutes of playing to spot another playground to play at.
6. Laugh Out Loud - the point of this game is to make the other players laughing.
What do you need? - at least two players, pen and pencil to mark the scores down.
How to play it? The player gets 30 seconds to do funniest, silliest things he/ she can think of to try to make the other players laugh. You can imitate teacher, or mum telling you off, you can pull faces or sing a funny song… it's all down to your imagination.
Player gets 1 point for each laughing person. Track the scores on the paper and take turns. The person that first reaches i.e. 10 or 15 points wins.
7. 'Who Am I' - Mystery Person game? - playing this game you need to pay close attention to all of the questions and answers.
How to play it? The player selects the person he/ she wants to be. The names of famous people or movie and book characters work normally the best. Other players keep asking the Mystery Person questions like are you a actor, are you lady…do you have a long her, tattoos…Are you a real person or fictional figure…??
The person who correctly guesses the identity of Mystery Person wins.
8. Activity Bags - Putting together 'activity bag' is another way to keep kids amused when you travel by car. You can fill the bag ( it can be your child's favourite pillowcase) with colouring books, pencils or crayons, stickers, your child's favourite book, pack of cards… It really depends on what your child enjoys the best. You can also wrap some of the things in wrapping paper and hand them out when your child gets bored.
9. Travel Journal - Give your child a 'special travel journal'(notebook) and 'special travel box'. Let the children to decorate both to make both even more special. They can draw pictures, they can write stories. They can collect little stones, keep the tickets from visited places and attractions… and put it in their special travel box. Save flyers, ticket stubs, anything that represents the places you visit each day. Take along a glue stick. Each day, place the date at the top of the page and write some more. Leave spaces for photographs to be added later.
When we were little bit older my mum sometimes gave us an old camera. We were snapping away and once we got home we completely forgot about it…Luckily for her - she gave us broken camera that didn't take any pictures!
You can give your children little one use camera and let them to take pictures of whatever they want. Later, once you come back, you can have the pictures developed and kids can add them to their travel journals.
10. Be a Pop Star! - Play your children's favourite CDs or tapes so they can sing a long and why not having your own Pop Star or X-Factor contest where the winner wins a small price.
If all the above doesn't work and bores your children silly then the ultimate child pacifier is a portable DVD player or game boy… well, one for each child so they don't start fighting.
Take advantage of the time together and enjoy your holiday.
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Getting out and about with the family and doing something new and adventurous doesn't have to be a dreaded chore. Both, England and Wales are full of great destinations that are child-friendly, fun and easy to get to and ideal for a day trip. Here's our pick of Top Destinations for Family Easy Days Out in the UK.
3 Top Destinations for Family Easy Day Out in South East England.
Woburn, Milton Keynes. There's so much fun to be had at Woburn, Milton Keynes you won't know where to start. Of course, the place that the kids will be clamouring to go to first will be the award-winning UK safari park. Its 350 acres are teeming with rare and exotic wildlife that you normally only see on TV. Suitable Age Group: All
Tangemere Military Aviation Museum Trust, Chichester, Sussex. The museum contains countless fascinating exhibits. Here you can see priceless historic aircraft such as Neville Duke's world record breaking Hawker Hunter, actual equipment used by the brave SOE agents who were carried into occupied France on 'black Lysander' flights from Tangmere, flight simulators where you can try your hand at flying, a full sized replica of the very first Spitfire prototype and more. Much more. Suitable Age Group: All
Climbers and Creepers Play Zone, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Your little ones will love this educational attraction devoted to plants and ecology. Main features include super-sized reproductions of a Venus Fly Trap, Grandy Flora flower and Harvest mouse nest which kids are allowed to slide down, climb into and scramble over. These come complete with sound effects. The building houses an outdoor area called Airplay with flower windmills and hammocks and enclosed hive where kids can watch bees work and a butterfly cage. I must not forget a rest and observation area with a snack bar overlooking a play space. Suitable Age Group: 3 to 9 years old.
