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8 Ways to Survive an Unplanned Vacation

If you’d rather spend a week cleaning out your sock drawer than take an unplanned vacation, we feel you. That’s why we’ve put together our list of 8 ways to survive an unplanned vacation…
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Spontaneous travel always sounds so exciting. Imagine jetting off on a whim, armed with a single bag containing the bare bone possessions you managed to sweep up on such short notice.

While this is the ultimate dream for some, the planners among us are sure to be cringing at this very scenario. It sounds liberating being able to agree to a holiday at the last minute, but the reality is it can be quite stressful.

Regardless of how much we want to be carefree and uninhibited, embracing every opportunity that comes our way, at least some thought and preparation is required to ensure you actually enjoy your trip.

If you’d rather spend a week cleaning out your sock drawer than take an unplanned vacation, we feel you. That’s why we’ve put together our list of 8 ways to survive an unplanned vacation.

1. Always remember to take proof of identity and bank cards

If you’re going to remember any of these tips, remember this. Never leave for a vacation without first packing your proof of identity documents (driver’s license or equivalent for domestic travel, passport for international travel) and bank cards.

Trying to check into your room without these? Unlikely. Want to rent a car? Definite no-go. Need to buy FOOD? Impossible without access to funds. As much as we’d like to run off into the sunset with only the clothes on our back, forgetting these vital items is a surefire way to ruin your trip.

2. Pack light

Need to pack quickly? You’re going to have to pack light. Now is not the time to squish half your wardrobe into your suitcase because you’ve dreamt up a range of ‘what if’ scenarios. Choose clothes that suit the type of trip and the climate of the destination you’ll be visiting. The best approach is to choose a few outfits in similar colours so that you can mix and match. A piece of clothing that can be adapted to create different outfits is always better than a piece that has one purpose.

Packing light is particularly important on an unplanned vacation as you might not even know where you’re staying or how you’re going to get there. The last thing you want is to be stranded or delayed simply because you’ve packed too much. It also means it’ll be easier to store your luggage with services like Bounce if your room isn’t ready or your flight gets delayed.

3. Be flexible

Booking a holiday at the last minute means that things probably won’t go to plan. And that doesn’t mean you should let it ruin your trip! Take a deep breath and move on to Plan B. You can’t expect the perfect hotel to have a room at late notice and you won’t necessarily be able to get a flight at the time you’d prefer, but that’s all part of the experience. Try to relax and learn to be flexible with your plans. Spontaneous experiences always end up being the best stories, anyways.

4. Be mindful of your budget

As much as we’d like to be spontaneous and care-free, responding to every opportunity with a resounding ‘YES!’, we need to remain mindful and remember that some things have limitations. And for any type of travel, that includes our budget.

Don’t get so caught up in the excitement of an unplanned trip that you forget your financial limits. Sure, you want to enjoy your trip, but you also don’t want to be stranded in a foreign country with an empty bank account because you took the YOLO philosophy a little too far.

Even if you leave quickly without much time to plan, take a moment to determine the amount of money you can spend on the trip. Make sure that you continue to live within your means, while also staying open to as many opportunities as you can.

Additionally, there can also be great last-minute deals that can save you heaps of money. As long as you have a bit of a buffer, you won’t have to worry!

5. Do some research

An unplanned vacation doesn’t mean that you can’t do some research. We all have mobile devices that we can use to connect to Wifi in most places. One of the biggest problems with an unplanned vacation is overspending. Sometimes we find ourselves caught up in a spontaneous mindset (see above), but other times unplanned trips are simply just more expensive.

Costs of flights and attractions often cost more closer to the date, and then we’re faced with unexpected costs because we haven’t had the time to plan. Even a quick Google on local attractions, cheap eateries or different types of accommodation can be the difference between staying within budget or breaking it completely.

