Travel Tips

The dry season runs from November to April — this is peak season with the best weather, calm seas, and perfect visibility for snorkelling. January to March is the driest stretch. However, prices are at their highest and resorts book up fast.

The wet season (May to October) brings occasional rain showers and slightly rougher seas, but also significantly lower prices — sometimes 30-40% cheaper. Most showers are short-lived and you'll still get plenty of sunshine. It's also the best time for surfing and manta ray spotting.

My tip: If budget matters, consider May or November — you get the shoulder season sweet spot of decent weather and lower prices. And remember, the Maldives is warm all year round (28-31°C), so there's really no bad time to go!

Want me to find you the best deals? Get in touch — I'll match the timing to your budget.

• Pick the right cruise line. Royal Caribbean and MSC are brilliant for families. Celebrity and P&O suit couples. Viking is perfect for a more grown-up, cultural experience. I'll help you choose.
• Book a balcony cabin if you can. The difference between an inside cabin and a balcony is night and day. Waking up to the ocean is worth the upgrade.
• Don't overpack. You'll have casual days and formal nights, but most ships are far more relaxed than you'd think. Smart casual covers 90% of evenings.
• Book excursions early. The best port excursions sell out. I can pre-book these for you as part of your package.
• Sea sickness is rarely an issue. Modern ships have stabilisers and you barely feel the movement. If you're worried, choose a midship cabin on a lower deck — least motion.
• Check what's included. Drinks, Wi-Fi, and speciality dining vary by cruise line. Some include everything; others charge extra. I'll make sure you know exactly what you're getting.

Thinking about your first cruise? Drop me a message and I'll find you the perfect one.

• Travel off-peak. Early January, mid-September, and early November are the quietest (and cheapest) times. Avoid school holidays and you'll save hundreds.
• Book a package deal. Disney packages that include flights, hotel, and park tickets almost always work out cheaper than booking separately. I have access to deals you won't find on the Disney website.
• Stay on-site at a value resort. Disney's value resorts (like Pop Century or All-Star) give you all the perks of staying on property — free buses, early park entry, MagicBands — at a fraction of the deluxe price.
• Use the Disney Dining Plan. If you like sit-down meals, the dining plan can save a fortune. For Disneyland Paris, the half-board plus option is excellent value.
• Buy glow sticks from Poundland. Seriously. The kids won't know the difference, and you'll save £15 a pop on those light-up wands!

Planning a Disney trip? Let me find you the best package — I love planning these!

• The Cotswolds — Rolling hills, honey-coloured villages, and cosy pubs. Perfect for a romantic weekend or a family escape. Book a cottage with a hot tub and you've got instant luxury.
• The Lake District — Stunning walks for all levels, boat trips on Windermere, and some of the best gastropubs in England. Great for active families and couples alike.
• Cornwall — Gorgeous beaches, cream teas, the Eden Project, and a vibe that genuinely feels like you've left the country. Book early for summer — it sells out fast.
• Scottish Highlands — Dramatic landscapes, whisky distilleries, and proper peace and quiet. Try a lodge by a loch for something really special.
• Center Parcs & Haven — Brilliant for families with younger kids. Everything's on-site, the swimming pools are fantastic, and you don't have to worry about the weather.

Money-saving tips: Midweek breaks are significantly cheaper than weekends. Off-peak months (October, January, March) offer great value. And don't forget — I can find package deals with spa access, dining, and activities included.

Fancy a UK break? Tell me what you're looking for and I'll find you something perfect.

• Paris — The Eurostar makes this a no-brainer. Skip the queues at the Louvre with a timed entry ticket, eat at local brasseries instead of tourist traps, and walk everywhere — it's the best way to see the city.
• Barcelona — Amazing food, stunning architecture, and beaches. Visit in spring or autumn to avoid the summer crowds and heat. A Sagrada Familia ticket booked online in advance saves queuing for hours.
• Amsterdam — Compact, walkable, and endlessly interesting. Hire bikes like a local, visit the markets, and book the Anne Frank House well in advance — it sells out weeks ahead.
• Rome — History on every corner, incredible food, and surprisingly affordable once you're there. Fly midweek and you'll save a packet on flights.
• Krakow & Budapest — If you want luxury on a budget, Eastern European cities offer five-star hotels and fine dining at a fraction of Western European prices.

My tip: Tuesday and Wednesday flights are almost always the cheapest. Book accommodation with breakfast included — it saves more than you'd think. And travel insurance is a must, even for a weekend.

Want me to put together a city break for you? Get in touch — I'll sort flights, hotel, and transfers.

