family travel tips - Pitstops for Kids

Cruise planning: Cruise line comparison chart and more

August 3, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

A cruise is a great way to enjoy multiple destinations while only unpacking once. Cruisers combine the convenience of an all-inclusive resort with the adventure of ports of call and international experiences. However, planning a cruise involves a special set of considerations that planning your average trip does not. How will you get to your departure port? Should you book excursions ahead of time? What does your ship include in the fare? Here’s what you need to know to plan the perfect cruise, using our cruise line comparison chart and more!

Cruise line comparison: what Type of Cruiser do You Want to be?

Source: Fix.com Blog

The first decision to make in the cruise planning process is to pick the type of cruise that’s best for you. If budget is a primary factor, a large, budget cruise ship will work nicely. Most sail for 5–7 days to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Central America, and Alaska. Large cruise ships mean bigger crowds but they offer more onboard amenities, like multiple restaurants, pools, rock-climbing walls, and bigger gyms and spas. They’re almost always family friendly and have many dining options. If budget is not a concern but onboard amenities are still important, opt for a mid-sized luxury ship, which will be more personalized with great service and (usually) true all-inclusiveness, with drinks and exercise classes included in your fare.

If unique ports of call and an active itinerary are more important to you than onboard amenities, consider a small cruise ship. These ships, which hold fewer than 200 passengers in most cases, are highly personalized, and they can stop at smaller ports off the beaten path. Many small cruise ships include daily opportunities to snorkel, kayak, hike, and photograph wildlife, but they will cost more than traditional cruises.

Once you’ve decided on the type of cruising that works for you, it’s time to pick a cruise line. Compare lines by looking at their destination ports (where do you want to leave from?), the itineraries they offer (this is where you’ll choose between tropical cruises, Alaskan cruises, and European cruises, for instance), and their levels of inclusiveness.

Note that while virtually all cruise lines include room and board in their fares, some are truly all-inclusive, including alcohol, all excursions, and activities. Most charge extra for drinks, some onboard activities, and all excursions. Almost all lines prohibit bringing your own liquor or beer onboard, though most allow up to two bottles of wine. Ships store wine and liquor purchased at ports until disembarkation. Cruise lines that do not include alcohol in their cruise fares offer alcohol packages; do the math to determine whether such a package makes sense for you.

Planning Your Cruise Transportation and Getting Settled

Once you’ve settled on a cruise, it’s time to figure out how you’ll get to your embarkation port. One thing all cruises have in common is that they will leave without you. Therefore, plan to arrive the day before your departure if you’re flying to your port and plan to arrive several hours before boarding time if driving. You can even plan to drive the day before and stay the night at a port-side hotel (many will allow you to park your car there instead of at the port for less money).

If you’re flying to your port, look for a pre-cruise hotel that offers a shuttle service to your cruise or that is within an easy Uber fare. Check in online before you arrive to the port for ease of boarding; almost all cruise lines offer this service. Be sure to bring the paperwork that your cruise line requires, including your passport. Most cruise lines allow you to start the embarkation process by 11:30 am on the day of departure, which gives passengers time to eat a leisurely lunch while waiting for their staterooms to be ready.

Tip: Pack a day bag with swimsuits and essentials so you don’t have to wait for your bag to be delivered before enjoying the pool. Consider booking a massage or other spa service for your embarkation day to get you into “cruise mode.” These services are usually discounted on the first day.

Making the Most of Cruise Excursions

While onboard amenities are fun, you probably aren’t going on a cruise just to stay on the ship at every port. To avoid long lines at guest services during your cruise, book your excursions online before departure if you’re booking them through the cruise line. If you’re booking excursions independently, plan to book them for mid-morning on your days in port since many large cruise ships give priority disembarkation to passengers booked on cruise-specific excursions. Booking independently has its perks, however – you’ll usually save some money, you’ll help the local economy by paying tour operators directly, and you’ll avoid crowds of cruise passengers. To find safe, reputable excursions on your own, contact the local tourism board before your trip and make arrangements with verified businesses ahead of time. However, it’s important to remember the first rule of cruising: your cruise WILL leave without you if you’re not back on time. If your ship has limited time at a port (under 6–8 hours), it’s usually safest to book official cruise line excursions that guarantee your prompt return to the ship.

