Family Camping Reviews

Travelling with a baby & kids on a plane

Dave Johnson — Tue, 01 May 2012 23:35:50 +0000

Ten tips on how to cope with travelling on a plane with kids.

1. Babies on planes

Sadly not all children are welcomed on board planes with open arms. According to the NHS website: “If you gave birth less than 48 hours ago, you and your baby will not be allowed to travel on an aeroplane.”

If your birth was by caesarean section then you must wait ten days before soaring into the clouds. However, if your baby is aged between two and seven-days-old and you go to the airport clutching a letter of approval from your GP then you should be able to board a flight.

If you want to keep things simple then just bear in mind the NHS’s advice that “it is best to wait until the baby is over two-weeks old.”

2. Cost

It is common practice for airlines to charge ten per cent of the adult fare for a child under two to fly without their own seat. Buying a child their own seat can cost as little as 50 per cent of the adult fare or as much as 70 per cent.

3. Vaccinations

If you are going to an exotic country, do check whether your child will need a vaccination. Some children might be too young to safely receive a vaccination to protect them against diseases in certain countries – check with the Foreign Office website before you fly.

4. Preparation

If your young child has not travelled on an aeroplane before it is best to tell them a little about what to expect before the aeroplane gathers speed on the runway and points its nose at the clouds above. Doing this takes the fear factor out of flying. Books like ‘My First Airplane Ride’ are invaluable ways of psyching young kids up for experiences such as their first trip through airport security.

5. The night before

If you are going on a long plane journey in the morning – one which, for example, is long enough for an in-flight film to be provided – then it might be an idea to tire your children out the night before your journey.

Letting them stay up later than normal will make them more likely to sleep on the plane – meaning you won’t have to entertain them for as many hours.

6. Pack an emergency bag

Take advantage of being able to take light luggage on an aeroplane by packing an emergency bag. Your bag should be filled with items such as wet wipes, tissues, sealable plastic bags and a change of clothes for the kids should air sickness strike!

7. Pack a fun bag

Aeroplane journeys should be fun experiences. Keeping kids happily occupied during the flight should prevent boredom and improve their (and your) behaviour. So take colouring books, crayons, hand-held games and puzzles. And don’t take items like water pistols as these might well be frowned upon by airport security.

8. Time your arrival at the airport

Arrive at the airport early enough for children to explore all there is to be found there. Airports to you might seem like dreary shiny-floored places filled with Tie Racks, W H Smith branches and jaded frequent-flyers but to your child it’s an exciting new playground!

9. Food and drink

A spill-proof beaker is an essential item for a young child to have on a flight. It’s no fun for either child or parent to be sitting in a damp patch for eight hours because junior has spilled their drink during take-off.

Boiled sweets are ideal to hand to your child as the airport taxis on the runway. Tell them it will stop their ears popping and it might just act as a placebo.

Chocolate sweets and snacks should be kept in reserve as a reward/bribe for good behaviour and don’t take anything too smelly – for example oranges or garlic crisps. You don’t want distressed fellow passengers reaching for the emergency exit because of the pungent nature of your child’s snacks.

10. Have fun!

Treat the flight like an adventure rather than a grim business trip and you, and your child, might just have a first-class travel experience. If they enjoy this flight then they should be happy to clock up air miles in years to come!

James Christie writes for arts and crafts company Yellow Moon. Check out Yellow Moon’s range of fabulous Diamond Jubilee craft essentials.

Uploaded and Edited by Dave Jonhsonof Family Camping Reviews. Photo credit: “Baby on Board” by Chris & Rhiannon.

Dave Johnson — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:48:25 +0000

Map

Dave Johnson — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:38:41 +0000

Family Friendly Holidays in Turkey

Dave Johnson — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:49:20 +0000

Everyone wants to travel to unique destinations, but not many people can afford these types of adventures. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a unique location that was also affordable? If this is what you’re looking for, then you should strongly consider looking into Turkey holidays.

When most people think of Turkey, they think of a country that separates Europe and Asia. Some people even think of the movie “Midnight Express,” which is silly considering the movie is several decades old and offers no good examples of Turkey today.

If you look into cheap holidays to Turkey, then you will see that this is a safe, beautiful and attraction-rich country with friendly people. Turkey’s strong regional economy makes it the most appealing location in the East. The biggest benefit to travelling to Turkey is that not many other travellers are aware of what is being offered. Therefore, the restaurants, attractions, and beaches are rarely crowded.

