Taking a trip by yourself or with your partner can be stressful enough, but when you add children into the mix, travel can become a whole new monster.
But don’t let the thought of potential chaos stop you from booking an enjoyable family holiday. With a little careful planning, vacations with your kids can be some of the most memorable moments you share with them.
Travelling internationally usually involves flights and unlike a simple road trip, you can’t simply threaten to turn the plane back around if your kids aren’t behaving.
If you’re pondering a family getaway, here are some top tips for making your holiday as stress-free as possible. Follow these helpful suggestions to give you and your family the best chance to survive your next holiday together.
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Visiting new places can be one of life’s greatest pleasures. From the joy of meeting new people to experiencing different cultures and eating unusual foods, traveling is a wonderful way to enrich both your mind and your spirit.
But don’t be fooled into thinking that you have to be young and carefree or older and wealthy to take advantage of everything the world has to offer. Even those with kids can have exciting and meaningful trips that involve more than the Disney Vacation Club.
The following are our top three tips for traveling like a pro even with your small kids in tow.
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Whether you’re visiting relatives in New Zealand or soaking up the bright lights of Hong Kong, travelling with kids can really make those grey hairs sprout.
And the stress seems to ramp up days before the trip – youngsters spit the dummy for random reasons and teens whinge when they realise they might miss the Aussie tour dates for Taylor Swift.
But family travel can be much more Zen-like if you follow these three tips.
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When families are looking for an easy island break the immediate destinations which come to mind include the Balearics, the Canaries, and the Greek islands. And while these destinations are firm family favorites, especially for travelers from Europe and the UK, there’s another destination sitting quietly in the middle of the Mediterranean, perfect for your next family break.
The second largest island in the Maltese archipelago, Gozo is is an excellent destination to enjoy together with your children. In comparison with mainland Malta, families will find more varied geology, and a greener and more peaceful island which is rural in a way Malta no longer is.
It’s only 25 minutes on the water from Malta to Gozo, and it’s easy to rent a car, to find your own way to the many incredible beaches, nature, food and culture you can enjoy with your kids.
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Everyone knows that when you bring a dog into your life, you’re not only welcoming a ton of new excitement, but you’re also embracing a substantial amount of new responsibility.
That responsibility, however, doesn’t mean you need to give up your flexibility when it comes to travel, at least not all of it!
It has become quite acceptable in today’s day and age to bring your pet with you, and travel with your dog on the plane. So the following are our trips on flying with your dog; because there’s no reason you should have to choose between your wanderlust and your pet!
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Taking a trip is supposed to be fun, but travelling with the whole family can have challenges of its own, especially if you have children of different ages.
Making sure everyone is having fun means a lot of compromise, while at the same time you have to ensure that you leave time as adults for your own activities and relaxation.
Trip planning is sometimes difficult, but if you take some simple steps and make the right plans, it can be enjoyable for everyone involved. Here are some tips for traveling with the whole family.
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Packing for a family holiday doesn’t have to be a chore. With careful planning and preparation you can whiz through the process without any stress or worry, even if you’re a single parent traveling!
Follow these tips and you’ll be fine … use our guide as a holiday checklist for your next family trip.
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As The Economist’s most liveable city for the seventh year in a row, Melbourne is the place to be (plus, you won’t find a better coffee anywhere else in the world!).
Aside from the well-known Federation Square, MCG and Botanical Gardens, there are many other incredible areas to explore, and today we highlight the Docklands and Geelong as our two top picks for families.
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If you’re even considering taking your children on vacation this year, there’s a good chance you’re experiencing conflicting emotions right now.
On the one hand, you’re excited for the trip, and the opportunity to spend quality time as a family exploring new places. On the other, you’re slowly filling with dread, nervous of the logistical nightmare that lies ahead.
I’m here to tell you that traveling with children needn’t be a nightmare – as long as you’re prepared to put in a little planning…
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Cruises are a fantastic way to discover the world, and travelers who haven’t yet tried this form of travel are definitely missing out. Couples cruise for the romance, families for the stress free and family friendly environment for their kids; solo travelers cruise to be social, and others to enjoy excursions in multiple exotic lands in one trip.
