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Svalbard, a stunning frozen archipelago way up north in the Arctic Ocean. It would have been on my bucket list years and years ago - had I know it existed. I had to go and visit. Twice. TL;DR Getting to this polar paradise can be tricky due to its remote location. This blog post will show you how to research flight options to Svalbard using Google Flights and share practical tips for tracking your travel dates effectively. Understanding Svalbard's Accessibility Reaching Svalbard starts with understanding its primary airport, Longyearbyen Airport (LYR), which serves as the main gateway. Since there are no direct international flights, most travellers connect through Oslo (OSL) or Tromsø (TOS) in Norway. For example, flights from Oslo to Longyearbyen typically take about 3 hours, while connections from Tromsø may be quicker depending on layover times. Knowing this can help streamline your trip. Using Google Flights is a game changer when searching for routes and fares. How I discovered Svalbard Google flights is how I discovered Svalbard. Yes - I know I'm not a modern Christopher Columbus - but you know what I mean. I was using the map feature in Google maps to get some ideas for flights over a bank holiday weekend, and had set my spend limit to £250. Lots of central European destinations came up, together with a single dot toward the top of my screen - all on its own. I assumed it was a fly, and went to wave it away. When it didn't move I clearly remember leaning forward and asking out loud now who or what are you. That night I had booked my first visit. Why Google Flights is so useful If you want complex - there is something called the ITA Matrix - but honestly it takes ages to master, and few people require its complexity. Google Flights is a straightforward tool that allows you to explore flight options effortlessly. Simply input your departure location and your destination—Longyearbyen (LYR)—to gain access to an array of potential flights. Here’s how to maximize your search: Check Flight Availability : Input your travel dates into Google Flights. For those with flexible schedules, the calendar view reveals prices for various dates. Set Filters : Customize your search using filters for airlines, layover duration, and price range. For example, if you prefer non-stop flights, the filters can help narrow your options. Explore Nearby Airports : If you're open to extra travel, consider departing from nearby airports. For instance, flying into Tromsø and then taking a connecting flight to Longyearbyen can save you up to 20% compared to direct flights. Longyearbyen airport surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Important Tips for Tracking Dates Once you have potential flight options in mind, tracking the best deals and maximising convenience is key. Here are some effective strategies: 1. Set Up Price Alerts Google Flights enables you to set price alerts for specific routes. You will receive notifications when flight prices drop or rise significantly. 2. Be Flexible with Dates Flexibility can lead to significant savings. Use the flexible date feature to compare prices across multiple days. For example, you might find a round trip for £300 on a Saturday but just £190 on a Tuesday, making it worthwhile to adjust your plans. 3. Consider Off-Peak Seasons Flying during off-peak times can greatly reduce your ticket costs. For instance, traveling in March (a shoulder month) not only offers fewer crowds but might also reduce fares by 15% to 25% compared to the summer months of June to August, which are popular for tourists. Vast Arctic landscape with snow-covered mountains and blue skies. Tracking potential flights I've always got a list of potential travels - tracked flights in Google Flights. I continually add what looks interesting and what might fit around my other plans. I configure to get daily alerts to pri ce changes. To be hon est the majority don't materialise into a booking - but every so often the price drops substantially making it a no-brainer, an opportunity not to be missed. And that is the story of how I went back for a second time. I'm now tracking flights for April 2026, but expect that these will come to nothing, other than keeping me abreast of prices, flight times and availability. Tracking in Google flights - slide the Track prices button to the right to get regular emails on price changes Your Arctic Adventure Awaits Researching flights to Svalbard with Google Flights can make planning easier while increasing your chances of finding great deals. By leveraging price alerts, flexible dates, and understanding seasonal pricing trends, you can successfully book an affordable flight to this unique destination. Set your sights on adventure in Svalbard, where breathtaking landscapes await. Happy travels! Close-up of a Walrus in Svalbard's natural habitat.

