Christmas, as wonderful a time of the year it is, can be incredibly stressful. Financial and social commitments put a strain on everyone and although it’s always worth it in the end, there can be no denying that Christmas can be a trying time. We’re willing to wager that even old Saint Nick himself gets a little flustered as the 25th gets closer.
So with the stress of Christmas in mind we thought we’d use this blog to share some of The National Trust and Britain Magazine’s ‘Favourite Winter Walks’. Crisp morning air and a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle are an excellent reason to travel in the winter.
Spanning the length and breadth of Great Britain, the list of Favourite Winter Walks takes the reader along some of the most awe-inspiring scenery that the UK has to offer, including the Lake District and the Brecon Beacons. With the possibility of the snow covered panoramas any of the five walks listed have the potential to offer some of the most Christmasy views available in the UK, perfect to lift your Christmas Spirit!
The walks vary in difficulty and, of course, locations, so there is something to be found for everybody, even the most timid of walkers. Get away from ‘it all’ this Christmas with a winter walk!
The weeks are really beginning to fly past in the run up to Christmas. If you’ve booked your winter holiday, there’s little time left to plan and prepare for it... and if you weren’t planning on having a winter break, but are partial to a last minute break, there’s even less time!
Preparing for a holiday can be stressful at the best of times, but throw in Christmas and terribly unpredictable weather and you’re left with quite a challenge. We would hate for your winter holiday to be hindered by easily avoidable problems, so we thought we’d lay out a basic guide to help your holiday run as smoothly as possible.
Travel
If you’re planning on travelling by car we advise that you ensure each and every part is in healthy and working order. If possible the car should be serviced in advanced. Always ensure that your car contains the following items just in case. Driving in winter can bring a multitude of challenges and so always be aware of correct driving procedures for the variety of weather you may face.
Weather
Before heading off always check travel and weather reports, the last thing you want is to be stuck in traffic as the snow falls around you! Ensure that you have a fully charged mobile phone and if possible an in-car charger, so that should the worst happen you can contact help.
Packing
Away for Christmas Day itself? Remember to leave room for the many presents you’ll be taking with you (we’re assuming you're a generous soul). Don’t wrap your presents before hand as you’ll run the risk of having to unwrap them at the airport then re-wrap upon arrival...if you’re flying of course!
Empty Home
Remember that a house cannot look after itself! Burst pipes can be devastating to a house and can ruin your holidays. Remember to set your heating so that this cannot happen.
We hope you have a great holiday this winter. If you would like more advice on ensuring your holiday goes as smoothly as possible, or if you would like to book a holiday after reading this blog then please visit our website: http://www.travellingsuitcase.co.uk/
There’s only 22 shopping days left until Christmas! To help you out, we thought we’d use this blog to list the best Christmas Markets up and down the UK.
Christmas markets are a great place to pick up something a little different from that found in the high streets. We’d argue that it is impossible not to feel even a slightest bit festive after a visit to a Christmas market, especially some of the ones listed below.
Bath
Over 120 stalls nestled in between Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. A true contender for the prettiest Christmas market in the UK.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh really knows how to do Christmas Markets. The city hosts three different markets this winter: The German-Style Market, The Traditional Highland Village Market and the Ethical Christmas Fair. With such a great choice of markets there is sure to be something for everyone.
Caerphilly
A Christmas market with a medieval twist. 100 stalls will take to the streets in and around the ancient Caerphilly Castle. But it will not only be stalls taking to the street walkabout entertainers such as a Medieval Magician, Dragon Puppeteers, Jack the Jester and a Dragon Stiltwalker
Manchester
Set in eight locations across the city and covering a wide variety of themes including French, German, gift and craft. A very multicultural affair.
Lincoln
The first Christmas market in the UK and one of the largest in Europe, attracting over 250,000 visitors over its four days. The market is spread around the historic centre of Lincoln and is flanked by both Lincoln Castle and Cathedral.
Last week we discussed what the UK can offer as a Winter holiday destination.. still sceptical? Keep reading:
We have a range of welcoming properties ideal for winter holidays across the UK but for this blog post we thought we’d take a trip down south. The attraction of the South is synonymous with summer holidays as millions flock to the hundreds of beaches that make up the Southern Coast. But there is no reason the South cannot be enjoyed later in the year.