• Book early for big shows. Hamilton, Wicked, The Lion King — these sell out months ahead, especially for weekend performances. Midweek matinees are cheaper and easier to get.
• Make a night of it. A show on its own is great, but pair it with dinner and a hotel stay and it becomes a proper treat. I can put together packages that include everything.
• Consider less obvious venues. The West End gets all the attention, but Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Birmingham have fantastic theatre scenes with lower ticket prices.
• Stadium tours and festivals. If there's a big concert or festival you want to attend, book accommodation early — hotels near venues hike their prices as the date gets closer. I can often find deals that include travel and a hotel.
• Combine with a city break. Seeing a show in New York? I can build a full trip around it — flights, Broadway tickets, hotel near Times Square, and a few days to explore.

My tip: Tell me what you'd like to see and I'll find availability, the best seats in your budget, and build a trip around it. It's one of my favourite things to plan!

Got a show or concert in mind? Let me know and I'll put something together.

Short answer: yes, always. Even for a weekend in Europe. Medical treatment abroad can cost tens of thousands of pounds, and without insurance you're paying out of pocket. A broken leg in the US can easily hit £30,000+.

What should your policy cover?

• Medical expenses — At least £2 million for Europe, £5 million+ for the US and long-haul destinations.
• Cancellation cover — If you or a family member falls ill before you go, you don't want to lose the cost of the trip.
• Baggage and personal belongings — Lost luggage happens. Make sure your valuables are covered.
• Repatriation — If you need to be flown home for medical reasons, this can cost a fortune without cover.
• Travel delays and missed departures — Covers hotel and meal costs if your flight is severely delayed or you miss a connection.

Common mistakes

• Buying the cheapest policy. Not all policies are equal. A £10 policy might exclude the things you actually need. Always read what's covered, not just the price.
• Not declaring medical conditions. If you don't declare pre-existing conditions and then need to claim, your policy could be void. Always be honest — specialist policies exist for most conditions.
• Assuming your EHIC/GHIC is enough. The UK Global Health Insurance Card gives you access to state healthcare in Europe, but it doesn't cover repatriation, cancellations, or private treatment. It's a safety net, not a replacement for travel insurance.
• Leaving it until the last minute. Buy insurance when you book, not the night before you fly. Cancellation cover only works if you have the policy in place before the reason for cancelling happens.

The good news: I can help arrange travel insurance as part of your booking through my travel partners, so everything is covered in one place. Just let me know when we're planning your trip and I'll make sure you're protected.

Questions about cover? Ask me anything — I'm happy to help you find the right policy.

Before you go

• Pick the right destination. Not every beautiful resort is family-friendly. I always check for kids' clubs, shallow pools, family rooms, and highchairs before recommending anywhere. That's what I'm here for.
• Fly at sensible times. An early morning flight might be cheaper, but a 3am alarm call with toddlers is nobody's idea of fun. I'll try to find flights that work around nap times and bedtimes.
• Pack a carry-on bag of magic. Snacks, colouring books, stickers, a tablet loaded with films, headphones, a change of clothes, and wet wipes. Lots of wet wipes. This bag will save your life on the plane.
• Check passport dates early. Children's passports are only valid for 5 years, and many countries need at least 6 months' validity. Don't leave this until the week before — renewal takes weeks.

While you're there

• Don't overschedule. The biggest mistake families make is cramming too much in. Kids need downtime — a morning at the pool and an afternoon exploring is plenty. You're on holiday, not a mission.
• Embrace the kids' club. Most decent resorts have brilliant kids' clubs included in the price. The children have the time of their lives, and the adults get a couple of hours to actually relax. Everyone wins.
• Eat early. Most family-friendly restaurants and hotel buffets are quieter at 5:30-6pm. You'll get better service, less waiting, and the kids won't be melting down by the time the food arrives.
• Stick to routines (loosely). You don't need to be rigid, but keeping roughly to their usual meal and sleep times makes a huge difference to everyone's mood. A tired, hungry child on holiday is the same as a tired, hungry child at home.
• Let them choose something. Even little ones feel more invested if they've picked one activity — whether it's the beach, a water park, or which ice cream flavour. It's their holiday too.

Best family-friendly destinations

• Majorca & the Canaries — Short flights, reliable weather, loads of family resorts. The classic for a reason.
• Turkey & Greece — Incredible value all-inclusives with kids' clubs, water parks, and sandy beaches.
• Orlando — Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, and the water parks. The ultimate family trip (see my Disney savings tips above!).
• Center Parcs & Bluestone — No flying needed, everything on-site, brilliant for younger kids.
• Cruises — Royal Caribbean and MSC are amazing for families. Kids' clubs from age 6 months, pools, shows, and you unpack once.

My tip: The best family holiday is one where the kids are happy AND the adults get a break. That's exactly what I aim for when I'm planning for families. Tell me the ages and I'll find somewhere that works for everyone.

Planning a family trip? Let me take the stress out of it.