Mamma Fairy

Since I was a kid I have been fascinated with Iceland, I can’t quite say what specifically it was that interested me but the curiosity to visit has been there for some time. I’m very excited to say I finally ticked this item off the Mamma Fairy bucket list.  Getting to Iceland is remarkably easy with WOW air offering 2 flights a day from Dublin during peak times and with prices starting from €49.99 each….as I told the Dada Fairy “sure we would be mad not too!!”.

WOW air – History

Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog Location: Keflavik Airport

Most people have heard of WOW air and know their striking purple livery but who are they?!!  They seem to have exploded on to the aviation scene as a solid budget airline.  Curious to know more myself I did a little digging…..WOW air is an Icelandic airline who operate out of Keflavik airport. They were founded in 2011 and the airline made its inaugural flight in 2012.  Flights commenced from Dublin in June 2015 when WOW began expanding into North American and Canada connecting parts of Europe via Iceland.

The man behind the airline is a well known Icelandic businessman and financier called Skúli Mogensen.

I understand that as of 2018 WOW air operates to 36 destinations from Europe, North American to the Middle East. Quite remarkable for an airline which is still really in its infancy having only commenced in 2012. According to media report, they have a fleet of 20 and carry over a million passengers a year.

Our WOW air flight

Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog Location: Dublin Airport

We departed Dublin on the 11.45 flight on a cool crisp Friday morning. Timing wise this flight is perfect. My pair love their sleep and the earlier option while it would have provided us with more time in Iceland in reality would probably have just meant id have a grumpy pair on my hands by 3pm. Boarding was efficient, we departed on time and the services on board couldn’t be faulted.

I do have to give a specific mention to the pilot on our outbound flight as my kids are still talking about him.  Before the cabin crew ran through the safety demonstration he urged the passengers to watch and pay attention or else he would be out to ask questions!! Now my 6 year thought this was just the funniest thing ever! Throughout the flight he was engaging, witty and set a great tone for the holiday. Similarly the cabin crew were friendly and efficient and seemed to genuinely wanted to make the flight as pleasant as possible for those on board.

Coming home again we opted for the 12 o’clock afternoon flight which again is perfect timing. No crazy early starts! Similarly we left on time despite Keflavik airport being incredibly busy that morning.

On board 

We had the xl leg room seats on both flights and I wouldn’t hesitate to pay for this.  I’m not tall, the Dada Fairy is and he was very impressed with the comfort of the extra leg room. Our flight over didn’t have the USB chargers however our flight home did. The certainly was not an issue for a short flight perhaps if you were en route to the US you might need to charge your devices particularly if you were travelling with kids. We didn’t sample the food offering on either leg but there looked to be the useful fare at usual airline prices.  Again for a short flight we usually don’t bother.

On board the aircraft the purple theme remains with the seats and floor covering.  The aircraft on the flight home to Dublin had some hilarious slogans for the call bells which when you are six years old is pretty funny.

Child friendly 

Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog Location: Dublin Airport

My kids are very used to travelling despite their young age therefore an airline who are child friendly is something that would be very important to us. No matter how used to flying kids are they still could be prone to tantrums, sore ears, being upset etc.  I have to say from start to finish the cabin crew and ground staff were fantastic, helped with buggy, getting them settled and getting on the aircraft early to get them settled with little or no queuing. Sometimes I feel there is a perception that budget airlines may be less child friendly or even welcoming of kids. Hand on heart I can’t say this wasn’t the case with WOW air.

In fact we were so impressed not just with WOW air but also with Iceland (yes I have left a piece of my heart there – lots of posts on our adventures there in progress) that we are intending to use them for our long haul trip to Chicago in April.

Our next Adventure – Chicago

We have been fortunate enough to have been invited to experience Chicago as a family friendly destination and what better way of doing it that combining it with a long lay over in Iceland.  I hope on that trip to completely dispel the myth of taking kids on budget flights.  Funny enough my pair were the only kids on the aircraft both ways.

WOW air offer flights to some US and Canadian cities from €99 so that’s some serious value combining that with a trip to the land of fire and ice what more could you want.  I also read recently that WOW will commence flights to Orlando in December this year, making the elusive trip to Disney that little bit more affordable.

The ability to add the layover to the US flight tickets is an impressive add on.  Having spent time in Iceland I can highly recommend making a stop over. I am currently drafting posts on our adventures there.  We spent a day driving the Golden Circle which was in a word….breathtaking. Sneak peak below but do check back for full post which ill link below when it completed.

Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog Location: Thingvellir Park

Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog Location: Gullfoss – Golden Circle

Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog Location: Geysir – Golden Circle

***********update************

Wow have flights from €29.99 one way one way (ex charges/bags) between now and end March, plus its Northern Lights season!! We are currently planning a second trip in March and we cannot wait, we didn’t see the Northern Lights the last trip so figures crossed we have more success this time! For more see www.wowair.ie 

Note: Thanks to WOW air for the support on this trip, all words my own and I retain full editorial control over the content above as all opinions and views are mine or the boys where appropriate.

Pic Credit: Pixabay

This is a big year in the Mamma Fairy house, my parents are 40 years married and my husbands grandparents 60 years married. Added to that 2 big birthdays (ill be in trouble if I reveal their ages!) and a family wedding, not the wedding itself rather a family get together in advance.  What we really wanted to find was large group accommodation  where we could all be together but yet have our own space. Somewhere not too far away and somewhere that had the option of different activities for the range of age groups that would be attending.

The conservatory at Charnwood Forest Estate Pic Credit: www.partyhouses.co.uk

Due to the age range we would also need somewhere child friendly and accessible friendly and if at all possible pet friendly!  I know this sounds like a seriously tall order and a  mission impossible. However no task too daunting for a travel obsessive like myself and…..(drum roll please…..)…..we found partyhouses.co.uk.

Party Houses have a range of properties available to rent catering from 12 people up to 80 plus thus making them ideal for family celebrations right up to corporate events or perhaps even weddings. For me the huge benefit is they are spacious properties allowing us to all be under the one roof yet have the luxury of some privacy. I have fallen completely in love with Charnwood Forest Estate. Have a nosey, you will not be disappointed. It is situated on  over 13 acres of land in the East Midlands. With 17 bedroom it can accommodate 48 guests, (the bedrooms – wow). For some added luxury there is an indoor spa pool, treatment suite, spa garden, and a hot tub. The sounds absolutely ideal.

It would also make a great location for a relaxed hen party or corporate team building day or night away. What I really like is that via the site you can book additional activities such as in house treatments, chauffeurs, cocktail making or even musician or entertainer hire.  The beauty of this is that you can tailor the offering to really meet the needs of the guests which can be a very important consideration when you have a group as diverse as ours.

I know people think im crazy taking on the task of organising such a mammoth gathering of getting a wide of family members together all under one roof!  We lost the main man of our household in late 2015 and since that point we have vowed to mark all the celebrations and milestone the family members reach. We have been determined to keep his wish and this for sure is what he would have done and thoroughly loved.

Family was at the heart of everything he was about and he was the backbone of our house, the glue that held us together. In the spirit of the man who was our world we will and always will maintain his wish for us to celebrate all that’s good about life. After all….”Life is not measure by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away”.

Note: This is a collaborative post however I retain full editorial control

Pic Credit: Unsplash

Many people in the world assume that once you have children, your days of exciting international travel are over. No more hiking through lush rainforests, no more snorkeling over lively coral reefs, no more sliding down cascading waterfalls. The time for adventure is over once you have a family and instead it is time to settle down and stay within the comforts of your home, looking after the little ones. But does this really have to be the case?

Of course not! The world is filled with destinations that cater to everyone, including nomadic backpackers, romantic honeymooners, and even loving families who are in search of an adventure. Asia specifically does not discriminate against travelers with young children, and you’ll find exciting cities and beaches all throughout the continent that the entire family will enjoy. Check out what each of these countries in Asia has to offer when it comes to family-friendly getaways.

Indonesia

The island of Bali is the best spot in all of Indonesia for a family vacation. This island is safe, clean, and the locals are extremely friendly to tourists and newcomers. The tropical climate and stunning beaches make it easy to spend the entire day on the beach building sandcastles, or in the water with some snorkeling gear. The island is well-known for having tons of options for family-friendly accommodations, and lots of hotels and resorts even offer events and activities for their younger guests.

For a day away from the beach, head to the Waterbom Bali waterpark. Your children will get the chance to interact with other kids and teens from all over the world, just by waiting in line to go down the huge water slide. Parents love relaxing along the lazy river, and there are plenty of food options for the whole family to enjoy. If your kids are interested in learning about the wildlife of the island (and around the world), look no further than Bali Safari Marine Park. It will feel like you’re spending a day out on safari in Africa, and also give you and the kids a chance to learn about the indigenous land and sea creatures of Bali.