Though perhaps one of the best reasons to take a cruise is the value for money. Whether you decide on Europe, or to embark on an Alaskan cruise, everything you could possibly need for a great trip is bundled into the one fare. That’s all meals, accommodation, entertainment and transport between destinations at substantially lower cost than if you were spend the same on land for a hotel, taxi, dinner and a show.
No matter what your reason for taking a cruise, the following are 5 reasons heading on a cruise is fantastic value for money.
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With a new festival slated for the year and an exciting land set to open in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney World in Orlando has a host of offerings that make it an exciting place to visit with the family.
But if you’re short on time, you want to make your Disney World experience as memorable as possible. The following are 6 tips to help you navigate your day.
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Holidaying with your teens is a great way to bond before they grow up and leave the nest, and taking them overseas can be an incredible family experience. But how can you make sure they stay safe while travelling?
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Spain is the most popular destination for holidaymakers from Ireland and the UK, which means that those seeking sunshine and sand will have considered visiting the Canary Islands at some point.
Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma are the most popular islands for families to visit, so here’s a brief overview of each island to help you to decide which one is the right destination for your next family holiday.
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Some of my most cherished memories I have are of the holidays I’ve been on with my kids over Christmas.
We’re by no means a rich family, but we try to get away every year, even just for a few days. Here’s what’s worked for us.
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My family recently had a travel planning session over Sunday dinner. We threw around ideas for the family vacation we take every five years. Our trips are unique because they have to appease everyone from age six to seventy years old.
I did my research and suggested the California coast. These are some of the cool destinations I found that would make great family vacation spots.
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When planning family trips, it’s best to keep kids busy with activities from crafting and music lessons to hiking and swimming. No one wants to hear, “Mom, I’m bored” while lounging beach side with a cocktail in hand.
Travel is one of the most fun ways for a parent to share the cultures and natural wonders of the world. These destinations are safe for kiddos, catering to the picky eaters, adrenaline junkies, nature lovers, and beach bums too. Not only will kids be welcome, they’ll find programs and excursions designed just for them on each of these global adventures.
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Your family deserves a break. Not just from the rigors of everyday life, but from the traditional tried and tired vacations of past years. Sure, visiting amusement parks provides excitement and summer nights at beach condominiums offer entertainment, but no vacation is as rewarding as the one that delivers outdoor activities, breath-taking beauty, and nature exploration all in one.
Extended stays in open-air environments are on the rise. Whether it’s hiking during the weekend or fishing on your trip to the lake, many are opting for a close encounter with nature rather than a hectic getaway to a touristy trap. This year, skip the headache of planning your trip to an expected destination and instead travel to nature’s backyard.
Not sure where to start? No worries, we’ve listed a few of our favorite places to try.
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You may think that exotic destinations like Africa and Asia are too risky for travelling with children but many travel companies are now catering their activities to suit explorers of all ages.
So do some research before hand and take the whole family along content in the knowledge that everyone’s needs will be taken care of on your family holiday.
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Just like everything in life, there are both pros and cons to taking an all inclusive holiday. Some people love them, some people are vehemently against the thought, and the rest tend to fall somewhere in the middle.
But when it comes down to it, there is no right or wrong way to travel, and an all inclusive holiday could genuinely be for you. Even if you’re a traveler who generally prefers to explore a destination thoroughly, go sightseeing every day, eat street food, meet locals, and discover locations off the beaten path which put you well away from your resort or hotel.
All inclusive holidays are a fabulous choice for the following types of travelers. Are any of these you?
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Usually when we think of “adventure” we think of epic international journeys. Trips which take 2-3 weeks, which see us travel to faraway lands, and which take months and months to plan. Though people often overlook the fact that adventure can be sought much closer to home too.
You don’t have to travel halfway across the world to seek adventure – traveling locally counts as travel too. Hundreds of thousands of travelers and tourists pay huge amounts of money to make it across the globe to visit your tiny corner of the world each year, so why would you not take advantage of your location and explore too? Even if it is technically “home”?