If you travel to Turkey with family, then it’s highly recommended that you visit one of the local beaches first. Almost every beach in Turkey is hidden and beautiful. In most cases, you might see one or two other people on the beach. If you visit one of the more popular beaches, you still won’t have to deal with large crowds, and you will have an opportunity to dine at a waterfront restaurant. The beast beaches in Turkey are Ovabuku, Butterfly Valley, Amos, Gemiler, Cirali, Kaputas, Hisaronu Bay, Ortakent, Gunluklu, and Kabak.

If you’re not a beach person, don’t worry. There’s still a lot to do and see in Turkey. Many of the attractions are historical in nature, but your kids are still likely to enjoy them. That’s because of their grandiose size and the mystery that surrounds them. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular attractions in Turkey. This way you can plan your trip accordingly.

Blue Mosque, Sultan Ahmet Camii

This is known as one of the most beautiful mosque in the world, which should come as no surprise considering there are 260 windows that allow the sun to shine on the blue-tile interior. It’s quite a sight, but if you really want the whole family to enjoy it, then consider visiting during one of the light and sound shows in the summer.

Cappadocia Region

It’s not often that an entire region is known as an attraction, but that’s the case with the Cappadocia Region. Some people look into cheap holidays to Turkey just to visit this area. The Cappadocia Region is known as a geological wonder, and it has been around for 60 million years. There is a high plateau that reaches 3,270 feet. The plateau was formed by two volcanic eruptions followed by millions of years of wind and rain. You can also find more than 600 rock-cut churches from the 4th to 11th Centuries. In many of these churches, the walls are decorated to reflect scenes from the bible.

Ephesus

Everyone will enjoy visiting this ancient city from 12th Century BC. At its peak during the Roman Empire, Ephesus had a population of 250,000 people. It was also the site of the Temple of Artemis and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Today you will only find a fraction of what used to be, but that’s what makes this city so mysterious. You can also enjoy the Odeon Celsus Library and the Great Theater.
The above beach and attraction recommendations will allow you to enjoy your cheap holiday to Turkey. If you would like to add to your itinerary, then consider Haghia Sophia Church Museum and Pamukkale Cotton Castle.

Dave Johnson — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:49:37 +0000

Italian Lakes

Dave Johnson — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:47:42 +0000

Local Guide
Attractions
Holiday Parcs

Located between Milan and the Italian Alps lies the Italian region known for its lakes.

Names like Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano all conjure up images of blue water, steep verdant hillsides and white villas with pretty balconies overlooking the lake. Probably the most famous of all is Lake Garda. There are plenty of small towns along the lakesides where the geography has allowed them to grow.

Lake Garda Holidays

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and is definitely it’s most famous. The scenery ranges from very mountainous in the north where small towns like Limone and Macesine seem to be clinging to the mountainside to stop themselves falling into the lake. Whilst gently rolling hillsides that might be more associated with scenes from Tuscany are found in the very south. The area between them is the type of scenery you would expect of the Italian lakes, pretty villas with flower strewn balconies that overlook the lake itself.

Lake Garda has beaches with excellent facilities including bars and restaurants. These beaches are called Lidi and you pay a small charge to use their umbrellas but get fantastic service. There are also 45km of free beaches but don’t expect the same level of facilities. Being a lake they are smooth shingle beaches in the main but there are some sandy ones to be tracked down. Check out the beach to the south of Lazise, its lovely soft sand that was put on top of the shingle to keep little toes from being stubbed on the shingle. Now, how Italian is that? There are also sandy beaches around Garda and Torri.

If you are interested in hiking or just driving to enjoy spectacular scenery then you need to focus on the north of the lake where the Dolomite Mountains seem to end tumbling into the lake.

With such a huge variety of scenery there is an equally wide variety of activities to keep you amused in the area. Of course messing around on the water is going to be up there at the top of the list and there are plenty of places where you can hire boats. There are motorboats for up to five or six people with more powerful speedboats for up to 8. You’ll need to be licensed and they’ll ask for a pretty large deposit. If you’re looking for something more peaceful then the north of the lake sees much more windsurfing and sailing.

There is some great finishing to be had all around the shores of Lake Garda but you will need a license which is readily available for around €20 from local town hall offices. There are plenty of species to be fished for including trout, carp, pike and even salmon. Do be aware though that at certain times of the year you can’t fish for particular species and you are not allowed to fish until one hour after dawn and must stop one hour after dusk.