Planning to Disembark

At the end of your cruise, you’ll likely have an early-morning disembarkation. The process is known to go slowly since all passengers need to go through customs, but you can make it go faster by hanging onto your carry-on luggage (instead of putting it out the night before). Have your paperwork ready, and schedule a late-afternoon or evening flight home to be on the safe side.

Source: Fix.com Blog

5 reasons to travel by car during a pandemic

April 7, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

When we found ourselves closed at home last year, we didn’t believe it would last for too long. However, people still stay at home globally and don’t know when the world will get back to normal. The challenging epidemiological situation led to the fact that about 54% of Americans decided to travel by car, hitting the road. Last year they arranged two journeys on average and planned to travel even more after reading the xtm rooftop tent review and finding vast opportunities such equipment can provide them with. If you have some doubts, it is time to study five key reasons why you should give a road trip a try.

1. Increased safety

Two years ago, people chose to travel by car because it was a great way to take as much luggage as possible. Airlines have their restrictions, and many travelers cannot meet them. However, today safety has become the number one priority. It is much easier and safer to travel by car and avoid crowds of strangers. If you take snacks with you, it is possible to stop in a wonderful, secluded place in the fresh air. Traveling by car with family members can become a pleasant and, more importantly, safe pastime when you change scenery and fill your life with positive vibes.

2. Freedom of movement

Traveling by car suggests complete freedom of action and movement. The chances are high that you have a list of must-visit places within the country or even a region. You can hit the road, choosing the most fascinating and beautiful route with picturesque landscapes and attractions. The very cool thing is that your adventure starts even before you reach the final destination. It is an unforgettable visual experience since you can always stay longer in one place or pop in a new spot.

3. Economy

Even though you will have to spend money on fuel, it will be much cheaper than buying airline tickets, for example. It is especially true if you come up with a route beforehand and arrange a family trip. Only you decide how much you spend on food, what attractions to visit, and whether you need additional staff or are okay with everything you have. When you get a car tent, you can save a pretty penny since you can sleep right there.

4. Fun pastime

There are various reasons people take such an adventure despite the epidemic and general uneasy situation. One of them is, of course, the inability to go abroad and a decrease in the number of alternative traveling options. At the same time, Americans admit that they’ve started traveling way more since the beginning of the pandemic. Most of them avoided road trips and couldn’t even imagine how fun and interesting such an experience can be. However, when you travel by car, you can listen to music, play games and fool around together.

5. Psychological comfort

The pandemic is about tension, fears, and huge inner discomfort. You can choose any destination and make a route that will meet your expectations and needs. For example, when you travel by car, the most crowded place can be a gas station, but you don’t need to stay in lines and be surrounded by others for a long time. Thus, when you hit the road with your dear people, you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere around you. The risk of communicating with unpleasant or sick strangers is minimal. In other words, traveling by car contributes to the release of “good” hormones that help you feel happy and satisfied.

Additional resources:

FVF Law promotes proper road safety for families
Common mistakes that could ruin your road trip
Driving safely in the time of coronavirus and why it matters

Long-distance road trip guide: packing, planning and more

January 27, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

We love road trips here at Pit Stops for Kids! But we know they’re daunting. After years of road tripping with kids, we’ve finally put together a comprehensive long-distance road trip guide:

How to Prepare For Your Road Trip

Even if you want to be spontaneous and let the road be your guide, it’s important to decide before departure what type of trip you want to experience. Will you be camping each night, sleeping under the stars? If so, purchase forest service maps for the areas you’ll drive through so you know where you’re legally allowed to catch some Z’s. Do you want luxury digs near popular destinations in peak season? Best to plan a route and book hotels in advance. Want to find the kookiest roadside attractions? Scout the roads less traveled, and take your time.

Whichever type of road trip you envision, make sure to bring the essentials with you, such as bottled water, an emergency blanket, a spare tire, and a cell phone charger. While travelers can buy supplies en route, it’s best to be prepared and self-reliant. Consider investing in a roadside assistance plan before departure, keeping emergency numbers in your phone for easy access, and letting a friend or family member know your itinerary. Don’t rely solely on GPS mapping and cell service; keep paper maps in the car for reference.

