3 Kids and Us

Family Skiing Trips to Remember

by

The United States is blessed with hundreds of ski resorts, and many of them make perfect destinations for a family vacation. As soon as your kids can walk they can start skiing, and in fact the younger they are when they start, the more quickly they will get the hang of it. Children have a unique perspective on the joys of snow, and love to see how it changes the landscape, plus of course building snowmen, making snow angels, and having snowball fights! They will probably find the idea of spending a whole week playing in the snow irresistible, but to make sure they do have the time of their lives, stick to a few basic rules for enjoying your skiing vacation.

Choose the right resort

There are all kinds of resorts, and it’s important to select a family friendly location for your trip. Some resorts are geared more towards the experienced skier, with few facilities for novices and children so that they wouldn’t be a good choice. You want to choose somewhere that welcomes families and has suitable nursery slopes, tutors who are experienced in teaching children, and plenty of off-piste activities to keep everyone entertained. Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Vail in Colorado and Jackson Hole in Wyoming are among the most highly rated resorts, and all have a wide range of facilities to keep all members of the family happy.

Choose the right accommodation

You want the place you stay in to be warm and comfortable, as it will be cold and there could be snowstorms. Feeling snug and secure in your accommodation is a vital counterpoint to bundling up and heading out for a day on the icy slopes. Lodges are a popular choice, which may be self-catering or have a chef service, whereby your meals are prepared and cooked for you each evening. For an indulgent experience and a full range of services, you could choose to stay in top-rated surroundings such as one of the Jackson Hole luxury hotels. This is a great choice if you want to be pampered and not have to worry about cooking and cleaning during your stay.

Get the kids prepared

You’ll need to get the kids some suitable thermal clothing and outerwear to keep them warm. Nothing is as likely to put your kids off the idea of skiing as much as getting wet and cold on the slopes, so make sure they are suitably kitted out with everything they’ll need to keep them warm and dry. You’re better off hiring than buying equipment for kids unless you’re going to be spending a significant amount of time each season out skiing because they grow so quickly that boots and skis will soon be outgrown. Make use of the hiring facilities at your resort, at least until you know how keen the kids are.

With the right planning and preparation, your skiing trip will be a great success, and you’ll have a wonderful time. Making it as much fun as possible for the kids will instill a love of snow sports into them that will last their whole lives.

India Travel Myths Debunked

by

India is an amazing country, with a superfluity of beautiful landscapes, diverse cultures, a rich history and an incredibly warm and welcoming population. However, those in need of passport renewal to travel to India will always be bombarded with a lot of myths about certain untruths about the great country of India.

It is imperative that if you want to have a great trip to India, you should learn to sift the truth from the lies and myths, or else you will be feeding up your mind and expectations with the wrong information. In this piece, we take a look at some of the myths, misconceptions, and lies you are likely to hear about India and we reveal to you the exact truth and what you should expect during your trip to India.

It is unsafe to travel to India

There are some publications that rate India as unsafe, especially for traveling by solo women or ladies. This is entirely not true and it is nothing but a malicious way to try to depict the country in a bad light to discourage people from visiting. The truth is that India is one of the safest countries for all types of travelers and you will always meet warm and welcoming population. But just as when traveling to any country, it is important to take the necessary precautions to stay safe. This includes being careful about the places you visit, the times you visit them, how you handle your money and all the basic things you would do to guarantee your safety in any country. India isn’t any different.

India is always hot

It is not entirely true that India is always hot. India experiences both summers and winters and so the climatic conditions vary. It is true that the summer months can sometimes get really hot until the tar on the tarmac roads begins to peel off, but it is also true that sometimes there could be snow in India, especially in the regions towards the north. So don’t buy the lie that India is always hot and when coming, you should prepare yourself for some sweltering temperatures and high humidity.

