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Thrilling Places to Visit with the Kids

December 19, 2017 by

Thrilling place

Traveling with children can be challenging, especially if your kids are easily distracted or get bored pretty quickly. You may feel like you need to fill your itinerary with lots of fun activities to do. On the other hand, a child’s enthusiasm and eagerness to be entertained can be quite infectious, and force you to go out of your comfort zone and bring out your adventurous side. Here are a few thrilling activities to consider doing on your next vacation that you and your kids are sure to enjoy.

Explore Haunted Williamsburg

Williamsburg is one of the oldest cities in the United States, and was the center of many key events during the American Revolution. At its heart is Colonial Williamsburg, a historic district, living-history museum, and popular tourist destination where kids can learn more about daily life during the Colonial period. Kick your visit up a notch and book a Williamsburg Ghost Tour for a more thrilling experience.

These top-rated guided walking tours will take you and your kids on an otherworldly journey through the haunted streets and buildings of Williamsburg. Licensed and registered tour guides will tell you chilling stories about horrific witch trials, acts of violence during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and murder and slavery. Every one of these tales is backed by historical facts and thorough research.

One of the most exciting parts of this Colonial Williamsburg ghost tour is getting to take part in an investigation of paranormal activity by renting an EMF Detector—an enthralling pursuit for kids and adults alike.

Hurtle Down The Grand Canyon Rapids

For a different kind of heart-pumping adventure, take your kids white water rafting down the majestic Grand Canyon. There are many different tours and packages you can book for groups of varying sizes and kids of all ages, as young as 5 years old. Here are a few you can browse through.

The great thing about white water rafting is that it is not just an adrenaline rush; it will teach your children the importance of teamwork, as the only way to successfully navigate the rapids is by listening to and cooperating with each other. Of course, the breathtaking views and stunning scenery of the Grand Canyon will only add to the overall experience.

Get A Creative High At Legoland In Chicago

Nothing stimulates a child’s imagination quite like those famous, colorful plastic blocks known as Legos. Plan a visit to the Legoland Discovery Center in Chicago where your kids can enjoy rides, watch a movie in the 4D cinema, and of course, make innovative creations and even build whole worlds using the brightly colored interlocking blocks.

Legoland is a popular choice of venue for school field trips and birthday parties, but for very special events—such as a milestone birthday—you can even book an overnight package which includes a pizza party, building activities and workshops, Lego models you can take home, and a hot breakfast. Head on over to the Center’s website to learn more.

With a little creative thinking out of the box, you can definitely come up with more thrilling places to visit with your kids to add to this list. Ultimately, anywhere you decide to go on your next vacation can be an exciting destination—you just have to open yourself up to trying new and unconventional things.




Family Fun in New York City

December 19, 2017 by

Roller coaster in new york

While Disney World and Disneyland continue to consistently dominate lists of the top family destinations in the United States, it may surprise you to learn that New York City is never far behind. It isn’t just about historic landmarks, shopping, and Broadway; there are literally hundreds of other family-friendly places to go and activities to do on a trip to the Big Apple. If you are planning a visit with kids soon, read on for suggestions on where to go and what to do that will appeal to the entire family.

Go on a thrilling adventure

Hunting down ghosts may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of things to do while on vacation, but if your children are up for a fascinating and spooky adventure, going on a tour to discover the Ghosts of New York City would definitely be a unique way to sight see and learn more about the city. This 90-minute walking tour will take you and your family on a trek through Greenwich Village, where you gain a new perspective on one of the oldest and most culturally diverse cities in America.

Satisfy your sweet tooth

If you have very young children and New York City haunted tours may be too frightening for them, consider going on a chocolate tour instead. This is a fantastic way to explore Brooklyn with kids. The tour starts from Union Square in Manhattan and takes you to several of the best chocolate shops in the city that offer delicious traditional and artisanal chocolates—all made and/or originated in Brooklyn. Besides getting to taste lots of scrumptious chocolate, this tour will also give you one of the best views of the Statue of Liberty, and offers plenty of other entertaining distractions along the way for your kids.