6. Ask the locals

If you feel unprepared because you haven’t had the time to plan, there are other ways to get information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Talking to the locals is the best way to get insight into a destination and you can learn a lot about what to see/do/eat during your time in their town. Getting information this way is usually better than guidebooks or online research. Who knows what hidden gems you will uncover!

7. Inform family and friends

Just because you feel like you’re skipping town doesn’t mean you need to act like it. Whether you’re spontaneously headed overseas or going camping for the weekend, tell someone. You don’t want your family and friends getting worried because you aren’t home or won’t return their texts.

8. Embrace it!

Finally, if you’ve decided to take an unplanned vacation — embrace it! It might not be your dream vacation, but it doesn’t have to be. A spontaneous trip can offer things that your typical, planned vacation cannot.

Unless you’re a Type-A planner, you probably won’t have had time to put together an extensive itinerary so you won’t be rushing from one major tourist site to the next. Without a strict to-do list, you’ll be freed from expectations and able to experience your destination in a completely different way. You might have the chance to wander the streets, soaking up the brand new sites, smells and sounds of a new city, or purchase local ingredients and have a peaceful picnic in the park while observing the locals.

An unplanned trip can be daunting, but it can also be the greatest adventure. Next time the opportunity arises, do yourself a favour and embrace a spontaneous vacation — just make sure to remember these tips!

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How to travel to and enjoy Las Vegas in style

Las Vegas is one of the most popular travel destinations in the entire world, with so much to offer for every type of person, no matter what their needs, goals or desires are.

There’s something for everyone in Vegas which is one of the reasons smart travelers go in with a plan as well as having done their research on the available entertainment and Las Vegas casino guides. The veritable selection of things to do is one of the many reasons why McCarran International Airport is so crowded throughout the year, no matter when, be it spring, summer, fall or even winter. Obviously, summer is the most popular time for travelers to visit Las Vegas, but the weather rarely dips below 40 degrees throughout the entire year, so it’s always a great time to take a trip. That’s part of why its such a hot spot for travelers to visit, as Vegas plays host to tourists, business people, families, partygoers, and food connoisseurs alike. Some of the best restaurants in the world are located in Las Vegas, as well as the biggest and most extravagant casinos, such as the Bellagio and the Venetian. Soon to join them will be the brand-new Circa Resort & Casino, which will open later in the year, and figures to provide a state-of-the-art experience, as well as luxurious accommodations, for those that choose to stay there.

But how does one get to Las Vegas?

Well, most travelers choose to fly into McCarran, as there are affordable flights from around the world taking off constantly. There’s also a Greyhound bus station, so if flying isn’t in your wheelhouse, that’s another viable option. And if located on the West Coast, and are looking for a road trip, then obviously you can drive to the Las Vegas strip, which is the most affordable option.

And what should I bring for my trip to Vegas?

Most importantly, make sure to pack some “business professional” clothes, whether you’re looking to hit the night clubs, restaurants or a show. Slacks or khakis are appropriate for males, with a button-up or dress shirt to match. Oh, and make sure to leave your tennis shoes or sandals in the hotel room. The same goes for a hat unless it’s a fedora or peddler cap, which may be permitted. In the right setting, jeans can be worn as well, but you may want to dress more on the safe side just in case you’re not aware of the dress code at the specific locations you’ll be at. For women, much of the same applies, with blazers, sweaters, blouses and tailored shirts being appropriate. Slacks, skirts or dresses should be paired along with them. Now, on the other side of the fence, make sure to pack a bathing suit or two! The Vegas pool scene is such a major part of the experience, with each casino having multiple areas to swim in or hang out at. Not only that, but there are also tons of spa options as well. Normal toiletries will also suffice, and you’ll probably want to bring some ibuprofen or acetaminophen tablets, just in case you’re planning to go out for a long night. Sunglasses, handbags and whatever else is trendy would also be a safe bet. Make sure to get groomed before your trip as well, as some of the most stylish and good-looking people around the world are often spotted in Las Vegas. Rocking a mullet may have been a good idea four decades ago, but surely isn’t anymore.

