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HOLIDAY & LEISURE GUIDE 2020 Distributed exclusively to Tumble Tots members
Responsible Travel Tips World Book Day Family Holiday Booking Advice The Best Value All-Inclusive Destinations Exclusive discounts for Alton Towers, LEGOLAND® Windsor & Thorpe Park Resorts plus fantastic offers from Abel & Cole, Haven, Organic Children and much more inside…
Check out some of our tips for family travel: ✔ Top tip for travelling sustainably with kids: Some parks run volunteer programmes where families can help build trails. Can you combine your holiday with giving back? Sea turtle conservation is also a favourite!
✔ Top tip for getting the kids involved: Let them be tour guide for
the day. They can read up before you go, write some notes about what they want to show you and discuss. You’ll be surprised at what you can learn from them.
✔ Top tip for preparing children for the culture shock: Talk about
what they can expect to eat, what they might like and what they want to try. Remind them how important it is to be respectful of other people’s choices - politeness is key!
✔ Top tip to make your holiday teen-friendly: Find some good local apps to support your teenager’s emotional investment in the trip - a basic language one or anything that helps them find a fun place for a coffee is a good start!
Tips taken from the NEW The Family Travel Handbook, out now.
Available in all good bookshops and online at shop.lonelyplanet.com
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WELCOME
e hope the Tumble Tots Holiday & Leisure Guide will provide you and your family with bucket loads of ideas, inspiration, exclusive discounts and fantastic value deals throughout 2020! From World Book Day fun to booking the perfect holidays around the world, we’re sure we’ve found something just for you! Please check out the Holiday & Leisure section at www.tumbletotsmemberoffers.com for regular updates and the latest offers for Tumble Tots members.
CONTENTS P2 Ways to Holiday Responsibly P6 Exclusive Discounts with Merlin Entertainments P8 Savvy Family Holiday Booking Tips
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P12 Best Laid Plans…. P16 Finding the Perfect Holiday
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P18 Top Ten Best Value All-Inclusive Destinations P23 Help Share a Million Stories P31 Reasons for Choosing Organic Food
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23 The Holiday & Leisure Guide is a LincolnBrody publication distributed exclusively to Tumble Tots members. Tumble Tots and LincolnBrody (the publisher) cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of any information herein and are unable to accept and hereby expressly disclaim any liability for the consequences of any inaccuracies, errors or omissions or any implied warranty and other terms contained or related to within the editorial, advertisements, offers and promotions in this publication.
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Any claims which arise pursuant to any content in this publication should be directed exclusively or pursued against the proprietor of the relevant content. Although every effort has been made to ensure that all information is correct at the time of going to press, prices and offers may be subject to change. Should you have any queries in relation to any of the content in this publication, please contact LincolnBrody at info@lincolnbrody.co.uk
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Sustainable Travel
Ways to Holiday More Responsibly Family travel: how can we make our travel footprints a little more eco-friendly?
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n 2009, when my youngest was born, I was in a position to be able to travel around the world. We took Freddie to France for his first holiday at 11 weeks old and his first long haul was to New Zealand when he was just 18 months.
As a mother of four children I knew that I wanted to hold on to family time for as long as possible, which is why I decided to start my own business, Holiday Tots. I wanted to make it easy for families to be brave and to still be happy to holiday once their little ones were born. I am so lucky, three of my children are grown up, Freddie is 10 and I have a grandchild who is 3 and we all still holiday together every year! I have been travelling with the kids for more than 33 years and have recently been questioning our impact on the environment. I began investigating ways of reducing our carbon footprint when on holiday and see how I can also help other families do the same. The travel industry has to take steps to help with the environmental impact as tourism is responsible for nearly one tenth of the world’s carbon emissions. I think it is unrealistic to think that people will stop travelling, travel is the builder of memories, broadens horizons, strengthens confidence and bonds people together, it’s not just
Above & Top: Enjoying the pool at Finca de Arrieta Opposite page: Glamping at Larkhill in Cwmduad 2
about the destination either, but also the journey in getting there. It helps local economies, especially in poorer areas and research shows that people feel more positive if they have a holiday booked. Let’s face it we all need a little positivity! Many countries are also proactively looking at ways to improve sustainable tourism while supporting local economies as are many holiday accommodation owners.
for wind, sun and water power. This unique ecofriendly escape is tucked away on the edge of a 20-acre small holding and offers breath-taking views. Quirky steppingstones and fairy lights lead the way for a magical family adventure. When investigating glamping options check out their environmental policy to make sure it meets your requirements.
Fly less, vacate longer
Stay off-grid
Take longer and fewer trips. Years ago, the twoweek holiday was the norm, it is now more popular to take two or three shorter breaks throughout the year. If you are heading to sunnier climates by plane why not extend your stay a little longer this year.
If you want to fly somewhere warm think about what the accommodation can offer in terms of reducing your footprint. The lovely Eco Village Finca De Arrieta in Lanzarote works totally offgrid! All seventeen holiday villas, cottages and yurts are powered by solar and wind energy. Their ethos is to embrace their guests in an alternative holiday experience while making sure modern luxuries and comforts are still in place. Their location is stunning too with beautiful ocean and mountain views.
