Travel tips for work and pleasure: Transform your hotel into a home

There are two main reasons that most people travel; for pleasure and for work. These two modes of travel put you in a different frame of mind, such that you may react totally differently to the same events. For example, getting up early for a work trip may make you feel lethargic. However, getting up at the same time for holidays can leave you energised, curious and excited. You’ll probably relish seeing the sun come up, knowing this means your holidays are just about to begin. Below, we’ve set out a few, helpful travel tips – whether you’re going on a business trip or setting out on a holiday adventure.

Travelling for work

If you travel for work, you’ll probably visit the same cities, stay at the same hotels and mostly go to the same restaurants. Chances are you won’t be looking for anything new or different. You’ll try to keep your routine and give your job responsibilities all of your focus. When you want to relax after a hard day’s work, it will benefit you to revert to the familiar, your comfort zone. But how can you achieve that in a sterile hotel environment? Firstly, you can ask yourself what makes your home feel familiar. Often this will be some small keepsake items and the rituals you follow at home.

Making things familiar (1)

Think about your home rituals for bathing. Maybe you like a particular essential oil, candle or soap. Perhaps you read your favourite magazine. Are you able to take these things with you, or find them on your travels? Maybe you like to drink a certain type of tea in your favourite mug while watching the news. Is it possible for you to bring your favourite mug and tea with you? Perhaps you simply enjoy watching TV in a bathrobe and thick, warm socks. Well, pack and bring your socks with you! Even the smallest things can transport us back and enhance the feeling of homeliness.

Travelling for pleasure

Reminders of home are probably less important when you travel for pleasure. On holiday, you have a different frame of mind as you are probably entering a new environment. Travelling for pleasure often means escaping from your everyday world, but this feeling may not last. You may find that unpacking and organising your things in a familiar manner helps you to focus on the purpose of your trip.

Making things familiar (2)

If your stay is for more than a few nights, you can unpack all your clothes and put them away tidily. You can use the bathroom space for your toiletries and maybe your favourite adult toys. There’ll usually be an ideal spot for your empty suitcase so that you can forget about it until it’s time to repack and check out. By doing these simple things, you can actually temporarily move into your hotel room and behave as if you own the place. By organising your hotel room as you like it, you won’t feel like a guest any more, rather you’ll feel comfortable and able to act like the room belongs to you, and in fact, so long as you stay there, it does!

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7 travel essentials for your next family holiday

Planning a family holiday can be an inspiring experience, but it’s also a lot of work to ensure everyone is prepared for the journey. Packing up all your essentials might seem overwhelming initially, but with careful planning and preparation, you can ensure every family member has everything they need. To help take the stress out of packing for your next big getaway, here are seven travel essentials to make your trip hassle-free.

7 travel essentials for your next family holiday

Exploring new, exciting places with your family is a great way to create unforgettable memories you will cherish forever. However, packing for family vacations can be a daunting task. Packing the right travel essentials is important to ensure a stress-free trip. Here are 7 travel essentials you should consider taking on your next family holiday.

1. First aid kit

Emergencies are unpredictable and can happen when we least expect them to. Having a first aid kit handy is an essential tool to alleviate any pain and injuries that may occur. With the convenience of packing a first aid kit containing items such as plasters, bandages, antiseptic cream and painkillers, anyone can avoid the hassle of seeking a pharmacy, especially in an unfamiliar location. This compact kit can be handy during outdoor activities, travelling or simply keeping it in your car in case of an unexpected injury. Keep your mind at ease and form a safety net by remembering to always carry a first aid kit.

2. Extra sets of clothes

When it comes to travelling with the family, preparation is vital. One item that should always make it onto your packing list is extra sets of clothes for each family member. While it may seem unnecessary to a lengthy list, having extra clothes has saved many vacations from becoming complete disasters. From sudden rain showers to clumsy spills, accidents happen, and having spare sets of clothes on hand can help ease the stress of unexpected mishaps. Plus, it never hurts to be extra cautious. So, throw a few different outfits into your suitcase – you never know when they’ll come in handy!

3. Portable charger

Today, we rely on our smartphones and tablets; from checking emails to watching movies. However, there’s nothing more frustrating than being in the middle of an important task or a long journey and having your device’s battery run out. That’s where a portable charger comes in handy. A portable charger can be a game-changer, giving you several hours of battery life and eliminating the need to search for a charging point. Whether travelling or just out for the day, a fully charged portable charger is a must-have and a lifesaver. It’s a small investment that pays off big time, especially for those on the go. With a portable charger, you’ll never have to worry about running out of battery again.

4. Travel pillow

You can turn your trip into a comfortable and restful experience with the right travel pillow. A travel pillow supports your neck and head and reduces the chances of waking up with a sore neck. Whether travelling by car to a nearby destination or flying halfway across the world, a good travel pillow is a must-have. So, next time you pack your bags, bring a cosy travel pillow to ensure you wake up refreshed and ready to explore.

5. Snacks

It’s no secret that hunger can strike at any moment, leaving you drained and moody. That’s why having a stash of tasty snacks on hand can be a real lifesaver, especially when you’re on the go. Non-perishable options like granola bars, nuts and dried fruits are perfect for tucking into day backpacks or bags, providing instant satisfaction and staving off hunger pangs until you can find a proper meal. Whether you’re headed on a road trip or running errands around town, having a range of tasty snacks at your disposal can transform a stressful day into a more peaceful and enjoyable one.

6. Entertainment

Travelling can be exciting, but long hours on the road can quickly turn restless. This is especially true for children who need constant engagement to avoid boredom. Fortunately, many forms of entertainment can help make the journey more enjoyable. Packaging various options can keep your family entertained for hours, whether it’s a good book, an engaging board game or a deck of cards. So, pack a few diversions in your travel bag next time you hit the road. You never know when they might come in handy.

