Category: Kids
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A great fishing trip and fresh bread: A review of Clover Cottage Manjimup
Everyone had a great time, with the exception of the two trout we caught in the resort’s lake. The event which resulted in the demise of these fish was a highlight for those of us on land, particularly because it was the first such time for my daughter. She was ecstatic. A real hunter. Welcome…
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An exciting trip: My Portsmouth to Caen ferry review
Wanting to avoid the crazy airport crowds, we opted to take a ferry across the English Channel to France this past summer. Some alternative transport-loving friends of ours recommended Brittany Ferries, and that was enough for us to get tickets from Portsmouth to Caen! And yes, we now also recommend the ferry, especially if you…
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A great option for families: My review of Lous Seurrots Resort
Just outside the small town of Contis on the French Atlantic coast, is a family-friendly resort known as Camping Lous Seurrots. We stayed here in the first week of July 2025. In this particular year the French school holidays, and high season, began on the 7th July. It’s officially known as “Camping Yelloh village Lous…
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The best hotel for families at Shymbulak: Shymbulak Hotel review
We have stayed at all the main Almaty ski resorts, most frequently at a hotel called Shymbulak Resort Hotel. The name might be a little confusing given it’s situated within Shymbulak Mountain Resort and I’m not sure if that was a mistake or just some great marketing! Regardless, the mountain resort also has some other…
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The best view in Shymbulak: Le Mont Hotel review
Le Mont Hotel (formerly Sneg) is a cozy lodge nestled halfway up the main slope of Shymbulak Mountain Resort. You’ll find it next to the exit from the Combi 1 chairlift. With a fantastic deck, it is brilliant for summertime eating, but during the winter, when its a bit too chilly to be outside for…
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An 80s era room & excellent lamb cutlets: A review of Ak Bulak Hotel
This title may not have been how I thought I’d start this review, but there you have it. Ak Bulak Hotel is great for its location of being directly beneath a ski resort, but sometimes you have to focus on the unexpected highlights. If you’re planning to venture out to Ak Bulak Ski Resort then…
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Why visiting Abay Opera Theatre is a great idea
Add to the cultural value of your Almaty trip with a show at the iconic theatre! What is it? Abay Opera Theatre is a large and very grand theatre in the centre of Almaty. Built in the 1930s, with elements of Stalinist architectural style, it has evolved to be the centre of culture for the…
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How to get the most out your visit to Arasan
Arasan is a sauna complex located in central Almaty, and it is well worth a visit. It features in both my 7 day family itinerary, as well as my 5 day itinerary. Let me describe how I spent some of my recent visits to Arasan, with my wonderful friend who helped guide me. Thanks Zhanar!…
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What to see when you visit Almaty’s Panfilov Park
When planning your trip to Almaty, you’ll definitely want to check out Panfilov Park, but it’s worth researching what to do and see in the park so that you don’t miss anything out while you’re there! The park is located in the centre of the city, just a short walk south from Green Bazaar, and…
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Visiting Kok Tobe: What to expect and how to have a great time
Visitors to Almaty will want to visit the iconic hilltop fairground with fabulous city views Kok Tobe, which is Kazakh for “Green Hill”, is a forested fairground near the communications tower overlooking Almaty. My family loves it as it caters to us all and – on a clear day – comes with a stunning view…