Smoky Mountains in the Fall

September 29, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing vacation tips on the Smoky Mountains in the fall.  The mountain ranges usually start their fall foliage display in mid-September.  The crowds are gone and you can find great prices on lodging. The weather is cool enough to hike and roam around town to enjoy displays, grab a bite to eat and snap a few pictures.  So, start planning a week or week-end get away with family and or friends. 

 

 

smoky mountains in the fall

 

 

Smoky Mountains in the Fall

 

Cades Cove

The highest elevation of the Smoky Mountains can be found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited park in the US.  It rises to an elevation of 6,643 feet. When the foliage is in full peak and decked out in yellow, browns, reds and oranges it is truly a sight to see.  Fall is a good time to time to see black bear and their cubs, deer, wild turkeys and more.  Be sure to stop by the historic churches and cabins along the Cades Cove Road too. 

If you want to see a few elk, check out Cataloochee Valley.  You can see elk roaming freely in the morning or late afternoon.  It’s a perfect opportunity to capture a few photos while inhaling the crisp, fall air.  Check out other places to see beautiful foliage and wildlife below.  

 

 

smoky mountains in the fall

 

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is at it’s peak in October.  The Blue Ridge Parkway starts in the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and ends at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.  Mid-October is the perfect time to hit the parkway.  

 

Smoky Mountains in the fall Harvest Festivals  

The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival is a five week festival that includes Oktoberfest.  You can find farmer’s markets, country and bluegrass concerts, hayrides, and corn mazes.   

In addition to Oktoberfest, you can find lots of fall themed foods in the towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.  Check out the apple fritters, apple pancakes, pumpkin spice funnel cakes and hot apple cider.  

 

 

 

Filed Under: Vacation Destinations Tagged With: , , ,

Budget Vacation Tips for Every Family

February 7, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on budget vacation tips for every family. Vacation and budget don’t belong in the same sentence — or do they? The truth is, even though Americans spend a collective $1.1 trillion on travel each year, vacations don’t have to completely wreck your budget. While vacationing, you can find low-cost attractions to bringing along entertainment.

 

 

 

budget vacations tips

 

 

 

 

Budget Vacations Tips:

 

Keep Kids Entertained on the Go

Travel itself  plus the sights will keep the kids occupied during the day. As much as travel exhausts parents, kids still need distractions to wind down in the evenings.

Bring along long-forgotten toys from home.  Rediscovering them while on a family trip can do wonders. Packing (or downloading) kid-friendly audiobooks is another simple solution to evening boredom. Bring along paper and pencils for drawing and writing while they listen.

You can also stream your kiddos’ favorite shows and movies from home. Bringing a portable streaming device — which plugs into your laptop or hotel TV means free movies just like at home. With viewing options ranging from television series and movies to streaming music, these devices could be a perfect fit for your next family vacation.

 

Travel in the Off-Season

In the United States, people tend to travel more during the summer.  A Gallup poll confirms July as the most popular travel month. Picking a less popular travel date means lower costs on airline tickets and a less packed flight. According to the experts at the Penny Hoarder, it’s cheaper to fly mid-week, with Sunday and Friday proving the most expensive. Booking between three weeks and four months before your vacation is the ideal window.  Planning farther in advance means higher prices.

 

Skip the Major Attractions

Business Insider confirms that theme park costs in the US range from $60 to $267 per person per day. These amounts aren’t ideal for the average family. Instead of visiting the major theme parks, travel off the beaten path.  Smaller zoos, aquariums, and neighborhood parks may be the highlight of the trip for your kids. Consider libraries and even bookstores for indoor entertainment. Museums also offer educational and cultural experiences for kids of all ages.

Any place that’s novel to your children, or that’s different than what’s available at home, will provide plenty of interest. Plus, if you’re traveling internationally, cultural exposure is a crucial part of the overall experience. If you do visit theme parks, opt for multi-park or multi-day tickets instead of single-entry options. With these packages, per-day costs are lower the more days and locations you visit. You also have the flexibility to step out for naps, snacks, or just to recharge with the kids before diving back in.

 

 

budget vacation tips

 

Live Like a Local

Instead of planning to eat out every leg of your trip, live more like a local. Wherever you are, look for local eateries far away from the touristy areas. If you can, book a hotel or rental home with a kitchenette or, at the very least, a refrigerator and microwave. Packing food from home — preferably non-perishable staples — can save you a lot of money.

