Holiday Guide - Travel Essentials and Tips

Tailoring your luggage with travel needs is an essential part of a successful trip. Here are some useful tips on how to choose the right luggage depending on one’s destination and expected length of travel.

• Luggage for short Trips

A short trip can be classed as one that lasts less than two weeks. Practically any type of luggage bag can be used for a short trip, although most people tend to choose carry bags, backpacks or suitcases that are small and convenient, but I would encorouge you to take a bag with extra space for some souvenirs. In choosing the perfect luggage or backpack for a short trip, it is advisable to find a bag that mixes simplicity and convenience with comfort and adaptability.

Bringing one large piece of luggage as opposed to multiple bags is also a good idea - you may have to leave out a few items but it will do you good in the long run. It is especially useful if you can avoid having to check-in any luggage at the airport. Having one large carry-on item would save time, the hassle of having to check bags in and then waiting for them at baggage claim once you’ve reached your destination. Best of all, you will never have to worry about losing your luggage!

The Targus Multiplier Backpack is one of the best options out there for anyone planning on going on a short-trip, while also a great choice for anyone wishing to go backpacking or trekking long distances. The advantages of this product are the comfort it provides and its various compartments for everything you need. Targus is renowned for making high quality backpacks for travelling and continues to create amazing bags that are functional, comfortable and stylish.

If you aren’t keen on lugging a backpack around, a cabin suitcase is the next best thing. A cabin suitcase is specially designed to fit the confines of an airplane’s upper carry-on bin and should have a height no greater than 55cm and a width no greater than 36cm across. Weight is a factor that must be considered when purchasing a cabin suitcase. Lifting a heavy suitcase from the upper carry-on bin can be very difficult. It comes as no surprise that the Superlite Cabin Suitcase is one of the best selling suitcases in the UK. It’s extremely light, durable and is designed as a roller suitcase, offering minimal lifting and great convenience.

• Luggage for longer Trips

The rule of thumb when packing for a trip which is expected to last over two weeks is that you should only pack enough clothes for a fortnight, and then expect to do laundry wherever you are staying. Packing clothes for more than two weeks is too much to carry and isn't pratical, as airlines have weight restrictions for luggage that must be checked-in. If your luggage is over the maximum weight, you’ll have to either get rid of the excess weight at the airport or pay hefty fees. Buying clothes at your travel destination is yet another option that is better than packing too much, as it is probably more cost effective than having to pay a fee for heavy luggage.

For long trips, most people will find that the best type of luggage to have with you while on holiday is an expanding roller case. Roller cases are preferable because they minimize any heavy lifting you have to do - lugging around heavy bags is no way to spend one’s holiday! Roller cases do the heavy lifting for you and an expandable case also accommodates more space for any souvenirs you bring back.

If you’ve ever owned a roller case before, you may be familiar with one of the most common problems associated with its design. Roller cases are not designed to turn on a dime—in fact, their design predisposes them to roll straight. Turning causes them to topple over frequently, so when buying a roller case, make sure the wheels swivel easily in all directions. A 4 wheel suitcase provides even more stability, as it allows you to roll your suitcase completely upright, which can make your life a lot easier on long trips.

• Kids Lugguage

Holiday is a an important time for families. Parents and children get time away from their busy schedules to do family activities. Most families with small children prefer a holiday destination that can be reached by car within a couple of hours. This is because long trips are difficult for kids, and buying flight tickets for the whole family adds up quickly and leaves you with a lot more luggage to carry around the airport rather than simply bundling it into a car.

A key to easier travelling with babies and small children is a lightweight stroller. A light steel frame and a compact umbrella fold make it ideal for travel and even for use on public transport. Some lightweight buggies are suitable from birth while others, like Chicco skip strollers, are more suitable for children from six months on. You might also consider taking a baby sling for babies or a baby pouch for toddler. This is particularly handy for crowded places or when planning to hike.

If you are travelling by car there are good deals on fold travel systems. They come with a baby car seat and a lightweight buggy. The Graco Mosaic one hand fold pushchair for example can be folded with just one hand. It has a huge basket and a large, removable canopy to protect the child against sun. With a multi-position back rest the child can sit and sleep in the stroller. You could even change nappies while your child is lying down in the buggy, which is very useful when being out all day.

For a beach holiday with small children it is recommended you buy a small beach tent. Beach tents offer shade for your children while playing, relaxing or taking a nap. It is also a great protection from wind and rain, should the unpredictable weather take a turn for the worse!

