The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

5 must-read tips ahead of a family holiday

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It is likely that the whole clan will be excited for an upcoming holiday, as it will allow you all to have fun, enjoy some freedom, and spend quality time together.

Despite the many wonderful moments a holiday will have in store for you all, it can be easy to make small and large mistakes before and during your break away.

To ensure you have a smooth, enjoyable experience, here are five must-read tips ahead of a family holiday:

1. Pack birth certificates

If you are set to travel alone with your kids who have a different surname or are adopted, you must pack their birth certificates and even their adoption papers before leaving for an airport.

It can prevent an issue from arising at border control that could lead to you missing your flight.

2. Don’t forget the travel vaccinations

If you’re planning to visit an exotic destination, you will likely be researching the best sun lotions for your kids, stocking up on fun beach towels and ensuring that every family member has appropriate clothing to wear. Yet, you might not have considered the need for travel vaccinations, which could protect you and your children from various diseases, such as:

  • Malaria
  • Rabies
  • Yellow fever
  • Japanese encephalitis

It is, however, essential to book an appointment with your doctor many months in advance, which will ensure that you, your other half, and your children all receive the appropriate immunisations to protect against foreign illnesses.

3. Book child-friendly flight times

Long flights can lead to tiredness and irritability for your kids and could make parents wish they had remained at home.

To ensure you don’t regret your decision, you should pay a little extra for child-friendly flight times.

For example, if your children are under the age of five years old, you should attempt to secure an early morning flight, as young kids tend to become a little crankier as the day wears on.

It might also be beneficial to book a room at a hotel airport, which can eliminate hassle and stress prior to travel.

4. Rent a Car

Travelling via public transport with your kids on holiday can be a nightmare.

If you want to take the stress out of journeying from A to B, you should rent a car at your chosen destination.

For example, there are car hire services at Malaga airport available, which will allow you to jump into a vehicle as soon as you have passed through security and claimed your luggage.

So, you can quickly transport the kids to your accommodation once you have left an airport.

5. Pre-Book as much as possible

While turning up at a landmark, attraction or restaurant might have been fine before you welcomed kids into the world, it might not be the best option when you have tired, hungry and irritable children in tow.

It is a smart idea to pre-book as many activities and restaurants as possible, which could also help you to skip lengthy queues, and will ensure you have more time for fun at a destination.

3 Kid-Friendly Vacation Ideas

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When it’s time for a holiday and you have kids in tow, you’ll probably be wondering where to go and what to do in order to keep boredom at bay and score some time for yourself to relax, put your feet up, and unwind.

Here are three kid-friendly vacation ideas to help you plan a memorable getaway that every member of the family will be sure to appreciate.

Theme parks in Orlando, Florida

Many parents and children alike will agree that Orlando, Florida in the USA is the mecca for kid-friendly holidays and heaps of family fun. The main reason is that it’s chockfull of theme parks for every mood and every interest. From the Walt Disney World Resort, where they can meet their favourite Disney characters, to SeaWorld® Orlando, which is home to Orlando’s tallest, fastest, longest and only ‘floorless’ coaster known as ‘Kraken®’.

With a brand new rollercoaster set to make its debut in 2020, you can be sure that there won’t be a single minute’s worth of boredom the entire vacation long.

Worried about the prices for Orlando park tickets? Fear not. It is possible to take advantage of numerous incredible ticket deals on offer, including FlexiTickets and Combo tickets which allow you to visit multiple parks over a specified period of time at a massively discounted price.

It’s the best way to get maximum enjoyment and the maximum bang for your buck.

Beach life in Mauritius

You can’t go wrong with a traditional family beach holiday in Mauritius. When the kids aren’t swimming in the ocean or digging moats in the sand, you can be almost 100% certain that the resort or hotel in which you’re staying also hosts a vibrant kids club. These clubs are designed to keep children busy for a few hours so that the parents can also make the most of their holiday experience by hitting the spa, savouring a cocktail poolside, or working on their tan.

There are also countless water activities for adults and older kids to take part in, including water skiing, surfing and snorkelling. New to these sports? The great news is that most hotels offer lessons at an affordable fee.

Skiing in France

You’ll find some of the best child-friendly ski resorts in France. For example, Avoriaz, which has prime position in the centre of the gargantuan Portes du Soleil, is a firm family favourite.

