Rachel Bustin

How to Have an Awesome Trip to Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most visited destinations in the world. People come from all over to see the history of the former Constantinople and to experience some of the local Turkish culture. This article describes the essentials about Istanbul that all visitors should know about to make their trip as smooth as possible.

Istanbul, Turkey

How to Get to Istanbul from the Airport:

Before we start, it’s worth mentioning that there are two airports in Istanbul. The first is Istanbul Ataturk Airport and the second is Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. The first is located on the European side and the second on the Asian side of Istanbul. There are several ways to get to the city including the airport bus, a taxi, or using a private airport transfer such as Blacklane.

If you’re coming from the Asian side, using the bus is more time consuming because you then have to take a ferry across the Bosphorus to get to the historical center. Taxis are prone to overcharging tourists and their driving style isn’t the safest. The final and probably the most suitable way is by arranging a private transfer, which gives you a safe airport transfer with kids. Drivers are more careful and will drop you off at the door of your hotel.

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How to Plan a Relaxing Family Vacation to Los Angeles

For many hard working individuals and families there is much excitement when thinking of where to go for a vacation. Los Angeles, California is a legendary destination as it is home to famous actors, actresses and a slew of other unique attractions. If you have been looking for a place to relax, you can get a Los Angeles beach house and slowly pass away each day or go out to explore if that if your preferred travel style.

 

If you do get your fill of beach time, there is always plenty going on in the bustling city of Los Angeles to keep yourself entertained. One of the great things about choosing LA as a vacation destination is that many of the activities and sights to see can hold interest for a wide variety of age groups. There are plenty of fun things to do all around the city.

Tips on planning a relaxing family vacation to Los Angeles

In case you are not a long term planner, have no fear. LAX is such a major airport hub that it is often possible to find plenty of last minute deals in and out to wherever you need to go. It never hurts to look for last minute deals on both accommodation and airfare.  No matter your planning style, here are some pointers to help keep you on track for a relaxing stay in sunny Los Angeles.

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Things I like to do on a Relaxing Holiday

I’m really looking forward to a relaxing holiday. I don’t know when we will have one at the moment due to lots going on. We had an offer on our house last week so next month we will be moving into our forever dream home. Hopefully later on in the year we can have a few days to get away.

When I go away I like to have a relaxing holiday. I’m not into those action adventure ones, or going sking, you know those types of ones. I like to sight-see, discover places and find beautiful places to eat like at the Waterfront Restaurant where you can take a walk after your meal.

One of my favourite places to visit is Bakewell in Derbyshire. It’s such a pretty place to visit. I love to take a book with me and find a quaint little cafe to sit in and read while eating cake! I do lead such an exciting life!!

Bakewell, Derbyshire -a relaxing holiday

Before we head off to where ever we are going I like to research places in the local area. Find hidden gems. When we went to Canada a few years back we went to this Pioneer Village, it was one of the highlights of the whole two weeks. It was so hidden that there was only us and a couple of other people there. It was amazing to be the only ones there watching the demonstrations of what living in a Pioneer Village was like.

Pioneer Village in Canada

I also love to look around the shops and see what regional foods I can buy to take home with me. My husband always brings home tomato sausages from Derbyshire, we can’t seem to get them in Cornwall. One of our must take with us items when we go away is a cool box with ice blocks to bring back food. I always bring home some sort of cake and chocolates. On my first visit up to Derbyshire I discovered Choc Affair chocolate, it’s one of my favourite brands. I bring some back each year now. It’s delicious!

What are your favourite ways to relax whilst on holiday?

Thanks for stopping by today.

*This is a collaborative post

How to plan a baby-friendly trip to Blackpool

When my husband was a child he used to love going to Blackpool and now we have a baby hopefully we will be able to and visit there soon so he can share his experiences with her.
When Visit Blackpool asked me if they could write a guest post for my blog on how to plan a baby friendly trip to Blackpool I thought it would be a great idea, especially with the Summer Holidays coming up. So here it is below. I hope you enjoy reading it and it gives you some pointers at what to do in Blackpool

Planning a baby-friendly day out in Blackpool is easy. Honestly, there’s so much to do there. It’s a fun-packed destination that the whole family can enjoy – from the acclaimed beaches to meeting all the animals at Blackpool Zoo, here are some things that you and your young ones will love.

Blackpool Zoo

There are over 1,500 animals at Blackpool Zoo and loads of different activities to try out. Park the pram by an enclosure and watch the flamingos, zebras, meerkats and giraffes graze, while the kids look on in awe with their imaginations running wild.

It’s a fabulous day out with brilliant animals and loads of places to take a seat to enjoy some lunch, but keep a lookout on the free-roaming cheeky monkeys!

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Happy Jones Families Game Review

When I was given the chance to review a family game I really couldn’t say no. We love to play games especially card games  so this Happy Families game from Go For It Games  includes the Go Fish gme as well seemed perfect.
Now I have an unusual surname and so was unable to get the game for my family name. It was pot luck which name I would get out of the list of the most popular 24 surnames and so I ended up with Jones!
Perfect!
I know a couple of Jones’s so will be fun teasing them with some facts I now know while I played the game about their surname.
The games have been redesigned especially for people with these surnames.
I love this idea – a personalised game. Great for kids to learn the origins and facts of their surname.
“Go For It Games are a small family enterprise specialising in really good little games and produce them in small quantities. Current ranges include card games for a special birthday milestone, games based on popular first names, and of course this one – popular surnames”
Jones Happy Families from Go For It Games

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