4 Top Destinations for Family Easy Day Out in Central England.
Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham. For those Willy Wonka fans and chocolate lovers, a permanent exhibition to learn all about chocolate. Suitable Age Group: All
Tales of Robin Hood, Nottingham. The hero of Sherwood Forest has his own theme park with adventure rides, falconry and archery displays, games, workshops and storytelling about Robin and his merry men. Suitable Age Group: All
National Space Centre. Exploration drive, Leicester. An award-winning space centre. Entrance fees include timed tickets for the space theatre.
Thinktank, Millenium Point, Birmingham. Ideal for little girls and boys who love a fancy learning about locomotives, aircrafts or intestines. Visit Thinktank, a range of ten themed galleries which cover everything from science, biology and history. Suitable Age Group: 3+
6 Top Destinations for Family Easy Day Out in Northwest England.
Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire. Chester is the UK's largest zoo and has something for to offer for the whole family. Suitable Age Group: All
Waterworld, Etruria, Stoke-on Trent. Visit this giant water theme park with 17 major rides and attractions. Suitable Age Group: All
Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, Lancashire. This legendary theme park has been called the Roller Coaster capital of the world. An entry ticket will provide unlimited access to rides and attractions. Suitable Age Group: All
Heaton Park, Prestwich, Manchester. Heaton Park is the largest municipal park in Europe and has a huge range of activities including horse riding, a boating lake, donkey hire, a farm centre and a hall and gardens. Suitable Age Group: All
Blue John Cavern, Castleton, Derbyshire. A fantastic series of caves which were excavated by the Romans more than 2000 years ago, Blue John Cavern is a special treat for the whole family. Its special feature includes the Waterfall Cavern which holds a massive stalagmite formation.
Camelot Theme Park, Chorley, Lancashire. A theme park based on the legend of King Arthur, this fantastic attraction has a safe-play area for very young children. Suitable Age Group: All
2 Top Destinations for Family Easy Day Out in Northeast England.
The Deep, Hull. An interactive exhibition tells the story of the world's oceans. It also has real life sharks on display. Suitable Age Group: All
Jorvik Viking Centre, York, North Yorkshire. Let your children learn about the Vikings with this famous reconstruction of a Viking settlement. Using the latest technology and interactive features, this Viking Centre reproduces the sights, sounds, smells and daily life of 10th century Suitable Age Group: Age: 7+
5 Top Destinations for Family Easy Day Out in Wales.
Alice in Wonderland Centre, Llandudno. Lewis Carrol's book is vividly brought to life by a walk-through life-sized animated recreation of the key scenes in the book. Kids can also enjoy an Alice in Wonderland tour of the town. Suitable Age Group: All
Techniquest, Cardiff. Not just for Techie geeks! Techniquest is one of the UK's most popular hands-on science centres, offering 150 exhibits, a planetarium, discovery room and puzzles.
King Arthur's Labyrinth, Machynlleth, Powys. We highly recommend that you visit this legendary cavern where King Arthur is said to be sleeping surrounded by his trusty knights until they are called upon to rise up again and defend Britain. Suitable Age Group: All(just to let you know, this visit will involve walking underground a lot and visitors will be issued with safety helmets…nothing scary!
Big Pit: the National Mining Museum of Wales. If you are at least a meter tall you can enjoy a guided tour down a Welsh coalmine located 500 metres underground.Suitable Age Group: 5 years and at least one metre tall.
Ffestiniog Railway, Porthmadog, Gwynedd. Enjoy an unforgettable steam engine trip through spectacular Welsh scenery on one of the world's oldest steam railways. Suitable Age Group: All Back to top
If you're one of the lucky 25% of parents who sail through family holidays without a cross word, stop reading this now!
But if you're amongst us mere mortals, child psychologist and CEO of raisingkids.co.uk, Dr Pat Spungin, has some great tips for lessening the stress and getting the most out of your all-too-short summer break.
