travel

travel

Why Smart Travelers Schedule a Vehicle Inspection Before a Road Trip

Have you ever been halfway through packing for a vacation and wondered whether your car is actually as ready for the journey as you are? Road trips are meant to be about discovering new places, spending time with family, and making memories, not waiting for a tow truck on the shoulder of the highway. Yet many travel disruptions begin with mechanical problems that could have been identified before the trip even started.

A pre-trip vehicle inspection is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns. Taking the time to check your vehicle before leaving helps you travel with greater confidence, knowing that essential systems have been inspected before they are asked to handle hundreds of miles on the road.

Why a Pre-Trip Inspection Matters

Long-distance driving places far more demand on a vehicle than the average daily commute. Hours of continuous driving, changing weather conditions, heavy luggage, and unfamiliar roads all increase the importance of having a vehicle that is in good working order.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tire-related crashes alone accounted for 511 traffic fatalities in a single recent year, and the agency notes that poor tire maintenance, including underinflation and worn tread, is a leading contributor. That single statistic makes clear that routine maintenance checks are not just about avoiding a breakdown. They play a direct role in preventing serious crashes, particularly on the kind of extended, high-speed driving a road trip involves.

A thorough inspection gives drivers the opportunity to identify small issues before they become larger, more expensive problems far from home.

The Most Important Areas to Check

Before any road trip, several components deserve close attention because they have the greatest impact on both safety and reliability.

Tires: Proper tire pressure and sufficient tread depth improve traction, braking performance, and fuel efficiency. Tires should also be inspected for uneven wear, punctures, or sidewall damage before setting out on a long drive.

Brakes: Brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid should all be checked to ensure the braking system performs properly throughout the journey, particularly when driving through mountains or heavy traffic.

Fluids: Engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid should all be topped off or replaced if necessary. Maintaining proper fluid levels helps prevent overheating and unnecessary mechanical wear.

Battery: A battery that performs well around town may struggle during extended travel, especially in extreme temperatures. Testing the battery beforehand reduces the chance of unexpected starting problems.

Lights and Wipers: Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and windshield wipers all contribute to safe driving, particularly during nighttime travel or changing weather conditions.

While each of these components serves a different purpose, they all contribute to the same goal: getting you to your destination safely and without unexpected interruptions. Taking the time to inspect them before you leave helps reduce the risk of breakdowns, improves overall driving confidence, and allows you to focus on enjoying the journey instead of worrying about what might go wrong.

Why Smart Travelers Schedule a Vehicle Inspection Before a Road Trip

Small Problems Rarely Stay Small

Many roadside emergencies begin with issues that showed early warning signs days or even weeks beforehand. A slight vibration, an occasional squeal from the brakes, or a battery that is becoming slower to start may not seem urgent during everyday driving, but those same issues can become much bigger problems once you are hundreds of miles from home. Long-distance travel places added stress on your vehicle, making minor concerns more likely to develop into breakdowns when they are left unaddressed.

Scheduling an inspection before leaving allows these concerns to be identified while repairs are still convenient, often preventing costly emergency service during the trip. It also gives you time to replace worn parts, top up essential fluids, or address small maintenance issues before they have the chance to interrupt your plans. A little preparation before you leave can save hours of frustration and help ensure your trip is remembered for the destinations you visit rather than the problems you encounter along the way.

Why Working With a Trusted Repair Shop Makes a Difference

A pre-trip inspection is only as valuable as the experience behind it. Technicians who understand the demands of long-distance travel are more likely to spot early signs of wear that could otherwise be missed during a routine service. From checking critical safety systems to identifying components nearing the end of their lifespan, an experienced shop can help reduce the risk of unexpected problems on the road.

Before setting off on a long journey, many drivers rely on Keller Alliance Auto Repair for comprehensive inspections that help ensure their vehicles are ready for the miles ahead. Addressing maintenance concerns before departure provides greater peace of mind, allowing travelers to spend less time worrying about mechanical issues and more time enjoying the trip.

Benefits Beyond Safety

Scheduling an inspection before traveling offers benefits that continue throughout the entire trip.

  • Reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns
  • Improves overall driving safety
  • Helps avoid expensive emergency repairs
  • Supports better fuel efficiency through proper vehicle maintenance
  • Makes long-distance travel more comfortable and less stressful
  • Provides greater confidence throughout the journey

When drivers know their vehicle has been professionally inspected, they can focus more on enjoying the trip than worrying about what might happen next.

Build the Inspection Into Every Travel Plan

Many people carefully plan hotels, attractions, and routes while giving little thought to the vehicle making the journey possible. Treating a vehicle inspection as part of every travel checklist makes it just as routine as packing luggage or confirming reservations.

Scheduling an inspection several days before departure also provides enough time to complete any recommended maintenance without disrupting your travel plans. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a cross-country family vacation, building this simple step into your preparation can help reduce unexpected delays, improve reliability, and make the journey far more enjoyable from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

Road trips should be remembered for the destinations you visit and the experiences you share, not the mechanical problems that interrupt them. A pre-trip vehicle inspection is a simple step that can reduce stress, improve safety, and help prevent unexpected breakdowns before they happen.