The good news is you don’t have to worry about renting a car to get around. In fact, you shouldn’t. The Las Vegas strip is walkable, for the most part, and taxi cabs, as well as ride-sharing services are available around the clock as well. One important tip you’ll want to be aware of, though, is that pedestrians cannot cross Las Vegas Blvd., and can only cross the strip using overhead walkways located at various casinos. Not only that, but distances are also often further than they appear, so catching a ride somewhere may be your best bet, especially if you’re not exactly sure where you’re going.

Also, if you plan to gamble and take advantage of the tables, make sure to do so responsibly, and set limits. It’s great to partake in that type of entertainment, but you don’t want it to affect your mood or tarnish your trip, which is why you might want to consider starting with blackjack and going from there. It would be wise to practice some of the casino games you plan to play before you get to Vegas, so you’re ready to gamble, and aren’t jumping in blind.

And, most importantly, make sure to have fun! What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Work on the Go Business Ideas

The time is finally here. The last chick has left the roost, and you’re empty-nesters at last. For a fulltime parent, this is the moment when you can start to think about yourself. You may have decided you’d like to go back into the workforce.

Have you considered working from home or on the move? There are many opportunities out there, and you don’t actually need to join the rat race again. Here are some suggestions:

Create a Smartphone Game

No doubt, you and the kids have played many smartphone games. Have you ever thought “this would make a great game” with one of your own ideas? Why not use your downtime to create it yourself. It’s not as difficult as you might think.

These days there are so many different offerings in android game creator software that all you need to do is go online and start building. Development toolkits are easy to use and have excellent customer support. You’ll feel like a professional programmer in no time.

Cottage Industry

Do you have strong baking skills? Or maybe you can create and build beautiful pieces of artwork. If you can produce a small quantity of a product in a short amount of time, you could be ready to run a small manufacturing business from home.

Cottage industries are how some big businesses got their start. Remember, the two Steves started Apple from their garage.

Start by finding out if people in your area would be willing to buy what you can supply. If there appears to be a need out there, get started. You may have an emerging company ready to explode onto the market in no time.

Online Tutoring

Teaching online is a big business. There are so many opportunities, and it’s so easy to do. Provided your computer has a working camera and microphone, that’s really all you need.

You can tutor many different subjects. From languages to business, to arts and crafts. There are many people out there who love to learn from others via an online platform. The money is great; earn anywhere between $10 and $80 per hour, depending on what you have to offer. So what are you waiting for?

Content Writing

How would you like to sit at home and write about the top 10 sandwich makers, or how to teach your dog new tricks? If you have a good grasp of English and can string some sentences together, you might find content writing not only fun but a great source of income.

There are different companies out there who you can work for. Content mills churn out many short articles in an attempt to get people to click on their links. Other companies want relevant articles written about their goods and services, and others wish for reviews.

Look for websites that have links to businesses looking for writers. If you have experience in that industry, give it a shot.

This Is Your Time

Are you ready? With all this newly found free time, it’s the moment to put your idle hands to work and make some money, all from the comfort of your home.

Do you have an excellent idea for a smartphone game? Great, get online, and start building it. Are you good with your hands? Awesome, make some products, and sell them to the local community.

Two straightforward computer-based money-making ideas are online tutoring and content writing. There’s no time to waste, do some research, and see what business concept could work for you.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Taking A Look At Great Travel Tips For When You Bring Your Kids

Children have a tendency to make travels even more enjoyable with their laughs, smiles, and adorable road trip songs. Here are 8 tips to help you prevent common travel mishaps and keep your family journeys stress free…
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Bring your kids—this simple three-word phrase turns out to be the catalyst for adventure when traveling. Children have a tendency to make travels even more enjoyable with their laughs, smiles, and adorable road trip songs.

Though they’re also quite prone to “where are you’s” and the “are we there yet’s” as well.

