One thing we all miss on holiday is our favourite pillow. How come continental pillows are always so uncomfortable? Continental heads appear to be same shape as ours, and yet pillows appear to be designed for aliens. I have read that Queen takes her own when travelling, and I can understand why! However, my friend has a possible solution. She buys new pillows once a year, takes old ones on holiday, enjoys a good sleep, and then leaves pillows there at end of holiday. The resulting empty space in suitcase is filled with duty free's and gifts, etc. A word of warning here regarding return weight of your suitcase. I noticed on our recent return from Spain, using a budget airline, that an official stood behind check-in attendant with pad at ready, and everyone in front of us had to pay an excess - not cheap at £7 per kilo. (Remember, a kilo is only approx. equal to a bag of sugar). Some had to pay an excess in region of £40. I was left wondering whether some of holiday souvenirs were worth £7. In fact, if you are thinking of buying presents for small grandchildren, why not make it easy on yourself and buy them before you leave UK. It saves weight and worry and toys are of better quality in UK. Also if you ever wonder what happens to all souvenirs we struggle back with from holiday, then just visit local Charity Shop or Car Boot Sale.

Now, as you struggle down from attic with suitcases, do spare a thought for following. My friend's husband dutifully brought down two suitcases and informed her that this time he was going to pack his own suitcase for distant wedding they were attending. On morning of wedding they dressed in comfortable travelling clothes and placed two suitcases in car. They stopped at a pub just before their destination in order to change into their wedding outfits. My friend had her glamorous outfit and her husband had a suitcase full of Christmas decorations!!

H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S ! ! !

There is also a lot of cheap entertainment. Look in local newspaper ads for two for one coupons and also go to promotion desks at hotels, ask if they are giving any comp tickets. Rio does all time! Have a great time!