Showing posts with label things to do on vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label things to do on vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label things to do on vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label things to do on vacation. Show all posts

Top Tips before Visiting a Waterpark in Australia

Australia Water Park Trip Tips


Summertime is the perfect time to head to the waterpark and enjoy some fun in the sun. With so many different waterparks located all around Australia, there's sure to be one near you that will provide a great day out for the whole family. So, if you're looking for some excitement this summer, be sure to check out one of these amazing Australian waterparks and follow these tips.


Australia Water Park Trip Tips

Top Water Parks in Australia

There are many different waterparks located all around Australia, and each one offers a unique experience for visitors. Here are some of the best waterparks in the country:

  • Gumbuya World - Gumbuya world is located in Victoria, just 45 minutes from Melbourne. The park offers an amazing range of attractions including whirlpools, wave pools, lazy rivers and the G-Force Waterslides.

  • Adventure World - This park is located in Perth and is geared towards families with kids. It features a number of slides, pools, games, and rides.

  • Wibit Sports Park - This park is located near Sydney and offers a unique experience for visitors. Instead of traditional waterpark features like slides, you get to enjoy inflatable obstacle courses in the open ocean instead. It's perfect for family fun!

  • Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast - This park is located in Queensland near Brisbane and offers a variety of slides and rides


Tips for visiting a waterpark with kids

Most waterparks are perfect for a fun day out for the whole family, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind when visiting with kids. Here are some tips to help make your day at the park enjoyable for everyone:

  • Make sure your kids are familiar with the safety rules of the park before you go.

  • Help them stay safe by ensuring they always listen to the lifeguards and follow their instructions.

  • Teach your kids how to swim and be aware of their surroundings in the pool.

  • Bring sunscreen and hats for protection against the sun, and don't forget to apply it regularly.

  • Pack plenty of water and snacks to keep them hydrated and fueled.


Things not to bring at the park 

When you're visiting a waterpark in Australia, be sure to leave the following items at home:

  • Sunglasses: While sunglasses are a great accessory for the beach, they can actually be quite dangerous when you're swimming or playing in the water. If a lens falls off and ends up in the water, it can become a serious safety hazard. 

  • Jewelry: This includes anything from earrings to necklaces and rings. The last thing you want is to lose your precious jewelry in the water!

  • Glass: No glass containers are allowed inside the waterpark, so leave your glass bottles or jars at home. 


Waterparks are a great way to enjoy the summer with friends and family, but these establishments can be tricky. There are many different types of waterparks in Australia, so it’s important to know which one is best for you before visiting. In this article we covered some of the most popular parks, as well as some tips to help you make your next adventure a better one! 


                                                                                                                                     -Guest Post


Trip to Sheffield with Family

Visiting Sheffield With Your Kids



Thinking of traveling outside the United States? If you're looking for places to visit in the UK with family, Sheffield is a great option. In Sheffield, there are numerous indoor and outdoor activities for children and families. We've highlighted a few to help you plan your visit to Sheffield.





Kids of all ages are offered a wide range of fun activities and hands-on learning experiences at Sheffield's museums. At places like Kelham Island Museum, families can learn about the city's history via interactive displays. If you head a little out of town, you can also find animals, birds, reptiles, and insects from around the world. Families will enjoy an excursion to Sheffeld.


Cafes offering snacks and sandwiches at city parks and gardens and in most museums are family-friendly. Except for some, not all restaurants and bars in the city are family-friendly. Seen below, children will enjoy a trip to Our Cow Molly, Dairy Desserts.



Family Friendly Sheffield Cafes and Restaurants


Many people are choosing Sheffield as an excellent place to raise children and settle down. Many foreigners to the UK also prefer Sheffield to settle down. If this sounds like something you may want to do in the future, you should contact immigration lawyers in Sheffield and get started on the immigration paperwork and application process. The UK is very welcoming to highly skilled professionals and families.



Fun Facts about Sheffield:


As you can see, Sheffield has a rich history and plenty of green spaces where you can find many activities and places to explore with your kids.





The UK National Video Game Museum is in Sheffield.




The Rivelin River

The Rivelin River is historic and has an excellent pathway to take a walk with your child. You can follow a trail that leads to old mills. There is a water park near the café to have some fun. Herons and other wildlife can be sighted here.


The Botanical Gardens

The Sheffield Botanical Gardens are very well-manicured green parks. The 19-acre Sheffield Botanical Gardens are home to more than 5,000 different species of plants. It's easy to roam around with your children and babies as the paths are made of tarmac, making it easy to operate a pram. Admission to the Botanical gardens is free, and you can also relax at the café once you're tired. The best times to visit are spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom. 