Source: Fix.com Blog

Packing Your Car For Maximum Efficiency:

On a long road trip, packing and repacking your car can become quite tedious. Save yourself time (and some back-breaking work) by packing efficiently. Place sleeping gear in a lockable, weatherproof cargo box or bag on top of your car; sleeping bags take up much-needed space. Put overnight bags into the car first because you’ll be retrieving them only once a day. Place seasonal items you may need at pit stops close to the rear door. This way, you can quickly grab swimsuits, winter boots, recreational gear, and the like before getting outside to play. Use a canvas tote bag or small cargo box in the interior of your car to store things you’ll need on the go, like music, books, snacks, camera, and water.

Consider a rooftop cargo box:

We’ve tried multiple cargo boxes (both hardshell and softshell) on a variety of family cars, and can attest to the fact that while soft-sided storage bags are cheaper, they’re also less user-friendly and less secure. We most recently tried out Thule’s new Force XT, which comes in four sizes: sport, L, XL, and XXL (in a price range of $499 to $629). We put the L on our Toyota Rav 4, and after adjusting the range of our back hatch opening, it worked perfectly. It is wider than the previous Thule we used (find the exact specifications on the Thule site) and taller, so we can fit a combination of skis and snowboards in easily. In fact, on a recent ski trip, we fit five pairs of skis, a snowboard, and two boot bags! The Thule Force uses Thule’s PowerClick quick-mount system, which is easy to figure out, and the LockKnob can be manipulated even with ski gloves on. You get dual-side opening, so you can access your gear easily, and the key system is less clunky than on other cargo box brands we’ve tried. With a family of five, we rely on a cargo box to fit all our gear!

Make Sure Your Car is Trip-Ready:

Responsible owners always have a spare tire and keep their cars maintained, but a long trip requires extra precaution. Before you start, check your windshield wiper fluid, tire pressure, and headlight brightness. Get your oil checked if you think you’ll hit the mileage for your next change while on the road, and purchase an extra set of wipers so you don’t need to hunt for a pair in an emergency.

On that note, you may also want to keep replacement car seat covers, cat mats, and other accessories. This way, if things get messy, you don’t have to wait until you can find a place to clean your car before you can change to clean covers and mats.

Ensure that you have a flashlight, tire jack, and snow chains (if applicable) be-fore you depart. It doesn’t hurt to keep an extra pair of gloves and a blanket in the car at all times, as well. On a long-distance trip, you may experience all types of weather.

On The Road:

In addition to fun roadside attractions and iconic pit stops, you’ll need to stop when nature calls. Look for stops that perform double duty: travel-service plazas, where all amenities are in one place, or rest stops with welcome centers attached.

Ask locals for dining and attraction recommendations; no one knows the area better than those who live there! Seek out green spaces to ensure you get some exercise: hiking trails, state parks, playgrounds, and schools during the summer months all fit the bill. Consider picking up food at a grocery store or farmers market and eating picnic-style for a healthier, tastier alternative to fast food.

Finding The Best Pit Stops:

For those bucket-list-worthy stops, in addition to using Pit Stops for Kids, consult travel websites before your trip for ideas. State tourism boards are also a great resource. Make a list of national parks and historic sites along your route, and, if you plan to visit more than a handful of them, consider purchasing a national park annual pass to save time and money. Keep in mind that many urban sites, such as the Statue of Liberty or Independence Hall, are national park attractions.

Check apps like Yelp and Trekaroo (for families with young kids) for the best dining options using GPS. Ask locals for ideas, or crowd-source for tips on social media. Park in open, well-lit areas en route and at night, preferably where you can see your car from your restaurant table or hotel room.

Source: Fix.com Blog

10 easy ways to decorate your hotel room for the holidays

December 4, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

The Pit Stops for Kids crew will be spending the holidays in a Tahoe vacation home this year, so I’m making plans now to make our stay as festive as we’d enjoy at home. If you, too, will be spending your winter holidays away from home, we have 10 easy ways to decorate your hotel room for the holidays…or any condo or vacation home!

