Our 2016 travel Wish List

The boys running free in Tenby earlier this year

Well 2015 was pretty action packed, not only did we introduce Baby G into the world but we also took him on his first overseas trip to the Netherlands when he was just shy of 4 months old, a trip which involved many trains, trams, underground, buses and an over night ferry from Harwick to the Hoek of Holland as we embraced slow travel. We also spent some time on a beautiful organic farm in Somerset and enjoyed a fair few city breaks with our favourites being London (we do a big tip there each year) and Bath as well as spending some much needed relaxing time in West Wales mainly around Tenby, Narberth and exploring Bluestone. We also crammed some camping and festivals in over the summer and glamping in Sussex this Autumn. Our time was spent discovered castles, exploring National trust properties and embraced us changing from a family of 3 to a family of four.

Mr A in Cannes 

A New year means a whole new set of plans, we found 2015 a bit of a teething time for us going from a family of three to a family of four and learning how to travel with not just one but two young children, but now we feel confident and have a lot more overseas travel plans running around our brains for 2016.

1. Copenhagen - both John and I have had the Danish capital on our "must-visit" list for years and we hope to make it happen this year, especially as it's know for being very family friendly. It's also the perfect destination for interior lovers as it captures the Scandi style perfectly. 

2. Isles of Scilly - we plan to spend more time exploring Cornwall this year as well as making the ferry crossing the the cluster of islands of Lands end that make up the Isles of Scilly. With a warmer climate to the rest of the mainland and beautiful flora and fauna because of it, this makes a stunning location that would make you feel like your somewhere in the Med.

3. Taking A Cruise - After doing two overnight ferry trips with the boys we would love to take a longer break by sea this year. We have not fully decided on where we want to explore yet but we have narrowed it down to either the Mediterranean or Scandinavia. I have always dreamt of exploring the Norwegian Fjords by cruise liner and being inspired by the dramatic landscapes.

4. Scotland - I lived in Edinburgh for around 18months as well as spending some time working on the West Coast in the small village of Mallaig before having children. I totally fell in love with the country, especially the highlands and may Isle you can visit with the Isle of Eigg being my favourite and would love to take the boys there to really get away from it all. Edinburgh is also possibly one of the most stunning, friendly and culturally interesting cities and you could easily spend a fortnight exploring the place and I've not been back since having children and need to change that.

5. Lisbon - another city break we have had on our wish list for a few years. Portugal is one of the few countries in Europe either of us have been to yet and it's also the oldest city in Europe predating Rome, Paris and London. The warm climate of course also makes it real attraction.

Mr A and myself enjoying Amsterdam

6. Cape Town - it really does make my soul a little sad that I have not taken any of the family to my hometown and country I spent 18 years of life in but with something like this we would need to go for longer than the normal holiday break as I would love to spend some time visiting friends and family. Its also not a cheap destination to get too, although reasonable once you are there and between having children, buying and renovating a home and travelling around Europe we have always put it on the back burner a bit although we do hope to visit within the next 18months.

7. Mont Saint-Michel, France - I find this place magical and fascinating and would love to spend next Christmas cozying up in one of only a handful of hotels on this fortified island in Normady with it's beautiful monastery.  

8. Roadtripping - one of my personal goals this year is to finally buy a 1970's campervan, nothing to smart but has a lot of soul so we can explore more of Cornwall, the coast as well as take a drive up to Snowdonia, York and the Lake District.

Exploring in Somerset

9. Festivals festival festivals - each summer we always do at least two festivals. I recently spoke of our love for the Just So Festival which we hope to return to this year, as well as Beyond the Border which happens every two years and we went to in 2014. Other favourites are Wychwood and Camp Bestival and we would also love to try Larmer Tree, Starry Skies and The Green Gathering.

10. Somewhere Exotic - we as many make lots of plans although they sometimes change, we always leave space for the spontaneous travel and we are all craving somewhere hot as the UK weather over the past year has been a bit of a washout. Perhaps a cheap greek holiday or somewhere far-flung like Fiji or Bali.

What are your travel plans for 2016?