On holidays with older kids you can swap a stroller for a luggage compartment full of toys. Take some games with you which can be played while in the car, like colouring books or a pack of cards. You can also make up games such as counting red cars, perhaps play “Simon says” or even installing a car cinema for a long drive.

• Expecting Ladies

Are you expecting a baby and planning a holiday? Within the first month of pregnancy there is no limitations except avoiding extremely exhausting activities! Later on there are some pointers you have to take into consideration. Airlines have regulations that prohibit women at the latter stages of pregnancy from flying. A long flight can be very exhausting anyway when pregnant. Instead of flying choose a destination which can be reached by ferry, train or car. Look for a holiday closer to home in order to treat your body with care.

When it comes to packing, make sure to take a suitcase with wheels. Avoid heavy luggage at all costs! Comfortable shoes to walk in are very important during pregnancy as your feet get swollen quicker. Shoes from Hush Puppies are very comfortable and a great choice if you are looking for sandals. There is a huge variety of Hush Puppies sandals from simple to elegant ones, sandals with and without heels. Hush puppies sandals are great quality and it does not take long to break them in.

During pregnancy most women prefer to wear comfortable clothes. Nevertheless it is nice to wear some flattering clothing when going out for a nice dinner, or heading to a social event. A waterfall cardigan is the perfect solution for both. It looks stylish and is very comfortable to wear. It makes the perfect light extra layer and features a waterfall design for a fashionable touch.

Whether you are travelling or not, a Mama Mio kit is an essential for every pregnant woman. It is a special skin care for expanding bellies, boobs and bottoms. Particularly useful for the second and third trimesters when your growing belly is putting a strain on your skin, keep rubbing in moisture and elasticity and you will be rewarded with pre-stretched skin. A Mama Mio kit includes tummy rub, boob tube and wonderful balm. A Mama Mio mini kit with six minis is perfect for travelers and first time users. Enjoy this very special time while being pregnant and read above to get some tips for going on holiday with kids.

• Travelling with Pets

Most pets stay at home and have a neighbour taking care of them while their owner is on a holiday. However dogs are an exception and many families like to take man's best friend with them when they head off on their holidays. Make sure to check on regulations of airlines and customs carefully when planning a holiday in a foreign country. A heavy duty, plastic pet dog carrier is essential when flying. Make your dog feel at home inside the carrier by adding a blanket to snuggle in. Most dog carriers come with a handle while very few come with rolls. Soft pet carrier bag can only be used for cats or small dogs during short car, bus and train journeys.

Taking your dog on holiday means to bring a bed for it, too. Some dogs are fine with sleeping on a blanket but most prefer to sleep on a dog basket. Alex Griffith's beds are nice dog baskets out of fabric. They come in different sizes in an original faux suede fabric with a fleece lining. These dog beds are fully machine washable, easily maintainable and perfect for going on holiday with your dog. Some pet carriers can be even used as a bed and carrier for small dogs going on holiday by car.

Going somewhere on summer holiday is always very exciting and needs the right planning. One very important thing is to decide how you are going to get to your holiday destination. If it's close by you could always hop on a bike, or if you want flexibility with your trip then a car is perfect. Flying is the quickest method while trains are also a great option. Here are some tips about the methods of transport you could take, and the accessories you will need for each one!

• Travelling by Plane

Flying is the best way to arrive at your holiday destination in a fast and convenient way. To make sure that you feel comfortable during the whole trip you should definitely wear casual clothes. Since waiting at the airport for your next flight can take a while, and you are likely to be stuck in the aircraft seat for a few hours at least, you should wear clothes that are soft and light and that can keep you warm. A perfect piece of clothing is the Marmot Softshell Jacket. It is a very light and breathable piece of fabric you will love to wear. This jacket works well for city trips but also when you are hiking around in the countryside.

When you are flying you also want to relax and enjoy your own music, or perhaps the movies from the in-flight entertainment system. The headphones provided by the airlines are ok but often have poor sound quality, so you should consider bringing your own headphones. Generally, premium stereo headset are the best in terms of sound quality. They surround your ears and make sure you will only hear what you are supposed to hear. If you want to take it to the next level then you could get some noise cancelling headphones. They adapt to the sound waves of aircraft engines and once you turn them on the noise magically disappears!

