Hakuna Matata Travels

21/09/2021

27/05/2021

It is with much sadness that I am announcing that Hakuna Matata Travels is no longer available for new bookings.

Due to everything from covid, personal health, and financial stresses it is not a viable option for me to continue running the business.

I would like to thank every single person who commented, liked and shared my posts. And an even bigger thank you to everyone who requested quotes and booked holidays and activities through me...

In a different time and circumstance this would have been my dream job and I could have thrived, however the universe has other plans for me- now I will be focussing back on my health, my charity challenge and my other 3 jobs!!

For those of you who have outstanding bookings with me please check your emails for further information or drop me a message directly on my personal page.

04/03/2021

It's World Book Day! (oh and my birthday!)

When starting my travel biz I thought "piece of cake, everyone loves holidays, it'll be easy"...

Testing times have really stretched my own believe in what I can do and how I can help others. A very lovely lady gifted me this book last summer. It is so well written about how YOU can achieve anything you want to, and thaat you deserve it too... Its like having a conversation, it flows so easily and doesn't contain any of the stupid BS that I've found in so many other personal development books.

Gemma James Coaching thank you for writing this book!

17/01/2021

70s Festival in Herefordshire - enjoy all the entertainment and stay in luxury @ Holme Lacy House.

This Grade I listed mansion was completed in 1674 and was reportedly visited by Charles II, and William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham, who held cabinet meetings in the gardens. Set in 20 acres of gardens in the Wye Valley, Holme Lacy is one of Herefordshire’s treasures. There’s plenty to do, with daily entertainment and an indoor pool. The hotel also arranges visits around the area, including the Cathedral City of Hereford.

New dining pods - For a whole new al-fresco dining experience, private ‘bubbles’ are set in the grounds and available to exclusively hire for afternoon tea and daytime treats.

Your breaks includes:
- 3 nights accommodation in a Standard Room (upgrades available)
- Full breakfast and 3 course dinner each day
- Live evening shows and daily activity programme
- Full access to leisure facilities including indoor pool

Your 70's festival includes performances by:
- Shomaddymaddy
- Martin Jarvis as Tom-Tastic with live band
- Popwork 70s
- CHERished by Stacy Green
- A Celebration of Neil Diamond, plus a DJ every night and more

* ALL bookings come complete with the FREE Warner Leisure Corona Virus Guarantee which ensures you will not lose your money should you not be able to travel in 2021 *

14/01/2021

3 nights of luxury and entertainment shared with The Hairy Bikers - Si & Dave!

The scene of much of the famous TV comedy, To The Manor Born, Cricket St. Thomas was also frequently visited by Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton. This classic country house is set in splendid parkland, with colourful gardens, lakes, and a unique woodland area. The hotel provides extensive entertainment, including nightly live performances, and excellent dining.

Now Including Dining Pods! For a whole new al-fresco dining experience, private ‘bubbles’ are set in the grounds and available to exclusively hire for afternoon tea and daytime treats.

Your break includes:
-3 nights accommodation in a Standard Room (Upgrades available)
- Full breakfast and 3 course dinner each day
- Evening Warner Production shows AND an evening with the Hairy Bikers as they chat and demonstrate their cooking skills
- Access to all leisure and activity facilities including pool and spa

* All bookings come with the FREE Warner Leisure Corona Virus Guarantee which ensures you will not lose your money should you be unable to fulfill your 2021 trip *

12/01/2021

Chooseday Tuesday - Whee would you be right now if money and circumstances were of no limit...

For me, I would be chillaxing at The in

After the year we've had, and the fact that our Nile Cruise has now been cancelled, I would love to sit back in this lobby with the refreshing drink and facecloth on arrival and know that we are in a place of pure Mauritian Peace! The staff here are so attentive and friendly it feels like you're going to a family members' home!

A girl can dream right?! Now tell me yours!!

11/01/2021

Walt Disney World update -

Magic bands are no longer being provided free of charge with hotel reservations.

Magic bands are the wearable device that allows you to enter the parks, unlock your room door, charge purchases to your room, use meal credits and get all your Photopass and ride photos onto your My Disney Experience account.

I absolutely love having all of this from my wrist - no need to carry ANYTHING else with you in the parks (unless like me you have medication etc) and it really does make things so much easier as you don't have to worry about carrying cash around during the day (or losing your room key on a ride!)

