Welcome to your ultimate travel planning hub. At Explore with the Cookes, we believe that the best memories are made when the stress of planning is stripped away. Whether you are a seasoned globetrotter or planning your very first international getaway, we’ve gathered everything you need in one place.
Explore our latest travel tips, stay updated with global travel news, and snag the best holiday deals before they disappear. If you want a truly hands-off experience, our personal travel planning service is here to turn your bucket-list dreams into a seamless reality.
Why pay more for the trip of a lifetime? We scour the web to find exclusive discounts, flash sales, and value-packed packages. From luxury escapes to affordable city breaks, find your next trip at a price you’ll love.
The world of travel moves fast. Stay ahead of the curve with updates on new flight routes, visa requirement changes, and the latest trends in the industry. We keep you informed so you can travel without surprises.
Sick of spending hours scrolling through reviews? Let us do the legwork. Our personal travel planning service offers custom itineraries, hotel sourcing, and end-to-end logistics tailored to your style and budget.
Planning a family holiday shouldn't feel like a military operation. Whether you’re embarking on your first holiday with a newborn, navigating the demands of hangry toddlers, or trying to impress hard to please teenagers, our family travel tips are here to help. We focus on the "Goldilocks" of travel, finding the perfect balance between adventure for the kids and actual relaxation for the parents.
We’ve all been there, you’ve found the perfect flight, picked out a stunning hotel, and your bags are almost packed. Then, you remember the one thing that always feels like a grudge purchase, airport parking.
If you’re looking to squeeze every drop of excitement out of your spring, Merlin Entertainments has just dropped a deal that’s hard to ignore. The Twice the Fun offer is back for 2026, essentially giving you a 2-for-1 pass to some of the UK’s most iconic theme parks. Whether you're a family of four or a group of dedicated thrill-seekers, here is the full breakdown of how to snag this deal, where you can go, and the fine print you need to know.
If you’ve started looking at flights for the Easter break or a quick spring getaway, you’ve probably noticed the prices are already creeping up. One way to keep the cost of your trip down to to take advantage of Go City's Spring Promo where you can save money on attractions across the world’s most popular city destinations.
If you are a fan of adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters, Lego builds, or historic castle walls, Merlin Entertainments has just launched what might be the best value travel deal of 2026. Their Stay for a Night, Play for a Year promotion is back, offering a free Merlin Essential Annual Pass for every guest included in a short break booking. Essentially, by booking one night at a Merlin hotel, you unlock entry to over 20 of the UK’s top attractions for the whole family for the next 12 months.
In the early 2010s, vaping was marketed as the healthy alternative to smoking. Fast forward to 2026, and the global landscape has shifted dramatically. What was once a trendy accessory is now considered a high risk liability in many parts of the world.
There's nothing quite like the experience of visiting a Christmas market in Europe. The crisp winter air, the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine, and the twinkling lights that transform a town or city into magical wonderlands. As you plan your festive escape for 2025, you will be spoilt for choice. From historic traditions to modern marvels, here is our guide to the top European cities to visit for Christmas markets in 2025.
Family days out can get expensive fast, especially when you’re trying to squeeze in iconic landmarks, fun tours, and hands on attractions that keep everyone entertained. That’s where Go City comes in, it is one of the most flexible, money saving ways for families to explore major cities around the world. It bundles top attractions, tours, and experiences into a digital sightseeing pass, letting you skip ticket queues and save up to 50% compared with buying individual tickets.
For years, you've followed our family adventures, from budget-friendly UK staycations to unforgettable family holidays. We've shared our honest reviews, top tips, and detailed itineraries, all with a passion for helping you make the most of your own holidays.
Planning a trip from London Heathrow Airport? The thought of navigating airport traffic, finding parking, and rushing to your flight can often add a dose of stress into your travel plans. But what if you could eliminate all that hassle and start your holiday feeling refreshed and relaxed? Enter the Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5's Stay & Park packages, your secret weapon for a seamless and serene pre-flight experience.
Planning your next adventure? Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time backpacker, having the right bank card can make or break your trip. Say goodbye to sneaky foreign transaction fees and hello to smart, fee-free spending with Monzo. And the best part? When you sign up using my link, you'll get a free £10 to kickstart your travel fund!
Summer holidays are approaching fast and the time to book your unforgettable family adventure is NOW! This year, TUI is making it easier and more affordable than ever to secure your dream family adventure with up to £300 off last-minute deals to incredible destinations.
The holidays are a time for relaxation, exploration, and creating incredible memories. But let's be honest, the pre-travel scramble can be stressful. Finding parking, booking airport hotels, and arranging transfers can eat into your precious time and holiday budget. Enter Holiday Extras, your one-stop shop for all your holiday essentials, and guess what? I've got an exclusive link to save you up to 25% on your bookings!
We don’t just write about family travel, we live it and our adventures are an open book. From finding the best all-inclusive resorts that actually have decent food to discovering hidden-gem UK staycations that won't break the bank, our advice is grounded in real-world parenting. Our mission is to help you create those "core memories" without the usual travel meltdowns.
Use the links below to see our reviews and guides from our travels. We’ve shared everything from our favourite hotels and hidden places to visit to the unforgettable things to do that made us fall in love with these locations.
Adventure doesn't always require a passport. From the rolling hills of Wales to the mist-shrouded peaks of the Lake District, the UK is brimming with hidden gems. We’ve captured the essence of our British travels to provide you with everything you need for the perfect getaway, including honest stay reviews, curated local guides, and specialised tips for every type of traveller
The world is wide and we’re on a mission to see it all. We believe the best travel advice comes from those who have actually been there, which is why we’ve shared every detail of our adventures. Explore our guides featuring the hotels we loved, breathtaking places we've discovered, and the incredible things to do that made each journey special.
Q: Where can I find the cheapest holiday deals right now?
A: We update our Travel Deals page three times a week with verified offers from UK providers.
Q: Is it cheaper to book flights and hotels separately?
A: Often, yes! DIY planning gives you more flexibility. However, for a simple week in the sun, an ATOL-protected package deal can sometimes offer better value and more security.
Q: How do I know if a destination is safe for UK travellers?
A: We always recommend checking our Travel News section or the official Government FCDO website before booking.
Q: Can you help me plan a trip to Mexico?
A: Yes! Our Personal Travel Planning Service covers everything from weekend breaks in Europe to month-long adventures across the globe.
Browse our blog for more detailed guides and reviews. We update our content regularly with new experiences, so be sure to bookmark our page and follow us on social media!