Staycation
The UK is home to some amazing landscapes and family-friendly beaches, lakes, rivers, villages, towns and cities. Why not explore them with the family? There are also some fabulous eco-friendly holiday options like this wonderful farm-stay in Cornwall. We visited Treworgey Cottages last year and I had never seen a Miscanthus field before, it was pretty inspiring, this crop keeps the biomass system working! The Treworgey family are investing heavily in their eco-journey for guests. You can even plant a tree to offset your own journey. The luxury cottages and animals will welcome you with open doors and paws.
Glamping/camping
Whether you are an avid camper or prefer your luxuries and opt for glamping, choosing the right location and site is paramount. Again, staying offgrid is an achievement, something that Larkhill in Cwmduad, Wales have been doing for over 25 years! The site is over half a mile away from an electricity point and so the family decided to opt 3
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Right: A Miscanthus field at Treworgey Cottages in Cornwall
Below: UK is home to some amazing landscapes and family-friendly beaches
Travel by train or car
etc. and we will continue to work with them all to help them achieve more. Many are also working closely with local farmers and suppliers, which, in my opinion, is definitely a step in the right direction. All of the holiday ideas above and more can be found on the Holiday Tots website. I do not profess to be an authority in sustainable travel, my investigative journey is just beginning. You can follow me @holidaytots on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook (#HolidayTotsEco) for updates and my learnings. I am also always open to ideas, so feel free to email me sachelle@holidaytots.co.uk. The Holiday Tots sustainable travel collection is in its infancy, but we aim to grow this area considerably by 2021. So, watch this space and happy travels wherever you decide to go this year.
Travelling by train is an adventure in itself and is usually by far one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel. However, it doesn’t mean that it is always the best, depending on the number of passengers, fuel being used and length of journey it can sometimes be more economical to drive. This also depends on the car you use! It’s all a minefield but safe to say whichever way you decide to travel will be eco-friendlier than flying.
Give something back to the locals
As experience style holidays become more and more popular it gives us the chance to give something back. Whether it is that your property owner uses only local services and produce, or your family decide to be proactive and use local resources themselves, either way it is perfect for the local economy. When considering where to stay, ask the owners what their policy is on sustainability and the local community and how you can help give something back. Owners Andy and Sylvie, at the lovely Croft Farm in Wales, not only offer an eco-friendly location using green electricity and give back to the local economy but they also sponsor two children in less favoured parts of the world. Most of the owners on Holiday Tots are now taking their own steps to reduce and offset their carbon footprints, from recycling to solar power,
About the author
Sachelle is the owner at Holiday Tots, she has unrivalled experience of travelling with young children. Holiday Tots specialise in discovering and sharing the best family-friendly holidays especially for families with young children and you can view their full collection at www.holidaytots.co.uk where you will be able to contact owners and visit their own websites directly. 5
Exclusive Offer
Enjoy incredible savings* at the UK’s favourite attractions this summer and beyond!
Tumble Tots have teamed up with Merlin Entertainments to bring our members fantastic discounts on a fabulous range of attractions across the country, including theme parks with some of the world’s greatest roller coasters, to fascinating zoos and aquariums showcasing the most amazing creatures and wildlife from around the world. Plus, don’t forget that you can book tickets for all your family and friends when visiting any of the attractions together!
Top: Dragon Ride at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort Left: Land of the Tiger at Chessington World of Adventures Resort Opposite page from top to bottom: The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Furchester Hotel in CBeebies Land at Alton Towers Resort and Angry Birds Land at THORPE PARK Resort
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Here is a full list of the incredible attractions included in this offer. The figures shown below are based on the maximum savings per attraction and vary by location and ticket type.
Alton Towers Resort up to 51% Chessington World of Adventures Resort up to 50% DreamWorks Tours: Shreks Adventure! London up to 41% LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort up to 60% Madame Tussauds up to 32% SEA LIFE up to 61% The Blackpool Tower up to 32% The Bear Grylls Adventure up to 15% The Dungeons up to 37% The London Eye up to 25% THORPE PARK Resort up to 49% Warwick Castle up to 47% Merlin Premium Annual Pass up to 20% Merlin Standard Annual Pass up to 20%
To book your tickets visit: www.tumbletots.com/news/offers/5091
This exclusive offer includes:
Please note that these offers are exclusive to members only. To get these savings, simply complete the request form online as directed and you will be sent details on how to book. You will need to give your membership number. You can find this on your membership card that you received in your membership pack.
The Alton Towers Resort is renowned for World-first rollercoasters and the UK’s only CBeebies Land. Home to a fantastical combination of 40 rides, attractions and live shows for thrill-seekers, families and kids of all ages. CBeebies Land enjoy 14 rides & attractions including the Furchester Hotel Live Show and the Go Jetters Vroomster Zoom Ride. Chessington World of Adventures Resort – With over 40 rides and attractions in 10 themed lands, a Zoo and SEA LIFE centre with over 1,000 exotic animals, Chessington World of Adventures Resort offers a world of excitement for the whole family to enjoy. For an awesome family day out this year visit the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort and experience the ultimate LEGO® adventure! With over 55 rides, live shows and attractions set over 150 acres of parkland plus a fully LEGO themed hotel on site, the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is a family destination that is not to be missed! Designed specifically for ages 2 to 12, the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort offers everything from roller coasters to hands-on LEGO® building activities to an entire DUPLO-themed area for toddlers!