While Disney aren't stopping Magic Bands from being a "thing" it seems like they are phasing them out in some form and opting to making more and more doable via their mobile app - already you can unlock your doors and utilise park tickets via it as well as ordering food from Quick Service restaurants so it stands to reason that everything will go onto the mobile app.... but not everyone always has their mobiles to hand (or charged!)

I love having the Magic Bands and would be sad to see them go completely - what do you think about these most recent changes?!

10/01/2021

3 nights of Adult Only relaxation at Gunton Hall Coastal Village in Suffolk.

Gunton Hall has a distinctly rural feel; it may be within walking distance of the beach, but it's surrounded by Suffolk woodland, gardens, a picturesque lake and pitch and putt course. It’s a relaxing seaside destination, within driving distance to the Norfolk Broads or the famous village of Southwold.

Your break includes:
- 3 nights accommodaion in a standard chalet (upgrades available)
- Full breakfast and 3 course dinner each night
- Access to all leisure and activity facilities including nightly evening shows

* Every booking comes complete with the FREE Warner Leisure Corona Virus Guarantee so you will NOT be at risk of losing your money if you cannot travel due to the virus *

Book now to receive an exclusive £25 per person discount.

08/01/2021

For those of you who may not actually know me, I was born with Cystic Fibrosis and underwent a double lung transplant in 2014...

Since then I have tried to live every day and experience new things to celebrate life AND honour my fantastic donor... I have previously done a couple of charity events but this year i am going BIG!!

I will be completing the Castle to Castle Challenge - of my own making to incorporate my home town - - and my love of !!

Over the course of 2021 I will be walking the distance (As Tinkerbell flies) between in Essex, UK and Cinderella's Castle in Walt Disney World, Florida... a whopping 4391 miles in all!!

If you'd like to donate, or to see more updates on my progress with pics and videos etc follow the link below!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/karen-mills-disnerd

07/01/2021

Easter 2021 Adult Only break

3 nights bed & breakfast ONLY from £94 per person.
3 nights bed & breakfast, dinner AND evening entertainment, staying in a standard chalet at the beautiful Norton Grange for only £144 per person.

Norton Grange is a chalet village with stunning views of the Solent, it is moments from a maritime museum, underwater Archaeology Centre, a Planetarium and a Model Railway, and the site was even occupied by the Royal Navy during WWII.

Ferry crossings can be booked with your hotel stay for no more than £55 from either Portsmouth or Lymington at a time convenient to you.

Upgrade to a Premier Chalet for only £12 per person.

**Corona Virus Guarantee with this booking - if this trip gets cancelled, or you choose to not to travel you will have fee free options - refund, amend your dates or change your booking completely**

06/01/2021

World Fact Wednesday - Did you know?!

Today (January 6th) is the Day of the Holy Kings (Día de Los Reyes) in Mexico. It is a day that the 3 Kings or Wise men are celebrated and sees the end of the Christmas festivities.

It is commonly held on the twelfth day of Christmas (6th January) and is a day that children will typically find gifts under their Christmas tree or nativity scene left for them by the 3 Kings of the East.

Who's up for another round of presents today then?!!

05/01/2021

Happy New Year everyone!!

How did you spend YOUR New Years Eve?

1 - Went to bed before midnight
2 - Had a small (socially distanced) house "party"
3 - Watched TV/films until midnight, "happy new year" and continue watching?

31/12/2020

If you're missing the magic of Disney and can't go anywhere to enjoy seeing in the New Year, check out the display from the Magic Kingdom over on the Walt Disney Page from 11.50pm tonight.

31/12/2020

Where is Derek?!

I have just received this message from the ... where has he been ringing in the New Year?!

As well as the picture he did also want me to wish you all a very happy and healthy 2021!

27/12/2020

Hakuna Matata Travels is now closed to enjoy the holidays. I will be back to posting deals and inspiration for your future travels from Tuesday 5th January 2021.

I wish you all a lovely few days and trust you will make the best of the New Year festivities as you can!

If you have a query or booking request please do drop me a message directly!

25/12/2020

I would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has booked something with me this year, those of you who have asked me for quotes, advice or travel information and those who have supported me by sharing, commenting and liking my posts.

It has been a tough year, but if we stick together - socially distanced of course - and remain positive and friendly things will get better!!

From my family to yours, have a very merry Christmas!!

24/12/2020

Day 24 - Today is the last day of my advent deals ☹️ But don't worry, there will be more deals in the new year!

