Friday daydreamin’: My favourite city

I started thinking about which city I would write about in joining the Friday daydreamin’ linky by R We There Yet Mom? and realised it’s a tricky question. How do you chose just one? I’ve had to rule out American cities — the ones I like the best also have such a personal connection that they have an unfair advantage. Besides, I’ve been lucky enough to visit some amazing places lately....

Reviews: Four Seasons Toronto with kids

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the new Four Seasons Toronto hotel, opened in October 2012, would have gone the grand diva route that lets you know just how fabulous it is. After all, it’s the flagship hotel in the hometown for the entire Four Seasons chain, which itself is a collection of wish fulfillers and pampering providers in exotic locations the world over. And make no mistake, the 55-storey...

Silent Sunday

Beautiful women who make you feel good

One of the people that I met on the #ONEMums trip to Ethiopia was the amazing Karen, who blogs at Chookooloonks. The site is hard to spell but beautiful to see. Karen had been on a previous #ONEMums trip and was the official photographer for our trip, so when we wanted to put down the camera or the phone and just concentrate on the stories of the people we were meeting, we could. Karen’s involved in seemingly...

The Greatest Journey Meme

I was tagged by Liz from The Mum Blog for the Greatest Journey Meme. Liz explains: I want to hear about your most memorable, incredibly journey so far – not just because of where you went but because of the emotional experience. Here’s my Greatest Journey: The two couples didn’t speak English but they gestured with their camera and my friend T stepped forward to take their picture at the Uluwatu...

How does Disneyland maintain the magic for modern families?

On our recent visit to Disneyland Paris for the launch of the 20th anniversary celebrations, my 8-year-old and I were dazzled by all the spectacles that go along with the celebrations – from new costumes and choreography to a new evening light, music and, um, fire show. But it got me thinking about how a company like Disney keeps its gee-whiz, goodnatured, wholesome appeal going. After all, while Disneyland...

Family travel review: Four Seasons Provence, France

Recently we visited the Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche to check out its new kids’ club. The resort is known for its highly rated golf course, which is home to an advanced golf training center. And its convenient for Brits – our journey from South London via an EasyJet Heathrow flight was four hours door to door. But can a high-end resort like this set in such romantic surroundings –...

Travel news: the only in-ocean scuba course for 8-year-olds

I’ve written about (and loved) travel for years, so today I’m launching a new feature on my blog, Travel Fridays. I’m going to be writing about travel news and cool ideas for family travel. Look for regular posts every, er, Friday. For kids, learning to dive is a big leap, usually into an unglamorous cement swimming pool, to learn the basics. My stepson, who’s now mad for diving, took classes in...

Calling all bloggers interested in travel – chance to win 2 tickets on AirAsia

Here’s a great opportunity for family and travel bloggers interested in getting more plugged in to the media world and -cough- be entered to win two return flights to Asia from AirAsia. Sir Richard Branson lost a bet with Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia Group some time last year. Consequently, on Sunday 1st May he has agreed to become an AirAsia flight attendant for a charity flight and allow the highest bidder...

Disney Dream cruises: good for family – and adult – fun

All cruise ships are big but on the new Disney Dream ship (1,250 staterooms, 14 decks) if you want a break from the children as they play on deck 5, you can have a drink in Hong Kong. Or New York or Paris, depending on the day. A panaromic LCD screen at The Skyline bar (deck 4 aft) provides the vista; the knowledgeable young bartender pours the cocktails. Among the other 4 bars and nightclub in “The District”...