The Greek islands are beautiful. There’s a good reason why so many people visit them every year. It’s that incredible combination of stunning scenery, good beaches, the bluest of seas and a slow pace of life that’s so appealing for a summer holiday. But how easy is it to find quiet Greek islands where you can escape from the crowds?… The post Quiet Greek Islands to Escape the Crowds appeared first on Suitcases and Sandcastles ..read more

It’s hard to imagine a more thrilling adventure for children and their parents than a trip to Vietnam. One day you could be visiting the floating markets on the Mekong Delta, the next exploring some of the most incredible caves in the world or riding down a river in a dragon boat. Even trying to cross the road in Hanoi… The post Ultimate Guide to Vietnam with Kids appeared first on Suitcases and Sandcastles ..read more

Venice with kids is always a good idea. It’s hard to imagine a city more thrilling to visit with children than Venice. This, after all, is a city on the water where even the ambulances and rubbish trucks are boats. Most of the buildings are palaces and there are winged lions and dragons around every corner. Venice is a joy… The post Ultimate Guide to Venice with Kids appeared first on Suitcases and Sandcastles ..read more

There are times and places in your life that live on in the imagination long after you’ve left. If you’ve lived somewhere, that place becomes a part of who you are. It will always be yours, no matter how much time has passed since you left. These are the places that feel like home whenever you return. And for me, one… The post A Love Letter to Paris appeared first on Suitcases and Sandcastles ..read more

The best Christmas markets for children are filled with old-fashioned toys, craft stalls and exciting activities. If you really want to get into the Christmas spirit with the whole family, there’s nothing better than a visit to one of the traditional Christmas markets in Northern Europe. Most of these markets have changed little over the centuries and you’ll feel as… The post Best Christmas Markets for Children appeared first on Suitcases and Sandcastles ..read more

On a sunny day, the isle of Mull is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Single-track roads zigzag around the island past lochs, mountains, white sandy beaches and tiny harbours. Sea eagles screech and soar above your head and Highland cows stare at you from beneath their shaggy fringes. The views are so heartstoppingly beautiful when you explore… The post Explore Mull, the Highlands in Miniature appeared first on Suitcases and Sandcastles ..read more

On a sunny day, the isle of Mull is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Single-track roads zigzag around the island past lochs, mountains, white sandy beaches and tiny harbours. Sea eagles screech and soar above your head and Highland cows stare at you from beneath their shaggy fringes. The views are so heartstoppingly beautiful when you explore… The post Explore Mull, the Highlands in Miniature appeared first on Suitcases and Sandcastles ..read more

Visit Fingal’s Cave and you’ll understand why it’s been inspiring artists for hundreds of years. Turner painted it, Wordsworth wrote a poem and Mendelssohn composed a piece of music to capture the sound of the waves crashing into it. As you sail up to Fingal’s Cave you’ll see its imposing black columns rising up out of the sea like a… The post Visit Fingal’s Cave, the Giant’s Causeway of Scotland appeared first on Suitcases and Sandcastles ..read more

We’re riding along a beach, the horses leaving their hoof prints in the untouched white sand. It’s midday in August but we’re the only people here. The sea is the clear turquoise that you find in Greece or the Maldives, but we’re in Scotland, on Tiree, a remote island in the Inner Hebrides. Tiree is tiny – just 12 miles… The post The Island of Tiree, Scotland’s Hawaii of the North appeared first on Suitcases and Sandcastles ..read more

Until now, the only people allowed into Buckingham Palace Gardens were the Royal Family and those people lucky enough to have an invite to one of the Queen’s garden parties. But this summer, for the very first time, visitors can book tickets to visit the garden and have a picnic on the famous lawn. So many people fancied walking round… The post Buckingham Palace Gardens: How to Visit the Queen’s Garden appeared first on Suitcases and Sandcastles ..read more