Tips for all the family
Find out as much about the holiday in advance in order to anticipate and avoid flashpoints and disappointment later. Involve the children in the holiday planning and preparations so the journey becomes an adventure and everyone knows exactly what they can look forward to and expect. Have agreed meeting times like lunch and dinner where you can spend quality time with your kids talking and sharing the day's activities.
Find a holiday where all ages are catered for and where your kids can be occupied and do their own thing in a safe environment. Make sure that some of the activities are activities you can share, like swimming, bowling, etc.
Doing ordinary things in different environments can be fun such as fetching the morning croissants, getting things together for the beach bag, shopping at local markets, barbecuing and eating al fresco.
Friends are important to a child's enjoyment of holidays. If your child is shy or at that self-conscious age, help them make friends by making friends yourself with parents whose children are the same age. Pursuing an existing interest or trying a new hobby is a great way to meet people and make friends.
Strange places can upset little ones... Bring something that reminds them of home, like a blanket or a soft toy to help them settle in a strange new place. Stick to their bed-time routines. Bring some 'wind down' toys or books so that your kids can get relax before going to sleep after a busy and exciting day.
Don't drag the kids around doing things they don't want to do. The Eiffel Tower or local churches will be there when they are old enough to enjoy them. Have realistic expectations of the children's behaviour - they're likely to be noisy, excited and get carried away. Don't have disagreements with your partner about how to deal with them, let the parent who usually sets the rules get on with it.
By Dr. Pat Spungin for Raising Kids website. Raising kids website Back to top
Let's get your trip off to a calm and happy start without any arguments with regard to map reading and directions. The RAC has a free online route planning service, which combines clear and authoritative instructions, including mileages and estimated journey times.
If you want to avoid motorways you can. Return routes are also available, so you don't have to read instructions in reverse. You can also call the RAC live line on 1740 at any point of your journey to get up to date information on your journey. Back to top
Tip 1.
Plan everything in advance. There is nothing worse than a poorly planned trip. Start right from the beginning i.e. deciding your destination to booking your tickets to the reservation of your accommodation, how you get there. One important thing here to mention is about your packing. Make sure you pack all your essentials and spare clothes to be used incase the need arises.
Tip 2.
Be Spontaneous. Don't follow your itinerary as if written in stone. Try different thing like lazing on the beach to having an odd coffee at some place or just wandering around. This will help you to know the place better which you are visiting and add a zing to your trip.
Tip 3.
Don't try to see or do too many things because this way you will actually end up doing very little. Try having an accommodation at a central point and then make tips to various other destinations near by. Explore a small region thoroughly than just visiting a larger region with very little time to explore.
Tip 4.
Do not stick to vacationer traps. Visit some local restaurants, markets, etc. where you will meet local people, rather than just bumping into other tourists. Certainly part of the reason for going on a holiday is to experience a little local flavor.
Tip 5.
Learn some word of the local lingo. Try to learn some basic words of the place you are visiting like greetings etc. This will be very much appreciated. In this way you learn something more from the place you are visiting. Back to top
Important information for UK residents traveling abroad
Every year, people living in the UK go on more than 60 million trips abroad. Most of them have safe trips, but some get ill or have an accident and need medical treatment abroad.
The E111 form is no longer valid. From 1 January 2006 you will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive necessary healthcare during a visit to European Economic Area (EEA) country and Switzerland.
A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while you're in a EEA country or Switzerland.
Which countries are covered?
The EEA consists of the European Union (EU) countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Switzerland applies the EHIC arrangements through an agreement with the EU. The EHIC is valid in: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus (but not Northern Cyprus), Czech republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Switzerland is covered with some exceptions. Please note that not all UK residents are covered in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
How do I apply?
You can apply for an EHIC for your spouse/partner and any children up to the age of 16 (or 19 if they are in full-time education) at the same time as applying for your own. If you are a foster parent or guardian (including boarding school teaching staff), you can apply on behalf of any children you are looking after. You must be over 16 to apply as a main applicant.