If you like taking your own laptop with you, then you should think about buying a spare battery for it. For example, with the Sony Vaio TT Series you have the option of getting different kinds of spare batteries, depending on how long you want your laptop to last. They are super small, easy to carry around and you will never run out of power when you are flying or sitting around at the airport.

• Going on Holiday by Train

A traditional but cost-effective form of transportation is the train. It might not be your first choice but taking the train is environmentally-friendly and you don’t have to worry about parking or busy airports. Isn’t there nothing nicer to sit back, relax and see the landscapes and cities pass by? A great way to spend time and to enjoy the view is to listen to music from your MP3 player. The blue iPod nano 5th Generation 8GB is a great travel companion. It gives you the opportunity to keep thousands of songs at your fingertips; you can listen to the radio, watch movies and also record movies with this little device. So if you see something great out of the train window, just take a quick video!

Another amazing digital music player is the Foehn and Hirsch MP3 Player. It is an instant winner with a 70-hour battery and the trendy compact design. The built in microphone lets you even record from the radio if there is a song that you like. And the blue text on the black background gives it a classy feeling. Also, with its size it fits easily in your pocket making it perfect for travel.

You need a variety of clothes on holiday, and most people like to do some pre-holiday shopping to make sure they look their best while away. Try to include non iron clothing, it's amazing! With this form of cloth, your shirts, blouses and trousers don’t need any ironing because of their special polyester/cotton fabric. So it is perfect for travelling, especially when you want to take some nicer clothes with you but have no way of reducing those creases!

• Travelling by Car

Travelling by car is fun because you can be very flexible about how long you are staying at each destination. Plus you can choose your route, allowing you to incorporate stunning scenery and landmarks into your journey. So what do you need on a road trip? If you don’t want to stop too often and you prefer taking snacks and drinks with you, then an insulated cool box is a must. Just prepare some sandwiches and it keeps them chilled for hours in the cool box. It is definitely a great way to save money, especially when you are travelling with children.

Another aspect that should not be missing when you are travelling with children is an LCD car headrest DVD player. We all know how children don’t like sitting in the car for hours and can be very impatient! An in-car DVD player is easy to install on to the headrest and their favourite movies or educational TV shows will distract them...for a while at least! Some of them even come with a built-in FM-tuner and games which means even more fun! If you let your kids play with your laptop it is probably also important to find a laptop protection. A TechAir Notebook Case fits your laptop perfectly; they come in different colours and have an adjustable shoulder strap.

• Tips for Cycling Holidays

To conclude this part we want to talk about a very unique form of transportation which is great for you and for the environment. How about taking your bike to your next summer holiday trip?! Yes, you might not be able to go too far from home, but you can enjoy being outside instead! Reconnect with nature through the hundreds of cycle routes across the UK. When you choose to take your bike, it is all about the right equipment. Rule number 1 - take a water bottle! For example, you could get a Sigg sports bottle. Those Swiss aluminum bottles are known for being very robust and they are easy to keep clean. Just fill in juice or water and it will stay cool for quite a while- the perfect treat during a long bike ride!

When you are sitting on the bike it is also important what you are carring. It shouldn’t be too big and also not too heavy. A Crumpler Little Stevie backpack is the perfect match for that: it has place for all handy accessories and it even has a compartment for your laptop if you decide to take it with you. Crumpler backpacks usually come with an easy-access hinge that helps you finding things faster. If you don’t just want to play on your laptop or if you decide on leaving all your electronics at home, how about some traditional board games? The Trivial Pursuit Travel edition is perfect when you want to have a game night during your vacation. There are also different versions available, such as a music, entertainment, or sport game. A relaxing and enjoyable way to end your day.

Whatever destination you choose for your holiday, it is recommended to gather some information before you go. The best sources for this are reading travel guides, searching for information on the internet or talking to people who have been there before. Travel destinations differ from each other starting with climate to activities and culture. We have selected some important information of the most popular holiday destinations to give you a taste of it.

• United Kingdom

Why head thousands of miles away if you have some wonderful destinations right on your door step? In fact many people prefer short haul destinations to a long flight. Look around you and discover what your country has to offer:

England alone has 600 miles of beautiful coastline, small beach towns and wonderful landscapes. The bustling capital London is the largest city in Europe and the capital of style. Acquire an Umbro England jacket to go with the style. Available in many colours and different types, it really gets you in the mood for your holiday and it keeps you warm on chilly nights.

