FRAZZLED parent rejoice – there is a game-changer restaurant that lets you leave your kids in a huge soft play and activity centre so you can eat without distraction.

Ribambelle Family Restaurant is in Bluewater Dubai, having opened earlier this year.

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Calling themselves the “worlds only premium restaurant with kid-friendly entertainment” the highlight is the huge kids zone.

Not only is there a big play area but there are even staff dedicated to looking after them.

This includes painting workshops, animators and games, all run by workers.

The website says: “Whilst the adults enjoy the delicious food in our elegant setting, the children explore the wonders of our one of a kind play area or learn new skills in our art and craft masterclasses!”

It’s not just dinner either, as you could go first thing in the morning.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is more than enough choice for any fussy eaters.

Breakfast options range from waffles, pancakes and croissants to porridge, fry ups and fruit platters.

For the rest of the day, there is everything from burgers, pasta and pizzas to salads, meat and fish options.

The playground costs 100AED (£21) on weekdays and and 150AED (£31) on weekends, with the cost on top of the restaurant food.

One previous guest raved about the “outstanding menu” alongside the entertainment.

They added: “[Eat while] your kids are busy with an entertainer.

“Otherwise you can find the bar and even private dining zone upstairs.

“They have children’s animators, spacious playground, different courses and activities for children.”

Another said: “Beautiful and interactive playground. He very much enjoyed a painting workshop with Asiya.”

Someone also wrote: “The children’s play area was supervised by their own in house animators.

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“Her energy was so uplifting and I enjoyed watching her connecting with the children playing games they just loved her.”

Kids have to be 12 months and above to use the play area.

There is also a minimum spend, including 50AED (£11) on food for kids and 200AED (£42) for adults.

Elsewhere in Dubai there is also it’s own Legoland resort.

The Sun’s Paul Ford visited, saying: “Only steps away from the hotel, it has more than 40 rides and attractions across six themed lands — Factory, Lego City, Kingdoms, Adventure, Imagination and Miniland.

“Legoland Hotel’s swimming pool was popular with the kids.”

Top Hacks for Holidaying with Kids

IF you’ve got plans to go on holiday with your little ones this summer, here’s some advice to take on board.

Plan Ahead:

• Book accommodations with family-friendly amenities.
• Research kid-friendly attractions and activities.
• Make travel arrangements that accommodate your children’s schedules.

Pack Smart:

• Create a packing checklist to ensure you don’t forget essentials.
• Pack a mix of familiar and new toys to keep kids entertained.
• Bring snacks, extra clothes, and emergency supplies in your carry-on.

Travel Comfort:

• Use neck pillows and blankets for a more comfortable journey.
• Download movies, games, and music on tablets or phones.
• Schedule travel during nap times or overnight to maximise sleep.

Stay Organized:

• Use packing cubes to keep clothes and items sorted.
• Keep important documents, like passports and tickets, in a dedicated folder.
• Utilise apps for itinerary management and navigation.

Engage and Entertain:

• Plan interactive activities like scavenger hunts or travel journals.
• Explore local parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly museums.
• Involve kids in trip planning to get them excited and engaged.

Maintain Routine:

• Stick to regular meal and sleep times as much as possible.
• Bring along comfort items, like favorite blankets or stuffed animals.
• Allow for downtime to avoid overstimulation.

Stay Flexible:

• Be prepared to adjust plans based on your children’s needs and moods.
• Embrace the unexpected and make the most of impromptu moments.
• Keep a positive attitude to set the tone for a fun and memorable trip.

These hacks can help make your holiday with kids smoother, more enjoyable, and will ensure that you return home with wonderful memories!

If you’re staying in the UK for the time being, here’s where to find the country’s biggest indoor soft play.

We also went to the UK’s only adult soft play – here’s our verdict.

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A SEASONED traveller has revealed their hand luggage tip which will mean you never have to check in a bag again – but it might prove to be controversial.

Author, TV writer and producer Gary Janetti, dives into his travels around the world in his third book We Are Experiencing a Slight Delay.

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In it, he details his family cruises on the Queen Mary 2, hotels in London and Paris that feel like homes away from home and his experiences at a wellness retreat in Italy.

He’s had a love of travelling ever since he can remember.