Bruges, famous for its enchanting cobbled streets and beautiful canals, offers many unique experiences. Attending the Belgian chocolate-making workshop stands out as a truly delightful experience. Hands-on, it’s an opportunity to make delicious creations yourself. TL;DR A short review of an excellent chocolate making workshop - close to Bruges town centre. Conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Bruges' city centre, the workshop is easily accessible for both tourists and locals. When we entered, the rich aroma of melted chocolate envelops you, and sparks an excitement for what lies ahead. Filling the chocolate molds with warm liquid chocolate The Chocolate Classroom One of the highlights of this workshop is its intimate setting. With only four participants in our session - result! - as there could be up to 16, the personal attention made for the best of a hands-on atmosphere. This setup enhanced our learning and made for a relaxed environment, rather than a standard class. Our enthusiastic host - Sandie, (she was lovely) quickly became the heart of our chocolate adventure. She shared experience, tips and engaging stories, enriching our experience vastly. Her friendliness made us all feel comfortable instantly, encouraging us to ask questions and share laughter throughout the session. Loved her attention to the music. Easy-to-Follow Instructions No prior experience is needed to join this chocolate-making workshop. Our host provided clear, simple instructions that made a complex process easy to grasp. Each step was demonstrated, ensuring our journey from raw ingredients to finished chocolates felt seamless and enjoyable. For chocolate lovers with limited kitchen experience, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to dive into chocolate-making. We were all thrilled to see our professional-looking chocolates come to life by the end. Liquid chocolates is added to cold chocolate molds - I hope it set A Guilt-free Indulgence After a fun couple of hours pouring, shaping, and decorating our creations, each participant left with a few boxes of delicious treats. The sense of accomplishment, coupled with the joy of indulging in handmade chocolates, made the entire experience worth every Euro. The classroom had bottle of waters, handwashing facilities, and restroom access. The camaraderie among participants added to the enjoyment as we shared experiences and laughter while crafting our sweet masterpieces. Good Value for Money Attending the Belgian chocolate workshop is not only about making chocolate; it’s an experience. It is more than just a class; it’s an unforgettable adventure right in the heart of Bruges. We were even treated to some decadent hot chocolate that had no need for any frivolous extras - gorgeous! If you visit this charming city and seek a unique activity, this workshop is a must. It has excellent TripAdvisor reviews - including my own. Heading home - with the finished chocolates Final Thoughts Whether you’re looking for memories or just eager to explore the art of chocolate-making, this workshop delivers. The sense of accomplishment of creating your own chocolates in a supportive environment is something you won’t forget. So, if you ever find yourself in Bruges, make sure to participate in this delightful workshop – your taste buds will undoubtedly thank you! Happy travels!

Svalbard, a remote archipelago high up in the Arctic Ocean, is for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Imagine standing under a sky that never darkens during the summer or witnessing the dance of the Northern Lights during the long sunless winter. Svalbard is not just about breathtaking glaciers and polar bears; its rich history and unique geography offer many surprises. TL;DR This article highlights 12 fascinating facts about Svalbard that could spark your next great adventure. 1. The Sun Doesn’t Set (or Rise) for Months Midnight sun (April to August, 24-hour daylight) and polar night (late October to February, no daylight) 2. A Unique Political Status for Svalbard Svalbard operates under the Svalbard Treaty, allowing citizens from various countries to live and work on the islands without restrictions. There are no visa requirements for travellers from any country, making it an accessible destination for those eager to explore. This openness fosters a very diverse international community, adding to the friendly atmosphere of the archipelago. 3. The Global Seed Vault The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, temperature maintained by the permafrost, serves as a backup storage facility for seeds from all ov er the world. It holds over 1 millio n varieties of seed, ensuring the preservation of food crops against potential global crises. 4. You Can't Be Born or Buried There Svalbard has no maternity ward — pregnant women must leave weeks before giving birth. Similarly, bodies don’t decompose well in the permafrost, so burials are not permitted; the old cemetery in Longyearbyen hasn’t accepted new burials in decades. 5. No Trees Svalbard’s extreme Arctic climate means it lacks trees, so it has uninterrupted views, perfect for capturing stunning photographs and experiencing the raw beauty of the Arctic. The dramatic contrasts between ice and rock make it particularly photogenic. 