All foods have chili

One thing you have to appreciate about Indian foods is that most, but not all of them are spicy. Most Indians enjoy their foods with a lot of spices, and there are many places that serve such kinds of foods. But if you are not the type that likes a lot of chili in their foods, then you should not be afraid to travel to India because there are plenty of foods that don’t have chili. If you don’t want the chili, you simply request the cook or the service to not include chili in your meal and they will gladly oblige.

India is a poor country

The media has successfully managed to drill into people’s minds that India is a poor country and this is due to the ever-circulating photos of Indians walking barefoot, living in hut houses and begging on the streets. But if you to be asked which country doesn’t have beggars or people walking with barefoot, especially in the interiors, you would find that there are so many such countries in the world. If some Indians are walking barefoot, begging or living in poor houses, it doesn’t mean that the entire country is poor. Poverty is a global concern and you will find it in even very developed economies. So don’t allow yourself to be sold the poor side of India.

India is suffering from overpopulation

India is the home to about 1.2 billion people, and this makes it a fairly populous country, and in fact, it is the second most populated country in the world after China. However, it is not true that every state you will visit in India will suffer from overpopulation or that all the places in India are always full of people. Before you adopt such a line of thought, you should consider the landmass of India and you will find that it is a very big country.

Secondly, it is true that the urban areas are fairly populated, and this is just the major cities. But such is expected in most cities around the globe. If you move away from the major cities or towards the rural areas, you will surely discover that there is nothing like India suffering from overpopulation. 

Indians don’t eat meat, they are all vegetarians

If you love food and you are going for passport renewal to travel to India, then this myth would be a complete turn-off. But the truth is that it is just a myth – all Indians are not vegetarians and they actually do eat meat. You will be amazed at some of the meat, fish, chicken and pork dishes you will find India. The country is a foodie’s haven and there is always a variety of meals, including both for vegetarians and non-vegans. But it is true that due to certain religious considerations, some Indians don’t eat meat, especially beef.

Communication is a barrier in India

If you don’t understand the local language of the cities or countries you are traveling to, the communication will always be a barrier unless you get a local guide, so this is not a problem that is unique to India alone. However, most Indians can speak good if not fluent English and for most people, given that English is an international language, you won’t find any problem communicating in India. In fact, in high tourist areas, you will find the local speak other languages as well, with the major ones being French, Russian, and German amongst others.

There are high chances that you will be scammed

Again this is not a problem unique to India and is nothing but a creation of the media to paint India in a bad light. Scammers are everywhere and there are always high chances of getting scammed in any country you will ever visit. All you have to do is take the necessary precaution so that you don’t fall a victim. If you are not careful, however, the scammers are real and will you really hard when you don’t expect it, should you lower your guard.

Little-Known New York City Attractions You Need to Visit

by

Have you been to New York City a few times on vacation? Are you looking for unique attractions that are a little off the beaten path? Taking in the beauty of this city on a Liberty Cruise in Downtown, NYC or visiting local shops and eateries is a great way to have a one of a kind experience.

While popular tourist destinations can be fun, many travelers want to experience the Big Apple like a local. Here are some little-known New York City attractions you need to visit on your next trip.

BLDG 92

This museum, which pays homage to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, is located in what used to be a military residence in this shipbuilding center. At its peak during the Second World War, the Brooklyn Navy Yard employed nearly 70,000 people. This museum features exhibits of famous ships like the USS Monitor and the USS Arizona.

Both of these ships were constructed in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, along with countless others. As you journey through this museum, you will hear little-known stories about how many people of color helped during the building and repair of these ships.

The Panorama of the City of New York

Are you interested in seeing a nearly 10,000 square-foot model of New York City? If so, then a visit to the Panorama of the City of New York is in order. This model allows visitors to examine every inch of the four Boroughs like never before. There is a large balcony in this museum that allows visitors to get a bird’s eye view of this model.

The Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum

The property known as the Bartow-Pell mansion dates back to the early 17th century. Its owner, Thomas Pell is famous for signing a treaty with Siwanoy Indians for the purchase of the Bronx borough. This residence is located in Pelham Bay Park and is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful foliage.

