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7 Tips for a Stress-Free Family Ski Trip - jugglingonrollerskates
The annual ski trip. It’s a highlight of the year. That time in winter where you get away, get to the mountains, enjoy the fresh air and the fun activities with all your family. You cosy up by a fire in the evening with a hot chocolate, eat some tasty mountain food and just disappear into a winter wonderland. It all sounds epic It’s everything you’ve been looking forward to all year. Until…The stress of family ski trips hits. There’s so much to organise, kids to keep entertained and warm, and very quickly, the holiday can turn to a nightmare as the kids start causing problems. You forget certain things, people complain that they’re cold, and everyone wants to do different activities in different places. What was meant to be a relaxing break ends up being a stressful, tiring experience and you almost end up needing another holiday at the end. If that sounds like you, then here are seven tips to prepare for a stress-free holiday with kids and have that memorable family vacation you’ve always dreamed of. 1. Start with Proper Preparation Make sure everyone’s got everything they need before you go. Get a checklist that includes all the outerwear, the waterproof clothing, the thermal layers, stuff for apres ski, stuff for the evenings, helmets, goggles, gloves, socks, everything you could possibly need. Here’s a quick essential packing checklist for your family ski trip: That’s going to remove a lot of stress on arrival when you realise you’ve forgotten certain things and you have to run into the ski resort and go shopping, and everything’s triple the expense that it should be back home. Get prepared before you go. 2. Book Everything in Advance If you’re traveling during the school holidays, turning up to a ski resort with your family and expecting just to book ski lessons or get ski rental is gonna end in disaster. A lot of this stuff is fully booked and you’re gonna be left with the bottom of the barrel if you get anything at all—the worst times, the worst equipment. You can even go one step further and book services like Snopro who will actually deliver ski rental to your accommodation so you don’t have to faff around in ski hire shops, lugging everyone’s gear back to your chalet or your hotel and just starting the holiday on the first day with a stressful morning experience getting all the equipment ready. 3. Choose a Family-Friendly Resort Some resorts are incredibly family-friendly, others are not so much. When you’re doing your research, look for resorts that have ski schools, lots of beginner areas, lots of nursery slopes, and are easy for families to enjoy with added family fun things to do. Maybe it’s ice rinks, bowling, things like that in the evening. Avoid more hardcore expert ski resorts which are just for the decent level skiers and lack other amenities around the villages and towns. 4. Stay as Close to the Slopes as Possible Nothing starts a day off worse than having to trek through a town or a village for 10 or 20 minutes trying to walk your way to the slopes with all your kids, skis and boots and poles on and flying around everywhere. Or having to corral everyone onto a bus. The closer you can stay to the slopes as possible—even if you can get ski-in/ski-out—it’s going to make your life so much easier if you can just pop your skis on in the morning and hit the slopes instead of having to trek everyone’s kit across town. 5. Pack Snacks and Water Food on the mountain can be expensive in a ski resort, and it can be quite limited, especially if you’ve got kids who are picky eaters. Make sure to pack food, snacks, water in a little backpack for your days out on the slopes. That means as soon as anyone’s feeling a little tired, you can get them a little energy boost with some food and water. You can avoid long lunch queues and expenses on the mountains. Even think about taking a packed lunch that you can enjoy in the sun if the weather’s looking good. Everyone’s going to have a much nicer time than squeezing into expensive, busy restaurants. 6. Plan Alternative Activities Some kids might not want to ski all day every day like a lot of ski-addict adults. And there’s usually plenty of other fun stuff you can do, particularly when the weather’s bad. Think about the fun swimming pools that ski resorts have, which can be child-friendly areas and spa areas for everyone to enjoy. There’s tubing, you could go to the movies, you could go and eat some foods, like have a fondue. It’s going to prevent burnout and people getting frustrated with skiing, particularly when the weather’s bad. 7. Plan for Shorter Ski Days Kids, especially young kids, are going to tire more quickly than adults. If you’re expecting to go out and ski the length and breadth of a huge European ski resort with young kids, it’s going to be quite a stressful experience, particularly late in the day when the snow gets heavy, there are moguls and slush, it’s busy with people getting to and from different areas of the resort. Instead, plan for a shorter ski day. Maybe start earlier in the morning and finish earlier in the afternoon. Go back and relax in your accommodation and plan some fun afternoon activities rather than trying to ski every single hour of the day and people getting tired, frustrated, grumpy in the afternoons. Proper planning = Stress-Free Family Ski Trips Planning… That’s really the key to enjoying a better family ski holiday. Get the right equipment, look for the services that are going to make your life stress-free, whether that’s your ski rental or your ski lessons. Look for family-friendly resorts and pick fun activities to do alongside skiing. Don’t just expect to ski all day, […]