6. The Northernmost Town & Pub & Brewery Longyearbyen holds the title of the northernmost settlement in the world with over 1,000 residents. Initially founded as a coal mining centre, it has transformed into a thriving cultural hub, boasting restaurants, hotels, and art galleries. 7. Cats Are Banned To protect the fragile bird population, cats are not allowed as pets on the archipelago. Some residents bend the rule slightly by keeping "indoor-only" cats, but technically they’re not permitted. 8. You Have to Carry a Gun Outside the Settlement Because of the threat of polar bears, residents are legally required to carry a rifle when leaving town. It’s common to see people with rifles slung over their backs when hiking or snowmobiling. If on a trip - your guide will have a rifle. 9. The Supermarket Sells Booze Based on a Monthly Quota This hasn't changed since the mining days, residents have alcohol ration cards — limits are placed on how much strong liquor, beer, and wine you can buy each month. Visitors are exempt but locals track their quotas. 10. You Take Off Your Shoes Indoors—Everywhere There’s a strong cultural norm (again leftover from the mining days) to remove your shoes when entering homes, offices, shops, and even schools. Most places have shoe racks by the door. 11. Everyone Leaves Their Doors Unlocked It’s customary — and expected — to leave your house and car doors unlocked in case someone needs shelter quickly from the real danger of sudden blizzards or polar bear threats. 12. There Are More Snowmobiles Than People Snowmobiles vastly outnumber cars and even people. In winter, they’re the main form of transport between areas, especially with no roads connecting the settlements. Once You Visit, You'll Want to Return Svalbard is one of the most unique destinations on Earth, with its stunning landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and intriguing cultural aspects. Whether you crave outdoor adventures, scientific exploration, or simply want to experience life in the Arctic, Svalbard has something for everyone. Hopefully this short read might just inspire you to consider Svalbard as an entry on your bucket list travel destinations. Happy travels!

I originally started touring on a mountain bike, the range of gears was useful - but those nobbly tyres were dreadful. As the distances and durations increased I bought something more up to the job. In red, my Trek 520 stands out against the crowd, and has had some adventures over the 10,000 or so kilometres that we've done together. Design and Build Quality of Trek 520 The only disadvantage of the strong steel frame, which provides an excellent base for long-distance touring, is the weight - highlighted when I got back from my last long tour and jumped on to my carbon road bike. Worlds apart. The geometry of my 520 allow me to maintain a comfortable position during extended rides. From rough gravel paths to smooth tarmac, the frame offers stable handling, even when loaded with gear. My Trek 520 touring bike packed and ready to go Gearing and Drivetrain Gearing is vital for touring, and the Trek 520 excels in this area. It features a Shimano drivetrain with 27 gears, allowing me to tackle any hill with ease, though its tougher when I'm fully loaded, even in the lowest of gears. Gears are patchy on my bike - something that despite getting serviced haven't been fully sorted to my satisfaction Comfort Features For long-distance tours, comfort is key. The Trek 520 has an ergonomic design though I swapped out the saddle to a Brooks saddle that has moulded over the years to be a perfect match for my bum. I ride with wider tyres (typically around 700x32c) to provide extra comfort and grip, that said I've had my fair share of slips and tumbles. I like how when touring and riding in the upright position, there is less pressure on my back and shoulders. Trek 520 at the beach Storage and Accessories The Trek 520 is designed for adventure, featuring multiple mounting points for racks and mudguards. I added mudguards when I first got the bike, and added Ortlieb panniers shortly after. When I wear my red cycling jacket - I've been mistaken multiple times in the UK for a postman. I use both front and back bags - the Ortlieb have proven to be bomb proof. I don't camp - preferring a bed each night - but there is loads more room for camping gear. Performance on the Road Whether on paved roads or rugged paths, the Trek 520's sturdy frame and reliable tires provide excellent stability, making long rides easier and more enjoyable. I also use my bike and bags to shop - it certainly helps control the impulse buys. Maintenance and Durability Its a pretty simple bike when it comes to maintenance. The materials used in its construction contribute to longevity while making routine maintenance easier. I've had to re-tape the handle bars a couple of times, new chain and new tyres. Wrapping Up I continue to be very pleased with my Trek 520 as it ages along side me. It looks to be better built than me, and expect it will still be around in 50 years. Its robust construction, comfort features, and versatile storage options make it ideal for adventurers who love to explore. As I contemplate my next cycle - I can see my red Trek 520 very much part of the plan and pedalling through new horizons. I've added a few photos of the adventures we've had together below. Happy cycling!

