last-minute / affordable half-term travel
By Guest Contributor
Are you looking for a last-minute / affordable half-term travel round-ups? If so, Holiday Inn Express, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, has your back…
Explore the best staycation spots across the UK and Europe – all just a stone’s throw away from thrilling attractions for all the family.
And here’s the cherry on top: with our Holiday Inn Express brand ‘Kids Stay & Eat Free’!
UK – Staycations
Holiday Inn Express Droitwich Spa
35 min drive to Go Ape Wyre
30 min drive to West Midlands Safari Park
30 min drive to Worcester Cathedral
25 min drive to Worcester Woods Country Park
9 mi drive or 26 min transport to LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
15 min drive to Jump In by AirHop Trampoline Park
5 min drive or 15 min walk to Windsor Castle
14 min drive to Ascot Racecourse
Holiday Inn Express London – Watford Junction
12 min drive or 19 min transport to Warner Bros. Studio Tour
35 min drive from Wembley Stadium
39 min drive to Whipsnade Zoo
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh – Leith Waterfront
6 min walk to Royal Yacht Britannica
10 min drive or 35 min walk to Royal Botanic Gardens
19 min drive or 32 min transport to Edinburgh Castle
Europe Holidays
Holiday Inn Express Marne-La-Vallee Val D’Europe
13 min drive or 30 min transport to Disneyland Paris
11 min drive or 32 min transport to La Vallee Village
Holiday Inn Express Brussels – Grand-Place
18 min drive or 7 min transport to Grand Place
20 min walk to Atomium
17 min drive or 26 min transport to Royal Belgian Institue of Natural Sciences
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – North Riverside
30 min transport to NEMO Science Museum
24 min drive or 32 min transport to Van Gogh Museum
Beat The Heat: Top Tips To Help Your Kids Sleep During A Heatwave
Struggling to get your little ones to sleep in a stifling bedroom? From clever daytime blackout tactics and safe on-the-go shading with SnoozeShade, to expert routine adjustments from pediatric sleep specialist Amanda Marks and soothing audio tracks from Bedtime Story Co, we’ve got your ultimate guide to keeping kids cool, calm, and safely asleep during a summer scorcher.
Beat the Heatwave: Budget-Friendly School Holiday Activities for All Ages
Surviving the summer break shouldn’t have to drain your bank account—even in a heatwave! From air-conditioned national museum hacks and hidden shaded forest trails across the country to creative DIY projects that will actually keep your teenagers engaged, we’ve rounded up the ultimate budget-friendly guide to keeping cool and entertained both out and at home
Why keeping employees hydrated improves productivity
The human brain is roughly 70-75% water. When dehydration kicks in, it isn’t just a physical drain—it causes a direct hit to focus, memory, and spatial coordination. In fact, research suggests that even a small one percent rise in dehydration can result in a worker’s productivity dipping by approximately 12%.
Where Kids Eat Free This May Half Term: Blend Family Food Halls
Looking for the perfect spot to feed the family without breaking the bank this May half term? Blend Family food halls across London, Sheffield, Birmingham, and Manchester are letting kids aged 10 and under eat completely free from Sunday to Friday (12 PM–5 PM) with the purchase of an adult meal. From tacos and burgers to global street food eats, there is something to make every tiny tummy happy.
Lisa Johnson: From £30K Debt to Multi-Millionaire – How a Mum of Two Built a Freedom-Focused Business
Discover how Lisa Johnson, award-winning entrepreneur and mum of twins, went from £30,000 in debt to building a multi-million-pound business in just seven years. In this exclusive interview, Lisa shares her journey through adversity, her strategies for scaling with passive income, and her honest advice for parents and entrepreneurs seeking financial freedom, work-life balance, and lasting impact. Keywords: Lisa Johnson, entrepreneur, passive income, business strategy, work-life balance, financial freedom, mumpreneur, online business, success story.
3 Easy Family Recipes That Will Stop Weeknight Dinner Stress | Peter Sidwell’s Kitchen
Ditch the packet food! Chef Peter Sidwell shares three quick, comforting, and flexible family recipes designed to bring everyone together around the dinner table.
The Joy of Family Dining: Why San Carlo’s Children’s Menu Wins Over Little Foodies
Discover the heart of Italian family dining at San Carlo. From the Sicilian heritage of founder Carlo Distefano to a specially crafted children’s menu featuring authentic flavors and creative “build your own” options, learn why San Carlo is the perfect destination for a sophisticated yet warm family meal.
Building confidence as a working parent: how to show up authentically in business
Returning to work after having a child is a seismic shift. Learn how to rebuild your professional identity, boost your self-esteem, and show up authentically with these 5 proven tips for confident working parents.
How to Plan a Spontaneous Vacation – Booking a Cruise at the Last Minute
Life has a funny way of presenting you with a free weekend just when you least expect it. Maybe you’ve had a cancellation, maybe wanderlust has simply got the better of you, either way, you’re now seriously considering booking a cruise with barely any notice. And honestly? That’s not as mad as it sounds
BBC casting call: Will You Be My Friend? – children aged 5–8 who are struggling to make friends
The BBC is casting children aged 5–8 who are finding it hard to make friends for new BBC One/iPlayer series Will You Be My Friend? Apply at bemyfriend.tv.