It’s a charming resort and a top pick for beginner skiers and snowboarders, making it the perfect choice for little ones whose skiing skills aren’t quite up to scratch just yet. Plus, kids of all ages will love the fact that sleighs are the main mode of transport in the area!

Skiing in general offers a great opportunity for families to bond, and is an alternative to a sun-drenched getaway for those who are looking to engage in more activity rather than lazing around. It’s time to put the kids’ boundless energy to good use!

Don’t let family vacations stress you out. With a bit of careful planning and a clever destination choice, you’re all sure to get maximum enjoyment out of the experience and return home feeling fulfilled, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle any new challenge that comes your way!

5 Most Fun Things to do in Portugal

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Planning for a vacation to Portugal? You have made the best decision ever. Located in Southwestern Europe and bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal is a country with striking scenes. It is a country where millions of tourists visit annually. Sunny beaches, festivals, surfing, canoeing, visiting national parks, clubbing, and many other activities that will entice you are found in Portugal.

However, if you have not made up your mind where you would like to spend your vacation. Then Portugal is the best place you need to visit. I know convincing you at this stage is very challenging. Thus, in this guide, you will learn about the most fun things you can do while in Portugal. In the end, I know you will have made up your mind.

Sports

Looking forward to watch your favorite race track event in Portugal? Then the Circuito Estoril is where you need to go during your vacation. Found near the shores of the Atlantic it has attractive views and you will be amazed while watching famous race track drivers competing. Furthermore, you can go play golf in the best courses in Portugal. You can the best golf packages through the Algarve golf holidays.

Canoeing

You want to experience a whole new experience of canoeing. You might be doing this for the first time or it’s your hobby. While visiting Portugal you can go canoeing in Furnas Lake. Located in the Azores this is one of the attractive places you can visit. Furnas Lake is unique because the water is green. Moreover, the landscape around this lake is beautiful. It is in between hills covered with bamboo trees, meadows, and redwood trees.

Taste Wine

Wine is a precious drink you can have while relaxing. Your only purpose in going to Portugal is relaxation. And one of the best ways while you are there is tasting the finest wines from the best wineries in Portugal. Therefore, one of the best places to get the best wine is the Douro Valley it has several wineries like Porto Calem. So, if you are a wine enthusiast then visiting Portugal is your best option as you will drink wine at any time. An interesting thing is that wine is not reserved for special events. You can drink wine in Portugal the way you want.

Partying

Do you enjoy partying? Or do you want to explore the best parties? Then Portugal is the best place you need to go. With several club’s restaurants and casinos, the nightlife in Portugal is always amazing. To have a great time you can visit cities like Porto, Braga, Lisbon, and Algarve for the best parties. Consequently, if you are looking forward to going for your vacation in Portugal then I assure you will have a great time to party. Additionally, while in Lisbon you can go to Bairro Alto District. This is considered as the home of nightlife in this city. Furthermore, you can explore other nightlife places like Cais do Sodre.

Fado Music

Listening to new music can be so appealing. And where’s is the best place to listen to the best kind of music than Portugal? Fado is the best kind of music you can listen to when you visit Lisbon. This type of music is dated back to 1800. If you fear not listening to Fado while in Lisbon you can travel to Coimbra and have a good taste of Fado. The following are music houses in Lisbon where you can listen to Fado. They include:

  • Clube do Fado in Alfama
  • The Fado Museum
  • Fado de Alfama

Conclusion

You now have made your decision about visiting Portugal. The above are things you can do when you go for your vacation to Portugal. There are many other things you can do while in Portugal. It is a cool country where you can enjoy your holidays. Thank you for your time and you can comment or share this guide.

How to Experience the Best of Iceland on a Budget

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Visiting Iceland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people and offers travellers a unique experience that no other country in the world can match. The cost of living in Iceland is high, so the prices of food, drink, travel, and accommodation can be a bit of a shock to tourists. However, this doesn’t mean that only the very wealthy can experience Iceland.

Flights to Iceland generally use up the biggest chunk of your budget, but if you use comparison websites, you might be able to get cheap flights online and save yourself a significant amount of money. For accommodation, hostels will usually offer the best deals. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, make sure you compare international accommodation prices to find something that fits into your budget.

Here’s how to keep your trip as budget-friendly as possible.

