Family Friendly Travel Blog

Child and dog friendly self-catering holidays

 Retallack 5* Luxury Resort & Spa, Cornwall
 
"We wanted everything to be easy on our first holiday with a new baby and the dog... and were not disappointed!"
The Richardson Family

Escape to the coast
Just 6 miles from Padstow and 10 minutes to the beach, this luxury 5 * Resort & Spa has everything you could wish for at close range.

Kids clubs and Health clubs
Whether it's the tranquillity of the beautiful indoor pool, or the adrenalin rush of the Flowrider, kids and big kids (dad!) will have the time of their lives! There's a kids club which caters for children from ages 3 to 15, so parents can escape into the Health and Beauty Club for a work out, or perhaps just a bit of much needed pampering.

 Family friendly...
The high spec contemporary Lodges are either 2 bedrooms, ideal for one family or 4 bedrooms with plenty of room for additional cots, suiting groups of families holidaying together.

Grown-up friendly...
All Lodges have an outside terrace area with dining furniture and a BBQ. The larger Lodges also have a private hot tub to bubble away in once the babies are in bed! Click here to view the Lodge with a private hot tub

Dog friendly...
Well behaved dogs are also welcome and will really enjoy the walks that the Cornish coastline have to offer...not to mention the doggy gift pack for canine guests!

No cooking required
There's no need to spend hours in the kitchen self catering, there's a bar and restaurant on site serving delicious children meals so everyone has a rest from cooking . Or take a trip to nearby Padstow and treat yourself to a meal at Rick Stein's renowned restaurant or to Watergate Bay for Jamie Oliver founded Fifteen Restaurant.
 
Prices from £349 per week for a 2 bed lodge in November and December and from £549 per week for a 4 bed lodge.

 

 

 

For full details and year round availability at 5* Retallack Resort and Spa click here....
 

Luxury child friendly holiday in France

Antonia Scott, 3 times Tots customer and mum of 3, wrote to us about her most recent holiday this time at La Maison d'Astier in the Dordogne.
 

 

"It says a lot about Tots To Travel's powers of persuasion that I jumped (if that had been possible!) at the opportunity to go on holiday when 28 weeks pregnant with my third child, the other two being just 2 ½ and 16 months.
"You must be mad!" ...was the comment most of my friends greeted me with when I said we were going to France in July.

But having been twice before to Tots To Travel holiday properties, with first one child, then two, it seemed only natural to keep on going!

My parents and two sisters suggested we make it a large family holiday - so the remit for Tots was:
8 adults, 5 children and my bump!

I had total confidence in Tots that they would find us a property that would meet our needs.
 
La Maison d'Astier, Dordogne, France
La Maison d'Astier was just about as perfect as we could have imaged. On our arrival, electronic gates opened to private, off street parking for all 4 cars and when closed and locked, made us feel safe and sound. The house is situated in the middle of a bustling village, which meant we could nip to the supermarche whenever necessary or wake to the smell of croissants baking in the Boulangerie. Heaven!

The main house is grand and beautifully furnished yet retains a very family feel. There is also the option to rent the separate converted Stable block situated in the garden, which my parents and younger sister and brother-in-law decided to stay in, as being child free, they wanted a holiday without the early starts!

This meant that the main house was noisy, filled with toys and numerous strewn outfit changes whereas the Stable block became a refuge for those without the little darlings! Such a clever idea to keep family harmony all week!
The 5 children ranged in age from 16 months - 7 years old and the sheer number and range of toys available meant we kept hearing cries of "Wow!" "Cool!" "I wish we had this!" for the entire week! There were English books, board games and even UK Satellite TV for movie nights or for a quiet siesta after lunch.

The enclosed pool was large enough for everyone to take a dip at the same time which resulted in some hilarious games of water polo! It was also near enough to the house and terrace for children to be seen at all times. The garden was safe and enclosed with nooks and crannies for the children to explore plus a great trampoline, slide and swings to share.
The BBQ/shaded terrace area had plenty of seating which was perfect for lunchtimes and every evening was spent reflecting on another relaxing day of wonderful quality family time.

We all enjoyed the local market which was on our doorstep and bought delicious fresh food for the week. The boys visited seemingly every bar, and gave them all the thumbs up! My parents escaped the noise for a daytrip to the beach and the older children enjoyed the pony riding nearby.

Heidi, the Owner couldn't have been more helpful, kind and welcoming. We were all very sad to say goodbye, but I'm hoping it's only Au Revoir till 2013 when I'll no longer have the bump, so wine tasting is definitely on next year's agenda!"
 
 
If you have a Tots holiday story and some photos that you'd love to share with us and all your fellow Tots followers, we'd love to hear from you.
Email us as enquiries@totstotravel.co.uk.

