Twins and Travels

01/06/2024

A twin mums story of why she is climbing Kilimanjaro with me in 2 weeks time!

‘The Day I Lost My Little Boy Forever…. ‘ written by Claire Smith

6 years ago Claire, (twin mum of 4), and her little boy Harry, who was just 21 months old woke up together. They had the rest of their lives making memories together.

It was an ordinary Friday afternoon when their world changed forever.

Claire put Harry down for his afternoon nap as usual - But Harry didn’t wake up…

‘I have relived that horror every single day since you died. I’ve searched for answers, I’ve tried to replay the day to see if I could have saved you. I will always feel guilty for not knowing something was wrong or going to wake you sooner… “if only…if only.” 💔

“Time goes by, but the pain of not having you with us is timeless. It’s out forever…”

“Leaving you at that hospital broke me. It took something from me that I can never replace. I didn’t want to let you go little man… I wanted to run with you in my arms and never ever let you go. I’m sorry 😔 So so sorry…”😢

On the 18th June, this very brave lady is climbing Kilimanjaro with me to raise money for SUDC - Sudden unexplained death in childhood.

If you can spare a few pennies, Claire would love your support to sponsor her climb. All the money raised goes to SUDC UK. This helps support families going through such a devastating loss, raise much needed awareness and fund crucial medical research.

“I am hiking to the stars for you Harry and all little ones gone too soon.” 💙⭐️

https://gofund.me/4f61dad6

15/05/2024

Ad/ Most of you probably know that I think Kenya is the most magical place on this planet. I’ve been visiting for over 20 years now, it never gets boring and I tell everyone that they have to go at least once in their lifetime if they can!

There are so many options for places to stay in Kenya that they really do cater to every budget. Pre-children, I often camped and stayed in guest houses, but you can also opt for four and five star lodges if you are wanting some luxury. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with kids, you can do it!

In 2020 I took my family for the first time. Matilda was 2 and the twins, 4. Don’t let anyone tell you can’t take kids on safari, because you can, and they're made so welcome. A lot of lodges have family tents and some even kids club and nannies. Some will say you should wait until the kids are older, and whilst Matilda may not remember it, not only did we make some wonderful family memories, but the girls got so much out of the trip too.

They were introduced to safari which they loved and are now hooked on, they met and interacted with the wonderful Kenyan locals, the Maasai, they learnt a new language and experienced a whole new way of life. Kenya IS all about being on safari, but there’s way more to explore and immerse yourself in too!

Is Kenya on your travel bucket list?



https://www.facebook.com/kenyatouristboardukireland

11/05/2024

Did you see the Northern Lights last night?!

03/05/2024

Looking forward to welcoming 20 wonderful ladies to the Lake District for a weekend of hiking!

30/04/2024

“It’s the least stressed I’ve felt in I don’t know how long” - said two of our ladies from this weekends hiking adventures in the Peak District - it’s what we are all about. Giving you some well deserved you time!

8 amazing ladies joined me on Friday night at the for a weekend of hiking in the beautiful hills.

Some had never hiked before, some were training for Kilimanjaro, most came on their own without knowing anyone but everyone had the best time and left smiling!

If you are interested in joining me on a hiking weekend, pop over to .hearted.adventures where I’ll share all the details.

Who wants to come? Peak District, Lake District, Scotland, Madeira, Italy…. Where shall we go?!

25/04/2024

Spot available for the Lake District Hiking trip 3-6th May!

You can do 2 or 3 nights…

Sadly one of our lovely ladies got a stress fracture training for a half marathon so she can no longer come to the Lakes for the bank holiday weekend 😭

If anyone is interested in taking her place please DM me as soon as possible as I need to fill it by tomorrow!

13/04/2024

This weekend we have a child free weekend to celebrate our 10th Wedding anniversary…

We had lots of ideas to celebrate… a romantic weekend in Italy, France, a spa weekend, I even suggested popping over to Kenya for a long weekend (yes he did laugh at that one but I thought it was a good idea!)…

But no, here we are in Eastbourne hiking the Seven Sisters for some Kilimanjaro training - that’s love right! 😉🥰

01/04/2024

What a wonderful Easter weekend in the Peaks - I hope you have all had a good weekend too?!