A place of exceptional historical importance, Bletchley Park is also a birthplace of modern information technology and has helped shape life as we know it today. Highlights of a visit include the restored codebreaking huts, with their WW2 interiors faithfully recreated and hands-on displays in the blocks where the masterminds from the Government Code & Cypher School (GC&CS) cracked enemy codes. Explore the beautiful grounds and historic buildings with an interactive multimedia guide and enjoy the atmospheric soundscapes, galleries and exhibitions.

Your pre-booked afternoon tea will be served in the Mansion Tea Room, with light finger sandwiches, dainty cakes and cream scones along with your choice of tea or coffee for some traditional British refreshment.

- Summer Opening Times: 1 March to 31 October, from 09.30 to 17.00 (last admission 16.00);
- Winter Opening Times: 1 November to 28 February, from 09.30 to 16.00 (last admission 15.00).
- Experience must be booked in advance.
- Voucher valid for 12 months from point of purchase.

23/12/2020

Where in the world is Derek?!

The crafty little penguin mascot for Hakuna Matata Travels has only disappeared again... he sent me this picture today - I wonder if he will come back via that travel method?!!

23/12/2020

Day 23 - almost at the end of the deals for this year now.... how about a short break to beautiful Borunemouth?

Situated in the heart of Bournemouth, the 4 star Hermitage Hotel is on the doorstep to colourful sandy beaches, the fun-filled pier, tranquil parks and other esteemed attractions; making it a perfect base to explore this popular coastal town.

This break can be booked for 2, 4 or 6 night breaks and will include ALL of the following:
- Two nights bed and full English breakfast
- Dinner in Hardy's's Restaurant on your first night (£27 per person) (dinner also included on 3rd and 5th night where applicable)
- Coffee & Cake at the hotel on arrival (£5.95 per person)
- This deal is fully refundable up to 7 days prior to arrival

*Available Sunday - Thursday arrivals throughout 2021*

22/12/2020

So the weekend away with Mummy Matata was fabulous!!

I cannot enthuse more about how amazing Littlecote House Hotel was - a Warner Leisure Hotel.

The food was plentiful and tasty, even for us veggies we didn't go hungry. Although no buffet, all food was table service by incredibly attentive and friendly staff.

The room was huge (we upgraded to an Historic Room and was in the Tudor portion of the Old House), bed was super comfy and I slept like a log (doesn't happen often!). The signature experience meant we had gorgeous fluffy robes which although about 20 times too big for us were incredibly snuggly. We also had a lovely little basket of goodies in our room including fruit juices, bottled water and snacks.

The staff and entertainment were awesome. On the Friday night, after a last minute cancellation, the Warner team put on their own show to prevent us losing out on entertainment. They did a Michael Jackson/Jackson 5 themed show and they blew us away- all of them could really sing and dance! The live show on the Saturday - was sooo entertaining. They did covers of different hits (I have no idea of the time frame but included the likes of Status Quo, Queen & Jerry Lee Lewis) and the lead singer Jay was also part comedian and really had us all in stitches!

I was 100% shocked and surprised at how much I enjoyed the weekend and have already started looking at their entertainment breaks for 2021! If you'd like more info let me know :)

I hope you enjoy some of the pics I took :)

22/12/2020

Day 22 - Step into Faulty Towers!

Comedy reigns from the moment you step through the door, as these much-loved characters greet, seat and serve you while everything seems to be going wrong.

Complete with a three-course meal including a soup starter, a main course and dessert the action happens around you in true Faulty style.

Expect surprises galore throughout the evening from Manuel, Sybil and Basil himself, as only a third of the night is scripted meaning anything could happen and no two nights are the same.

Experience Includes
- Three-course meal for two at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury
- Enjoy a unique piece of theatre, the world's most sought-after tribute to one of the BBC’s greatest comedies
- Watch as Basil, Sybil and Manuel dive into misunderstandings, schemes and farce
- Every show is different, with heaps of improvisation on the cards every night

- This experience is a great idea for a gift, as you don’t have to commit the recipient to a particular date – the choice is theirs!
- The voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

21/12/2020

Day 21 - Thrilling London Speedboat Experience

Zoom under the capital’s famous bridges and marvel at London’s incredible landmarks from your exclusive vantage point.

Music classics are piped through the onboard sound system as you power through the heart of the capital while award-winning comedian guides and West End actors ensure you're informed and entertained.

With only 12 passengers on board, you’ll experience a more personalised tour and have the opportunity to interact with your tour guide throughout.

