3 Kids and Us

4 Of The Best Family Rides At Universal Studios

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Planning a family vacation can be difficult if you’ve got a wide range of ages coming along. Your teenager may not want to do the same kinds of activities that your eight-year-old wants to, and vice versa, but a certain vacation destination offers fun for the whole family: Universal Studios, Orlando. Whether your child is learning cursive in the third-grade or enrolled in an online high school trigonometry course, Universal has plenty of different family-friendly attractions that will keep every age satisfied.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

A great start to your adventure, the Spider-Man ride is one of many motion-based 3D rides throughout the park. Not quite a roller coaster, this immersive ride requires special 3D glasses that lets you feel like you’re actually on the run from some of Spidey’s most infamous villains. It blends motion rails, 3D technology, and interactive environments to create a wholly unique experience.

Men In Black Alien Attack

This rail shooter is a classic throwback that sees its riders blasting aliens with lasers in order to get the high-score. This adds a little friendly competition to the fun as you’re pushed through a dark cityscape of pop-up aliens and flashing lights with plenty of twists and turns along the way.

Jurassic Park River Adventure

Prepare to get wet on this dino-inspired adventure! Take a leisurely float through the Jurassic environment and do some amazing sight-seeing with realistic animatronics and delightful commentary. The ride takes a thrilling turn, however, when carnivorous dinosaurs escape their confines. Be sure to check out your flash-photo after the ride!

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Yer a wizard, Harry. Well, you feel like one, at least, after getting in line for this Harry Potter themed ride. Explore the halls of Hogwarts itself on your way to board this motion-based attraction. Once the ride starts, you’ll fly on your broom alongside Harry and the gang, traveling through the Forbidden Forest, fleeing from dementors, and soaring through the sky with a dragon. This is a must-ride for any Harry Potter fan of any age.

Wrapping Up

We skimped out on the roller coasters for this one, but if your kids are old enough for them then check them out by all means! They have plenty of crazy coasters to choose from. Another option is to pair a parent with a kid if one wants to ride something that the other can’t or doesn’t want to. Overall, Universal Studios is a great family getaway if you’re looking to accommodate all ages and still have a great time.

3 Tips To Stay Safe During A Family Trip

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While COVID-19 has made it difficult for many people to travel, the return of family trips is right around the corner. As travel bans are lifted, many people will be more than happy to resume their normal activities and enjoy a fun trip with the family. However, staying safe is more important than ever.

Fortunately, there are various ways to stay safe on a car trip with your family, even during a pandemic. As long as you prepare in advance and follow the safety tips below, you’ll have a fun, safe, and relaxing family vacation. So, let’s take a look at 3 tips to stay safe during a family trip:

Make Extra Preparations For Your Trip

Though many people like to take a vacation without a set itinerary, this can lead to unexpected issues. Making a plan for your trip will help you deal with potential problems in advance. For example, if you map out your route, you can find out if some parts of your planned route are under construction or have heavy traffic. This way, you can develop a revised route to save time and reduce the risk of an accident.

Making preparations is not all about planning your route, though. You’ll also need to make sure that your vehicle is ready for your trip. This means that you’ll need to get your vehicle serviced and get any other work that your vehicle needs. You may even want to buy add-ons to make your vehicle safer. For example, if you want to store your wallet or important documents safely in your truck, you might consider getting an F150 Console Safe.

Finally, you’ll want to book any reservations well in advance. If you’re going to need a hotel, this will be the most important booking you make. Additionally, you’ll want to buy tickets for any activities or events that you want to attend as a family.

Follow COVID-19 Safety Measures

In all likelihood, it will be a while before COVID-19 is completely in our rear-view mirror. So, for the foreseeable future, you’ll need to follow COVID-19 safety measures. This is especially important if you’re taking a family trip.

Here are the most important COVID-19 safety measures that you’ll need to follow:

  • Wear a mask in public areas
  • Maintain social distancing (six feet apart)
  • Wash hands regularly
  • Avoid large crowds as much as possible
  • Use hand sanitizer as needed

Choose a Safe Destination

In addition to following the guidelines above, it’s important to choose a family trip destination that won’t put you or your family at risk. It’s also a matter of public safety. Try to pick a destination that will not force you to come into direct contact with a large number of people. For example, a concert may not be a safe choice during a pandemic.

Fortunately, there are plenty of fun family trip destinations that are far removed from crowded areas. For example, taking your family out in nature is a great way to have a fun, relaxing vacation without taking substantial risks with your health. Locales like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, and Yellowstone National Park are all great choices for your next family trip!