Gary told Who What Wear: “My dad worked in sales for a cruise line, and when I was growing up in Queens, we would go for one week a year on a cruise, and I became obsessed with travel.

“I’ve always either been planning a trip or had my next one on deck.”

His one big tip though is never, under any circumstances, check in a bag.

In his book he has a whole chapter dedicated to this topic called How to Pack.

He told the site: “Oh my God. Carry-on. Carry-on! How many exclamation points can you fit?”

When he spoke to the website he was on a three-week trip for his book tour and doing it all with a carry-on.

Gary said: “First of all, how many times have you checked a bag, only to come home and say, ‘I didn’t need to bring all this,’?

“I just don’t bring all that in the first place. I can visualise exactly what I’m gonna wear every day, and I mix and match.

“The other thing is to do laundry.

“You don’t need underwear for every day that you’re gone because I don’t like to travel with dirty laundry anyway.

“Who wants to travel the suitcase full of dirty clothes?

“It’s disgusting. Just wash your clothes when you’re gone, and don’t wash them in the hotel.

“Go to a local laundromat, and then you’ll have the experience of living like a local wherever it is you’re staying.”

Another flight tip Gary recommends is don’t be afraid to be one of the last people to board.

That way, you might get an upgrade.

He said: “I think the best way to get upgraded is to always wait.

“Be willing to be the very last person to board the plane.

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BRITISH Airways has cancelled ALL flights between New York and a major UK airport until 2025.

The airline has axed the transatlantic connections from London Gatwick due to delays in their Trent 100 engine deliveries from Rolls Royce.

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The route is due to be suspended from December 12 to March 25, 2025.

At least 103 flights are expected to be affected.

Not only will this affect hundreds of passengers who had already booked, but it is likely to result in more expensive flights due to a reduction in seat availability.

The flight route is especially popular for Brits during the winter season wanting to visit New York at Christmas and New Year.

The issue has also affected other flights, including the new route from London to Kuala Lumpur, which has been delayed from November 2024 to April 2025.

A BA spokesperson said: “We’re disappointed that we’ve had to make further changes to our schedule as we continue to experience delays to the delivery of engines and parts from Rolls-Royce – particularly in relation to the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines fitted to our 787 aircraft.

“We’ve taken this action because we do not believe the issue will be solved quickly, and we want to offer our customers the certainty they deserve.

“We’ve apologised to those affected and are able to offer the vast majority a flight the same day with British Airways or one of our partner airlines. 

“We continue to work closely with Rolls-Royce to ensure the company is aware of the impact its issues are having on our schedule and customers, and seek reassurance of a prompt and reliable solution.”

A Rolls-Royce spokesperson said it’s working to “minimise the impact” of “current supply chain constraints”.

They added that the issue is “affecting the whole aerospace industry”.

The Trent 1000 engines were designed to power the Boeing 737 Dreamliner aircraft.

It is 20% more efficient than the previous 787.

The flag carrier first launched the Gatwick-New York flight in 2015, making it the third London airport with the route (joining Heathrow and London City).

The Sun has contacted Rolls-Royce for further comment.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

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You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

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The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

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If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

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IF you love a holiday park break but aren’t sure which site is best for you, you might want to dabble in a day pass and try before you buy. 

There’s a few resorts that allow day visitors, which could be good for a taster trip to take a look at what’s on offer before you commit to a longer and more expensive stay. 

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Butlin’s and Center Parcs UK and abroad are among the big names that offer day passes, but you need to be aware of the limitations on what they cover and what you’ll actually be able to do on the day.

Here is everything you need know.

Butlin’s

At Butlin’s, you can use the Splash Waterworld pool, the fairground, indoor softplay and outdoor playgrounds, as well as enjoying shows in the Skyline Pavilion.

You’ll have access to arcades, bars and restaurants, be able to have your photo taken with your favourite characters and book activities like the new immersive PLAYXPERIENCE once on site.

But entry to other entertainment venues like Reds or Centre Stage won’t be included, while special experiences like getting a present from Santa at Christmas also aren’t covered.

Day passes can cost as little as £10 per child and £14 per adult at Minehead in term-time.

Center Parcs

For Center Parcs in the UK, you’ll need to know someone who is staying on site to be able to book as a day visitor.

