Most UAE residents cannot wait to travel over the summer and it’s easy to see why. The soaring summer temperatures and long school holidays are the main reasons we look at getting away to somewhere cooler and perhaps even somewhere exotic. Well, mamas look no further…here are my recommendations on where to go this summer and the adventures you can look forward to…

To book, visit: www.travelcounsellors.ae/andrea.bailey, email: andrea.bailey@travelcounsellors.ae or call +971 (0)55 9569502.

Read more: Packing Essentials For A Weekend Away With The Kids
Staycation Offers For Eid & Summer
6 Long EID Weekend Getaway Ideas

The post Where To Travel To As A Family This Summer Mamas appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Remember when cruising was perceived as a holiday for slightly older travelers? Well, mamas, things have changed and a vacation on the water is now one of the coolest and easiest ways to see the world with kids in tow. And it gets better. If you want to have a go at cruising AND combine the magic of Disney then why not do both and book a holiday onboard a Disney Cruise ship?! Yup, that’s a thing – a Disney holiday at sea in some truly spectacular destinations – whether you’re add to a trip to Disney World or looking to travel Europe, there are Disney Cruise departures from Florida, Barcelona, Rome, Copenhagen, Dover, Texas, New York, Quebec, San Diego, San Juan and Vancouver to cover everything from tropical hotspots to European history, pristine vistas to Caribbean adventures. And all with a huge sprinkling of what makes Disney so completely magical of course! We recently set sail to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral in Florida aboard the Disney Dream – a trip that made both the youngest and oldest cruisers very happy. And here’s why we loved it.

Read More: How To Visit Walt Disney World In Florida 

The post 10 Reasons To Book A Disney Cruise appeared first on Sassy Mama.

One of the many reasons we love living in Dubai? That you don’t have to spend millions of dirhams to travel and visit some seriously awesome destinations – thanks largely to flydubai, the airline which keeps prices low but customer experience high (I’m from the UK and these guys are a looooong way from the budget airlines I’ve previously flown with in Europe!). And with temperatures in Dubai soaring coupled with the need for a change of scene and a mini break from the same/same, the new flydubai route to Krakow in Poland had me packing my bags before you could say Na Zdrowie.

Getting There

flydubai is the only UAE carrier which flies direct to Krakow. And because this is a brand new route, it also comes with flydubai’s newest aircraft, the Boeing 737 MAX 8, which is not only more efficient and environmentally friendly (big tick) but also seriously comfy. Economy Class offers new RECARO seats designed to optimise space (probably best economy seats I’ve flown in for ages – not joking) plus great inflight entertainment options with a full HD 11.6 screen featuring lots of movies, TV shows, music and games available to purchase for a small (honestly) additional cost or complimentary for Business Class passengers. And speaking of Business Class, this aircraft also offers a fully flat-bed for snoozing (heaven!!) as well as a gorgeous meal service and more. Check out the youtube vid for a little tour…

Read more: Your Ultimate Family Guide to Barcelona: Where to Eat, Shop, Stay and Play

Why Krakow?

Springtime in Europe? It’s hard to beat (especially when you’re battling the summer sun in the desert). But Krakow is gorgeous at all times of year – in the winter when it snows and there are Christmas markets to explore, in Autumn when the leaves turn golden and in summer when temperatures are not too high for sitting outside in the main square. Krakow is a picture-perfect Polish city rich with history and culture, complete with the ‘castle on the hill’ and a winding river. It’s the perfect place if you love to wander cobbled streets (heavenly for a Dubai dweller who depends on the car to get around) and enjoy everything from seriously good food (Polish pierogi or ‘dumplings’ are just divine) at non-serious prices to historical places to visit (many of which are fun for kids too!).

Where To Stay

We stayed at the Sheraton Hotel Krakow which is not only brilliantly located at the foot of the ‘Wawel’ castle and within walking distance of the old medieval centre and the river but is also crisp and contemporary with big comfy beds, an all-day dining restaurant and a rooftop bar with the most amazing views. And as for price? Totally affordable – with rooms available from approximately AED 500 per night you can get the 5-Star experience without overspending.

What To Eat

You’ll find every type of cuisine in Krakow but for something authentic make sure to snack on traditional obwarzanki (Krakow’s take on a bagel), sprinkled with poppy seeds or sesame seeds and available via street vendors around the Rynek Glowny (main square). And when in Poland, opt for some Polish specialties! Pierogi (those aforementioned dumplings) are a big fave with the kids (the potato and cheese filling is divine), each menu always offers an amazing array of soups (from rye to tomato to beetroot) and always make space for cake because there are so many delicious types to choose from (baked vanilla cheesecake anyone?).

