Category Archives: travel

Most families look at a vacation together as one of the most exciting things that they can do all year, and they’d be right! The problem? Kids are chaotic. They’re filled with wild, uncontrollable chaos and energy that, when put in a confined space (like an airplane) it can be a slightly scary situation! So, for a family, road trips are often the best option to avoid too much confined chaos. A road trip allows you the freedom and your own schedule, and you are going to be able to enable your children to run and laugh and play as much as they like on the way.

The biggest worry – other than chaos, of course – is the worry of accidents on the road. Yes, the kids will be noisy in the car, and yes, this is a distraction. The likelihood is that you won’t need to have a car accident attorney on speed dial during your trip. However, the best thing that you could do is to add one – just in case! Some view a road trip with children as terrifying, not the thing to do to keep kids cooped up in a car for miles on end. Here’s the thing, though: you can stop at any time and get out, and you can’t do that on a plane. With our ten tips below, you can take a road trip with your kids without accidents, without worries, and without thinking that your children are going to be any trouble in a confined space.

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Tip 1: Choose A Neutral Place

Nope, you may not want to go to Disneyworld, and the kids may not want to go on a mad tri through the best museums in every state. So, it would help if you came up with an excellent middle ground. If you have tiny kids, you choose where to go but map out areas on the way where they can have fun. If you have older kids, get them involved in the conversation.

Tip 2: Use A Map

A real, paper map is always better to have than a GPS or an app. Sure, you can use an app, too, but if you run out of battery and can’t charge your phone, you’re screwed! Hard copies are also a great way to teach the kids how to map read. Lessons on the road? Always!

Tip 3: Get Out Of The Car

You may be on the road to get from place to place, but you don’t have to stay there. Map out spots to get out of the car and stretch your legs. You can explore the local areas, change who sits in which seat and give the vehicle a brush down and tidy up every time you stop. There’s nothing wrong with stopping to prevent lethargy, arguments, and built-up mess. Road trips are fantastic for seeing what you want to see, but they’re a slog, and as a family, it’s a lot of time close-contact.

Tip 4: Be Prepared With Entertainment

You are on the road with a family, which means you’re going to hear the cry of boredom more times that you would like. The scenic routes are beautiful, but children often do not pay attention to those! This means that you need to entertain them! Think games, music, movies and more. The games have to be more than just I Spy, though; you need to think about making up some special road trip packs for the kids. Bring charged-up iPads and spare chargers for the car, too. You want to keep the kids occupied in a way that interests them, so don’t be afraid of asking them what they’d like to do!

Tip 5: Always Stop & Take The Picture

If you see that magnificent monument or the excellent view, stop. Get out of the car and take the picture. There is only so much of your vacation you want to do things through a phone or viewfinder, so why don’t you bring a proper camera and start your own road trip scrapbooks?

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Tip 6: Get Everyone Involved

When it comes to a road trip, you need everyone to be a part of a team. Kids can share duties and get involved in blowing up air mattresses and putting up tents. They can help you to clear out the car, and when you have everyone with a task to do, things move far more efficiently.

Tip 7: Embrace The Traffic

Roadblocks..traffic…pauses in time – you name it, it’ll stop you in your tracks. There’s nothing more frustrating than stopping during your trip, but you should embrace these pauses! Take these moments and foster connections and conversations with the kids that you wouldn’t get a chance to at home. Take a detour off the book and get a little lost (safely). It’s exciting!

Tip 8: Act Like Locals

When you get out of the car to see the areas you’ve stopped in, why not take a moment and be a local? Go to the places off the beaten track and not in your guidebook. Take the time to enjoy the extra sites and when you’re in a big city, find the walking tours and go and explore. There is nothing like discovery, and when you’re with the whole family, it’s the best adventure that you could hope for.

Tip 9: Stop At The Grocery Stores

There’s something necessary about stopping for street food and at fancy restaurants, but when you’re on a road trip, it’s smarter to shop in the grocery stores and pack the car with tons of snacks. Keep a couple of coolers in the back, and you’ll be able to keep drinks cold the whole way, too. Plus, you can refill the coolers with cold drinks on the road!

Tip 10: See Some Friends On The Way

When you plan your road trip, plan to go places that take you to old friends and family. Visit those people who haven’t seen you and the kids in a while, and make sure that you bring souvenirs with you!