Italian Lakes Camping Holiday

Swimming on Lake Garda is a real pleasure. The water is very clean and warm enough to swim in between May and October but it may vary depending upon where you are on the lake. The water tends to be shallower and therefore warmer in the south but in the north it is much clearer and colder as the water runs straight of the mountains. How brave are you?

If you are careful you can choose areas where there are fewer windsurfers to make your swimming more relaxed. Avoid areas such as Torbole if you want a leisurely dip.

An area of such scenery just has to be great for mountain biking and Lake Garda doesn’t disappoint. Towns such as Riva or Torbole are a mountain bikers dream and there are places to rent bikes and equipment and there are guides who can also tell you all the best trails to ride.

If horse-back riding or trekking is your bag then you can really indulge around Lake Garda. There are some 20 riding schools to choose from with a wide variety of terrain. The schools will advise you an what level of skill you need but remember it’s going to much more demanding in the mountainous north.

With the Italian eye for all things beautiful the parks and gardens around the lake are stunning. Parco Giardiano Sigurta is recognised as one of the top five gardens in the world. They have been there for more than 400 years and planned across 560,000 square meters will keep you busy for at least a day. Other gardens of note include the Gardens on Isola Garda. Isola Garda is the largest island on the lake and is like a fairytale place to visit. You might also like to check out the public gardens at Riva.

If you have a young family the area has four themeparks where you can spend an entire day. Gardaland the biggest and is based very much on the Disneyworld experience. Found just north of Pescheria del Garda there is a free bus from the railway station to get you to the park. The park opened in 1975 and regularly attracts more than three million visitors to its amusement park, aquarium and shows. Rides such as Raptor, Blue Tornado and Colorado Boat will keep even the most fervent ride goer amused all day.

Get a little further away from the lake and if your legs can stand the steep hillside roads areas such as Tignale and Tremosine have villages with stunning views of the lake itself. If you are interested in rock climbing then a visit to Arco should be on the agenda. It’s big business here and there are plenty of sites where you can climb in the area around the town and plenty of expert local guides to help you out.

A holiday to the Italian lakes has so many different activities to offer that any family will be kept amused and with the wonderful summer weather and the even more wonderful Italian food (not just pizza and spag bol) the Italian Lakes make a perfect family destination.

Lake Garda Campsites

The vast majority of the family campsites in Lake Garda are located to the South of the lake, which allows for spectacular views of Lago di Garda. With most of the camping holiday parks in Garda hugging the Lake Garda shorelines water sports are popular in this part of Italy. The wide variety of campsites in Lake Garda means there is something for everyone whether you enjoy relaxing holidays or activity holidays, the whole family will love it here.

The Rewards of Summer Camp

Dave Johnson — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:38:08 +0000

Camp is one of those terms that is closely connected to summer as are the words fun, holidays, and the outdoors. Summer camp for most people is synonymous with the entire summer experience. As we grow up and become parents, we miss summer camp and the bonds built with all the people and adventures you experienced there. Whether you attended a day camp or an overnight summer camp, the experience you had at summer camp is surely one that you still remember to this day.

Why Summer Camp is Perfect for Parents

Sending your kids to summer camp can offer many benefits. First of all, parents can guarantee that their kid will be exercising and remaining active, which is becoming vitally important in today’s society. Summer camp can be a good evaluate of the likes and dislikes of your child and what they would wish to keep doing after camp has ended. It can be difficult to sign up your child into football, drama class, or any other various classes only to have them quit halfway through because they don’t like it. A lot of summer camps offer a wide range of activities for campers to experience with educated counselors there to teach and watch over campers while they experience these new ventures. A lot of summer camps offer entertaining, active games and activities intended to keep kids moving and exercising without the kids even realizing it. Summer camps also offer children the opportunity to discover new skills or hobbies that aren’t easily accessible at home. Summer camp can also offer a rest for the parents during the boring summer. It’s easy for children to get anxious during the tedious days of summer which makes it tougher for parents to entertain or find an acceptable, educational deviation for their kids. Summer camp will offer the parents the well-deserved opportunity to rest and relax.

Why Summer Camp is Great for Kids

From the eyes of a child, summer camp can be the apex of the things a kid wants… fun, fun and more fun! Although many children won’t say this, they need an escape as well. Kids can get away from the strain of class and home life. Summer camps offer excitement that kids don’t experience in their every day lives especially at overnight summer camps. Kids get to establish new friendships and participate in activities such as hiking, water sports and horseback riding on a day to day basis. They can let loose and find peers with similar curiosities without the presence of the restricted learning atmosphere of regular schooling. Additionally, summer camp is a good way to do stuff that you don’t get to do in the home such as play capture the flag, swimming, throw water balloons, or hike in the wilderness with a group of children their age.