For more family travel tips, check out the 3 Kids and Us Travel Blog!

8 AMAZING REASONS TO VISIT KUALA LUMPUR

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Kuala Lumpur is a tourist destination for many holidaymakers across the world. Malaysia’s capital beams with a myriad attraction site, a multicultural community, and iconic skyscrapers. Cathay Pacific enables travelers to behold the beauty of this sprawling city center.

1. PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS

These two towers are the tallest twin in the world. Built with post-modern architecture style and Islamic designs, the Petronas Twin towers are lined with endless shopping stores, restaurants, and movie theatres. The twin towers receive a plethora of visitors daily. Designed with steel and glass façade, this architectural masterpiece displays Islamic design the predominant religion of Malaysia’s people.

Connecting these twin towers is a sky bridge on the 41st floor, which is approximately 170 meters off the ground. This provides a scenic view for photography and breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur city.

On this twin structure is the Observation Deck, where one can enjoy a 360-degree view of Kuala Lumpur’s splendor. Set on the 86th-floor visitors can exhibit the tower’s history and enjoy digital displays of the twin towers.

2. KLCC PARK

At the feet of the Petronas Twin Towers are Kuala Lumpur’s urban park and upmarket shopping mall popular with tourists. This park was designed to showcase a heritage of tropical greenery to Petrona Twin towers. Suria KLCC Park is a combination of man-made designs such as water features, cement, and shrubs. Its primary influence of this park was biodiversity and conservation. At least 1,900 indigenous trees and 66 species of palms were deliberately selected to attract Malaysia’s local birds.

At the middle of this magnificent park is a man-made Lake Symphony. Two musical fountains display more than 140 unique programmed animations. The magic combination of water, color, and sound gives a beautiful sight to behold. Scattered around the park are various ornamental water features like fountains, cascades, and waterfalls. To the west of the park are a children’s playgroup and a public swimming pool.

3. BUTTERFLY PARK

Kuala Lumpur’s butterfly is the most extensive of its kind in the world. Home to over 5,000 butterflies from 120 species, it stretches an area of 7,500 square meters. Butterflies dance nonchalantly on ferns amidst scented, colorful flowers, vines, and exotic plants. Located adjacent to Kuala Lumpur’s Bird Park Lake Gardens, this park houses an exhibition area with information on the butterflies’ species insects such as beetles and other creepy crawlies.

This is a popular spot for families looking to escape the bustling city center. Once you get in the canopy, you will notably find fluttering butterflies of various colors, sizes, and shapes floating on your clothes while others stick on your hat like badges.

4. KUALA LUMPUR BIRD PARK

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is home to approximately 3,000 birds. This includes imported species of birds. This park is rated as the most extensive public aviary in the world occupying over 20 acres of land. The birds roam free, giving you a fantastic interaction with mother-nature. The rich flora and fauna in the park provide a natural habitat to the birds. If you are a bird or photography enthusiast, this is a fun place for you. Other attractions include the Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens, Butterfly Park, Deer Park, and an artificial lake. The park has an incubation center, a bird gallery, flamingo pond, a hornbill park amidst other spectacular bird species.

5. SRI MAHAMARIAMMAN TEMPLE

Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest religious structure having been built in the 19th century. If you want to learn the diverse culture, religious beliefs, and values of Malaysia, visit this temple. The temple is adorned with a dazzling colorful façade and decorated range of Hindu deities. It is the place of worship for the Tamil community. However, visitors are allowed to explore the wonder of architecture displayed on it,

Around the main prayer hall are four smaller shrines dedicated to two Lords. Murals and frescos on its walls decorate the most spacious prayer hall. The roofs of the three shrines are embellished with ornaments of precious stones and gems.

6. SUNWAY LAGOON THEME PARK

Enjoy the whirl and swirl of the water slides at Sunway lagoon theme park. The park has a variety of dry-land activities and watery rides for kids and adults. There are man-made surf beaches and a wave-pool that will be exciting, especially on a hot day. The park has a total of five different regions-the Scream Park, the Water Park, Amusement Park, Extreme Park, and the Scream Park. Each of these five parks has a wide selection of unique experiences.

7. THE NATIONAL MUSEUM

Explore the culture of Malaysia at the National Museum located near Lake Gardens. This museum is designed in the shape of an ancient house. Its walls decorations are a blend of contemporary and traditional designs.