Read more: The Perfect Quick Tropical Villa Getaway to Beautiful Sri Lanka

Things To Do

Krakow is easy (and fun) to negotiate by foot. The old town and Wawel Hill (home to the Royal Castle) are in the center of town surrounded by the Vistual river on one side and a green belt of parks on the other. A stroll around the huge medieval square (the biggest in Europe) is a must – there are little market stalls dotted about and lots of lovely cafes to sit outside at and soak up the sunshine. The square is also home to the old cloth halls, a beautiful building which now houses an indoor market where you can buy lots of locally made mementos. Head out of the square and explore the historic district of Kazimierz, now a very bohemian area packed with cute boutiques, squares and cafes and head to Wawel Hill, the Royal Castle and Krakow’s 14th Century Cathedral – there are plenty of tour guides who can tell you all about the history of the castle but it’s also lovely just to stroll (and there’s a dragon sculpture which breathes real fire at the bottom of the hill which the kids would love!).

While there’s lots to see and do in the city itself, if you head around 15km out of Krakow you can visit the Unesco World Heritage Site of Wieliczka, a working deep salt mine with the most amazing museum. Think proper miners lifts taking you hundreds of meters underground, chambers and rooms carved entirely of rock salt, salt sculptures, briney underground lakes and so much more – it’s completely magical and totally fascinating. The kids will be allowed to lick the walls (yup, the one place they’re actually encouraged to do so!), play in an underground playground and lots more (you can book specific tours for kids that aren’t too long).

On a mini-break with your other half? Krakow is said to have more cafes per capita than any other European city and a nice cold beverage at the end of a day adventuring is just perfect.
For more ideas, check the flydubai mini destination guide.

Why We Love It

Just under six hours direct flight from Dubai, Krakow is a world away from Dubai and the perfect option when you’re looking to escape to Europe without heading to all the usual places. Affordable, beautiful and fun  – we’ll be back in the winter with the kids to do the whole Christmas market thing and head into the mountains (only an hour or so from the city) for some skiing too!

flydubai flies direct to Krakow daily from AED 999 return. To book visit www.flydubai.com 

The post Why You Should Book A Trip & flydubai To Krakow appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Barcelona is a wonderfully vibrant destination for families. Home to some of Spain’s most iconic architectural treasures, large parks and incredible food, it will delight any foodie parent and culture lover. Even better, the Spanish culture encourages parents to include children on all outings, so you’ll find little playgrounds on almost every plaza.  Kids are even welcome in the smallest tapas bar! My parents live two hours outside Barcelona, and every time we make the trip from New York, we try to spend a few days soaking up its Mediterranean coastal vibe.

Here’s a list of our all favourite spots, highlighting kid-friendly activities, must-see sights, fun playgrounds and, of course, where to tap into the local culture and sample the freshest seafood, pastries and ice cream. Looking for even more insight into Barcelona? You can find a number of parent-tested and kid-approved full-day itineraries on nugget.

Jump links:
Places to Eat
Things to Do With the Kids
Places to Shop
Where to Stay

Read more: What’s New For Family Travel, Mama?

Places to Eat

To experience Barcelona, you have to sample the food. From bustling markets to small tapas places, here are kid-tested restaurants that won’t disappoint your taste buds.

La Boqueria
This iconic indoor market situated in the heart of the city is a feast for the senses. It’s a tangled maze of temptations, bursting with stalls offering fresh fruit and vegetables, seafood, and tapas bars. La Boqueria bustles with activity and is an exciting starting point to experience the local culture first hand. Children exploring the market will enjoy sampling local produce offered by the many friendly vendors. But make sure to hang on to your little ones, as the market gets crowded. For more insights on Barcelona’s premier food market check out this nugget itinerary.

La Boqueria, La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain, www.boqueria.barcelona/home 

Kaiku
You can’t visit Barcelona without eating paella. We love Kaiku and eat here almost every trip. Conveniently situated just a 15-minute walk from the Barcelona Aquarium, along the Barceloneta promenade, Kaiku serves fresh and locally sourced seafood. If the weather is nice, grab a seat outside, enjoy the ocean view and let the kids run around the adjacent Plaza del Mar.