Decorate condo or hotel room windows or porch with a string of battery-operated Christmas lights. Find these at your local dollar store! Tip: you can wrap them around the handle of strollers or even around ski helmets to be festive on-the-go!
Buy a local wreath or garland. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, explore your immediate area by looking up a farmer’s market or holiday bazaar, where you can buy a locally-sourced wreath for your condo or vacation home door.
Check condo and vacation home storage closets for decorations. Most will have a stash of holiday decorations stored in a utility closet or pantry. Ask the home owner or lodging association if it’s ok to put these up (and take them down). I’ve never been told no!
Bring a holiday-themed tablecloth and candles for the table. It’s a small touch, but it goes a long way!
Buy a permit and cut down your own tree upon arrival. Going somewhere rural? Look up where to buy a Christmas tree permit before you leave home, and stop by for it en route to your condo or vacation home. Your first vacation activity can be a hike through the snowy woods for your own tree!
Decorate your cruise ship cabin door. Buy or make your own holiday magnets for cruise ship cabin doors, which are magnetic. The practice can get quite competitive, so bring your A game!
Play holiday tunes. Don’t underestimate the power of music to set a holiday mood. Bring a portable speaker and sync it with your smart phone or an iPod set on a holiday radio station.
Have a small tree delivered. Don’t have time or space for a regular-sized tree? Buy a small, live potted tree to use as a table-top centerpiece. Purchase at a local nursery, and decorate with a select few of your favorite ornaments from home, or order one.
Bring holiday bedding. Kids love curling up in their very own holiday-themed sheets and blankets, and these decorate the room, too. Bring your own bedding from home, or make a gift of new holiday bedding, which is easy to bring to a condo or vacation home.
Decorate yourselves! Buy the family holiday-themed pajamas to wear, or a matching set of Santa hats. When you’re all dressed up for the holidays, the feeling of celebration will live in your vacation home, hotel room, or condo with or without the decorations.

Remember: in addition to decorating your temporary living space, you’ll want to safeguard your actual home while you’re away. During our absences, we ask a friend to check on our house regularly, leave porch and holidays lights lit, lower heat and unplug appliances, and let ask multiple neighbors to watch our home.

Travel planning: When and why to partner with a family vacation planner

November 4, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Here at Pit Stops for Kids, we’re of a DIY mentality. If you’re a regular reader here, you probably are, too. We encourage you to travel by offering as much useful, free information as we can, so you can make informed decisions before booking your family vacations.

But…and this is a big but! We have used a family vacation planner for some very specific trips, and think you should, too. Bringing in a very specific expert can, sometimes, mean the difference between a good and a great family trip. Wondering when and why to partner with a family vacation planner? Read on!

When and why a family vacation planner may be a smart idea:

When you’re planning that bucket list-worthy vacation and you want it to be epic. You know the type of trip I’m talking about: that dream African safari or that once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Patagonia. Maybe you want to check out the Galapagos Islands or perhaps you want to spend a full month in Europe. You’ve heard me suggest travel insurance for this type of expensive, dream trip. I also suggest a family vacation planner for essentially the same reason: it’s just too important a trip to mess around!
When you need a destination vetted: A good family vacation planning service has been on the ground at destinations that can be tricky to figure out on your own. An example that comes to mind: Iceland is a country that’s easy to travel in but hard to picture before you get there. While it’s easy enough to explore Iceland by camper van, it’s more complicated to find the right-for-you hotel rooms should you want to travel in more comfort. I recently referred a traveler to a trusted family vacation planner to book Iceland hotel rooms, since I know this planner has stayed in nearly all of the best ones!
When you simply don’t have time to plan: We’re all busy people. Maybe you simply don’t have time to plan that family vacation that deserves careful preparation. Maybe you simply don’t enjoy the planning phase of a trip. It’s a common misconception that only novice travelers use family travel planners. I know (and have referred) very savvy travelers to planning services. It’s okay to come to the planner with lots of ideas and recommendations…they can work with you whether you need a lot of help, just a little help, or something in-between. Planners are well-used to helping people who are used to doing it all themselves.
If you’re looking for value (but not a quick deal): Value seekers will do well with family vacation planners. Deal seekers, not so much. If you’re truly looking for the cheapest Caribbean spring break package or the lowest cost flight to London, DIY is best. But if you are willing to pay for value, which, to me, means trusted advice and the peace of mind of knowing that what you’ve paid for will provide your family with the best experience, a planner is the right move.

How to work with a family vacation planner:

Email us! If you have a family vacation question, we encourage you to reach out via email or Facebook page. Often, all you need is a little encouragement–you got this!–or a quick bit of advice. But we can also let you know when we think a family vacation planner will best serve your needs, and, with your permission, can refer you to our favorites. A family vacation planner starts by getting to know you and your travel needs in an informational phone call, and services can be set up from there. Give it a try!

Have you worked with a family vacation planner? What was your experience?

