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Ultra light spring packing list for Europe principles

My Europe packing list for spring is based around navy.  I always like to choose one neutral colour and then play with different combinations that go with it.  I’m choosing navy because I prefer it over black for slightly warmer weather, while still being serviceable.  I wear a lot of navy at home, so know exactly what I have in the wardrobe that goes with it.  If you don’t wear navy, choose another neutral that you already know you have options for.  As always, 

the best clothes to pack for Europe are probably already in your wardrobe

How to plan a one bag packing list for Europe?  After I’ve decided on a neutral, I always start with shoes.  Then I choose specific clothes that go with my shoes.  I was going to pack a pair of sneakers and then espadrilles, as I did for summer last year.  But the weather is looking decidedly chilly, so I’m going for white sneakers and then a pair of rubber soled patent leather loafers.  I bought the loafers last year (in Paris), knowing they would be an excellent travel option – they are stylish, but soft and will pack down to nothing.  My loafers are Repetto, but these are quite similar:

If you travel anywhere regularly, it is worth considering how garments and shoes will work for a travel wardrobe whenever you buy something new – then you know you will always have the best clothes for one bag travel.

If you are going to be in southern France or other destinations further south, espadrilles or sandals would be the better choice than my loafers.  For this summer I’m loving these sandals with an espadrille vibe:

Best women’s pants for one bag travel in spring

I’m going for three bottoms for this one bag packing list for spring:

• a pair of navy front pleated flared pants in a very light woollen fabric;
• a pair of navy slim pants in a cotton blend that have a bit of stretch;
• a pair of straight legged white jeans.

The white jeans are a bit of a gamble I’ll admit – if the weather is particularly wet then I’ll obviously have a problem, but there’s a reason why I’m going with them.  White jeans are a little dressier so give me a bit more flexibility – especially if I pair them with the patent loafers.  They are straight legged and full length.  I have two pairs of blue jeans at home:  a pair of flares, which will be very bulky to pack, and a pair of 7/8 length which are not so great in colder weather.

Best tops for one bag travel in spring

Because of the variability of spring weather and the fact that I’ll be in two different climates the best tops to pack for Europe in spring are garments that work well in layers.  For a two week trip for Europe I normally pack four tops.  My choices for spring this year are:

• long sleeved blue & white striped Tshirt;
• a short sleeved blue & white striped Tshirt;
• a short sleeved navy T shirt;
• a blue & white floral silk blouse.

I don’t often pack silk blouses, but because I’m forced to pack warmer layering choices a silk blouse takes up slightly less space than another Tshirt.  I can also handwash it myself if need be.

To keep my tops fresher for longer I’m also packing a thermal top.  Thermal tops are my spring secret weapons – they take up little room in a suitcase, and provide warmth without bulk.  They rinse out in a hotel room basin easily and dry quickly.  I’m hoping I won’t need one in Paris, so one to wear in Copenhagen will suffice.

Best jackets for Europe in spring

I’m cheating a bit with my jackets and taking two true jackets and two cashmere cardigans so I can layer the cardigans under the jackets if need be.  I know not everyone owns cashmere, but you can buy it reasonably priced on Amazon and it’s a good option for regular travellers.  It’s very warm, very light and usually very durable.  If you don’t want cashmere, a light merino wool is a good option.  What you don’t want are thick, chunky sweaters (yes, I know they are popular at present) or fleeces.

Because they are so durable, if you have followed my packing posts previously, you will know my cashmere garments.  They are the staples of my spring travel wardrobes.  This trip I’m taking purple and turquoise.

I’m taking two true jackets:  a denim jacket and a linen jacket.  My denim jacket was a risky item I packed for Europe last summer because I’d never taken it to Europe.  It was the absolute hit of my packing list.  I wore it a lot and was pleased with how flexible it was.  I own a second denim jacket, which I’ve been tempted to pack – it’s lighter and more fashion forward.  It’s probably also dressier.  But it’s slimmer fitting and a bit shorter so not so great for a one bag packing list for Europe when I need to be able to layer.  It’s one of those items that should be a good choice for packing for Europe, but it’s actually not.  You can find other items that aren’t the right clothes to pack for Europe here.

My denim jacket proved incredibly versatile. Here at La Fontaine de Mars for lunch paired with a navy Tshirt and my favorite pink and blue scarf

I always like to pack something unexpected when I travel to Europe – otherwise my Europe travel wardrobe gets a bit boring over time.  Last year it was the denim jacket, so I’m hopeful this year’s choice is just as successful.  This time round I’m going for a fuchsia pink blazer.  It works excellently with navy and is an easy way to inject colour into what is otherwise a pretty classic wardrobe.  What I think this also shows is that carefully chosen, an injection of colour doesn’t need to be just a scarf.  If you want to go more classic, then a navy, black or check jacket will work just as well.

I’m also taking my mid length navy trench coat.  It’s a good choice for such a small packing list because it’s short enough to wear as an extra jacket, as I’ve shown here:

My new trench is short enough to wear as a casual jacket

If it doesn’t fit inside my suitcase I normally fold it carefully and strap it to the top.

