Swarvoski Crystal World fountain.

How to plan an Austria family holiday in winter (Tyrol region)

I booked our trip to Austria on a whim – found cheap flights to Innsbruck and booked them spontaneously. It was only after that I realised peak season in Austria is pretty expensive and booking last minute means availability is seriously low. But I rose to the challenge and we managed to have a 3-day … Read more

Balcony at Wagners Aparthotel 2

Special Stay: Hotel Wagnerhof and Wagners Aparthotel

Hotel Wagnerhof and its sister property Wagners Aparthotel on Lake Achensee describe themselves as a “wellness hotel where couples feel just as comfortable as families”. A description like that couldn’t be more on brand for what we look for at Bridges and Balloons. But did the reality live up to the promise? The short answer … Read more

Victoria and kids eating at Huttopia Arcachon.

Why we don’t always stay in family hotels

Is a family hotel the best option for travelling with kids?  As always, you know I’m going to say, it depends. Family hotels come in many styles and it depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for, as well as your personal taste. Sometimes a family hotel will be the perfect option, but I … Read more

Best family travel destinations by month

With seven years of family travel under our belts, plus many adventures pre-kids and during our own childhood, we have a ton of experience to draw on when it comes to family vacations. So much so that I realised I had more than enough recommendations to fill a suggested family trip for every month of … Read more

Horses outside 11th Street cowboy bar in Bandera.

Texas Road Trip: How to spend 10 Days in Texas

Texas Hill Country and the surrounding area has become one of my favourite places to recommend for a USA road trip. Politically, we’re not aligned, but connection goes beyond beliefs, and in Texas, I found a warm and charming hospitality. In fact, if I had to describe this part of Texas in one word, it’d … Read more

Vegetarian burgers and fries from Pool Burger in Austin, Texas.

17 cool kid-friendly restaurants in Austin, TX

Food should be at the forefront of any trip to Austin, and there’s no need to compromise too hard even if you have kids in tow. Sure, some of the more fancy, refined options might be off the menu, both in terms of the food and how welcoming they are to kids – but most … Read more

Wonderspaces in Austin, Texas.

12+ things to do in Austin (with kids or without)

Austin has to be one of the coolest cities in the USA if not the world. There’screativity on every corner, from innovative food trucks to indy shops and cool murals.And that’s not to mention the live music scene that it’s best known for. Our most recent trip to Austin was as a family, and it … Read more

Arlo and Otis walking on Main Street, Fredericksburg.

The best things to do in Fredericksburg TX (with kids or without)

Fredericksburg had me at first sight. It’s not what I expected from Texas, and I mean that in more ways than one. First, there’s the wine – who knew Texas had a wine region? And then there’s the German heritage, the Stars Hollow style downtown, and the countryside that sometimes feels like the savannahs of … Read more

Bandera street.

Things to do in Bandera, Texas (with kids or without)

With the incredible title of “Cowboy Capital of the World”, you know Bandera Texas is going to be something special. But what to expect? And what to do in Bandera? I had no idea before I arrived. I didn’t even know cowboys still existed! In my mind, they were a thing of the past. But … Read more

Travel gifts for kids

51 of the most useful and fun travel gifts for kids

We’re experts at buying gifts for kids who love to travel! Our little explorers give us ideas every day. And our travels as a family have given us loads of inspiration for practical and entertaining gifts that kids love.  From useful kids travel bags to travel games the whole family can enjoy, here’s our ultimate … Read more