By making inspections part of your regular travel planning, you give yourself the best chance of enjoying a smoother, safer, and more reliable journey from the moment you leave home until you return.

This is a collaborative post.

travel

What Amenities Matter Most When Renting a Vacation Home

Scroll through any rental listing, and you’ll find a checklist of features running twenty items deep. Hot tub, game room, ocean views, fire pit, espresso machine. Here’s the thing nobody mentions: you’ll use maybe four of them, and the ones that actually determine whether the week goes smoothly usually aren’t on the list at all.

Coastal rentals in particular carry enormous demand. According to NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, coastal tourism contributes roughly $207 billion in GDP annually, a sector larger than the entire real estate industry by employment. Anyone booking along the New Jersey coast is competing within that demand.

Here’s exactly what to prioritise the amenities that matter far more once you’re actually staying somewhere than they ever seem to on a listing page.

Self Check-In Offers Genuine Flexibility on Arrival

A rigid check-in window is one of the most common sources of friction with vacation rentals, particularly for travelers arriving late, dealing with flight delays, or simply wanting to settle in without coordinating a specific meeting time with a host. Self check-in solves this directly.

  • Keypads: a simple entry code eliminates the need for physical key handoffs entirely
  • Lockboxes: a secured key accessible with a code, offering the same flexibility with a more traditional entry method
  • No coordination required: arriving whenever your travel actually allows, without needing to sync schedules with a host in advance
  • Reduced stress after travel: one less logistical step to manage after a long drive or delayed flight

This kind of flexibility matters more than it might seem on a listing page, since arrival is often the most stressful part of any trip, and a rental that removes that friction sets the tone for the entire stay.

Kitchen Setup Determines How the Week Actually Goes

Vacation rentals are chosen partly to avoid eating every meal out, and then the kitchen turns out to have four mismatched pans, one dull knife, and no baking sheet. That gap between having a kitchen and having a usable one shapes the week more than most people anticipate. Look for specifics in reviews rather than the listing itself. Renters mention cookware quality, whether the coffee setup works, and whether there’s enough counter space to actually prepare a meal.

These details rarely appear in descriptions and consistently appear in feedback from people who’ve stayed. Reviewing listings for these practical details is worth the extra time when browsing Jersey Shore rentals, particularly for longer stays where cooking becomes routine rather than occasional. Searching by specific features is a common way to narrow down shore rentals, a filtering option available through companies like Berger Realty along the New Jersey coast.

Parking and Outdoor Space Are Underrated Until They’re Missing

Shore towns have parking constraints that visitors rarely anticipate. A rental with one designated space becomes a genuine problem for a group arriving in three cars, and street parking in season can mean circling for twenty minutes after every outing. What looks like a minor detail on a listing page quickly becomes a daily source of frustration once the trip is actually underway.

Outdoor space matters similarly. A covered porch or shaded yard gives people somewhere to be during the hottest part of the afternoon and somewhere to gather in the evening, which functionally expands the house. A property with neither tends to feel smaller than its square footage suggests, since indoor space alone rarely accommodates a full group comfortably for an entire week.

Reliable WiFi Has Become a Travel Essential

Plenty of renters say they want to disconnect and then discover that someone in the group needs to take a work call, the kids want a movie on a rainy afternoon, or everyone wants to stream something in the evening. Reliable internet has quietly become infrastructure rather than a luxury.

  • Every listing claims WiFi: but actual speed and reliability vary enormously between properties
  • Reviews reveal more than listings: renter feedback is a far more accurate indicator than the amenities checklist alone
  • Multiple devices matter: look for mentions of whether the connection handled several devices at once, not just one
  • Older shore homes are a risk factor: dated wiring in older properties can mean weaker or less consistent connectivity than expected

Checking reviews specifically for these details before booking can prevent an unpleasant surprise once the group actually arrives and tries to get online.

Laundry Changes How Much You Have to Pack

In-unit laundry sounds like a minor convenience and functions as a major one at the beach, where sandy towels, wet swimsuits, and salt-stained clothing accumulate faster than anywhere else. Without it, either you pack considerably more or you spend an afternoon at a laundromat, cutting into time that would otherwise go toward actually enjoying the trip.

For stays longer than a few days, or for families with young children, this single feature affects the trip more than most of the amenities listed above it. Confirm it’s in the unit rather than shared in a building basement, since the difference is substantial; a shared machine often means competing with other guests for access, which defeats much of the convenience in the first place.

Verify the Essentials Before You Book

A short list of confirmations prevents most common rental disappointments:

  • Actual distance: check the address on a map rather than trusting the listing’s description of the walk, since “steps from the beach” can mean very different things depending on who’s writing it
  • Parking specifics: confirm how many designated spaces are included and whether permits are required, since street parking during peak season can be far more limited than expected
  • Laundry location: verify whether it’s in-unit or shared, since that difference matters considerably over a full week, particularly with kids or a larger group
  • Recent reviews: prioritize feedback from the past season over older comments, since amenities, management, and even internet reliability can change significantly between years

Each of these takes a couple of minutes and addresses the issues that show up most often in rental complaints.