I buy a lot from Amazon, and have recently set up as an Amazon Affilliate that gives me a few pennies for anything bought via my site. 1. Henry XL Review to follow - https://amzn.to/457Bsgc Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 2. Robot Cleaner Review to follow - https://amzn.to/4miYtmq 3. AIRBANK Reviewed here - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/dump-that-pump-for-an-airbank Anker Wireless Charging Pad 4. Sun Hat Reviewed here - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/introducing-ted-a-friend-for-my-head Quirky Plant Pot by Jüngle

I retired at 55, some 18 months ago, and I feel I’ve got enough time now to look back and reflect on my retirement process. If life were a car journey - coming off the fast lane of the motorway and onto B roads - if you don’t have a plan and a means to navigate - you can get a little lost for a while. I decided not to put a number on the observations as I’m sure there are a few that I haven’t appreciated as yet, and will want to add.  TL;DR So 18 months since I stepped away from full-time work. At first, it felt like diving into the deep end of a long-awaited pool of freedom—and it was. But as the months passed, retirement revealed itself as more than just a break from work. It’s a transition, a learning process, and at times, a complete reinvention of daily life. Here are my honest observations (so far) that I’ve made since retiring - in no particular order; 1. The Honeymoon Phase Eventually Fades Those first few months were pure bliss—no alarms, no deadlines, no Zoom meetings. It felt like the longest of holidays. Even longer than University summer breaks. But eventually, that feeling wore off. What followed wasn’t disappointment, but a realisation: this isn’t a break from my normal life, but my new life. My life had changed dramatically - I just wasn’t keeping up. 2. Time Is Abundant, Yet Surprisingly Elusive You think retirement means all the time in the world, but time still slips away fast. Without meetings or scheduled obligations, days can lose structure. I've learnt that a to do list and planning your day is key - if you don’t give your days direction, they quietly disappear. I’m now at a point with such a long list of stuff planned or wanting to plan that I wonder how I ever had time for a full time job. 3. You Miss the People, Not the Job I don’t miss emails or performance reviews or office politics. But I do miss the casual hallway chats, the camaraderie, and the shared problem-solving. I now meet vastly different people with shared interests in a more transactional way - a quick chat whilst cycle touring, or sharing a drink at a bar whilst on holiday. 4. Health Takes Center Stage Take away your work worries and you have more time to think about your health - stuff you might have been ignoring suddenly has your full attention. You gain a quicker appreciation that the freedom of retirement means little without good health to enjoy it. 5. Drinking Habits I do find it odd that I’m giving this a separate line - though for me it was real. ‘Go on we’re on holiday’, or ‘I don’t have a meeting in the morning’ means it’s more likely that you will have that bottle of wine. I also started having much more coffee. Once mindful of these - they are easily managed. 6. Your Spending Habits Change After the initial spend on bucket list items - holidays, kitchen refresh, bathroom remodelling, I expected to spend less—and in some ways I do. No need for work clothes, more time to cook, a second car, mortgage cleared etc - But travel, hobbies, and occasional helping-hands to family add up. Budgeting still matters, just in new ways. 7. Determining you own Salary (equivalent) Deciding how much of your pension to spend and at what rate is difficult. These are difficult financial decisions - you don’t know how long the funds you’ve got need to last as you don’t know how long you will need them for - does anyone know how long they are going to live for? You don’t want to leave a bucket of funds behind unintentionally. 8. Identity Gets Rewritten When people ask, “What do you do?” I still pause. For decades, work defined a big part of my identity. Now, I’m learning to answer that question differently—and sometimes that means asking myself what really defines me now. 9. Family Dynamics Shift Being more available means more time with loved ones, which is a gift. But it also changes the rhythm of relationships. Boundaries, expectations, and communication evolve. Retirement doesn’t just affect you—it subtly affects those around you, too. 10. Structure Is Still Essential I imagined retirement as total freedom—and it is—but too much freedom without structure led to boredom. I’ve learned to build a rhythm into my weeks: regular exercise, trying new and different experiences, significant amount of travel. 