Terms and Conditions *Saving based on individual walk up admission price. The offer is not available on the day, cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, is subject to availability and tickets must be booked at least 24 hours in advance of visit. 2 day tickets must be used on consecutive days. All prices are dependent on the date of visit, prices and opening dates are subject to change without notice. Please check the attraction website for open and closed dates before you visit. Excludes event days. These offers are for your personal use only to enable you to book your tickets for your family and friends when visiting the attractions together. The sharing of the offer details may result in this offer being terminated. Proof of being Tumble Tots member maybe requested on arrival at the attraction, so please ensure you take confirmation that you are associated with Tumble Tots or the difference may be charged. © 1999 & TM Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd. EGO, the LEGO logo, DUPLO and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. © 2019 The LEGO Group. Discounts correct at time of going to press 20/01/2020 but may be subject to change.
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Holiday Advice
Savvy family holiday booking tips for 2020 You’ve had your first pay cheque of 2020 and you’re ready to book a holiday? ABTA – The Travel Association gives you the top family holiday booking tips for 2020, including where to go, how to find a good deal and how to pack to save the pennies too Use social and live chat services
customers on their private messenger accounts and live chat services, so it’s easier for customers to get in touch.
When you start researching for a holiday, you may come across a hundred and one travel deals as well as pictures of friends and family sharing updates on social media. Be savvy, save time and pass your shortlist of ideas to a travel professional who can do the leg work for you. Use your social channels to connect with a travel professional to find out more information. Many travel companies now communicate with
Use your local travel agent
It’s best to connect with your local travel agent as well, that way if you want to speak to them faceto-face, you can easily pop into their store. Having a face-to-face contact may help you find a better travel experience that’s catered for your needs as well. 8
It’s best to connect with your local travel agent as well, that way if you want to speak to them face-to-face, you can easily pop into their store.
Find a good value package holiday
Book early
Package holidays are very popular amongst British holidaymakers because they consistently offer great value for money, and savvy families will know this already. ABTA’s Holiday Habits 2019 research found 50% of families with children aged over five years old found package holidays offered the best value for money. A package holiday means you can ensure you have everything taken care of before you leave and whilst you’re away, meaning you can just relax and enjoy the holiday. So, ask your travel company what kind of package they can offer you such as the ability to personalise or even design a completely tailor-made experience.
The number one reason to book early is to find a better deal and to find a cheaper price on a holiday. ABTA has lots of tips for booking early here, including free child places, low deposits and lots of choice.
Don’t overstretch yourself
Many travel professionals will advise it’s best to create a quality experience, rather than cramming lots of experiences in. That way you can spend more on a higher-end experience such as a room upgrade or transfer service. Remember a holiday is a time to relax as well, so spend on what will bring you most value. 9
Save up to an extra
£50*
with Haven as a Tumble Tots member
To find out more or sign up today visit www.tumbletotsmemberoffers.com Terms and conditions: *Save up to an extra £50 is on top of Haven’s best published prices. For monthly offers and full details of your Tumble Tots Member discount, please call or go online. Your extra discount is an additional saving combinable with Haven’s general offers and will be added on after all other discounts have been taken into account. Offer applies to new direct bookings only, cannot be combined with any other voucher or third-party discount, and must be booked direct with Haven. Full Haven Holidays terms and conditions apply. Haven Holidays is a trading name of Bourne Leisure Limited, registered in England and Wales, no 04011660. Registered office 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. HAV13912_30265
Left: Panorama of blue lagoon and beach Oludeniz, Turkey Bottom left: Camel ride on the beach, Egypt
Below: Drinks in the hotel pool, Tunisia
Find a good value break to Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia in 2020
Savvy packing tips
Once you’ve booked your holiday, there’s still time to be a savvy traveller in 2020 by planning a packing list, to help you avoid buying anything you don’t need which will help you save some pennies and create less waste too. You never know, you may have some room and money left over to spend on locally made souvenirs to bring home as gifts as well. So, there’s plenty of opportunity in 2020 to find the good value deal you’re looking for and these tips will help you find it.
Whilst Spain is still the number one destination for Brits, bookings to Turkey, Tunisia, Bulgaria and Egypt were all significantly up last summer, suggesting some Brits who may have enjoyed several years of holidaying in the Western Med are branching out to other destinations. So, look out for great deals to these Eastern and North African resorts for Summer 2020.
Go all-inclusive to help you save money abroad
For much more travel info and advice visit www.abta.com/tips-and-advice
If you want all expenses paid up-front to effectively budget for your family holiday, then booking an all-inclusive holiday is the way forward. An all-inclusive holiday can offer you a range of experiences from day excursions, adventures and entertainment with just one price tag.
Fussy kids? Go half-board
All-inclusive resort buffets may not always bode well with kids who are fussy eaters. Check in with your local agent on what half-board resorts can offer you. That way you can eat in your apartment for a meal you know the kids will like! 11
Books
Best Laid Plans…
Many of us will be able to relate to this hilarious extract from Adrian Phillips’ short story, Early Birds, taken from Kidding Around, the new anthology from Bradt Guides. This engaging and entertaining compilation of 37 stories lifts the lid on the perils and joys of travelling with babies, toddlers and teenagers in locations spanning five continents.