Kaiku, Plaza del Mar, 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain, www.restaurantkaiku.cat

Trópico
Tucked away on a side street off of Barcelona’s busy La Ramblas, this brunch spot is popular with local families enjoying tropical dishes and handcrafted fruit smoothies from around the world. The staff is very welcoming (which you’ll find true almost everywhere in Barcelona) and the fun interior, featuring crates of oranges and wooden beach chairs, will delight little explorers. The food is as artfully presented as the modern design of the main dining room. The berry pancakes are a favourite with kids while my top pick is the lamb burger. Off the dining room is a little courtyard that is perfect for toddlers to burn off some energy while waiting for the food.

Trópico, Carrer del Marquès de Barberà, 24, 08001 Barcelona, Spain, www.tropicobcn.com 

Palosanto
Palosanto is a tiny eatery that serves traditional tapas. Often busy with locals, we love the cosy feel and thoughtful staff – it’s almost as if you’re dining at a friend’s place! Our son loves the croquettes and meatballs, and my personal favourite is the traditional potatoes with spicy sauce. If you are looking for a low-key restaurant where you can dine surrounded by locals, this is it.

Palosanto, Rambla Del Raval, 26, 08001 Barcelona, Spain (El Raval), www.facebook.com/PalosantoBc 

La Cova Fumada
This iconic neighbourhood joint is for the adventurous families looking for an authentic tapas experience and stellar seafood. The rustic restaurant is small, with the menu written on a chalkboard on the wall, and its staff doesn’t speak much English. But the food from the open kitchen is absolutely delicious, so the spot is worth trying (even though there are no high chairs). The menu features roasted artichokes, pan-seared fish, grilled langoustines and more – everything is amazing. Our son polished off an entire plate of calamari, one of the freshest we have ever tasted. As a testament to its longstanding presence (and popularity), there are no signs, so look for the crowd of people waiting outside. La Cova Fumada gets very busy. To eat here with little ones, come early, way before the locals sit down for dinner. Last time we arrived at 5:30 p.m. and there was already a 15-minute wait. Thankfully, there is a little playground across the street so your kids can run around while you wait.

Top Tip: The opening times can be a bit erratic and the owner sometimes closes early if he doesn’t feel like staying late. Dinner is served only a few nights a week.

La Cova Fumada, 56 Carrer del Baluart, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Things to Do With the Kids

Here are our favourite kid-friendly activities that parents are guaranteed to enjoy as well.

Ciutadella Park

Ciutadella Park is to Barcelona what Central Park is to New York, and Hong Kong Park is to Hong Kong Island (but far more picturesque!). It’s the green centre of the city and offers an idyllic retreat after exploring the narrow streets of Barcelona’s historic centre. Aside from the monumental fountain and collection of public art, Ciutadella Park also houses the city’s zoo, two playgrounds and a lake in which you can rent a rowboat. With live performers and entertainment artists blowing bubbles for the kids, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here. Grab a picnic lunch and people-watch while your kids make friends with the local children at the playground. For a fun photo op, look for the giant mammoth sculpture. And be sure to be on the lookout for the green parrots that fly wild. Our son loves them. Planning a day out? Here’s a full day itinerary of what to do in Ciutadella Park.

Parc Güell
Designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, Parc Güell is a must for any first-timer to Barcelona and perfect for families. Gaudi’s unique use of colours, shapes and textures translated into mesmerising tile work and unique architectural features, promising magic and inspiration to the park’s visitors. Despite the crowds, it’s a wonderful place for little ones to explore, and older kids love it, too. And if you want to get away from it all, there’s even a playground with lots of shady trees. The perfect spot to rest and escape the summer heat.

Top Tip: The park has many long flights of stairs, so opt for a carrier instead of a stroller for your baby when visiting.

www.parkguell.cat/en

Barcelona Aquarium
If you’re looking to escape the summer heat or rain, the Barcelona Aquarium will delight children of all ages. Though not the biggest aquarium in the world, the exhibits of local marine life are well done and educational. The 80m underwater tunnel offers up-close encounters with sharks and Mediterranean fish species, and the interactive kid’s area will keep little ones busy for a while. My son loved walking in and out of a life-sized sperm whale. For a full day of maritime adventures visit this nugget itinerary. Just be sure to purchase your tickets in advance, to skip the line at the entrance.