Four different kinds of travel accommodation for a budget vacation

February 4, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Choosing a place to travel to and listing out all the key destinations you need to visit are very easy tasks. You can just pick out which country you have been meaning to visit, say New Zealand, for instance. Do a quick Google search of the must-visit places and what to do there like sight seeing by Lake Wakatipu, get a car hire in Christchurch, or do an alpine hike.

But getting the best kind of accommodation might take you a while to do. Some may consider it an easy task; but with the number of accommodation types available for you these days, it can a bit of a doozy. Here we list down the different kinds of travel accommodations that you can choose from if you are on a budget.

Hotels

If you want to have all the amenities and facilities during your trip. Then a vacation may be the best choice for you. They have services that can make you super comfortable and relaxed after your trip outside. Contrary to popular belief, hotels can be cheap. You just have to consider their location and hotel classification. Also make sure to check if they have discount promos available so that you can reserve rooms for multiple nights without breaking bank.

Short Term Rentals

This is becoming a very popular choice recently. Short term rentals is what others fondly call an airBnB. This is literally your home away from home. Locals would rent out their homes or apartments for travellers. Again, the price range would depend on the location, but it is relatively cheaper than a hotel for sure. The best part is you can bring in food to cook and prepare for yourself while enjoying an unobstructed view and experience of local life.

Hostels

These are dormitory style accommodations where you share the rooms with other people. It is a very popular choice for backpackers on spring break vacation that are only going to stay for the night, or other budget travellers who do not mind the company. Do not be dismayed by its dorm style arrangement, there are hostels that provide a unique setting that can compete with low star hotels.

Couchsurfing

Another home away from home setting is couch surfing. This is where people open up their own homes and allow you to live with them. This could be fun for travellers who want to learn more about the country they are in. While this is not something most families would choose, couch surfing with your kids is not impossible. You simply have to look for the right host. There are websites that can help you find a good home to stay in like Stay4Free, Hospitality Club, and Global Freeloaders. To avoid dangerous situations, make sure that the person’s profile is complete, that they have a picture of themselves uploaded, and that there are reviews from trusted travellers on their page. You can always opt out once you see their place and feel that you want a different accommodation.

The best part about knowing all of these is now you can choose an accommodation that will fit your travel budget and itinerary. So look at your plans again and see which one will be perfect for you. Happy trip!

How to stay healthy while traveling with the family

September 6, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, especially when you get to share it with family. Flying or driving to a new city, having new experiences, and getting to detach from your regular routine are things most people can look forward to when travel is in their future. If you have stress in your typical day to day life, sometimes travel is the only way to really get away to de-stress.

On the flip side, traveling isn’t always so nice for our routines when it comes to staying healthy. When you leave your house, you might leave your regimented life behind and regret it when you return home. Traveling with family brings its own types of stress that are different from your “normal stress,” and it can be handled. Incorporating these healthy traveling tips are similar to managing your health with a super busy schedule.

Keep Some Routine

It’s easy to let routine items slip to the wayside while you’re traveling, but it’s a good idea to keep some of your routines in place, so you don’t experience “travel shock” when you return home.

For example, if you drink coffee every morning to get you going, that shouldn’t become foreign just because you’re traveling. Most lodging has a coffee maker in the room, or you can find a coffee place nearby to grab a cup of joe. Along with giving you your morning jolt, the caffeine in coffee can help your bowel movements stay regular. If you take pre-workout supplements, stay on your routine.

Visit a Local Grocery Store

While you’re traveling, there is no excuse not to find fresh snacks, especially if that’s what your body is used to on a regular basis. It’s just as simple to find fresh fruits and veggies even at gas stations these days as it is to grab a sodium-packed bag of chips off the shelf.

If you’re staying somewhere for a few days, there is likely a grocery store that sells fresh produce and other snacks that will keep you in good health. If your accommodations have a refrigerator that is accessible to you, grab some produce from the local supermarket for snacking in the room or on-the-go. You can stock up for your entire stay with one trip to the store.

If you’re worried about spending extra money on airport food on a layover or as you road trip, pack some pre-made snacks in your suitcase or cooler. This is great for babies and picky eaters. If you’re flying, check the Transportation Security Administration’s website for what foods are allowed through security. If you’re driving, pretty much anything is allowed, but be cautious of states that don’t allow items like fresh fruits across their borders.