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nless you’ve had to rush to meet an airline’s final call with four year-olds in tow, you can’t fully appreciate how short their legs are. I was well into my stride before I realised that Twin 2 was dragging behind me on his stomach like a waterskier who’d taken a tumble but forgotten to let go of the rope. ‘Come on, quick, quick!’ I said, stopping briefly to heave him up in my left arm before continuing the chase. His head was now next to my ear, which suited him far better because he could ask me all the questions he needed answering about the current situation. 12
‘Yes, we have to run to catch the plane,’ I huffed. ‘Yes, you are heavy,’ I puffed. ‘Yes, the bag is heavy too... Yes, even though it’s on wheels,’ I wheezed. I slalomed through an endless crowd of people who seemed to be taking part in some sort of slow-walking competition. ‘... I’ve no idea whether the pilot has finished his lunch... No, he’s not angry with us... Yes, I think mummy might be a bit angry with me... No, she’s not a faster runner than me - it’s just that her bag is lighter. .. Yes, I’m sure my face is going red... No, Peppa Pig won’t be on the plane... No, I can’t drive a plane... Well, bully for Miss Rabbit... ‘ I don’t know whether Usain Bolt has ever run between Benny’s Diner and Gate 5 burdened with a wheelie case and an inquisitive child, but if he has then I bet he didn’t do it much quicker than me. But it wasn’t quick enough. My wife was already at the gate (her bag was definitely lighter than mine), and her expression told the story. Gate closed. ‘I TOLD YOU WE SHOULD HAVE GONE TO THE GATE EARLIER!’ she thundered. Clearly now was the time for recriminations. ‘You’re ALWAYS leaving things last minute and it’s 9 p.m. and what will we do about the hotel and the hire car and the kids and what are we going to do?!’ ‘Errrm’ was all I could muster as I bent over, hands on knees, gasping like a beached fish. Once I’d gathered enough oxygen to speak, I decided to plead our case to the remaining representative of the airline standing at the gate. But the representative of the airline (which, to preserve its anonymity, I’ll call Iron Stare) was not a person to be pleaded with. ‘You are advised to arrive at the airport in good time for your flight, sir,’ said the representative of Iron Stare.
‘We were here four hours early,’ I countered. ‘There must have been something wrong with the board.’ ‘In good time for your flight, sir,’ she continued, as if I’d not spoken. ‘Our website makes it very clear, sir. Very clear.’ And then she stood stock-still and silent, gazing blank-eyed at a point somewhere above my head, like a robot on standby. ‘Well, what now?’ I asked glumly. ‘We’ve two young kids.’ ‘Once your luggage has been removed from the hold, it can be collected from the carousel in arrivals,’ she resumed, rebooting herself briefly. ‘You can get there through the door next to Sunglasses Palace.’ Then she powered down for the night. The door next to Sunglasses Palace turned out to be invisible. Of course it did. We walked back and forth and roundabout, looking one side and the other, and even around the back. It was 10.30 p.m. before a washroom attendant took pity on us and showed us a door that wasn’t invisible next to a different place called Sunglasses Shack. Through the door, we joined a gaggle of miserable miscreants who’d also missed their flights, before our passports were checked and we were ejected through another door. The definition of travel purgatory is queuing to drop off your luggage and then queuing to collect your luggage without enjoying a holiday in between. It was made worse by having to stand in a throng of suntanned holidaymakers returning from the place we were meant now to be jetting towards. The kids were happy enough, of course; for kids, there’s no better playground than a luggage carousel.
Exclusive Member Offer!
Extract taken from Early Birds by Adrian Phillips, one of the stories in Kidding Around available now at
www.bradtguides.com
Save 25%
Bradt Travel Guides is offering readers of Tumble Tots Holiday & Leisure Guide a special 25% discount on copies of Kidding Around. To claim your discount, purchase the book at www.bradtguides.com and enter TUMBLETOT25 at checkout. Valid until 31/12/2020. 13
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ere at Villa Plus, we understand that when you’re planning on having a getaway with toddlers or young children, you will want every part of your holiday to be enjoyable & relaxing. That’s why we have over 300 child friendly villas with gated pools available, many of which are heated free of charge, across a wide range of our destinations. At these properties, there are either permanent gates around the pool, or pool fences can be put up for a small fee. Cots and high chairs are also provided free of charge for all flight inclusive package holidays, as well as child gates where it is possible to fit these. Plus, we have a variety of villas which offer large lawned gardens, perfect for your little ones to enjoy. Our selection of family friendly villas are ideal for those seeking space to create cherished memories with loved ones. Whether you want to spend your time relaxing by your private pool or exploring the local area, a Villa Plus villa will be the ideal base for you and your family. We continue to invest in all our villas to make them the very best they can be, whilst always offering value for money. You will find many amenities included as standard in the majority of our villas, such as, free pool heating, WiFi, Air Conditioning, BBQs, Pool and Table Tennis Tables, as well as knowledgeable, in-resort staff that are available to give you a helping hand should you require their assistance. And don’t forget, all our flight inclusive package holidays are ABTA & ATOL protected, so your money is 100% safe.
Villa Stefy, Algarve
Villa Rosa Minas, Andalucia
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SUMMER HOLIDAYS
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MOMENTS TO CHERISH
It all adds up to amazing
Holiday Advice
Finding the Perfect Holiday No-one needs a holiday more than sleep-deprived and shell-shocked new parents. But choosing the perfect place that doesn’t leave you feeling just as frazzled after the holiday as before it, can be a difficult task.
