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Monica

Hi, I'm Monica! This is my family lifestyle blog where I share posts about motherhood and microadventures.

La Coruna was probably my favourite stop during my recent cruise with Princess Cruises. We’d already been to Guernsey, La Rochelle and Bilbao so, after three beautiful destinations, it’s a bold claim to say La Coruna was my favourite! I think it’s because I had no expectations when I arrived in La Coruna. I’d tried …

Read More about 10 Things to do from La Coruna cruise port, Spain

I’m not being dramatic here. This isn’t some click bait title followed by a useless fluffy blog post. I have genuinely established an exercise routine that has actually changed everything.  It’s changed: My energy levels My health My muscle tone My outlook on how I work What I wear How I take care of myself …

Read More about Life Hacks: The exercise routine that has changed everything

Visiting Ile de Re from a cruise ship was one of the highlights from my recent trip with Princess Cruises. Our second stop aboard the Sky Princess was La Rochelle and there was the option to take a shore excursion to Ile de Re. It was an opportunity I knew I couldn’t miss as I’d …

Read More about Postcards from Ile de Re France: Visiting Ile de Re from a cruise

What’s the best travel steam iron for your next trip? If you haven’t come across the wonderful world of travel steamers yet then be prepared to have your life changed! I’ve been using a steamer for years now, mostly because I’m terrible at ironing and too lazy to get the ironing board out every time …

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Today I’d like to share a new jewellery brand I’m loving as this waterproof jewellery is perfect for travelling and would make a great gift for a frequent traveller! There’s also a 15% off code using the link below! Hey Harper jewellery is made from stainless steel with a coating that won’t fade. You can …

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Visiting Guernsey was one of the highlights during my recent cruise aboard the Sky Princess. I was so excited to visit this beautiful little island and get a taste of island life. Guernsey was the first stop on my Sky Princess cruise. We departed from Southampton the previous afternoon and woke up on the sunny …

Read More about Visiting Guernsey from a cruise ship: What to do in Guernsey during a quick trip

How to pack light for winter travel I’ve shared so many tips to help you pack light for various holidays but one question I’m frequently asked is, ‘How do you pack light for winter travel?’ I’ll admit that it’s not as easy to pack light for a cold trip where you’ll need lots of layers …

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In today’s post I want to tell you about my recent cruise aboard the Sky Princess! This was a magical journey and boarding the ship was so exciting. This was my first time cruising from the UK and I loved the ease and simplicity of it. My trip with Princess Cruises was a media trip …

Read More about Cruising from the UK and boarding the Sky Princess from Southampton

For some people, picking out your airplane outfit is an afterthought. You’ve picked your outfits for your holiday and haven’t even thought about what to wear to get there! But for others, this is a big deal! I love picking out stylish airplane outfits. I love getting them ready and hanging them up so they’re …

Read More about 7 Stylish airplane outfits + inspo for comfy women’s travel outfits

If you want to get some shut eye on your next flight then here are the best flight accessories for sleeping on a plane. To sleep on a plane you need to be: Comfortable Warm (but not hot) Able to block out everything around you Thankfully there are plenty of flight accessories to help you …

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If you’re planning to visit some National Trust attractions in North Wales then I’ve got 10 of my favourites that you can’t miss! I live in North Wales and I’ve been a National Trust member since my eldest son was born seven years ago. I now have three children and I love taking them to …

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If you’re looking for the best women’s paddle board and paddle board clothing then you’re in the right place. I’ve tried out countless women’s paddle boards and I purchased my own a couple of years ago. I truly believe I’ve got the best paddle board for smaller women and I am so pleased with it! …

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Are you planning a holiday with friends and feeling completely overwhelmed? You’re thinking about budgets, schedules, dates, flights, trains, accommodation, activities, meals, snacks, taxis, buses, everyday logistics, packing, clothing, luggage, currency, mobile data plans and passports. And that’s just the things you need to deal with while you’re away. What about work and your house …

Read More about Trip planning: My travel hacks to plan a holiday with friends

Are you in the UK and you’re looking for the best hard shell suitcase for your next trip? You’ve probably been searching online and found it to be an absolute minefield. When did hard shell suitcases get so expensive and those conflicting reviews are confusing. I know, I’ve been there! Thankfully for you, I have …

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If you’re a regular reader of The Travel Hack you will already know that I love luggage! Some women love shoes and handbags but I love suitcases and travel bags! I just love that feeling of organising everything neatly inside a suitcase. I’ve needed to get a set of good quality suitcases for our family …

Read More about Antler Luggage Review: Clifton set of 3 in taupe

Last year I went all out with Christmas events and we did so many. I love Christmas but I don’t enjoy the commercialism and the over-buying it often entails. So, rather than spending a fortune on tacky Christmas presents for my kids, I decided to treat them to some festive days out and Christmas events. …

Read More about 16 family Christmas events in North Wales and Cheshire for 2024

Do you want to know what the prices in Ibiza are like? Is Ibiza expensive? It’s a question lots of people have asked me since returning from a 4-day trip to Ibiza with my friend, Jen. I’d heard horror stories about the prices in Ibiza. Tales of water costing €10 for a tiny bottle and …

Read More about Is Ibiza expensive? Prices in Ibiza during a 4-day trip

If you’re planning a chilled weekend in Ibiza then this this itinerary is for you. And if want to know what to do in Ibiza, that doesn’t involve visiting super clubs or hanging out in San Antonio, then keep reading! I visited Ibiza on a chilled girls’ holiday and we had such a great time. …