We stayed at as they are such a great base for us! We all fit in one room and they are totally set up for families. This particular has a games room and there’s great hiking from the door.

On day one hiked the ‘Ringing Roger’ circular and day two we hiked from the YHA to ‘Mam Tor’. Both can be hiked from Edale village too.

Have you been hiking with the kids yet? Are you confident out on your own or would you prefer to go with an organised hike?

Hiking with kids | hiking Peak District | Peak District | country kids | Peak District hikes | Peak District walks

29/03/2024

As we roll in to the Easter holidays we are spending the weekend in the Peak District Hiking. Something we love to do as a family - Plus it helps me with some Kilimanjaro training!

What are you up to these next few weeks?

23/03/2024

OUR LADIES WHALE SHARK EXPEDITION IS LAUNCHING THIS WEEKEND!

We invite you to join us on this unique conservation journey of a lifetime! Dive alongside whale sharks on Mafia Island, Tanzania - September 2024

Don’t forget to join the Whale Sharks group if you are interested!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1077463243471844/?ref=share_group_link

23/02/2024

MOONFLEET MANOR, DORSET – LUXURY FAMILY HOTEL

Ad/When you have children, finding a family-friendly hotel is a must. I mean - us parents do need a little time to ourselves after all - holidays are all about relaxation and taking time out.

Moonfleet Manor is a Georgian Manor house on the Jurassic Coast and one of the best Luxury Family Hotels we have been to. The list of activities on offer for the kids is honestly endless.

For the younger children Moonfleet Manor has an Ofsted registered club called Four Bears Den. You get one 90 minute session per night. This club is suitable for children aged from three months to 8 years. It gives parents some down time to enjoy a massage in the spa or a coffee with a good book.

The older kids don’t get left out at Moonfleet Manor as, as you can see there’s heaps to do...

Playground, indoor pool, escape rooms, science lab, spa treatments (yes for kids!), a play barn with arcade games, table tennis, football, climbing wall, toddler play area, air hockey, tennis courts, bowling, cinema room with popcorn, snooker and crazy golf. In the afternoons and holidays.

Moonfleet Manor Hotel also offer other activities such as smoors around the fire, craft activities, fossil hunting and much much more!

You can dine in two ways when staying at the LFH – All eat together as a family or feed the children early, put them to bed with monitors and come back down for your own dinner for two – something that is rare these days right! We loved doing this when the girls were younger. The menu for the children offered good variety and my girls cleared their plates. The adult food tasted good but the menu was a little limited.

I honestly feel that if you booked a stay at Moonfleet Manor, you and your children would love it. I would definitely go back.

Have you stayed at any of the Luxury Family Hotels?

10/02/2024

LADIES PEAK DISTRICT HIKING WEEKEND

Ladies, come and join me in the Peak District this spring. Rooms are selling fairly quickly so don’t miss out - this is your weekend to book!

The details are in - 26th - 28th April 2024

We will go on 2 stunning hikes with qualified mountain leaders in the Peak District with the most amazing views.

I have chosen a new hotel in the Hope Valley offering single and twin en-suite rooms, a bar and restaurant, afternoon coffee and cake and a cinema room in the evenings - the perfect weekend for some you time in the outdoors.

Who’s interested in coming - tag a friend who might want to come too!

Read the full itinerary below - the booking links are in the itinerary but please ping me a DM if you have any trouble!

https://wildheartedadventures.com/ladies-peak-district-april-2024/

10/02/2024

This weekend I’ll be sharing our wonderful weekend at Moonfleet Manor Hotel in Dorset which is part of the Luxury Family Hotels!

05/02/2024

LADIES PEAK DISTRICT HIKING WEEKEND

The details are in - 26th - 28th April 2024

Ladies, come and join me and an awesome group of women hiking in the beautiful Peak District.

