Gail - Travels with Teens and Tweens

12May 2026 by Gail No Comments

Family travel guide: Norway in a Nutshell with older kids

Norway

Public transport in Norway is safe, clean and reliable, and the scenery is absolutely stunning! As part of our family holiday, we took the train from Oslo to Myrdal and then did a DIY version of the classic Norway in a Nutshell tour. From the world-renowned Flamsbana railway to a stunning fjord cruise, lunch at the top of a mountain in Voss and some city-life in Bergen, there was no time - or need - for teen eye rolling! What there will be, however, is lots of insta snaps and selfies... So what is Norway in a Nutshell anyway? Norway in a Nutshell® is the name for a popular tour created by travel company, Fjord Tours. It's not a guided tour but Fjord Tours will give you an itinerary and…

19Sep 2025 by Gail

Oslo with kids – best things to do for families!

Norway

Oslo may not be the most obvious choice for a family holiday. However, Oslo is safe, clean, and friendly, with some fantastic museums. My kids melt / melt down once temperatures hit 25c so this northern capital has much to offer for a summer trip. With a flight time of only 2 hours from London, you can be having some Scandi fun in no time! Read on for some of the activities we loved in Oslo with kids. Be amazed by polar exploration at the Fram! Chasing bubbles! The Nobel Peace Prize! If you’re planning a wider Norway trip with older kids, Oslo works brilliantly alongside visits to Bergen with kids and Flåm with kids, especially if you’re travelling by train. We visited with our boys (age 11 and 13)…

06Sep 2025 by Gail

Bergen with kids – best things to do for families!

Norway

Norway's second city is colourful and buzzing, with nature on its doorstep. Whether you are checking out the harbour area, hiking in the mountains or heading out onto the fjords, Bergen has it all. We visited Bergen with our boys then aged 11 and 12 in summer 2025. Read on for my tips on how to spend a fantastic weekend in Bergen with kids.. Atmospheric old streets of Bergen Home to the famous composer, Grieg Traditional buildings line the harbour at Brygge If you are visiting Bergen as part of a wider family holiday, it combines well with both Oslo and Flam and the fjords. particularly if you are travelling by train. Take the funicular up Mount Fløyen Riding the funicular is an experience in itself and one of the…

18Aug 2025 by Gail

Flam with kids – Fjords, Railway and Family Activities!

Norway

The home of the superlative (but for good reason)! Flam (or Flåm) is a small village, nestling at one end of the Aurlandsfjord, which punches well above its weight. Cruise passengers and guided coach groups sweep through this gem in hours. However, I recommend a longer stay in Flam with kids. My hubby and I spent 2 days in Flam with our boys (then aged 11 and nearly 13) in August 2025 as part of a longer independent trip around Norway. Read on for my tips on some fantastic things to do in Flam with kids! Reflections in the amazingly clear water! Flam river on the approach by train! Enjoy warming lamb stew or sour-cream porridge at the Fjord Farm Planning a wider Norway family trip? Although Flam should not…

15Jul 2025 by Gail

How to survive Disneyland Paris with older kids!

France

When your kids are little, the Disney "magic" might be enough to overlook the cost, queues, and poor food. Their ittle faces transformed by a wave from Mickey.... However, a day in Disneyland Paris with older kids, who are no more patient but much more cynical and with higher expectations, can quickly descend into grumpy disappointment and frustration. Happily, with a bit of planning and a few insider tips, it is possible to survive, and even marginally enjoy, Disneyland Paris with older kids. Read on for my top tips.... The magic kingdom does still have a wow factor for older kids! Queues for the Ratatouille Ride drop in the evenings.. Sometimes the best viewing spots aren't on the main drag! Top tips for visiting Disneyland Paris with older kids Beating…

16Jun 2025 by Gail

Iceland hotels – get down with the cows at unique Eftisdalur!

Iceland

If you are on a self-drive holiday, I would strongly recommend a stay at Farmhotel Eftisdalur. Located between the Golden Circle attractions of Pingvellir National Park and Gulfoss / Geysir, this is one of the most unique Iceland hotels! We stayed in May 2025 with our boys, then aged 11 and 12. Best known for its dairy ice-cream made from milk from its own herd, this place merits a longer visit. Iceland hotels - overnight at Farmhotel Eftisdalur Exhausted from hiking at Pingvellir (read my review here), we headed straight for dinner and bed at Farmhotel Eftisdalur. The hotel is located around 40 minutes drive from Pingvellir and just minutes from Bruarfoss. As such, it makes a convenient stop-off for those exploring the so-called Golden Circle attractions. Our hugely spacious…

09Jun 2025 by Gail

Pingvellir National Park – why you should stop off here!

Iceland

I first visited Pingvellir National Park in 2005 with my now hubby. We stayed in Reykjavik and explored the site as part of a guided tour of the Golden Circle attractions. Fast forward 20 years and we returned with our pre-teen boys and a hired Dacia Duster (crammed to bursting with clothes for all weathers and a lot of snacks...). We arrived in fairly heavy rain and the boys were a little reluctant to tog up and head out. However, with a bit of sugar fuelling and some waterproof trousers, we cracked on with my planned loop down the ravine to Oxarafoss and then across to the Pingvellir church and the site of the ancient parliament. Luckily, the rain eased and although it remained a grey day, the boys enjoyed…

09Jun 2025 by Gail

Blue Lagoon, Iceland – how to enjoy a magical experience!

Iceland

Yes, it is touristy and yes, it is expensive. But should you still visit? yes, definitely! I first visited the Blue Lagoon 20 years ago with my now hubby. We were there in the October, snow started to fall over the lagoon, and the experience was truly magical and very romantic. Visiting again in May 2025, I did wonder if I would enjoy the Blue Lagoon as much with 2 pre-teen boys in tow. I'm happy to report that, although it wasn't quite as relaxing (boys can't stay still!), we all loved our visit and it was one of the highlights of our trip. The perfect way to relax after a long flight! Just a crazy boy playing! When to go and how to get to the Blue Lagoon At…

07Jun 2025 by Gail

Iceland Hotels – snuggle down in the cosy warmth of the Northern Lights Inn!

Iceland

Located just minutes from the Blue Lagoon, and a 20 minute drive from Keflavik airport, the Northern Lights Inn is one of the best Iceland hotels to start or finish your trip. We stayed here in May 2025 with our 2 boys, then aged 11 and 12 at the start of our trip round this amazing country. Our packed itinerary meant we could only stay for one night but I wished we were there for longer... We visited at the end of May where nearly continuous daylight means there was no chance of spotting the northern lights. However, I can imagine that this base would be a good spot to do so in darker months! So what's it like? Don't let first impressions put you off. Yes, the outside looks…

10May 2025 by Gail

Tours at Natural History Museum London – how to dive deeper into the fascinating collections!

London

If this is your first trip, I would recommend focusing on the main attractions. These include the blue whale and Guy the Gorilla in the Hintze Hall, Mary Anning's fossils, the volcano and earthquake gallery, and the fish, reptiles and birds collection. However, if this is one of your regular haunts, check out one of the Tours at Natural History Museum London. It's time to dive deeper.... Samples in the Spirit Collection! Fish on one of the tours at the Natural History Museum, London The "must rescue" Darwin treasures Different Tours at Natural History Museum London The Natural History Museum offers a variety of guided tours. The Secrets of the Natural History Museum focuses on .the architecture and history of the building. There is a new Space themed tour or…

Author: Gail