Discover Baku: Your Ultimate October Getaway

Pic Credit: Pixabay

When I tell people we have booked to go to Baku in October, they look at me so curiously! Some couldn’t locate it on a map and others  are so curious why Baku and why  October.  I thought in the lead up to our trip id share some learnings and some tips and advice from my research.  October is the perfect time to visit Baku, the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan. With its mix of ancient history and modern marvels, Baku offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.  Over the next while we will hear more about Baku as Baku is gearing up for the prestigious COP29 conference, set to take place this November. As a key international event addressing climate change, COP29 will bring together world leaders, experts, and activists to discuss and implement critical environmental policies.  Events like this of such importance will really shine a light on Baku and all it has to offer.

Perfect Weather

October in Baku is a delight for visitors. The summer heat has mellowed, and the winter chill is still far away. Expect mild temperatures averaging between 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), making it ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions.

Rich History and Culture

Baku is a city where the past and present coexist harmoniously. The UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher) is a maze of narrow alleys, historic buildings, and ancient landmarks. Don’t miss the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which offer a glimpse into Baku’s rich history.

Architectural Marvels

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Baku’s skyline is a testament to its rapid modernization. The Flame Towers, a trio of skyscrapers designed to resemble flames, light up the night sky and offer a striking contrast to the historical sites. The Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, is another must-see. Its flowing, futuristic design is a masterpiece of modern architecture.

Culinary Delights

Azerbaijani cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavours influenced by its position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. October is harvest season, so you’ll find fresh, local produce in abundance. Don’t miss the chance to try plov (a traditional rice dish), kebabs, and fresh pomegranate juice. Baku’s bustling markets and cosy restaurants offer a feast for your senses.

Stunning Nature

Just a short drive from the city, you’ll find Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes. The park offers a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life and stunning natural landscapes. October’s pleasant weather makes it the perfect time for a day trip.

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48 Hours in Zurich: A Family-Friendly Adventure

Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and family-friendly activities. Staying at the Novotel Zurich City West, you’re ideally positioned to explore the city’s diverse attractions. Enhance your experience with the Zurich Card, which provides numerous benefits such as free public transport, discounts on admissions, and more. Here’s a detailed guide to making the most of your 48 hours in Zurich with your family.

Getting there

We flew direct with Swiss Air from Dublin to Zurich. It was our first time flying Swiss Air and we were all seriously impressed, on time, spotless plane, great legroom and the complimentary bottled water and Swiss Chocolate were a lovely touch. The airport is located very close to the city so we used our Zurich Card to avail of the train to our hotel which took 9 minutes and a further 10 minutes walk. The transport system is very easy to navigate and the free transport included with the Zurich Card is a huge bonus. We have used them in many cities and its not often transport from the airport is included.

Where we stayed 

Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog

The Novotel Zurich City West is a modern, family-friendly hotel located in the trendy Zurich-West district, an area known for its vibrant culture and dynamic business environment. Conveniently situated near public transportation, the hotel provides easy access to the city centre and major attractions such as the Bahnhofstrasse shopping street, Lake Zurich, and the FIFA World Football Museum. The hotel boasts a range of facilities designed for both comfort and convenience, including spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities, an on-site restaurant serving international cuisine, a fitness centre, an indoor pool, and dedicated play areas for children. With its blend of comfort, excellent service, and strategic location, Novotel Zurich City West is an ideal choice for both business travellers and families. We had a family room with a sofa bed and a double which was perfect for our needs.

Breakfast was included each day and really was a great selection. The staff at this hotel are really a huge asset to the hotel, from the moment we checked in we felt special and well looked after. A shout out to our lovely host at breakfast, I wish I got his name but you were so kind to us. Also the young waiter who served us each evening and for “Burger Thursday” thank you for your kindness, the kids are still talking about how well you looked after them.

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When I tell most people we are heading to Ibiza, the first question is “with kids?” I suspect when a lot of people hear “Ibiza,” images of pulsating nightlife, beach parties, and electronic music festivals often come to mind. However, there’s more to this picturesque Balearic Island than its reputation as a party hotspot. Ibiza offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to families seeking unforgettable breaks especially being a little over 2 hours from Dublin with frequent Ryanair flights. I have done a lot of research on this wonderful island and here are compelling reasons why I think Ibiza is an excellent destination for a family getaway:

• 

  Pic Credit: Pixabay

  Breathtaking Beaches: Ibiza boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the Mediterranean. From tranquil coves with crystal-clear waters to long stretches of golden sand, there’s a beach for every family’s preference. Parents can relax under the sun while kids build sandcastles or splash in the gentle waves.

