2017 – What’s Coming Up

January 1, 2017

After having two children, 2016 was my first steps into being a full time travel writer and blogger. It’s been a year of highs and occasional lows, a lot to celebrate, a steep learning curve and colourful memories created with the tots. I hope it’s been the same for you.

2017, a whole new year, and here are some of the highlights I hope to share and perhaps  give you ideas for your clan.

The elegant drawing room at Ardanaiseig Hotel on the shore of Loch Awe

Firstly if you’re looking for a country hideaway for the family, or as a couple, we experienced the sumptuous Ardanaiseig hotel on Loch Awe (review coming soon). It’s editors’ choice in the Good Hotel Guide 2017 in the Country House and the Romantic section. Visiting a notably ‘romantic hotel’ with two toddlers? I’ll give you the lowdown.

Giovanni’s Restaurant, Macdonald Aviemore Resort

Spending a few days up in Aviemore, a winter destination that I absolutely love and return to time and again, we visited the recently refurbished Giovanni’s restaurant in the Macdonald Aviemore Resort to check out its child-friendly credentials.

A review of the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is also on the cards. Mr Toddler was very excited about meeting Santa’s partners in crime so a festive profile seems appropriate.

For something a little different we’re going on a hosteling road trip in the north east of Scotland in the spring. Having spent six months solo backpacking (before children) I must confess that in my head hostels involve shared dorms with individual bunks, so not ideal for travellers with small children. I’ve been advised to see the error of my ways and to try out a new breed of high end, budget accommodation. So, hostels with toddlers, coming up.

The black sands of Tenerife

For winter sun we’ll be returning to Tenerife. With direct flights from Aberdeen it’s an easy option for us and, travel writer or not, when flying with kids I want my life to be easy as much as the next person.

Mr Toddler hunting down accommodation in lush County Kerry

A road trip in Ireland is also on the horizon. Dublin, County Clare and County Kerry are favourites but with a road trip you never know quite where the trail will take you.

I mentioned before that I felt I hadn’t covered enough activities and accommodation on my own doorstep in Aberdeen and shire. To remedy this we soon plan to visit the Macdonald Pittodrie House House near Inverurie and try its new family friendly weekend carvery. I’m also intrigued by the new Aberdeen Angus trail and hoping to visit several (hopefully all!) destinations including Deeside Activity Park, Cairnton Cottages and Ballindalloch Castle to name a few.

Hopefully 2017 will hold a lot of adventures, this is just the beginning, and I’m looking forward to lining up more activities and excitement as the months go by. Happy new year.

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Day Out – Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Aviemore →