Spend the day outdoors

No visit to New York City is complete without a trip to the world-famous Central Park. No matter what the season, there is plenty to see and do in what is affectionately known as “New York’s backyard.” During the winter, you can rent skates and take a whirl around the Wollman Rink. In the summer, there is no end to the fun activities the park has to offer. You can go on a picnic, rent bikes to ride around the park, join storytelling time, or ride the carousel. There is even a perfectly-sized zoo where you can see a diverse range of animals from tropical creatures to penguins. Little ones might particularly enjoy feeding sheep, goats and other small farm animals.

Go museum hopping

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is arguably the most well-known museum in New York City, but there are plenty of other more kid-friendly venues throughout the area. There is the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, especially designed for children aged six and under. It offers bright and colorful exhibits featuring popular cartoon characters, and fun water play activities. If you have older children, you could spend an entire day at the National History Museum and still be unable to visit every exhibit; there is just so much to see and do. Marvel at the breathtaking displays of dinosaurs, an enormous blue whale, and majestic African elephants, and don’t forget to catch a show or screening or two.

Whatever your children’s interests are, New York City has plenty to offer, and no matter when you plan to visit, you can surely find lots of activities that everyone in your family will thoroughly enjoy.




Guide to the Ultimate Family Road Trip to Tuscany

December 2, 2017 by

Family Road trip

Tuscany along Italia’s west coast is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. From renaissance art in Florence to the rolling hills, castles and vineyards around the region, Tuscany epitomises the word beauty. You can find a range of rental villas in Tuscany in a rural paradise to five-star hotels in the historical centre of Florence. Everything a tourist needs from history, culture and landscapes is in this part of Italy. But what about parents who are travelling with kids?

Tuscany with Kids

It all sounds well and good for a perfect holiday for adults. Though, travelling here with children may seem a little more challenging. Luckily, Tuscany is a child-friendly region and thousands, if not millions, of families visit each year. Some of them decide to settle here and start a business in Tuscany that offers a lot of business opportunities for foreigners.

The region is diverse. There’s diversity in the landscapes, activities and the destinations. One day you could be on the beach or exploring Elba Island; the next could be inside one of Florence’s many interactive museums. Families have the chance to teach their children about European history in a fun and engaging way. Or just give the little ones a camera as you drive through the undulating countryside visiting the small towns and villages along the way.

The Best Places to Visit with Kids

Any trip to Tuscany should involve spending at least a few nights in the region’s capital: Florence. History oozes out of the Renaissance façades lining the streets with world-class restaurants serving all types of Italian and international cuisines. Small squares, fountains and churches are just a few more of the highlights that seem to appear around every corner.

The museums are among the best in Europe. Some are interactive giving the children the chance to learn in a hands-on manner. Others have workshops. If you have school-age children check out the following museums: Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Strozzi and the Galileo Museum. Your children will have the chance to learn about European history in a fun and engaging way.

Central Tuscany along the coast will also make an ideal spot to bring the little ones. The beaches are endless and on a warm summer’s day create the ideal place to relax and spend a few hours. You can rest and sunbathe while the kids build sandcastles and play. If you have the time, head to Elba Island and visit Livorno’s Aquarium. Teens may appreciate the chance to explore the various branches of the waterways.

Most people around the world know one of Tuscany’s most iconic landmarks, which is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Why not head to Pisa on a day trip and climb up the tilting building and learn more about its history?Kids will enjoy the chance to pose for hilarious pictures and selfies around one of the world’s most famous buildings.

Planning a Road Trip

There are different ways you can take a road trip around Tuscany. If you’re flying into Italy, you’ll most likely land at Florence Airport. Florence makes a good place to start the journey around the region. Rent a car when you arrive, and you can then explore the area. It’s advisable to spend at least a few days here before heading towards the coast. Depending on where you want to go, it may be better to visit Pisa on a day trip.

One of the best things about Tuscany is that you’re going to be driving through the incredible countryside and will pass through some of Europe’s most beautiful towns. Before you start your trip, take a look at the map and use Google to help find out which ones are the best to visit.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to drive all the time while in Tuscany, why not take the train? You could use public transport to explore the cities and then rent a car to get out into the countryside. Trains connect the larger towns and cities and tend to operate on a regular schedule.

Tips for Kids

I’m sure you know that unless you consider your kids needs it’s going to be a boring holiday for them. Find out what they like to do and ask them to help with the planning. Teens may appreciate having some responsibility in organising daily activities. If you’re flexible, you could even ask them to help plan what destinations you want to visit when you arrive in Tuscany. Buy a guidebook and ask them to tell you where they want to go.

