Japan has been one of the most visited countries by tourists in recent years, and it is only increasing in popularity. There is so much to experience – vibrant city life, captivating history and, of course world-class food (the Tonkutsu Ramen alone is worth travelling for). With the 2020 Summer Olympics being held in Tokyo, there really has not been a more exciting time to visit Japan.
The 2020 Summer Olympics
Tokyo will be hosting the Olympics from the 24th July to 9th August in 2020. The events will take place across a variety of venues all over the city, with the city anticipating visits from a record amount of tourists. The entire country is filled with excitement in the lead up to the games, making 2020 a unique time to visit the country, wherever you go and whenever you visit.
There is nothing quite like the feeling of taking the whole family on holiday. It is an incredible way for parents and their children to spend time together and create memories that will last a lifetime for both you and the kids– which is so important, particularly if you have another one on the way. The sunshine, the sand, the sea and the fantastic variety of new experiences all make it such a special time. But where do you start? Choosing the right holiday destinations can mean the difference between a wonderful trip and a frustrating one. The first piece of advice is to do your research. Look at reviews from families who have traveled to that destination previously and try and get a sense of their experience.
But I will also do my best to point you in the right direction, of course. So, here are four great holiday destinations for young children. Enjoy!
London has an endless supply of sights, shops and restaurants – there’s just so much to see and do! As the poet Samuel Johnson famously wrote, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” It’s the UK’s most popular tourist destination – according to Groupon, London attracted almost 20 million visitors in 2017. Getting around all of those sights and museums can be exhausting, though, and you can end up feeling like all you’ve seen is other tourists! If you want to get off the beaten track and see the real, authentic London, a good place to start is by exploring its many gorgeous and quirky cafes. They’re the best place to meet locals, take a break, get a new perspective on the city, and savour your time in the capital. Cafes also offer a great backdrop for photos, adding some authentic local charm and cultural interest to your Instagram feed. Here are three of the most Instagrammable London cafes to include on your next visit:
1) Chief Coffee
A hidden gem tucked away in Chiswick, Chief Coffee is a fantastic find for coffee lovers. The prices are quite good for London, the food and drink are excellent, and the bar is stunning. Check out their custom copper and wood filter coffee brew station, granite counter and exposed brick walls. The atmosphere is chilled out and you won’t be rushed to move on if you linger over that first cup. Downstairs in the Pinball Lounge, there’s a fairly impressive collection of classic 80’s and 90’s pinball games to play. Gamers will love to have a go on these vintage machines, installed there by pinball-fan and owner Sam for “big kids as well as little kids”, and they make another quirky Insta photo op to enjoy. They’re also dog-friendly, so nobody is left out of the fun!
I had my childhood dream come true last year when the husband and I spent a day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida whilst on our honeymoon. We spent the next day covering Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure (Yaay, Harry Potter!) bringing my adolescent dreams alive. Managing to successfully cover three huge theme parks in two consecutive days, without skipping out on any of the important rides has been a feat I pride myself on. I’ve been an amusement park junkie all my life, so I decided to compile everything I have learnt along the way to make your next theme park visit seamless and enjoyable. Read on!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Immensely crowded but equally exciting
For most travelers, a vacation in Kerala has become synonymous with the backwaters experience – cruising down the labyrinthine waterways in your own houseboat or enjoying the sights and sounds of nature through the eyes of your resort. While the waterways of Alleppey and Kumarakom, the cultural experiences in Kochi or the idyllic beach life in Varkala are major crowd pullers – we decided to forego all of the above for a tête-à-tête with Kerala’s mountains and forest reserves. This was my second time in ‘God’s Own Country’, and I decided to travel to the eastern part of the state this time. If like me, you’re returning to the southern state the second time around or looking at extending your trip post the mandatory backwaters experience, this Kerala itinerary may be of help to you. Read on –