But don’t worry! Here are 8 tips to help you prevent common travel mishaps and keep your family journeys stress free. If you want more tips on how to better travel with your family, be sure to check out BoomerBuyerGuides.com.

Consider Age and Destination

When bringing your children, the destination is particularly relevant, and an ideal one is often tied to your children’s age.

Some families find it better to wait on places like amusement parks until their kids are old enough to not get lost as easily while others don’t seem to have an issue. You know what to expect from your kids, so make sure to prepare in advance.

For example, if you’re headed to a water destination, teach your kids how to swim first, especially if they’re young. This way, they can be safe and have even more fun.

Plan in Advance

Spontaneous adventures are always a fun surprise when you bring your kids. However, some destinations are better done with advance preparation.

Be aware of travel current advisories, especially when bringing your children. Popular vacation places may be fine on one day, but be dangerous for travel on another.

COVID-19 is an example to consider. Some places in Europe and Asia that were perfectly safe in late 2019 became dangerous in the early months of 2020.

If you’re stuck on finding a safe travel destination for your family now, consider planning in advance and embarking on a later date. Also, be sure to plan ahead financially as well. You can get title loans online to help cover emergency expenses while traveling.

While inconvenient at first glance, advance planning does have it’s perks. You can save more so that you’ll have more spending money—and perhaps even get to vacation longer.

Pack in Advance

Speaking of planning in advance, packing in advance is one of the best things you can do on any trip, but the benefits of doing so especially show up when you bring your children.

Overestimate the time you need to pack and try to avoid doing it the day before. This way, you’ll have the time to track down the lost socks, hidden headphones, and disappeared box of diapers.

Even if you’re the most organized person on the planet, things can get a bit mixed up when you’re packing for a family, so build in some time to find that lone flipflop hiding in plain sight.

Also, consider your packing and organizing method. Some people roll their clothes, while others fold. Determine what works best for you and your family to find what you need easily.

Think About Your Routine

Sometimes it’s good to keep some elements of your routine consistent when bringing your children.

For example, if you like taking your children to worship during the week, then consider finding some great locations to bring your children and family to fellowship while you’re out on your travels.

Bring Your Kids—and Lots of Snacks!

Travel food gets pricy quickly—even if you’re just at gas stations.

To save your funds for more fun activities, go to the grocery store before leaving and so your kids can still have all their favorite snacks without eating up the budget.

Snacks from home also tend to be healthier as well, so it’s a double win for both your health and your wallet!

Some companies package milk and orange juice in a way so that it doesn’t need refrigeration, so make sure to look for those options as well while you’re out shopping for your journey.

Back up Devices

Backing up electronics is always a great idea, but especially when you’re vacationing with kids. Statistically, electronics are most endangered in the summer months, when everyone is out and about.

When bringing your children, it’s practically a given at some point or another. Go ahead and back up your devices before your travels.

This way, even if life happens and it gets dropped on the concrete or left at the gas station hours in the opposite direction, you’ll still have the peace of mind knowing all your photo libraries are safe.

Another way to keep your children’s electronics safe is to upgrade their cases to ones that are water and drop-proof. Considering the price to replace your average phone, it’s a worthwhile investment for prevention.

Teach Them Safety Tips

Things that might seem like common sense to you might not be to your children, especially if they are young. Before you bring your kids, make sure to teach them safety tips such as not talking to or going with strangers.

Have them memorize your phone number and go over a plan with them for what to do in case they get lost.

For older children, make sure to explain to them the importance of sticking together with their siblings rather than wandering off on their own. Groups of three or more is always a better option in terms of safety.

Traveling With Kids—Bringing it All Together

One of the best ways to make memories and add extra fun to your travels is to bring your kids. And while challenges can arise, you can avoid common mishaps and lessen the impact of inconveniences with proper preparation.

Make sure to apply the tips above to help keep your travels super fun and stress-free!

Are you looking for more advice? Then feel free to explore the rest of this website to discover more helpful articles.