The next idea to keep younger children entertained is to get one of the tourist maps for each destination. Before you go sightseeing, explain to the little ones what each of the sites are and why they’re important. And then, make it into a game. Give them a clipboard and pencil and say they have to circle all the places they see. You can already have a route planned in your head, but the trick is not to announce which attraction you’ve arrived at. This gives them the chance to keep their eyes open and spot the place for themselves. And the bonus here will be how they’re absorbing the surrounding and history while playing your treasure hunt game.

An Action-Packed Road Trip

All the ingredients are now ready to have the perfect family road trip to Tuscany. The region is family-friendly, especially Florence, and the kids will have a range of interactive museums with activities to keep them busy. Ask the teens to help plan and make a treasure map for the younger ones. Follow these suggestions you’re sure to have an action-packed family holiday to Tuscany.




Why Teaching ESL Abroad Can Be A Good Career Move For Your Kid

October 28, 2017 by

teaching in abroad
If your child has just graduated from college and seems unsure of what they would like to do next with their life, don’t panic! Does the mere thought of your child stuck in a cubicle for up to 8 plus sound like the dreams you had for him or her? We didn’t think so. The truth is, there are several great careers opportunities overseas that can have a greater impact on your undecided kid than jumping into a career they may not be excited about.

Teaching English abroad is one way that recent graduates can travel with purpose and keep on collecting cross-cultural experiences (and passport stamps!) Teaching ESL is the ideal way to marry wanderlust together with a paying profession. In addition, it is also a good way to step out from your comfort zone, learn new skills, accumulate incredible memories that you can’t find at home, and make a long-lasting difference in other people’s lives. So here comes the big question: is teaching ESL a good career for your kid? Let’s find out:

1. It’s A Great Job Market

With approximately 1 billion people enrolling for English classes all over the world every year, demand for ESL teachers across the world is quite large such that unlike other segments of the economy, the market for ESL teaching is stronger than other markets you can focus on after college. In fact, even those who don’t have a degree can also get hired to teach English overseas. In most cases, it is not necessarily a question on whether you can actually get a job, but rather about which job and which country fits you.
In addition, you don’t have to hold an education degree or even possess teaching experience so as to teach English abroad. Generally, taking an accredited TEFL certification course (normally 4 weeks full-time, or eleven weeks on a part-time basis online) is all you need to pack your bags and have an experience of a lifetime. Having recognized TEFL certification shall provide you with the qualification and training that you need so as to get a job as a professional ESL teacher.

2. Make A Difference In Other People’s Lives

While you might see teaching English primarily as a way of paying the bills while living in a calm international destination such as China or Costa Rica, keep in mind that the skill you are teaching can become a key factor to accessing better educational and professional opportunities for your students.  Regardless of the industry your students ultimately decide to work in, having a solid grip on the English language will be a huge competitive advantage and help these students creating a better future.

3. Gain International Work Experiences for Your Resume

In today’s globalized economy, employers in almost all sectors seek people with international experience. Furthermore, taking a job in another country proves your initiative, willingness to live and work outside of your comfort level, as well as your ability to face new challenges and adapt to new environments. This can serve you quite well regardless of the professional endeavors that you will be pursuing in the future.
You will learn more things about yourself and whether or not you can fully adjust to living in a completely new culture and work with individuals from a very different background. Being a teacher, you will also be a student by learning the different ways to view the world and also solve problems. With an ESL teaching career, you will grow to become more open, culturally sensitive, and tolerant.

4. Become a Member of a Local Community in a Foreign Country

As an ESL teacher, you might immerse yourself totally in the culture and daily life of a foreign nation even more deeper than when studying abroad. You will likely be living in a middle class neighborhood, ride to work using local transportation, shop at the local markets and then hang out at the sake bar or corner café with your neighbors. In such instances, your colleagues and friends will be inviting you to join them during family gatherings such as weddings. This will provide you with the opportunity to experience the foreign culture to a greater degree.