11. Simplicity Becomes More Appealing I find joy in simpler things now: health, a quiet morning, cooking, time with family - the urgency to get everything to fit in around other commitments is so much easier to manage when you no longer have a boss. The race for bigger and faster no longer appeals. Retirement strips away some of the noise and reveals what really matters. 12. Gratitude Deepens With more space to reflect, I find myself more grateful. For the ability to retire, for the years behind me, and for the time ahead. Retirement isn’t the end of something—it’s the beginning of living differently, more intentionally. A peaceful lakeside with a solitary bench encourages contemplation and introspection. Final Thoughts Eighteen months in, I’ve learned that retirement isn’t just an event—it’s a process. One that invites reflection, reinvention, and rediscovery.  If you're newly retired or thinking about that next chapter, know this: it’s a journey worth embracing—with open eyes and an open heart. Don’t leave it too late - review where you are and plan accordingly

As a regular cyclist, I’ve spent years with traditional bike pumps - track pumps, full length pumps and mini pumps. Hand-cramping devices that took forever to inflate a tyre. I also dabbled in using gas canisters, but never got on with them. Recently, I discovered AIRBANK Mini Bike Pump Pocket SE when reading a review of air pumps, and whilst it is at the cheaper end it read well. I decided to give it a test as I was replacing the tyres on my Trek 520. I bought it on Amazon knowing that if I didn't like it - it was an easy return. TL;DR In this post, we will delve into the standout features of this compact and rechargeable tyre inflator and see why it deserves a place in your cycling gear. Can you tell that I like it yet? Compact Design - Packs a Punch The AIRBANK Mini Bike Pump is designed to be ultra-portable. Weighing just under 93g, this pump is light enough to carry in a pocket or backpack. This pump is  small enough to fit in your jersey pocket or saddle bag , but it packs a serious punch—up to  100 PSI  of pressure. Whether you're a road cyclist needing high PSI or just want something reliable for top-ups, the AIRBANK handles it all easily. Its cordless and USB-C rechargeable for multiple inflations. Fast and efficient - giving an extra layer of confidence every time you head out. Versatility with Valve Types The AIRBANK Mini Bike Pump works with both Schrader and Presta valves—two of the most common valve types for road and mountain bikes. This feature means you can use it on various bikes. If you ride with friends who have different styles or own multiple bikes, the transition between valve types is seamless. No more frustrating moments trying to inflate a tyre because of a valve mismatch! User-Friendly Interface The AIRBANK Mini Bike Pump features an intuitive design with a single button for operation. Simply press the button and let the pump do the work. With no complicated setup you can inflate your tyres quickly and worry-free. Negative points There isn't a guage to provide pressure measurement - so you need to rely on your experience and give the tyre a squeeze as you inflate. Its a little loud. Built to Last Durability looks good, but as its new its obviously a bit of an unknown - but it does come with a 2 year warranty Final Verdict Gone are the days of huffing and puffing over a traditional pump or wasting single-use gas canisters. The  AIRBANK Mini Bike Pump Pocket SE  is a must-have for any cyclist who values  convenience, reliability, and smart tech  on the road. I wholeheartedly recommend it. It's one of those rare Amazon finds that actually lives up to the hype—and then some. AIRBANK Mini Bike Pump in action during tire inflation Where to Buy AIRBANK I bought mine on Amazon - at £33.99 - June 2025. Here is my link that earns me a few pennies if you do decide to buy it - https://amzn.to/44PeZ7O , It arrived quickly and ready to go. If you're a cyclist looking for a more modern, stress-free inflation solution, give this a go. You won’t regret it.