Before you apply, you will need to have the following information to hand for everyone you are applying for:
- Name and date of birth
- NHS or national insurance (NI) number
In Scotland the NHS number is known as the Community Health Index (CHI) number and in Northern Ireland it is known as the Health and Care number. The EHIC is issued by the Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA) and is free of charge.
Apply Online.
Call EHIC Applications Line on 0845 606 2030.
By Post - Pick up an EHIC application pack from your local Post Office branch. If you are applying by post and you lose the pre-addressed envelope, send your completed application form to: EHIC Applications, PO Box 1115, Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 1SW. Back to top
When it comes to the family holiday the question arises who will look after the cat. Cats prefer their own surroundings so, if possible see if a friend or neighbour can help out. Most people do not like to impose on their friends and neighbours, who may even be away at the same time anyway. There are also cat sitters available, these are people who will come to your house and look after your cat. If none of these are an option for you the other place to look is for a cattery.
There are questions that you can, and must, ask when you approach a cattery. It is an idea to check the cattery out yourself, unless it is highly recommended by friends and family. Responsible kennels will only take fully vaccinated, neutered and healthy cats. Remember to book well in advance of your holiday as catteries can be, and usually are, fully booked at the popular holiday times, especially during the school holidays. All catteries should be licensed by their local authority. This license should be on display at the cattery. You can get in touch with the environmental health department of your local council who can confirm the license.
When you have a list of appropriate catteries make an appointment to visit them to check them out. Most places will happily let you do this. Do try to phone in advance so you don't turn up at cleaning and feeding times when everybody is busy.
Obviously the first impression you get of the cattery is the lasting one that you will take with you. The staff should be friendly and make you feel welcome, there should be no smell and relative quiet. The kennels themselves should be clean and tidy with no old food and no overly dirty litter trays in them. They should be escape proof, have good ventilation. If there are windows they should be non-opening and the wire of the units should be unbroken and be rust free. Check if the cattery also boards dogs, if so how far are they from the cats. If your cat is not accustomed to dogs then being housed in a strange environment with noisy dogs nearby can be very unsettling. Dogs can be very noisy in kennels.
Check with the cattery that they only accept cats that are vaccinated, and that the certificates are shown when the cat is handed in for boarding. All catteries will require that the cats boarding there have been vaccinated against cat flu and feline enteritis.
Check on the insurance cover that the cattery has. Which company do they use and if your cat falls ill will the insurance cover the veterinary bills or will you have to pay on your return.
There are two types of cattery accommodation, indoor and outdoor. Indoor catteries are individual units, opening off a central corridor, within an enclosed building. With this type of accommodation infection can be easily spread from cat to cat. This is because the air in these buildings remains the same and doesn't get renewed. The units should have separate areas for sleeping, eating and the litter tray. There should be enough room for the cat to move around for some form of exercise, some units may even have cat climbing frames. Access to daylight and fresh air are also factors which should be looked at when choosing a cattery.
Outdoor catteries are also individual units but they are much larger. The units should be separated from each other by a two foot gap, or a solid partition. This prevents cats spreading infection to one another by sneezing and touching. They are allowed no contact with each other. The units are built on a concrete base, for ease of cleaning and also less risk of infection being left by the previous cat. The unit will have an enclosed sleeping area which will be heated. The litter tray and feeding areas should be outside the sleeping area. The cats will probably be shut in the sleeping area at night, with its food and water. It may be a good idea to check that the sleeping area is heated for your cats needs. If your cat is elderly check that the heating will be left on especially in the colder months and always at night.
