The Polka Dot Travel Lounge - Erin From Travel With Bender

Today we are sitting back and taking some advice from one of the most well regarded family travel blogs – Explore with Erin. Erin has been travelling with her two kids for the last four years non-stop. If that’s not enough the family have travelled to more than 65 countries, run a blog and several social media accounts as well as help other families plan their own holidays. Their Instagram account is enough to make you want to pack your bags and say “adios” to the typical nine to five and take on the world. Erin has given us some tips on the perfect romantic getaway; come along with us and see what she had to say.

What is your favourite region?

Choosing a favourite region is hard. We have loved most places we have visited from South East Asia to Europe to North America. I have been to Bali ten times though so I guess that would be a favourite.

Top resort recommendation

I just visited Grand Velas in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico which was incredible. It’s an all-inclusive hotel on the beach, but the food is not your typical all-inclusive. It’s a gastronomic dream with fine dining Italian, Mexican, French and a few more casual options.

I also fell for Villa San Michele in Florence, Italy – it’s a honeymooner’s dream hotel. Can’t go wrong when the sun beds by the pool capture complete views of Florence.

If you are looking closer to home you can’t go past Samabe in Bali. It sits on a cliff and offers picturesque views of the water for photos and your enjoyment. Plus your butler drives you around on a golf cart!

Suggestions for great honeymoon activities

Seawalking on the bottom of the ocean is a great adventure option for something in Bali. Apres in Banff, Canada is a romantic way to finish a day of skiing, plus you can then have a soak in a hot tub out in the middle of the snow at a place like Hidden Ridge Resort

A hot air balloon over Cappadocia at sunrise is delightfully romantic and concludes with a champagne toast on landing.

But if you are like me you may prefer to spend most of the time at your hotel. So spend your money on that. Get a resort which includes some great free activities, like kayaking, walks on the beach and perhaps even a special dinner right on the beach with gentle waves lapping your feet.

The ideal location for a proposal

For me nothing can take away from the beach. My husband had the opportunity to propose in Paris at the Eiffel Tower. A simple walk on a white sand beach with transparent blue water and I am in heaven.

You can do that close at home in Langkawi, Malaysia or Bali or go further a field and head to the warm waters of the Caribbean. Consider taking a Caribbean cruise and planning the proposal on any number of incredible beaches in the middle of the ocean.

Best kept secret honeymoon location

Many people flock to the Greek islands for a honeymoon. I would consider this a great option, but skip Santorini and head to a smaller, more romantic island. Smaller islands like Sifnos and Kythnos have less tourists, but have the same gorgeous white and blue buildings, same great food and same sparkling waters. Grab a sweet B&B for an authentic Greek experience.

Alternatively ever thought of Belize? They have the world’s second largest barrier reef right after our own and the main mode of transport around the island is golf cart. Try a stay at Xanadu Island Resort and take a bicycle ride down the beach or go snorkelling with sharks.