5. Fantastic Travel Opportunities

If you are working in an office job in New Jersey or San Francisco, chances are that you aren’t taking off for Tokyo or Berlin for a weekend. However, if you are teaching English in Seoul or New Prague, such travel opportunities are routine. The simple fact here is that due to basic geography, international travels from Canada or the USA usually entail a good investment of money and time – 2 things that most people simply don’t possess. By the virtue of living in another country, you’ll enjoy greater international travel opportunities, and in most instances in Latin America, Asia and European nations where you can ski, swim or bike to the next country. It’s simply cheaper and much easier to visit a foreign country than it is from North America.

Summary

Every year, thousands of people usually go overseas to teach English. Both young and old, these people go overseas for many reasons: make money to travel, learn about a very new culture, experience something new, or seek adventure. Teaching ESL is a great way for your child to travel, experience the world and also gain great professional experiences for his or her resume.




Moving Home On A Budget

October 24, 2017 by

moving home on a budget

Moving home can be a costly process. After saving up for a deposit on a new place, many of us can fail to budget for the extras that are needed to make the move happen. Here are a few ways that you can trim down costs and make moving home less expensive.

Don’t use an agent

Agents can take away a lot of the stress of moving home. If you’re selling a place, they can help to advertise it and handle viewings when you’re at work. If you’re looking for a new place to buy or rent, agents can give you a range of properties to look at and sometimes even negotiate down prices for you.

You will however spend more money for the convenience of an agent. When selling a property, they may charge commission on the sale, as well as charging a seller fee. If you’re renting a property through an agency, they may charge an agency fee on top of their services. In most cases, buying through an agency is free, but even this is changing with some real estate brokers charging buyers and sellers.

It’s possible to advertise your own property cheaply online using listings sites such as Prime Location and social media. When looking for a place to buy, you can then contact the seller directly. Similarly, if you’re looking for rental opportunities, you can contact landlords directly. You won’t pay any agency fees this way, saving costs.

Negotiate fees

Many fees involved in the moving process can be negotiated. This includes everything from conveyancer fees to removals agency fees. Going through a bigger company may result in a fixed fee, but smaller traders will usually be willing to negotiate.

Use the right removals service

According to a professional movers threemenandatruck.net, “the cheapest removals option can depend on how many possessions you’re moving and the distance of your move. For local moves with few possessions, you’re usually best off hiring a van for the day. You can shop around for van hire to get the best price.

If you’re moving lots of possessions of traveling a long distance you may be better considering moving companies like myBekins. This could be more economical as such a company will be able to use a lorry and make fewer trips. Moving companies also employ experienced workers that can move items fast and efficiently, minimizing potential damage.

Get help from friends and family

Your friends and family could be cheap labour for the day. They may be able to help with the move itself, transporting furniture and items around for you. This could help to get the job done more quickly. Alternatively, you may be able to use them to babysit children during the move or look after pets to prevent them from getting under your feet. Even if they do expect payment for giving you a hand, it will likely be a lot less than paying professionals. It may not be appropriate in all circumstances, but could help for those that doing a small move on a tight budget.




Schools Out: Not If You Find Sneaky Ways to Continue their Education

October 14, 2017 by

upgrade kids knowledge

Education doesn’t end, just because your kids are taking a break from school. Whether it’s summer vacation, a holiday break, or if you’re pulling the kids out of class for a family vacation, kids can continue to learn while having loads of fun. In the interest of happy family vacays for all, we are pleased to present a few delightful ways to sneak a bit of education into every family trip.

Visit places they learned about in school

Your kids have undoubtedly seen images of legendary locations while sitting at their desks in history classes. They may have taken short field trips with teachers and classmates. Reinforce this kind of classroom learning and make history real and tangible when you opt to visit places your child may have only read about in books.

Washington, DC is a perfect example of a very visitable city that offers all sorts of vacation education opportunities. Check into the Marriott Washington Dulles Airport and plan a series of day trips to see the Capitol building, Washington Monument, and Vietnam War Memorial. Try unfamiliar foods and pay attention to details.

A night at the museum

Some kids balk at the very notion of spending time in a stuffy museum. They will change their minds if you accept an invitation from the Smithsonian for an after-hours tour and slumber party at the National Museum of Natural History. Designed for kids from ages eight to 12, a supervised sleepover offers a bountiful boost of education about dinosaurs, biology, oceanography, and native arts and crafts, suggests Huffington Post.