Some people describe Scotland as a mix of whisky, golf and romance with its castles and historic sites. In addition Scotland’s highlands are one of the last wildernesses in Europe. Its capital Edinburgh is not only famous for the neo-classically inspired architecture but the artistic life which hosts the largest arts festival in the world. Head to Edinburgh in August to experience the legendary 'Fringe Festival' for a truly memorable experience.

Northern Ireland offers vibrant cities with shopping and nightlife, as well as being a great place for outdoor activities and fabulous food. Northern Ireland is the perfect spot to discover parts of the country by bike, and then finishing your day with dinner in a lovely local bistro or pub. Pack your bike pack with water, snacks and a map for a day-long ride, but don't forget to take a long sleeved jacket to protect you from sun, wind and rain. A sports rain jacket is very suitable for a day on a bike. These jackets don't take much space in your backpack and are very comfortable. Whether you are renting a bicycle or bring your own, try to go for a mountain bike. A lightweight bike is a good choice for all levels and for any terrain.

While home is where the heart is, if you do want to explore a different culture and fancy heading across the continent, Spain and Italy are a great choice.

• Spain and Italy

Both countries are very sunny and offer consistently good weather during the summer. However, this is not the only reason why people love it. Italy and Spain both have an appealing culture, many wonderful sights and fantastic beaches. Even if you plan on doing a beach holiday, you should always include a visit to some of the famous sights or to one of the beautiful cities. Visit the Alhambra, a palace like in 1001 nights. It dates back to the Muslim presence in the Iberian Peninsula and is right in the heart of Granada surrounded by the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. It has stunning scenery and head to a quiet bar after a day out where you can relax with a beer and chat with the locals. Join the Spanish women wearing colourful dresses and shop for a floral print maxi dress. A maxi dress is a wonderful dress for summer evenings, offering convenience, comfort and style.

In both countries, people in general are very friendly and helpful. However, sometimes it can be a little difficult to communicate in English. Therefore it is very handy to know a few words in their language and carry a dictionary. The talking electronic dictionary is an English – Spanish or Italian talking electronic dictionary. Not only does it translate words, but can also help with the pronunciation of words and phrases. The locals love it when foreigners show interest in their culture, and will be all the more welcoming during your visit.

• Thailand

Thailand is known as the country of smiles. It is the place to go if you are looking for a long haul destination with beautiful beaches, sun all year around, delicious food and a fascinating culture. In Thailand it is easy to get around with English, but a few Thai words wouldn't hurt! The north offers many hiking and outdoor activities, while in the south there are many beautiful islands. The capital Bangkok is a chaotic but fascinating city with great shopping and impressive sights. The country offers something for all ages: party at the 'Full Moon Party' on Ko Pha-Ngan; get your diving license on Ko Tao; stay in a luxury hotel on Ko Samui or go to one of the less crowded islands in the Tarutao National Park near the Malaysian border.

Don't forget to visit some of the wonderful Buddhist temples - a real cultural experience. Be aware of certain cultural differences though - shoulders have to be covered and shoes taken off when entering a temple. Flip-flops are the favourite foot wear of Thai people and, unless you are going for a hike or dining out in a luxury restaurant, it is the perfect foot wear for every tourist too! Make sure you pack at least one pair of thong sandals in your luggage. Havaianas sandals are available in many different colours and designs.

Except in the rainy season, the climate is very hot and sunny in Thailand. Beaches often have a little breeze, which makes a perfect condition to go and catch some rays. Always wear sun protection SPF 50 as the sun is very strong and you can get burned easily. You will get a nice tan quickly, even if you put on sun lotion with a high sun protection factor several times a day. Eyes need to be protected from harsh sun as well as your skin, which is why it is essential to add a pair of high quality sun glasses to your luggage. A good pair of sunglasses, such as oakley polarized sunglasses, are well worth investing in because cheap sunglasses can harm your eyes.

Thailand is a lovely destination, but the political situation is often unstable. Please make sure to check on the situation at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before planning your trip.

• South Africa

Lately, South Africa has been getting a lot of attention because of the World Cup. This only gives you a tiny glimpse of the beauty South Africa has to offer though. South Africa enchants visitors with its brisk culture, stunning landscape, exotic wildlife and beautiful beaches.