• Rich Cultural Heritage: Beyond its beachfronts, Ibiza is steeped in history and culture. Families can explore UNESCO-listed Dalt Vila, the island’s historic old town, where ancient fortifications overlook panoramic views of the sea. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with charming boutiques and cafés, offering a glimpse into Ibiza’s rich heritage.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Ibiza offers a plethora of activities suitable for all ages. Families can embark on boat trips to neighbouring islands, where kids can snorkel in pristine waters teeming with marine life. Adventure parks and water sports centres provide thrilling experiences, from zip-lining through lush forests to paddle boarding along the coast.

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Pic Credit: Mamma Fairy Blog

New York City is a place like no other—a vibrant, bustling metropolis filled with iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and a rich tapestry of cultures. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, navigating this sprawling city can be overwhelming. That’s where Big Bus Tours New York comes in. Offering an easy, fun, and informative way to explore the city, Big Bus Tours is the perfect way to see all that New York has to offer.

Why Choose Big Bus Tours New York?

Big Bus Tours New York provides a hop-on, hop-off service that allows you to explore the city at your own pace. With multiple routes covering all the major attractions, you can easily customise your journey to suit your interests. Whether you’re eager to see the Statue of Liberty, stroll through Central Park, or take in the bright lights of Times Square, Big Bus Tours has you covered.

The Routes: Something for Everyone

Big Bus Tours offers several routes that cover different parts of the city:

1. Downtown Loop (red route): This route takes you through the heart of Manhattan, covering must-see landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the 9/11 Memorial. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the iconic sites that make New York City famous. This is the option we went for. We were staying at VOCO Hotel Times Square so armed with our CityPASS we joined at the Times Square stop, from there we hopped on and off at China Town, Brooklyn Bridge,  Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial. We found it a really good way to see  the city at our leisure. You can track the bus real time and the information on stops is really clear and concise, making it very easy to follow. We found it a great option with kids who didn’t fancy doing as much walking as we did!
2. Uptown Loop (blue route): Discover the cultural richness of New York on this route, which passes by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and the lush green spaces of Central Park. This loop is ideal for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

What to Expect on the Tour

Each Big Bus tour is accompanied by either a live guide or a recorded commentary (ours on the downtown loop was pre-recorded), available in multiple languages, giving you fascinating insights into the history and culture of New York City. The buses themselves are comfortable, with open-top decks that provide excellent views and photo opportunities.

One of the best features of Big Bus Tours New York is the flexibility. The hop-on, hop-off model allows you to get off the bus at any stop that interests you and explore the area on foot. When you’re ready to move on, simply hop back on the next bus and continue your journey. Travelling with kids we really found this was very beneficial and towards the afternoon of our day touring the rain started so we were able to continue our tour in the comfort of the bus.

Mama F Top Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

• Start Early: To see as much of the city as possible, start your tour early in the day. This gives you plenty of time to explore different stops.
• Plan Your Stops: Before you begin, take a look at the route maps and decide which attractions you most want to visit. This way, you can make the most of your time. The real time information on the stops is really useful for planning and we found it was very accurate as we “hopped on and off” a lot throughout the day! You can also put in your location and it will pick up the nearest stop to you. I really feel this is a huge bonus for this service.
• Dress Comfortably: New York City is a place where you’ll want to be comfortable as you walk around and explore. Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly.
• Bring a Camera: You’ll want to capture the stunning views from the open-top bus, so don’t forget your camera!

Conclusion: A New York Adventure You Won’t Forget

Big Bus Tours New York offers an unforgettable way to experience the city. With the freedom to explore at your own pace, informative guides, and access to all the major attractions, it’s the perfect way to get to know the Big Apple. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering the city, a Big Bus Tour is an adventure you won’t want to miss. So hop on, and let the magic of New York City unfold before your eyes!

Note: Thanks to Big Bus Tours for our family tickets for the Downtown Loop. We were not asked nor expected to write this review. All views are our own.

Navigating New York City with New York CityPASS

New York City, also affectionately known as “the city the never sleeps“, “the Big Apple” ” the concrete jungle where dreams are made of“, whichever name you use,  once you set foot in this memorising city you will be captivated, it offers a plethora of iconic attractions that beckon travellers from around the globe. However, exploring the Big Apple’s wonders can quickly turn into a costly affair, especially for families looking to experience the best the city has to offer. Fear not, for there exists a savvy solution to maximize savings while indulging in unforgettable adventures: the New York CityPASS.

So what is New York CityPASS

The New York CityPass, is a digital pass that can save you up to 40% on 5 of New York’s top attractions. Included in the pass is both of:

1. Empire State Building Observatory; and
2. American Museum of Natural History

Plus get admission to 3 more attractions of your choice. No need to choose upon purchase you can decide closer to your trip or even while there depending on availability.