2 stunning hikes in the Peak District, hiking together with qualified mountain leaders.

A new hotel in the Hope Valley offering single and twin en-suite rooms, a bar and restaurant, afternoon coffee and cake and a cinema room in the evenings - the perfect weekend for some you time!

Read the full itinerary below.

We have ladies booked on already - These retreats sell out quickly so make sure you book asap - We have the rooms on hold for 2 weeks!

https://wildheartedadventures.com/ladies-peak-district-april-2024/

04/02/2024

LADIES PEAK DISTRICT HIKING WEEKEND

The details are in - 26th - 28th April 2024

Come join me and an awesome group of women to hike the beautiful Peak District.

Read the full itinerary below.

These retreats sell out quick so make sure you book asap!

3 days

03/02/2024

NEW TRIP INCOMING - FAMILY SOUTH AFRICA 2025

Tomorrow we will be launching our signature South Africa Family Safari Adventure over on our sister group Wild Hearted Adventures - Group Travel For Ladies & Families

This year we are taking 5 families on an adventure and it could be your turn in 2025!

But it’s not your not a normal safari, it’s better than that and especially aimed at families.

We will be spending time in Kruger on safari and partnering with the Endangered Wildlife Trust tracking wild dogs which you can’t do as a normal tourist, then we head to a private reserve working with a ranger training company teaching the children to be mini safari guides.

You will be learning how to track the big 5 by identifying their footprints and poo as well as bush crafts and star gazing. We did the itinerary ourselves in 2023 and it’s was totally fabulous.

So who’s interested?!

Make sure I have your email as these trips always go to my mailing list first!

23/01/2024

KENYA - SAFARI • BEACH • YOGA - on a full moon

November 10th - 17th I’ll be leading the most beautiful retreat in Kenya.

3 days on safari followed by 5 days at the beach

Daily yoga as well as amazing game drives in search of wildlife, sundowners, elephant orphanage and school visits.

Our retreat falls on a full moon meaning we will take part in unique, award winning full moon experiences – SUP moonlight expedition, sunset-yoga experience, and Mida Creek floating adventure!

Lots of beach walks and relaxation time!

2 stunning accommodations - Watamu Treehouse & The Hildana Lodge

Please DM me if you’d like to chat

https://wildheartedadventures.com/safari-beach-yoga-2024/

20/01/2024

Is Scotland on your travel list this year? We have visited the Highlands twice now and absolutely love it up there

But we are yet to travel to the Outer Hebrides - it’s on our list.

However, Katy from Otis and Us - Family Travel Blog shares her campervan adventures and tips here…

If you are thinking of thinking of an Outer Hebrides road trip in a campervan, then this is your ULTIMATE guide and 10 day itinerary

15/01/2024

A New Year, a New Challenge!

Do you get to a New Year and look for new challenges. Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don’t but this year I have set myself my biggest challenge yet - to climb KILIMANJARO in Tanzania - and you can do it too!

I decided to set the expedition up via my other travel business .hearted.adventures to give other women this amazing opportunity too. So this June, 10 of us will be climbing the highest mountain in Africa together!

If you are interested in joining us, there’s still a couple of spaces and it’s open for just one more week!

I’ve popped the link in the bio or you can pop me a DM.

13/01/2024

LADIES KILIMANJARO EXPEDITION JUNE 2024

Ladies, I think we can all agree that we are all looking for our next adventure on here so why not take a little time and do something for you.

Come and climb Kilimanjaro with me and 9 other amazing women - 3 of us have twins!

There are just 3 spaces left on this adventure of a lifetime, and there’s an option to join us on safari too!

INFO
Date: 17th - 25th June 2024
Price: $3495 / £2795

All inclusive of 2 nights in a hotel, Kilimanjaro fees, National Park fees, camping whilst on the mountain, guides, porters, chef, staff, & meals - everything organised and taken care of!
(flights not included)

Embark on the challenge of a lifetime climbing the World Famous mountain in Tanzania.

Experience reaching the summit of the highest free standing mountain in the world – 5895 meters!