It is famous for its safaris, where you can see wildlife very close up. Enjoy a luxury stay at a safari lodge: start the day at sunrise with an early wildlife tour to see lions lounging in the sun, a flock of zebras grazing nearby, giraffes drinking and elephants bathing in a waterhole. This is when your camera will be in action non-stop. Point and shoot digital cameras provide solutions on screen to help guide you taking the perfect shots! Get back to the lodge just in time for a rich breakfast about to be served. Take a pair of binoculars with you on the terrace to peek around you while enjoying your meal.

At a safari it is recommended to carry binoculars at all time. Don´t you want to know which animal that is moving on the horizon, or take a close look at a monkey at the top of a large tree? Hawke binoculars classic feature a wide field of view with large exit pupil. It comes in zoom magnification made for comfortable and easy operation.

The sight of all different kind of wildlife and fascinating landscapes will touch you deeply. However, there is something else which makes South Africa unique: its culture. No visit is complete without getting an impression of the South African culture. South Africans love to sing and dance, and it is such memories that you want to take home to always remember. If you are lucky you can tape this beautiful moment on your camcorder, but remember to ask permission first if you are filming or taking a photo of people. If you are filming a group of people a camcorder with a flip screen, such as the Panasonic SD camcorder, is a huge advantage.

Different types of holidays means different essential items. I mean you wouldn't take your high heels for an adventure holiday would you! Be sensible and maximise your packing efforts. Check out our tips for your specific holiday needs.

• Adventure Holiday

Adventure holidays can be a great experience for everybody. A real adventure and a cheap way of discovering the world is couch surfing. It is an opportunity to stay on people's “couch” while you are exploring a specific area. Not only free accommodation, but also a great way to meet people in a foreign country that have inside information about local sights that are worth a visit.

If couch surfing is not right for you, but the budget is still small, packing a tent and sleeping bags could be a great alternative. Nature offers so much and the whole family can enjoy this experience together. The vango tent comes in different sizes from three up to eight person tents. The bigger tents come with a useful extended porch for when your family or friends may need a little extra space for storage. It also has a waterproof coating which is really practical and a necessity for every outdoor trip.

Besides a tent, sleeping bags for every family member are something to pay closer attention to. They have to be warm because it can get cold during the night, and waterproof just in case the tent leaks. While getting cozy in a vango sleeping bag at night, there are some games to consider to keep the children entertained if it rains and you may be stuck inside. You can play the torch shadow game - a great torch would be the Maglite 2D Torch, and while one person shines the torch onto the wall of the tent, the other person makes shadow figures. The others then guess what it is! A simple but effective game for those rainy days! There is so much to do while discovering the beauty of nature on an outdoor adventure, and is a must for every family with young children.

• Beach Holiday

There are few more relaxing scenarios than laying on a beach with blue skies and a cool breeze on your skin. Many people try to escape the British weather and travel somewhere warmer to lie in the sun at the beach, finding time to read a book, catch some rays or go for a swim. Buying the right swim-wear is an important decision, especially for women. You want something functional and flattering which leaves you feeling chic and comfortable as you lay on the sand. For women there is a swimsuit with shelf bra. It is named for the very reason that its modest straps and seat don’t need tugging back into place every few minutes.

For the men, trespass swim shorts are a great pick. Besides swim-suits, sun glasses, sun hat, a blanket, reading material and sunscreen should be in the beach bag. Especially with children, it's very important to protect their skin from the suns harmful rays. Riemann developed a sunscreen that needs to be applied just once a day – 90 minutes before exposure to the sun - Riemann once a day sunscreen. Even frequent swimming will only reduce its effect by about 10% so it is easy to put on and be protected for the day. So while the beach is a perfect holiday option, make sure you go prepared!

• City Trip

If your holidays are limited to only a couple days this year, then a city trip could be the right thing to do. Especially within Europe there are cheap flights and great deals for some of the most beautiful cities on the continent. It's helpful to get a tour guide in advance if you really want to experience it all, but Lonely Planet also has some great city guides including walking tours that visit different sights if you simply want a little taste of teh culture.

Pack a little pocket first aid for a city trip. Walking around in uncomfortable shoes in a city can lead to blisters, so plasters in your bag could be very handy. Generally, these kits are well equipped for most minor injuries so it should be in the bag for every travel destination really.

If you decide on Paris or Milan you should make the msot of the fashion and shop pay a visit to some of the top designer stores to catch up on the latest trends. Prague is also an amazing city and it is a wonderful experience to follow the traces of Franz Kafka, like drinking coffee where he and Max Brod had coffee or wandering around to understand his inspiration. Or you and your family focus on history and go to Athens and Rome to check out the great architecture: the testimonials of time like the Acropolis or the Colosseum. For that kind of trip comfortable walking shoes really are a necessity. Converse hi top shoes are stylish and very comfortable. They come in variety colours so there is a pair for anyone and any situation.