When you have picked the cattery you want to board your cat in, remember to take your vaccination certificate with you. It is a good idea to put your cat into the cattery a day or even two days before you leave on your holiday. It will take longer than you think to deposit the cat. You will more than likely have to fill in a form with the details of your cat. The question asked will be name, age, eating habits, special prescription diet, medication, medical history, your veterinary doctor name and number and grooming requirements. Check the 'Extra Fees' that the cattery may charge extra for giving medication and grooming over and above the normal daily groom. If your cat is on a special diet, you should provide the cattery with that diet. It would be worth leaving a contact number for yourself or a friend or relative who can make a decision on your behalf should your cat fall ill and have to attend the vet. Back to top
When deciding which cattery to choose remember not accept second best. By end of a day you want your cat to be as well looked after and as happy as possible. When you are satisfied you have found the purrrfect place then go off and enjoy your holiday. Your beloved catwill probably enjoy the holiday too. Back to top
When it comes to the family holiday the inevitable question arises "what will we do with the dog?" It's so easy to leave finding the kennel for a dog till the last minute in all that pre-holiday excitement of going on holiday!
There are various options open to you. If you have a friend or a family member you can trust completely, when you have one worry you can ask family or friends to take care of your dog, hire a dogsitter, or use a recommended boarding kennel.
There are several questions that you can, and must, ask when you approach a boarding kennel. It is an idea to check the kennels out yourself, unless it is highly recommended by friends and family. Responsible kennels will only take fully vaccinated and healthy dogs. Don't forget to book well in advance of your holiday as kennels can be fully booked at the popular holiday times, especially during the school holidays. All kennels should be licensed by their local authority and this license should be on display at the kennels. You can get in touch with the environmental health department of your local council who can confirm the license.
When you have a list of appropriate kennels, visit them to check them out. The kennel should happily let you do this during opening hours.
Obviously the first impression you get of the kennels is the lasting one that you will take with you. There should be ample staff to cope with the kennels being full, especially if the dogs are walked under supervision twice every day. The staff should be friendly and make you feel welcome. There may even be a radio playing, this can help to make the dog feel more settled as it hears noises it associates with being at home. The kennels should be clean and dry, with adequate water supplied. There will be a lot of noise. Dogs can be very noisy in kennels. The kennels themselves should be clean and tidy with no old food and no overly wet and dirty floors. They should be escape proof and have good ventilation. If there are windows they should be non-opening and the wire of the units should be unbroken and have no rust.
Check with the kennels that they only accept dogs that are vaccinated, and that the certificates are shown when the dog is handed in for boarding. All kennels will require that the dogs boarding there have been vaccinated. In the busier months they may also ask for the kennel cough vaccine to be given.
Check on the insurance cover that the kennel has. Which company do they use and if your dog falls ill will the insurance cover the veterinary bills or will you have to pay on your return.
There are two main types of kennel accommodation, indoor kennels and outdoor kennels.
Indoor kennels are individual units, opening off a central corridor, within an enclosed building. With this type of accommodation there should be an enclosed compound where the dogs can be exercised for a sufficient time each day. The units should have separate areas for sleeping and eating. There should be ample dry clean bedding, which should be renewed if at all soiled. Access to daylight and fresh air are also factors which should be looked at when choosing this type of kennel.
Outdoor kennels are also individual units but they are much larger. The units are usually built on a concrete base, for ease of cleaning and also less risk of infection being left by the previous dog. The unit will be in two parts, an outside run and an enclosed sleeping area which may or may not be heated. There should be some heated kennels available at most boarding establishments. The run part is for the dog to be able to relieve itself. The dogs will probably be shut in the sleeping area at night, with water, and maybe a meal if this is the dogs' preferred time for eating. If your dog is elderly check that it will be in a heated kennel, which will be left on especially in the colder months and always at night.
When you have picked the kennels you want to board your dog in, remember to take your vaccination certificate with you. It is a good idea to put you dog into the kennels a day or even two days before you leave on your holiday.We always try to take our dog in a day before we set off. It's just to make sure our beloved darling will set in nicely and calmly knowing we are just few minutes away. Some people will have a trial run and put the dog into kennels for a weekend. This allows you to know if the dog settles easily and quickly. It also helps to put your mind at ease when leaving your faithful friend.
