Sleeping Tight and Parking Right

One thing that can get the holiday off to a stressful start is an early flight.  I don't know about you but if I have to get up at a ridiculously early hour - or middle of the night - I can't sleep for worrying that I might miss the alarm and I'll spend my precious holiday sitting on a suitcase in the middle of the hallway.  And then of course there is the worry that the car might break down on the way to the airport or get a puncture.  Or, if going by train, that it might be delayed.  Oh, the permutations and possibilities are endless!
But of course many people like to spend the night before flying at a hotel near to the airport.  Not only does this allow an extra couple of hours sleep but also cuts out virtually all of those travel worries - although the extra expense can be tough to take.
However a few weeks ago, our guests were telling me about a good deal they had found with Holiday Extras which provided them with accommodation just 5 miles from Manchester airport and with parking and transfers all included.  Both came to less than £50 and bearing in mind that's for two people, I think it's a bargain - well worth it for peace of mind!
Although the whole booking was done through Holiday Extras, they could also have booked it independently for around the same cost directly with Altrincham Lodge and Purple Parking.
But of course, companies such as Holiday Extras are not restricted to Manchester Airport for good deals so no matter which airport you are flying from, it could be worth checking into!   Just make sure you are not staying near Gatwick airport and flying from Manchester.
Don't you just love holidays?

Travelling Light

As my family will happily tell you, I travel light.  In fact, it is a bit of a standing joke that I might turn up at a wedding or posh restaurant in shorts and T-shirt.  Or maybe that is just a comment about my fashion sense!
But it is true that in recent years, I have tended to restrict my luggage to a small backpack, whether I am going back to the UK for a quick visit or spending rather longer in the Far East.  I can't help it - I just love the fact that I don't have to wait for luggage to arrive - or not - at the other end and that I am 'hands free' when getting on and off trains and planes.
But I fully appreciate that not everybody is the same and holidays are the perfect time to wear clothes that otherwise lurk at the back of the wardrobe.  Then of course you might want to pack a whole range of clothes from light summer clothing to a cosy fleece and walking boots so a large and sturdy suitcase might be essential.
However, if you are trying to go down the minimalist route, be careful as many bags such as wheeled 'carry-ons' which you assume will be accepted as cabin luggage are just too big.  Always check your airline's maximum allowances for dimensions of a bag and make sure you adhere to the smallest measurements if using two different airlines for outgoing and return journey.  Some airlines really are strict and when they say one bag per person allowed on board, they mean it.  Handbags, camera, laptop etc all need to fit inside although I have been allowed on board clutching a book, Sunday newspapers and a selection of several boxed Scottish shortbreads in my hand!  No matter how I tried, there was no way they would fit inside my trusty but teeny 20 litre rucksack.

However, due to our trekking and walking expeditions on La Palma, we have recently upgraded the backpack to a 30 litre one which still - just - fits the criteria to go on board a plane although I think some caution is still needed that you don't try and fit in the kitchen sink et al.
The one we chose is the Karrimor 30 litre Kodiak ramblesack.  Its key features are a handy built-in rain cover, compression straps, waist and chest straps, pocket in the lid, two mesh side pockets and a 'super cool' back system to keep you ventilated on long walks.  We could have done with that this summer!  It also has a special compartment in the back that takes a hydration bladder so that you can sip water while you are walking.  You can get it at Milletts, Blacks and Amazon, amongst others (apologies for being rather UK orientated) for 30 GBP.

If you have a favourite backpack, large or small, don't forget to let us know.  I am sure I could be persuaded to go for something larger, I mean, hands free and all that space, just think of the shopping I could do!  Maybe I should remind myself of the travellers' maxim - half the luggage, twice the money.  Bah!

Welcome!

La Palma is one of those mystical islands  - most people think they know where it is until asked to stick a pin in the map.  The pin hovers between Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria and the city of Palma in Majorca.  Or maybe it is neither of those.  Correct!   I am talking about La Palma, one of the smaller and less well-known islands in the Canaries.
I should admit however that before I left the UK to explore the Canary Islands, I had never heard of La Palma myself, let alone know that it was referred to as the 'Pretty Island' or the 'Jewel of the Atlantic.'  Now that I live here, I can certainly confirm that the island justly deserves such descriptions.  But the funny thing is that many travel agents still don't have a clue where it is and will do their best to send you to one of the other fore-mentioned places - so better get that airport code of SPC right when booking your flight! 
La Palma hasn't always been easy to get to from the UK though and previously flights were either non-existent or only happened winter.   But now you can benefit from direct flights all year round from both Manchester and Gatwick every Monday. 
It really couldn't be easier and to start this blog off, I am pleased to let you know about a stunningly cheap flight deal with Thomsons

From Monday 6th December to Monday 13th December

Return - Gatwick to La Palma  - inc. taxes - 119 GBP  

Return - Manchester to La Palma - inc. taxes - 99 GBP

And the nice thing is, La Palma is still far from a mass tourist destination.