Popular child friendly home in France

The Water Mill in the South of France, is a stunning property that consists of three exceptionally chic gites.

It is one of our most popular family friendly holiday homes.

Stylish decor and fittings (we love the roll top bath in Aubriete) combined with beautiful orginal features make for a charming holiday home. Add to this the well thought out facilities for children of all ages and it's no wonder this is a favourite with Tots To Travel families.

Located in a super position on the banks of the Vidourle river, in walking distance of bars and restaurants, The Water Mill is just 35 mins to the beaches of the South and 25 mins to the vibrant city of Montpellier so there's plenty to do and see if you like to get out and about.

But quite frankly we wouldn't blame you for not venturing further than the boulangerie down the road!

There's activities galore on site with superb facilities for families. Top of the list is the heated, full enclosed infinity pool with views across the river. Then there's cycling (brand new bikes, two with attached baby bike seats plus helmets), kayaking, fishing, yoga, pool and table tennis in the shared games room. An adventure playground, sand pit, ride on toys and mini-football....You're going to want two weeks here!

Click here for full details, more photos and prices at The Water Mill

Aubriete, sleeps 7 people, is a beautiful ground floor gite boasting floor to ceiling windows, stone arches and beams creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Click here to read more about Aubriete....

 

 

Massette sleeps up to 7 people. This gite is large and airy on the first floor with high ceilings in the main living areas, old beams, tiled and stone floors with rugs and stone walls. Click here to read more about Massette....

 

 

Mill End sleeps up to 9 in 4 delightful bedrooms and a mezzanine level. The outside private terrace overlooks the River Vidourle and is perfectly shaded for maximum comfort whilst reclining on the cushioned day beds. Click here to read more about Mill End....

New child-friendly holiday villa perfect for family holidays

Fab New Property: La Maison Rose - South West France
We're getting some lovely feedback to the latest addition to our family-friendly holiday properties!

This beautiful four bedroom villa is set in one acre of fabulously private and enclosed gardens with oodles of space and everything you'd need for the perfect combo of fun and relaxation for kids and adults alike.

We think the pictures speak for themselves......have a look at the very aptly named La Maison Rose....

 

Click here for prices and availability at La Maison Rose

Now's the time to get a great deal on flights

Think: Spend less on flights...more on gorgeous villa!

 
If you want to get the best deal on flights....last minute is not the way forward.

Have you seen easyJet and other airlines advertising their cheap flight offers?
This means the cheapest seats are available NOW!

And yes Christmas is looming and it's hard to think about splashing out on a holiday that's months away....but really, is there ever a perfect time? 
Well yes there is actually! The perfect time is when you'll get the best deal .....which happens to be right now.

Plus there's the advantage that if you book accommodation on the back of a cheap flight now, you'll get a much better selection to choose from than if you wait much longer.


Repeat: Spend less on flights.....more on gorgeous villa!

 

We've been matching great flight offers with gorgeous family friendly accommodation.

Today we're off to Italy with flights to Pisa in Tuscany starting from £29.49 per person in June and from £36.49 in July with easyJet.  That's a fab price.

So off we go in search of hilltop villages, pizza and views of cypress trees......
 

Here are a few suggestions if you're flying into Pisa...

Casa Castagna

Ideal for who want to take friends/family with them. Sleeps 12 plus babies in cots in 6 bedfamilies rooms.
 

• Stunning villa with six bedrooms
• Rural location
• Welcome pack provided
• Enclosed swimming pool
• Breathtaking views
• Gorgeous interior

 
   
Casa Barile

Sleeps: 10 people plus 2 babies in cots in 5 bedrooms in one property which can be split into two if required. Ideal for 2 or 3 families with children and/or babies

• Private rural location
• Nearest shop and bar only 1km; restaurant 3kms
• Enclosed, solar heated pool
• Babysitting available
• Park within walking distance
• Spectacular views over the mountains and villages

 

 

Il Gelso

Apartments for 2 adult and a young child and the larger ones for families of four
 

• Six luxury air conditioned apartments
• Gym and sauna on site
• Private rural location with stunning views
  
• Stunning swimming pool
• Ample space for children to run around
• On site tasting and cooking classes on request for adults and children
• Breakfast & Meals available in your apartment or in the dining area.
• Private Chef available on request

 

 

Click here for more properties in Italy
 
 
All flight prices and villa availability are correct at the time of broadcast - but they won't last long...

 

Cheap flights to Italy from just £27.99

Tip 5) Be flexible:

Flexibility around your choice of airports and times of day you choose to travel can save you wads of cash.

Huge savings can be had by playing around with both your departure and destination airports, even if it means that you may have to drive a little bit further, it may be worth it.