When you go with your dog to the kennels make sure you are not rushing at the last minute, you will more than likely have to fill in a form with the details of your dog. The question asked will be name, age, eating habits, special prescription diet, medication, medical history, your veterinary doctor name and number and grooming requirements. The kennels may charge extra for giving medication and grooming over and above the normal daily groom so check for the charges before. If your dog is on a special diet, you should provide the kennels with that diet. It would be worth leaving a contact number for yourself or a friend or relative who can make a decision on your behalf should your dog fall ill and have to attend the vet.
When finding the most suitable kennel remember not accept second best, you want your dog to be as well looked after and as happy as possible. When you are satisfied you have found the perfect place then go off and enjoy your holiday. Your dog will probably enjoy the holiday too. Back to top
Traffic jams often make driving a very frustrating time. Passengers and drivers alike can be kept cool and calm by one drop of essential oil of lavender on one or two cotton wool balls placed in the side pockets in the front of the car. This oil is not only antibiotic and antiseptic but it soothes the nerves and keeps them from fraying. It doesn’t make the driver sleepy, but will keep him/her on an even keel, relaxed but aware.
For more lengthy or tiring journeys the driver can put two drops of basil oil in his/her morning bath, or on to the face cloth after washing in the shower and rub it over the body. This will help sharpen concentration and keep the driver alert. Back to top
Ever been let down by a boyfriend? Just found yourself being single with a holiday planned? Girl friend just got the flu? Don't know what to do? Why just because you are alone can you too not escape from the monotony of life? Why not travel alone? Do what you never thought you were capable of and take an adventure, surprise your family and experience things you have always wanted to experience!
How to decide where to go and what to do - First have a think, are you going to do something different, see the sun, an adventure, something for charity, just to get away or merely on business? If you have a rough idea where you want to go then the planning can begin. The internet is an essential tool during researching and planning. As you are going solo, it is best to plan every day almost to the last detail but with room to be flexible should opportunities crop up, things like accommodation should always be pre-booked as you don't want to turn up to a country, not knowing anyone and be stranded with no bed. Really think about where you want to go with the climate in mind. If you don't like hot weather you are not going to enjoy yourself in a place like India. The same goes for cold weather, try to avoid pony trekking in Iceland in October if the cold gets to you. Some people choose a location based on experimenting with food. Strange, maybe, but an experience none the less as the Chinese food we order on a Tuesday night is certainly not what native Chinese people in china eat. Other people plan their trips based on a level of adventure. If you classify high street shopping as a high risk then it is best to stick to major cities with New York usually being a favourite! If bungee jumping or skydiving is something you have never really wanted to do but feel you should probably try it then New Zealand is the place to go for outdoor adventure and stunning scenery. If you have buns of steel then hop on a donkey and take the roughly six hour trek down into the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA. You could also canoe down the Amazon or become a midwife for a month in Namibia
What suits the lone traveler:
The best thing about traveling alone is that you are alone. No more thinking about things you have to do for others, looking after others, worrying about others because you can go where you want, when you want and do whatever you want. It's your trip so you make the calls and you don't even have to come back if you don't want to! The choices you make are crucial, because if your experience is not what you thought it would be and you are disappointed then you will only have yourself to blame! How long do you want to go for? What's your budget?
Crucial planning:
Always buy the bible (The Lonely Planet Guide) to organize your trip, and always have all your nights accommodation secured before you are due to fly so you don't find yourself stranded somewhere you don't need to be. The Lonely Planet books are awesome; they will tell you what to see, do, buy, and go and necessities such as how much to expect to pay for a beer or a cab. Most places are now wise to overcharging tourists, so the money you will save knowing you have not paid too much for simple goods means the more cash you have to spend on shoes!
Make sure you have a rough idea on what activities you will be doing so you know what to stretch your travel insurance too. For example, scuba diving is not always covered automatically, so be specific on what you are doing and double check it insures your luggage as well, most do now. Also try to have your travel insurance extended a couple of days longer than your departure flight, incase flight gets delayed or cancelled and there wont be any confusion as to whether luggage etc is still covered.
