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Try Self-Catering Accommodation

February 21, 2012 By Jacob Patel

When you are planning your next short break, why not consider self-catering apartments and hotels? Preparing your own food is a great way to cut down the cost when you go on holiday, and there are plenty of quick meals you can prepare that will taste just as delicious as if they had been cooked in a restaurant, and will cost half the price!

For your next short break, consider self-catering accommodation and plan in advance some of the meals you can make quickly and easily. If you are stuck for recipe inspiration, you will find plenty online at SuperSavvyMe.co.uk, including healthy options and meals that all the family will enjoy.

Some dishes that take very little money and effort to prepare, but are tasty and nutritious, include pasta bakes, casseroles, soups, curries, and spaghetti and rice dishes. Experiment and bring some variety to your diet next time you go away.

Cooking can be a fun, relaxing and sociable activity, bringing the family or couples together, so it’s ideal for holidays, when you have more time than usual.

It is a good idea to prepare food which you can enjoy on the go, especially if your holiday is going to involve getting out and about and exploring. You can prepare delicious salads, sandwiches and a whole host of other tasty dishes to enjoy when you’re out and about on your next holiday. It will save you a small fortune in money otherwise spent on food in cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Instead of expensive and potentially unhealthy takeaways, you can also whip up your own tasty pizzas, curries, stir fries and other favourite cuisines with very little effort and at much less cost to yourself. You will also benefit from knowing exactly what is going into your food, which is especially great if you’re cooking for the whole family on holiday.

Filed Under: Budget Hotels, Family Hotels Tagged With: , ,

The best of everything

January 24, 2012 By Jacob Patel

If you’re going traveling and you’re planning to do traveling in a “real” way – spending a lot of time under canvas, a lot of time walking through different environments and climatic extremes, then the best advice I can give you is not to skimp on your essentials.

If you’ve ever been walking over a long distance in footwear you thought was “probably going to be fine” you may know what I‘m talking about. The same goes for cycling – and carrying stuff on your back. That little niggle on your rucksack strap, or that slightly aggravating gear clicking noise on your bike, can become all-consuming obsessions in moments of extremis.

There are two easy ways around this. One is to buy quality – the other is practice. So if you’re planning a major trip that you know will be taxing, then treat yourself to the best stuff you can afford; this means recognisable quality brands like Merrell boots, North Face jackets, Vango sleeping bags and Giant bikes, for example; whatever your preference is, just make sure you buy real quality and that you get expert advice in the buying process.

Staying warm and dry and having sufficient fuel on board (calories and hydration) are the absolute essentials. Perhaps the next most important thing is footwear. Again, stay warm and dry and as comfortable as possible about your feet. If you can get these basics in place during difficult conditions – pretty much anything else is a bonus.

Then rehearse as much and as realistically as you possibly can. Wearing things in and getting to really know your equipment inside out will pay real dividends in moments of extreme duress and under climatic extremes – when you’re at your most fatigued.

And it’s at that very moment of exhaustion that you’ll truly be glad you went for the best stuff you could afford.

Filed Under: Back Packing Tagged With: , , , , ,

Budget family hotels

January 23, 2012 By Jacob Patel

Deciding where to stay when on holiday can be a bit complicated when it’s no longer just the two of you. But if you want to keep a tab on your family finance, make sure you don’t spend too much on the hotel accommodation.

Think about what you need in a room. First, how many of you are there, and are the children old enough to sleep in their own room? Can you trust them to behave themselves and not triple your bill by making a mess? It’s not much fun having to separate from your partner and have a child each in with you, the best option is to have inter-connecting rooms, and more and more new hotels are making this an option.

A lot of rooms come with two double beds and you only really need to start searching harder for a family room when you have more than two children.

Hotels often free accommodation for children, and often don’t charge for their breakfasts, so staying in a hotel with your family may not work out any more expensive than when you just go away with your partner.

For most children, they won’t be too fussed about whether they’re in a two star or a four star – they’ll be hard-pressed to spot the difference. The strangest things stay in children’s minds when you go on a family holiday. They might talk more about the lift in a hotel than the amazing beaches and touristy sights you saw on your trip.