Kentucky, or the Bluegrass State as it is also known with affection. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in the USA. Home to vibrant cities, pretty pastures, fun-filled amusement parks and brilliant breweries. There is truly something for everyone in this state.

If you have never thought about visiting Kentucky for a vacation it’s time to change that, here’s why:

Fort Knox

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Famous across the world and a popular travel destination, the Fort Know army post is located in Kentucky. Spread over some 109,000 acres; it is home to the US Bullion Depository, the Accessories Command and Army Human Resources Command. The best thing about visiting this iconic location is undoubtedly the museum. You can easily spend hours exploring the history of the US military, and marvel at the Leonardo da Vinci weapons collection too.

The Bourbon Trail

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If you’re a fan of Bourbon, you’re going to want to embark on the Bourbon Trail. Made up of no less than 16 fabulous signature distilleries and 1 craft distilleries, it has something to offer everyone. It might be a good idea to find a lodging near Kentucky Bourbon Trail. You’ll want to spend some quality time exploring. This is definitely one to do without the kids.

Louisville Mega Cavern

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The Louisville Mega Cavern is a popular attraction amongst people of all ages. Consisting of around 17 miles of caverns, all of which are manmade. Running under Louisville, the attraction brings together science and history to give you an exciting experience that will inform you as much as it thrills you. For the adventurous you, there’s even the option to explore the cavern via the only underground zip line on the planet!

Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory

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The Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory is located on Kentucky’s Museum Row. It features a huge number of exhibits; relating to Louisville Slugger brand, baseball bats, and how they have helped shape baseball in America. Over the years, fans of the sport will have a fantastic time exploring attractions. Like the biggest baseball bat in the world, which weighs in at a stunning 68,000 pounds. Holding bats that are used by some of baseball’s biggest legends, including Micky Mantle.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

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The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a popular national Historic Landmark. It was an active Shaker community for more than 100 years, ending in 1910. It’s perfectly preserved in the years since the community disbanded; which means that it gives a real insight into the religious community it represents. The 19th Century buildings are something to behold. With almost 3000 acres of farmland and attractions to explore; you can easily spend a whole day exploring without ever getting bored.

Mary Todd Lincoln House

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Located in Lexington’s downtown area, this property was the first home of Abraham Lincoln’s much-loved wife. Filled with history, it is worth a visit for the period decor, interesting museum, and of course, the fact that President Lincoln himself walked the hallways on more than one occasion!

Kentucky really is the place to see!

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Traveling is the great thing anyone can do with their time. It’s the most magical way to expand your mind, open your eyes and make your heart pound with unabashed excitement. It’s the best way to make memories as a family, lasting memories, the kind that will fill your mantlepiece and walls and turn your home into a living, breathing memory box. It’s the most thrilling way to help your kids grow and develop. Traveling is heart-stirring, spine-tingling and awe-inspiring. But it’s also super-expensive.

Sure, it’s got a whole lot cheaper since the days of the Titanic (where you needed to hand over half the family coffers to afford a room with a view), but it’s still packed full of hidden costs. Airport drop-off fees, holdall luggage fees, booking fees, transfers costs, high hotel prices and a thousand other little costs that add up to one massive headache.

That’s why you need to sit down with a pen and write these genius travel hacks into the first page of your passport-slash-diary. Trust us, you’ll save so much on your next holiday, you’ll be able to book three more the second you get back.

1. Find Flight Alerts

One of the most disruptive technologies to change the world of traveling is Skyscanner. But unless you are willing to trawl through each airport option and each day of each month, it can be a tedious process. Our advice: sign up for flight alerts from Scott’s Cheap Flights or Jack’s flight club. You’ll save hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of dollars.

2. Change Currency Elsewhere

The worst place you can exchange currencies is at the airport. They are notorious for their daylight robbery. In fact, their rates are so bad you’ll go from happy holidaymaker to blood-boiling tyrant in a matter of milliseconds. Our advice: exchange your money at the bank. For not a lot of extra effort, you’ll save a significant amount.

3. Love Day Passes

If you’re going on some interrailing adventure that passes through 45 countries in five days, then this hack may not help you. But if you are going to be in the same city, town or region for a few days, then you’ll want to take advantage of the multi-use, all-day passes you can get. You can use them as many times as you want to get around and see the sights while pinching a pretty penny in the process.