The Winter Gardens

Winter Gardens is a tropical oasis situated in Sheffield city centre. This Garden is amongst the largest temperate greenhouse in the country and is home to nearly 2,500 plant species. You can enjoy nature while your kids can safely walk the paths around the tropical trees.


Weston Park Museum

Weston Park Museum can teach you about culture and history. Founded in 1875, the main collections in this museum are free, and the displays are spectacular. There is a gallery that displays facts about Ancient Egypt. The Weston Park Museum is also known for being the home to Sheffield's social and natural history and archaeology. 


Some of the notable highlights in this museum are the Bronze Age armor and art. Apart from this, you can also visit exhibits from other more prominent museums in the area. The museum has many guided tours to help your family understand the historical importance. 


Weston Park 

Weston Park is in the vicinity of Weston Park Museum. You can relax while your kid runs around in the park. It is a perfect place to have a post museum picnic.


Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife & Falconry Centre

The Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife & Falconry Centre houses a vast array of free-flying birds of prey, owls, reptiles, parrots, meerkats, farm animals, lemurs, and more. While the name does signify butterflies, you can also see the incredible falconry. Animal lovers can learn about otters (from the keepers), feed farm animals, pet a few lemurs, see the meerkats, and photograph as many butterflies as you want. 


National Emergency Services Museum

Sheffield is home to the National Emergency Service Museum – the largest of its kind in the world. There are more than 50 vintage vehicles – police cars, fire engines, and ambulances with uniforms and gear and equipment for different eras. Families with kids can also avail the kids' fire engine rides (included in the ticket admission). If you're in the mood for a treat, you can also rent some of the vintage vehicles and take a tour of the city.




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Wondering How to Save Money on Kids' Activities?

How to do Kids’ Activities Without Breaking the Bank


Offering enriching activities to your children is great for their long term growth. However, it might not be fantastic for your pocket. Although you’ll want to make sure your kids get the best opportunities available to them, you don’t want to spend a small fortune on kids' activities, especially if you're learning that your child quickly loses interest. So, how do you do activities with your kids without spending a lot of money?

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Wondering How to Save Money on Kids' Activities?



It's a tough decision, you want to give your kids the best; but you don't want to waste your money or time. As a parent, you've got options. Your children don’t have to miss out on that activity they desperately want to try just because you're on a tight budget. Here are some helpful tips which will allow your kids to enjoy some fun, enriching kids' activities without breaking the bank.

Tips to Save Money on Activities for Kids


Enroll in One Activity at a Time
Your kids don’t have to do it all, it’s a good idea to pick one activity each season. If you have more than one child, enroll them all in the same activity. Not only will enrolling your kids together save time and stress, but it can save money. There are a number of places that offer sibling discounts and siblings can often share items too. Be sure to ask, even if you don’t see such a discount or offer advertised.

Purchase Fun Equipment for Home Use

There are various toys and equipment that allow different activities without spending too much. You can install a gaga ball pit to provide an exhilarating experience for kids. The pit can be set up outdoors or in a large spare room. You can also dismantle and stored the ball pit between uses. The best thing is that you don't have to spend a lot of money on pricey play venues. This ball pit gives your kids one more choice for fun and beneficial sensory play activities.

Pay Ahead

See if there are any discounts available for paying ahead or in cash. Some businesses will give a price cut if you pay for the whole year up front, or they may even offer a discount once a year if you pay a few months in advance.


Buy Second-Hand

You might find it surprising just how easy it is to find kids' equipment that’s barely been used. So, before you go about buying a new instrument or sports equipment, have a look at places such as eBay, Craigslist, Play it Again Sports or thrift stores. You can even ask other parents! Kids often lose interest in an activity or outgrow their clothes quickly, which means you can find items in good condition for a fraction of the cost.


Go DIY with Crafts
One way to save money on activities for your children is to do it yourself with games and crafts. There are some great, inexpensive DIY craft ideas to try out, and you can always create activities for kids with free print-outs. Of course, some stores even provide coupons that help cover the costs of kids' activities. For instance, take a look at Target Coupons to see what discounts are available.


Volunteer
If you can manage a team, do coaching, record scores, or sell refreshments, you may be able to cut the cost of some activities. Have a chat with whoever oversees the kids' program to discuss how you can donate your time to work off any fees or equipment costs.

Barter
Bartering is always a good choice. When you offer a service or trade in return for another, instead of paying cash, it benefits both parties and if often an acceptable way to pay for your kids' extra-curricular activities. Services may vary based on your abilities and skills, but it might include cleaning or clerical work- just to give you some ideas.