Supplements and Water

Supplements are gaining popularity as easy ways to get your daily dose of certain nutrients you might not get in your regular diet. If you’re one of these people, you should absolutely take enough on your travels to keep your health in check. You can’t always count on restaurants to use fresh ingredients that with no preservatives, so your family’s salt intake may spike while you’re traveling. You may consider adding a probiotic to the mix while you’re traveling to maintain your gut health. For your budget-friendly, yet equally nutrient-rich superfood, learn more here in Amazing Grass Green Superfood review.

Also, ensure your family is staying adequately hydrated. Traveling for long periods of time can disturb the level of hydration you usually experience. Whether you’re flying for 2 hours, 12 hours, or trapped in a car for the day, your body will suffer some dehydration. This doesn’t mean you need to consume crazy amounts of water to cause numerous bathroom breaks.

Keep Moving

Unless your travel adventure includes hiking or other activities that keep your family active, consider incorporating a short movement session that includes the whole family. Whether it’s time in the pool swimming laps, maybe disguised as races for kids, or pulling up a yoga video on your iPad, get some movement in each day for at least 30 minutes.

If you’re a member of a national gym, ask if your membership includes admittance to gyms in the area you’ll be visiting or if you can get a guest pass. You can also check out any public fitness groups to get your heart rate up for a bit. Of course, you can always utilize the hotel gym if one is offered. Even if you’re walking a lot each day, you’ll be able to get some weight training in if that’s what you’re used to.

Good Night’s Sleep

Even though traveling is usually a limited time, your sleep is crucial and should not be sacrificed. It’s tempting to pack your day full of activities and sites but consider how it will affect your family’s sleep schedule. Getting quality sleep will keep your mood and mental health in check to ensure each portion of your travels is enjoyed to the fullest.

If you have younger children, you endanger their regular sleep routine by putting them to bed later or waking them up earlier than usual. You might even look at how you can incorporate their usual nap time to give them the rest they’re used to and give you a break.

Apps to make your traveling easy and enjoyable

May 24, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

When planning to tour the world, the last thing that you wish to happen would be to get stranded because you do not know where to find a hotel room or did not get a notification about the flight’s rescheduling. Use these apps to travel around the world with ease.

How To Travel The World With Ease: best travel apps to use

Do you take traveling to be a hobby? Then you might have come across two or three events that made you think again about the choice of your hobby. Perhaps, it was that long and boring trip, or maybe the challenge in finding an appropriate room for you to stay that matched your tastes and preferences? Generally, going on a trip can be involving and stressful at times, but it does not have to be so every time if you package it well. This article reveals appropriate ways to make your trip around the world enjoyable and fun by embracing technology.

Best travel apps to use when going on a trip

Most fans of traveling have a common principle – anytime is travel time. Undoubtedly, traveling around the world is exciting and comes with numerous lessons. On the other hand, you need to be prepared for a couple of inherent issues while on a trip. The appropriate use of technology is what can help you remedy some of these problems with different applications on the laptop of your smartphone. All you need to do is identify the best app that will give you a better experience on your trip. This guide provides an overview of several apps that you can install on your mobile devices to ease the hassle of traveling in any part of the world. The list coves apps that focus on different aspects of travel such as how to get to your destination, the activities you can engage in, communicating, as well as apps that make your payment for services and products easy and safe.

Airbnb –Book accommodations with ease

In the past, when going on a trip, you did not have any option other than staying in a hotel. Presently, Airbnb makes it possible for anyone to identify a place where they will be staying. It is possible to stay at the center of any city if you like, or in a little cottage on the outskirts of any town. With Airbnb, you book your accommodations with ease and get access to a few guides on where to go for sightseeing.

Netflix –get entertained with your favorite movies

Netflix remains the best travel app that every traveler should consider having. Although it requires you to subscribe to a given package, it comes with much flexibility and freedom. For example, it is now possible to download anything from the app to view it on your devices, and offline viewing is thus possible. If you are engaging in a lengthy trip, you will need Netflix to get the hours passing.

The app in the Air

This application is useful as a guide on flight updates, navigation tips and maps for airports, changes in the gate. All the alerts are available in real-time, implying that you will not have to rush to an airport terminal anymore since you get all information on your mobile device for ease of planning.

Booking.com –hassle-free hotel booking

Booking.com is available in different parts of the world and makes it easy to book hotels. Its database has more than a million hotels that you can review for the best deals in different locations. In addition, its community of over 100 million users can be of significant help when you have not yet decided which hotel is best for you. Booking.com is fast and efficient and provides you with a confirmation instantly after you have booked your hotel. The confirmation gives you access to a paperless check-in as well as offline maps to give you a glimpse of the area.