I’ve had some lovely trips to Center Parcs for a day, hanging out in the subtropical swimming paradise for hours before grabbing something to eat or checking out the festive lights at Christmas.

At Center Parcs abroad, you can book lots of experiences online as standalone visits.

At Zaandvort, you can book swimming, the soft play and the trampoline park, as well as an evening pass for the entertainment and restaurants.

Bluestone

You’ll also need to know someone who is staying on site to be able to book as a day visitor to Bluestone in Wales,

It costs £47 for guests aged 12 and above, while children aged 3-11 are £36.

Bluestone day passes cost £25 per person and include use of the Blue Lagoon pool, The Hive and Serendome play areas and the nature trail.

You can only buy day passes through guest services on resort or by phone though.

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Other UK holiday parks

Some independent UK sites are also getting in on the day visit vibe, like Billing Aquadrome near Northampton, where day guests only spend £5 for entry and then £5 for car parking.

In off-peak times, entry includes swimming, but during the peak period, you can enjoy the entertainment and the little train around the lake.

At Ribby Hall near Blackpool, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, you can book activities like the pool, the pantomime and Santa’s grotto online, without staying on site.

A family swim costs £40, while panto tickets are £12 each and a visit to Santa is £29.50 per child.

There is a cheeky little trick that you could use to get in free, if you’ve got family or friends staying at the site you’d like to visit.

Lots of holidays come with extra spaces that aren’t actually getting used, so you could always ask if you can be added to their booking and then just visit for the day without having to pay for a pass.

For example, my family of five often books accommodation that could sleep eight, as we usually have a three-bed place with a sofa bed in the lounge.

We could add on three extra people without it costing us anything, so our friends or family could pop by to see us for the day.

It’s a lovely way to spend time with loved ones without gatecrashing the whole break!

Tips for a stress-free holiday with kids

PARENTS have been told the three ways in which they can make family holidays with kids so much easier.

Three experts have weighed in with their advice on what to do in order to make your getaways as stress-free as possible.

Family holidays are always exciting but having kids of a certain age can mean that things are more difficult than they need to be.

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Thanks to Travel Weekly, here are three ways that those with young toddlers can have the best holiday possible.

Clarisse Chapolard, who is responsible for overseeing and caring for Club Med’s customers, says that booking off-peak flights ensures a quieter plane and airport – providing a more comfortable experience.

“Staff will generally be more available to help too,” she adds. “Flights can be the biggest headache with small children, so travel short-haul where possible.”

Clarisse also recommends making sure there are activities nearby to your accommodation to keep toddlers happy.

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Having a child-friendly hotel can make the world of difference to your family holiday, especially when parents are looking for some time to themselves.

Founder and chief executive of Martinhal Resorts, Chitra Stern, said: “Accommodation needs to be child-friendly and safe, but also stylish and comfortable for parents.”

Finding somewhere with bed protectors, stair gates, steps in the bathrooms and furniture with round edges will prevent any unnecessary injuries or accidents.

Alan Cross, director of travel agent relationships for Jet2holidays, has recommended parents to look at package holidays for peace of mind, ease and assurance.

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“Families with toddlers may appreciate dedicated facilities like kids’ clubs, children’s pools, creches, playgrounds, cots and highchairs,” he said.

Package deals can also include free child places, single-parent deals and discount codes, catering for more than a standard family of four.

But you do need to remember that you will be responsible for your party while on site, so it needs to be people you know well.

So why not do a day before you pay to staycay? It’s a great way to try before you buy and get a taste of what each site has to offer.

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EASYJET holidays is launching breaks to a little-known island with whitewashed desert towns and Star Wars filming locations.

British holidaymakers will now be able to book package holidays to Djerba, Tunisia, with easyJet holidays.

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Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Djerba is part of Tunisia, a country in North Africa.

The tour operator has confirmed it will be launching package holidays after its sister airline launched flights to the island earlier this year.

EasyJet already operates flights from London Luton Airport and Manchester Airport to Djerba-Zarzis International Airport on the northwestern side of the island.

Package holidays are available to book from early November, with beach holidays starting from £295 according to the tour operator.

Sun Online Travel have found cheaper deals, with three-night breaks from £189 per person in December.

All of the holiday packages come with not only return flights and hotel, but also 23kg of luggage and transfers.