Barcelona Aquarium, Moll d’Espanya del Port Vell, s/n, 08039 Barcelona, Spain, www.aquariumbcn.com/en 

Castell de Montjuïc and Port Cable Car
A military fortress dating back to the 17th century, Castell de Montjuïc serves as a symbol of Barcelona’s struggles throughout its history. Today, it provides an expansive view of Barcelona and the sea beyond. You can spot iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, while children will love to watch the city’s industrial port with its giant container and cruise ships. From Castell de Montjuic you can explore the museum and many parks nearby. We enjoy Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens, which is a free botanical garden full of desert plants. Art lovers should also stop at the Joan Miro museum. For more insights on exploring Montjuïc castle check out this Barcelona mini-adventure. Once you’re done exploring Montjuïc, take the port cable car down to the beach and enjoy a different view of the harbour. Our son loved the ride down!

Castell de Montjuïc, Ctra. de Montjuïc, 66, 08038 Barcelona, Spain

Zona de Jocs at Tibidabo Amusement Park
Little kids will love the Zona de Jocs at the Tibidabo amusement park. Situated at the highest point of Barcelona atop Mount Tibidabo, the children’s play area above offers unrivalled panoramic views of the city’s urban landscape. It’s a dedicated area for little ones, where parents will find various rides on a pay-per-ride basis (you don’t need tickets to the amusement park to visit the children’s area). Kids can enjoy a retro carousel, a miniature train, and a few other toddler-friendly rides. There’s also a playground with fun slides built into the mountain.

Tibidabo Amusement Park, www.tibidabo.cat/en

Read more: How To Visit Walt Disney World In Florida

E-bike Tours
Sassy Mama’s Senior Editor says renting e-bikes and doing a Gaudi tour was the highlight of her family’s trip to Barcelona. If you have older kids (and even not-so old, but old enough to ride a bike), this is a fab way to visit the city. The bikes are electric (it’s in the name: E-bike!), which means if you’re going up hills (and, truly, you don’t do this much) the kids can switch on the electric bit and get a ‘push’ up the harder parts! No complaints from the kids about the ride being too hard, and you get an incredible look at Gaudi’s finest architecture, as well as Barcelona itself.

Barcelona e-Bikes, www.barcelonaebikes.com

Parc del Laberint
Visit the oldest park in Barcelona, the Parc del Laberint (Labyrinth Park) for some time outdoors. This incredible full-size maze is Barcelona’s version of Granada’s Alhambra. It’s situated on a beautiful royal estate and is surrounded by an exquisite landscape of gardens and fountains. Sassy Mama’s Senior Editor found this on her trip as well, and her family had a blast roaming the grounds without any crowds (which is rare in Barcelona, especially in summer). It’s a great place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon!

Places to Shop

Explore vibrant markets, discover the best places to shop for picnic supplies, and browse small boutique stores for kids.

Abracadabra Llibres per a nens
I worked in publishing for over a decade, and whenever I travel, I always visit local bookstores. Abracadabra Llibres per a nens is a gem. Aside from a well-curated list of books and toys, it has a little play area for kids and carries an excellent selection of foreign language books in English, German, French and Italian. Pick up a new favourite bedtime story!

Tip: If you’re running around town and need a quick stop, the bookstore also has a nice bathroom with a changing table.

Abracadabra Llibres per a nens, 5 Carrer del General Álvarez de Castro, 08003 Barcelona,  Spain, www.abracadabrallibres.com

Mercat de Santa Caterina
Mercat de Santa Caterina is the perfect spot to pick up supplies for a picnic. Known for its quality and a vast variety of fresh produce, meat and flowers, Mercat de Santa Caterina draws in a steady crowd of local shoppers. Fun fact: its bustling stalls lay beneath a vibrant ceramic mosaic rooftop, which pays homage to Gaudi’s masterpieces in the city.

Mercat de Santa Caterina,  16, Av. de Francesc Cambó, 08003 Barcelona, Spain, www.mercatsantacaterina.com

Hofmann Pastisseria
Set in a charming neighbourhood, the refined Hofmann Pastisseria offers all forms of baked goods and colourful sweets. My family has a sweet tooth, and we always look for local treats. On my recent visit, Hofmann Pastisseria came highly recommended by somebody in the food industry. Even if you don’t like pastries, it’s worth a stop to look at the artfully created treats.

Hofmann Pastisseria, Carrer dels Flassaders, 44, 08003 Barcelona, Spain, www.hofmann-bcn.com/es

Forn Baluard
Often praised as THE place to purchase bread in Barcelona, Forn Baluard offers top quality of over forty varieties of bread. This neighbourhood bakery is a popular breakfast spot and our favourite place to pick up baked goods for our family picnics at the park.

Tip: You can watch them bake the bread on-premises.