These days, many museums and zoos offer similar indoor camping-and-breakfast programs. Ask your hotel concierge about campouts at the Pittsburgh Carnegie Science Center and the National Zoo in Washington, DC.

Living history museums such as those in nearby Gettysburg, Williamsburg, and Plymouth provide daytime fascination for the whole family. When costumed actors reenact life in another era, kids learn about candle making, farming, trapping, textiles, and other aspects of early America, says Family Vacation magazine.

There’s more to Florida than the mouse

Ask your kids where they want to go for summer vacation. Chances are good, at least one kid will clamor for a trip to a massive, mouse-themed amusement park. Great idea, but not exactly educational. While in Florida, be sure to set aside a few days to visit the John F. Kennedy Space Center where kids can learn about stars, planets, and rockets to the moon.

If your kids have an affinity for flicks, spend an afternoon at Universal Studios. Here the whole family can get a behind-the-scenes education about the history of movies and how they are made.

Next time you take a family vacation, give your kids sketchbooks and pencils. Provide piles of postcards and plenty of stamps. Put away your phone and request they do the same. A family trip can be as educational as you want it to be if you disguise learning as wonderful fun.




Tired of Beaches? Visit these Stunning Waterfalls in Goa

September 27, 2017 by

People dream up the exceptional and vast beaches when someone remarks Goa. But Goa is surely more than these amazing sea and beaches. It is also adorned with the diverse landscape as it is stationed in Sahyadri hills. Book cheap hotels in Goa and relish this amazing place!

waterfall in goa

In Goa, there are several big and small mountains, from where springs, streams, and alluring waterfalls crop up. There are not too many waterfalls, but surely all of them are worth stopping in Goa. Enveloped by rocks, sanctuaries, and greenery, these waterfalls provide another face to Goa, building it an all-rounder in case of touristy.

Below mentioned are the most spectacular and most beloved waterfalls in Goa that will eventually make you gawk and swoon with astonishment.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Dudhsagar, located on the border of Karnataka-Goa is surely the finest and the most alluring waterfall in Goa. Dudhsagar interprets to ‘sea of milk’ and from a height of around 130m the water that plunges mirrors just that. It exclusively derives from the River Mandovi. It appears as if a huge bucket of milk has been splashed from above. It is exclusively the fifth biggest waterfall in the country, and the surrounding greenery makes it all the more appealing and attractive.

Hivre Falls

Stationed on a hilly area in the village of Hivre, which is approximately 14 km away from the city of Valpoi, Hivre falls provides a magical view, unseen amidst incredible adorableness. It eventually takes a high trek to experience the waterfalls and is a famous trekking spot as well. The ideal time to trip Hivre falls is during the months of monsoon, i.e., around June to September.

Harvalem Waterfalls

The Havalem Waterfalls is located at a stretch of around 2 km from the town of Sanquelim in North Goa. It is an imposing fall as it splashes from the elevated mountains and exclusively falls from an altitude of 50 m. Harvalem waterfalls is also a famous destination for a picnic as it is enveloped by an incredible landscape. The famous and revered Rudreshwar temple is also close to making the destination all the more attractive.

Sada Falls

Reaching up to the Sada falls is an interesting practice in itself. You will ultimately have to go across a stream to visit the foundation. Station in the ghats of Chorla, Sada falls lie at a stretch of approximately 8 km from a small town in the region. When you walk across the streams breathing in the refreshing and fresh air, you will listen the spouting sound of the water and as your end your walk, you will acknowledge the water falling from a height amid two mountains, an exceptional view.

Kuskem Waterfalls

Stationed in Canacona district in South Goa, Kuskem waterfalls is located near the village of Kuskem, exclusively after which it is named. The water falls from a peak through rocky hills, and as it closes the basement, it becomes transparent and clear water. The ideal time to reach there is either during monsoons, or just after that, as while summers, not much of the Kuskem waterfalls is visible as it dries away.

TambdiSurla Falls

Any trip to TambdiSurla falls is ultimately quite fun and courageous as it is through the wildlife Sanctuary of Bhagwan Mahavir. The waterfalls exclusively from a peak of the hills and eventually makes its way. It is an amazing experience to consider the spouting waters flowing in peace between lush bushes and green trees. Another amazing spot of the place is an antique Shiva temple regarded as having been constructed in the 15th century.