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What Should You do Before Taking a Cruise?

5 Things You Should Know Before Your Next Cruise



Have some friends and family members who rave about going on cruises? You may wonder if voyaging on the open seas is your type of vacation. But maybe, after seeing photos of your friends' latest cruise ship travels, you're going to consider giving it a try to see what all the fuss is about. If so, here are 5 things you should do before taking a cruise. As always, the most important travel tip is to be 

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Travel Tips: What Should You do Before Taking a Cruise?


Travel Tips and Tricks to make the most of your cruise experience:


1. Pre-Book What You Can


Reservations for most cruise's most popular attractions book up quickly. With this in mind, make it a point to pre-book on ship reservations for specialty restaurants, theater performances, childcare (if required) and excursions as far in advance as possible. If you're unable to book these extras before boarding the ship, be sure to make all reservations as soon as you board on embarkation day. 

2. Avoid Over Packing


Before taking your first cruise, you should keep in mind that cruise ship cabins aren't as roomy as most hotel rooms. Cabins on cruise ships are painstakingly designed to maximize the use of the tiny space and provide creative storage solutions. With this in mind, aim to pack minimally with only one carry-on bag per person.

Not only will this help cut down on the clutter in your room, but it can also make air travel to the port easier. You might also want to look into using packing cubes to keep your things further organized. These small zippered pouches make packing and unpacking easier, allowing you to stow suitcases away from areas where you plan to relax.

3. Consider Your Charging Needs

Compact cruise cabins mean having fewer power outlets. While this may not be an issue for some, if you travel with tech gadgets like laptops, iPads, smartphones, headphones, and smartwatches, you will likely find that your family will be fighting over outlet usage. Skip the battle and bring along your own reinforcements. 

One option is an outlet adapter. By bringing this accessory, you can convert a basic dual outlet into a quadruple outlet with additional charging capabilities for two USB cords. Another option is a charging station, which provides for an easy way to keep devices neat and organized while they power up. Be sure to invest in a few extra-long USB cords, so you have more range while charging devices that are in use. 

Alternatively, avoid bringing a power strip. These can easily overload the power source and could present a fire hazard. Some cruise ships ban power strips altogether, so whatever you decide to bring, make sure it complies with the cruise ship's safety regulations. If you aren't sure, call ahead or ask your travel agent.

4. Disconnect and Relax

Taking a cruise means that you'll have limited WiFi options. Take advantage of this time to relax and recharge by enjoying the opportunity to unplug and spend quality time with your family, without the distractions of email, phone calls and social media. While on-board, internet connectivity is available for a fee, so resist the urge to stay connected 24/7. If you must remain reachable for work or family reasons, buy an internet package while on board. These are often more cost-effective than à la carte WIFI usage.

5. Plan Your Next Trip

If this is your first cruise, don't be surprised if you're ready to book your next cruise vacation by the end of your trip. Cruises have a way of making you feel spoiled, and for many it can be difficult to enjoy a standard vacation that requires a ton of planning, research and work when everything is all-inclusive on a cruise. Take advantage of deals by booking far in advance. For instance, you can save on the best Alaska cruises by booking as soon as next year's booking window opens.

Have a Wonderful Time

By showing up early on your cruise embarkation day, with minimal luggage, some extra outlet adapters, and an open mind, you'll set yourself up for a wonderful first cruise. And, don't be surprised if you return to port with your next dream cruise already booked. Have you taken a cruise for vacation?

Do yo have any additional tips that we should know before taking a cruise? In the comments below, let us know what else you think is important to know before taking your first cruise.

For more travel tips follow us on Pinterest, Family Travel Vacation Ideas.

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Travel Tips: What Should You do Before Taking a Cruise?






Best Family Summer Vacation Tips

How to Make This Summer One of the Best for Your Family 



The reality of life is that unless you have access to mass funds, you have to work for a living. This means that when you have a family, you’ve got to become a master at balancing work and life. For several families, this means making the most of summer vacations as this is when the kids get the most time off school. As a parent, you may wonder how you can ensure that your children feel your presence and enjoy being at home full-time during summer vacation. Here, you’ll find some tips on how you can make this summer one of the best yet for your family. 


Best Family Travel Vacation Tips



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Tips to Have the Best Summer Vacation



Be Present 

The first summer vacation tip for making this summer memorable for your family is to be fully present. This is hard to do in a digital age where people are constantly glued to their phones, tablets, and any other device they can find. Parenting meditation, which is when you focus on hearing, seeing, and understanding your kids can help you stay in each moment with your family and drown out the background noise. 