Having different things for breakfast is also often a big talking point – whenever we’ve been away, our children have often requested new things for breakfast when they get home to replicate their hotel experiences. It’s best if they tell you about their new food passions before you leave the country you’re visiting though, so you have a chance to buy up some foodstuffs to take home with you.

If you haven’t travelled with your children before, it’s worth getting some helpful tips from people who have – check out the family pages on SuperSavvyMe.co.uk.

Filed Under: Family Hotels Tagged With: , , ,

Walking in a Scottish wonderland

December 9, 2011 By Jacob Patel

Dig out your snow boots and get yourself walking in Scotland this winter.

There’s really no place quite like it. If you’re not much of a hardy soul and your idea of a good holiday is lying by a pool in ninety degree heat reading a book and sipping a cold beer – then walking in Scotland in winter may not be the ideal choice.

But if you’re a big fan of Christmas landscapes, total “white-outs” and the most stunning “Nordic” type of scenery you’re ever likely to see without leaving the British Isles – then I urge you to give it a try.

In the right gear, there’s nothing quite like hiking in the Cairngorms or exploring the Hebridean coast off season, before going back to a rented cottage, small guest house or country hotel and treating yourself to a warming glass of the beautiful fiery golden liquid that helps make this part of the UK famous all over the world – Scotch. Just make sure it’s good quality single malt – after all, you’ll have earned it – and sip it in front of a real log fire.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you could try the West Highland Way which travels 95 miles from Milngavie to Fort William. This long walk includes hills, woodland and open country and is one of Scotland’s best-loved routes.

Or – from Fort William; you could go on the “Great Glen Way” which is a 73-mile stretch all the way to Inverness. Alternatively, the Munros, Corbetts and Grahams are always popular at all times of year. But the right clothing is absolutely essential. People die from exposure in Scotland each year – particularly on the mountains. This can be a very dangerous place in the coldest season. But it’s also worth the effort for its sheer winter white majesty.

So bring up your North Face jackets, your best boots, thermal underwear and socks. Take some basic safety precautions, tell people where you’re going – then get lost (hopefully not literally!) in Scotland this winter – and earn yourself a glass of the good stuff!

Filed Under: Scotland Hotels Tagged With: , , , ,

Winter hiking in Scotland

November 25, 2011 By Jacob Patel

If there’s a better country to hike in that Scotland – I’ve honestly yet to find it.

I particularly love hiking in winter. To say the weather’s fresh would be to woefully understate the case – but I think that’s why I love it so much.

Obviously, you need to be prepared – much more so than for any other part of the British Isles. But if you are truly prepared for a Scottish winter, then you’ll see beauty that just isn’t available in any other part of the UK at any other part of the year. Quite simply, it’s breathtaking.

Crystal white freezing scenery, grandiose snow covered hills, the most beautiful coastal scenes anywhere in the world – seen from some of the most dramatic vantage points there are. Hiking in Scotland in winter is simply the best way I know to recharge the batteries and remember what’s important in life.

From the magnificent Cairngorms to the wilderness of the Outer Hebrides, it’s stunningly beautiful. You could try something ambitious like the West Highland Way which runs 95 miles from Milngavie to Fort William. The route takes in hills, woodland and rich flora and fauna, making it one of the country’s most popular walks. Then from Fort William, you could carry on via the Great Glen Way, a further 73 miles all the way to Inverness.

Alternatively, the Munros, Corbetts and Grahams have also become great winter hiking favourites for hardy souls.

But hiking in Scotland in winter can also be incredibly perilous. Sadly, the dramatically dangerous Scottish winter landscape claims lives every year. So come prepared. Bring your thermal underwear, your thermal socks, your waterproofs, hiking boots, and all-weather sleeping bags.

Don’t skimp on any of the details – you could live to regret it. Make sure your boots and waterproofs are the best out there, like Craghoppers, or other makes with a reputation for genuine quality.

When you’re truly prepared – get ready to explore rugged scenery and to appreciate the clean, crisp fresh air and friendly people. You won’t be disappointed!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Scotland’s Got It All

October 10, 2011 By Jacob Patel

If you are planning on taking a trip to Scotland then you probably fall into one of two groups: either heading to Edinburgh or Glasgow for the fabulous shopping opportunities and delights of sophisticated city living, or looking for adventure in the wilds of the countryside. A few of you out there may even be about to attempt both – and why not, as Scotland has something to offer everyone.