Netravali Falls

You will have to exclusively trek through waters to visit Netravali falls. It is exclusively within the Madei wildlife sanctuary, and it is stretch approximately 215 sq km at Sanguem Taluka. The entire region was enveloped under the sanctuary to secure it and to hoard the Western Ghats. There is a hill point from where everyone can relish a proper view of the beautiful falls as well as the ambience.

So what are you waiting for, pack your backpacks!




6 Tips for Moving to a New City

August 29, 2017 by

  Moving to a new city? Whether you are someone who thrives on change or dreads it, there are bound to be some challenges. That’s why it’s best to be prepared, both physically and mentally. First and foremost, make absolutely sure this is what you want to do. Once you’ve set your mind to the task and have (hopefully!) lined up a new job or transfer, it’s time to get prepared. Read on for six tips on moving to a new city.

  1. Try Not to Buy or Rent Sight Unseen

Sometimes this can’t be avoided. In those cases, do your very best to research online and use the guidance of real estate agents or friends who live in the area. If at all possible, carve out a week or at least a weekend and spend some time in your destination city. While there, take time to check out rentals or home listings with a real estate agent. Knowing what you’re buying or renting will undoubtedly lessen the anxiety often associated with a move to a new city.

  1. Prepare, Prepare, and Prepare Some More for the Actual Move

Nothing can spoil the way you feel about your new city like a botched move. Do your due diligence on moving companies, stick to a budget, purchase plenty of moving supplies, and get packing. Whether you enlist the help of friends on your moving day or hire a professional company, make sure you’ve got as much boxed up as possible. You can find reliable Mayflower movers in Jacksonville, FL and most cities around the US who can help you finish the job, but you’ll save a lot by having everything ready to be picked up and loaded onto the truck.

  1. Become a Tourist

Once you’re there, explore! If you’re already excited about the move, this will be a no-brainer. But even if you made the move due to your or your spouse’s job relocation, force yourself to do all the touristy things available.Take the time try out museums, restaurants, and theaters recommended by friends, co-workers, or online city guides. If you were reluctant to make the move, taking the time to do this could change your entire outlook, and you might even meet some new friends along the way!

  1. Nail Down the Necessities

Before you begin making friends, figure out what you need to know about your new city. Where will you grocery shop? Do you live in a metropolitan area where you will be walking to the grocery store? If so, how will that work? If you have no car, study the public transportation system and, most importantly, figure out your way to and from work. Figure out the location for things like your local bank, dry cleaners, and even the closest movie theater.

  1. Sign Up For All The Things

If you’re looking to meet people, you have to be an active participant. Join a sport or social league. Sign up for MeetUp.com in an area that interests you. Talk to people at the grocery store. As everyone knows from the online dating scene, we are often too busy these days to let everything happen organically. We have to take charge of our lives, and that includes making friends. Ideally you’ll meet someone who has been in your new city for a while, so he or she can help you learn the ins and outs and the hidden gems in your new hometown.

  1. Saying Goodbye to Your Old Home

Leaving your current home can be tough on your emotions, but there are a few ways you can make the transition a bit easier. Make a bucket list of all the things you want to do before leaving your current city; hit up your favorite restaurants, spend a day in your favorite park, and schedule goodbye dinners with friends and family. Bring some mementos of your old home; grab a city-specific coffee cup from your local Starbucks, buy a crew neck t-shirt from The Home T (just because you’re moving doesn’t mean you can’t rep your pride for your home state), or purchase a pint glass from your favorite local brewery.

Moving can be stressful, but with some preparation and a positive attitude, it can also be one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. Set your mind to making it the best move possible and everything will follow suit.




Guide to the Ultimate Family Road Trip

June 30, 2017 by

There is nothing quite like the open road. You can see the country in a whole new way, experience excitement, and stumble upon some of the most unexpected fun you could imagine. The trouble is, there are so many choices, it can be hard to choose the right trip for you and your family. And then there’s the planning.

Let’s take a look at how to plan the trip and where to go.

Planning

The planning stage is critical. Before we get into destinations, consider what you should do to plan the trip right.

