Tola’s Adventures
Hello! My name is Tola, welcome to my blog!
I’m an unrepentant traveller who loves to see new spaces and experience different cultures.
This blog is about sharing my adventures and experiences with you.
Please stick around 😊
Tola’s Adventures
Because there’s more to life than 9-5!
I’m a mum of 3, wife and Travelista! Lol
I love planning budget friendly luxury trips with a good balance of activity and relaxation for myself, my family and friends.
So far, we’ve been to 17 countries and 32 cities across Africa, Europe, Asia, North and South America and hope to see many more!
I’m going to show you how I manage to travel with 3 kids, a husband and a 9-5 job without breaking the bank!
Please stick around for my travel stories, travel tips and tricks, bucket list activities and to do’s which I share on my blog and also my Instagram page.
You can find me on Instagram @Tolasadventures
Thanks for stopping by 😘
Please check out my other posts
Disneyland Florida on a budget!
My kids are always “oohing and aaahing” when the ad for Disneyland Orlando Florida came on the TV and after already being to Disneyland Paris 4 times were sick of returning.
As a family of 5, The costings for Disneyland Florida always sent me flying each time I’d checked in the past. But in 2018 more than ever, we really wanted to go so I started to research ways to fit it into our budget.
I quickly realised that we definitely can not afford to go in the summer, as it’s the most expensive time to visit.
Florida however has great weather all year round so we decided to go in December which is a cheaper time to visit.
I booked a package flight and hotel on British airways holidays during their sale costing £2292 for nine nights. They currently have a sale on till the 30th of September, feel free to check them out (not sponsored).
The hotel we stayed was the Holiday Inn resort Orlando suites and water park. I know I know it’s not 5 star but definitely check it out before you knock it.
It’s a modern and spacious all suites hotel with onsite water park with several slides, pools with lifeguard on duty, arcade, 4D theatre, miniature golf course and kids entertainment. It also has a mini market onsite for your supplies and a free shuttle service to the theme parks! (Book a day before as it gets really full)
Another money saver about the hotel is that kids under 12 stay free and up to 4 children eat free with a paying adult!
The Parks
Now to the park tickets, I tried to buy them before our trip and it was costing over £2000 for the 5 of us, needless to say I didn’t bother.
Then I discovered timeshare presentations was one of the ways of saving money on the park tickets. I decided to go with this option.
Timeshare option means you have to agree to listen to a pitch from a salesperson trying to sell you a share of their hotel. On getting to Florida, we had to agree to the 90 minute presentation from the salesperson (for us it was Hilton) trying really hard. Apparently buying the share will let allow you access Hilton hotels worldwide. (We already knew we weren’t gonna buy) but you have to agree to listen to the sales person.
After the 90 minutes sales pitch you can say no thank you and get your discount price tickets which we did. We paid $1195 for what would have cost us over £2000 pounds for the weeks park entry.
It did mean half a day of our holiday wasted but we were there for 9 nights so didn’t mind.
The tickets allowed us access to all 6 parks magic kingdom, Epcot, animal kingdom, Hollywood studios, Disney blizzard beach water park and tycoon water park.
Unfortunately the water parks were closed for renovations whilst we were there so couldn’t visit them. We visited the four remaining parks and there really were absolutely magical for lack of a better word. I advice you go early as queues are crazy!
They allow your own food into the parks so we packed sandwiches and drinks in a backpack to save money. We also ordered take out some nights. The hotel has fridge storage for your food and microwave to heat up your leftovers 🤣
Top money savings tips recap
1 avoid a summer visit if you can
2 pick a connecting flight if it helps you save money. By not flying directly ( we had a 2 hour layover at Philadelphia we saved over £500 on flights prices
3 try finding an hotel with a kids stay free/ kids eat free option
4 book your free shuttle night before to guarantee a seat-save you paying for Uber or taxi
5 use the timeshare to get discount park tickets!
Check out my Instagram @tolasadventures for more pictures and videos from our trip
Please let me know if you find these tips useful, my DM’s are open 😊
Your guide to Cornwall
Why should you visit?
Cornwall is a popular UK holiday destination and sets the bar high for coastal holiday.
What makes it so sought after is the fact that it has it all! You’ll find endless Sandy beaches, the most beautiful scenery, deep history, culture and architecture.
It literally caters to every type of traveller and is great for that solo, romantic or family holiday.
Best time to go?
The best time to visit Cornwall is between July and August as that’s when the water is the warmest but also the busiest. We went in April and literally had the place to ourselves which was amazing. The water was too cold to swim in but the beach walks absolutely amazing.
How to get there?
For ease of movement going by car is probably your best bet. From London is a 5 hour drive. If you prefer to fly, Flights to Cornwall land at Newquay Airport. You can also take the train or coach.
Where to stay?
Each location in Cornwall has something unique to offer.
St Ives
Offers tons of world class beaches with turquoise waters, arts and galleries.
Truro
Is best for city vibes, shopping and the magnificent Truro Cathedral
Penzance
Is best for Museums, Culture & History and the closest to the famous St Michael’s mount island.
Newquay
Is literally the UK’s best spot for surfing and water sports
Bodmin
Is rich in history and home to some of the most significant events that occurred in Cornwall so definitely best if you’re interested in the history of the town.
St Ives
We stayed in St Ives as it was the top recommended and it definitely did not disappoint. The beaches there are phenomenal and the likes of carbis bay, Porthminster Beach, Porthmeor Beach, St Ives Harbour beach and Hayle Towans Beach are a must see in your visit.
We found St Ives a great base for accessing the other parts of Cornwall which were mostly within a 1 hour drive.
And there were plenty accommodation options varying from hotels, holiday parks, lodges, B&B. You really are spoilt for choice.
Top Things to do
To be honest, there’s endless things to do in Cornwall apart from the obvious beautiful beaches.
However depending on the length of your stay, Here are my Top 10
1. St Michaels mount- explore this enchanting island and discover the hilltop castle.
2. Truro Cathedral- visit and admire Cornwalls only cathedral
3. Tintagel Village- discover the legendary King Arthur Castle and Tintagel old Post Office
4. Eden Project- Explore the world’s biggest indoor rainforest.
5. Minack Theatre - Watch a live show at this magical open air theatre
6. Pendennis Castle- constructed by Henry VIII
7. Tate art gallery- Explore the best of Cornish creativity
8. Bodmin Moor- discover awesome prehistoric granite sculptures and vast natural beauty
9. Trebah Gardens- enjoy this tropical paradise rated among the 80 finest gardens in the world.
10. Flambards theme park- enjoy rollercoaster rides and some family fun
Tintagel Village
London in the sky -cocktail experience review
If you’re looking to experience the thrill of floating above ground whilst sipping the most amazing cocktails then London in the sky must be your next stop!
It is situated right opposite North Greenwich station and once you step in you’re immediately catapulted into holiday vibes with greenery, deck chairs and the o2 up close in the background.
Make sure to stop at the London in the sky backdrop for that perfect Insta shot.
You’ll be led to the crane where you find your sit and get strapped in safely in no time and you’re ready for lift up
Once strapped in, the sky crew take over and as the crane slowly lifts you to 100ft in the sky they welcome you the most amazing party in the sky with the DJ playing non stop hits whilst the cocktails keep on coming.
Whilst in the air, the crane rotates slowly giving you birds eye view of the London skyline up close and personal.
Even though a 100 feet in the sky you feel safe. The seats are sturdy and reclinable if you dare!
I must say the staff are the real star of the show and make the experience truly unforgettable!
OH HEY, FOR BEST VIEWING, YOU'LL NEED TO TURN YOUR PHONE