In 1888, the City of New York purchased this property and began updating it. Taking a tour of this property will allow you to see the carriage house and the gorgeous formal gardens on the property.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center

This former home for retired sailors is one of the most popular attractions on Staten Island. The Snug Harbor Cultural Center is spread out across 83 acres of land. The center is surrounded by cobblestone streets, Victorian homes and a large botanical garden.

While there, be sure to visit the Chinese Scholar’s Garden. This garden features large rocks that resemble formations described by in writings by Confucian and Taoist monks. There is also a bamboo forest that has a large Koi-filled pond.

The Woolworth Building

The Woolworth Building is one of New York City’s tallest structures. When it was completed in 1913, it was actually the tallest building in the city. During the opening of this building, President Woodrow Wilson turned on the first light switch.

New York City is filled with interesting and entertaining attractions. Getting out and exploring while on vacation in this city is the best way to have a completely unique experience.

How To Guarantee A Fun Family Vacation

by

There are no guarantees in life, not even when you’re going on vacation. That means it’s up to you to make sure everyone’s set to have an amazing time and minimize the risk of any issues. It’s all about what you do or don’t do prior to leaving and your attitude while you’re onsite.

Make time to arrange, organize and prepare well before your travel dates. Remember that spending a bit more in travel, like chartering a private jet, can go a long way in turning your trip into a more comfortable and enjoyable one. Read more about these private jets and their average costs. Get all of your family members involved, so everyone knows what’s going on. Create a priority list to help you ensure you have the most important items covered first. See how to guarantee a fun family vacation.

Choose the Location Wisely

It’s a good idea to research your destination options and know what you’re getting into ahead of time. Reconsider automatically booking the vacation that’s the cheapest. Get input from the family to hear where each person would like to travel to and why. Weigh a variety of factors before committing to one location. The better fit your selection is for the entire group, the more fun and less friction you’ll encounter once you’re on your trip.

Get the Right Luggage

Secure the right luggage for the destination and each person. Determine if it’s doable to take carry-ons along or if you’ll be needing more space in your suitcase. Pick out designs and patterns that you can easily spot once you’re in the airport gathering your luggage. Having the proper bags will make your travels that much more enjoyable. It’s worth investing in a set that’s going to last you a while and get you to where you’re going in style.

Shop Ahead of Time

The fun part of going on a trip is the new clothes you get to buy for the vacation. Help yourself out by shopping online at a store like Vingino. The Dutch fashion company convinces with creative children’s fashion, which thrills parents and children alike. To give the kids a lot of freedom of movement, the store relies on simple cuts and casual silhouettes. Your children will love the clothing, and it will make them that much more excited to leave for your trip. Shop together and agree to items you both can get behind.

Have A Family Meeting before Departure

It’s important to all be on the same page before you take off. Have a family meeting to go over the trip details and rules for when you’re on vacation. Allow everyone to discuss concerns and ask questions. Share the details you have planned out, so the entire family feels included and knows not to expect any surprises. You can even go as far as to print out an itinerary and review each day as a group. You’re more likely to have fun and experience fewer issues when you take time to lay it all out on the table for everyone.

Plan Activities in Advance

Don’t be afraid to plan activities before your arrival. This way you know exactly what you’re doing on which days. It also promises you spots or tickets for specific excursions and activities, saving you from disappointment. Once again, ask for input from the family before you start booking reservations. While it’s nice to have plans some of the days, it’s probably best to leave some free time during your trip. Part of having a fun family vacation is getting time to unwind and being granted personal time to yourself outside of the house. It’s all about balancing out your time together and giving each individual a voice.