Having booked a significant amount of stays for my recent 3 week cycle through France - I became very aware of the pricing differences given by Booking.com when searching via the app and searching via their web page. TL;DR This pricing difference wasn't a one off. In many cases pricing provided by the Booking.com App is significantly lower than pricing provided by the Booking.com web page for exactly the same holiday stay. Here's a couple of screen shots for a future planned trip to Easter Island that highlight the difference - refreshingly the App clearly states that it's an app only deal. Booking.com - Web Page Booking.com - App Understanding Price Variations Booking.com is a popular choice for discovering deals on hotels and rentals. I'd read somewhere that prices differed per device - i.e. apple / PC, but had no evidence, then I read that prices can differ between the app and the website. Being aware of these differences can help you save money on your travel plans. I understand that the price differences are put down to "Algorithmic Differences" or "Promotional Offers and Discounts", either way - it doesn't really matter to me. Via the Web I can click through and take advantage of (maybe 5% cashback) via Cashback/Avios sites, with the App I can't. So the best approach for my worked example; Web - £612 - £31 = £581 (includes cashback assumption that isn't guaranteed) App - £551 If you’re only checking the website, you could miss out on these deals. Being vigilant across both platforms will allow you to take advantage of the best offers available. Pros and Cons of Each Platform Booking.com Web Page Pros: Comprehensive Display: The website allows you to compare a broader range of options side by side, making it easier to find the right fit for your needs. Ease of Use: A larger screen simplifies navigation, especially during extensive trip planning. Cons: Potentially Higher Prices: As noted, prices can be less competitive here than on the app, potentially leading to missed savings. Booking.com App Pros: Exclusive Deals: Users frequently discover lower rates not listed on the website. Convenience: The app enables quick bookings, especially useful for last-minute travel plans. Cons: Limited Display: The app may not show all available options as thoroughly as the website can, leading to potential oversights. Knowing these pros and cons can guide your decision in choosing the right platform for your bookings. My Best Practices for Booking.com To ensure you're getting the best deals, follow these best practices: Compare Prices Before finalising a booking, compare prices on both the app and the website. Book rates that can be cancelled Pay a little more for the flexibility. Revisit existing bookings to take advantage of price drops Check current pricing regularly as some hotels will drop pricing in line with availability.

Having been home for a couple of weeks, I wanted to summarise this summer's cycle before it becomes a distant memory. It was my longest cycle to date - stats were 1982km with 9.6km of climbing over 21 days. I set off in sun-drenched Nice, got very wet in the middle of France, and the weather eased nicely as I took a long tour around the Netherlands. My route made good use of the EV network in France, Belgium and Netherlands - EV8 Mediterranean Route, the EV17 Rhône Cycle Route, and the EV19 Meuse Cycle Route. This blog post gives a general overview of my adventure, which I've split into three segments, and will plan to dive deeper into each with photos etc in separate blog posts. Segment One: South of France to Lyon My wife and I flew down to Nice, spent a few days exploring, before she flew home with my empty bike box. In Nice there was warm sunlight and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coast as I headed west. The landscape of the EV8 Mediterranean Route changed dramatically as I moved inland on the second day and started into more hilly terrain. . Navigating through this area presented its own set of challenges. Although the scenery was stunning, the signage could be sporadic. I relied heavily on Google Maps and my Garmin device for route planning - even after checking and re-checking I unintentionally varied from my planned route quite a bit - but I'm not religious about following the EV route, or the planned route and don't like the idea of backtracking - always push forward in the general direction of the next stop. My trusty Trek 520 made long stretches comfortable, keeping me well-prepared for the diverse terrains. The trek from Nice to Lyon was a mix of dedicated paths and rural roads, offering authentic glimpses into small village life. I frequently paused to refuel with water, wine, beer and fresh pastries. The epic menu de jour wasn't as prevalent on this cycle as it was during my 2024 cycle up the West coast from Toulouse though there were interesting meals to be had. The EV17 north along the Rhone to Lyon was a nice ride. I like cycling along a river and getting to see the huge inland ships from time to time. Segment Two: Lyon to Liège Leaving Lyon marked a turning point in my journey. The weather turned bad with lots of rain which made everything so much more difficult. As soon as it would dry up, there would be another downpour - my feet stayed consistently wet. Thankfully I was able to completely dry out each night at the stops that I'd pre-booked - mostly in cheap hotels and B&Bs. Throughout this segment, I had less defined cycle paths and more smaller roads to navigate There