Quote from Fergus McCarthy on October 14, 2025, 3:16 pm

For holidays 2025 or planning, here are several options

Save £6,000 on your first family ski trip

Iglu Ski shares expert savings tips

Families dreaming of their first ski holiday can save up to £6,200 by booking smart with Iglu Ski value. The UK’s largest ski travel agency reveals how to make the most of your budget without losing the magic of the mountains.

Smart choices mean big savings

According to Iglu’s 24/25 survey, 59% of skiers prioritise value for money. Families can save £175 per person by sharing chalets, £580 by skiing at Easter, and £500 by choosing all-inclusive over half-board. Driving instead of flying can save £400, and children ski free in select resorts.

Book a large chalet in Les Gets for Easter and drive instead of flying for a total of £5,000 — saving £6,200 compared to peak prices. Visit Iglu Ski for full details.

Val d’Isère unveils new ski season

New openings and family fun

Val d’Isère opens its holidays 2025/26 winter season from 29 November 2025 to 3 May 2026 with world-class sport, luxury stays and alpine adventures. The First

Tracks weekend on 29–30 November includes accommodation, ski passes, equipment tasters and special offers when booking direct through Val d’Isère Reservations.

Luxury stays and mountain dining

New highlights include Purple Ski’s Chalet Cervinia, featuring a cinema, spa and pool, and the fully renovated Alpina Lodge. Families can relax at new Village Montana aparthotels, while diners enjoy IMA’s Middle Eastern menu and Bottleneck at K2 Chogori.

Sustainable family adventures

Children under eight ski free across the Tignes-Val d’Isère area. The Preserve Val d’Isère campaign aims for a zero-litter mountain by 2030, supported by an electric ski bus fleet.

Treehouses & Treasure Chests: OUTRIGGER Maldives Unveils Family Villas and Enchanting Kids Retreat

For holidays 2025/26 a barefoot luxury escape in the Maldives has never felt more welcoming for families…
OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort has spacious new Beach Family Villas and the whimsical Treehouse Kids Retreat, where imagination and island charm come to life.

Beach Family Villas

Set directly on the island’s powder-soft sands, the new Beach Family Villas (116 sqm) has room for up to five, each villa opens onto a wide terrace that flows straight to the beach. Light-filled interiors pair contemporary design with natural Maldivian textures; it’s the perfect backdrop for family time, whether sharing a sunset, stargazing, or opening a treasure chest delivered to the room, brimming with classic board games to enjoy together.

The Treehouse Kids Retreat

Treehouse Kids Retreat is a whimsical haven just for little explorers. Secret doors, lookout windows and hidden corners spark curiosity, while zones for soft play, arts and crafts, LEGO creations, story time and games provide endless fun.

Guided by the resort’s Marine Biologist and Sustainability Manager, children also get the chance to dive into the wonders of the Maldives’ marine world. From learning about vibrant reef life to understanding delicate ecosystems, the retreat blends play with purpose – nurturing creativity, discovery and care for the ocean.

Open daily for children ages 4–12, the Treehouse Kids Retreat offers a daily programme under the themes Create, Play, Explore – plus optional evening babysitting for family peace of mind.

Discover the hidden gems of North Gloucestershire UK this autumn

North Gloucestershire stands proudly as the gateway to the UK’s stunning Cotswolds and wider south west region and offers visitors a slower pace, less crowds and the chance to discover lesser-known gems, from the chocolate box market town of Winchcombe to the medieval riverside town of Tewkesbury, cosy pubs serving excellent local food to walking routes across the magnificent autumnal countryside, and much more.

Hop aboard the majestic steam engines on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway and admire the stunning autumnal colours on a 28 mile round trip from the quintessentially Cotswold village of Broadway, traversing the impressive Stanway viaduct, across to the cosmopolitan town of Cheltenham, passing through some of North Gloucestershire’s most impressive scenery.

To find out more about visiting Tewkesbury and North Gloucestershire, go to: https://www.visittewkesbury.info/