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hat’s why the team at Baby-Friendly Boltholes now offer a bespoke matchmaking service by email to ensure parents find exactly the right break for them whether it’s a UK cottage, villa with pool, luxury resort hotel or ski chalet. We asked the website’s founder, Sian Williams, what she’d recommend for Tumble Tots members:
UK Luxury Farm Stays
Is there anything sweeter than seeing your ‘Old Macdonald’ obsessed toddler hand-feeding lambs, chickens or baby goats? Well, there is, if the same place also lets you star spot from a luxurious hot tub, slip away for an indulgent facial and raid the honesty shop for some local cheese or bottle of wine! All this, and enough nursery kit to supply a medium sized Mothercare, can be found at Clydey Cottages in West Wales, Tredethick Cottages in Cornwall and Red Doors Farm in Devon.
Gang Getaways
When you feel your sanity is hanging by a thread and the dreaded ‘mum guilt’ has you questioning your worth, a trip away with fellow mums can be the perfect remedy. With the option to add a few nannies, some stovetop meals and perhaps a mobile beauty therapist, you have the gang getaway of dreams. All these things can be organised, alongside a host of baby gear, at Chaucer Barn in Norfolk, Sheepyard Barn or Partridge Lodge in Suffolk, Gitcombe House in 16
Devon and Weir House in Cotswolds. Some even come with a hot tub or swimming pool!
Save vital luggage space with steriliser bags, pop-out pocket highchairs and clip-on SPF shades instead of parasols.
A break from the routine plus some quality time together in a romantic cottage can provide some real bonding time for new parents. Places like Twin Cottage in New Forest, The Cowshed in Dorset, Yew Tree Cottage in Yorkshire and Bruern Cottages in the Cotswolds, all boast romantic fireplaces, playrooms filled with toddler-taming toys and gastro pubs within a comfortable, country stroll.
Book smart
Romance and Relaxation
All Baby Friendly Boltholes locations offer lots of baby kit, but many also allow you to prebook arrival night meals and arrange pre-arrival shopping to include baby essentials such as nappies, wipes, formula and food pouches. Also consider booking a cottage over a hotel so you can relax with drinks and conversation and avoid evenings tip toe-ing around trying not to disturb sleeping little ones. Many Baby Boltholes locations offer meal services so you can dine ‘out’ whilst staying ‘in’ too!
OVERSEAS Minibreak Madness?
Some might consider a city-break madness with a baby in tow, but with BFB, it’s not necessarily so. Top family-friendly resort, Martinhal Sagres, recently opened Martinhal Chiado, a Lisbon outpost offering stylish city-centre apartments with onsite babysitters, playroom and nightly ‘pyjama club’, which allows parents to dine out whilst junior sleeps.
GET HELP! For more ideas on holidays in other locations and price ranges, ask the Baby-Friendly Boltholes team. We’ll compile a holiday shortlist, best suited to your family’s needs. Simply email info@babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk and don’t forget to claim your discount below!
Longing for a Lie-In?
Achingly cool Domes Zeen in Crete might have looks to rival Mykonos’ chicest beach club, but it also boasts a long list of baby kit, a fantastic kids club, crèche and spa. But best of all, in partnership with Baby-Friendly Boltholes, they are offering a lie-in service, 5 mornings a week, this summer, with the aid of a private babysitter (only available with week-long stays booked via Baby Boltholes). Genius!
TOP TRAVEL TIPS Airports are easier to navigate hands-free so consider a baby carrier over a stroller, or get toddlers scooting along with a Trunki.
Valet parking and Fast Track security are worth their weight in gold for that ‘holiday starts here’ feeling. They’ll have you safely ensconced in an airside restaurant toasting your break whilst others are still wrangling with courtesy buses and queues!
EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS OFFER We’re offering members £100 off any 7 night summer holiday booked online at www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk To claim, simply quote the following code when booking online: BFBTT100
Top: Martinhal Chiado Kids Club, Lisbon Above: Domes Zeen, Crete
Bookings must be made by 30/04/20 for holidays taken anytime between 15/06/20 – 15/09/20
Opposite page Top: Tredethick Farm, Cornwall Bottom: Gitcombe House, Devon 17
Holiday Advice
All-inclusive soars in interest on the back of Brexit
Top Ten Best Value All-Inclusive Destinations
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here has been a 28% increase in families searching for all-inclusive holidays in 2020 compared with last year. Interest is declining in room only and half board holidays, with a clear movement of people switching to all-inclusive options. That’s according to pricing data for package holidays across the outbound travel market via TravelSupermarket, where a whopping 55% of sevennight 2020 summer holiday price searches made by families are now for all-inclusive, Brits’ favourite holiday type.
Emma Coulthurst, travel commentator from the holiday price comparison site explains why allinclusive appears to be a continuing upward trend; “Brits are searching for and booking holidays at this peak time of the year in big numbers. But, keeping within a budget is clearly really important to them. Volatile euro exchange rates over the last few years since the Brexit referendum are a key factor. Sterling has been strengthening recently against the euro and other currencies but predictions are being made of continuing volatility in the coming months. Holidaymakers are showing that it is still really important for them to know the majority of their holiday costs up front. The only spending money they then need to factor in on top is for souvenirs, additional drinks (for example, specialist spirits might not be included), day trips and any meals out (if you want to, that is). All-inclusive has become the modern, hassle-free holiday of choice. It takes away the worry and time of having to choose where to eat and how much it is going to cost. Holidaymakers, especially families, love 18
not having to venture far and having the basics that they need close by and already budgeted for”. Here are the top ten destinations for the best value summer 2020 (departing between 1st May to 30th September 2020) all-inclusive holidays from the UK, according to TravelSupermarket data looking at millions of all-inclusive package holiday prices across the market.
this area are 11% cheaper than they were in 2019, if searching May to September package holiday prices across the market via TravelSupermarket. For days out, PortAventura World near Salou offers Ferrari Land and water park fun. Other popular places to stay include chilled Cambrils.