Excitement has mounted this week as we've realised that there are some amazing flight offers around at the moment. But they won't last so speed and efficiency are needed to maximise this opportunity.


All this week we have matched great flight offers with the very best in family friendly accommodation. Today we're off to Italy with flights to Pisa in Tuscany starting at £27.99 per person in July.....in search of hilltop villages, pizza and views of cypress trees.


Here are a few suggestions if your flying into Pisa...
 
   
Casa Castagna

Ideal for families who want to take friends/family with them. Sleeps 12 plus babies in cots in 6 bedrooms.

Stunning villa with six bedrooms
Welcome pack provided
Enclosed swimming pool
Breathtaking views
High standard of furnishings

 
   
Casa Barile

Sleeps: 10 people plus 2 babies in cots in 5 bedrooms in one property which can be split into two if required. Ideal for 2 or 3 families with children and/or babies

Private rural location
Nearest shop and bar only 1km; restaurant 3kms
Enclosed, solar heated pool
Babysitting available
Park within walking distance
Beaches 75 minutes; skiing 80 minutes away
Spectacular views over the mountains and villages

 
   
Il Gelso

Ideal for families wanting to holiday together or with grandparents. Smaller apartments can cater for 2 adults and a young child and the larger ones for families of four.

Six luxury air conditioned apartments
Gym and sauna on site
Private rural location with stunning views
Stunning swimming pool
Ample space for children to run around
On site tasting and cooking classes on request for adults and children
Breakfast & Meals available in your apartment or in the dining area.
Private Chef available on request

 
 
Click here for more properties in Italy
 
 
All flight prices and villa availability are correct at the time of broadcast - but they won't last long...

Cheap flights to the South of France from £29.99

Tip 4. Shop around

Prices vary enormously between carriers so shop around for the best deals.

This week, we're seriously excited by the very reasonable flight prices that are currently around.

But we all know they don't last long so we've galvanised into action to match the lowest flights with the best family friendly holiday accommodation.

Today we're flying to Bordeaux and enjoying the delights of the south of France. I found flights in June to Bordeaux for just £29.99 pp. Wow!

Next, think lavender, cafes and 2CVs...
 
 
L'Amandier
 

Sleeps up to 10 in 2 double bedrooms and three twin bedrooms plus cots

Large heated salt-water pool with Roman steps and a diving board English speaking babysitting available day or night, by a N.N.E.B trained Nanny
Beautiful views of rolling countryside
Enclosed den/play area upstairs
Wifi throughout
*NEW*- Wendy house & climbing Frame with swings & slide
Plenty of shady areas to relax or eat.

 

Tussilago

Sleeps up to 6 adults plus 2 babies and or toddlers in cots / junior beds.

Beautiful stone property in stunning location
Walking distance to village with shops, bakery, bars & cafes
Enclosed salt water pool near front terrace
English speaking babysitting available
Great for twins
Wifi Hotspot

Le Manoir

4 bedrooms 2 doubles and 2 twins, sleeping 8 plus babies

A stylish eco-friendly organic working farm (low intensity)
Upmarket interior design, blending rustic and contemporary styles
Close to fabulous amenities and places for great family days out
Kids club - two mornings per week.
Baby-sitting - day or night.
Huge, salt-water, heated (and enclosed) pool
Excellent outdoor play equipment and toys
Purpose built children's activity trails set up on the estate
Central heating and log burning stoves - great for cooler evenings

 

Click here for more properties in France
 
 
All flight prices and villa availability are correct at the time of broadcast - but they won't last long...

Cheap flights to Portugal from as low as £40

Tip 3) If you see a good flight deal, BOOK IT!

Last summer, Jen our marketing manager came in seething having watched her flight prices go up by over £250 overnight.

We've all learnt our lesson now so if we see a good deal, we book it!

Today I'm looking at Portugal, bringing together amazing flight prices and fabulous, family-friendly holiday villas.

I found flights from £51.99 per person to Faro departing in June next year and as low as £40 to Lisbon in July.

 
Here's some great accommodation choices in Portugal...

   
Casa das Flores
 

Sleeps up to 10 (including up to 2 babies in cots), in 5 bedrooms

Europe's premier golf and beach resort, including spa and kids club
Enclosed heated swimming pool
Large indoor games room
Fabulous, well-equipped accommodation
Walkable to beach, playground and restaurants
Vast range of outdoor activities, incl. tennis, surfing, horseriding

 
White Sand Villas

Four properties each ideal for one or two families looking for top notch accommodation with plenty of things to do nearby

Large shared swimming pool with shallow children's area
Enclosed private gardens
Short drive to beautiful beaches
Furnished and equipped to very high standard
Several stunning golf courses nearby
Wide range of local activities, incl. surfing, tennis, horseriding, karting


 Fonte Verde

Variety of property sizes, for small families of 3 or 4 to several families holidaying together.