Are you travelling to France anytime soon?  My France Travel Planning Facebook group has 25000 friendly members all ready to help with your France packing and travel planning questions.  You can join here.

Dresses to pack for Europe in Spring

I’m going for a wrap dress.  The same one I packed for Europe last summer.  I can wear it with my denim jacket or with the fuchsia jacket.  It won’t crush and packs down to nothing.  Depending on the weather I will wear it for the afternoon tea I am planning or for dining out.  Because it only has to go with your jackets, you can be a bit more adventurous with colour, although mine is blue, black and white.

This dress is an excellent option afternoon tea – here at Le Meurice in 2022

Best accessories for one bag travel to Europe

I’m going very basic with accessories – two simple scarves.  A fine cashmere in red to wear when it’s cold – it therefore won’t need to be worn when I wear the fuchsia jacket, hence the clashing colours.  Then a silk one in pink and blue which is a real favourite and very easy to travel with.

In spring I usually pack an old pair of airline pyjamas.  They are thin and suitable for wearing on the plane as well as for sleeping and lounging in my hotel.  I appreciate not everyone has airline pyjamas but a light tracksuit will serve the same purpose.

What to wear on the plane to travel to Europe

Because I pack so light I always try and wear my bulkier items onto the plane.  This trip I’ll be wearing what I wore last summer – denim jacket, navy Tshirt and blue pleated pants.  With my sneakers.  I’ll change into old airline pyjamas on the plane.

Ready to fly in 2022. Swap out the Tshirt with a navy & white option, skip the mask and I’ll have my smaller suitcase

Extras

Because I pack my liquids in a ziplock bag for the plane, I only need a small toilet bag.  Choose something that is squishy and not structured, so it takes up less space in your suitcase.  Extra points if it has a hanger, like this one, which is great for small hotel bathrooms.

The best things to pop your liquids in are silicone bottles in a range of sizes.  Go Toobs are very good quality but other brands are available.

Because plugs and chargers can take up so much space, I’ve gone to USB chargers, which take up less space and keep all my plugs and chargers in one place.  Just don’t forget to include an adapter plug.

You can follow along on my trip to Europe this spring on the frugal first class travel Instagram account here.

If you plan properly, you won’t need to spend a fortune. In this article, we’ll explain exactly how you can leverage planning to travel on a budget.

Set your limits

You can’t travel on a budget unless you’ve actually set yourself one. This is the most important thing you can do to control your spending while you’re on holiday.

When creating your budget, ask yourself the following questions:

• How much can you save each month before you go away?
• Do you have existing savings to draw from?
• Do you have any other financial responsibilities to account for?

Once you have a number that you can afford, you can start planning how you’ll spend it.

Make a plan

The fewer decisions you need to make while you’re actually on holiday, the fewer surprise expenses you’ll face. That’s why you should come up with a plan that accurately matches your budget – and ideally leaves you a little in reserve.

Your plan doesn’t need to be down to the letter. But at the very least it should answer all the essential questions, such as:

• Where you’re going: Try to choose from the destinations with the best value for money.
• When you’re travelling: For better prices, travel outside of school holidays and other busy periods.
• What you’ll do: Remember to make the most of free activities.
• How you’ll get there: Public transport can seriously reduce your costs, so use it whenever you can.

Choose a staycation

Unless you’re desperate to travel abroad, consider travelling within the UK. Staycations are typically far less expensive than overseas holidays.

In the first place, they let you escape expenses related to international travel – namely, the costs of flights, airport transfers, and travel insurance.

If you’re lucky enough to own a motorhome or caravan, you can take this one step further by opting for a campsite staycation. This will let you exchange the price of a hotel and Airbnb for that of a much cheaper grass pitch. The only additional costs you’ll have to worry about then are fuel and comprehensive motorhome insurance to keep your vehicle safe.

Planning: The key to travelling on a budget

The pareto principle states that roughly 80% of what you get out comes from 20% of what you put in. When it comes to enjoying a cost-effective holiday, planning comprises the 20%. By concentrating your efforts on this relatively small aspect of travelling, you can make the greatest impact on your ability to travel on a budget.

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QANTAS Business Class on the ground

The QANTAS Business Class check in at Sydney airport is not flight specific, but for our evening flight there was little in the way of queues.  We were therefore served quickly for check in by a friendly QANTAS ground agent.  MissG was travelling with us in QANTAS Economy Class and the agent went to lengths to find her a better seat where she would be able to lie down for the overnight flight.

Since we had travelled internationally last, Sydney airport had introduced a new First and Business Class Immigration channel, so we were through both Immigration and Security in no time.  

I’ve written previously about the always underwhelming QANTAS Business Class Sydney Lounge is, and this visit was no exception.  I think they were understaffed because there was almost no clearing of tables, and replenishment of food was very slow.  Despite the Lounge being quite full, whole toilet and shower areas were closed.  Food itself was heavy on the carbs and a bit stodgy.  MissG who is always a picky eater was worried about the dining options on the plane, so tucked in heartily to mac n cheese, which she enjoyed.  Mr frugalfirstclass decided to put his trust in the QANTAS Business Class in flight dining menu and I settled for cheese and crackers.