Depending on how long you’re staying and how expensive your accommodations are, you might find it’s worth the additional cost of booking a suite with a kitchen. After all, eating out is more expensive than grocery shopping. On the same note, look at the local neighborhood and what’s happening while you’re in town. Community centers often have free events and local businesses sometimes offer discounts on certain days. Doing some research ahead of time will also allow you to get to know your destination better.

Wherever you plan to go on your family vacation, a strict budget doesn’t have to mean a lack of excitement and fun. There’s plenty to see and do without spending a ton of cash, even when you have little ones along for the trip.

 

 

Filed Under: Travel Tips Tagged With: , , ,

16 Money Saving Disney World Travel Tips

January 4, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing tips on Disney World travel tips.  Disney World is the Most Magical Place on Earth.  Everyone should visit at least once in their life time.  But, saving enough money to have an enjoyable trip can be a problem.  Moms across America have managed to make the trip and have shared how they save money.

 

Disney World Tips

 

Here’s a few Money Saving Disney World Travel Tips:

 

Planning a Disney Trip – First, arrive at Disney World like a princess.  It starts from boarding the plane to landing.  Let the fun begin.

 

Disney World Military Discount Tickets – If you or your spouse are active or retired military, take advantage of the military discount tickets.   The prices are budget friendly.

 

Free Food at Disney World – Next, this mom shares where to find Disney World snacks and samples.  Check out the list of free food/samples that you can find while visiting the parks.  Saving on snacks can really help out when you’re on a tight budget.

 

Disney Akershua Royal Banquet Hall Breakfast – This mom shares getting free meals on her Dining Plan and tips on dining at Akershua Royal Banquet.  It’s a great for a meal and meeting the princesses.

 

Disney Cruises

 

Camping Tips for Disney – If you are a camper, this post is for you.  This blogger shows you the in, outs and benefits are camping.

 

5 Dining Secrets at Disney – Additionally, this mom shares tips on the Disney Dining Plans and making reservations.

 

Disney at Night – This mom shares tips on visiting Disney at night and things to do while you’re there.

 

5 Things Worth the Splurge at Disney – If you can manage, this blogger shares tips on things that are worth splurging on at Disney World.

 

How to Plan a Disney Trip – This blogger shares tips on planning your trip to Disney World using a Disney Travel Agent.

 

The Minnie Van Service – Did you know that Disney World has a Minnie Van Service?  Yes, they do.  This blogger shares tips on using the service.

 

Disney Tips for Big Families –  Also, if you have a big family this post is worth the read. This blogger shares tips on getting through the parks to purchasing souvenirs.

 

Disney Character Sightings

 

Toddler Favorites at Disney World –  If you have a toddler, this mom shares tips on where to go and what to see at Disney World.

 

Hottest Disney Springs Restaurants – This mom shares tips on the best restaurants at Disney Springs.

 

Disney  Cruise for Adults – This mom should tips on Disney cruises.

 

Disney Resort Hopping – Last, this mom shares tips on Park Hopping.  Check it out if you plan to purchase the Park Hopper.

 

I hope these Disney World tips will help with your budget, give you insight on thinks to do, and great places to eat.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

Purchasing Disney World Military Discount Tickets

December 2, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on Disney World Military Discount Tickets.  It’s a great way to save on park tickets.  The armed forces have partnered with Disney and are now offering Walt Disney World Resort Promotional Theme Park Tickets.  However, the discount is also available at Disneyland.

Armed Forces Salute is the original discount promotion.  The Walt Disney World Resort Promotional Theme Park promotion works the same way.  The promotion is a discount available to military members and retirees.  You will be happy to know that the Disney World Resort Promotion will be available January 1, 2020 through December 18, 2020.  Discount tickets can be used throughout the year.  For example, you can use the tickets 2 days for spring break and 2 days for summer vacation.  The last day for the 2019 promotion is December 19, 2019.