Hong Kong

Pic Credit: Unslpash

A trip to Hong Kong can mean many different things. Lots of travellers come here for the exciting nightlife scene, but many don’t know that Hong Kong offers a completely different vibe for family travellers. Take the kids to Hong Kong Disneyland, where they can experience a cultural twist on their favorite Disney movies and characters. Even if you have been to another Disney theme park somewhere else in the world, this is a must-see attraction for families, and it won’t feel like any other Disney experience you have had in the past. 

If your kids are open to spending time out on the water, take a ride on the famous Star Ferry. This historic form of transportation has been around since the late 1800’s, and carries a whopping 26 million passengers annually. Some of the best views of the island can be seen from the deck of the ferry. Other family-friendly spots are the Hong Kong Science Museum, the Hong Kong Park, and the site of the Big Buddha. You should also spend a day perusing the “Toy Streets”, an area completely dedicated to traditional and modern toys of the city.

The Philippines

There are hundreds of islands throughout the Philippines that are perfect for an exciting family vacay, but one of the best of these is Boracay. There is definitely a party vibe on certain parts of the island, but if you steer clear of these areas you won’t regret bringing your family here. There are activities for everyone of all ages, especially for older children who want nothing more than an adventure. The island is known for its amazing parasailing, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and zip-lining.You can easily spend a day or two hopping between islands, hanging out on beaches with sand like powdered sugar and crystal clear waters.

Puerto Princesa in Palawan is another great family destination in the Philippines. Here you can travel through one of the longest underground rivers in the world – the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park – or just spend your days hanging out on the stunning beaches of Honda Bay. Planning your Philippines trip can be overwhelming, since there are so many family-oriented destinations to choose from. You can simplify things by checking out one of the many Philippines vacation packages available to travellers.

Singapore

Singapore is considered to be one of the best countries in Asia for family tourism, and here’s why. The entire country is culturally diverse, so no matter where you go your children will have the opportunity to learn about a brand new way of life. The people are friendly and have colorful personalities, so treat Singapore like the ultimate classroom for your children. One of the most popular tourist sites for travelling families is Sentosa, which is literally a tropical island dedicated to a wide range of outdoor activities and amusement parks. You can choose to stay on the island for a few days or plan a day trip, but many people find that one day is not long enough to experience Sentosa to the fullest.

Japan

Last but certainly not least, Japan is another great option for a culturally eye-opening experience in Asia. You and the family will get a true taste of Japanese culture just by walking the streets of Tokyo. One of the best sites here is the Tokyo Sky Tree – the tallest tower in all of Japan. Gather the entire family here for some amazing photos (even consider sending them out as Christmas cards for all of your close friends and family members to enjoy). Other attractions near or in Tokyo are Asakusa, the Imperial Palace District, and Shinjuku. For young kids, be sure to check out the Tokyo Disney theme park. You can spend just one day here, or book a room in one of the many hotels in the area for a few days of fun, hanging out with your favorite Disney princes and princesses.

Pic Credit: Pixabay

I met my now husband when we were (very) young teenagers and at that time we spoke about our bucket list travel destinations.  I’m thankful he loves to travel as much as me and we have been able to tick many items off that bucket list including recently Niagara Falls and as part of our honeymoon a show at the Sydney Opera House.  Next weekend we will hopefully tick another item off that list being a trip to Iceland. The icing on the cake would be to view the Northern Lights. I’m not getting my hopes up but it would be a dream come true.

This got me thinking, while many of us travel obsessives share common bucket list items like Niagara Falls or seeing the Northern Lights, what other less traditional, more obscure or “off the beaten track” bucket list items do other people have.  I decided to reach out to my fellow bloggers and see if they had any usual or obscure bucket list items.

Obscure bucket list items

First up Kate from Hitchens’ Kitchen volunteered in Africa. Herself and her dad fund raised and taught science in Ghana.  I have the utmost admiration for people who so selflessly give them time like this to others.

Next up Emma from Emma Reed wanted to get married on a beach location not expecting it to be a reality however she ended up making her dream a reality which is really lovely and not doubt incredibly memorable.

I love Terri from The Strawberry Fountain idea of 30 before 30, loving some of the items on her list she accomplished from driving an Aston Martin (mega jealous) to surving the longest zipline in the UK. Sorry Terri I just couldn’t do it. I love this idea (not the zipline!) while im a little bit post the 30 before 30 maybe I could start a 40 before 40?! Now there is an idea…..

For anybody like me who wiles away hours day dreaming about far flung destination click here for some inspiration. I’m super excited about Iceland this weekend and ill be sure to report back on whether or not I ticked the Northern Lights off my bucket list…..keep everything crossed for me…..

Note: This is a collaborative post however I retain full editorial control.