Walking distance to several shops, cafes and restaurants
Pools and gardens
Short drive to several great beaches
Wifi available
Welcome pack provided & home-cooked meals on request
Baby pack and pre-arrival shopping available on request
English speaking babysitting available

 
 Click here for more properties in Portugal
 
 
All flight prices and villa availability is correct at the time of broadcast - but they won't last long...

Cheap flights to Malaga just £44.99|

Tip 2) The cheapest plane seats sell first:

.....and I'd add to that the fact that only a limited number of tickets are ever available at that price....how limited is anyone's guess but I think we'd be safe to assume 'very'.

This week we're into helping you save huge amounts of money on flights. We know that prices are at their lowest now as the budget airlines have only just launched their flight sales. We've got plenty of great ideas about how to match the cheapest flights with great, family friendly accommodation.

Today, we're off to check out the delights of Andalucia. Flying from Stansted to Malaga from just £44.99 -on a Saturday in June - you could get to any of these family friendly beauties...

 
Casa Diana

Sleeps 7 in 3 bedrooms plus up to 3 cots. Separate annexe suite for 2 available on request.

Just 1800m from the beach at Atalaya, walkable via a footbridge
Restaurants, supermarket, bakery & beautician within 600m
Free tennis & paddle, huge shared pool, water sports & scuba diving available on the beach
Modern property with free Wi-Fi & culinary mod-cons
Fully enclosed garden & large private roof terraces
Minutes from Estepona, Puerto Banus & Marbella!

 
   
Casa de la Muralla

Perfect for one or two families sharing. Sleeps up to 8 adults 2 children in 4/5 bedrooms

Beautifully restored property, steeped in history
Breathtaking location within original city walls of oldest city in Europe
Modern,light, open spaces built to exceptional standards
Multimedia Entertainment Centre, flatscreen TVs, Wii, DVD, & WiFi
Right in the heart of the old town, walking distance to restaurants & cafes
Within half an hour of some of the best beaches in Spain
Private chef available

Finca La Luci

Sleeps up to 12 (plus 2 or 3 babies in cots) in 5 bedrooms.

Newly refurbished but oozing with character
Free Wifi internet
Safely fenced swimming pool, chlorine free
Completely enclosed garden, perfect for children
Extensive patios and terraces with huge barbecue area
Panoramic views across countryside to Olvera
Baby pack available on request
English speaking babysitting available
Air Con and central heating

 
Flight prices and villa availability are all correct at the time of broadcast - but you'll need to be quick to snap these up.

Cheap flights to Mallorca from just £62.99

Tip 1) Book Early, flight prices only go up!

The low budget airlines have just launched their Flight Sales so now is the time to book to save yourself £100s. And the more efficient you are the better!

Today, we're flying off to Mallorca...And these prices are definitely tempting. For just £62.99pp (on Easy Jet in June) I could get the family out to any of these lovelies... July/August prices are still reasonable too, prices start from around £156.00 pp. And of course, one thing is for sure, these prices will only go up.

So where could you stay in Mallorca to make the most of these low flight prices?
 
 
 Almond Grove (Fabulous Finca)

Suitable for two to three families who want to share accommodation but still maintain some privacy. Ideal to accommodate grandparents and extended family. Sleeps 10 plus babies in cots in 5 bedrooms.

Completely enclosed gardens, with lots of space
Salt water swimming pool (chlorine free)
Panoramic views
Fully air conditioned
Fully equipped outdoor kitchen
Enclosed terrace area
Large bedrooms with space for cots
English speaking babysitting

 

Click here for details of Almond Grove
 
 

   
Connie's Farm (Eco-chic)

This beautiful 400 yr old Farmhouse is a spacious 600m2 and located on an organic fruit farm. Sleeps 10 (up to 8 adults, 2 children or babies) in 5 bedrooms,

Working fruit farm
Fire-pit & BBQ for socialising al-fresco any time of year
Closes to beaches & perfect location for exploring Mallorca
Soothing freshwater reservoir swimming
Small splash pool for toddlers
Fully equipped gym, pool table & table tennis
WiFi, several TV sets (UK Sky), Wii & loads of games & DVDs
Family bikes free of charge, easy lanes for cycling & walking

Click here for details of Connie's Farm
 
 

   
Casa Bella (Bella Bella)

Ideal for one or two families. Sleeps up to 6 in 3 bedrooms plus babies in cots or toddlers in children's beds.

Modern house, beautifully furnished in a quiet country location
Secure garden
Fully enclosed pool with pool alarm
Babysitting available, payable locally
Close to beaches

Click here for details of Casa Bella
 
 
Flight prices and villa availability are all correct at the time of broadcast - but you'll need to be quick to snap these up.