 

 

disney world military discount tips

 

Disney World Military Discount Members Must Be:

  • Current/Retired military members:
    Active
    Reserve
    National Guard
    Coast Guard
    Commissioned Corps
  • 100%Service Disabled
  • Spouses may use their enlisted or retired member’s benefit.  They are not entitled to the discount on their own.
  • Widows are entitled to their spouse’s discount if they haven’t remarried.
  • Foreign Partners stationed at a United States Base are also eligible. However, they must have a permanent US Military issued ID.

 

 

 

disney world discounts

 

The discount includes:

  • 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket with the Park Hopper Option for $241 plus tax
  • 5-Day Military Promotional Ticket with the Park Hopper Option $257 plus tax
  • 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket with the Park Hopper Plus Option $291 plus tax
  • 5-Day Military Promotional Ticket with the Park Hopper Plus Option $307 plus

 

Also, you can also purchase the Disney World Memory Maker for an additional $98.00.  This is half of the original $199.99 Memory Maker price.  NOTE:  These prices may change for 2020.  Additionally, the military member may purchase up to 6 tickets not including themselves.

We take advantage of the Disney World Military Discount when we travel to Disney World in December.   This works great for my family.  We divide our time between ESPN Disney World Super Bowl, where my grandson plays, and the Disney World parks.  Also, we don’t stay on the property in December.  I owe a Time Share about 10 minutes away.  So, we rent a car and head to the timeshare.  It has a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and 2 bedrooms with a king size bed, 2 queen beds in the second bedroom, and a queen sofa bed in the living room.   Since we’re splitting our time between 2 destinations, it’s cheaper for us to stay at the timeshare than on Disney properties.

We purchase the 4 day ticket with the park hopper.  However, we didn’t park hop not one day.  We just wanted to head home, get a good night’s sleep, and head to another park the next day.

Military Discount Tickets can be purchased at Shades of Green, your local military base, or at the ticket booths at Disney World.  We purchased our tickets at the Disney World ticket booth.  Otherwise, tickets have to be activated before you can enter the park.  The enlisted or retired member must be present with a military ID to activate the tickets.  Unfortunately, they can’t activate by using the My Disney app either.  So, plan accordingly.

 

Filed Under: Travel Tips Tagged With: , , ,

DIY Pine Cone Fire Starters

October 18, 2019 by 1 Comment

Fall is here!  Today, I’m sharing tips on how to make pine cone fire starters.  It’s the perfect time for a roaring fire in the fireplace or fire pit.  Picture yourself sipping a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, making s’mores or roasting hot dogs with the kids, it doesn’t matter.  Just get the fire started.

They’re perfect for camping or a wood burning fire place or stove too.

 

pine cone fire starters

 

 

Next, spend an afternoon searching for pinecones in your backyard or neighborhood’s.  My daughter has more pine cones than she could ever use in her yard, so I fill a basket when I visit.  If you’re not lucky enough to have access to pine cones, you can purchase them.  I used a variety of sizes in this batch.

 


 

You will also need:

 

 

how to start fires

 

 


 

How to Make Pine Cone Fire Starters:

  • Start simmering about 3 inches of water in a small pot.
  • While the water is heating, wrap a piece of wire around the bottom of each pine cone as shown below.   You will be use the wire to dip the pinecones into the wax.  I purchased the 20 gauge galvanized wire.  I prefer that weigh because its heavy enough to use on my wreaths for hanging, but also useful with other crafts.
  • Slowly add a pound of the wax pellets to the pot.  Allow the pellets to melt slowly and completely. Also, I used white pellets.  I like the softness of the white wax.  However, you may prefer yellow.
  • Place the pine cones on a cooling rack after you dip them into the wax.  I lined a cookie sheet with wax paper and placed a cooling rack on the cookie sheet.
  • Allow the wax to harden before placing the pine cones back into the wax.  I dipped each pine cone about 3 or 4 times.

 

The smaller pine cones shown below are from the Dollar General.  They were 12 for a $1.00 in the Christmas section, so I grabbed a few boxes to add to my pine cone stash.  They have strings wrapped around them because they are Christmas tree ornaments.  However,  I just removed the strings before dipping them into the wax.  I used an old spoon to place the smaller pine cones in the wax and to remove them from the pot.  But, you can wrap the wire around them too.

 

 

pine cone crafts

 

 

 

fire starters

 

 

Once the wax hardened, I removed the wire.   I love how the wax varies on each pine cone.  I left some of the pine cones in the heated wax longer than others.  You can get creative and add glitter while the wax is hardening or a fragrance oil to the pine cones. I use fragrance oils because they’re stronger than essential oils.  Peppermint, Snickerdoodle, Cupcake, and Orange are a few of my favorites.