4. Taxi-Free Vacation

We know that taxis can offer a much-needed lifeline when you are in a foreign country, completely lost and don’t know how to say “A to B” in Spanish, but taxis are expensive. Like really expensive. Just look at Ridester if you don’t believe us, which details just how much cheaper the likes of Uber and Lyft are in comparison. What we’re saying is, use Uber or Lyft instead.

5. Big Lunches Rule

For one, everyone loves that feeling of having a big lunch, laying down all afternoon and then only having a light bite in the evening. It’s one of the best. Secondly, you can save a ton of money by eating off a lunchtime menu compared to a dinner one.

If you have always wanted to see Canada, you are not alone. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations of anywhere in the world, and its popularity is actually still growing year after year as well. Of all the areas of Canada which people tend to go for, Ontario remains at the top of the list, and not for no reason. As it turns out, Ontario has so much to offer the willing traveller, and it is a great place to take families as well. In this article, we are going to look at some of the things you might want to see and do if you are planning on taking a trip to Ontario at anytime in the near future.

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Outdoor Adventures

Of all the things that Canada is known for, one of the top has to be the potential for outdoor explorations. If you are the kind of person who is generally quite keen to explore and have adventures in the natural world, then you will find Canada – and in particular Ontario – to be especially accommodating for those needs. There are a huge number of different kinds of adventure you might consider trying your hand at here, ranging from skiing and sledding to spending time in the snow with some beautiful Alsatian huskies. Whatever it is that you want to do in the great outdoors, Ontario has probably got you covered, so be sure to make room for those activities if you are planning a trip to Canada.

Tours

Whether you are staying at the Delta Hotels Waterloo or in one of Ontario’s smaller regions, you will find that there are bound to be countless local tours which you can take. These are generally easy to customize to your own timescales and so on, so you don’t feel like you need to make your itinerary fit into theirs. You can go on walking tours of the autumnal forests, a driving tour of some of the wilder regions of the Ontario countryside, or you might even get a chance to fly a plane over some glorious landscape views. However you want to do it, there are plenty of tours to be had, and they are always available when you are ready to visit this beautiful part of Canada.

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Shopping

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to just relax and do some shopping, so you should bear in mind too that there are plenty of opportunities for doing this in Ontario as well. No matter what it is that you have a hankering to buy, you will be able to find it in one of the many sprawling shopping districts, and there is no doubt that this can be a great way to fill in  the time when you are at a loss as what to do. No matter what it is, you are bond to find it in Ontario, so remember that when you are next wondering where to travel to with your family or friends.

The USA – home to the likes of New  York, California and Florida. Even Americans think of these three states whenever they think of the country of their birth. And, it isn’t hard to see why. Aside from the constant PR, NY, Cali and Florida have amazing attractions, excellent weather, and a unique way of life. So, there’s no argument. The next time you want to go on a road trip or take a vacation, it should be one of the big three states right?

Not exactly because there are fifty states in the whole of the US, and everyone is special. Sure, they may not have the same advertising budget, but they do have unbelievable scenery and natural beauty. Plus, every American citizen should take the opportunity to discover the country when they get the chance.

If you like the idea, it’s time to pack the car, get the kids to buckle up, and start the engine. Here are the forgotten states which are worth a visit on your next in-house vacation.

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Nevada

Everyone of a certain age wants to visit Las Vegas. The City of Sin is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and it’s in the heart of the desert. Still, Nevada has much more to offer than world-class casinos, clubs and nights of debauchery. Travel to the northeast of the state and you hit Lake Tahoe, the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The lake is too big to go into great detail, but the Tahoe Rim Trail and the Sand Harbor Beach are two sights worth checking out. If you want something a little less crowded, there is the Valley of Fire state park which is one of the many fantastic hiking spots in the state. Of course, there’s no reason not to visit Vegas, but just don’t make it the highlight of the trip.

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Massachusetts

When you think of Massachusetts, there isn’t much that springs to mind. But, when you delve a little deeper, it’s home to a variety of cultural hotspots which are worth your time. Take Harvard as an example. Yep, the world’s most prestigious university is located in the town of its namesake in the east of the state. If academia isn’t your thing, you can always check out the spots where they filmed Good Will Hunting! MIT, or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is also around the corner. Apart from quality colleges, MA also has Boston which is one of the most original cities in the USA. With its mix of old and modern architecture, it’s a large yet cozy place to visit with centuries of history. Of course, don’t forget about the legendary Fenway Park or the Gillette Stadium either.