4. Tunisia
Although Tunisia is slightly pricier than last year, compared to other all-inclusive hotspots, holidays here are still a steal in 2020. Purpose-built resort Port el Kantaoui ticks all the fuss-free holiday boxes and, for those after a side of history with their beach break, Hammamet is closer to the capital (Tunis) and the ruins of the ancient city of Carthage.
1. Costa Brava, Spain
This coastline is back in favour, with cheap prices, Blue Flag beaches, fun outdoor activities, exciting cities including Girona and Barcelona for day trips and some of the wildest coastline in Spain. Popular places to stay include Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar and Blanes.
2. Central Dalmatia, Croatia
5. Majorca
3. Costa Dorada, Spain
Top left: Costa Brava, Spain Top right: PortAventura World, Costa Dorada, Spain Below: Dalmatian coast, Croatia
if you’re looking for a pool to flop next to for a week, there’s plenty of choice here. Go early June or late September to get the best deals and avoid the crowds. Magaluf favours the party crowd, while Cala d’Or and Cala Millor are better for those seeking a bit of quiet. Port de Pollença and Alcudia are great for families.
This region around Split is sure to be popular this season; following increased interest last year, holidays to the region are predicted to rise. Despite a decent exchange rate with the Croatian kuna, in-town prices aren’t always cheap, so going all-inclusive holidays can offer good value. Between its idyllic islands and charming medieval towns, this pretty chunk of Croatian coastline has plenty to keep you busy. Another classic strip of Spanish coastline offering excellent value for money, all-inclusive deals to
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Section Head
6. Black Sea, Bulgaria
Top: Nesebar, Bulgaria Bottom left: Main square, Marrakesh, Morocco Bottom right: East coast, Madeira
7. Turkey (various resorts)
9. Morocco
Let’s face it, Bulgaria is incredibly cheap anyway, so all options are good value here. The resort of Sunny Beach has a 6-mile beachfront and plenty of nightlife, whilst Nesebar down the road is quieter and has a lovely cobbled historic old town. While prices currently remain largely the same for this summer, Turkey’s overall value still sees it rank highly. Wherever you plump for, you can expect long wide beaches, clear water and plenty of culture and history. Resorts such as Alanya, Lara, Side, Belek and Kemer in the Antalya region offer great value. But the Bodrum area, with its glistening twin bays, castle and stylish nightlife and beaches such as Gumbet and Bitez is also a strong and popular choice. As are the resorts of Marmaris, Fethiye and Oludeniz.
Like Bulgaria and Turkey, Morocco is outside the eurozone and the cost of living is low, meaning not only the holiday prices, but any extras such as souvenirs and activities should also be wellpriced.
10. Madeira
Madeira has shot up the great-value allinclusive holiday list in 2020, jumping some 44 spots to make our top ten for the summer ahead. In fact, all-inclusive deals are a whopping 18.9% cheaper on TravelSupermarket compared to last year.
8. The Canary Islands
Fuerteventura offers the lowest average prices, which is great news for beach lovers: Lonely Planet reckons the island has the best in the Canaries. You can choose between 150km of beach, from sheltered bays for the kids to splash in, wild waters for windsurfing or crowd-free sands to stroll along. Like its other island siblings, Fuerteventura is blessed with sunshine across the year, so it is worth also looking at prices in April or October. Corralejo and Jandia are among the most popular resorts on the island.
To see the latest deals available at these destinations on Travel Supermarket, visit tumbletotsmemberoffers.com/offers-discounts/ travel-supermarket Research based on all price searches made via TravelSupermarket between 18/11 to 23/12 in 2019 and 2020 for summer holidays 1st May to 30th September for 2019 and 2020
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*Price based on a midweek break staying in an Iris two bedroom cottage arriving 14th December 2020. Subject to availability. **Offer available on selected activities for children 0-4 years. Applies to bookings staying on a 2,3 or 4 night midweek break in a self-catering cottage during school term time.