Strawberry Lane Tree Tents, West Sussex - jugglingonrollerskates
I first came across Tree Tents back in 2019 when we stayed in one of their incredible spherical pods at the Secret Campsite near Lewes. I was blown away by the genius of their design, innovation and dedication to sustainability. Tree Tents proudly craft their structures to complement their surroundings, using locally sourced materials and existing in harmony with neighbouring wildlife. ‘People are really looking for experiences where nature is at the fore; where the accommodation fits with its surroundings and reminisces with old ways of living outdoors.’ Jason Thawley. The Sussex based business, founded by Jason Thawley, now boasts an international portfolio with Tree Tents expanding into the US due to their popularity. Despite their global success, their roots are still very much here in Sussex. They recently opened their first official Tree Tents site at Little Thakeham Farm, at a location set in stunning woodland in West Sussex. I was thrilled to be invited to visit as one of their first guests earlier this spring. Blessed with a very cold, but gloriously clear weekend I packed my woolly hat and thermal layers and headed to the woods to explore! Strawberry Lane Tree Tents Strawberry Lane is hidden down a winding track, totally off grid ensuring that you slow down and disconnect during your time here. My friend, Kat and I loaded our rations (pizza toppings, cocktail ingredients and breakfast pastries!) into our trolley and headed across the fields to find camp. Through a gate and over a couple of streams we came to an opening in the trees, surrounded by wildflowers we found our home for the night – Strawberry Lane Tree Tent. The Site At the heart of the site is the Tree Tent itself, with a set of wooden stairs taking you to a cosy double bedroom complete with wood burner to see you through the night and views across the neighbouring forest. There’s much more here than just a place to sleep though.. a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with pizza oven; a wood fuelled hot tank for wild bathing and a gorgeous shower and bathroom in a fuselage style wash house mean that despite being in the middle of the woods your every need is catered for. The Kitchen We spent the evening making delicious Margarita sours whilst prepping our pizzas huddled around the wood fuelled oven. The outdoor kitchen had everything we needed including gas hob, utensils and seasoning – there’s even a popcorn maker and toastie tool if you fancy (we used the toastie tool to heat our home made sausage rolls, so good!). As the evening rolled on the stars became brighter. There’s minimal light pollution in this area and the night skies were breath-taking. After spending several hours watching the constellations whilst putting the world to rights it was time to hunker down in the Tree Tent. Sleeping Inside the Tree Tent there’s a spacious double bed complete with its own bedding. The temperature fell below zero on the night we stayed, we thought we may need extra blankets but we were super snug. There’s a small wood burner to keep the pod warm and a shelf with a light and USB charger. The elevated position of the tent gives a different perspective to sleeping on the ground. As you lie in bed you can hear the sounds of the woodland on the other side of the canvas as you gently rock as the branches sway. We fell asleep listening to the leaves blowing in the wind, woke in the night to hear an owl and were roused in the morning to the sound of a deer raiding the camp kitchen looking for leftovers! Our alarm clock was indeed a very inquisitive and friendly young buck. I’ve never met such a fearless and confident wild deer. Watching him explore our camp whilst allowing us to get right next to him was really special, it really did feel like a fairy-tale. Wash Room Coffee on the boil, it was time to freshen up for the day ahead. One of the luxuries of this site is that it comes with its very own wash room, a very stylish wash room at that! We were able to enjoy a warm shower and ‘proper’ toilet before packing up. Sadly, we failed miserably at getting the hot tank warm enough for a dunk (air temp was just too cold) so the hot shower was the perfect alternative. I absolutely loved our night in the woods with Tree Tents. Strawberry Lane offers the perfect balance of allowing guests to feel close to nature whilst keeping some necessary creature comforts. Sleeping in a Tree Tent is a totally unique experience that you have to try to fully appreciate. I felt a bit like I was staying in the Merry Men camp from Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (remember that!?) I was Maid Marion, of course.. which just highlights how much of an escape from reality this magical place really is. Tree Tents at Strawberry Lane is now open for guests and taking bookings. Please check their website for full details.
