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

Best of Bristol Christmas: Dean Forest Railway

50+ unmissable Christmas events in Bristol – Updated for 2025

A guide to the best of Christmas in Bristol and beyond… The festive season can be a bit like Marmite, and I’m definitely on the lovers’ side. Mulled wine, the scent of cinnamon and fairy lights galore are among my favourite things. And I embrace all the events and activities that Christmastime delivers. We’re lucky … Read more

Stourhead Christmas light trail

5 special UK family Christmas breaks for 2025

I love the magic of Christmas – the time with extended family is always a highlight for me, but I also love all the bits that go with it: the twinkling lights, mulled wine, carols and parties that bring magic and festivity to the season. And that Christmas magic makes for an amazing family Christmas … Read more

Child walking across rope bridge at Eden Project

51 unmissable things to do in Cornwall with kids

We’re huge fans of Cornwall with its gorgeous sandy beaches, dramatic coastline and cute seaside towns. We like it so much that we got married there. And since having kids, it’s become a favourite family holiday destination. It has tons of things to do, from simply hanging out on the beach to visiting the incredible … Read more

Two children sitting on sofa in front of fire in Rosewood yurt

Special Stay: Rosewood Yurt, North Devon/Cornwall

We’ve just returned from a dream of a stay at Rosewood Yurt – the kind of trip that’s a tonic for the soul and feels like a rest even with little kids in tow. Starry skies, cosy mornings and days by the sea conspired for a perfect trip. Before I share all the details, I’m … Read more

West Midlands Safari Park

21 unmissable fun things to do in Birmingham with kids

The UK’s second biggest city, Birmingham (or “Brum” as it’s known locally), is filled to the brim with exciting attractions for families, including museums, galleries, amusement parks and zoos. And if you step just a little outside the city, you’ll discover even more to do in the countryside of the West Midlands, from castles to … Read more