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Top 5 Slot Symbols You Can Use as Tattoo Ideas

Poker face cards are the ideal slot symbols to use as a tattoo since they feature in nearly all slot games…
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Tattoos have gone from being a subculture practice that is looked down upon to highlighting a mainstream part of modern society. Tattoos have taken over the pop culture scene after shedding off the taboo image that surrounded them. The acceptance of body art is going so well around the world that the tattoo sector is among the fastest-growing retail industries in the world. Today, it is nearly impossible to stroll through the streets on a warm day without seeing one or several people adorning body art.

The reasons for getting inked vary from one person to the other. In the early 1800s, tattoos were a huge part of the criminal and deviant members of society. Today, on the other hand, people get tattooed as an artistic way of self-expression to represent things that are significant in their life journey. For others, they are simply a representation of what they like. Slot machine games like https://trustedcasinos360.com/reviews/slotable-casino/ have become so popular around the world, it is no surprise that a handful of people get ink in the form of something linked to the games.

Slot machines like Texas Tea Slots are hallmark games in casinos and a huge part of the entertainment industry. If you are looking to join this cluster, here are some symbols linked to the free slot game that you can get as a tattoo.

One-armed Bandit

The origins of slot games trace back to the one-armed bandit machines that were used in the nineteenth and twentieth century. The importance they hold in the slots industry makes them an ideal tattoo to lean towards for any lover of not only slot games, but the casino industry as a whole.

One-armed bandit slots first came to rise somewhere between 1887 and 1895. They gained the name from the fact that the reels were spun by pulling a lever sitting to one side of the machine. The game was designed by Charles Fey and was the first gaming machine that provided automatic payouts. The games featured a clanky design that makes them look almost like traditional ovens. They had five drums and three reels, which featured the poker suites hearts, spades, clubs, and diamonds along with a horseshoe. This machine was still in production even after the ban on real money slots in 1902. Instead of real money wins and poker suit symbols, the game awarded in candy and the fruits corresponding to their flavours were displayed on the reels. The number of rows also grew from one to three.

Even in the next generation of electromechanical slots that started in 1964, one-arm bandits were still in use. The reels depended entirely on an electric system to spin, but the removal of the lever would remove the most familiar element of the game. The gear was maintained even when video slots were introduced in 1976. Slot manufacturers abandoned the feature in the early nineties and adopted the use of buttons instead.

There are so many artistic approaches to adorning a one-armed bandit tattoo. For example:

  • The piece can be a simple drawing of the machine with symbols that were common at the time or some that are relevant to the story you want to portray.

  • You can also make it complex by adding other elements that are common in the gambling world, such as dice, beer, roulette wheels, and playing chips.

  • The large and rigid shape of the machine makes it ideal for an area of skin that suits its appearance, such as on the forearm, calf, or bicep.

Playing Card Symbols

Playing Card Symbols

Playing cards are mostly associated with table and card games like blackjack and poker, but they are also popular with video slots as well. These symbols primarily represent the low playing characters, and they include A, K, Q, J, 10, and 9. Having these icons drawn on you is more like having an ace up your sleeve, which is a fashionable statement. Even though they are not highly valued in pokies, they still possess a lot of decorative value. The art can be of a winning combination, especially that of five A’s that usually offered the most massive win.

Poker face cards are the ideal slot symbols to use as a tattoo since they feature in nearly all slot games. Therefore, when they are spotted on the body, they are easily linked to the slots and gambling world without having to reference a specific title. Spice things up by adding alluring visual elements such as skills, crows, and crowns.

The composition and execution of the tattoo can range from reasonably simple designs to intricate artworks. These elements depend on how much space is dedicated to the piece and your pain limit. Simple black tattoos that involve only lines and a little shading are simple to execute and do not require too much artistry. Sophisticated options that use different colours, a lot of shading, and cover a large area, on the other hand, require more attention to detail and high pain tolerance. For instance, playing cards being drawn as they are do not demand as much as those that include faces and additional items like skulls.