Summer camp is a good opportunity for children to find themselves, learn new stuff, and discover new passions they’d otherwise not have come across just sitting at home on the Xbox. Kids at summer camp can find friends that last a lifetime or learn a skill that can help them in the future. By sending your kids to summer camp, you’re providing them with a lifetime of memories and possibly new lifetime friends.

Are summer camps just an outlet for parents to pack up their troubles or do summer camps facilitate the development of children, what do you think?

Written by Dave Jonhson

Taking Kids Fishing

Dave Johnson — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:43:18 +0000

You can ask a pro who has been fishing all his life and have won a number of tournaments that involved some grand prize moneys and he will tell you that the moments he enjoyed the most are those he spent with his 8 year old son. Kids love to try new things and they are always willing and open to learn about how stuff works- if only it is interesting enough to keep them entertained. There is no greater pleasure than taking the kids out on a fishing trip. If you haven’t yet, you are missing out on a big part of life’s greatest moments. Yes, it is a challenge to make the kids actually take an interest in fishing but this is a challenge that you would welcome every time!

You should always start simple when there are kids involved.

Get them a basic rod that fits their size- no bigger than six inches longer than the child’s height. Complicated equipments that are difficult to handle will only discourage them. A cheap rod and reel, some fishing line, plastic bobbers and hooks in the tackle box would suffice. Buy minnows and nightcrawlers from the local bait shop. Worms are perfect too! They are fun to catch fish with and also good to play. Once the kids get a hang of it, they could switch to lures like spinner baits and crank baits.
Quantity is more important to kids than quality. Thus, target small ponds that have been just stocked with bluegills or pan fish. Catching a number of fish on the first few outings will really get the kids going and they would look forward to the next fishing trip.
Now if you are taking kids fishing, you have got to be patient. They might just end up playing with the worms and the bait for hours and just be fishing for ten minutes in total. You have to keep in mind that the main purpose is for them to have fun. Guide them show them how things are done but don’t boss around.
This is a wonderful opportunity to teach the young ones a little about the outdoors. You can show them how to catch and release a fish and why it is done, how to dispose of waste and not just litter everywhere how to use the bait, how to handle tackles, respect nature etc. One statutory warning – don’t make it a boring learning session. The last thing they would want is to be feeling like they are at school.
Pack enough light snacks and refreshments for the kids to get going. They are always hungry and best to keep them full all the time- they might get cranky otherwise. Also carry sunscreen, bug-spray, a small first aid kit, a pant, a sweatshirt or a long sleeve shirt if the bugs start to really bug!

They Could Be Your Lifetime Fishing Partner

When you are taking the kids on fishing trips, make it a point to make it about them. Leave your tackle back at home- come back another day to wet your line. Let the kids have the fun on their day out. You be there, watching and helping them out.

If you can get them hooked to fishing, it is going to be good for you in the long run! It is a win-win situation for you. You get to have some wonderful moments with them and also get a fishing partner for life!

Written by Dave Jonhson

Top 10 Glamping Sites In The U.K

Dave Johnson — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 19:02:03 +0000

Glamping, or boutique camping, is more popular than ever, as eco-minded travellers want to sleep under the stars without roughing it. Celebrity aficionados and music festivals are helping to glamorise this growing trend. Where there once were scout tents, there now are yurts, shepherd’s huts, luxury safaris, tipis and treehouses, all outfitted with fine linens, down bedding, leather couches, carpets and candle gardens.

For the romantic

In Langport, Somerset, a decorated gypsy caravan set amid a cider apple orchard is one of “The Guardian” 10 Best Glamping Sites. Cooking facilities are on the site; shops and dining are a brisk walk away.

Another gypsy camp, Bouncers Farm in Wickham Bishops, Essex, features rare kune kune pigs, free-range chickens and an opera in the orchard during the summers. canopyandstars.co.uk/find-a-place/bouncers-farm.

The Shepherd’s Hut at Crake Trees Manor, Cumbria, is on the grounds of a 14th-century manor. The hut overlooks a pond, with meadows and the Pennines in the background. Breakfasts are at a nearby farmhouse.

