Mummy & Moose
clapping, napping and yapping our way through the day

Where to go – Canada. Travelling with kids.

There are so many choices when it comes to travelling. You could be forgiven for thinking that these choices would be diminished when travelling with tiny humans – but you would be wrong. One of the best destinations to visit as a family is Canada and fortunately there are lots of flights to Canada from the UK that you can book

With so many destinations to choose from it can be a little overwhelming. No matter what you love to do during your time away, we have put together a few ideas to help you plan your next trip!

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Ontario

With more than 15000 animals including sea turtles (my personal favourite), Jellyfish, Sharks and Stingrays. Ripley’s Aquarium is the largest in all of Canada. This place is a must see for sea life fans of all ages!

CN Tower

Right next door to Ripley’s Aquarium is the CN Tower. Holding the title of the world’s tallest freestanding structure for 30 years, this is a great way to get a wonderful view of Toronto!

The queues to get into the CN Tower can be pretty long but don’t worry, there is plenty to do along the way including a great big Moose! As well as the Moose there is the Skyquest cinema and even a magician to entertain those waiting to see the stunning views over Toronto from the top of the tower.

Niagara Falls

Top of the list of must see’s for a lot of visitors to Canada. Known for it’s waterfalls of the same name, Niagara Falls is a city with lots to offer. See the falls from a different angle by taking the Journey Behind The Falls or if you have older kids do The White Water Walk. Go and check out the Butterfly Conservatory or have fun on the Cosmic coaster at Clifton Hills Amusement park!

West Edmonton Mall, Alberta

The biggest mall in North America (spanning the size of 48 city blocks), West Edmonton Mall is a destination in itself. As well as a plethora of shops, the space also features an indoor amusement park, waterpark, bowling alley, mini golf course and ice rink, on top of the over 800 stores and services found on site. With more attractions than you could enjoy in one day, a stay at one of the two on-site hotels makes this an ideal weekend destination for families looking for a range of fun to be enjoyed all in one spot – without ever having to step outside.

Did I mention there is also a zoo!

Stanley Park, Vancouver

Stanley Park is Vancouver’s premier spot to get up close and personal with nature and animals. The grassy expanse offers outdoor teahouses and stunning views, beachfront hideaways and splash parks. It is a typical getaway spot for friends and families, especially as it is home to Vancouver’s aquarium, and some of its best equestrian outlets.

Something to know, before you go

Children who are traveling to Canada without both parents need authorization from the non-accompanying parent. Sometimes this is enforced and other times not, but to play it safe you’re better off with a notarized letter. Divorced parents should carry copies of legal custody documents. Find out more about the rules here.

Mallorca: tour of the largest island in the Balearic Islands

 

Mallorca belongs to a group of islands in Spain, the Balearic Islands, in the Western Mediterranean, such as Ibiza, Minorca and Formentera. Mallorca is the largest of the four islands of the complex. 2nd is Menorca. 3rd is Ibiza and 4th in Formentera. In 1983 Palma de Mallorca became the capital of the Autonomous Region of the Balearic Islands as these islands have their own Parliament. They are mainly suitable for summer holidays and are the favourite destination of Europeans for their holidays.

Accommodation in Mallorca

Once you arrive in Mallorca, you will have to choose which area to stay in. The most interesting and busiest location is the coastal El Arenal, with a length of 5 km, which is a continuation of the coastal front of Palma de Mallorca. Part of this is Playa de Palma, which has many hotels, cafes, restaurants and bars for all tastes. The beach is clean, sandy, shallow, organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, lifeguards, showers, ideal for water sports. In Mallorca, there is a biological treatment system for this, and all the beaches are crystal clear. It also has a very well organized material recycling system.

 

In Playa de Palma, most hotels are very close to the sea, so you do not need a car. You can go for a swim on foot. There is a large boulevard that separates the houses from the beach. Cars are not allowed on the main avenue, but bicycles are permitted. You can rent bikes, which are for many people and enjoy your ride. The roads are quiet, and you can walk safely. Tourist police patrol the main streets 24 hours a day and do not allow drunken tourists to make a fuss.

 

The beach at night ceases to be in use as a workshop of the Municipality, collects all the sunbeds, one on top of the other and with a special vehicle cleans and straightens the sand. The morning you wake up, everything will be in place. To find a sunbed, you have to go around 11 a.m. Because most hotels are very close to the beach, many people leave their belongings on the sunbeds, go for lunch and return for the afternoon swim.

 

Tour of the island

To the west of the island, to the towns of Valldemossa, Deia and Soller. The mountain town of Valldemossa is 17 km from Palma. It became famous in 1838. Composer Chopin and his mistress George Sand rented rooms in the former convent, Cartuja de Valldemossa and stayed there for one year.