Cherry Symbol

Cherry Slot Symbol

The cherry is among the most versatile of all slot symbols as a tattoo. As a gambling character, this icon is a representation of the fruit machines’ age that lasted between 1902 and 1908. During this time, a ban was applied to the provision of real money payouts. Instead of facing out the games, slot companies replaced cash wins with gum and candy. The poker suits and horseshoe were also replaced by different fruits that represented the flavours of the candy. When a three-symbol combination was won, gum of a similar flavour was awarded. The cherry was among the low-value symbols, which also meant is one of the most common. The logo resonated more than any other to represent this classic era. It still appears in numerous slot machines today, and it is almost always displayed as a pair, just like it grows in real life.

The symbolism of the cherry goes beyond an iconic era of slot machines and is also a prominent symbol for fertility, virginity (or the loss of it), immortality, and longevity. Therefore, it is a common tattoo even with people that do not know about its slot affiliation. The small nature of the icon allows it to be placed anywhere from behind the ears to the calves.

Cleopatra

Cleopatra is a name that resonates with Egyptian royalty more than any other. Since the Egyptian theme is so prevalent in slots, you can imagine the array of choices laid out. You can choose to take the classic root with a traditional title like Cleopatra by IGT, which is among the most famous of all. Even though it is an old game, this Egyptian queen is depicted on the logo as a colourful and powerful pharaoh with her eyes being the centre of attraction.

Angel and Demon

Angel and Demon Slots

In most cultures, gambling is associated with evil, and the devil is a frequent visitor in a lot of slot machines. Considering the theme’s basis on something we struggle with from personal to global levels, the angel and demon hovering on each side of the grid serve as a good tattoo option to represent it. Make it unique by drawing the angel one shoulder, arm, wrist, or calf while the demon sits on the other side. This showcases the rift between good and evil and the choices we have to make every waking moment of our lives.

Closing Thoughts

Slot tattoos are not the most popular things to adorn, but they have intense artistry behind them, nonetheless. Ensure that the artist you turn to has enough experience to bring your vision to life before the pricking begins.

What to Know Before Taking a Road Trip

There are several things you have to know ahead of time in order to have the best possible time and to ensure that your road trip is smooth. Here are a few things to know before you take your trip…
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Spring will be here before you know it, which means not only nicer weather but fun things to do. One of the activities you might want to do, especially around the time of the spring break, is going on a fun road trip. Of course, there are several things you have to know ahead of time in order to have the best possible time and to ensure that your road trip is smooth. Here are a few things to know before you take your trip.

Know Where You’re Going

Obviously, one of the first things to know before taking a road trip is where you’re going. You may have a destination in mind for your trip, but if you don’t know how to get there, you will probably spend too much time aimlessly driving in unfamiliar areas. Make sure to study a map for at least a week before you set out on the road and know ahead of time details like the laws and weather conditions common to the area. Knowing what to expect before you get on the road can only help you. You may also want to know what places you might hit prior to getting to your ultimate destination if you want or need to make a stop.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Unfortunately, there are always unexpected situations that can arise at any time. While you are on a road trip, you could run into car trouble that is extensive enough to require towing or worse-off, unexpected mechanical repairs. If you rely on your car for transportation to and from work, you may not have the luxury of postponing the critical auto repair, resulting in large repair costs. If you don’t have the savings to cover such a situation, there are lenders who specialize in providing money loans online to cover unexpected emergency expenses. You simply never know when you might need the extra monetary hand.

Create a Budget and Add to Your Savings

Before your road trip, you should go through your finances and ensure that you add money to your savings as a security blanket. You will also want to create a budget for your spending while on your trip. This can help you to keep your spending to a limit and not splurging on things that are unnecessary. Know approximately how much money you will have to spend on things like food, gas and lodgings and put a little extra in for fun and gifts.