was very little of interest other than small villages from time to time against a very rural backdrop. The days all felt very similar to each other until cycling up the steep hill into Langres - I felt as though I'd summitted - that the route would change and offer more to the eye. But - boy was I disappointed. Whilst this was the start of the much fabled EV19 Meuse route that would all be down hill to the sea. It turned out that this section of the Meuse route right through Northern France was pretty boring. It did pick up in Belgium where the river narrowed and the cliff sides got higher and as i continued on through to Liège. Segment Three: Liège to the Hook of Holland When I eventually got to Liege, things started to pick up. Whether it was the improvement in the weather, the more welcoming cycling paths - I'm not sure - but as the hills fell away and the broad expanse of the Meuse meandering through the Netherlands took hold - my  mood lightened. I had some epic B&B stays and some great food and a few beers as I took advantage of the easier days on good tarmac with fewer hills. The Netherlands is made for cycling - its such a fine place. Everywhere you can see examples of where the bike is treated as a priority over the car. Meeting fellow cyclists on the road, sharing tales, and swapping tips transformed my solitary endeavour into a shared experience. As I approached the Hook of Holland - you can see the ships over 5 km out, excitement surged within me, I was both happy to finish and sad that I would be finished. . Reflecting on My Journey I said never again - my legs were sore, and spending 3 weeks solitary on the road was just a little too much for me - but I have already started to forget the bad times on the cycle and have started to ponder whether I should give Land's End to John O'Groats a go - maybe supported this time around. This blog post is an introduction to three more blog posts where I will break down each of the segments in a little more detail as I review photos and the tripadvisor updates that I made along the way.

Finding well-priced parking at an Airport is a nightmare. I've used my own experience of searching for suitable parking for my planned trip to Eurovision in Austria in May 2026 to illustrate the tools and techniques that I use to find value parking finding a balance between convenience and affordability. TL:DR; My standard process of booking through HolidayExtras with a code from MoneySavingExpert.com provided the best pricing. Book early Once I've booked the flights it's the next thing I do. I book a rate that can be cancelled and that acts as my banker and will allow for me to shop around as the trip gets closer and cancel my locked in rate if I find something better. That said - the further out you book the cheaper the parking tends to be. My experience There are loads of options - however I have found that HolidayExtras are a pretty good site to begin with. My initial quotes for my 3 night trip from 14/5 @ 09:00 to 17/5 @ 13:00 were; I then found a code on MoneySavingExpert.com , and reran my search; I had already decided as it was getting into summer time by then, and just the two of us were travelling with cabin bags that 'Park and Ride' with a saving of £35 over 'Meet & Greet' would suit us. As it came with free cancellation - I booked it - locking in the price. Checking for Alternative Options Book Direct My booking with HolidayExtras was with PurpleParking, and although HolidayExtras owns PurpleParking, I also did a direct search with PurpleParking. Prices were the same. Credit Card Cashback Whilst I had a cashback offer of 5% on my Halifax Clarity Card - it required a click through - so I assumed this would mean that my MSE code would be dropped. TopCashBack / Quidco Cashback wouldn't work as the code from MSE wouldn't be approved by the Cashback sites - meaning the spend would be ineligible. Other Parking Sites I tried APH - more expensive, same with FHR & Skypark. Heathrow official parking was very expensive. Check your times I reviewed the flight times again. If you can shave off an hour or two, you might save paying for an additional day, and could de-risk by paying the £1.99 for Late Return Cover. It wouldn't work in my case as I was leaving @ 09:00 on my day of departure and returning @ 13:00 on my return, so would be stretching it. At that point I decided to stop looking. I've assumed I got the best offer currently available. A busy parking lot at Heathrow Airport with various vehicles Weighing Convenience Against Cost Selecting the right parking option often requires balancing convenience and cost. While off-site parking is generally more affordable, it requires additional time for shuttle rides, which can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. On the other hand, on-site parking saves time, as you can walk straight to the terminal. This could be crucial if you have a tight flight schedule. Calculating the value of your time helps you decide if the higher cost of on-site parking is worth it. Finding Your Balance In your quest for affordable airport parking, a combination of research and planning is key. By exploring off-site options, leveraging online comparison tools, and hunting for discounts, you can secure well-priced parking that suits your budget. As you weigh your options, remember to consider the balance between convenience and cost. Sometimes paying a bit more for on-site parking can save you time and stress, especially with tight travel schedules.