It is advisable, if you chose to stay in a hostel that you find one with lockers, as you don't have anyone to help you keep an eye on your belongings and you have to sleep at some point! If you are planning on hiring a car, make sure it is hired before you fly and the booking is confirmed, once given the keys inspect the inside and outside for any scratches, dents etc with a member of staff taking note of the exact condition in which you received the vehicle. Make sure they show you where they want it dropped back to them, location of spare wheel, lights, how much it in the petrol tank etc. Make sure you read the small print before you sign the contract as each company may have varied ;terms and conditions' and keep the copy of your contract on file.
When traveling alone it is a good idea to leave an itinerary at home with someone, contacting them at pre-arranged times and dates. Obvious displays of money, jewelry, dress and luggage may attract the wrong kind of attention. Be aware of not only your handbag but all luggages at all times. For example, don't leave your handbag on the back of your chair in a restaurant.
Where to stay:
Picking accommodation in a safe area is smart. You're asking for trouble if you choose to stay smack bang in the middle of the local red light district! Request a room near the lift or stairs, not on the ground floor and preferably smoking so you can calm your nerves form the comfort of the bathtub! It sounds stupid, and you're not expected to be a trained locksmith, but have a little look at the door locks and window fasteners. Obvious signs, such as no lock or a smashed window pain, will suggest you don't stay there! Identify all callers before you open the door, if there is a chain, use it (especially at night) and a 'spy hole' is also useful and fun! Don't identify yourself on the phone until the caller has done so first. Keep your money and valuables close to you at night. It is obviously not advisable to carry your family heirlooms with you while traveling, mainly due to the comfort issue when placing them under your pillow! Insist on inspecting living before you stay, that way you can stay somewhere else if you don't feel safe or comfortable.
Staying safe:
Have your wits about you at all times; listen to the advice from the locals and fellow travelers. Don't be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time! Don't panic in scary situations, for example, if you were confronted by a man demanding your purse, don't try to fight or argue, just hand it over. This is the reason why you always separate your cards from your cash, and never to carry a lot of cash with you at one time. You can always withdraw more cash as long as you still have a card. Travel with at least two cards, incase one is lost, stolen, maxed out, and keep these cards separate from each other and your cash. Here is where the old card and/or cash down the bra or in your shoe trick comes into play! Don't let anyone who may confront you get the chance, cross the street. If you are confronted, don't let them know you are scared. Try to gain the psychological advantage, and if that doesn't work and you are forced to fight physically make sure it is a crippling blow so you can escape. Stilettos may hinder your running ability, but a heel to the groin is sure to hurt enough for you to get away. If you feel you may need a bit of preparation, think about joining a woman's self defense group before leaving on your trip.
Dress codes differ greatly from country to country and getting that wrong puts you at an immediate disadvantage. As a general rule, tight and skimpy clothes are inappropriate for most countries outside Europe and North America. Legs and arms should be covered when visiting places of worship and national monuments. Throughout the Arab world and other Muslim countries, hair should be covered by a head scarf as well as your legs and arms.
Confrontational and challenging situations with men can be easily avoided by adopting an assertive and dismissive manor. Remember many men translate 'eye contact' as 'come over and speak to me!' The use of dark sunglasses will limit this problem, but let's be honest; wherever you are in the world, they just can't help themselves! Be prepared to answer questions about yourself, the obvious hinting on whether you are single or not. To avoid unwanted attentions of some men, throw in the odd line about your 'husband' and team up with a fake wedding ring as a lifeline!
Sanitary and Hygiene:
Tampons and towels are unobtainable in some areas of Africa, Asia and South America and are scarce luxuries in many of the eastern block countries. You should be sensitive to the cultural and religious attitudes towards menstruation. In some places it is forbidden to enter a place of worship at this time of the month, and some paces will not even allow women to walk near food let alone touch it. So be warned, discrete disposal of towels and tampons is in order.