You should always be as frugal as possible while spending money on your road trip. Unexpected situations frequently arise, but when you stick with your budget, you can help to mitigate the issue.

Pay Your Bills

Prior to going on a road trip, you should always make sure that all of your monthly bills that are due are paid in full beforehand. This will help to ease your mind as you will not have to worry about those financial responsibilities while you are away on your trip. You will be able to relax and enjoy yourself instead, which is always a plus.

Take Food and Water With You

Although you will certainly buy meals and drinks during the course of your trip, it’s important to pack food and water to take with you. You may find that you are miles away from a rest stop at times while you’re traveling and get hungry or thirsty. In addition, bringing some food and water on the trip can help you to save a bit of extra money.

It’s important to remember all of these things before hitting the road for your exciting, adventurous trip. Remember, if you do run into a financial emergency, you can always check for money loans online right from your smartphone.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

First Time to Kernow – What you can Expect from a Cornish Cottage

Cornwall is a very popular holiday destination so as you might expect, it is chock full of holiday homes.  If you are a first-timer to Cornwall, you might not know what the range of options include or what you can expect on arrival so here are some hints and tips to help whet your appetite… CONTINUE READING >> 

Cornwall is a very popular holiday destination so as you might expect, it is chock full of holiday homes.  If you are a first-timer to Cornwall, you might not know the range of options for places to stay or what you can expect on arrival so here are some hints and tips to help whet your appetite.

Choosing your cottage

The traditional properties in Cornwall and all built of granite with slate roofs.  There are some thatched properties dotted about but not as many as you might find in Devon.

Cornish cottages are either plain granite or have a traditional whitewashed exterior.  They are usually quite symmetrical and square and this style is everywhere, whether you choose a rural retreat on a farm or a harbourside fisherman’s cottage.

Important points to consider when choosing your cottage

• Cornish harbourside cottages are uber picturesque but often lack any garden which may be an issue if you have young children or a dog. They can also come without parking.  Many cottage owners try to secure parking nearby but you may find that you can only get within a couple of streets of the property by car

• Wi-fi does not manage well in thick-walled stone houses set in hidden valleys or deep in the midst of a busy harbour town. Some people love ditching their wi-fi but for others, particularly with young children, if tech is important to your holiday then check out the wi-fi and mobile coverage at your cottage before you book

• Most cottages are terraced in the pretty fishing villages and ports but the walls are so thick, you will really not know your neighbours are there

• St Ives Holiday Cottages and villages like Mousehole are bursting at the seams in high season. They are difficult even to access on foot never mind by car.  You may find this just too much hassle after a long hot day on the beach so why not choose a rural retreat down a quiet leafy lane with a large garden and loads of parking?

What can you expect when you arrive?

Most Cornish cottages have dedicated housekeepers and so the cottage will have been prepared for your stay with clean linen and usually a welcome pack of groceries which will include items like tea and coffee.

These days, most keys are kept on-site in a key safe to which you are given the access code just before you travel.  Sometimes, cottage owners live nearby and will arrange to meet you at the property to let you in and show you around.

Within the property, you should find an information pack which will give the name and number of the housekeeper and also a caretaker for more serious issues like a broken washing machine or a leaky tap.  These packs will usually include details about local pubs and eateries and popular tourist attractions.

Cottages which are pet-friendly

Most cottage websites will have a filter to enable you to search just for properties which accept pets.  Most owners assume that pets mean dogs but some visitors will ask to bring other animals like cats; usually, this has to be discussed with the property owner and will be at their discretion.

If a property is not listed as taking pets then it is unlikely the owner will make an exception for you even if you have totally fallen in love with it.  People who suffer from allergies often choose pet-free properties as they know they are completely free of dust and animal hair.  One guest with a pet can completely change this and land the owner in a lot of hot water if a subsequent visitor develops an allergic reaction in his supposed pet-free holiday let.  There are lots and lots of properties which do accept dogs and Cornwall prides itself on being a dog-friendly holiday destination.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.