The display of the history, art, craft, and culture of Malaysia’s history is spread out onto three floors. On the ground floor, there is an impressive collection of ritual weddings, traditional Malaysian lifestyle i.e. farming, fishing, weaving, and pottery. The 2nd floor is a zoological section with stuffed animals and birds. You can mistake it for a hunting parlour.

Alongside, the animal is a collection of parangs, kris, swords, miniature canons that were weapons used to hunt. As you wind down the hallways, you find a section dedicated to musical instruments. These traditional musical instruments include the drums popularly known as rebana, the Chinese gongs, flutes, lutes, and fiddles. To navigate through these sections, you will get the dedicated services of tour guides who offer free services to the tourists.

8. BATU CAVES

The Batu Caves are the most frequented tourist site in Kuala Lumpur. The 100-year-old temple is made up of three limestone caves. Around and inside these caves are Hindu idols and deities. Its interior foundation is alleged to be approximately 400 million years. It is a landmark religious feature for the Hindu religion in the world.

At the foot of Batu Caves are three cave temples. Cathedral cave is the most popular and the largest of the three. It also houses many dedicated Hindu shrines. The Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave are found at the foot of this limestone hill. These caves attract thousands of people and devotees during the Thaipusam Festival in Hindu annual Hindu festival.

Most Beautiful Churches and Cathedrals in San Francisco.

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San Francisco is a cool, elegant and hypnotizing consolidated city-county in California composed of large streets providing stunning views of one of the world’s greatest bays. Take flight to San Francisco from Hong Kong and enjoy the attractions it has to offer but the tour is not complete if you skip these 10 most beautiful churches in San Francisco.

  1. Grace Cathedral.

Grace Cathedral is the third largest cathedral in the US shining on the Nob Hill. It is simply stunning with a spectacular organ, grand archways, and stained-glass windows. The aura of old-world is gifted to Grace Cathedral by its Gothic revival architecture style. You will love the walk around indoor and outdoor labyrinths which depicts the history of the site together with the mosaic murals and art installations. Visitors are not allowed at the time of their regular services unless you visit before or after. Yoga lovers are invited weekly on Tuesday evenings for a donation-based class.

  1. Holy Virgin Cathedral.

“Joy of All Who Sorrow” , which is also known as the Holy Virgin Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox Cathedral that stood in the Richmond district of San Francisco. It can be introduced as the largest Russian Orthodox Cathedral outside of Russia. Its building is a design of Oleg N. Ivanitsky. Cathedral’s five sharp onion domes are enveloped in 24-karat gold leaf.  Similarly, its interior shines with rich mosaics and statues of gilt paintings and religious scenes.

  1. Saints Peter and Paul Church

Saints Peter and Paul Church is honored by the name “Italian Cathedral of the West”, standing on the Washington Square of North Beach. This church has appeared in a few movies, Dirty Harry, Deadpool and Sister Act 2. Perhaps you recognize the steps of this church from the wedding photos of Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe. Although the original cathedral was destroyed in 1906 by an earthquake and fire, the current church stands over the city firmly with 191 feet high twin spires since 1924. The bright interior of the church draws inspirations from Italian Gothic style and features the magnificent ecclesiastical artwork.

  1. Mission Dolores.

Mission Dolores is the oldest standing building in San Francisco. It is rather a museum than a historic church, yet it is an active museum beneath the exhibits of Native American history. The mission is located next to basilica with bell towers. Visitors are impressed by the simple mission architecture of the building. You’ll love the small cemetery behind the mission amongst bustling neighborhood.

  1. Dominic’s Catholic Church.

St. Dominic’s Catholic Church is another gorgeous church in San Francisco with a mega-building in lower Pacific Heights. You’ll feel the holy atmosphere by the moment you walk in through the door. The impressive Gothic revival architecture and the shrine of St. Jude draw here thousands of visitors annually. This is the fourth parish located in this church completed in 1928. You’ll realize that there’s a lot of prized statues and artworks inside St. Dominic’s church. It remains alive through life changing talks and beautiful music. I recommend you to attend here mostly on holy days of obligation to hear the talented chamber choir and pipe organ.

  1. Patrick Church.

St. Patrick Church is another massive Roman Catholic Church in the heart of San Francisco founded in 1851. You’ll find it as the best place to spend time with Jesus having reflecting prayers. It is unique due to its historic brick buildings with very well done masses amongst modern buildings. Inside is absolutely beautiful with very high ceilings, stained glass windows and statues of saints. The tranquil interior awards you a divine moment of silence and respite. A must visit place, even if you’re a non-Catholic.