Activities
Help Share a Million Stories World Book Day, this year on Thursday 5th March, is dedicated to celebrating the benefits of reading for pleasure for everyone, everywhere, promoting the magic of books, the power of imagination and the importance of sharing stories
E
very year, World Book Day curates a list of bespoke £1 books for children and young people across the UK and Ireland, which they can choose for free at their local bookshop or supermarket using their £1 World Book Day book token. This year’s list of books is their most diverse to date and packed with best-selling authors and illustrators, and much-loved characters and brands. There are three epic Dog Man stories from Captain Underpants creator Dav Pilkey, BBC stars Greg James and Chris Smith’s Kid Normal tackles a mega-loud mystery in a library, pre-school TV favourite Bing gets wet in a Splashy Story, Supertato will be taking on Evil Pea who has declared that books are rubbish – and many many more! Building on the phenomenal success of the Share a Story campaign, World Book Day is calling on everyone across the nation to SHARE A MILLION STORIES for 2020. This mass-participation initiative aims to start a Reading Revolution by kick-starting new reading behaviours in families throughout World Book Day month (27 February – 29 March) and beyond. Anyone can participate in the campaign: families, schools, bookshops and
libraries, nurseries, etc. Once registered at worldbookday.com/share-a-million-stories participants are able to find out everything they need to know including guidelines, FAQs and story-sharing tips. Sharing a story is being read to or reading with an adult, sibling, friend (or even a pet) – absolutely anyone! All reading (for a minimum of ten minutes) counts as a story share, from picture books to audiobooks to comics and graphic novels. This can take place at any time throughout the day, from breakfast until bedtime – at the breakfast table, on the bus, in the bath, or in bed. A story share is reading with children for at least 10 minutes, and if you have a group of 10, 20 or 100 children, that’s 10, 20 or 100 story shares to add to the nationwide total. Each week, from 27 February – 29 March, families, classrooms, nurseries, libraries and bookshops who are sharing stories and logging them on the World Book Day website, could win a host of amazing prizes, including £1,000 worth of books, £100 of National Book Tokens or an exclusive signed Rob Biddulph print. 23
“What a thrill to be involved in the 2020 World Book Day extravaganza. Putting books and the reading of them centre stage right where they should be. Thanks to the World Book Day team there are books enough for everyone! Even you… yes you!” Paul Linnet
“Reading books gives you empathy, and if you ask me the world is desperately in need of a bit of empathy at the moment. Seeing the world from other people’s perspectives makes us better people and that’s what books do. By putting books in the hands of children WBD are helping to make our world a better place. Thank you WBD! And thank you also to all the authors, illustrators and publishers that give their time and talents to make this happen.” Sue Hendra
Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet are the creators of Supertato, and the authors of this year’s £1 World Book Day title Supertato: Books are Rubbish! (Simon & Schuster)
About the 2020 World Book Day Titles Picture books:
Supertato: Books are Rubbish! (Simon & Schuster) By Sue Hendra & Paul Linnet
It’s night-time in the supermarket, and all the veggies are happily reading their brilliant books. Well, not quite all... The Evil Pea thinks books are rubbish! Is there anyone who can prove him wrong.
Bing’s Splashy Story
(HarperCollins Children’s Books)
Telling bedtime stories... It ’s a Bing thing! Bing wants to read y his favourite Hoppity story in the bath. Hoppity voooooosh! y But books don’t like baths. What will happen when his book gets all drippy wet? 25
Bi n g ’s
Spla shy St or y
As seen on
TV
The award-winning children’s The award-winning children’s Theaudio award-winning children’s system Toniebox audio system Toniebox audio system Toniebox 3
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Red Toniebox Starter Set RRP £69.95 includes Toniebox, Red Toniebox Starter Set Creative-Tonie and charging station RRP £69.95 includes Toniebox, Creative-Tonie Conductor Red Toniebox Starter Set Creative-Tonie and charging station RRP£69.95 £11.99includes Toniebox, RRP Creative-Tonie Conductor Creative-Tonie and charging station Hully Boo Spook’n Spell RRP £11.99 Treasure hunt Conductor in the Museum, Creative-Tonie Hully Boo Spook’n Spell The Magic Championships RRP £11.99 Treasure hunt in the Museum, RRP £14.99 Hully Boo Spook’n Spell The Magic Championships Princesshunt Lillifee Treasure in the Museum, RRP £14.99 RRPMagic £14.99 The Championships Princess RRP £14.99Lillifee Favourite Classics – Robinson Crusoe RRP £14.99 RRP £14.99 Princess Lillifee Favourite RRP £14.99 Classics – Robinson Crusoe RRP £14.99 Favourite Classics – Robinson Crusoe RRP £14.99
1. Set up the Wi-Fi just once …
2. Put the Tonie on top …
1. Set up the Wi-Fi just once …
2. Put the Tonie on top …
1. Set up the Wi-Fi just once …
3. Sit back and enjoy listening.
4. Heard enough? Just take your Tonie off.
3. Sit back and enjoy listening.
4. Heard enough? Just take your Tonie off.
3. Sit back and enjoy listening.
4. Heard enough? Just take your Tonie off.
2. Put the Tonie on top …
5. Ready for more? Simply put it back on. 5. Ready for more? Simply put it back on. 5. Ready for more? Simply put it back on.
Bigger bookworms (ages 5-8) will love: Evie in the Jungle
(Canongate) By Matt Haig (illustrated by Emily Gravett)
Eleven-year-old Evie has a talent. She can hear what animals are thinking and she can talk to them with her mind. When Evie goes on a road trip to the Amazon rainforest, her powers are put to the test.
Amelia Fang and the Bookworm Gang
(Egmont) By Laura Ellen Anderson
Dog Man: Three Stories in One
Meet Amelia Fang. A plucky little vampire who’s just like you and me. Amelia Fang is feeling very nervous about reading out loud in front of her class. So, she decides to practice with her friends in Loose Limb Library. But when they get there, the gang discovers big bite marks in every book!
(Scholastic) By Dav Pilkey
There’s a new breed of justice in town… Howl with laughter at three hilarious crime-fighting capers featuring Dog Man: part dog, part man and ALL HERO! From the creator of Captain Underpants.