Banking:
It is a good idea to let your bank know you are traveling somewhere and for how long, so they do not cancel your transactions as a protection measure when they find money being spent in a random destination. Again, inform them when you have returned home incase your card details appear to still being used from where you have come back from and they can stop any further abroad transactions as they will not be your doing. You can store all vital detail on a website, including bank accounts and contact numbers and it is safe on the net with your own personal login and password.
Travel Items Checklist:
Passport with relative visas and photocopy of passport (incase of loss) to be kept separate from original
Money, cards, traveler's checks
Insurance papers
Itinerary with contact numbers for accommodation, trains, buses (incase delayed, lost, plans change)
Emergency numbers for your destination (fire, police, ambulance
Contact number for lost traveler's checks, cards
Vaccination certificate if you are going somewhere they are required
Less obvious:
Tissue paper
Flashlight and extra batteries
Swiss army knife
Ziploc bags (keep things dry and airtight)
Hand disinfectant (the waterless stuff- incase no water and preparing food etc)
Sarong or similar (so you can quickly cover up when modesty calls i.e. Entering a mosque)
Sewing kit (quick repairs)
Things to do on your own:
Art galleries
Monuments
Castles
Pyramids etc.
Markets and shops
Lakes, rivers, seas
City sights (buy 'city pass')
Museums
Aquariums
Spa treatments
Music, shows, theatre
Life changing experiences:
You can be involved in so many amazing activities all around the world; it is just choosing the experience that is right for you which is the hardest part. For charity work, and overseas jobs helping animals, children and communities visit www.i-to-i.com To get some ideas of how to string together a great adventure taking into account certain places or tings you have in mind to go or do than visit www.gapyearforgrownups.co.uk which will help you plan a good route with 40 countries on offer you may never come back! A great website for specific countries you would like to visit and in depth descriptions with contacts to the unique activities you have to do there such as New Zealand, the visit www.statravel.co.uk
Still having second thoughts?
Everyone who has traveled to the furthest corners of the world has never regretted it and all say the hardest part is coming back! Once you have done it once you will have the 'travel bug' forever. You go through so many emotions while traveling with the least common being stress. People seem to make more rational decisions while they are traveling as they are so much more relaxed. You tend to also acquire many valuable character traits such as decision making skills, you become more open minded, you will meet special people who you will stay in contact with, the ability to empathise with others. With this new attitude and way of thinking you will also be able to give something back to members of your family and other around you.
Top 10 'Lone Women Traveler' Websites:
Things can go wrong on holiday. You could fall ill or have an accident. You could have money or luggage stolen; your visit might be cancelled or cut short through injury or illness; your family may need to fly out to be with you if there is a serious incident. All these risk can be covered by taking out travel insurance.
However, you should check the small print of your insurance policy very carefully to see if any exclusion might apply. Exclusions could include injury or death through acts of terrorism or nature; accidents caused through drinking alcohol or engaging in dangerous sports (and the list of these varies from policy to policy); or problems arising from a previous illness that you have not declared to the insurer. If you are not sure whether you are covered for any of the above, you should check with your insurer. Back to top
Wherever you are go, see and enjoy all the leading entertainment events. Theatre, music, sport… it’s all available from Ticketmasters. Back to top
A great attraction or activity can often make your holiday perfect. From a broad range of galleries, museums and theme parks to nature reserves and visitor centres. England is overflowing with exciting adventures for the entire family. Whatever you decide, the best things of all is that they’re all on your very own doorstep.
Animal magic - You don’t have to go on safari or sailing across oceans to enjoy the beauty of the animal kingdom. England’s vast choice of zoos and aquariums mean that there are lots of opportunities to come face to face with all manner of wildlife and sea creatures.
We’ve got some great ideas for days out that whole family will enjoy:
Taking your family out for a day can be an expensive business. You may be surprised at the type of attractions you can visit without spending a penny. Go and check these out!