7. Documents

Travelling is an exciting prospect, but it can also be quite nerve-wracking. There are many things to worry about, from packing to booking accommodation, on top of ensuring you have all your travel documents in order. It’s easy to forget something important, like your passport or visa, which could derail your trip. That’s why it’s important to double-check everything before you leave. Make sure you have all the necessary documents – including any travel insurance policies and boarding passes – and keep them in a safe and waterproof location. You can relax and focus on the adventure ahead, with everything in order.

Why do you need to plan your next family holiday?

Are you stressed and overwhelmed with work, school or daily routines? It’s time to escape and plan a family holiday! Planning a break gives you something to look forward to and provides quality time with loved ones. It’s an opportunity to explore new places, try different foods and make lasting memories that will be cherished for years. So, why start planning your next adventure today? Whether it’s a road trip, a beach holiday or a trip to Disney World, the possibilities for exciting family getaways are endless. Create memorable moments with your family before it’s too late. Take the initiative, plan a holiday and start making unforgettable memories making use of things like CBDfx CBD capsules, music systems, cameras, etc.

Final thoughts

Packing for a family holiday may seem daunting, but these seven travel essentials ensure your trip is smooth and stress-free. Remember to research the destination; plan specific activities and prepare for possible weather conditions. And, most importantly, have fun and enjoy your time together as a family. Happy travels!

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Our week that was: A day trip, a summer drink and a science fiction series

Another week has flown by – still without any rainfall to speak of – but we’ve been promised some in the coming days. We soaked up the sun on a day trip down the coast, foraged for wildflowers and absorbed ourselves in a riveting and thought-provoking TV series.

Day trip

We had a dog sitter booked for Monday so that we could head out on a day trip to somewhere we hadn’t been before. We decided to head off towards Llandysul to Bedwen Plants. There’s a nursery, winery and bistro all on site. We bought a few plants, including a wasabi and had coffees and cake platter… no wine was consumed or bought on this occasion!

On our way back home, we stopped off in Aberaeron for a walk around the town and harbour and another coffee at Harbourmaster.

Summer drink

For me, summer hasn’t properly started until I’ve picked some elderflowers and made cordial; it has become an annual ritual. I try to make at least 3 batches to drink now, freeze for later and bottle to give away to friends. If you want to try making your own, this is my preferred elderflower cordial recipe.

Severance

After finishing watching the first series of The Bear, we dived straight into Severance (I got Apple TV+ free for 3 months with a recent Apple Store purchase). The premise of ‘Severance’ is simple; employees of a company called Lumon Industries choose to undergo a procedure to have their ‘work’ and ‘home’ memories disconnected. You’d think it may be a good solution for achieving that elusive work-life balance. Each episode is more surreal than the previous one, and the series throws up all kinds of philosophical and existential questions. The sets, costumes and other visuals suggest a Mid-Century Modern, Mad Men kind of vibe, but – other than it being winter – the time in which it’s set is never referenced.

The Severance script is great, the acting is top-notch and many of the episodes were expertly directed by Ben Stiller. We can’t wait for the already confirmed second series!

Price Points: Rooftop tents

I can’t wait for summer! It’s the time of year that you spend more time outdoors; travelling a bit, doing some sightseeing, going to the beach, wild camping, hitting the boot sales at the crack of dawn…

We’ve toyed with the idea of getting ourselves a vintage camper van, but one of these rooftop tents is a really good stopgap. They’re better than run-of-the-mill tents because they’re raised off the ground, on to the roof of your vehicle; meaning the occupants are spared coming into contact with the cold, hard ground when they’re lying down to sleep. It also means that the probability of being visited by ground-dwelling critters (ants, scorpions, snakes, hyenas, grizzly bears… sorry, I’m letting my imagination get the better of me!) is diminished!

If extra space is needed (perhaps for storage or for the dog to bed down), a lower awning or ‘annex’ are options with some models. I like the idea of ‘gas-assisted opening’, so you’re not struggling with setting it up – especially if there happens to be gusts of wind or a very British downpour.

Ventura Deluxe 1.4 rooftop tent: £749.00, Ventura Roof Tents
The Ventura Deluxe 1.4 is an all round incredible roof tent. It opens up in seconds, sleeps 2-3 adults and is made from durable materials for the most extreme conditions. Weighing just 45kgs, the roof tent easily mounts on a set of roof bars on any small car, 4×4, pick up, van or trailer.
TUFF-TREK® TT-02 1.6m Soft Top Tent PRO Ruggedized: £1,650.00, Tuff Trek
• 320g polycotton fabric
• XTRA large fly sheet design
• XTRA large / double size side windows – improved ventilation in hot climates
• Tent body: 320g ripstop poly cotton canvas
• Flysheet: HD 420d fire retardant polyester fabric
• Lower annex room: 420d fire retardant polyester fabric, zipped in PVC ground sheet
• Upgraded 25mm aluminium frame tubes
• Rugged aluminium chequer plate base
• 1.65m wide model
• Lower annex room – included in price
• 70mm memory foam style mattress included (removable, washable cover)
• Free lower cargo net system
• 2x piece ladder included
• Fits most vehicles
TentBox Classic: £2,250.00, TentBox
• 2-person capacity
• Gas assisted opening, takes 1 min
• Space to store bedding & ladder inside
• Ladder, mattress & fixing kit included

shop rooftop tents

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Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Ventura Deluxe 1.4 rooftop tent
£749.00

TentBox Classic
£2,250.00