  1. Saint Ignatius Church.

One of the largest churches in the city which was built in 1914 as a part of the University of San Francisco. The present church is the fifth parish of Saint Ignatius church. Inside is incredibly decorated with a mixture of Italian and Baroque elements architecture on a floor plan based on ancient Roman Basilica. This becomes a prominent landmark in San Francisco by its twin spires and dome. Four alcoves inside the church have been converted into an art gallery called Manresa Gallery participated by a number of Bay Area artists.

  1. Old St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Old St. Mary’s Cathedral is one of most beautiful cathedrals in the city which exhibits Gothic Revival architecture style. You can witness the photographs of its survival from the earthquake and fire. One will hardly miss this church as it is located in the heart of Chinatown. It is best to visit here on Tuesdays afternoon to watch the lively classical music performances. This church with a lot of history and a tranquil atmosphere makes one feel that the world is away and only God matters.

 

  1. National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi.

The National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi is the real heart of San Francisco. Although the complete site is solemn and quite its warmer interior is breath-taking with stained-glass windows, rich woods, holy relics of Saint Francis and beautiful Gothic architecture. Although it is no longer a parish this is the best place to talk to God. Moreover, this is connected with a school. Thus, walking around the church will also be educational.

  1. Notre-Dame-Des-Victoires Church.

Log on Notre-Dame-Des-Victoires Church to make a wish under respite while visiting around the bustling San Francisco. This Roman Catholic Church was built originally to serve French Immigrants. As this is a French National Church there is a separate center for French community of San Francisco inside. The two staircases at the entrance extending either side give a positive impression for visitors but the architecture is a model of Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere in Lyon.

Flying with Kids? Read This Now and Thank Us Later

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Source: Unsplash | Julian Larcher

Ah, yes: who doesn’t enjoy those delightful vacation company commercials to glorious places like Sicily, featuring blissful families frolicking on the beach, exploring the great outdoors — and so on? Everyone is having the time of their life.

But there’s something these vacation companies don’t put in their commercials: they don’t show what flying with kids is really like. And why would they expose this cruel truth? If they did, nobody would want to go on a family vacation. They’d want to go to family therapy.

The bad news is that we aren’t yet living in a Star Trek-like world, in which going from point A to point B is a simple matter of telling the computer to “beam us” over.  But the good news is that families with young kids don’t have to turn their non-stop flight into a non-stop fight. Here are 7 tips to keep in mind:

  1. Check your seats before boarding. And then check them again. If there’s a mistake, you definitely want to sort it out in the airport — not in the plane.
  2. Speaking of seats: try and sit as close as possible to the front of the plane, where the ride is usually less bumpy.
  3. Booking early morning flights may seem like the worst suggestion imaginable, but it’s actually a wise idea. Why? Because early morning flights tend to take off on time vs. those later in the day. Less time the air (or on the runway) is a good thing.
  4. Bring activities such as coloring books that will keep your little ones busy, but won’t make noise to disturb the other passengers. And speaking of books: don’t forget to bring some yourself to make the time go faster. If you’re tired of the standard Stephen King and John Grisham fare, consider picking up a book that features full-color classic car restoration photos so that you and kids can enjoy it together.
  5. Bring healthy snacks, especially since airlines are notorious for running out of kid-friendly foods early and often. Trail mix, granola, cereal, and fruit are all good ideas.
  6. If you need to take connecting flights, then consider longer vs shorter layovers. Yes, this means the journey will take more time than it could. But it also means that your kids will have the opportunity to stretch their legs, get rid of some energy, and have fun looking around the airport (yes, as adults airports are a drag, but kids still find them pretty fascinating). As a bonus, your willingness to tolerate longer layovers might result in a lower ticket price.
  7. Pack plenty of patience. True, this is much easier said than done! And one day when your kids have kids of their own, they will understand — and be very, very apologetic for what they did to you. But until then, you need to stay calm, stay focused, and recruit as many allies on the flight as possible (you’ve struck gold if there are other kids flying and they all become instant friends).

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We left our home in Sydney, Australia many moons ago in May 2012 and, other than a brief stint back in Perth for Christmas and a wedding in early 2014, we have been travelling the world nomadically ever since, running a business from our laptops and we’re here to show you how to do it!