Boarding was organised and orderly, even with the extra security checks required for flights to the US.

Mimosas for brunch

When we arrived at Honolulu Airport for our flight home the queue even outside the airport building was lengthy for economy passengers.  There was no queue for business class check in.  To be fair to the ground staff there were extensive renovations in the building and the check in was operating out of a limited number of temporary check in counters.  So we waited.  And waited.  In the end I called over a member of the staff to check we were even queuing in the right place as we seemed to be ignored completely.  Once served we were on our way quickly, but it wasn’t a great experience for anyone in either queue.  

There was no separate business class queue for security, but the airport was not busy and we were on our way to the lounge promptly.

On our Honolulu to Sydney QANTAS business class flight we were able to experience the newly reopened QANTAS Honolulu Business Class lounge.  We had been given verbal instructions to find the lounge (which is on another floor), but it was still a bit of a mystery tour to get there.

Whilst the QANTAS Business Class lounge in Honolulu is not big it was certainly pleasant and was big enough to accommodate the number of guests waiting.  Amenities were well kept, there seemed to be plenty of food suitable for a late morning departure (mimosa and a Vegemite and tomato tartine anyone?) and there was even drinkable coffee.  The staff were excellent and very engaged – they kept us very well informed about the delay to our departure.  The outlook of the lounge was very pleasant and a lovely reminder of the tropics.

Boarding for the QANTAS a330 Honolulu to Sydney was orderly, despite the delay (caused by a shortage of cleaning staff at the airport).  MissG was delighted to be called forwarded via an announcement and given the points upgrade to Business Class I had secretly requested for the flight home.

QANTAS Business Class in flight

QANTAS Business Class amenities

We were provided with a pair of the famous QANTAS grey pyjamas on our night time flight.  They were light and comfortable and a good fit.  The amenities kit on each leg was different – themed to celebrate the QANTAS centenary, the colours and styling reflected those used in QANTAS flight attendant uniforms over the years.  Inside was a basic kit of items wrapped in paper.  There was no lotion of any description in the amenities kit, but pleasant smelling and good quality hand cream was available in the loo.

QANTAS a330 Business Class seat

I found the QANTAS a330 Business Class seat comfortable enough for a nine and a half hour flight, although it was not particularly wide.  What I really struggled with, however, was the lack of storage.  It was sooo bad, even my handbag had to go in the overhead compartment and our shoes had to be strewn around us.  There was a little rack, big enough for a book/iPad, phone etc and a small open box arrangement that was big enough for the amenities kit and that was pretty much it.

The other thing I struggled with was the solid divider between Mr frugalfirstclass and I in the middle seats.  It made it almost impossible to speak during the flight.

When we boarded we had a decent sized pillow, a duvet and mattress pad ready on our seats.  I must say, I found the seat sufficiently comfortable to not bother with the mattress pad.  The pillow was comfortable and the duvet good quality.  

The footwell was big enough and the seat long enough to enjoy a good night’s sleep on the Sydney to Honolulu leg.

QANTAS Business Class menu

I was very pleased to see a printed menu on both legs of our flight.  On both legs we were treated to one full meal and one lighter meal.  This was just right for 9+hr flights.  Unfortunately the promise of the written menu did not live up to expectations.  

In general I found the entrees (appetizers) much better than mains.  I’ve often found that going for the salad based entree is often a better choice, and these flights were no exception.  My deconstructed tuna Nicoise was delicious and creative.

My burramundi main on the Sydney to Honolulu leg was nicely cooked, but the skin had been left on the fish, which meant the flavour of the coating didn’t sink into the fish, and fell off the minute I cut into it.

On one leg I opted for a cheese course rather than dessert and while the serve was generous, the serving of the cheese lacked finesse and was very limited in choice on the plate.

My pulled pork ciabatta on the return flight was a bit of a gamble I admit.  Surprisingly, the bread itself was fresh and not at all soggy.  The pulled pork tasted spicy and interesting, but the texture was horrible – mushy and soupy, it was not true pulled pork.

On the return flight, MissG declared the menu inedible (when she discovered the only dish she wanted was not available on the flight, despite being listed on the menu), so channelled her inner 6 year old and ate nothing but ice cream and chocolate for the entire 9hrs.  She said she was very disappointed as the food in economy on the QANTAS a330 Sydney to Honolulu was much more appetizing.

Mr frugalfirstclass didn’t like his beef fillet on the way over – over cooked and stewed (as is frequently the case with beef in my experience), with undercooked vegetables.  On the Honolulu to Sydney leg the rice accompanying his chicken was completely cold and inedible.

The wine list on the printed menu was limited to “a selection of” Australian wines.  In practice this turned out to be a choice of two reds (Cab Sav or Shiraz) and two whites (Chardonnay or Riesling).  Very 1985 – even down to the Chardonnay being very oaky according to Mr frugalfirstclass.  Champagne was Laurier.  A range of spirits and mixers were also available.  Cognac was Martell VSOP which came as a very generous pour.  