Map it Out: Sure, you have a GPS mapping app like Route4Me on your smartphone to guide you along the way, and it may be updated with real-time traffic and construction delays. But what will you do if you run into too much traffic? Map out your route and bring maps along in case you need to find a detour around problems.

Hang Loose: When you are planning, don’t get set into stone. The best part of taking a road trip is enjoying the open road and whatever adventures you stumble across. Give your route flexibility to enjoy the ride as much as the destination.

Budget, Budget, Budget!: Did we mention budget? While taking to the road can be cheaper, remember the hidden expense. There are gas and food and lodging. Set a realistic budget.

Choose Your Ride: While it may be tempting to drive your car, it isn’t your only option. Have you considered buying an RV? It’s a hotel on wheels, and you can stock your own fridge, make your own meals, and enjoy entertainment. It doesn’t have to cost a lot either. You can get an RV loan with great rates.

Destinations

It’s about where you’re going just as much as how you get there. Find out what five destinations you should take your kids, or consider one of these options.

Route 66, Illinois to California: By far the most famous and iconic driver in America. Because of interstate construction, the route isn’t quite the same as it used to be, but you can still find some of the classic stops along the way.

Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana: Did you know that most of the rivers running through the center of the US lead back to the Mississippi River? But it isn’t just the waters that are amazing. From eagles to the bayou, there is so much to see and love about this natural raging wonder. There are also a number of great cities to stop in along the route. It’s recommended to start in the north and work your way south for the best effect.

Pacific Coast Highway, San Luis Obispo to Monterey, Calif.: Route 1 runs all along the California coast, but experts on the route claim the center of the state is where the best scenery is. You can visit art stands and wineries, and so much more. If the driver wants a good view of the route, it’s best to drive south to north. Along the way, make sure you visit Hearst Castle.

Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina: Running along the length of the Appalachian Mountains, this scenic drive offers beautiful natural foliage and unique southern style. The speed limits are slower and strictly enforced, but you won’t want to drive any faster for fear of missing something.

If you’re looking for more ideas, take a long at this extensive bucket list of road trips in the US. And as always, enjoy the drive.




Cat in the Hat for President on Board the Carnival Pride

September 11, 2016 by

About a month after returning from a cruise on the Carnival Sunshine (more on that later) our family was invited to visit the Carnival Pride in Baltimore, MD for a day of fun, food, friends and fanfare.Cat in the Hat for President

We were invited to help Cat in the Hat win the Presidential Race along with Thing 1 and Thing 2 as his running mates.  In case you  haven’t noticed it’s an election year. You and your family may have noticed some commercials on television.

Along with his recent presidential announcement, The Cat in the Hat released a new book, One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote. Perfect timing don’t you think? This book is meant to teach children why we vote, how we vote and who can vote.  Of course this is done with the whimsy and fun that other Dr. Seuss books brings to childhood literature. Carnival Cruise Lines wants kids to know they have a voice and it should be heard loud and clear.  Maybe this is why Carnival is called the Fun Ship. The kids get exactly what they want and end up having an amazing vacation.

Kid Friendly Cruising with Carnival is easy with all the amenities on board to keep kids occupied for days.

  • Camp Carnival, Circle C & Club O2
  • Seuss at Sea
  • Sweet Spot
  • Waterworks
  • Hasbro the Game Show
  • SportsSquare
  • Dive in Movies
  • Mini Golf
  • and so much more on and off the boat

After a loud parade led by Schwartz, an amazing brunch of Green Eggs and Ham, Froot Loop French Toast, some photo ops and chatting with old and new friends we were given the freedom to roam the boat and see how it measures up to the other ships we’ve already seen.

The Carnival Pride has recently gone through a renovation to include fan favorite dining/drinking options such as Guy Burger Joint, Red Frog Pub, Alchemy Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and more.  

What I found was a very romantic feel as soon we got above the belly of the boat. I’m not sure what was new but I fell in love with the lighting, the bold furnishings and all the hallways.  Those gave a secret, tucked away feeling.

Overall we’ve decided that the Carnival Pride is the next ship we’re boarding for a cruise. We already love cruising and with the amenities added in recent years we know we’ll  have a wonderful time.

Follow us on Instagram to see more of this day and our recent cruise through the Caribbean, Melinda on Instagram and Rob on Instagram.




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