It also helps when you put your gadgets away while spending time with your kids. Remember, it’s all about them for that moment, so if possible, let everything else wait until later. 

Have Allocated Quality Time 

The next vacation tip is to focus on quality over quantity. It has often been said that it’s less about how much time you spend with your kids and more about the quality of the time that you spend. So ensure you allocate time that will be spent with your family and try to stick with it.

To spend more quality time with the kids, make the most of your everyday routine. This means inviting them to cook with you, making cleaning up fun and taking walks instead of the car. Also, making a conscious effort to eat at least one meal a day together could make a world of difference too. 

Go on Vacation 

If you can afford it, why not take your family on vacation this summer? Going on an adventure to a new place is one way to create unforgettable memories. Believe it or not, an affordable destination that everyone in your family may enjoy is Indonesia. It’s home to the famous Bali, and there are more than enough activities for you to do there as a family. They also have family-friendly villas in Seminyak that you should consider when you’re looking for accommodations. 

Plan Activities 

Instead of guessing your way through each day, why not plan your activities instead? Think about one or two fun things you can do with the kids every week so that you all have something to look forward to. It could be as simple as having a small family BBQ or planning a family and friends game’s night. 

This is also your chance to explore your city and go to museums, festivals or anything else you may find interesting. Think about creating something tangible with your kids, whether it’s a family tree, scrapbook, or painting. This will give you  memory to look back and smile about once it’s time to head back to school.



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Maximize Family Time on Holiday

A Guide: Getting More out of Your Family Vacations

Are you tired of going on the same old vacation year in, year out? Sure, the pools, the hotels, and the sun are always nice at the time, but do you ever feel yourself longing for something a bit different? Maybe you just want your kids to experience some different things, rather than just the run-of-the-mill package beach vacation to California or Hawaii? If so, you may want to maximize family time to get more out of your family vacations. How can you make your vacation more of a bonding experience?

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Ways to Maximize Family Vacation Time



Keep scrolling to find ideas on how you can enjoy holiday vacations and make lasting memories with your family.

Buy a Boat


Been there done that. Boy, do we recommend doing it if you can. There truly is nothing quite like being out on the open water, especially when you’re with your partner and your kids. For one, being able to get away from the hustle and bustle of people back on land for a few days is a great way to detach yourself from the stresses back home. It’s also a great way to get your kids to see that there’s more to the world than just buildings and technology. If you’re willing to go all out to better your family vacations, then, you should seriously consider buying a boat.

You can ski behind a boat, pull the kids on a tube or a body board, work on your tan, hunt for turtles, and go fishing. It's a great way to bond with the kids and maximize family together time! Another great way to bond with kids in a boat is to go long beach whale watching or some other marine adventures. We actually took a boat ride across the bay from the Marine Museum to Downtown Clearwater, Florida. The boat ride was the best part of the adventure and we saw a few dolphins along the way.




You should know, however, that this is never going to be a cheap venture to take. Generally, boats tend to cost a lot of money — new pontoon boats, for example, can fetch anything from $18,000 to $60,000. Fear not, though, as there are specific loans that you can take out to cover this kind of expense — there are even lenders that offer bad credit boat loans, meaning you need not worry even if you have a bad credit history. The point is, if you’re serious about buying yourself a boat and vacationing on it for years to come, you need not necessarily let your finances stop you. The bills will always be there, but the family won't. Kids grow up and move away. Boat together while they're still young!

Draw up a Holiday Schedule Before you Leave Home


If you’re really on the ball, you should consider drawing up a holiday schedule before you head out on a family vacation. By doing so, you'll save yourself from wasting precious vacation moments deliberating how you'll be spending your day, as your schedule will already be laid out for you. This means less time deciding and more time getting more out of your family vacation. It also gives everyone something to look forward to. You may want to check out these tips for traveling with kids.

Don’t Get Stuck in One Place


Face it, in the past, you’ve probably been guilty of plonking yourself down in your hotel and barely venturing away from it for the whole two weeks straight. There’s nothing wrong with this! Of course, you deserve a relaxing break. However, if you really want to get more out of your family vacation, you'll have to venture away from the resort. Don’t get stuck in one place, no matter how tempting is - get out there and see more of the destination that you came to see! And when you do, don’t forget to bring your camera along.

You may also want to wear some cool t-shirts to help keep track of everyone while you're out on excursions.




If you want to maximize family time and get more out of your next family vacation, follow our Pinterest board for more family travel tips and check out the links recommended below.


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