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Arizona

Why would anyone go to Arizona? First and foremost, it is home to the site of the Grand  Canyon. Anyone who is in the state or nearby can’t leave without seeing one of the greatest natural wonders in the modern world. With an area that spans almost 5,000 square km and a width of up to 18 miles in parts, it will take your breath away. Sunrise and sunset are the two best times to hit up Mather Point or Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio. But, don’t despair if you can’t because it’s beautiful regardless of the time. In honesty, Arizona is a state which is home to lots of natural sights that are similar to the GC, and things can get samey. Still, try and catch the Meteor Crater site if possible because it’s not everyday you get to see an otherworldly piece of rock.

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Utah

Is there a more beautiful part of the world than The Great Lakes of the USA and Canada? The UK has the Peak and Lake Districts, and Switzerland is well-known for its natural waterways, but America is high on the list. The reason why Utah is the pick of the bunch is the variety it offers. Sure, the Great  Salt Lake that spans 4,400 km2 shouldn’t be missed because there isn’t anything like it anywhere. But, Utah isn’t just a one-trick pony as it has plenty more up its sleeve. There is the popular SeaQuest in Layton which is home to a range of exotic animals and terrific fun for all the family. Or, there is Salt Lake City itself, bordered and buoyed by tonnes of salt with snow-capped mountains acting as a shield. If fishing, hiking, skiing or hunting isn’t enough, you can always stop by Red Butte Garden for some rest. If you’re lucky, there may be a concert on with leading names in music.

Colorado

For many people, Colorado deserves to be in the same bracket as the likes of California and Florida. Indeed, ask anyone who has ventured into the real USA and they will tell you it is not to be missed. Why? Well, it’s not just because it is home to the Rocky Mountains and therefore has some of the best skiing in the world. Everyone knows of Aspen, and that includes the folks in Whistler and Queenstown New Zealand who know a good spot when they see one. No, it’s because it has a mixture of anything you could ever want. Sure, natural beauty is great, but a change of pace is always nice. In that case, Denver is a standalone city which boasts New York City-like skyscrapers and architecture. Also, Colorado has to be home to one of the greatest music festivals on the planet: Red Rock. Thanks to the surrounding mountains, the music bounces off the rocks and stones and provides excellent acoustics. When you are listening to some of the leading bands and artists of today, it just takes the experience over the top.

It’s sad that there is only enough space in this post to mention five in detail. However, there are plenty more, such as Washington (state), Illinois, Maine and Tennessee. What do you think of this list? Are there any others you would like to add, or any you want to strike off?

Do you drive to work every day or do you love nothing more than getting on your bike and exploring the open roads on the weekend? Whether you travel on two or four wheels, it’s essential to be aware of the risks involved. Even if you’re only popping to the local store, it pays to put safety first. Here are some of the most common causes of accidents on the road and some tips to help you steer clear of trouble.

Speeding

Be honest. When you’re on the highway or a winding coastal road, do you ever hit the gas and put your foot down? There’s a thrill that comes from driving fast, but there are speed restrictions in place for a good reason. If you drive at speed, the vehicle is harder to control, and the impact of a crash is likely to be more forceful. You could sustain life-threatening or even fatal injuries, and there’s also a risk of injuring other drivers and pedestrians. When you’re on the road, pay attention to the signs, and make sure you’re driving within the limits. If you’re going too fast, you run the risk of being pulled over by police. If you have a crash when speeding, you’re likely to be held liable for the accident, and you could face legal charges. If you’re unsure of the speed limit, err on the side of caution.

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Adverse weather

Driving in adverse weather conditions can be dangerous. The roads are more unpredictable, and it can be harder to maintain control of your car or bike. Keep an eye on the weather forecast if you plan to make a journey and adapt your driving style to the conditions. If the roads are icy or slippery, reduce your speed and keep well back from the vehicle in front. Remember that if you do need to stop suddenly, your stopping distance will increase significantly. If torrential rain is falling or there is thick fog, and you can’t see, find a safe place to pull over until the roads are clearer. Take care when it’s snowing outside. Unless you have a truck or a 4×4, you may struggle to negotiate the roads. Unless you absolutely have to make the journey, consider staying at home. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Image via https://www.pexels.com/photo/car-road-snow-winter-12875/

Drink driving

How do you feel when you have a drink? Most of us feel confident, and we may be a little more outgoing than usual. While confidence can be a very positive thing, it can also be dangerous. Drivers tend to take more risks when they’ve been drinking, and alcohol can also affect your ability to make judgments. You may also find that your reaction times increase when you’ve had a drink. There are different laws and rules in place depending on where you live, so the best thing to do is avoid drinking altogether if you do plan to drive. If you do want to drink, book a cab or arrange a lift home. Approximately 1 in 3 crashes in the US involve one or more drivers who have been drinking.