What You Will See
- London Eye
- Houses of Parliament
- Somerset House
- London Bridge
- Tate Modern
- Shakespeare’s Globe
- The Gherkin
- The Shard
- HMS Belfast
- Tower Bridge
- Canary Wharf
- Cleopatra's Needle
- St Paul's Cathedral
- The Tower of London

20/12/2020

Day 20 - Historic Harrogate

Book a lovely short break to Harrogate and stay at the Beautifully Historic Crown Hotel. Dating back over 300 years, alongside an enviable location just moments from many of Harrogate's most popular sites, this is an ideal base for esploring the local area.

Your package includes:
- Bed & Breakfast in a Standard Double Room
- Dinner in the Churchill Suite (worth £25 per person)
- Late check-out of 12pm (worth £20)
- This deal is fully refundable up to 7 days prior to arrival.

Available from January 2021 for most nights and durations.

19/12/2020

Day 19 - For the footie minded

Take a tour of the world famous Old Trafford Stadium, home to Manchester United.

This is your unique chance to retrace the steps taken by some the the club’s greatest legends, relive the glorious history of the unique venue and marvel at the splendour of this impressive stadium.

Sit in the heights of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand for a bird’s eye view of the pitch, stand in the manager’s spot in the dug out, sit in the Home changing room at your favourite player’s peg and imagine the roar of the crowd as you emerge from the players’ tunnel.

Your voucher includes:
- Approximately 2-hour tour of Old Trafford including stadium tour
- Entry into the museum

This tour is for 2 people and is valid for a minimum of 12 months after purchase.

18/12/2020

This weekend I will be enjoying a mini Pre-Christmas with Mummy Matata in a safe manner at for some much needed chillax time!

I can still be reached via messenger or commenting on the of the day posts... but it may take me a little longer to reply if I'm far too zen (asleep!) or engrossed in my book!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

18/12/2020

Day 18 - The gift of choice!

Another day of vouchers for you - Give someone the gift of choice with a Warner Leisure Voucher.
- Available in £10, £25 and £50 increments.
- Can be used towards a hotel stay or even spa
treatments or activities for an already booked break.

If you order them today you will receive them BEFORE Christmas!

17/12/2020

May Half Term Butlins Break for the whole family!

With stays of 3, 4 or 7 nights available at all 3 Butlins' Resorts why not consider booking something now to look forward to through the cold and miserable winter months?!

This deal is based on a family of 4 - 2 adults, and 2 kids - staying in Minehead for 3 nights... but this can be tailored exactly to your requirements!

Enjoy the thrill of the fairground, join in with the activities and shows included with your stay, or just sit back and enjoy some time on the beach or round the pool!

If you would like to discuss a possible family break for 2021 just let me know!

17/12/2020

Day 17 - Hop on / Hop Off Bus Tours

There really is no better way of seeing all the key things in a city without walking for hours on end than by doing a hop on/hop off bus or boat tour.

I have done numerous in different countries and have always found them interesting, sometimes humorous (depends on if you have a live tour guide!) but ALWAYS so convenient as you can choose where and when you get on or off.

If you are planning a trip and want to make sure you do some sight seeing while you're there let me know where you're going and I'm sure there will be a ticket for you!!

16/12/2020

So with Christmas just around the corner (how is it just over a week away already?!) and with a rumbly tummy as I write this, I thought I would share my 3 favourite Christmas snacks/goodies...

- Honey roasted nuts (cashew and peanut)
- Cheese and Pineapple (a staple in our house for any kind of celebration or gathering!)
- Black Forest roulade/log... as I do not like dried fruit of any kind and most traditional desserts at Christmas include them, we go alternative - we both love Black Forest flavoured things so much the dessert of our wedding breakfast was Black Forest based!

Let's face it, most people prefer the nibbles and treats to the main meal itself - but if I had to pick a favourite parts of the Roast dinner - it would have to be either the veg or the Yorkshire puds.... would you expect any different from a vegetarian?!!

So what is YOUR favourite 3 Christmas edibles?

16/12/2020

Day 16 - HALF PRICE OFFER!

Shaka Zulu is an award-winning restaurant which features amazing 20ft high statues and carved wooden murals, the restaurant was even blessed by the Zulu King and it is simply just a wonderful space for the two you to share a delicious meal together.

This voucher entitles you to a 3 course meal AND a Champagne Cocktail.

Valid daily January - November.
Valid for 9 months from point of purchase.