This is what we call a MicroAdventure. It could be local, it could be overnight, it could be for a couple of days. It doesn’t have to be expensive, well planned or far away. It’s about ‘just doing it’ and exploring new places and environments that are close to home.
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As the new year approaches, many will be sitting down and creating their list of resolutions for 2016. Those itching to see the world are likely to have “travel” somewhere on that list, but this probably appears after the resolution to become debt free.
But you don’t actually have to be debt free to travel! Everything we need in order see the world can be ours for cheaper than it ever has been before, and there are many people out there experiencing the world while still actively paying off their debt. I traveled for 5 years before I was debt free.
Traveling while still paying off debt is not only possible, but often very affordable. With some research, a little planning, and the below tips, you can manage to pay off your debt while exploring the world too!
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There’s nothing I hate more than having to hand-wash while traveling. The skin on my knuckles gets rubbed raw, my nails get bent out of shape, and it’s usually done in the dirty sink of a shared hostel bathroom. Or a questionable looking lake. Though hand-washing is a necessarily evil when on a long trip/trek where you have to pack light and can only travel with a couple of pairs of clothes. And hundreds of travelers put up with it. Not any more.
In 2010, one Aussie traveler came up with a brilliant idea. A concept which would allow travelers to do their laundry on the road for free, and be able to wash clothes while traveling without having to use a dirty sink.
Weighing less than an apple, the Scrubba Wash Bag is a pocket-size device that allows you to wash your clothes and travel clean, light and free. Designed for travelers, trekkers and campers, the secret to its ingenuity is the hundreds of resilient nobules that act like a flexible washboard, a fusion of old and new technology, that allows you to wash your clothes in minutes. Though unlike a traditional washboard, you can easily slip it into your backpack.
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As the holidays approach, destinations around the world are gearing up for the busiest time of the year, and prices on everything from flights to accommodation and food are getting ready to soar. It’s all well and good to advise that traveling during off season is the best way to score a cheaper vacation, though many travelers don’t actually have a choice, and especially for families with children, it’s impossible to avoid planning your travel over school holidays or during the Christmas and New Years break.
Though there are still a number of ways you can ensure a fabulous and affordable vacation even when traveling during peak season, and there are always ways to make your holiday dollars go further by thinking outside the box.
When it comes to travel, accommodation can easily make up the majority of your holiday costs, and your accommodation can make or break an entire holiday. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning on staying in a bungalow, a villa, a B&B or even a yurt; it’s important to make good decisions when it comes to planning your stay. To this end, use the following tips when booking holiday accommodation to guarantee a successful break.
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All inclusive vacations have risen in popularity in recent years due to their convenience and affordability. Clearly people like to know what the total cost of their trip is going to be when they book, and with all meals, drinks and activities included in the price, you don’t have to worry about going over budget while you’re away. Is an all inclusive holiday cheaper than doing it yourself?
Though many travelers are horrified by the very thought. Vehemently against the words “all inclusive”, some even claim that you aren’t really a traveler if you stay in an all-inclusive resort where everything is done for you. But when it comes down to it, there is no right or wrong way to travel, and an all inclusive holiday could genuinely be for you.
So before you turn your nose up at the notion of booking an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or Jamaica or the Bahamas, here are the pros and cons of going on an all inclusive holiday, plus some tips you should seriously consider to decide if this is the right kind of holiday for you.
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Never underestimate the importance of traveling with a solid first aid kit – in fact, this should be one of the very first things you pack.
According to a recent survey, a massive 80 per cent of us are not equipped to deal with minor medical emergencies in our own homes – let alone when we’re out on the travel trail. This means we are making thousands of unnecessary emergency visits to hospitals and GP’s for relatively minor, simple to treat conditions such as grazes, blisters and splinters.
You generally don’t have to be a doctor to help yourself, or others, in an emergency, though you do have to have the first aid skills and tools to administer the care required; you need to be traveling with a first aid kit.
Before you embark on your upcoming holiday, use this check-list as a guide to things you may need in your travel first aid kit. You may need less or more, depending on your travel destination (don’t forget to take into account the remoteness of your visit). The ‘perfect’ travel first aid kit will prepare you with the tools required to meet any potential problem abroad.
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