If you have started to plan your visit to the countryside already then you will be aware of the stunning natural beauty of the area, and also the vagaries of the weather – you definitely need to pack for rain. However, don’t let this put you off as the incredible views are well worth braving the elements for, and you never know – the sun may shine, and when it does there is nowhere I’d rather be. Experienced outdoor buffs will know that trekking sandals are the perfect addition to your suitcase when going on a walking holiday. Ideal for rough terrain they offer the best comfort for your feet and are perfect in good weather.

The walkways of Scotland are famous the world over for the sheer variance of landscape you can cover in a relatively short distance. From lush green valleys, glens and lochs to bleak windswept hilltops and the wild dense forests in between the experience is incredible. Immerse yourself in history and follow ancient cattle paths or visit the sites of famous battles or local legends – there is always something new to discover.

Back in the cities you can also get lost in the rich historical stories and tales of times gone by. Visit the castles, museums and art galleries to soak up the culture and absorb a truly unique heritage. You won’t be short of opportunities to rest, relax and indulge in some of the finest restaurants and bars around too.

Scotland really has got it all, so pack your bags for every eventuality and head off to experience what’s on offer – I know you’ll have a great time.

Filed Under: Scotland Hotels Tagged With: , ,

Prepare for the weather when heading to London this autumn

September 20, 2011 By Jacob Patel

London is a fantastic place to take a city break at any time of the year. Most of the attractions you’ll want to visit aren’t dependent on the weather, so you’re bound to find plenty to do to keep you entertained whether you go with your children or on a girlie weekend.

If you’re heading for a break in the city, there are a few different things you’ll need to do. First of all, you have to choose your accommodation and secondly, you should choose the right clothing to make the trip as enjoyable as possible.

When it comes to accommodation, if you’re heading to London for a short break with the lads, self-catered may be the way to go. You’ll be able to get ready in style and comfort for a night on the town and even have a few drinks in your apartment before you go.

You’re bound to want to wind down in the evening before you go out again, especially if you’ve braved the autumnal weather to wander around the city during the day.

It makes sense to have mens waterproof jackets to hand, since the weather’s extremely unpredictable in the UK at this time of year. Waterproof trousers might also be sensible on some days, but only if the rain’s really heavy.

One of the best ways to explore London is by walking, even if the weather’s bad. If you’ve only got a couple of days in the city, you could go down by the River Thames and walk along Embankment to see some of the best sights and views in London – from the Eye to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Another option, if you’re feeling more cultural, is to head to South Kensington to take in some of the museums. There are plenty of different ones all located in one district, including the V&A and the Natural History Museum, so there are numerous options on offer to you there.

Wherever you decide to go, make sure you’re prepared for the occasional downpour – it is Britain in autumn, after all!

Filed Under: Back Packing Tagged With: , ,

Finish your theatrical night out in style

August 31, 2011 By Jacob Patel

London’s West End is best known for being the home to Theatreland – where the major big-name productions are put on in the English capital.
If you want to check out one of the latest shows on in the area and finish your night in style, you should think about staying in accommodation right in the heart of London.
People on a budget might like to watch a performance such as Stomp, The 39 Steps or Wicked before retiring to the tent they got for a bargain price during a tent sale.
But those who have a bit more cash to splash can probably afford to upgrade their accommodation somewhat, staying in one of the fancy hotels in the West End.
If you stay around the West End, you’ll be in a very busy location, which not only boasts the theatres, but also contains plenty of great restaurants and tourist attractions.
It is the largest entertainment hub in the UK, so you’re bound to find an array of different shops, bars and nightclubs not far from your accommodation.
The West End is extremely far-reaching, so it encompasses Theatreland and the area around Leicester Square and Covent Garden, as well as the central shopping areas that London is famous for, including Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street, giving you a huge area to explore.
With a large range of productions showing around the area, you’re bound to find something which appeals to you.
As well as some long-running classic shows, including The Woman in Black, which has been on in the West End since 1989, there are some great newcomers to the theatre scene, such as the critically acclaimed Shrek The Musical.
Whether you’re after a family-friendly show, or a world-class theatrical extravaganza, you’ll find a great production to watch in the West End before you head to some great accommodation in the area.

Filed Under: West End Hotels