A set of car keys in the foreground and glass of whiskey behind.

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Distracted driving

How often do you change the radio station or look at your phone when you’re driving? You may think that there’s nothing wrong with reading a text, but if you take your eyes off the road, even for a second, this could put your life and the lives of others in danger. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents. If you’ve been hit by a driver who wasn’t paying attention to the road, you have every right to consider making a compensation claim. You can find out more by visiting https://www.craigswapp.com/boise/motorcycle-accident-attorney/. The roads can change in an instant, and if you don’t spot a hazard and react quickly enough, there could be disastrous consequences. Stay focused, look around you and use your mirrors. If you need to make a phone call, use an in-car hands-free system or pull over in a safe place.  

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Driving tired

When you’re tired, it can take you longer to react, and you may find it more difficult to concentrate. If you’re on a motorcycle or you’re behind the wheel of a car, tiredness can kill. There’s a risk of being unable to react rapidly, and you could even fall asleep. If you are tired, postpone your journey. If this isn’t an option and you have to drive, have a strong coffee and take a break if you start to feel drowsy. If you stop at a service station, you can stretch your legs, get some fresh air and even nap for 20 minutes. You’ll find more useful information here https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/driver-safety/cmv-driving-tips-driver-fatigue.

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Reckless driving

As a driver, whether you’re on a bike or you’re driving a car, a van or a truck, you should be fully aware of the rules of the road. You might think regulations are boring, but they’re there to keep people like you safe. If you’re reckless, you could injure yourself and your behavior could also impact others. Examples of reckless driving include tailgating, getting involved in road rage, running red lights and not looking when you stop, move off or change lane. Stick to the speed limit, give other drivers time and space and keep calm.

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If you’re a driver or a biker, it’s so important to give your safety a thought. It’s not always possible to avoid accidents, but you can do your bit to make the roads safer by being a good driver. Over 90 percent of accidents are caused by driver error. Next time you hit the roads, keep focused, look out for hazards and pay attention to speed limits. Be wary of difficult conditions and never drink and drive. Even if you feel fine, there’s every chance that alcohol will compromise your ability to drive. Have a rest if you feel tired and abide by the rules of the road. If you’re reckless, you drive too fast, or you’re busy trying to do two things at once, this could have horrific consequences for you and others around you.

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Traveling as a family is a wonderful way to see and do new things together but there’s no doubting that being away from home can be difficult with small children. This means that you need to find a hotel and a hotel room that will cater for your family’s needs and make your stay as relaxing as possible.

If your children have autism or ADHD, you might find that you have some more particular needs for your family holiday. For example, you might require a quieter hotel or plenty of activities to keep your children occupied and happy. Fortunately there are a lots of hotels that can accommodate all sorts of needs, you just need to ask before you book.

Family Friendly

When you are looking at hotel options, you must remember to find out whether it is family friendly. Family friendly hotels will usually have things for children to do and are less likely to have loud entertainment at night. Free parking and complimentary breakfasts are also a good benefit to look out for as it will make your holiday a little easier. Hotels like Baymont Inn & Suites Limon Colorado also offer quieter spaces and complimentary wifi, perfect if you have children who need a bit of peace and space.

You might also want to bring your family do along with you and there are lots of hotels that will offer pet-friendly accommodation too. They might be a little more difficult to find, but bringing your dog on holiday is a lovely way to travel.

Things to Do

Having plenty of things to do is vital for a successful family hotel – there is nothing worse than bored children! Look for hotels that have lots of nearby tourist attractions and good transport links to make getting there nice and easy.

Hotels that have play park equipment are also great because it will give you a chance to sit and relax while your kids continue to run around. An on site kids club is also brilliant for giving you a chance to take some time for yourself while your kids are being looked after.