15/12/2020

It's Chooseday Tuesday again!!

This week I want to know what is YOUR idea of a perfect Christmas Day evening... do you enjoy getting out the boardgames and cards for a competitive evening, or do you enjoy a quiet film to watch.... or a simple sleepy evening to get over all that food you've eaten?!

For me, growing up we ALWAYS played some form of games both Christmas and Boxing evenings - normally starting with whatever was the newest received that year, but generally ending up with card game to the small hours while eating boxes of chocolates!!

15/12/2020

Day 15

London bungee jump experience.

Once you have been placed in your safety harness and attached to your designated bungee cord, you will begin the 160ft ascent where you can marvel at the magnificent views of London whilst receiving a briefing from your instructor.

Once you reach the 160ft height, your instructor will give you some final instructions and then the rest is down to you.

- Voucher valid for 6 months from point of purchase
- Medical & age restrictions applicable (please ask for further information)

14/12/2020

This week I finally finished decorating our Christmas trees - our little one in the living room and our bigger Disney themed tree in the dining room (safe from clumsy dogs ruining it during the day!!)

So his week I wanted to show you 5 of the biggest trees across the US - they are not the 5 biggest, but all feature in the top 15 - they are however ones that I found pretty pictures of, and I do like pretty!!

So the 5 shown are:

🎄 The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, DC
🎄 The Grove Christmas Tree, LA
🎄 The Mayor’s Christmas Tree in Kansas City
🎄 Galleria Dallas Christmas Tree
🎄 Disney's Contemporary Resort, Florida (Although I prefer the one in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge!)

#

14/12/2020

Day 14 - Whisky lovers this is for you!!

Proceedings will get underway with an introduction to whisky, where you’ll be able to sample a handful of whiskies of differing styles. Your resident whisky expert will talk you through each one’s origins and processes, as well as the smell and flavours to expect upon tasting.

Then things get scientific, armed with a pipette and a mini bottle, you will slowly build up a blend of your very own. Along the way you’ll discover how blended whisky came to be and why it remains the backbone of the Scotch whisky industry.

To make your experience extra-special, you’ll be able to take home your no doubt phenomenal blend for drinking on a cold winter’s eve or showing off to friends who lack your whisky education.

Experience Includes
- Learn how to blend whisky, using a ‘tool kit’ provided for you
- Learn about the history and production of each dram
- Take home your very own blended whisky
- Choose from 11 nationwide locations
- Cancellation indemnity

Available Monday - Saturday and experience will last around 2 hours.

13/12/2020

Treat yourself to a night or two away in the gorgeous Duke of Cornwall Hotel in Plymouth.

With dates available now through to the end of March 2021 at a fantastic saving of 43% now is the time to plan a little get-away!

This package includes Bed & Breakfast board, staying in a Standard double or twin room. Late check-out of 12pm and a £30 food and drink voucher per room per night.

You can upgrade your room to a superior double and book this for multiple nights.

All bookings are fully refundable up to 7 days prior to arrival.

13/12/2020

Day 13 - Live, immersive theatre!

Today treat 2 lucky people to a fantastic 2 hour immersive experience in London - taking you back to H.G Wells' Victorian London to fight for your lives against the threat of Martians!

Off Peak tickets - £99 for 2 people
Peak (Friday & Saturday) tickets - £119 for 2 people

12/12/2020

This week is a treat for the ladies - for a short 3 month spell, enjoy Channing Tatum's Magic Mike Live in London!

One year after its acclaimed launch in Las Vegas, Channing Tatum is bringing a brand new production of Magic Mike Live to the Hippodrome Casino in London’s Leicester Square. Conceived and co-directed by Tatum, Magic Mike Live is a large-scale, live production show based on the hit films Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL.

The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino is being transformed into a magical, intimate, 325-seat performance space for Magic Mike Live. From the bespoke entrance off Cranbourn Street, the specially curated lounge and bar experience, to the cast of world-class performers it is a true experience different from anything you've had before!

ENJOY UNLIMITED FIZZ (T&Cs)
Valid All performances to 27 June 2021.
Book by 31 December 2020.

• Each ticket holder is entitled to a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival to your seat and top up throughout the show.
• One drink at a time per person will be served.
• Soft drink alternatives are available.
• All other drinks can be purchased from the waiting staff.

We responsibly serve alcohol at all times and continued service will always be at the discretion of the Manager. The staff reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated.