
My husband does so much childcare, friends joke I'm an ‘absent father'
I'm writing this in a bar in New York, where I've been for the past few days. It's my — checks notes — fifth solo trip in as many months this year, and I couldn't be happier about it.
It's a running joke in my family that I'm the absent father figure to our five-year-old son, who happily points to his dad when asked, 'Who looks after you?' It's the nature of my job. I'm a travel writer, and there are only so many words that can be written about southeast London, where we live. Absence comes with the territory.
It was always going to be this way. When Samuel was born, almost on lockdown day in March 2020, my life as I knew it

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


North Wales Chronicle
an hour ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Will the Waverley return to Llandudno again in 2026?
The historic steamship carried out cruises from Holyhead and Llandudno between May 29 and June 1. More than 3,000 passengers took a trip on the vessel; this year, the Waverley returned to North Wales as part of a four-day visit. Cruises took in the Great Orme and Puffin Island and the Anglesey Coast. There was also a 'special Captain's Choice' evening cruise. Talking about the 2025 season, Samuel Brown, Marketing Manager at Waverley Excursions Ltd, told the Pioneer and its coastal titles, said: "We had a fantastic return to North Wales this year and were absolutely delighted to sail once again from Llandudno Pier - especially in the same year it's been named Pier of the Year 2025 by the National Piers Society. "Across four days of sailings, we welcomed over 3,000 passengers on board for a variety of sailings including the Great Orme, Puffin Island, and along the stunning Anglesey Coast. There truly is no better way to explore the beautiful coastline of North Wales than from the decks of Waverley. RELATED STORIES Llandudno: I took a ride on Waverley - here's what I thought "We want to extend a special thank you to the management and pier staff at Llandudno Pier who were excellent in assisting our passengers over the extended four day visit." Samuel added: "Waverley will certainly return to North Wales in 2026, and we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who sailed with us and supported our return – in particular, Llandudno Pier and Holyhead Port." The Waverley returned to Llandudno in 2023, marking the first time the vessel had set sail from Llandudno Pier in five years. This followed a £3million refurbishment.

Rhyl Journal
2 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Will the Waverley return to Llandudno again in 2026?
The historic steamship carried out cruises from Holyhead and Llandudno between May 29 and June 1. More than 3,000 passengers took a trip on the vessel; this year, the Waverley returned to North Wales as part of a four-day visit. Cruises took in the Great Orme and Puffin Island and the Anglesey Coast. There was also a 'special Captain's Choice' evening cruise. Talking about the 2025 season, Samuel Brown, Marketing Manager at Waverley Excursions Ltd, told the Pioneer and its coastal titles, said: "We had a fantastic return to North Wales this year and were absolutely delighted to sail once again from Llandudno Pier - especially in the same year it's been named Pier of the Year 2025 by the National Piers Society. "Across four days of sailings, we welcomed over 3,000 passengers on board for a variety of sailings including the Great Orme, Puffin Island, and along the stunning Anglesey Coast. There truly is no better way to explore the beautiful coastline of North Wales than from the decks of Waverley. RELATED STORIES Llandudno: I took a ride on Waverley - here's what I thought "We want to extend a special thank you to the management and pier staff at Llandudno Pier who were excellent in assisting our passengers over the extended four day visit." Samuel added: "Waverley will certainly return to North Wales in 2026, and we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who sailed with us and supported our return – in particular, Llandudno Pier and Holyhead Port." The Waverley returned to Llandudno in 2023, marking the first time the vessel had set sail from Llandudno Pier in five years. This followed a £3million refurbishment.


Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Flight attendant reveals real reason why you should never swap seats
By Switching seats on a plane is always controversial. And now a flight attendant has taken to social media to warn passengers not to let another holidaymaker switch seats with them. Leanna Coy, a cabin crew member based in the USA, posted a TikTok video titled ' Why you shouldn't switch seats on the plane'. The flight attendant explains that she was recently asked to switch seats with a passenger on a United Airlines flight. Leanna says that the woman asked her to swap her aisle seat for another aisle seat in a different row. She reveals: 'Normally, I am absolutely 100 per cent against changing seats. Your lack of planning should not constitute me having to move.' But on this occasion, Leanna explains that she decided to swap seats. However, the flight attendant quickly regretted her decision. The cabin crew member says that if the woman did anything against the aircraft's rules, such as smoking in the bathroom, her behaviour would be associated with Leanna's seat number. And there's another reason that Leanna says she was left 'anxious' by her decision to trade seats. 'I realised I'm flying United,' explains Leanna. 'If you know anything about United's service, if you want to buy drinks or anything, you have to put your card onto the app ahead of time, which I've done before.' This means that the passenger who swapped with Leanna would be able to access her card to pay for items. Leanna claims that she spoke to the flight attendant who confirmed that the passenger would be able to use Leanna's card to order items to the seat. She adds: 'Now, do I think this lady was trying to scam me out of money on my card? No. But that's just something to be aware of. 'I fully support you if you don't want to switch seats. You are entitled to the seat that you chose.' In the comments, TikTok user and cabin crew member 'FAWN' says: 'I always ask people their last name when they buy a drink to verify it's the saved card. 'Honestly I don't ever charge without verifying because I'm always scared I'll charge the wrong person.' And another flight attendant agrees, saying: 'Usually we ask for last names for inflight purchases'. But a user who said they worked as a United gate agent, also warned passengers not to switch seats on the plane. 'Molly' says: 'Please never switch up seats without telling the gate agents/flight attendants, for the exact reasons you said and we can get in trouble.' A flight attendant recently revealed why crew are required to carry two flashlights at all times.