XE Currency – helps you know the rate of currency conversion

If you are traveling across borders, it is no doubt that you will need to have XE Currency installed on your mobile devices. It is an application that helps you to establish the rate at which you exchange certain currencies. Its conversation rates are precise and accurate, irrespective of what currency you intend to convert.

Citymapper –for ease of navigation

Getting lost in a foreign city is easy. However, Citymapper helps you to move around with ease as though you were a local. This app is available in many cities of the world, hence offering you much convenience when finding your way around any city abroad. Whether you are using the rail or road, Citymapper gives you live updates about any closures to expect as well as delays. In addition, it is quite simple to use and gives the option of saving maps offline for later references.

iTranslate –communicate in any language

Most often, you travel to countries in which locals speak a language different from yours. iTranslate is a simple app that you can install on your mobile device; you can speak into your device and it gives a translation of what you have said in the language of your listener. Then the listener can talk, and the speech is translated into your language. With over 90 languages to translate, you can be assured to move to any place without fear of a language barrier.

Traveling the world is fun but not when you do not know where to stay, how to move around, how to exchange currency, or even how to communicate with people speaking a language you do not understand. However, technology has made traveling hassle-free with the availability of travel apps discussed above, and many others you may explore in your App Store or Google Play. As you make your trips with ease, do not forget to order your dissertation help at https://thesispanda.com/buy-dissertation. It will make your traveling even more peaceful, knowing that someone reliable is handling your assignment.

How to get through a guided tour with kids

May 15, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Are you struggling with ideas for your family vacation this summer? Why not do something different this year and visit one of Americas most famous cultural landmarks, such as going on a tour in New Orleans or San Francisco? We are big fans of guided tours; we would have been lost in destinations such as Pompeii and Paris (and even Gettysburg and San Francisco) without someone explaining what we were looking at.

With a tour, you pick the itinerary, and the tour guides do the rest. Activities and accommodations are all arranged for you, all you need to do is arrive and have fun. A guided tour is a fantastic experience for you and the kids, but traveling with children can require some planning on your part.

Find a Reputable Tour Company That Deals with Children

The first step in planning your family tour is selecting the best tour operator in the city you want to visit. Search online for operators that specialize in handling kids. Your choice of service provider should have stellar reviews on both social media and Google.

Most tour companies have family packages offered at discounted rates, with all-in-one holidays that include accommodation, transport, and meals for you and the kids.

Research your Itinerary Beforehand

After narrowing down your options for the best tour operator, download their itinerary and review it with your partner before committing and money to it. Look at the list of destinations on the itinerary, will they be of interest to your children?

Don’t forget to include your kids in your decision, and if you want to show your children areas of the country that have cultural and historical significance, make sure you blend in some fun at a local theme park, zoo, or aquarium to balance the learning with the fun.

Prep Your Kids for the Group Tour

Group tours cover a lot of ground over a week, so make sure that your kids are up for it. Sit your kids down and review the itinerary with them, show them exactly what you’ll be doing and where you’ll be visiting. Tell them that they’ll be doing a lot of walking, and then take them out to the mall for a pair of new sneakers, and some ice-cream.

Get your kids excited about the activities and search online for pictures of the places you’ll be visiting to get them excited about the trip. If this is your first trip out of town with your kids, make sure that they understand they’ll be living out of hotels. Throwing your children into a hotel environment can be bewildering for them.

It’s vital that you create a separation strategy in case your kids get lost. Make an info card that they can keep in their pockets and tell them where to go to get help if they can’t find you. Being lost in a new city is a terrifying experience for any child, so make sure you have a plan for this possibility, even if it doesn’t occur.

Keep Them Interested

Bored children become unmanageable very quickly. If you don’t keep the attention of your kids, they’ll become unruly and rowdy, or just downright crazy. Make sure you engage with your kids every step of the way and don’t leave them unattended, ever.

While most tours offer meals included, they won’t remember the snacks, so make sure that you have some healthy options on hand in case they get hungry in-between meals. Granola bars, fresh fruit, and low-calorie flavored waters are your best bets. Try to minimize their sugar intake on tour, sugar crashes will make your kids go haywire and ruin the outing.

Remember to check if your tour operator offers discounts on airfare, flying across the country with the whole family can be expensive, so inquire about this service.