 

The old town has high walls built by the Moors 1000 years ago. There are many cafes and restaurants, an open-air market near the parking lot and the Costa Nord cultural and ecological centre founded by the famous actor Michael Douglas. The place has a restaurant, with amazing views and allows you to enter and photograph it.

 

If you want to go down to Port de Valldemossa (7 km), and you should. You will take a winding road. After this you will reach a rocky cove where there are few houses and a restaurant.

Farther afield

Deia is a mountain village with old wineries that have been turned into expensive houses. It is the favourite place of many artists, and you will find many bars, expensive restaurants and shopping shops.

 

Then at the end of the route, you will meet the town of Soller and the Port de Soller. To get here, you have to choose either a winding road, unknown to the tourist, or enter the tunnel (you pay entrance). The tunnel passes through the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range to get there faster and safer.

 

To return to Palma de Mallorca, you will have to go through the tunnel again. The town of Soller has nothing tremendous but the Placa de la Constitution and the gothic church, Esglesia Parroquial de San Bartolome (16th) by Antonio Gaud. This is where the Palma – Soller Railway ends. Descending to the port of the city, Port de Soller, you will see a large beach, with fine sand, organized, with umbrellas and sunbeds, a boat marina, many hotels and shopping shops. A small train makes the route between Soller and Port de Soller, but you can, of course, go all the way with your car to enjoy the magnificent scenery at the time you desire. If you do not have your own vehicle, you can choose a car hire from the company Enjoy Travel, which can offer you a quality and economical offer.

 

How to keep your baby cool in summer  

We all know how vital it is to keep cool and spend some time out of the sun in summer. But this can be a challenge when you have a little one to think of. Follow these steps for some of the best ways to look after your baby and keep them from overheating.

 

Hydration is essential

Preventing dehydration is so important for babies and young infants as they do not sweat or perspire the same as we do. This means they can have temperature spikes and suffer heat stroke very quickly and easily. Follow guidelines to what liquids you can offer your baby depending on their age, as they should not be drinking water before 6 months.

 

Clothing to wear

Dress your baby in light weight clothes that are made from natural fibres such as organic cotton and bamboo. These materials are more ‘breathable’, meaning they can absorb perspiration well compared to synthetic fabrics. You might find it useful to have to hand plenty of items that provide shade, such as a sunhat, sunglasses, visor, umbrella, mesh screen and a canopy. You can even find parasol’s that can be attached to your baby’s pushchair.

At night, avoid blankets and use a baby zip sleepsuit made of breathable cotton fabric which can help regulate body temperature. If it is a very hot night and your baby seems restless, consider putting them to sleep in just a nappy.

Keeping cool in the sun

As well as shading your baby from the sun for protection, it is also important to use SPF. Again, use this with caution depending on your baby’s age.

Less than 6 months – when they are so young, their skin doesn’t produce enough of the pigment melanin for protection. For this reason, you should keep your baby out of direct sunlight. On occasion you can thinly apply sun cream if they are, for example, going in the swimming pool with you.

Above 6 months – the guideline is more relaxed and you can apply sun cream more liberally. This should protect against UVA and UVB rays, and be a minimum of SPF 30. Opt for a brand that makes sun cream for children with less additives and ingredients that might irritate the skin.

 

How to cool down

In the event that your baby is overheating, uncomfortable or even getting a heat rash, run a cool bath to help them cool down. Create shade in the room and keep the blinds or curtain closed during the hottest time of the day, and use a fan to circulate. If all else fails, you should NEVER feel like you are overreacting. If you are worried about your little one call 111 for further help and advice.

What to do in Portsmouth for the weekend

We absolutely love the south coast. When we aren’t stuck indoors during the holidays we like nothing more than taking a trip to the coast! Where better than the historic city of Portsmouth! Here are a few ideas for anyone wanting to fill a weekend.

What to do in Portsmouth for the weekend

Situated on the south coast, Portsmouth is one of the UK’s oldest harbour city. With a proud naval history, it’s home to the wooden warship HMS Victory, upon which Nelson died in the Battle of Trafalgar, as well as being the port from which the Mayflower set sail for the New World back in 1620.

It’s fair to say we all need a weekend away, and what better way to enjoy a weekend in Portsmouth than hopping on the train. With 37% of people of looking forward to exploring the UK and 31% enjoying travelling by train thanks to the beautiful views on offer, it’s time you planned your trip.

Whether you’re travelling by train to Portsmouth from London or Leeds, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in the pretty maritime city.

