All posts filed under: Family Travel

Paris for Kids | A Travel Guide (without the obvious, like Euro Disney)

So this Xmas we went to Paris. Why Paris? First of all, it’s a city my sons had never visited before, I’ve studied there for a few months, and I absolutely love it. Second, they’re starting to learn French at school, so an excellent way to get familiar with the language and culture. And finally, because it’s PARIS, the city that makes believe in love, so that’s more than enough reasons for me. Here’s a few tips for romance in Paris for two. (Ok, I also found an affordable direct flight from Funchal and with Xmas coming soon why not “offer something different this year”, so the Eiffel Tower was my gift for the 3 of us.) Altough I don’t like to admit it, I still find it scary to go on holiday alone with my kids. I say to myself “you can do this”, and I try to transmit as much confidence as one possibly can, but sometimes it’s not that simple. As a parent, you know how stressful it can be to travelling …

Family Guide to Denmark – Legoland

We finally made it to Legoland! The excitement was in the air … After spending years playing with legos, idealizing houses, cars, people, animals, planes and imaginary worlds … we were now in Billund, where it all started in 1935. The word Lego comes from the Danish words “leg” and “godt” which means “to play well.” The concept of this toy is to combine pieces, forming different structures, stimulating concentration and creativity. It was created by a carpenter from Billund, Ole Kirk Christiansen, who created these pieces (first made of wood and later of plastic) to offer toys to his son. Europe’s leading Lego factory is located in Billund, and produces around 72 million pieces daily! Here you can also discover the amazing Legoland Hotel and Legoland Theme Park. Hotel Legoland Arriving in Hotel LEGOLAND was an amazing experience. At the reception, we were greeted by Star Wars team … This 4 star hotel has needs no introduction. It is the official Lego Brand Hotel and has a private entrance to the theme park. All the …

SKAGEN & FARUP SOMMERLAND

Family guide to Denmark: Skagen and Farup Sommerland

Family Guide to Denmark – Skagen and Farup Sommerland  – If I was you I’d be very excited to go to Skagen! – said our taxi driver as he dropped us at the Europcar car rental office.     Our family holiday in Denmark continued… After leaving Aalborg, we had great expectations about visiting the northernmost point of Denmark – Grenen along with the seaside “city of light” – Skagen. Skagen is Denmark’s main fishing port renowned for its beaches, painting courses and bohemian lifestyle.  It became a popular holiday destination, towards the end of the 19th century when many painters came to spend their summer in this region. They were looking for inspiration on this special retreat surrounded by beautiful seaside landscapes and the perfect sun light. There’s a beautiful legacy of art in Skagen. One of my favourite painters is Peder Severin Krøyer. We could admire some of his paintings in the Skagen Art Museum such as the famous “Summer Evening at Skagen. The Artist’s Wife and Dog by the Shore”. It took us …

Aalborg

Family Guide to Denmark: Aalborg

Aalborg – art, vikings, beer and friends. We visited Aalborg, on the 4th day and 5th day of our stay in Denmark. We took the train from Aarhus and the journey took us about 1 hour. Aalborg is a developed, industrial and lively city by the sea. Among its many attractions, you’ll find an outstanding collection of urban art. When walking through the city streets, we could hear the clinking of beer mugs on the terraces and see people with white foam mustaches turning into smiles. There’s a young and vibrant atmosphere in the air. Bicycles are always present and cool shops too.   As in Aarhus, summer is the time to enjoy life outdoors, to attend concerts in the city squares, to relax and feel the blessed sun. We enjoyed the ambience and beers too! One of the breweries,  we visited was called Sogaards Bryghus. It is located in a cozy square called ‘C. W. Obels Plads’. The restautant and pub are on the top floor, the brewery is in the basement. “Missing Bell Brewpub” …

A family travel guide to Denmark – Aarhus

Part 1 – Aarhus. ‘BACK TO THE FUTURE’   Denmark, Aarhus. Words that always stirs up great emotions. While talking about Aarhus this destination with my friends and family, I could always expect the following reactions: – Seriously! I would love to visit Denmark … “ – ‘Oh … my girlfriend’s is always begging me to go to Denmark… tell me all about it.’ But what is all this fuss about Denmark? What is so special about this country? Last month I went with my family to Aarhus, Denmark to investigate. I was really keen to know more about the Scandinavian culture; their daily routines and lifestyle: that was my motivation. We chose not to visit the capital, Copenhagen. We wanted to experience the ‘Denmark of the Danish’, away from the usual tourist itinerary. On a 9-day journey, we went to the east and north of Jutland, including the cities of Aarhus, Aalburg, Blokhus, Skagen (the most northerly point of mainland Europe) and Billund (the capital of the children and Legoland). Day 1- Funchal – Billund We arrived in Billund …

Costa Brava guide

One week in Costa Brava – a guide for families

One week in Costa Brava – a guide for families I disagree when people say that having kids and travelling are two opposite choices in life. I actually think that these are the best parts of my life. Having both, at the same time, feels like winning the lottery. Add to this happy mix , the perfect family holiday destination and you realise that happiness and perfection exists. Ever since I was a child, no matter what happened, my parents would always save money throughout the year to make sure we would have a family holiday. Sometimes for one week. In good years for two. Our annual ritual would always observe the following four acts; getting on an airplane, relaxing under the sun, eating good food and having fun. Lots of it. My best memories of my childhood were created during summer holidays. I want my kids to have these same memories. Memories. Simple act of packing our bags. Entering the airplane and feeling like the luckiest girl in the world for bagging the window …

An inside look at Dali’s House at Costa Brava

An inside look at Dali’s House at Costa Brava One of the highlights of my latest travel to Costa Brava was the opportunity to visit Dali’s house in Cadaqués, Portlligat. For those who never heard about Cadaqués, I can assure you that this is one of the most picturesque, beautiful cities I have ever seen… It has a little bit of Greece with white washed houses and turquoise blue doors decorated with pink bungavilleas and narrow stoned pavements. It has a little bit of France due to its proximity to the border and some dishes from the other side. It has a little bit of Portugal with some resemblance to Algarve’s fishing villages and its sunny beach coves by the sea. Cadaqués is nested in a beautiful bay with clear blue waters and lots of colorful fishing boats. Most houses have direct access to the sea, and while most locals have their siesta, visitors spend their time at the beach or enjoying a fresh beer in one of the many terraces by the sea – …