Read More about Finding the quiet side of Ibiza: A chilled weekend in Ibiza

Today’s blog post is all about my day trip to Formentera from Ibiza with everything we did and easy instructions on how to get to Formentera from Ibiza. ‘We should visit Formentera from Ibiza while we’re here,’ Jen said casually as we attempted to make a plan for our four days in Ibiza. I’d just …

Read More about How to get to Formentera from Ibiza and things to do in Formentera

I’ve just returned from my third trip to Valencia and I still don’t think I’ve done all the things to do in Valencia! This gorgeous city is bustling and vibrant but also laid back, so it’s the perfect place for a short break. With this 3 day Valencia itinerary, you get all the excitement of …

Read More about Things to do in Valencia: The perfect 3 day Valencia itinerary

If you’re travelling abroad for the first time in a while you may be feeling confused about the rules surrounding hand luggage liquids. What liquids can you take in your hand luggage and how much are you allowed? With ridiculously long queues in airports at the moment and huge delays at airport security, the very …

Read More about How to Travel with Hand Luggage Liquids (& fit all your toiletries in that tiny bag!)

I’ve lived in North Wales nearly all of my life but there are still hidden gems and gorgeous beaches I still discover today. Porth Iago is one of those! Porth Iago is a beautiful, sheltered beach on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. It’s a little tricky to access as the car park is on …

Read More about Porth Iago: Is this the best beach in North Wales?

Have you ever considered a family camping holiday to Europe? Many people will have grown up with their family summer holidays spent camping in Europe but, if you’re anything like me, it’s not something my family ever did so it’s a holiday style that was not on my radar. I wasn’t aware of the incredible …

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Today I’m sharing my ultimate kids activity pack that is perfect for travel or whenever you need to keep your kids entertained in small spaces! If, like me, you have kids who don’t sit still then these activity pack ideas will come in so handy. I have three young children (ages 7, 5 and 2) …

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I’ve just returned from a family holiday to Majorca and it’s given me a taster for our future family holidays. As much as I love a ‘flop ‘n drop’ beach holiday, I can’t wait for my kids to be a little older and have a real family adventure together.  Here are some family holiday ideas …

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This family holiday packing list includes affiliate links. If you’re packing for a family holiday and you’re starting to feel overwhelmed by all the stuff you need then I’m here to help! I’ve created this easy to follow family packing list so you can check everything off as you pack it. We’re going on a …

Read More about Your family holiday packing list with printable holiday checklist

If you’re travelling from a UK airport this summer you might be feeling a bit nervous about the current chaotic situation. The news is full of images of ridiculously long queues and stories of travellers missing their flights due to mega delays. Some people are waiting hours for their luggage and flights are being cancelled …

Read More about 10 Tips to survive UK airport chaos this summer

This blog post has been created in collaboration with Cedar Tree. As with all collaborations on The Travel Hack, this is a brand I use myself and I’d only ever recommend an insurance brand I’m happy to use for myself and my family. If you decide to take out a Cedar Tree travel insurance policy, …

Read More about Cedar Tree: The travel insurance you need this summer that covers against Covid and cancellations!

This post has been created in collaboration with Stagecoach but all opinions are my own. We all know the cost of living is rising. It’s a hard fact to avoid right now. Every time I turn on the TV I see reports about the cost of fuel and I wince each time I fill my …

Read More about A travel hack for the cheapest day out possible with Stagecoach Bus Trip Challenge

Have you seen the viral videos online showing people packing for a month away using vacuum sealed bags and just a tiny suitcase or backpack? If you’ve ever used a vacuum sealed bag before you’ll know how amazing they are for compressing soft items and saving so much space. Many people have used vacuum storage …

Read More about Using vacuum sealed bags for travelling: The BEST way to save luggage space

If you’re looking for a new weekend break destination then I have a great suggestion for you today – Vilnius in Lithuania! I’m sure many people won’t have heard of Vilnius and definitely won’t have considered Lithuania as a holiday destination! But I urge you to think again because Vilnius is perfect for a weekend …

Read More about 10 things to do in Vilnius in Lithuania for a weekend break

A picnic backpack is one of those things I’ve wanted for so long but I stooped myself from buying one because it seemed a bit…unnecessary. But now that I’ve had one for a year I wish I’d got it years ago! What a game changer. It makes family days out so much easier. It’s great …

Read More about 10 picnic backpacks: The best insulated picnic bags

We’ve just returned from a 4-night stay at Barcelo Nura in Biniancollet on the south coast of Menorca so I thought I’d share a quick review and some helpful tips for anyone thinking of visiting. Barcelo Nura is a new hotel in a quiet and beautiful area of Menorca. It’s perfect for an adult getaway, …

Read More about Barcelo Nura Review: Our 5 star Menorca all inclusive

I’ve just returned from Costa Dorada where I had the most incredible trip. This trip was a press trip with Jet2 so I’d like to begin by thanking them for such an amazing experience! I love that Costa Dorada can be an easy package holiday destination, but there’s also loads to see and do once …

Read More about 1 week in Costa Dorada + 30 Things to do in Costa Dorada

Last week I visited Costa Dorada in Spain for a taste of what it’s like to have a family holiday in the region. Costa Dorada is in Catalonia, just below Barcelona on the Mediterranean coastline. The area is famous for its golden beaches, blue seas and family-friendly resorts which attract holiday makers from all over …

Read More about 10 reasons you should visit Costa Dorada for your next family holiday

I’m debunking the hand luggage myth today and answering the question about whether or not you can take razors on a plane in your hand luggage. Instinct has always told me that you can’t take razors in your hand luggage and, I’ll be honest, I didn’t ever bother to research if this were true or …

Read More about Can you take razors in hand luggage? FAQs + the surprising answers!