Trail shoes, Trainers or Hiking Boots? - jugglingonrollerskates
Gone are the days where the trusty trainers served multiple roles. Today we are swamped with branding, marketing and endless choice when it comes to buying footwear for our preferred sports and hobbies. It can be completely overwhelming! I hike and run. In years gone by I would probably have made do with a sturdy pair of trainers that vaguely served all purposes. Not anymore. I do think it’s important to look after your feet and invest in footwear that’s not only going to make you more comfortable but will also hopefully reduce the risk of injury. For this article I’m going to look at the different features that trail shoes, trainers and walking boots all offer. I hope it will offer some useful guidance to those, who like me, feel lost in the world of sports marketing at times. Trail Shoes Trail shoes are specifically designed for running off-road. They are designed to allow the wearer the freedom to run whilst offering greater protection against more challenging terrain such as uneven surfaces and wet conditions. They usually offer improved traction, cushioning and durability. They are also likely to be heavier than a traditional running shoe. When to buy a trail shoe? If you generally run off road. If you run off road more than hike. If you are looking for a more versatile hiking shoe eg. I want a shoe I can hike and run off road in. Trainers A trainer is designed to support the wearer in a range of physical activities such as running, gym workouts and high intensity training. Running shoes are designed to provide shock absorption whilst offering support around your ankles. They are lightweight to allow greater freedom of movement and speed. They are less durable in extreme weather than trail shoes and hiking boots. They are designed for road running or indoor workouts. When to buy trainers? If you’re looking for footwear to use in the gym or to support road running. Trainers are not advised for off-road running or hiking. Hiking Boots Hiking boots are specialised footwear designed for walking, especially for more challenging terrain. They will often sit higher than a trail shoe or trainer supporting the ankle as well as the feet. They are likely to be heavier and more heavy duty than other foot wear but this allows the shoes to offer significantly greater durability and protection whilst withstanding challenging conditions. When to buy hiking boots? You should invest in hiking boots if you are planning on walking off-road (rather than running) and are seeking greater protection again uneven terrain and conditions. This is a very simplistic guide. There are trail shoes that are light weight enough to occasionally use on the road, just like there are trainers durable enough to use off-road at times. It’s important to really understand what you need from your sports shoe and how you wish to use them to get the most out of your purchase. For more inspiration take a look at the adidas collection of waterproof trainers and hiking boots.
Scuba Diving in the Red Sea: The Best Five Spots to Stay in Egypt - jugglingonrollerskates
The Red Sea has long been a popular scuba diving destination thanks to its vibrant coral reefs and marine life. It’s home to several cities and towns that are well-suited to sunny package holidays. If you’re interested in curating exceptional diving packages for your clients, check out our guide on the Red Sea’s premier destinations below. Sharm El Sheikh: Gateway to Ras Mohammed National Park Located on the south of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el-Sheikh is famous for its proximity to the Shark and Yolanda reefs in Ras Mohammed National Park, as well as the Thistlegorm wreck. Its sheltered sandy beaches and diving spots make it the highlight of many Egypt Holidays packages. The area boasts numerous dive resorts to cater to various client budgets. The Four Seasons Resort Sharm el-Sheikh is a luxury option with over 3,000 palm trees and a mile-long private beach. The Mövenpick Resort Sharm el-Sheikh offers private balconies with sea views for a quieter, more affordable alternative. After a day in the water, clients can relax in the bars and restaurants of palm-tree-lined Naama Bay. Hurghada: Access to Abu Nuhas Shipwrecks Hurghada has quickly become a major watersports destination, with kitesurfing, windsurfing, snorkelling, and scuba diving facilities. Its waters are home to numerous shipwrecks, including the Giannis D and the Carnatic. Clients new to diving will enjoy Hurghada’s shallow, sheltered bays, while more experienced divers can visit wrecks at El Gouna. Nature enthusiasts can spot Napoleon wrasse and barracuda on a day trip to the Giftun Islands. The Kempinski Soma Bay is a hotel surrounded by the Red Sea on three sides, with a golf course, spa, professional dive centre, and multiple bars and restaurants for clients looking for a luxurious experience. Marsa Alam: Gateway to Elphinstone Reef Marsa Alam is the closest town to Elphinstone Reef, a 375-metre-long offshore reef that features abundant soft corals and sea life. Divers can spot several shark species, including grey reef, silver tip, scalloped hammerhead, and oceanic white tip. The town is a quieter alternative to Hurghada, authentically representing everyday Egyptian life. Just 45 kilometres south of town is the vast Wadi el-Gemal National Park, where clients can spot gazelles, wild donkeys, and over 1,200 types of fish across several islands. Families can stay at the JAZ Lamaya Resort for an all-inclusive experience and private beach. Dahab: Home to the Blue Hole Dahab is celebrated for the Blue Hole, a world-famous submarine sinkhole and dive site that attracts advanced divers. Close by is a deep, rocky crevice home to green turtles and schools of bannerfish, and Lighthouse Bay, an area more suited to beginners with hard and soft corals and parrotfish. Clients can also try windsurfing in Dahab. Its reliable winds, with over 300 days of wind a year, create flat water conditions inside the sand pit. The Safir Dahab Resort, on a sheltered natural lagoon on the outskirts of town, is an ideal base to explore the area. The Brothers Islands: Liveaboard Adventures El Ikhwa Islands, or the Brothers Islands, are accessible by liveaboard trips. Clients will travel to the islands 150 kilometres southeast of Hurghada on well-equipped vessels and explore multiple dive sites over several days. Once they arrive at these marine parks, they’ll discover healthy coral reefs full of pelagic sharks and the Aida and Numidia wrecks. The area has impressive visibility, making spotting reef fish swimming along the corals easy.