Avoid eating in pricey restaurants

Food in Iceland is renowned for being costly and, if you’re not careful, you could end up over spending on meals. Try to find a hotel or hostel that includes breakfast so you can fill up before you head out in the morning. Eating in restaurants in cities and near tourist attractions is likely to be expensive, so the more regularly you can eat in smaller cafes or food stands the more you’ll save. If you can find a supermarket (the main store chain is called Bonus) try and stock up on snacks you can take with you while you’re out and about.

Instead of buying bottles of drinking water, bring a refillable bottle you can top up when you find a cold water tap. Cold tap water in Iceland is pure and safe to drink, but be careful with hot water from the tap as it is often high in sulphur. Alcohol is also expensive in Iceland so stock up on some duty-free alcohol at the airport.

Take your own layers

While it sounds like an obvious statement, the weather in Iceland is incredibly cold and many people underestimate just how many layers they will need when out seeing the sights  – especially at night. If you end up having to buy extra layers while you’re there, you’ll be eating into your budget unnecessarily. In addition, if you’re planning on camping or staying in hostels, bring your own sleeping bag and sheets as you may be charged extra to hire them.

Take advantage of free activities

Often people can spend a lot of money on tours and visiting the famous natural landmarks, but Iceland has more than enough free beauty to keep you busy. For example, while many people head to the Blue Lagoon and pay around 5,000 ISK (around R600) to enter, there are free hot springs that are just as beautiful, such as Reykjadalur – only 40 minutes outside of Reykjavik.

Another stunning place to visit is the seaside village of Vík í Mýrdal with naturally formed basalt stacks which border the black sands Reynisfjara beach. Other natural sights to see include the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the Hallgrimskirkja church, or a nature reserve in Iceland’s capital called Elliðaárdalur. 

To get the most out of your trip to Iceland, the best strategy is to research and plan as much as possible before you arrive. Look at several different options for accommodation, plan your itinerary with as many free activities as you can.

5 Reasons You Need to Visit Oman at Least Once in Your Life

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When you put your bucket list together, you probably have the typical exciting adventures on it. Attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Canyon are commonly placed on the “must visit” list, and skydiving or swimming with dolphins are on the “to do” side. But an overlooked treasure that should be on everyone’s “must” list is visiting Oman.

This small but incredible country is full of history and charm. Oman is celebrated around the world for its unique architecture and focus on protecting its country’s past and treasures, with good reason. There are some magnificent sights one can only see in this area, so you should make sure to visit Oman at least once in your life and explore.

Add These 5 Attractions  in Oman to Your List

  1. Muttrah Souq – If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of the marketplace in Oman, head to Muttrah, in the capital Governorate of Muscat. Here you’ll find just about anything you’re looking for to purchase. The traditional Omani products are sought after everywhere because of their high quality. Bring home some Omani clothes, fabrics, or jewelry as your souvenir.
  2. The Grand Mosque – Omani architecture is seen in many movies and cartoons as the source of their settings. The Grand Mosque is one of the most commonly replicated. It’s one of the Sultan Qaboos’ most impressive creations, built in 2001. The magnificent large dome is seen from miles away and the expansive minarets, arches, and other aspects of the mosque make it unique and awe-inspiring.
  3. Salalah – There are incredible options if you want to book a Salalah tour package from Dubai. The problem is trying to decide which part of this historical city you want to explore. Choose from the city tour in which you get to explore tradition through museums and parks and one of the most ancient cities, Zufar. Or take a camel ride to the Eastern villages to see how everyone lives when they are mired in history and tradition. There’s no wrong choice when you head to Salalah.
  4. The Beaches – Oman is surrounded by the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, so if you want to head to the beaches, there are plenty to choose from. These beaches are known around the world for their spectacular pure white sands. It’s a beauty unlike any you’ve ever seen.
  5. The Castles – With such a vast and ancient history, of course Oman has had to defend itself over time. This is evident in the historical forts and castles that still stand and are there for you to explore. Immerse yourself in the history of Oman while you are transported back in time through forts like the Nakhal or Nizwa and castles like the Jibreen. They’re found just about everywhere you go.

History and Tradition are Still Alive in Oman

Oman has it all: sandy beaches, shopping, nature, and museums. They’re all found in a perfect balance of contemporary living and tradition. Why not do something out of the ordinary and explore this wonder of the ancient world on your next getaway?