Connecting Family Rooms

If you have a large family, finding an appropriate room can be quite difficult. Many family friendly hotels now offer connecting family rooms which form a suite. Often these rooms are a little more expensive, but you will usually benefit from a living area complete with a TV. This is great for relaxing together at the end of a long day of fun.

Connecting family rooms also mean that you can be nearby and able to make sure that your children are safe and happy. Sleeping in a strange room far from home can be quite scary for young children initially, so having a connecting family room will offer them the reassurance that you aren’t far away.

With the right hotel, your family holiday can go from ok to amazing. Having the right facilities to accommodate all your needs will give you a chance to relax and have fun together.

The world is your oyster. While it’s incredible to be able to travel to every corner of the globe these days, the sheer range of vacation options can make it difficult to narrow down your choices. Most of us only have the time and money available for one or two trips a year, so it’s essential to choose wisely. If you’re weighing up options for your next family vacation, here are some tips to help you make the right choice with minimal stress.

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Start planning early

Spontaneous trips are great, but when you have children, it often pays to be organized. Start thinking about possible locations a few months before you plan to travel. This way, you have time to research, find out more about places that take your interest and get an accurate idea of costs. You can also start putting money aside or adding to your savings pot. Have a chat with your partner and the kids about destinations, and see if there are places that appeal to everyone. If you’re open to ideas, read some guides online to find out more.

Consider travel time

Travel time is a factor that many parents bear in mind when they’re planning a holiday. The distance may affect your choice, especially if you’re only going away for a short break or a week. If you’re spending 10 hours on a plane, you’re going to use up a considerable chunk of your vacation. If you’re going away for 2 or 3 weeks, travel time may not be such an issue. If you have kids that are at a difficult age in terms of traveling, you may also want to think carefully before booking long-haul trips. Some children love going on planes, but if your kids are at the stage when they get bored very quickly, and they want to explore at every available opportunity, shorter journeys may be a more attractive option. If you are braving a long flight with toddlers, read these tips first https://www.roughguides.com/article/20-tips-for-travelling-with-children/.

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The type of vacation

When you’re choosing a location, think about the type of vacation you want. Do you want to spend your days touring museums and galleries? Are you desperate to chill out by the pool and get down to the beach? Are you looking for action and adventure? If you have a destination in mind, do some research online using sites like www.myconcierge.com to see what kinds of activities are available. It’s also really useful to read reviews left by people who have already visited the area or the hotel to get an idea about facilities, amenities, and things to do.

Set a budget

The cost of a vacation can vary from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, so set a budget before you start exploring possibilities. You don’t want to discover the perfect trip to find out that it’s way out of your price range. Once you’ve got a figure in mind, you can work with this to get the best deal. Shop online, compare prices from different agencies and operators, and look out for flash sales. It’s worth registering with travel websites to get news of promotions.

If you’re trying to pick a perfect destination for your next vacation, hopefully, this guide will set you on the right track.

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If you are thinking of taking your family away somewhere nice on holiday, then you will probably be aware that it is something of a mixed blessing. While it is lovely to take your family away, and to see new sights together or just relax, it is also true that doing so can be surprisingly stressful. If you are particularly prone to stress, the very idea of a family holiday might even fill you with dread. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to ensure that the experience is as worry-free as possible. In this article, we are going to look at some of the major things that you can do to ensure you don’t get too worried while you are away with the family. Let’s have a look at how to make travelling a riot.

Allow Plenty Of Time

This first rule of thumb is something you can apply to pretty much any stage of the whole travelling process and it will still be valid. To begin with, you should make sure that you are allowing plenty of time between booking the trip and actually going on it. The more time that there is to prepare, the more likely it is that you can keep your stress under control. You will be able to plan ahead more, and this will help you with knowing that everything will be alright. Of course, it is not always possible to do this, but you should endeavor to as much as you can. But it’s not just the initial stages which benefit from a timely approach. While you are actually holidaying too, you will find that slowing down and taking your time between activities will enable everyone to remain calm and enjoy the experience much more. You want everyone, yourself included, to be able to just enjoy it – so try not to rush around and achieve too much in one go. Remember: this is meant to be a holiday, and if you don’t allow yourself or your family the opportunity to relax, then what is the point of it? Give yourself plenty of time at all times, and everything will seem much easier and much less stressful.