Conclusion

The best rental for you probably isn’t the one with the longest amenity list. It’s the one where the walk to the beach is genuinely short, the WiFi actually holds up, and laundry doesn’t turn into a whole afternoon commitment. Those things sound unglamorous next to a hot tub and a game room, but they’re what people actually remember about whether a week went well. Book for the ordinary Tuesday afternoon rather than the highlight reel, and verify the practical details yourself rather than trusting the description. That approach consistently produces better weeks than chasing features that look good in photos but rarely matter once you’re actually there.

This is a collaborative post.

life, travel

5 Tips to Be a More Responsible Driver & Stay Safe

Who doesn’t want to be a more responsible driver? It helps you stay safe on the road and offers more than a few benefits. Some of the more notable of these are:

  1. Avoiding accidents on the road.
  2. Reducing your insurance premiums long-term.
  3. Keeping your car running properly.
  4. Giving you greater peace of mind.

You’ve no reason not to put the time and effort into it. That being said, responsible driving isn’t just a matter of putting your seatbelt on. You’ll have to put a lot more work into it.

Thankfully, this doesn’t have to mean it needs to be complicated. It could be a whole lot easier than you’d think. Even if you’ve been in accidents before, there are more than a few ways to be better. In these cases, it could be vital. You just need to know what you’re doing going forward.

Focusing on a few driving tips and looking after your car can be some of the better ways of doing this. Five of these could help a lot more than you’d think. They’re more than worth trying.

Have a Lawyer on standby

As much as you’ll try to avoid car accidents and similar issues, it doesn’t mean they’re always avoidable. Sometimes, you could be the victim in the accident. Another car could crash into yours because of negligence or similar reasons. It’s always worth making sure you’re prepared for this.

One of the better ways to do this is to have a car accident lawyer on-hand for when you need them. You don’t even need to hire them straight away. Instead, just having their contact details for when you need them could be more than enough to help. It’s worth looking for the best one you can afford.

Look For the Right Insurance

While car insurance is mandatory, many drivers don’t put a lot of time and effort into it. They’ll go with the basics and leave it at that. It’s worth putting more time into it than that, though. The more comprehensive your insurance is, the better off you’ll be if you ever get into an accident.

Then there’s the difficulty in getting car insurance if you’ve been in any accidents or have driving convictions. Thankfully, many providers specialise in insuring people with convictions. Insurance Revolution boasts ‘Convicted Driver? We Can Help!’ for a reason. It’s worth putting in the effort into looking for the best provider for you.

Be Proactive With Maintenance

Keeping your car in great shape is key in being a responsible driver, just like with your home and back garden. It’s always worth putting the time and effort into proactive maintenance to help with this. It’ll help you make sure you don’t need to worry about any issues turning up anytime soon. It’s one of the best steps you can take for you and your car.

This doesn’t even need to be too hard. Inspecting your car regularly lets you figure out if anything needs to be addressed. Then there are the smaller steps, like checking your oil and washer water, and rotating your tyres. You’ll end up keeping your car in the best condition possible. You’ve every reason to put the time and effort into it.

Don’t Ignore Warning Signs

Cars have warning signs built into the dashboard. These will light up when there are specific issues with your vehicle. Make sure you know what they mean. Your car owner’s manual should give you all of the information you need to understand them. Take the time to read up on them.

Then there’s the fact it’s worth getting any issues addressed when the warning lights pop up. Red warning lights are the most important, as they highlight large and immediate issues with your car. Even the less important ones should be sorted out relatively quickly.

Get It Serviced Regularly

Looking after your car is a great way to be a responsible driver. There’s only so much you can do yourself, though. It’s always worth getting a professional to check your car out every once in a while, too. It helps to make sure there aren’t any issues you aren’t aware of. You’ve no reason not to get your car serviced.

If there are any issues you aren’t aware of, you can get them sorted out relatively easily. A car service doesn’t need to be that expensive. With how much it can help you when there’s an issue, it’s worth taking the time to do. Get it done every few months to be safe.

Factors to Focus On to Be a More Responsible Driver

These can all help you be a more responsible driver. That doesn’t mean they’re the only areas you should focus on. Instead, it can always be worth developing a few skills and focussing on a few factors while you’re at it. You would’ve learned quite a bit during driving school before.

That doesn’t mean you’ll know everything you need to know. To be a more responsible driver, it’s worth doing a bit extra. Focussing on a few specific areas helps, like:

  • Being Able to See the Big Picture – You’ll naturally need to focus on the road ahead when you’re driving. That doesn’t mean you should have tunnel vision, though. Make sure you pay attention to your surroundings while you’re at it. This helps you figure out if there are any potential risks on other parts of the road. It’ll help you to stay safe on the road.
  • Knowing Your Car’s Capabilities – Different vehicles have different capabilities. While that seems obvious, many people overlook their own car’s capabilities. They’re not entirely sure of what their car is capable of. They could overestimate it. Don’t fall into that position. Make sure you know your car’s exact capabilities so you don’t push it too hard.
  • Learn to Be Patient – There’ll be plenty of times on the road that might test your patience. You could be stuck in a traffic jam. Other drivers could cut you off. These situations, while often unavoidable, shouldn’t cause an aggressive reaction. By learning to be patient, you avoid any instances of road rage and similar issues. These are never good, so be as patient as you can.