While pours on the wine were quite generous initially, unfortunately, top ups were not offered and had to be requested.

QANTAS Business Class inflight entertainment

I found the QANTAS Business Class inflight entertainment quite adequate for flights we travelled on.  The IFE screen was big and easy to navigate by either the easy to reach touchscreen or the hand held remote control.  There were a range of new release films (although I found these lacking in choice compared to some of QANTAS’ main competitors) as well classic films and plenty of TV show options.  Unlike some airlines, I was pleased that multiple, full series of TV shows were included – I get very annoyed when TV shows are restricted to just one or two episodes – especially on longer flights.  I therefore watched a couple of new releases I hadn’t seen and then settled in and enjoyed two full series of the comedy Hacks.

There is no wifi on the QANTAS a330 at the moment in any class.

QANTAS Business Class service

QANTAS are famous for the friendliness of their inflight service.  In our experience, while the inflight service was definitely friendly, it was patchy, and on one occasion was just terrible.  Things went quite well on the way over to Honolulu but on the way back things went seriously pear shaped.  We were all set up for meal service and then sat.  And sat.  And sat.  To the extent that it took about an hour to serve everyone just one course of the propose two course light meal.  What made it worse was there was no apology or explanation.

We were provided with plenty of water during the flights, but top ups of drinks had to be requested.  

The crew didn’t seem to be rushed, just slow and not anticipating of our needs.

QANTAS Business Class Review 2023 final thoughts

I put QANTAS a330 Business Class in the “nice, fine” but not “great” category.  The seat was quite comfy, and had the advantage of being in a 1-2-1 configuration.  But the solid partitioning and lack of storage was very problematic.  Food and service were patchy, and the wine list was inoffensive but old fashioned. 

We haven’t travelled on Hawaiian Airlines Business Class since the pandemic, but when we did, while it wasn’t perfect, I found it a more pleasant experience overall.  On the other international routes where QANTAS fly this plane, they can’t compete with Singapore Airlines a350 Business Class, and I’d have doubts about their ability to compete with the Japanese airlines or Cathay, although I’ve not flown JAL or Cathay in many years.

Author’s note:  we paid for our own flights for this QANTAS a330 Business Class review.

In Honolulu we stayed at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.  While post COVID it’s certainly not back to where it was, it is friendly, comfortable and very well located.  And the views from the Mailani Tower are to die for.  You can book your Honolulu accommodation here.

And in its vast wilderness there’s plenty to be discovered! From staggering wildlife to soaring peaks, snow-capped mountains and once-in-a-lifetime activities, Alaska’s calling! And here are just a few things you can enjoy whilst you’re there. 

Where to visit 

Forget bustling cities and man-made experiences, Alaska is all about immersing yourself into nature and enjoying it in its purest form. Up first is the Mendenhall Glacier in the city of Juneau. The Juneau Icefield is almost half a mile wide and is simply breath-taking on a sunny day with the mountains in the background. 

In Alaska’s Northeast corner is the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Also known as the ‘Serengeti of the North’, you can expect grizzly bears, musk, ox and polar bears on its vast plains. Alaska is also home to the largest national forest in the US. Almost the size of Ireland, Tongass National Forest is a lush mixture of wetlands, ice and high mountain terrain.  

Wildlife 

Alaska boasts plenty of impressive residents. This is where giant bears roam the forests undisturbed, where bison withstand extreme weather conditions and where humpback whales make surprise appearances. Indeed, many of them you won’t see elsewhere.  

Of course, visitors must take extra care around these creatures. If you find yourself (literally) off the beaten path during a hike or outdoor activity, keep your wits about you. Most of the time, however, these creatures will accept you peacefully if you don’t create too much of a disturbance.  

The activities 

Alaska is not for the faint hearted. Here, home comforts are sacrificed in the name of adventure. So, grab the chance and fill your adventure vacation with hair-raising activities! 

Join the pack and go dog sledding. This most unique of activities that is only available in a small number of locations around the world, is truly an unforgettable experience. Go where no human has gone before and travel at eyewatering speeds as the dogs pull you through Alaska’s most staggering landscapes. 

Adrenaline not pumping yet? How about a rafting trip down one of the country’s fiercest rivers, or a trek across a glacier with an official tour? With some glaciers bigger than some US States, there’s certainly plenty to explore! 

If, however, you don’t want your vacation to be packed with death-defying activities, you could always go fishing in any of Alaska’s crystal-clear lakes or rivers. You won’t be jostling for a spot you can be sure. 

Chances are you’ve never considered it before, but heading over to Spain in January is actually a great idea for a few reasons. First off, it’s still quite warm, with average temperatures sitting around 10-16°C on the mainland – making Spain one of the warmer climates in Europe for this time of year. Second, it’s cheaper, with offseason prices meaning your travel, accommodation and activities will all come in at a lower cost. Third, you’ll get to see a different side of Spain, with fewer fellow tourists to get in your way.

