How to get to Koh Lanta from Phuket or Krabi

I’ve put this post together because the question of how to get to Koh Lanta from Phuket is something I somewhat agonised over! This was mainly because we were travelling to Koh Lanta with kids, so safety, convenience and comfort mattered more than when travelling solo. But it’s also because there are quite a few … Read more

Kids playing on Cannon Beach

The Ultimate San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip

The route from San Francisco to Seattle is an epic drive through redwood forests, wine valleys, mountains and some of the county’s most gorgeous coastline. You’ll cover three states, at least three national parks, and see sweeping coastal views and no end of charming towns. It’s one of the most spectacular road trips in the … Read more

Things to do in Hawaii with kids - waterfall hikes

33 unmissable things to do in Hawaii with kids

Hawaii is the stuff of dreams – an out-of-the-way paradise, famous for its dramatic volcanic landscape, idyllic beaches, lush greenery and laidback lifestyle. It’s one of the most beautiful destinations on earth. If you’re planning a Hawaii family vacation, we’ve teamed up with expert bloggers to create an epic family bucket list of things to … Read more

Two kids looking at Mount Hood from Mount Tabor Park

35 fun things to do in Portland (OR) with kids

We’ve said it many times before, but we LOVE Portland. We feel at home there. It mostly comes down to the city’s creativity, evident through all its innovative food trucks, bold street art, liberal spirit and endless indy businesses. It’s a fun and inspiring place to explore. And it’s just as good for kids as … Read more

Lower McCloud Falls

32 epic bucket list family vacation ideas

We love all sorts of family travel – from annual holidays in classic seaside towns to epic bucket list trips that broaden everyone’s horizons. For this post, we’re focussing on the latter. We’ve done many of these sorts of trips ourselves – I’m a big believer in a ‘carpe diem’ approach to life so try … Read more

Home Exchange in Blue Ridge near Smoky Mountains

The Ultimate Guide to Home Exchange

There’s something I don’t talk about enough on Bridges and Balloons, and that’s Home Exchange. We’ve been doing home exchanges since way back in 2015, and it’s our favourite way to travel. It taps into the sharing economy we love and offers an authentic opportunity to truly live like a local – often in a … Read more

Best Sunday roasts in Bristol - Old Market Assembly

9 of the best Sunday roasts in Bristol

Is there anything better to do on a Sunday than going for a roast with friends? I love one at home, but sometimes going to a pub or restaurant is just the ticket for a lazy Sunday. And in Bristol, as with all things foodie in the city, we’re spoiled for choice. This list isn’t … Read more

Small Street Espresso

11 of the best places for speciality coffee in Bristol

I (Victoria) can more or less call myself an expert in Bristol’s cafes (I write most of this blog from them!), but it’s taking me a while to get into speciality coffee (for years, all single estate coffee tasted like ayahuasca to me!). So while my love for fancy coffee is growing, I decided to … Read more

50 of the best things to do with kids in Bristol

I moved to Bristol in 2016 when our kids were but a dream. So my first posts on the city focused more on the grown-up offerings in Bristol. Now that dream’s alive and we have two little boys, I’ve become something of an expert on the best things to do in Bristol with kids. From … Read more

Things to do in Chicago with kids - Skydeck

14 unmissable things to do in Chicago with kids

A guide to the best things to do in Chicago with kids, including plenty of Chicago family activities that adults will love as much as the kids. Is Chicago good for kids? Chicago is one of those places that seems to etch itself on a child’s mind. I think it’s partly due to the skyscrapers … Read more