These should help you be a better driver without needing to put a lot of time and effort into it. You shouldn’t have a problem staying safe once you’ve worked on them.

Adding them to each of the above strategies helps to make sure you’re as safe on the road as possible. With how much of an impact they can have going forward, you’ve no reason not to put the effort into them. What’s stopping you from trying to become a better driver?

Wrapping Up

It’s always worth trying to be a more responsible driver. You don’t even need to be in any accidents to want to be better. It’ll offer more than a few benefits for you, your car, and even your wallet. It’s just a matter of focusing on the right driving tips and knowing what you’re doing.

While this seems like it’ll take a lot of time and effort, it doesn’t need to. Once you’re focusing on the right areas, it could get easier and easier.

The right strategies should be more than enough to help with this. Then there are the various skills and factors you could work on to be a better driver. Working on these helps make sure your car’s in good condition, while also helping you avoid more than a few accidents. You’ve no reason not to put a bit of effort into them.

This is a collaborative post.

travel

Tips for a Stress-Free Vacation
stress free vacation

As much as everyone wants to have a vacation, actually planning one out can be a little stressful. There’ll be a lot to sort out, it’ll cost a decent bit of money, and more. It’s easy to see why so many people get caught up in this and start getting stressed just thinking about it.

That doesn’t mean you can’t plan a stress-free vacation, though. You’ll just have to put the time and effort into the right areas, and there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. Three particular tips could be more helpful than you’d think.

Research Your Destination

Once you’ve decided on somewhere to go, it’s worth taking a little time to research your destination. There are more than a few reasons for this. The most notable is it helps you figure out the best time to go depending on the weather and other factors. It’ll even help you figure out costs.

Then there’s the fact it lets you figure out what you can do when you’re there. Having a general idea of the activities you can try lets you plan out your trip a lot better than you’d think. You’ve no reason not to spend a little time on it.

Avoid the Airport Rush

One of the more stressful parts of a vacation is the airport. You’ll have to worry about security, checking in, figuring out parking, and more. It’s easy to see why so many people get overwhelmed by it. Thankfully, it’s not something you need to settle for, as long as you plan it out right.

You could check in for your flight online, for example. Then there are the apps that help with airport car parking, which are always worth using. They should help you avoid all of the rushing around and stress that’s normally associated with the airport.

Stick to Your Budget

It’s always worth making sure you have a budget for your vacation. That way, you’re much less likely to need to worry about the financial side of everything. This is where many people can get a little stressed. Once you have a firm budget, however, there should be a lot less to worry about.

Be comprehensive when you’re putting this together. Having a specific amount set aside for flights and accommodation. After that, it’s worth having a specific amount set aside for each day’s expenses. Don’t forget to have some money set aside in case any emergencies come up during your vacation.

Everyone deserves to be able to enjoy themselves on vacation. That doesn’t mean there aren’t a few things that could get in the way. You could end up getting stressed trying to plan it all out and actually get out on vacation. You don’t have to settle for that.

By using a few tips, you can plan a stress-free vacation relatively easily. With a little bit of effort, you’ll end up being on vacation without a care in the world. There’s no reason the right tips shouldn’t have an impact on the process.

This is a collaborative post.

kids, travel

What Are The Best Attractions In London For Families?

While there are many attractions in London catered solely to adults, there are also many attractions aimed at families with kids. While travelling to London does mean having to brave the trains and tubes, it’s well worth it for some of these incredible day out ideas. How many of them have you experienced?

London Zoo

Few zoos are quite as immersive and exciting as London Zoo. Many of the animal enclosures here have been specially designed to mimic the home environments of these animals and there are lots of unusual animals here to see that you might not see at other zoos around the country. Kids will love exploring the Land of Lions, Penguin Beach and Butterfly Paradise. There’s also a petting zoo with goats and sheep, as well as an adventure playground. There is designated parking near the zoo, or you can take the tube to Camden Town and walk from there if you’d prefer not to drive into London. 

Natural History Museum

Got kids that love dinosaurs? The Natural History Museum has a whole section dedicated to these prehistoric creatures that includes fossilised skeletons, realistic models and even a robotic T-Rex! There are so many more exhibitions here to explore too that kids will love. This includes a photo opportunity with Andy’s Clock from CBeeBies show Andy’s Adventures, an earthquake simulator and a life-size model of a blue whale (among many other animal models). To reach the Natural History Museum, take the tube to South Kensington station and walk from here. Entry is free into the museum, but it’s worth booking a slot in advance to fast track the queues. 

battersea power station at night Ali Clifford

Battersea Power Station

An old power station may not seem like the perfect place to bring kids, but in fact it’s a top attraction among families. Why? Battersea Power Station has since been renovated into a shopping centre and contains several playgrounds outside for different ages. There’s also a Go Ape treetop adventure course outside. Meanwhile, there’s a shop dedicated to Lego inside the shopping centre, and two upcoming shops dedicated to Peppa Pig and Transformers (for those planning a future visit). You can access Battersea Power Station via Battersea Power railway station.