But what about things to do? The good news is there are plenty of unique experiences to be had in Spain this January. We’ve picked five that could make your winter visit a memorable one.

See the stunning architecture of Barcelona

It should come as no surprise that the vast array of art, architecture and cultural vibrancy in Barcelona carries year-round appeal. Head over in summer, though, and you’ll find the city streets jam packed with tourists, making seeing some of the city’s best creations harder work than it needs to be.

Visiting in January gives you a chance to reach much of the city without too much trouble and see many of the works of the world-renowned architect, Antoni Gaudi, up close and personal.

Go skiing in Granada

If you want to keep things a little more traditionally winterish, you can go skiing in Granada, which is one of the coldest parts of southern Spain this time of year. The mountainous city averages temperatures of 7°C during the day, and there’s plenty of snow and skiing opportunities due to Granada’s proximity to the Sierra Nevada Mountain range.

Get a taste of summer in the Canary Islands

At the other end of the Spanish January weather spectrum sits the Canary Islands, which boasts temperatures as high as 20°C at the turn of the year. One could argue that such temperatures are perfect for travelling Brits that want ‘hot, but not too hot’ conditions, but the cooler than normal climate means you can see a different side of the likes of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, with great hiking opportunities around the volcanic terrain of Lanzarote.

Learn Spain’s history in Madrid

Like Barcelona, Spain’s capital is rife with stunning architecture and rich history, which is documented by some of the best museums in Europe. The likes of the Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia all make for highly worthwhile trips that aren’t reliant on the sun being out.

Discover Seville in comfortable conditions

Hop on a cruise from Southampton to Spain this January and you’ll be able to visit a number of the country’s best spots, including Alicante and Seville. Where the latter is concerned, a January visit offers you the opportunity to see one of Spain’s hottest regions in a more comfortable climate. Seville’s highs of around 36°C in summer can make visiting the likes of the Real Alcazar palace and the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See a rather daunting prospect. A cooler January visit with barely any crowds sounds much more appealing.

If you’re looking to get away from the grey days of new year in the UK, Spain offers a perfect getaway opportunity. You’ll see a different side of the country, enjoy better weather than at home and spend less money, so why not book yourself a little time away this January?

Financial problems sometimes cause expats to return prematurely. But this does not have to be the case. There are certain ways to save money when moving abroad, which will make the transition more likely to succeed.

1. Ship your baggage

It’s tempting to air-freight your property across the world. No one likes waiting months for their possessions to arrive. But shipping is the much cheaper option, and will free up money that you’ll need when you arrive.

There are some tips to making the most of the months your property will spend at sea. Send the clothing you’re not currently wearing in advance. If it’s summer, ship your winter clothing and vice versa.

2. Sell your junk

Okay, maybe it’s not junk. You might have some beautiful decorative pieces in your house, and some stuff that is sure to come in handy one day. But it’s stuff you either won’t need abroad, or won’t have space for. If you’re moving from a 3 bedroom house into a 1 bedroom flat, for example, you’re going to have to leave stuff behind. And then there are the things that are just not practical to ship.

Selling this stuff will lighten your baggage and it can make you a lot of money. You might be surprised at the amount of things you have that you just don’t need. Even if you’re not a hoarder, you accumulate plenty of stuff over the years.

3. Use foreign exchange services rather than banks

This is quite important to know. Most of us trust our banks more than we would any other institution. Unfortunately, they’re not there just to help us. They exist to make money, and that sometimes means they take advantage of us.

Foreign exchange is a particularly frustrating case. Banks have huge fees just for converting currency, and moving it to a foreign account. They are also notorious for hiding fees in the exchange rate they offer. Compare their “competitive rates” to what you find on Google. The results are not pretty.

This is why there has been such a huge boom in foreign exchange firms over the past couple of decades. These firms provide currency exchange for extremely low fees, and you’ll usually get the mid-market rate which Google shows. They also provide practical support with transfers and documentation, which is a huge burden off your shoulders.

4. Rent a furnished property

No one wants to have someone else’s furniture in their home. However, renting a furnished property will save you tons of money on either buying new furniture, or shipping it from home. The rent will be a bit more expensive, but that won’t come close to negating the savings.

5. See an accountant before you leave

Don’t underestimate the costs of taxes and bureaucratic processes. Switching to a new financial system is extremely difficult. Fees and services you take for granted might be totally different somewhere else. Taxes might be much higher, and apply to income you’re not used to being taxed on.  There are tools and resources such as tax bracket calculators, currency conversion charts, and so much more that can give you a better perspective on the financial side of things. 

Unless you’re an expert, you won’t be able to take everything into account on your own. See an accountant who specialises in immigration. Just the stress relief is worth the extra money, and chances are, you’ll save on expenses you would have otherwise incurred.

Hitting 70 is an incredible achievement, one that is only fit to be recognised with some sort of party or event. If you have a loved one with a 70^th birthday fast approaching, you’re undoubtedly scrambling for ideas for how to celebrate this momentous day. If you’re having a hard time coming up with something, we’ve got you covered. Check out this guide with some top ideas for celebrating your loved one’s 70^th birthday.