• Luxury Travel

One thousand and one nights describe for some people the perfect trip. Dubai with its luxurious hotels, dreamy beaches and shopping facilities is a great destination for travellers who look for an exclusive experience. Being stylish in these exotic places is very important. Ralph Lauren designs beautiful shirts for men. and this season a Ralph Lauren rugby shirt is the perfect pick for every man. Their modern fit and the Ralph Lauren embroidery gives the shirt its unique look. With such a great shirt every man is easily dressed for a casual lunch at a nice restaurant or for a shopping trip to the Souk (local bazar), a perfect paradise for shoppers. The oriental market offers spices, fabrics and jewellery, and is a great experience we would highly recommend.

A luxurious holiday doesn't have to involve flying off to far-away lands. A nice golf holiday at one of Britain’s beautiful courses can have the same relaxing impact. After a nice round of golf a spa would be the perfect finish for a great day out. For couples a luxurious country hotel is a great idea for a chilled and enjoyable weekend break. If golf isn't your thing, there are alternatives. Perhaps you would consider booking the spa facilities for a long massage and skin treatment, or you could relax at the pool and pick up those books you've been meaning to read for a while. In the evening enjoy some delicious food and a couple of drinks at the hotel’s restaurant. For these occasions it is always important for guys to bring a nice John Lewis dinner jacket. The secret behind a nice dinner jacket is the attention to detail, like a smart fabric and covered buttons that give the gentleman a classic look and feel. She can pack a black chiffon dress that is both simple and elegant.

 

Not everyone can go away for a holiday break. But don’t worry, there is a lot to discover at home. People don't realise quite how much there is to discover their own country or their own neighborhood. There is so much to explore, even if it is just walking into the woods or camping in the garden. Be creative, sometimes less is more.

• Home Treats for the Family

It is summer, it is holiday time: turn a simple meal into a real experience. Having a barbeque is one of the big summer trends, as well as chilling in the open, eating good food and being with your family. Sometimes a bbq can become messy, so to avoid disappointments and even injuries, make sure you have the right gear. A burner gas barbeque is a safe and easy way to have a delicious meal. It is easy to cook meat and any vegetables to perfection, plus you don’t have to fuss with coal or electricity. Get some nice candles and decorations for the table, and you could even create themes such as an oriental night or an African night.

Eating outside can sometimes be difficult. Make sure you prepare for the unexpected. An oval garden furniture set is always useful for unexpected guests. You can always squeeze more people at an oval table than at a squared table. Invite friends over and other family members to make the event even more special. If the bbq is taking place elsewhere, take a picnic basket with you. In addition, you can consider taking a barbecue tool set. The sets are very convenient to store after usage: you can just wrap them up in the cover and you can take care of the greasy set later, at home. Summer nights can be unpredictable, so get some insect repellent for you and have an extra top in case the air turns a little chilly.

• Summer Activities for Kids

Local community centers and libraries offer summer activities for kids. If you want to keep your kids at home, we have some ideas for you to keep them entertained on a budget. You don’t need a lot to keep kids entertained and happy, mostly water and sunshine does the job. There is an interesting attraction between kids and water. With water we can help you out, with sunshine unfortunately not. Let’s hope this summer will have plenty of sunshine. On the water front, you can create a fun day in the garden with Halsall fun sport items. The water slide in particular creates so much fun amongst children. You can also set up an optical course or play tennis. If you don’t have a garden, make the local park your own and use the community facilities.

Another good idea for hot summer days would be to go to the local pool and set up pool activities. You can also decide on giving your kids some summer projects, such as growing a garden. If you don’t have a garden you can grow plants or veggies on your patio or balcony. Growing a garden is a nice outside activity and kids learn a lot about seasons and plants. Imagine, at the end of summer you have great fruits and vegetables to eat.

Organize a mini football world cup. Since 2010 is the year of the World Cup, organize a tournament for 3 days. I am sure not all kids go away and there might be some families around in your neighborhood who would love to participate. Such an event is great fun and at the same time it builds the community. If you can’t rely on your community or neighborhood, take your family on an exciting bicycle tour. Pack your backpacks with the bare essentials and discover your close surroundings. Usually, you only have to cycle a couple of miles to get out into the woods. Make it an adventure. You can either do day trips or one overnight trip. Pretend as if you are rediscovering your area by playing Columbus. Another great idea is to learn an instrument.