Hampton Court

Hampton Court Palace was once the residence of Henry VIII. Visitors can explore the impressive Great Hall, tour the expansive Tudor Kitchens, see the oldest grape vine and creep through the Haunted Gallery where Catherine Howard’s ghost is said to wander. However, what makes this a truly incredible attraction for families is its Magic Garden playground sporting sandpits, aerial walkways, climbing frames and 25ft dragon that breathes smoke once every hour. There is no tube station near Hampton Court, however there is an overground station and parking. 

Madame Tussauds

This wax museum was founded by French wax sculptor Marie Tussaud in 1835. Today, it contains over 150 lifelike waxworks of celebrities. While adults are more likely to recognise these celebrities, kids are still likely to enjoy many of the attractions here. This includes the scary Chamber of Horrors, the thrilling Spirit of London ride, and the 4D Marvel movie held in the museum’s former planetarium. This museum is located on Marylebone Road and is situated in an iconic domed building. You can find lockers at Marylebone station for storing your stuff – this is a 5 minute walk from the museum. 

London Transport Museum

Those interested in the history of transport will love the London Transport Museum. Here you’ll find vintage cars, carriages and buses dating back to the Victorian era. This museum is free for under 18s and contains craft areas and singing/dancing workshops aimed at kids. The All Aboard Playzone is meanwhile a transport-themed play area made up of mini vehicles that is perfect for young kids. What is the nearest station to this museum? Most people arrive via Covent Garden,which is a two minute walk away, but Leicester Square and Holborn are also only five minutes away. 

Shrek’s Adventure London

This immersive walkthrough experience is centred all around Shrek. It’s a chance for the whole family to step into Far Far Away, while meeting various characters from the Shrek movies along the way. Kids who love Shrek are certain to enjoy this theatrical experience, while parents are likely to be equally charmed by the humorous acting and incredible special effects. Shrek’s Adventure is located in Westminster directly near the London Eye (which could also be worth combining into a trip). Make sure to book tickets in advance. Both Westminster and Waterloo station are a five minute walk away.

This is a collaborative post.

travel

Why travelling is great for people of all ages

Travelling is something that everyone gets the urge to do at some point in their life. Sadly, this does not mean that everyone gets to travel though as there are often reasons as to why this is not possible. Travelling is great for people of all ages though, and definitely not an experience that you should miss out on if you can help it. You might be sitting there wondering what’s so great about travel though, and we’re going to talk about that right now actually. Have we got your interest? Keep reading if we have!

Learning New Cultures

First, travelling is a fantastic choice because it helps you to understand new cultures. Not just understand them though, you get to experience them first hand which is something that not everyone gets to do. It’s one thing to read about cultures in a book, but it’s an entirely other thing to actually make it happen and experience them in real life. 

For example, if you travel to Japan, you will find that their culture is vastly different to those in the UK and US. This is the same everywhere, as everywhere is slightly different to the last place that you visited. It’s definitely worth it for this alone no matter how old you are, it’s never too late or too early to learn.

Exciting Experiences

As well as learning about cultures, you can also get some exciting experiences under your belt. For some people this is going to be about staying in different hotels, because let’s be honest here, who doesn’t love staying somewhere amazing? If you’re traveling to Cleveland for example, make sure to look at Cleveland hotels near Christmas Story House so that you can get the best possible experience of hotel and tourism attractions! Or, if you’re heading to Oktoberfest in Germany make sure you check out some of the best hotels around there too. 

Look at the various events happening at different places, and find something that you want to go to. There are so many events around the world, and you simply should try to be involved in as many of them as you can.

A Change Of Scenery

The final benefit of traveling for people of all ages is the fact that it’s a change of scenery. Your day to day life can become a little boring when it’s the same all of the time, so a change of scenery is good. You get all of these new experiences we’ve talked about, but you also just get to be somewhere different from your daily life and that in itself is exciting.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and see some of the reasons why travelling is great for people of all ages. A common mistake that people make is thinking that if they just keep waiting, the perfect time to travel will arise, but it never will. Now is as good a time as any, and that’s something that we want you to understand. Travelling is great for people of all ages, and the time to do it is right now.

This is a collaborative post.

travel, Uncategorized

Make The Most Out Of A Week In Johannesburg With These Useful Travel Tips

South Africa is one of the most exotic and action-packed family holiday destinations in the world. It comes with the promise of adventure and thrills. There are so many facets and sides to this fascinating country that for the first-time visitor, it can be hard to know where to even begin.

If you’re planning to visit the nation’s capital Johannesburg, you’re no doubt brimming with a mixture of excitement and nerves. It’s a city that’s often spoke of in legendary tones, it is rich in history and steeped in culture. If you’re heading there for a holiday and you’re not quite sure what to expect, check out our guide with the top tips for spending a week in Johannesburg.

