5 family friendly ski resorts for all budgets

5 family friendly ski resorts for all budgets

27/10/2024

No comments

I love to snowboard & have been lucky to snowboard at some fantastic resorts such as Val d'Isère and Kitzbühel, but besides a few dry slope sessions here and there, I haven't gone since having kids. While hitting the slopes is great for any age, even when they are toddlers, I felt they would benefit from being a little older to get the most out of it as it's not something I would be able to budget for regularly. 

But now that both boys are older I am looking more seriously into a snowboarding trip at some point and thought I would share 5 resorts perfect for families in different budgets that are great ski and snowboard destinations for families in mind. 

1. Poiana-Brasov, Romania

While Romania may not be well known for its slopes it may come as a welcome surprise to find out that they offer fantastic mountain resorts at one of the most budget-friendly prices in Europe. Poiana Brasov is the largest resort with more than 24km of ski runs with blue, red and black, meaning all abilities can enjoy, all in stunning fairytale location. 

If you fancy a day away from the slopes you can go to the medieval city of Brasov and Dracula's castle for a unique family travel experience. 

A week ski lift pass will come in at around £120 per adult, with cheaper rates for children. 

Beautiful Poiana-Brasov

2.  Bardonecchia, Italy

Despite this resort being in Italy, it comes up as a very budget-friendly option for families and it's easy to get to from the UK. Bardonecchia is one of the lesser-known resorts but that makes this somewhat of a gem as it's a great place to avoid crowds and there is lots to do in and around the resort. 

There are lots of runs for all different abilities as well as an alpine coaster which kids love and why not give snowshoe walking a go? 

A 7 day ski pass is roughly £176 for an adult and £70 for a child. 

Bardonecchia, Italy

3. Bansko, Bulgaria

Bulgaria has slowly grown in popularity as a budget-friendly destination with excellent slopes. Bansko is the largest ski area in the country and has a great mix of runs as well as a dedicated kids ski area. There are also plenty of cheap food options and lots to do on the resort and off to keep families entertained. 

A 6 day ski lift pass costs around £234 for adults and £91 for kids

The slopes of Bansko

4. Vogel, Slovenia

This modern ski resort is great for families and in a really beautiful area overlooking Lake Bohinj in the Triglav National Park. This resort is suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers and with 22km of slopes, Vogel is one of the largest in Slovenia. 

A 5 day ski lift pass is £163 for adults and £81

5. Verbier, Switzerland

While Verbier may be on the pricier side it's well worth it when you have access to one of Europes largest and most sought-after ski destinations which truly offers something for everyone. It boasts more than 80 lifts and over 400km of world class runs and best of all is beginners and intermediate skiers can access 80% of those runs and the added bonus of truly picturesque views and snow-capped mountains. You can also easily transfer from Geneva to Verbier,  making an easy city to fly into or explore for the day. 

6 day ski lift passes for adults start at £356

I've shared more tips on what you need to pack for a family skiing in this post.  If you or your kids haven't skied or snowboarded before then I would strongly encourage that you do a few lessons in the UK before you go, that way. you can get the most out of your time on the real slopes. The UK has lots of dry slope options, while not the same as real snow, you can get a grasp of the basics. We also have 4 indoor slopes in the UK with man-made snow and is the closest you can get to real skiing. It's always better to spend a weekend at one of the indoor or dry slopes getting to grips with the basics and heading to Europe feeling a little more prepared. 

Read More

What to do in Switzerland for a Weekend Getaway

What to do in Switzerland for a Weekend Getaway

23/10/2024

3 comments

I've been lucky enough to visit Switzerland three times and I still have a yearning to go back and see more as it's a land of towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes and charming villages and you can see why it's a popular destination for weekend getaways no matter what time of year you choose to visit.

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation or cultural immersion, Switzerland has it all. In this post we we'll explore some of the best things to do and places to visit during your weekend break.

Hike the Swiss Alps

One of the most iconic experiences in Switzerland is hiking through the breathtaking Swiss Alps.

With thousands of kilometres of well-maintained trails, there's something for all ages and abilities to enjoy. From easy strolls to challenging treks, there's a hike to suit your fitness and interests.

Some of the most popular hiking destinations include Zermatt, Interlaken and Grindelwald – it’s advisable to plan a hiking trip during the warmer months when you’ll encounter better weather conditions.

Hiking tips:

Always check the weather forecast before heading out

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear

Bring plenty of water and snacks

Let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back

Go skiing

Switzerland is renowned for its world-class ski resorts, offering slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, you'll find the perfect ski experience in Switzerland. Some of the most popular resorts for ski weekends in Switzerland include Leysin, Zermatt, St Moritz and Verbier.

Skiing tips:

Book your accommodation and ski passes in advance, especially during peak season

Take lessons if you're a beginner

Dress in layers to stay warm on the slopes

Don't forget to wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days

Visit Lucerne, one of the prettiest cities in the world

I was lucky enough to visit Lucerne as a teen with my parents and it's still one of my favourite travel memories as it's such a beautiful place to explore. Located in the centre of Switzerland it's a great starting point to exploring the rest of the country and is nestled between lakes and mountains, having a lot to offer historically, culturally and socially. 

Must visit spots int Lucerne are The Chapel Bridge, a beautiful covered wooden footbridge spanning the river Reuss. The Lion Monument, a moving piece of stone set in a stunning location. The Museum of Transport in Lucerne is a must-visit if you are looking to spend a fun-filled day delving into Swiss culture and history. 

Ride the Glacier Express

The Glacier Express is a scenic train journey that takes you through the Swiss Alps from Zermatt to St Moritz. The train travels through tunnels, over bridges and past stunning glaciers, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The journey takes approximately 8 hours, but it offers an incredible opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Switzerland’s natural beauty.