1. Top of the Rock Observation Deck
2. Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
3. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
4. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
5. Intrepid Museum
6. Guggenheim Museum

Once you purchase your New York CityPASS, you simply download the app and from there your tickets are all stored and you can make the reservations.  We were there in the end of January which is off season so nowhere was particularly busy however we did reserve our slots in advance just to be safe. For context it wasn’t our first visit but it was the kids first trip so lots of the New Yorks icons were on the bucket list to visit.

Cost of New York CityPASS

An adult ticket costs €134.47 and a child (aged 6-17) ticket costs €114.98. Couple of things to note:

• tickets are valid for a year from the date of purchase
• tickets can be use for 9 consecutive days including the fist and last day
• You can only visit each attraction once except for Empire State Building where you can visit again at night if your first visit was during the day and only same day.
• Note that cost increases apply from 29 February 2024 where the cost of an adult ticket will increase to €146 and a child’s ticket €124

What did we think of New York CityPass

The important part! So what did we think, how did we find using New York CityPASS, did we save money and would we recommend!! I do have full blog posts in progress on our itinerary however below, I will run through how we used our New York CityPASS and what we really thought. I will be comparing the cost like for like so booking the same time as we did with the pass and showing the cost.

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A Rocking Dining Experience at Hard Rock Cafe Times Square

Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog

Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Times Square, Hard Rock Cafe stands as an iconic haven for music enthusiasts and food aficionados alike. During our recent visit to the Big Apple, my family and I decided to embark on a culinary adventure at this legendary establishment, eager to indulge in its renowned fare. The kids were super excited to visit  and from the moment we stepped foot into Hard Rock Cafe Times Square, we were greeted by an electrifying ambiance that pulsated with the rhythm of rock ‘n’ roll. The walls adorned with memorabilia from music legends past and present set the stage for an electrifying experience.  If a quiet no noise, chilled experience is your thing this isn’t really for you however if a bustling energetic memorable experience is in your plan do read on to see how we got on!

If you have seen any videos or pictures of Times Square you will see the bright lights of the Hard Rock Cafe Times Square in the background.  Upon entering Hard Rock Cafe New York, our kids’ eyes widened with wonder as they took in the eclectic decor and vibrant atmosphere. From the moment we stepped through the doors adorned with classic rock memorabilia, it was evident that this was no ordinary dining experience—it was a journey through music history. In the words of my youngest “i feel like a celebrity”

What we went for at the Hard Rock Cafe Times Square 

The menu really is vast, I really don’t think anybody would not find something on the menu that they would like, from burgers to fish, to wings to nachos, sharing plates, starters, mains, deserts. Something for every palate and dietary requirement, I did see a dedicated gluten free menu too. There is also a kids menu with the usual reliable kids choices included the new Messi inspired range.

Opting for a classic choice, we all ordered various iterations of the cafe’s signature burgers. From the Legendary Burger to the Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich. My football fanatics were mega enthusiastic to see the the Messi burgers on the kids menu and unaspiringly both went for a Messi Burger.  The blurb notes that the burgers are inspired by Messi’s own favourites so this was a mega draw for my football fanatics. For desert we both went for cheesecake and the kids went for ice cream selection. In reality we probably could have shared a cheese cake the portions are huge but this New York as we were all in!!

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FREE AND AFFORDABLE THINGS TO DO IN NYC THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Pic Credit: Pixabay

With Aer Lingus advertising a sale to NYC my timelines has neve been busier with people asking question and seeking advice on city breaks to this incredible city. We have been lucky to have been many times but this year in fact this month marks our first trip with the kids and the excitement is immense already.  One comment that keeps popping up in a Facebook travel group I admin is whether it is possible to do New York on budget or how can money be saved (for shopping!!).  New York City Tourism have pulled together a really useful guide on free yes and discounted attractions over the coming weeks. If you do think of anymore or even tips please add the to the comments below.

Free Annual Celebrations:(note dates as some are of course seasonal)

• The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is on view through January 13. The 80-foot Norway spruce is covered in 50,000 multicolored LED lights.
• The lighting of the world’s largest menorahs takes place at sundown on each night of Hanukkah at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn and Grand Army Plaza in Midtown. The celebrations also feature live music, latkes and children’s gifts.

Festive Lights:

• Each year, residents of Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood light up their homes with over-the-top Christmas decor. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and take in the decorations with festive music in the background.
• The Dumbo Improvement District is presenting a series of holiday events and activities, including animations projected on the Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). The projections are on view through December 31, from 4–10pm daily.
• Shine Bright illuminates Hudson Yards with 2 million twinkling lights in this free celebration. The display includes 725 evergreen trees and 16-foot-tall lights in the shape of hot air balloons.
• Wander through The Shops at Columbus Circle and enjoy Holiday Under the Stars, which features twelve 14-foot stars hanging from the ceiling.

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