Trek the 7 day Machame route - also known as the Whisky Route, this is one of the most scenic hikes.

Trek through the unique and incredibly varied flora and fauna, lush rainforests and high-alpine deserts to vast ice fields and glorious glaciers.

Catch a dazzling African sunrise on your way to summit Africa’s highest mountain peak – definitely a rewarding experience and what better way to do it than with an awesome group of women!

❄️ PING ME A MESSAGE IF YOU’D LIKE TO CHAT…

https://wildheartedadventures.com/kilimanjaro-trek-2024-2/

12/01/2024

Can’t believe I’ve just dropped these two off on their first brownie camp - they will have a blast I’m sure!

(Now to drop the small one off with the grandparents - weekend win 🙌🏻🙌🏻)

08/01/2024

ICELAND IS HERE AND BOOKING IS OPEN!

Those of you on the mailing list would have already have seen this exciting adventure.

6 ladies have even booked already!

But here it is, our ladies Iceland adventure!

Be quick - there’s an early booking discount for 1 week only!

5 days

07/01/2024

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

May 2024 be full of fun, laughter and adventures!

Thank you for being part of my journey. I love sharing our family tips, trips and advice here – don’t forget if you want to come on an adventure with us, to check out my group Wild Hearted Adventures - Group Travel For Ladies & Families

Wild Hearted Adventures connects like-minded women and families through adventure, culture, nature and wildlife. Our ladies Iceland trip has just gone on sale!!!

Amidst the chaos of day to day life, it can be easy to forget to look after ourselves.

Our adventures hope to reconnect you with yourself, return you to the present moment and help you make memories you can cherish for a lifetime.

We are building a community, empowering you and/or your family to step out of ordinary life and find or reignite connections with people and the landscape.

Come spend a little time with us and join our growing circle of Wild Hearted Adventurers.

Where are you going in 2024?

23/12/2023

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas from us at Twins and Travels.

I want to thank you all for your support this year. This page wouldn’t be a great without you.

Launching my other travel company Wild Hearted Adventures has been a huge achievement for me this year and a total dream.

My first Peak District ladies trip was a massive success. Hosting 22 amazing women was so much fun. We love you coming on holiday with us and mums, remember you deserve a break too!

I have lots planned for 2024 but if there’s something you’d like to see, or a trip you’d like me to plan, please pop me a DM. I love to hear from you all and will help out as much as I can!

This is me signing off for 2023, and I’ll see you in the New Year!

Wild Hearted Adventures - Group Travel For Ladies & Families

18/12/2023

COLINS IN TANZANIA!!

I had the most amazing time in Tanzania and now can’t wait to create my first group family trip to East Africa!
Look who came with me…. 🙈😂🐘🦁

Are you up for an adventure?!

07/12/2023

My final trip of the year - back to Africa but a new country for me - TANZANIA HERE I COME!

02/12/2023

ELF ON THE SHELF….

Has the elf arrived at your house?!

01/12/2023

Happy Birthday to me!

Another year older but even more excited about life with my family and travel!

Here I am in Namibia, just over a year ago with - one of the best holidays I’ve ever had - trekking elephants in the Namibian desert - 10 days of this beautiful landscape and a group from of amazing women.

I fell in love with Namibia and this incredible expedition. Catherine and I share a love of Africa and this is where she gave me the confidence to step in to the wild!

23/11/2023

KIDS HIKING BACKPACKS

These two have hiking backpacks on their Christmas list - can anyone recommend any?

12/11/2023

WOW - What a weekend!

Wild Hearted Adventures went off with a bang this weekend.

22 incredible inspirational women, and 2 of the best mountain guides joined me in the Peak District hiking to hike their hearts out and we had so much fun - we smiled and laughed A-LOT!

The weather Saturday was brilliant and we had fun in the puddles today. Everyone’s attitude was fabulous.

Many of these ladies stepped out of their comfort zone this weekend and I super proud of each and every one of them!

I can’t wait for our next Wild Adventure already!