These are just a few of the many things you can do during your weekend getaway in Switzerland. With its stunning scenery and diverse activities, Switzerland is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Explore the city of Zurich

Zurich is possibly one of my favourite cities in Europe, not only is it pristinely clean with excellent public transport but wandering through the Old town and along the shores of Lake Zurich is breathtaking. Despite Switzerland being quite an expensive destination, this city offers a lot for free, including free bike hire!

There is also a ton of free museums to explore as well as the Zoo and botanical gardens, which are great spots for families.

I really hope to visit Switzerland again soon, have you been?

Read More

Looking After Your Home As A Frequent Traveller

Looking After Your Home As A Frequent Traveller

21/10/2024

No comments

I feel very lucky that I am able to travel fairly frequently and I know before you even leave your front door you have to do a lot of preparation, not only for the trip itself but also in making sure to keep your home safe while your away. 

Travel is, as many might say, food for the soul and can have a real positive effect on our overwell wellbeing and there are a host of mental health benefits associated with travel. Whether you travel regularly for work or for leisure, chances are you value your time away just as much as you value your time at home. Although as important as travel may be to you, it’s easy to lose sight of the risks that come with it.

While we often plan for potential travel delays, one less-considered risk relates to the safety and condition of your home while you’re away. Your home doesn’t just freeze in place after you jet off and failure to properly prepare for being away so often can to costly consequences. So, with this in mind, what are some essential ways you can ensure your home is well-looked after during extensive and frequent periods of travel?

1. Security Measures

First, let’s tackle the most obvious, the risk of theft. With no one home, there is a potential of burglaries. If you’re leaving your home empty for extended periods of time, it may be worthwhile investing in some deterrents, such as a home alarm. Smart cameras and doorbell systems are great for this, as you can monitor them from your smartphone wherever you are, automatic outdoor lights are also a good buy. It is also worth telling someone you trust, perhaps a neighbour, family or friend, to check up on your house when your away, maybe visit once or twice to turn the lights on or off and to make it look like it's not just standing empty.

2. Routine Maintenance Tasks Before You Travel

It's also worth making sure that your appliances are well maintained and regular upkeep is essential to preventing long-term damage while you're away. This is especially true for your central heating, which could freeze over if away while winter starts, or which could even spring a leak – water or gas.

It’s key that you organise routine maintenance, including your annual visit from a gas-safe engineer. If you suspect your boiler’s nearing the end of its lifespan, now might be a good time to scout new boilers before you incur more costly emergency expenses.

3. Managing Utilities Efficiently While Away

Even if your appliances are working as they should, you can encounter difficulties of a different kind. Keeping your home ticking over means priming your central heating to engage for a small amount of time each week, to ensure your pipes don’t freeze over – and may also require you to leave some appliances on standby for security. 

This can cost money, though, so shrewd management of your utilities elsewhere is important. Fixing leaky taps can save massively on water, if you’re on a metered supply; smart plugs can give you remote control over your devices too, and ensure you aren’t using energy you don’t need to use.

4. Don't advertise that you're away

If you're not having a family friend to stay at your house while your away then don't advertise that over social media. If opportunists see your social media posts and know you're not going to be home, it's an invitation to people to damage or burgle your property. As said before it's worth chatting to your neighbours and letting them know your away or getting someone to house-sit. 

Read More

5 Easy Ways to Stay Active Without the Gym

5 Easy Ways to Stay Active Without the Gym

15/10/2024

3 comments

Are you looking for ways to stay active without going to the gym? The gym is not for everyone, but there are many other ways that you can stay active to boost your physical and mental well-being. Keep reading to discover five great gym alternatives that will help you get enough exercise and achieve your goals.

1. Take Daily Walks in Nature

Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise. Additionally, as a low-impact activity, it is suitable for all ages and can help you be more active without risk of injuring yourself and we all know the benefits of being outdoors in nature. Walking can improve cardiovascular health, boost mental well-being, and fit easily into your routine, whether it's a short stroll around your local park or a weekend hike. A sturdy pair of walking boots can make outdoor walks more comfortable, especially on rough or uneven terrain.

2. Get Active at Home with Bodyweight Exercises

You don’t even have to leave the home to get a good workout in. There are lots of excellent bodyweight exercises that you can do anywhere and without any extra equipment, including lunges, sit-ups, squats, and pushups. These are all activities that can help build your core strength and endurance as well as attain a more chiselled physique.


3. Embrace an active commute

Many people struggle to find the time to exercise, especially when they work full-time but if you live within walking or cycling distance of work, take advantage of that. Cycling is not only a great way to increase your fitness but it's also a very sustainable and budget-friendly mode of transport. This can enhance your daily physical activity, reduce your environmental impact, and save you money on travel costs.


4. Try a new fun hobby

I love being active but I don't like the gym, so having fun hobbies that keep me moving are key. I love to skateboard, surf and hike, all of these are really enjoyable and social so if never feels like a workout but at it's core they are. It could be joining a running club or trying out a group yoga lesson or giving SUP a go for the firs time. It's a great way to meet new friends as well as improve your overall physical and mental well-being. 

5. Incorporate Movement Breaks Into Your Day

People often spend long periods of time sitting, which can be harmful to your health in a few ways. Therefore, incorporating short movement breaks into your day is important to break up sedentary behaviour and keep your energy levels up. This can include standing up, stretching, and taking a short walk every 30 minutes or so.


If you want to be more active but don't like the idea of going to the gym, these are a few great alternative activities. It is important that everyone has activities that they enjoy doing to get enough exercise each week. When you are able to exercise regularly, it can make a huge difference to both your physical and mental well-being.

Read More