Even bigger bookworms (age 9+) can choose from:
And for older readers:
My Awesome Guide to Getting Good at Stuff by Matthew Syed (Wren & Rook)
The Day We Met the Queen by Onjali Q. Raúf (Orion Children’s Books)
Split by Muhammad Khan (Macmillan)
The Kissing Booth: Road Trip! by Beth Reekles (Penguin)
Kid Normal and the Loudest Library by Greg James & Chris Smith, illustrated by Erica Salcedo (Bloomsbury)
The Case of the Drowned Pearl: A Murder Most Unladylike Mini-Mystery by Robin Stevens (Puffin) Alex Rider Undercover: The Classified Files by Anthony Horowitz (Walker)
www.worldbookday.com 27
Prize Draw
Win a Frog Bike! Frog Bikes – The Lightweight Kids’ Bike
Innovative, British bike brand, Frog Bikes, manufactures a range of Balance, Hybrid, MTB, Road and Track Bikes from superlightweight aluminium. A lightweight bike, which is correctly fitted to the child, is easier for a child to learn on, develop skills quickly and keep up with Mum and Dad. Every part of a Frog Bike is designed specifically for smaller riders, so the bike is the best fit possible and easier to handle. Frog uses child friendly parts, such as easy to reach brake levers and gear shifters that fit smaller hands. The range of bikes suits kids ages 1 to 14+.
One lucky member can win a bike of their choice (subject to availability), available in a wide variety of bright colours and suitable for children ages 1 to 14+. Please choose which bike you would like to win where requested on the entry form! To see the full range, visit www.frogbikes.com
For your chance to win a Frog Bike, simply enter online at www.tumbletotsmemberoffers.com/frogbikes by 31st March 2020 To enter, you must be a UK resident who is 18 years old or over at the time of entry. No purchase necessary. The winner will be the first name drawn at random. The winner will be notified no later than 5th April 2020. The judges’ decision will be final and the competition is not open to employees of LincolnBrody, Tumble Tots, Frog Bikes or their agents. We will only keep your details or share them with the prize provider if you tick ‘Yes please’ where indicated when you enter the prize draw or competition. Otherwise your details will be deleted once the winner has been notified. Please refer to the full terms and conditions at www.lincolnbrody.co.uk/competitions
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Change your shop, change their world £10 0tFthFree
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Want to turn over a greener leaf in 2020? Switching to organic is one small change that means big things for you and your little one. Head over to abelandcole.co.uk Save £30* over your next three shops, plus receive two free packs of Piccolo Breadsticks in your fourth delivery. Using code TUMBLE. *£10 off each of your first three deliveries over £20 with free Mighty Breadsticks, Tomato & Basil, Organic, Piccolo (20g) and Mighty Breadsticks, Apple & Cinnamon, Organic, Piccolo (20g) in your fourth. £1.25 delivery fee applies. Offer does not apply to those who have an order or delivery in place with us already. Abel & Cole reserves the right to end the promotional period at any time. Offer expires 25/12/20. Full T&Cs online at abelandcole.co.uk/terms-conditions.
Organic Food
Reasons for choosing organic food Organic food is food as it should be. This means grown or produced using fewer pesticides, no artificial additives or preservatives, and with no genetically modified ingredients. Organic standards are the highest for animal welfare – organic livestock are always free range and are not routinely treated with antibiotics.
U
nder European law, all organic food and drink must be certified and is inspected at every stage of production to ensure it is produced according to these high standards. Soil Association Certification certifies over 70% of organic products in the UK, so if you look for the Soil Association organic symbol when you shop, you can be sure what you’re buying has been produced to the highest environmental standards, and that you are contributing to a more sustainable food and farming system, both now and in the future. Organic works with nature, not against it. Intensive, conventional agriculture causes soil erosion, chemical run-off into water systems and can mean some weeds and insects become resistant to herbicides and pesticides. Organic farming on the other hand doesn’t rely on synthetic or petroleum-based pesticides or
Swindon farm 31
Produce from a community farm Try the basics – Milk is a great place to ✓ start. It’s widely available and often costs only a fraction more than non-
fertilizers and significantly reduces water and soil contamination. This allows wildlife to thrive. In fact, studies have shown that wildlife is 50% more abundant on organic farms than non-organic because of the complete absence of manufactured herbicides and the severely restricted use of pesticides. Organic can sometimes be more expensive – but not every time. Staples like pulses, pasta, rice and wholegrains are often the same price. When you can, buying directly from farmers or through box schemes helps too. If you plan meals in advance, eat less, but better meat or try different cheaper cuts and seasonal ingredients - eating organic can be achievable for everyone. Where organic does cost more, you’re paying for the extra care farmers place on the environment and animal welfare. If you’re worried about the cost of buying organic, here are a few of our top tips for buying organic food on a budget:
organic milk.
Stock up on organic essentials – As they ✓ have a longer expiry date, organic store cupboard essentials can be great value.
Items like organic baked beans, pasta and canned tomatoes are often sold for the same price as the same non-organic items.
Try a different cut of meat – Eating less, ✓ but better meat is good for our health and the planet. Trying lower cost organic
cuts like shoulder or belly can make a big difference to your wallet – and they have more beneficial nutrients too. Pop into your local butcher for advice on cuts or make a weekly roast which can provide a couple of meals.
Look for deals online and try to buy your ✓ food as close to the producer as possible – The Soil Association has an extensive
season – Buying organic fruit and ✓ Sveghopininseason gives the best value for money.
network of more than 150 farms across the UK. Find out where your nearest farm is and stock up on supplies from your local farmer by visiting the Soil Association website at www.soilassociation.org
Eat Seasonably (eatseasonably.co.uk/whatto-eat-now) lists the fruits and veg that are best to eat right now.
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