Plymouth, located on the south coast of Devon has plenty to do and see this Christmas, and we have multiple properties available for you to choose from. Listed below are some of the main attractions in and around the city of Plymouth this winter:
Plymouth Christmas Market - Opening on the 22nd of December until Christmas Eve the Christmas Market will contain an array of traditional European-Style market stalls. Providing shoppers with something a little different to the high street selection, the market is an excellent place to grab some gifts for your loved ones. We mustn't forget to mention the mouth watering collection of festive food and drink also available: The Christmas market is not to be missed.
Santa Fun Run - Beginning 11am on the 9th of December is the eponymous Santa Fun Run. The event hopes to attract over 1,000 santas to come along and run around a short course all while raising money for various charities and having fun. If you fancy watching the manic spectacle or even joining in yourself then follow the link!
Twinkling Twilight Lantern Parade - Something for all the family, the parade will see 300 children from schools across Plymouth join with the Stiltskin Theatre Company, to create a trail of light through the city centre. The lantern parade will be led by Santa and his reindeer, and will begin at 6pm on Thursday the 6th of December.
This is just a taste of what Plymouth can offer this Christmas. If any or all of these sound like a great way to spend the festive period then please view our list of properties to start planning your Christmas holiday today: http://www.travellingsuitcase.co.uk/search.php
We’d like to kick off our first Travelling Suitcase blog post with a reminder to all our readers that winter is upon us (just incase you needed reminding). The days are darker, sometimes the sun appears to stay in bed for the entirety of the day. But on the bright, or slightly less dark side, we are yet to see any real signs of the annual Arctic wind and snow.
Here at Travelling Suitcase we would like to remind you that winter brings with it some excellent travel opportunities across the UK. It could even be argued that the UK’s winters offer more in the way of travel than its summers. Winter brings people together: both in a physical sense (huddling for warmth) and an emotional sense. Children will soon be leaving school and families will be travelling the length and breadth of the Isle to reunite. So why not share each other’s company in some of the warm and welcoming properties we have to offer this winter.
With our advanced search feature you can tailor your search for that winter property that will be just right for you and whoever you choose to bring along. From our facilities list we recommend the selection of a log fire. For as the classic ‘The Christmas Song’ begins “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,”. You may want to stock up on chestnuts before you arrive.
To see the full range of properties we have available this winter please visit us at: http://www.travellingsuitcase.co.uk
Travelling Suitcase is pleased to announce the official launch of their new website: An online holiday directory designed to benefit both the UK Holiday Maker and the UK Holiday Home Owner.
This new interactive site provides UK Holidaymakers with a wide variety of search features to help them find the perfect UK holiday. Customers can search for property type, cost, location and many other additional criteria. If a property with a sauna near a golf course is desired, the site’s advanced property search allows users to select the facilities and nearby activities that matter to them. Each property comes complete with a detailed profile that contains in depth descriptions, stunning images and availability information.
When asked about the launch of this new holiday directory, Ashley Day, Managing Director of Travelling Suitcase said:
“Here at Travelling Suitcase we have great hopes for the new site. It offers excellent opportunities for holidaymakers to find their perfect UK holiday, the ‘staycation’ that beats travelling abroad.
Due to our experience in Lettings Management we feel confident in this new venture and as a result we are assured that each and every customer will come away with an excellent holiday experience. For those who haven’t visited our new site please review our services at www.travellingsuitcase.co.uk”
Ashley Day is no stranger to the property industry. He also manages Bristol Property Centre, which specialises in lettings and property management. As a result Ashley is confident that his experience in the property sector will translate to Travelling Suitcase and assure customer satisfaction for all web visitors.
The site will also be supported by various social media platforms that include both Twitter and Facebook. This will allow Travelling Suitcase to take a more personal approach to business by communicating the latest news, offers and promotions with holidaymakers across the UK.
Travelling Suitcase believes that a holiday home rental is more than just a holiday, it is an experience. They pride themselves on delivering a friendly and professional service to all customers and are confident they have the perfect holiday waiting for each and every one of you!
www.travellingsuitcase.co.uk launched on 1 November 2012 and already the site has received mass enquiries and support for their services: Watch this space for summer 2013...
ENDS//