For the luxury lover

Hot Tub Safari in North Wales is on the grounds of a five-star hotel. Each safari tent includes a hot tub, as well as super king size leather beds and extras such as DVD player, iPod dock, robes and slippers. A heated pool and fine-dining restaurant are on site. goglamping.net/united-kingdom/hot-tub-safari-north-wales.

For the bookish

Near the town of Hay on Wye, known for second-hand and antiquarian bookstores, Cosy Under Canvas is in the countryside in Powys on the English/Welsh border. It offers three Scandinavian style tipis and a geodesic dome. In addition to books browsing, mountain biking and pony trekking are available. cosyundercanvas.co.uk

For the whole family

In Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean, the “Dome Sweet Dome” environs of the Dome Garden offers space-age-looking housing amid hiking, biking, canoeing and ancient forest greenery. http://domegarden.co.uk/

For the “Downton Abbey” fan

Country House Hideouts feature glamping sites on four country estates in Lancashire, the Scottish Borders, Essex and Shropshire. Tents have fully equipped kitchens; in one eco feature, a bike setup lets you generate your electricity. The website says estate owners, or gardeners or gameskeepers, might drop by and tell ancestral tales. countryhousehideout.co.uk

For the food lover

A quick walk from the beach, Mawgan Porth Yurt Village in Cornwall has luxury yurts and a communal clay oven so campers can let dinner cook while they explore. Communal and individual dining are available. goglamping.net/united-kingdom/mawgan-porth-yurt-village-cornwall/

Beachside

Lochhouses Farm in East Lothian, Scotland, adjoins John Muir Country Park. Safari tents are in dunes by the beach; the site is on the former Tyninghame Estate. When kid “glampers” tire of hiking, fishing and beachcombing, they can visit the petting zoo with ponies, lambs, bunnies, ducks and a treehouse. harvestmoonholidays.com.

On an island

History lovers and bird watchers flock to Chleire Haven on Cape Clear in southern Ireland. A ferry ride away, it has four yurts, migrating birds, a 12th-century church, a 14th-century castle and the Fastnet Lighthouse. yurt-holidays-ireland.com/

Sarah writes on behalf of The Cottage Boutique, a specialist accommodations provider in St Ives Cornwall. If your looking for a beach cottage in St Ives or boutique cottages in St Ives then look to them for high quality accommodation for your holiday.

The Best Free Camping Mobile Apps

Dave Johnson — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:57:26 +0000

Camping is typically billed as an escape into nature. Of course, it is this, but it no longer has to be – at least not in the strictest interpretation. Today, you can easily avoid modern amenities while camping, but there’s no reason you have to. Smart phones actually make excellent camping gear options thanks to camping applications. I’ve spent some time tracking down the best free camping mobile applications. Here’s what I found:

AllTrails

This application is incredible for the camper who likes exploring new campsites and hiking trails. Heading to a new site or find yourself yearning to hike on vacation, but you don’t have a trail map of the area? No worries. This app boasts a whopping 40,000+ trail guides. You can search for trails near you, so you can start hiking without fear of getting lost. Users can add trails reviews, so you can know in advance if a trail may be too difficult for your kids. You can also add new trails to the database so that your favorite hikes can be shared with other hiking lovers.

Camp Recipes!

Getting food for a camping trip can be one of the most stressful parts of the packing process. This application, which is run by Coleman, takes away much of that stress. You tell it how many days you’re going and how many people will be on the trip. Then, you choose recipes for each meal of each day and it makes the packing list for you! Never again will you worry if there is enough food for all your hungry campmates. The added search options of cooking style, like “foil” or “Dutch oven,” are also helpful.

Oh Ranger! ParkFinder

Want to go on a trip but are don’t know where to camp? This little guide will answer all of your questions. You can search the database by location and activity to find one that matches your needs. The app is really perfect if you’re on a road trip and looking for a campsite along your way.

Survival Guide

This app is a digitized version of the U.S. Military Survival Manual. Knowing that, you can be confident that no matter the survival situation you are in, you can read how to fix it. This ranges from packing a survival kit to setting up a tent to handling venomous snakebites.

Campers List

This is a very simple app that ensures you leave the house with all of the camping gear you need. It has 108 camping items preloaded onto the list, and you can add more of your own. You can also create camping events, so you have your packing lists divided into separate groups. Items can be categorized into “have” or “need,” so you know what needs to be picked up from the store before the trip. Move each item to “packed” once you’re leaving on the trip, and you’ll reach the campsite with all the gear you need!

Liz Childers writes for Lost in the Woods, the official blog of Camping Gear Outlet, a company that can help you find the perfect tent for camping.