Take Them On A Trip

One of the best and most memorable ways to celebrate a big birthday is by taking a holiday. Your loved one will be overjoyed at the thought and consideration that has gone into such a gift, as any kind of trip requires extensive planning and preparation.

This doesn’t necessarily need to be an overseas trip, although that would be perfectly acceptable provided your loved one is physically up for making it through the airports and onto the plane. Staycations have become incredibly popular over the past few years, they present a more accessible and affordable alternative to the holiday abroad, with the added bonus of avoiding the stresses associated with international travel.

Whether you decide to go abroad or holiday at home, keeping you and your loved one safe should be your number one priority. Elderly people are more prone to falls and trips and can have greater instances of long-term medical conditions. Booking insurance for travel ahead of time can provide your loved one with the cover they need should they require medical attention or treatment on your trip.  

Celebrate At Home

For some, there’s nothing better than spending time surrounded by family and friends in the comfort of their own home. Spending time with our loved ones is incredibly beneficial for our mental health and can be the perfect way to celebrate a 70^th birthday occasion.

Try inviting friends and family from far away who might have been absent from previous family gatherings. This can be a touching moment for everyone as family members can reconnect and share memories of times gone by.

Celebrating at home can allow you to decorate in style, with personalised balloons, cards, and bunting. Don’t forget the cake, too. You might find that squeezing 70 candles onto a standard birthday cake is somewhat tricky, so get creative and think of some other ways to decorate the cake. You could get a custom one with a picture of your loved one on it, or simply one with the number 70 printed on it with icing.

Having a birthday party at home can give you the freedom to choose what activities you and all the guests take part in. The possibilities are endless, you could watch old home movies, listen to your loved one’s favourite music, or play some beloved party board games or charades.

Conclusion

There are few more monumental birthdays than the big 7-0. It’s a day that should be recognised as the true occasion it is and should be dedicated to your loved one and reflect everything they mean to you and your family. Whether you choose to go on a trip abroad or domestically or decide to celebrate in the comfort of the family, you must ensure that it is a special day that will be remembered forever.

Eating Out 

To find the best places to eat at a reasonable place, stray from the tourist track and head where the locals go. This likely won’t be far but will definitely keep your costs down and you’ll find the food is more authentic. Lots of restaurants and venues offer a discounted lunchtime menu, or menú del día, where you can enjoy a selection of starters, mains and a drink accompanied by a bread basket for as little as €8.  

Treating yourself also doesn’t need to break the bank. Many restaurants offer a tasting menu or sharing platters at a fair price. For supplies and snacks, the local fresh food markets are your best bet, such as the Mercado del Carmen or Altarazanas Market. 

Attractions 

Ticket prices in Malaga aren’t often too expensive but every penny counts when you’re on a budget. If you’re lucky to be a student or pensioner, you’ll be able to get reduced rates for entry to the majority of museums and monuments in Malaga – be aware ID may be required.  

Some of the attractions also offer discounts when buying multiple tickets at once or at specific times during the day. For those on a rock-bottom budget, some sights are free to visit at certain times of the week. For example, the Pompidou Centre, which exhibits a wide collection of cutting-edge art displays, is completely free after 5 pm on a Sunday. The historic Alcazaba Fortress and Gibraltar Castle are also free after 2 pm on Sundays. 

Transport 

Organising your travel to and from the airport before you arrive will to save on money, as opposed to finding transport and getting a quote on the day. There is an airport train which is relatively cheap but often very busy and challenging to manoeuvre with heavy luggage. Instead, booking your private Malaga airport transfers in advance can still be an affordable alternative whilst allowing you to reach your accommodation at a leisurely and unhurried pace. 

Accommodation 

Booking your accommodation in advance is crucial in order to get the best possible price, particularly if you plan to visit during the Easter holiday or summer break. Travelling out of season or mid-week will significantly reduce costs. If breakfast isn’t included during your stay, don’t bother paying an additional fee. There are plenty of nearby cafes and bars that will have breakfast deals available each morning for a more reasonable price. 

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Photo credit: Canva

On your London Westminster walk you will enjoy:

• The Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
• Westminster Abbey
• The offices of Whitehall
• The Churchill War Rooms
• St James Park
• Buckingham Palace
• Hyde Park
• Marble Arch and the shops of Oxford St

Allow a minimum of 2hrs for this walk, although obviously much longer if you choose to visit any of the attractions.

Starting our Westminster walk

There was no better place to start our London walk in Westminster than the Westminster tube station.  Unlike the very historic neighbourhood, the Westminster underground station is a vast industrial cavern.  You need to choose the Westminster Bridge exit which will bring you out directly opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

It is highly likely the street and bridge will be packed with pedestrians, so for the best view of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, head left out of the station, cross the bridge and enjoy the view from the other side.  (Just on the other side of the river is the famous St Thomas & Guy’s Hospital, where Florence Nightingale amongst other medical history luminaries worked).

Big Ben has just undergone a major refurbishment and is back chiming and on full display.