Unsplash photo from Kwena Mashale

Be on your guard

Johannesburg has long held a reputation for being a city awash with crime and social problems. While the city certainly has a checkered past, it’s no more or less dangerous than many other major metropolitan hubs. That being said, you must remain vigilant at all times. Criminals anywhere see tourists as easy and attractive targets, both for their unfamiliarity with the local area and for their habit of carrying around valuables like cash, passports, or cameras.

Busy areas like the city’s main train station, Park Station, can be hotbeds for pickpockets and thieves. Keeping your valuables in a money-belt secured under your clothes can be an effective way of protecting them from pickpockets.

Before you set off, ensure you’re covered with a travel insurance policy. For example,  a travel insurance company like Staysure will cover you if your valuables are lost or stolen, as well as offering cover for cancellations, lost baggage, or medical expenses.

Where to stay

Johannesburg is an enormous city, with a metro area population of 6 million, it is the largest land-locked city in the world. It is made up of several distinct neighbourhoods and areas, each with their own unique characteristics and quirks. Where you choose to stay will depend on the type of holiday you’re looking for.

Rosebank and Melrose are probably the cities safest areas, perfect for a relaxing holiday with no worries. If you’re looking for a little more culture, consider staying in Bryanston or Randburg, there you’ll find plenty of stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and museums. 

For younger people looking for something cooler, Maboneng is trendy neighbourhood with art installations, live music, and rooftop bars.

The language barrier

You will find English speakers in South Africa. However, you’ll also encounter many more dialects, as the country has an incredible 11 official languages. The most common of these are Zulu, Xhosa, and English, so it will be worth your while learning some words and phrases before you head off.

nomvula-moepya-botanical gardens Johannesburg via unsplash
Botanical Gardens (Nomvula Moepya)


Using the native language will help endear you to the locals in the area. It will demonstrate that you’ve made an effort and that you are appreciative of their hospitality, you should be pleasantly surprised to see that effort returned in kind.


Conclusion

Johannesburg is a city with many sides. It has been somewhat unfairly maligned in the past, deemed an unsafe, dangerous place where walking the streets is not advised. While, like any major city, it does have some riskier areas, there is so much Johannesburg can offer no matter what kind of holiday you’re going on. To make the most of your time there, choose the best neighbourhood to stay in, learn a few phrases in some of the many local languages, and be aware of your surroundings to guarantee yourself a memorable stay.

baking, cooking, crafts, create, key stage 2, kids, travel

Fforest gather – a new kind of family holiday

Cheese makingFforest gather – a new kind of family holiday

Family time together just so special as our boys get older – they are more independent and dare I say a little ‘feral’ this year? We’ve had the best of times and made new friends, made memories, and given us something to look forward to next summer too – why? what? how? you ask? Well, a week at Fforest gather, that’s what!

Over to Spike age 15:

If you’ve not heard about Fforest gather – you’re clearly not following @incredibusy on the instagram – or @coldatnight, which you should remedy forthwith – follow us here and here… It’s through instagram that Mum, and it transpires on chatting to fellow campers at Fforest gather, many others, have ‘met’ Sian and fallen in love with what she and husband James have been doing in Cardigan, Wales for the last couple of years…

A small intimate ‘festival’, not really a festival, but that explains the basis of the event – week long holiday with accommodation (optional, you can also bring your own tent/camper van) and daily workshops you won’t want to miss… a new kind of holiday in fact! Two family friendly weeks of adventures in nature, music, culture, creativity and simple pleasures.

view from our group tentWe stayed in one of the ‘group tents‘ – our family in one end, in two bedrooms, and our friends and their three small children in the facing ‘tent’. We brought our own sleeping bags and pillows, and the shared bathrooms a short walk away were positive luxury compared to some campsites we’ve stayed in! The group tents have a communal cooking, and eating area in the centre – and an amazing view across the fields. However, after trying the first catered meal in the canteen, we decided that we’d ditch the camp cooking, and eat with the majority of the other campers – the breakfast and evening meals were just amazing – and the dining area was super conducive to socialising too.

supper time

The beauty of the Fforest gather is that the workshops, talks, walks, performances and activities are all included in the ticket price. Two sessions a day, one at a very civilised 10am, and the afternoon sessions start at 2pm – Between our two families, we tried Screenprinting, Nature illustration; natural dyeing, canoeing, Tamsin with her pencil and puppet making, Bees make honey with the honey farm, making bacon, smoking fish, making cheese,  cooking with fire; axe & knife craft; yoga and wellness; drumming; beer cocktail classes; bird illustrations, silver ring making;  forest school sessions; den building; tree climbing; wild swimming and learnt about foraging with Jade and coppicing with Bruce – woah, all in one week?!

the pubThe evenings were equally entertaining, with, Music from Eyre Llew, and DJs and chatting, and Fforest Island discs, and beer drinking at the adorable little ‘Bwthyn pub‘. Candle lit, and roaring fire – this little pub is located at the heart of the Fforest camp.

A brief selection of our favourite workshops:
Natural dyeing with Hazel Stark – Indigo Shibori (a Japanese pattern technique) – we were so blessed with the weather, so a day spent outside in the Fforest vegetable gardens, patiently folding, pegging and dipping our canvas tote bags was well spent.

Indigo Dye
Indigo Dye

Bird drawing with Matt Sewell, such a delight; as was the glasses onto inanimate objects with Finn Thomson making faces and giving objects sight – such a fun workshop! Seeing objects – using wire, paper, glue, and a LOT of imagination, in the project barn.

Screenprinting was a really big hit with Lex from Feather studios and her patient partner @morganhenryjames.

 

Cheese making was a revelation (and made for the best photos! #instagramthat) Curds and whey with cheese chief Max – who it transpires, can also tell a tale, and sing a song….

Beer O ClockBeer was high on the agenda for the grown-ups, with Evil Gordon doing a turn talking beer cocktails, Beerbods, and sourdough bread making in the wood fired oven.

Jade Wild Pickings

And then there was foraging! @wildpickings 🍃🌿 Jade took us on a walk; foraging for edible hedgerow wonders – we’ve learnt such a LOT this week 🍃🌿

Oh and Sam! The Newquay Honey Farm Man – brilliant and enchanted!

Seriously, this is an event/holiday/week long party I would recommend – such a lovely way to spend time with your family.
We went with good friends, and came away with even more…

 

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The Farmhouse

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Music from Eyre Llew

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Beer cocktails in the Farmhouse

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Coppice College

 

coppice-college-tols-fforest-gather
In the tool shed

walk into Cardigan to visit the PizziTipi
walk into Cardigan to visit the PizziTipi

Sunset over the Tipi
Sunset over the Tipi

Forage baskets
Forage baskets

making Sour dough
making sour dough

Coppice College Woodburner
Coppice College Woodburner

 

Time to plan for 2018… 23 JULY – 5 AUGUST 2018 www.fforestgather.co.uk
A new kind of holiday.
Two family friendly weeks of adventures in nature, music, culture, creativity, making, growing & simple pleasures.
500 acres of bliss. Only 300 tickets available each week.
Week 1 – Monday 23rd – Sunday 29th of july
Week 2 – Monday 30th july – Sunday 5th of august

TO FIND OUR MORE ABOUT FFOREST CLICK HERE

Ali also writes over on incredibusy.com and funcraftskids.com and  aGreenerLifeforus.com

kids, travel

Futuroscope review

Summer family fun, and Futuroscope review

We’ve had a fab time this summer, with trips up to Lancashire, Swansea, and Hastings – and two weeks camping in France – at the end of our camping trip, we spent some time at a couple of theme parks, and I’ll let 11yo take over the story from here. This is his review in his own words:

Futuroscope review – age 11

This summer, after leaving the campsite at Dune du Pyla in Southern France, which we had stayed at for two weeks, my brother and I and family stopped off at an F1 Hotel near Poitiers, and slept there for the night to break up the journey back home.

Dune du PylaAs we woke up, my Mum and Dad declared that we were going for a surprise visit somewhere.

And so we set off, in our car, my brother and I stared out of the window hoping for signs of where we were going.
Not too long after, we spotted a big crystal shard building sticking out of the ground, in the distance.

We then started noticing signs marked Futuroscope, and there was then a turning on the motorway with a big sign directing us down a slip road, the sign was also marked ‘Futuroscope’!­

Futuroscope road signAs we pulled into the car park we started asking our Dad about Futuroscope and he explained that it is an amazing theme park which we have been driving passed every year and this year we were lucky enough to get free entry as my Mum writes a blog.

My first thoughts about Futuroscope was the fantastic large buildings: a city of cylinders, the great shard building, and we couldn’t wait to check out the rides.

As we walked through the theme park, I kept my eye out for rides and when I couldn’t see any I asked Dad and he said that the rides were all inside rides, so the first ride we went on was in the Shard building, which was a 4D movie with moving seats, wind, and on a moving conveyor belt so that it felt as if you were inside the screen – Rayman Rabbids Time Travel.

It explained all of the odd things about history and how they had been caused by the Rabbids. I really enjoyed this ride, as it was my first indoor theme park ride experience.

Futuroscope shardOur second ride experience was a driving experience. Were it seem like you were in a formula one car racing through the sharp cornered streets of a French city and nearly running people over. They made this experience work by using: moving seats, air fans and water jets; which sprayed at us.

Our next ride experience was my favourite because the staff strapped you into the hand of a robotic arm and asked you what level you wanted 1, 2 or 3. I chose number 3 and the arm span into action. Twisting and spinning, tipping upside down, all in the time of the beat. (there was music playing.)

The ride was called Dances with Robots. . . I’ve only included my very favourite rides as I would be here all day otherwise!

Ali: I would like to add a thanks to Futuroscope for their Premium passes – I can highly recommend, saves so much queuing time! The PREMIUM Pass gives:

• One-off priority access for 1 person to 5 attractions: “The Time Machine”, “Virus Attack”, “Dynamic Vienne”, “Dances with Robots” and “Arthur, the 4D Adventure” – we went on them ALL (although, the Virus Attack made me feel VERY ill!)