• Activities for the Weekend

Although you can’t go away for the week, hopefully you can get out on the weekends with your entire family. There are many walking and hiking trails in the UK. Find out which trails are in your surroundings and put on your hiking walking shoes. The only good gear you need for such a trip are good shoes. To avoid disappointments make sure your kids all feel comfortable in their footwear. Just test it on an easy walk. Why not try a hiking trail and sleep over in another town. That way you get to know your surroundings and your county even more. Have you ever done a treasure hunt while being on a walk? It is so much fun, you learn and you pick up new aspects of your environment. Plan and organize it before you leave for your walk, your kids will just be delighted. If there is no accommodation available, you can also take your light tent with you or sleep under the stars.

 

As we all know, taking a holiday often leaves a carbon footprint. It doesn’t matter if you go by plane, by car or ship, you're leaving your mark on the environment. Fortunately, there are many ways to complete your travelling in a more eco-friendly manner. Here is a compilation of tips that help to reduce your carbon footprint while on holiday.

• How to go?

The first step to more environmentally friendly travelling can be the means of transportation. Of course, it depends on your holiday destination but if you travel within Europe, you have several options. Why not taking the train? From an environmental perspective, this is much better than taking the car or plane. You can easily reach a lot of European countries by train, plus there are special tickets that allow you to travel across numerous countries by just buying one single ticket. Going by train is not just eco-friendly but also a perfect way to get a closer look at Europe. As your journey time is generally longer than by plane or car, you have time to explore and really experience the country . Travelling across Europe can become a whole new experience!

Taking a ferry to the continent, Scandinavia or Ireland is another option you should take into consideration. That way, you don’t need to take a plane, you are still flexible as you go by your own car and you save energy. Furthermore, a ferry trip can be a real adventure when you travel with children. For them, it is always exciting to be on a big ship and feel like a small captain!

Of course, the ultimate contribution to our environment would be to cycle. Especially when you intend to stay in the UK, taking a bike trip to our National Parks or to the coast is a perfect alternative for your travel plans. If you are in good condition, the only thing you need is a suitable bike. It should combine the light weight of a road bike and the comfort of a mountain bike. A 14 mountain bike like the Apollo Cosmo Urban Mountain Bike offers you both characteristics. It has a lightweight frame and smoother tyres for quicker, easier riding on the road or park trails. Besides that, the saddle offers you the best possible comfort for long bike rides. There is another point one should consider - you will never be closer to nature while cycling through the countryside!

• What to pack?

When you go on a trip, packing is an important consideration. You can do a lot for eco-friendly travelling. First of all, you should travel with light weight luggage. Less is more as reduced weight means less energy waste when you travel by car or airplane.

Why not using bags made of natural materials like bamboo? Urbancode organic handbags are not only stylish but also made of an organic material. Urbancode’s company policies reflect their values on human rights and the environment.

Organic clothing is a great choice when you want to travel in a greener way. Not only can bags be made of bamboo, but so can clothing. A bamboo dress or a UV bamboo shirt is a nice addition to your wardrobe. Bamboo clothing has lots of benefits. First of all, it absorbs and evaporates sweat in a few seconds, so it keeps you dry for longer. Bamboo fabric is highly breathable and keeps you comfortable in hot and cold weather. Its UV protection is the best part, especially when you travel in summer. All in all, bamboo clothing is not just a good travel companion; it is also comfortable for every day wearing.

Apart from clothing, you’ll need some cosmetics and accessories as well. To be on the environmentally friendly side, you should think of natural insect repellents. They are healthier than conventional ones and sometimes even more effective. In addition, by using Fairtrade products like Fairtrade towels you ensure that small-scale cotton farmers in developing countries receive both a fair price and additional premiums for social, economic, and environmental projects.

• Ecotourism

Have you heard about ecotravel? Ecotravel, also called ecotourism, is an approach to responsible and sustainable tourism. It takes steps to conserve, protect and encourage local wildlife and the surrounding community. Eco-friendly hotels and resorts seek to support the local environment through energy efficiency and education. There are many eco-hotels all around the world that offer a great hands-on approach to ecotourism.

So when you plan your trip, try to keep an eye on ecotravel offers. They might be more expensive but it definitely pays off in the long run!