While most Brit holidaymakers probably haven’t heard of Djerba, there are plenty of things to do on the island.

The island destination has pristine beaches that are perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Star Wars fans will know Tunisia was used as a filming location, with a glimpse of Djerba also featuring in the franchise.

Along the western coastline lies is the home of Obi-Wan Kenobi from the sci-fi saga’s first movie, A New Hope.

It was built explicitly for that film, in 1977, and left behind afterwards, often used by passing cyclists to escape the heat.

Djerba was also the location for Star Wars’ Cantina spaceport.

One of those is Sidi Mahres Beach, which is famous for its stretches of white sand.

Visitors can explore El Ghriba Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the world, and is free to enter.

Meanwhile, the Houmt Souk Market is home to traditional crafts and local produce.

There’s also Djerba Explore Park, which has a crocodile farm and a museum of local heritage.

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Guellala village is located on the island’s southern tip and is considered a must-visit thanks to its pottery and stunning sunsets.

Alcohol is plentiful — and local Tunisian beer Celtia is all but essential when the temperature tops 23C in November.

Tunisia fell off the radar as a popular holiday destination following the 2015 terror attack.

However, the travel ban was lifted in 2018, with the Foreign Office deeming the majority of beach resorts safe to visit.

It still advises against travelling to locations near the Chaambi Mountains National Park, Dhehiba, and the Libyan and Algerian border – but these are unlikely to be visited by tourists.

The local currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND), with £10 equaling about 38 TND, while certain holiday resorts also accept dollars and euros.

Make sure to swap every dinar back before you leave because taking them outside of the country is forbidden.

Although Arabic is Tunisia’s official language, the majority of the staff in the holiday resorts will also speak English.

The newest easyJet flights were launched earlier this year, from Glasgow to Enfidha in Tunisia.

If you want a package holiday, you can find cheap deals for that too with all-inclusives under £300.

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A BRIT who has travelled the world always takes this £5 item in her hand luggage as its useful for cold planes and hotel rooms.

Jewellery designer Kiki McDonough colourful gemstone earrings, rings and bracelets, are a big favourite with the Royal Family.

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Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, wears her earrings, as did Princess Diana.

The first piece of jewellery Kiki made, a pair of earrings, is now on display at the Victoria and Albert museum in London.

When Kiki isn’t in her home in Battersea or in her Chelsea store, she travels the world either for work and sourcing gemstones or for pleasure.

So far this year she been to the US, Nepal and India and also went off to Barbados for a beach holiday with her girlfriends.

Kiki thinks all airports are “ghastly” but she finds comfort by relaxing in her seat, wearing comfortable trousers, a fleece and socks and reading “a really good” book.

She is loyal to British Airways so she can pile up the points and since the pandemic, travels with only a carry-on.

In that carry-on though is always a hot water bottle, she says is essential for tolerating the air-conditioning in her hotel room.

Kiki also revealed the very unusual item which has travelled all around the world with her – a pebble.

She told Bloomberg: “When I was 6 I found a beautiful, very individual-looking pebble on Southwold beach, Suffolk, where we used to go for our holidays.

“It is a pretty pale shade of pink, and it has streaks of a darker shade of scarlet running across it.

“At the time it reminded me so vividly of those deliciously sickly raspberry ripple ice creams.

“I started to carry it with me all the time.

“It has travelled all around the world with me, and I really do think it brings me good luck.

“Little did I know at age 6, I would go on to become an expert in gemstones.”

Kiki also advised on what to do once you have arrived at your destination.

She said: “First of all, [I find out] where the spa is. Secondly, where I can eat, and thirdly, how far the beach is located.”

Kiki also recommends travelling solo as it can be highly rewarding.

She said: “When I first got divorced, I thought, oh my goodness, I might easily be traveling on my own for the rest of my life, and I might not meet somebody else, so let’s see how that works.

“So I took myself off on a tiger safari to India. I met wildlife photographers Jonathan and Angie Scott.

“They have won endless awards. They taught me so much about what it really is like to live and work, out in the wilderness – they live in the Maasai Mara, and they know everything there is to know about the wildlife and the culture there.

“Fifteen years later, we are still in regular contact, and I avidly follow what they are up to, supporting their conservation initiatives as often as I can.”

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