It is possible to tour the Houses of Parliament if you plan your visit on the right day:

Search for Houses of Parliament tours here >>

The best visit to Westminster Abbey

Photo credit: Canva

Westminster Abbey is a must visit thing in London for many visitors and we were no exception.  We decided to pass on a guided tour and booked timed entry tickets for Westminster Abbey.  At the time we visited, despite having timed entry tickets, we were still held in a queue for some time to control visitor numbers.

Book your Westminster Abbey entry tickets >>

Upon entering, it was easy to see why.  On a dull London afternoon the Abbey was full, although not uncomfortably so.  We enjoyed the interior of the Abbey, including the poet’s corner commemorating various famous Brits – we were particularly interested to find Stephen Hawking, the famous astrophysicist who is the latest to be commemorated.

Mr Frugalfirstclass and I had both visited Westminster Abbey before, although it had been many years.  We were thrilled to discover it was possible to tour the upper galleries of the Abbey now.  At the time we visited it was an additional £5.00 to do so, but it was money very well spent.  Apart from being far less crowded than the main Abbey, the upper gallery was fascinating.  There were historical displays of all sorts of things, as well as the opportunity to see the roof architecture and all sorts of detail not seen from below.  But the best of all was the magnificent view of the Abbey below.  What we particularly loved was the stunning mosaic floor where the Coronation of British Kings and Queens occurs.  This was not able to be seen so well from ground floor level so was a special treat.  (Note photography in Westminster Abbey is not permitted.)

Best London walks through the halls of power to the Churchill War Rooms

Leaving Westminster Abbey head across the Parliament Square Garden, featuring statues of Churchill and Gandhi and onto Parliament Street that turns into Whitehall at the Cenotaph, where British War dead are commemorated.  Just past the Cenotaph is Downing St, home to number 10.  One of the most famous addresses in the world, number 10 Downing St is of course home to the official residence of the British Prime Minister (you cannot enter Downing St, but can look from the barriers).

To continue our Westminster walk head back the way you came just past the Cenotaph to turn right into the newly named King Charles Street.  The bulk of the most impressive buildings on this street are civil service offices, including the offices of the Commonwealth.  At the end of the street you will find the Churchill War Rooms.

I must admit it would never have occurred to me to visit the Churchill War Rooms, but history buff MissG was keen, so we booked tickets to go.  You do need to book tickets, because, although you can just turn up, the queue to purchase tickets is extensive (we were told at least 2hrs on the day we visited in early July).

The Churchill War Rooms turned out to be one of best things we did on our London visit.  It was truly fascinating and very rich.  In addition to the war, there was also a lot of information about Churchill himself, including clothing, menus of food he ate and other ephemera.  It gave a real insight into this complex man.  But what I was most intrigued to see was a whole display given over to Fascism in England and the role of Oswald Mosley and Unity and Diana Mitford.  It was truly interesting, particularly if you are a fan of their sister Nancy Mitford’s writings.

The visit to the War Rooms ends with a tour of the actual rooms where the British Cabinet lived, worked and slept during the darkest days of the Second World War.

If you are in need of a drink and snack there is a small cafe towards the end of the visit to the Churchill War Rooms.

Wildlife in London – a walk in St James’ Park

When you are finished in the War Rooms, cross Horse Guard’s Rd and head into the shade of St James’ Park.  St James’ Park is an excellent place to visit in London with kids – the squirrels and bird life are wonderful, and such fun to watch while sitting on one of the many shady seats.

Walk The Mall and Buckingham Palace

When you have had enough time enjoying St James’ Park, head out of the park and onto The Mall where you see at the end (turn left as you leave the park) Buckingham Palace.

If you are visiting at the right time of the year (a few weeks in summer) you can visit the Staterooms of Buckingham Palace.  You can find out more about visiting Buckingham Palace and the Royal Family here >>

It is also possible to book guided walking tours that include a tour of Buckingham Palace if you are visiting when the Palace is open >>

When you visit you can tell if the Monarch is in residence as the Royal Standard (the flag) will be flying from the flagpole.  While the late Queen spent her time in London at Buckingham Palace, King Charles has remained at his residence at Clarence House (which is on a side street off The Mall to the right as you face the palace).

If you want to see the famous Changing of the Guard (one of the best free things to do in London) it takes place at 11am each day, but you should arrive an hour earlier to ensure a good vantage point.  If seeing this famous London attraction, you can easily reverse your Westminster London Walk or start it at Buckingham Palace rather than Marble Arch.

More gardens and the end of your London Westminster Walk

Walk along the right hand side of Buckingham Palace along Constitution Hill to end up at Hyde Park.  You can of course, also spend a lengthy visit in this famous London Park, but you have two other choices:  head to the left and end up at Harrods or walk along Park Lane (or in the park parallel to Park Lane) until you reach the famous, but slightly underwhelming Marble Arch.  From there you can either take the nearby Marble Arch tube station to your next stop, or head into Oxford St for some retail therapy.  You could also consider finishing your day in a special way with afternoon tea at the Ritz London.