Forn Baluard, Carrer del Baluard, 38, 08003 Barcelona, Spain, www.baluardbarceloneta.com/en/principal

Bateau Lune
Bateau Lune is a toy store run by passionate staff who believe in the importance of play. It focuses on sustainability sourced, eco-friendly toys. It also hosts events like magic shows and craft workshops to spark children’s creativity and imagination. If you can attend one of the events, it’s a lovely way to spend time with local families.

Bateau Lune, 7 Plaça de la Virreina,  08024 Barcelona, Spain, www.bateaulune.com

For more shopping spots, check out this family-friendly walking tour of my favourite shops in Barcelona’s El Born neighbourhood.

Where to Stay

We tend to rent apartments whenever we travel with the kids. On our recent visit to Barcelona, we tried yök casa + Cultura and loved it. It offers three luxury apartments in the heart of Barcelona, walking distance to public transportation, grocery stores and Ciutadella Park. Petz and Mari who founded yök casa + Cultura are lovely hosts and full of insightful knowledge. The owners are passionate about social responsibility and have equipped each unit with energy-saving technology and eco-friendly products. The beautifully designed interiors are eco-chic, and all of the furniture is sourced from local stores and designers. The best part is the homemade breakfast, served on the terrace on the top floor of the building.

For more apartment rental options check out Boutique Homes, Kid & Coe or give Airbnb a try. The latter also offers unique experiences and walking tours by locals.

If you prefer the experience of staying in a hotel, check out the family-friendly Hotel Arai in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. The four-star boutique hotel offers suites, family rooms and deluxe rooms with a kitchen. It also has a small outdoor pool with views over the city.

Read more: 5 Travel Products To Make Road-trips/Vacations With Kids That Much Easier

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From new family friendly travel offers and flight routes to nifty gadgets – whether you’re looking for ideas for your next holiday or you’re keen to make traveling with kids easier by investing in a few of the latest products, we’ve rounded it all up for you, mamas!

Super cool, super affordable 3 Star Hotels By Jumeirah

Ok so the Jumeirah Group may have the world’s only 7 Star hotel but they’ve also now launched an awesome 3-star experience with Zabeel House MINI by Jumeirah (the first of a new and very exciting collection!). Described as ‘Maximum Attitude, Minimum Frills’, this property is all about stripping back the non-essentials so as to keep costs low (rooms available from AED 350 per night!) but still offer smart service, inspiring design and loads more (think cool courtyard, rooftop plunge pool and lots of very instagrammable interiors features that pay tribute to our awesome desert city too). Whether you’ve got guests jetting into town or you’re looking for a mini staycay with a difference – Zabeel House is IT!

www.zabeelhouse.com

New routes and holiday packages from Dubai

Keen to explore the globe with your little gang? Flydubai have announced new routes to add to your wanderlust list – from the beautiful Polish city of Krakow to the olive groves, hiking trails and beaches of Tivat, Montenegro plus Dubrovnik, Catania, Thessaloniki, Aqaba and two new Georgian routes too, we’re already planning our next trip! Oh and it doesn’t stop there, as this brilliant low cost airline now offers holiday packages in addition to all those fab fares and exciting routes so you can book hotels and all sorts of add-ons too. Hooray!

www.flydubai.com

Kids stay, play and eat for free in the Maldives

Always thought that the Maldives are better suited to couples only holidays? Think again, mamas! Those white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and relaxed vibe make for the perfect family holiday – and The Sun Siyam Resorts are the ideal destination.  Oh and not only can children up to the age of 14 years old play and eat for free but up to two kids can also stay for free in a room shared with their parents so this holiday really doesn’t need to break the bank (phew!). Go for the Olhuveli Beach & Spa, just a 45 minute scenic speedboat ride from Male and you can grab a three night stay including breakfast from $600 nett for two adults and two children in a Deluxe Room. We’re packing our bags already.

Read more: Magical Maldives. Kids Stay (& Play, Eat, Adventure) For Free At Kanuhura

Need another reason to visit Bali? We’ve got one right here!

Bali has long been one of our absolute favourite family destinations so the reopening of The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa is just another (brilliant) excuse to go back! Located on a gorgeous stretch of Seminyak’s prized beach you can expect everything from stunning ocean views to instagram perfect sunsets and accommodation in one and two bedroom villas (perfect for families) plus suites and rooms (some of which can be joined). Top it all off with delicious dining options, lush gardens, an infinity pool overlooking the sea and the highly acclaimed Kahyangan Spa and you’ve got yourself a winning combo for the perfect family base from which to explore this magical island.