What we do know - the contest will be hosted in Austria What we don’t know - what city will host and on what date The Eurovision crowd is fast, loyal, and persistent—especially the ones who know the game and play it early. TL;DR Eurovision is expensive in terms of flight and hotel costs if booked last minute, so I’m taking a gamble* to get best pricing on flights and hotels and have placed my chips on the current favourite - Vienna on the 16th May 2026. Wish me luck! *The Gamble works out to only be £35/person to lock in the cheaper prices. Yes, I may be a little bit Eurovision-obsessed. But if you're reading this, you probably understand. Rolling the Dice, Eurovision Style Let me paint the picture: The Eurovision 2026 contest is confirmed to be held in Austria—but as of my booking frenzy, the host city hasn’t been announced yet. Could it be Vienna again? Or maybe Innsbruck at the other end of the country? Your guess is as good as mine. But waiting to find out wasn’t an option. As any seasoned fan knows, once the announcement drops, prices skyrocket, availability vanishes, and your best-laid plans become a logistical nightmare. So I did what any mildly obsessed (and moderately sensible) Eurovision fan might do: I booked everything early. Hotel Hopes and Hospitality Roulette As the 2025 contest results were coming through, and it became obvious that Austria were going to win, I was busy researching both possible host cities, dates and hotels available. By the end of the winning song, I had booked a room for 2 at the Mecure Wien Westbahnhof on the Accor app for 3 nights (Thursday 14th May to Sunday 17th May) for just over €400 Euros, importantly with the option to cancel.  As of July 2025, there is no longer availability at the Mecure, and the prices for hotels that are available are eye watering.  The Flight Gamble Having done a quick search via Google Flights - the direct flights that would suit started @ £220 each with BA, but wouldn’t have the refund flexibility that I would ideally want. I then looked at booking direct with BA using AVIOS points. These worked out @ 14.5k Avios & £35 - the equivalent of £151 each, if you value an Avios point at 0.8p. These flights can be cancelled, and I would receive the AVIOS points back and only lose the £35.  I might get to meet Graham again on the flight back Parking the What-Ifs Living just far enough from the airport to make public transport a pain, I also locked in car parking. It is fairly simple and prices won’t be impacted by Eurovision - but booking early and flexible is always important. I used a discount code (via moneysavingexpert.com ) to reduce the price from £50 to £40, and also bagged another 5% off with credit card cashback.  The Ticket And now, we wait. Ticket sales are still a few nerve-jangling months away, and there’s no guarantee I’ll get one. The moment they go live is a heart-pounding, browser-refreshing frenzy. Will the seating gods smile upon me? Why It's All Worth It People outside the Eurovision bubble might think I’m mad. “You booked what  before even knowing where  it is?” they ask, eyebrows raised. But those of us in the fandom know that half the joy is in the anticipation, the dedication, the buzz. It’s a leap of faith powered by glitter, flags, and decades of music-fueled joy. Whether I’m waving my flag in the arena or belting out the songs from a café in Vienna, I know this trip will be unforgettable. After all, Eurovision isn’t just an event—it’s a journey. And mine has already begun.

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