PORTSMOUTH

Emirates Spinnaker Tower

Standing proud on the entrance to Portsmouth harbour is the impressive Emirates Spinnaker Tower. Modelled to reflect the city’s maritime history, it’s the perfect observation tower to explore the landscape of the city.

Standing two and a half times the size of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square it’s the tallest climbable structure outside the capital.

Canoe Lake

For a spot of old world glamour head to the Canoe Lake. With swan-shaped pedalos, Art Deco angel statue it’s the epitome of a Victorian seaside postcard picture.

For some good old fashioned fun, grab a bucket and fishing line and spend the morning catching crabs in the lake.

Gunwharf Quays

Shop ’til you drop in the designer outlet on the waterfront. Enjoy some al fresco dining by the sea and watch the glamorous yachts in the marina. With big names at small prices, it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours come rain or shine.

WOMAN SHOPPING

D-Day Museum

Discover the personal stories behind the Allied Invasion at the moving D-Day Museum. Telling the story from both a civilian and military point of view. It’s a moving museum that all the family will find interesting.

Recently enjoying a £5 million revamp, there are an additional three exhibition galleries, a café, and of course a gift shop.

Clarence Pier Amusement Park

One of the largest amusement parks on the south coast and boasting rides and amusements of all shapes and sizes the whole family can enjoy.

With traditional Arcades and a Pirate and Princesses Indoor Adventure Playground. As well as aerial high ropes, and spinning roller coasters, and of course plenty of places to eat and drink, it’s a great way to spend the day.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

A weekend in Portsmouth wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard. A visit to the dockyard takes you on a journey through time, allowing you to step on board some of the most world-famous ships.

There are multiple things to see and do so there’s something to suit the whole family.

Our stay at the Peninsula Hotel Guernsey

We were gifted our accomodation for the weekend in exchange for our review. All opinions are honest and our own. 

After crossing the channel on the Condor Liberation we found our home for the weekend on the North side of Guernsey at the Peninsula Hotel.

The Peninsula Hotel

With Moose leading the way, room key in hand, we soon found our room. Our generous family room had plenty of space. As well as 2 single beds for the children, there was a comfy double bed for MrG and I. It didn’t take long for us to settle in.

The Peninsula Hotel has plenty of facilities. As well as a laundry service, there is a self serve laundry room – useful if your children are as grubby as mine. Outside is a mini golf course and there is the option to hire bicycles, a great way to explore the island.

We absolutely loved the Peninsula Hotels outdoor swimming pool.

Moose and Bess are both total water babies so they were overjoyed to have the opportunity to take a dip. The pool isn’t massive but there is a shallow children’s section which was great for Moose.

The area around the pool is decked out with some tables and chairs and plenty of sun loungers. There is also a changing area which was useful and we found to be very clean.

The Peninsula Hotel has plenty of parking but is also really accessible by bus from St Peter Port. Set within 5 acres of gardens, the Peninsula hotel overlooks Grand Havre Bay on the north-west coast of the island.  The bay is just a short stroll over the sandy dunes and is well worth a visit for rock pooling or sandcastle building fun.

As well as the bay, the Peninsula Hotel is also a short walk from Rousse Tower.  One of 15 loophole towers built on Guernsey in the 1700’s, Rousse Tower 11 makes for an interesting point of interest close to the Peninsula Hotel. Both Moose and Bess enjoyed looking at the tower and the cannons on display. It made for an interesting after dinner adventure!

rousse tower

Eating at The Peninsula Hotel

We thought that the dining and bar areas of the hotel were beautifully styled. They were really relaxed environments and although I was a bit anxious about whether it would be child friendly. I needn’t have worried. All of the staff were excellent -especially with the children.

I won’t list everything we consumed during our stay at the Peninsula Hotel, I think that with food a photo is worth a thousand words (and with the amount of pics I take of my meals, that’s a truckload of words)

We were very kindly treated to half board dining during our stay. It was great to see that families were well catered for here.

The breakfast was a buffet. As well as a lovely selection of cereals, fresh fruit and pastries, there was also a delicious range of hot food available. It’s rare that such a breakfast comes with great coffee but the coffee at the Peninsula is spot on!

As we were half board we had a restricted menu to choose from. I say restricted but we were very happy with what we had to choose from. As you can see, both adults and children’s menus were varied.

Here is a selection of the adults dishes we tucked into during our stay

The children’s meals were great portion sizes and even the fussy 4 yr old enjoyed them!

Would we come back?

I would definitely stay at the Peninsula Hotel again. With spacious rooms for families, a great location being practically on the beach and plenty to do it’s a great choice for those travelling with or without little ones.