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Know What To Expect

You may have heard the old phrase ‘expect the unexpected.’ Of course, you can’t expect what you don’t know about, but you can do everything in your power to bear in mind that things do happen which are out of your control. All travelling implies a certain degree of risk, and many of those risks are magnified when you are travelling with your entire family in tow. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t do everything you can to know as much as possible about what to expect. This means going out of your way to research your destination. This might prove to be incredibly useful and enlightening, especially if you are traveling to a country which is remarkably different in culture to your own. The more you know before you set off, the more prepared you will feel – and that will help to keep stress at bay and to ensure that you and your family enjoy yourself as much as possible. Don’t forget to share all necessary information with the whole family, particularly when it comes to certain specific dangers or avoiding social faux pas which your children might not be aware of. Share the information, and feel much more at home in your chosen destination. It really will make all the difference.

First Aid

Being aware of what to bring and how to be most prepared is a huge part of remaining calm and enjoying a stress-free holiday as much as possible. There are many items which are likely to be basically essential for a happy and stress-free family holiday, but one in particular which you should remember is a first aid kit. No matter what, you will probably agree that a first aid kit is always going to be a part of any essential travelling kit for mothers. You want to know that you can deal with any injuries, illnesses or scrapes that your children might get into, and having a first aid kit is the best way to do that. Of course, as well as that, you should be sure to inform yourself of the medical emergency phone number of the country you are staying in, as well as being sure to have some kind of travel or medical insurance while you are away. All of this will add up to make you feel a whole lot more secure as you travel, so be sure to bear it in mind when you are preparing for your travels.

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Get The Kids Excited

In all of this, it often becomes all too easy to forget the whole point of the holiday – to have as much fun as possible. It is a very good idea to try and find ways to get your kids excited beforehand. The best way to do this is just to go through all of the exciting activities that you might have planned, as well as asking them what else they might want to do. It is important to get them excited before you go, because if morale gets low on the trip then it can actually make a huge difference to how safe and happy everyone feels. You need to keep morale up, so that if anything does go wrong, you can be sure that you and your family will deal with it as well as possible.

Keep Calm

You never quite know what will happen, but that’s okay – you don’t really need to know. Above all, the most important thing is that you learn to remain calm at all times. As long as you do that, you should find that the whole experience is surprisingly enjoyable and stress-free. Learning to deal with stress in these situations can be tough, but with a little practice, you should be able to get on top of it.
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If you have been struggling to find the time to spend with your family recently, it could really pay off to book a holiday. When you go away for a few nights, you won’t have to worry about work and all the stresses of home, and you can simply kick back and relax with your partner and kids.

Even though this may sound like the perfect way to spend your days off, some parents prefer to stay at home as traveling with young kids can prove to be a bit of a nightmare! If they are especially young, you could experience a few tears and tantrums after a few hours of traveling. But it doesn’t have to be that bad. In fact, there are plenty of ways you can make long periods of travel easier for both you and your children. Just follow these no-tears travel tips!

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Mix Up The Travel Options

No matter how old you are, you will always find long periods in a car very boring. So, if possible, it’s a good idea to try and mix up long sections of travel by using different methods. For instance, rather than spending seven hours in a car, why not take the train followed by a  chartered coach. You can research the different companies online and, for example, read online reviews on Shofur. This way, you can see how previous travelers have found the different companies. Mixing your travel options up in this way will keep your kids excited. They will be intrigued by the different travel methods and won’t get bored so easily!

Always Bring Snacks

You don’t want to be sitting in a traffic jam or on a delayed train when your kid starts complaining of hunger! Without any food, their complaining could quickly escalate into a full-blown tantrum! So it’s a good idea to always have some snacks with you in your handbag or hand luggage. Make sure they are healthy, though, as sugary snacks will only make them hyperactive, which will bring even more problems!

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Give Them Something To Do

Activities will be limited out on the road, but there are some fun things that your kids can do. Firstly, you might want to give them a disposable camera so that they can take pictures of all the things they spot out of the bus, car, or train window. If you can’t find a camera, you could simply give them some paper and crayons so that they can draw all the views!

Always Keep Clean

Bugs can attack when you’re traveling, and your kids will be at risk of falling ill. To make sure that this doesn’t ruin your vacation, it’s a good idea to keep some sanitizer hand gel and antibacterial wipes with you on the road. This also makes it very easy to clean up after all of those snacks!
As you can see, traveling with young children doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Do you have any other great tips? I’d love to hear them!