Unplug

As the parent, it’s a smart idea to be a good example for your kids and unplug the majority of your time on vacation. Work ahead at the office and only bring with you what you must attend to while at your destination. It’s also a good idea that everyone makes it a habit to check phones and computers once a day and not be constantly glued to them. You’ll all have a much more enjoyable and relaxed time when you’re not always staring at your devices. Observe the nature, sights, smells and sounds around you and soak up the beautiful scenery. It’s likely you’ll all regret spending too much time connected and not enough of your trip being in the moment.

Have Meals Together

Use vacation as a chance to have meals together, especially if you’re usually too busy to at home. Make it fun and allow each person to pick a restaurant or food group to try while you’re away. Mix it up and go casual one night and dress up another evening. Come ready with conversation and to discuss what each person believes to be the highlight of the trip so far. Everyone should look forward to a nice meal together after having some alone time during the day. This is also a good chance to discuss any other activities the group wants to participate in or adventures that you’ve become aware of since arriving.

Document your Favorite Memories

One way to have a little fun is to take pictures of your family members enjoying themselves on the trip. Get a mix of action shots and posed pictures and return with a lot of great images to share and keep. Make an album or create a video when you get home and be glad you have these memories that you can cherish forever. Pictures are an excellent way to remember all the fun you had and be able to look back on your trip after you get home and time passes.

Conclusion

Your family vacation won’t be same if you decide not to plan and prepare. Get organized and excited about all of the enjoyment that’s to come. Remind everyone that traveling is about bonding as a family, having new experiences together and allowing yourself to relax. Of course, there may be situations that arise and obstacles to overcome, but don’t let that stop you from having a nice time. This is how to guarantee a fun family vacation.

Three Tips for Planning a U.S. Road Trip with Your Kids

by

Taking a road trip through the U.S. with your children in tow might seem like a daunting task, however, when planned properly, it can easily turn into the adventure of a lifetime. If you’re hoping to do as much exploring as possible as a family for your next trip and want to stay at home in the U.S., then a road trip could be the perfect alternative to traveling abroad. With so many different sights to see and things to do in every state, the hardest part is going to be getting your itinerary right! We’ve put together some top tips to help you plan the best family road trip ever.

Tip #1. Include the Kids from the Beginning:

Even the youngest of children can have some of a say in the type of things that they’d like to see and do on your family road trip (within reason, of course!). Giving your little ones the chance to speak up and offer their ideas for your trip will make it more of an all-inclusive family experience, and of course makes it easier down the line by ensuring that everyone gets a chance to do the things that they’d like. When your children are involved in the planning process, they’ll probably be also more likely to be excited about helping and being a little more cooperative since they’ll be more invested. One good idea is to offer them suggestions that are already parent-approved, to avoid deviating too much from your own plans.

Tip #2. Start Saving Up:

Chances are, you won’t actually be taking the trip for some time – it takes a while to plan and ensure that everything is ready to go before you can set off. So, it’s a good idea to open a designated savings account and start putting aside some money for the sole purpose of your trip. Even if you’ve already booked accommodation at hotels in Kingman, AZ such as the Best Western Kingman and have all your other expenses taken care of early on, it’s a good idea to have some money aside for emergency expenses as you never know when you might have to dip into your wallet for an extra cost that couldn’t have been predicted.

Tip #3. Start Planning:

Whilst taking a road trip with family, it’s important to have a structured plan in place so that everybody knows where is next on the list. Get the whole family together and look at your various options for travel destinations, stops along the way, and activities that you can take part in, then discuss which ones you’d like to do and which ones can be missed out. This will help you to put together an awesome travel itinerary that everybody agrees on and is happy with because it includes all members of your family. Then, create a list – or even a spreadsheet – that maps out exactly where you’re going and what you’re going to do and when.

Did you enjoy these tips? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Recent Posts

Tags

adventure Asia auto business car career children christmas destinations divorce diy education family family holiday family travel family vacation fashion finance fitness gifts health Health and wellness holiday home home improvements house interior design job kids learning money outdoors parenting photography pregnancy road trip style tech travel travelling travel tips USA vacation vehicle wellness

Like What You See?

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!