Tips for planning a family reunion

November 13, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Planning a family reunion can take as much effort and attention to detail as planning a small wedding. Bringing far-flung family members together in a way that’s both convenient and fun for everyone is possible, however, if you know when to start, where to look for lodging, and what to plan to ensure success. Use the following family reunion planning hacks to become the hero of your next family get-together!

How to Pick a Family Reunion Destination

The first step in family reunion planning is to decide where to hold the grand event. It’s important to take into account invitees’ geographical location, budget, and the overall theme of your reunion. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Choose a central location. Depending on distance between family members, pick a central location within driving distance, ideally near a major interstate, or adjacent to a “hub” airport everyone can fly into with minimal stress and cost.

2. Decide on a focus. Your reunion will be all about family time, but will you spend it outdoors enjoying a common activity, in a city with access to museums and culture, or primarily indoors?

3. Decide on a budget. Before determining a destination and lodging option, it’s essential to set a general budget. Will every family member be responsible for their own transportation and lodging? Will some costs be shared among the group? An informal poll among family members can be valuable at this stage.

4. Decide on lodging type. The cost and theme of a family reunion will vary based on the type of lodging chosen. Ask yourself whether your family will want to stay all together, or spread out in individual units or rooms. Do you want meals and activities to be included, or would you rather plan your own?

5. Think “large group” as you plan. Ask hotel or resort booking agents for a deal on booking multiple rooms, or for their group rate. Consider what lodging options are less likely to be at capacity during your reunion, to ensure you can get the space you need. For example, a ski resort has plenty of rooms (with discounts) during the fall, and a warm-weather golf resort will have extra space during the hotter months.

Determining a Family Reunion Timeline

Once you’ve decided where to go, what type of lodging would be best, and what type of activities family members would enjoy, it’s time to start booking.

8-12 months out: Book lodging, depending on the popularity of the destination. Many lodging options have limited space for large groups, making early bookings essential. Be aware of the cancellation policy at your venue before making the decision to book. Send out reunion invitations to family members. Sending invites out now ensures invitees have enough time to plan and book travel.

Six months out: Buy airfare for domestic travel.

Three months out: Plan a daily itinerary of any activities or events. Three months is the standard amount of time needed by hotel or resort personnel you enlist, concierges, or tour operators.

One month out: Organize family members with meal lists, menus, or cooking duties.

Two weeks out: Email or mail driving directions, reservation numbers, or any other detailed information guests will need when they arrive.

Day of event: Greet family members and have a great time!

Planning Food, Dining, and Activities

Once you’ve determined where to go and where to stay, the next step in planning a family reunion is to organize activities and dining. To ensure your family members don’t scatter to the wind (or become bored), keep them in the loop with the following hacks for organizing family members:

Make a meal list and share cooking duties: If your lodging option leaves the cooking (and cleaning) to you, share the load. After all, that’s what family is for, right? Assign each night’s main meal to a different family member. Decide ahead of time whether groceries will be bought together or separately.

Create an activity itinerary: Not every family member will have the same interests, but you’re hosting a family reunion to be together, so plan at least one activity per day that everyone can enjoy together. This activity can be as simple as a family walk or as elaborate as a family photography session or scavenger hunt, depending on ages, mobility, and interests. Have additional daily activity options, which family members can join at will.

Book group tours and experiences: Book a class, tour, or experience that will be new (and accessible) to everyone in the group, such as a cooking class, bird-watching tour, or nature or historic walk.

Communicating With Family Members

Finally, it’s essential to have strong communication with family members during the planning process as well as during the actual reunion. Use the following tools to aid communication:

Download resort or vacation rental company apps: Most resorts have their own app, which includes maps, walking tours, activities, and cost information. Some apps, such as vacation rental apps, even include secure messaging between home owners and renters.

Use HipChat or WhatsApp: Talk among family members for free both before and during the reunion, no matter what carrier or data plan is used. Family members must have a smartphone, however, to use these mobile apps.

Use TripIt to share vacation plans: TripIt can be used on a desktop or laptop computer or on a smartphone, allowing the trip planner to share important travel information, reservation numbers, and itineraries with select people.

Use a Facebook private group to share info: Provided family members use Facebook, a private group page can allow members to share photos, itinerary ideas, links, and lodging picks in a free-form way.

Enjoy your family reunion, and remember to take plenty of photos!

Source: Fix.com Blog