Follow Ali on twitter as @incredibusymum and twitter.com/MoreKidsChaos for more posts like this one… Erm, and funnily enough on Google+, Facebook and Pinterest! Pop over to say hello x Like it? Pin it! and come say hello at instagram.com/incredibusy too x
Ali also writes over on AGreenerLifeforus.com
crafts, education, kids, travel

The Good Life Experience – family festival

The Good Life Experience

helter-skelter-good-life-experience
Helter Skelter na na na na na

We’ve had ourselves a full and active summer, we just didn’t want it to be over…

Youngest started at ‘bigger than ever’ school and we thought, that’s it, Autumn is on its way – And then, with great joy, we packed our tent into the back of the car and took ourselves off for a long weekend to North Wales. We were meeting my sister, husband and Gracie the dog, for an amazing family weekend at The Good Life Experience, and WHAT a wonderful family festival.

Located in the grounds of the Hawarden Estate, former home of Prime Minister William Gladstone and now owned by his great-great grandson Charlie Gladstone and his wife Caroline (they of vintage lifestyle brand, Pedlars). You may have seen us talking about Pedlars over on aGreenerLifeforUs.com too – as they’ve been one of our #sgiew (@sogoodineveryway) photo challenge judges.

It’s a stunning location, with a castle, rolling grounds, a lake… before you even start to take in the iconic helter skelter, the beautiful bell tents, and general loveliness that goes to make this such a fabulous spot for a family festival of Music, Culture, Food & The Great Outdoors.

andrew-berry-brui-good-life-experience-prints
Andrew Berry Brui good life experience prints

We bumped into so many people we knew from the world of Instagram, including the talented illustrator Lucie Sheridan, and sweetly lovely Ruby @RubyDiamonds and her family, the winners of our #sgiew_goodlife Photo Challenge earlier this year – you can read Ruby’s review here.

All of the workshops and stall holders were happy and enthusiastic, and a delight to meet bumping into a chatting to the nicest of people… nods at Amanda Banham ceramics, Ali Dover, Jennie Maizels (pictured below on the swing!), Beth from Decorator’s Notebook, Yuyo, Hepple Gin (yep, I might just have sampled the gin), Edward Carefoot Journeyman, Dorte from Lewes Map, Elinor and Michael, Beachhutcook, Helen from Nellie and Eve; who have I missed!

A video posted by Ali Clifford (@incredibusy) on

The Good Life Experience was founded in 2014 by four friends Cerys Matthews, Steve Abbott and Charlie & Caroline Gladstone, and they’ve crafted a festival that is wonderfully entertaining, based around themes of slow living, hand crafts, and the great outdoors, with a bit of poetry and live music thrown in for good measure. Fabulous guest speakers, art & craft workshops, swing bands and lindy hop dancing, coffee stops, ceramics, archery, axe throwing, Jennie Maizels‘ sketchbook clubs, Alex Pole forge kitchenware, plasticine stop motion animation, bushcraft,  a dog show(!) and so much more!

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Plasticine dogs for the Amazing Scene Machine

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Lea and Spike’s Plasticine dog for the Amazing Scene Machine

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Looking forward to seeing the finished animation Jim Parkyn!

Between the six of us, we managed to cram a LOT into the weekend, listened to the amazing (and hilarious) Doctor John Cooper Clarke, adventurer Ben Fogle talking about his life, DJ78 with his classic wind up gramophones,  and John Higgs, talking KLF and the spectacular Swing Patrol swing dance class… yes, I’ve looked them up on the internet, there IS a class near me!

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Amanda Banham has us hard at work – the two Ali-s – Clifford and Dover

We marvelled at Neil from the Harwarden Estate and his amazing pumkin carving, we danced and cheered for the amazing Stealing Sheep.

stealing-sheep-good-life-experience
The wonderfully polka dot Stealing Sheep

As Tim at Gather Outdoors said, it’s great to meet up with so many like-minded people all in one place (and many that we follow and interact with on the ‘gram!)

We’re already planning our visit to The Good Life Experience next year and there are some Super early-bird tickets on sale here for 15-17 September 2017. We seriously can’t wait!

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Black cow vodka

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Roll up roll up – the academy awaits

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Neil’s amazing pumpkins

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That moonlit sky though…

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Jeremy Vine in full flow…

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Jennie Maizels brings the blue skies

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Gill Meller and his smokin’ fish…

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The forest bar

Adam Stanley, Welsh seafood pit bake
Adam Stanley, Welsh seafood pit bake

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Adam Stanley, Welsh seafood pit bake

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FANFARE CIOCĂRLIA and the wonderful Cerys

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dj78 – we like his style!

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Diabel Cissokho wowing the crowds

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A field of clover for Gracie the dog to bounce around in

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Instagram Stories came into their own! @incredibusy

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Cerys reads Sue Boyle – ‘a leisure centre is also a temple of learning’

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Cerys gets us all singing ‘let’s go fly a kite’

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Caught by the river

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Apples and Glitterballs

 

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Jennie Maizels and me, Ali Clifford on the best swing ever

xx

Words and photographs, Ali Clifford
Also writes over on aGreenerLifeforus.com