Plan your London visit & Westminster walk 

I know many people prefer a guided tour, so it is possible to book guided tours of the Westminster borough:

Photo credits:  Author’s own unless otherwise captioned

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20% of all LivTours European Tours

Small group tour operator LivTours is offering 20% off all their tours.  LivTours are restricted to a maximum of 6 people and offer some very special options for the Louvre and Vatican amongst other popular destinations.  This offer is available now, but I’m not sure how long it will last, so you need to be quick.

Book your LivTours experience here >>

25% off Take Walks & Devour Tours

The excellent Take Walks and their sister food tour company Devour Tours are offering a generous 25% off all tours booked between now and Tuesday 6 December.  Whether you are travelling to Europe or the US this is an excellent offer.  Take Walks offer small group tours in France, Italy, Spain and the UK and have many exclusive tour options to popular sites such as the Vatican and Tour of London so if you are looking for something different or special they are a great option.

Members of the France Travel Planning Facebook group are huge fans of Take Walks, and their late entry Louvre and Versailles tours are particularly popular with group members, but with every tour on sale you are spoiled for choice.

To book your Take Walks or Devour Tours and claim your discount use the following links and add the promo code BFRIDAY2022 when you check out.

Late entry Louvre tour >>

Late entry Versailles tour >> 

Find all Take Walks and Devour tours >>

Up to 30% off Bookingdotcom

If you took advantage of the last bookingdotcom discount offer, you know what a great deal they were – loads of destinations and big savings across a generous range of hotels and other accommodations.  Again, this is a global sale, so no matter how long you are planning on being away or the number of bookings you want to make, you can’t afford to miss this one.

This generous offer is available from now until 1 December 2022 and is valid for bookings made for 2022 and all of 2023 as well.

Book with Booking.com here >>

15% off Eat With

Food experience company Eat With is also offering a Black Friday deal but you need to be quick, because it is only valid for bookings made until 25 November.  Get 15% off any booking with the code EATWITHFRIDAY.

This is also a global offer, but France Travel Planning Facebook group members have particularly enjoyed the Paris 16th arrondissement dinner with Thomas, as well as a private Paris picnic.  If you haven’t looked at Eat With they are an excellent choice for small group food tours, cooking classes and dining experiences.

Book the Friendly 16th arrondissement Dinner with Thomas here >>

Book the Private Paris Picnic here >>

Search all Eat With food experiences here >>

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines has special Black Friday deals from the 24th until 30 November.  The number of seats available is strictly limited so you need to be quick.  The airline has been a bit vague as to the travel dates in the email notification I received, so it’s worth checking to see if your dates are available.  The other thing to note is that this link will only show discounts from 24 November (and you will probably need to translate it from French.)

Book Singapore Airlines here >>

Nuxe

French pharmacy skin care brand Nuxe is a firm favorite with many readers and Facebook group members, and their special deals are always welcome.  This one is particularly good.  Take 25% off when you spend USD50 and a generous 35% off for sales over USD80 on selected items.  This deal is available now until 27 November so you need to be quick.

Shop Nuxe deals here >>

60% off Rocket Languages

If you’ve been following me for a while you will know I’m a fan of Rocket Languages – their French language course is the one I use and recommend, but all their language course options are highly regarded.  Rocket Languages focuses on relevant conversational language acquisition that will have you confident and proficient in no time.  And they also have AMAZING sales.

This year Rocket Languages are featuring two separate offers for Black Friday and Cyber Monday:

Black Friday is available now.

Ends: midnight on Friday, November 25th (PST)

Offer: 60% off any online course until the end date, or once 1,000 copies have been sold, whichever happens first

Coupon code: BLACKFRIDAY

If you miss Black Friday, don’t panic because they are doing it all again for Cyber Monday from 27 November:

Ends: midnight on Monday, November 28th (PST)

Offer: 60% off any online course until the end date, or once 500 copies have been sold, whichever happens first

Coupon code: CYBERMONDAY

Purchase your Rocket Languages French course now >>

Search for other Rocket Languages courses here >>

30% off My Ultimate Paris Address Book

My best selling The Ultimate Paris Address Book is 90+ pages of shopping, eating, staying and seeing in Paris.  This last sale of the year is valid for purchases until 1 December and gives you 30% off when you use the code UltimateBlackFriday30.

• Suitable for all budgets – from the best EUR1 pastries to the ultimate in unforgettable splurge experiences
• Experience Paris like a local – see and experience things other tourists don’t even know about
• Discover where to eat like a local in both traditional and the latest hip local eateries
• Learn where to buy unique and authentic souvenirs and gifts for all budgets (with not an Eiffel Tower keyring in sight)
• Find your own special places in the City of Lights

Claim your The Ultimate Paris Address Book here >>

Amazon deals

Most readers will know that Amazon has amazing deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday – far more than I could possibly share here.  What I particularly want to call out are a few items you might not have thought of taking to Europe with you.  Now is a perfect time to grab a multi-USB charger for your electronic devices, or if you are planning a trip to Europe from the US a converter for your hairdryers, curling wands etc.

Search for discounted USB chargers here >>

Electronic voltage converters are here >>