Book now to get the resort’s exclusive relaunch offer: with the Beachfront Oasis promotion, guests pay for three nights and enjoy the fourth night for free. The promotion is valid in all rooms, suites and villas and includes daily breakfast.

www.theseminyak.com

Read more: 3 Family Friendly Places To Stay In Bali

A summer of Marvel super heroes at Disneyland Paris

Got mini super hero fans at home, mama? Well then make their dreams come true and take a trip to Disneyland Paris this summer for The Marvel Summer of Super Heroes (running from 10 June to 30 September) where all the greats from Spider-Man to Black Panther, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow and the Guardians of the Galaxy will be doing their heroic stuff through multiple shows and experiences that promise to be EPIC! Capes at the ready.

www.disneylandparis.com

Read more: How To Visit Walt Disney World In Florida

Something to help banish that ‘just off a plane’ look

Want to be one of those women who step off an overnight flight looking gorgeous, mama?! The answer is lashes – and we’re not talking slathering on a tonne of mascara but rather perking up your peepers with a false set by Pinky Goat whose ‘GLAM ON BOARD’ lashes are now available on board Etihad, Airways flights, as well on Saudia, Jazeera airlines, Fly Dubai and Oman Air. Perfect.

Is it a suitcase? Is it a scooter? Actually mamas, it’s both!

Getting the kids to carry their own stuff through the airport? Not an easy task, mamas, which is why this genius new kiddie suitcase by Zincflyte is top of our wishlist right now. A bag which doubles as a scooter (honestly), we guarantee your little ones will be happy taking control of their own luggage so that you can focus on all the other billion things that come with traveling with kids!

 www.zincflyte.com

Read more: 5 Travel Products To Make Road-trips/Vacations With Kids That Much Easier

The post What’s New For Family Travel, Mama? appeared first on Sassy Mama.

When Mr Y suggested that we go camping on a boat I thought I had finally driven him mad. While I enjoy the odd foray into the great outdoors (provided there are proper toilets nearby), I’m not exactly known for my love of roughing it. However, I had recently dodged another family camping trip in favour of a girls’ brunch so I knew I wasn’t going to escape twice.

I succumbed reluctantly to my fate and off we set for Oman. It was a 2 hour drive to the border crossing which took about 40 minutes to complete. It cost 150 AED to leave Dubai and 250 AED for the 5 of us to enter Oman and you can only pay by credit card. Another hour’s drive along the extraordinary coastline and we arrived at Khasab port whose most notable feature is the Lulu supermarket where we loaded up on extra snacks.

Read more: Family-friendly Destinations to Travel to in 2018

Our group of 20 had exclusive use of a dhow from Dolphin Khasab Tours with all food, soft drinks, towels, snorkeling and camping equipment included. The cost was 575 AED per adult and 250 AED per child. We were lucky enough to have the newest addition to their fleet complete with shower, toilets, carpeted lower and upper decks, and majlis seating. It was lovely!

Read more: The Live Loud Girl Escape Guide To Sri Lanka

We set sail and were soon enjoying the spectacular views of the barren but beautiful ‘fjords of Musandam’. Before long we spotted dolphins which swam right up to our boat and followed it through the water. We stopped in a sheltered bay and enjoyed a buffet lunch of chicken, rice and salad. The weather was overcast and windy but a few people braved the chilly water. I was not one of them!

We pitched our tents on the lower deck while we still had daylight and I can not tell you how excited the children were to see them go up. We had brought a double air bed which fit perfectly in to the bottom of ours and it really looked quite cosy. I was later to reconsider that view when the wind howled so hard that I thought we’d blow overboard, and the mattress had deflated to the point where the girls and I ended up as a pile in the middle, but in that deluded moment I thought we might actually get some sleep!

The storm had passed by morning and as we emerged bleary eyed in to the dawn, suddenly all was forgiven. The sky and water were crystal clear and the scenery around us was just stunning. We had a breakfast of fruit, sandwiches and croissants then hit the water! We spent the next few hours swimming, snorkelling, jumping from deck and kayaking. We even saw a couple of rays.

Read more: 10 Half term/Spring Break Holidays For Your Family

We headed back to Khasab via the incredible bay of dolphins and were back at the dock by 1pm with the munchkins declaring that it was The Best Trip Ever. Now, I’m always going to hold a firm belief that sleep should happen in a bed but once in a while, for a weekend as magical as this, even I will admit that camping is worth the discomfort. Although just to be clear, the absence of flushing toilets is still a deal breaker!

The post Cruising and Camping in Khasab appeared first on Sassy Mama.