 

fire starters

 

 

 


 


 

 

starting fires in fire places

 

I head to the Smoky Mountains at the end of October each year.  This is the wood burning fire place in the house where I relax for a week.  I’ll be taking this batch of pine cone fire starters to use when I want a roaring fire.  The weather is usually a little chilly, so the fire place is always a welcome feature.  Make a few batches for your next camping trip, backyard fire pit or fireplace.  You may also like:  Sea Shell Embellished Picture Frames.  

 

 

Filed Under: Thrift Finds-DIY, Travel Tips Tagged With: , , ,

Home Security Tips While You’re on Vacation

August 5, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing travel advice on home security tips while on vacation.  A home is regarded by many as their pride and joy. If you’re heading on a family vacation, keeping your property safe and secure is crucial. The last thing you want is to worry about your home while you are on your vacation.

 

 

 

home security tips

 

 

Here a few home security tips before leaving on vacation: 

 

Get a Home Monitoring System

First and foremost, install a home monitoring system in your home.  With so many options to choose from, it’s important to find a system that fits your home. You may want to consider purchasing a wireless security system that can give you 24/7 updates, allowing you to relax and unwind while on vacation.

 

Keep Up Home Maintenance

Whether you employ a gardener to take care of your lawn or hire a pool guy to come out once a week, it’s important to stick to these schedules. Having people you trust enter your property while you are away can deter thieves from breaking into your home.

 

Leave a Key with Friends or Family

If you don’t hire outside help, why not leave a key with a friend or relative? Having one of your nearest and dearest stopping by every day or two can give you peace of mind and ensure that any deliveries you are expecting can be dealt with. To thank them for their trouble, why not bring back a gift from your vacation?

 

Hold Your Newspapers and Mail

A dead giveaway that shows you aren’t home is if your mailbox is stuffed to the brim with yellowing newspapers. Intruders can immediately identify whether you’ve been home recently, so it’s best to contact your newspaper service to stop any deliveries from arriving if you don’t have relatives or friends close by to keep an eye on your house.

 

Get Off Social Media

One of our most important home security tips for those who use social media, it’s important not to advertise that you’re away.  While you may want to update your Facebook friends about your trip, you can never be certain who is and isn’t seeing your posts. Make sure that your address isn’t readily available to anyone who’s viewing your page.  And, ensure you delete any past posts or events that may include your phone number. Once you’re home from vacation, you can post to your hearts content without the worry that an intruder is watching.

 

 

home security tips

Lock Your Valuables Up

Burglars know what they’re doing, so it comes as no surprise that they’ll check your bedroom first for valuables. To keep your treasured possessions safe and secure, why not get a small safe? If you don’t want to splurge on a safe, there are other places you can put your valuables, such as in a bathroom closet or kitchen pantry. If you have any sentimental items or possessions that you know you’ll be worrying about, it’s best to ask a neighbor or relative to look after them while you are on vacation.

 

Install an Outdoor Sensor Light

If any unwelcome visitors try and gain entry to your property, you can stop them in their tracks by installing an outdoor sensor light. Shining a light on the burglar can alert your neighbors too. You should also consider setting up timers for your indoor lights which will give the impression that you are home, helping to deter intruders.

 

Disconnect Your Garage Door

With technology continually advancing, criminals are getting wiser, meaning they have the knowledge and expertise to gain access to your garage door. In some cases, garage doors can be opened by a universal remote, so it’s best to disconnect your garage door before you go on vacation and instead opt for a manual lock.

Advertise Your Security

Having a security system installed will help to deter intruders, so make sure you advertise it too. To do this, you can place stickers next to accessible entry points such as your front and garage doors. Even if you haven’t had chance to implement your security system yet, buying a pack of stickers and giving the impression that they’re working will mean that intruders won’t take the chance.

Going on a family vacation should be full of relaxation and fun. So, implementing our home security tips while you’re away will give you peace of mind.  Now, go ahead and have a relaxing and exciting vacation.

 

Filed Under: Travel Tips Tagged With: , , ,

5 Family-Friendly National Parks

July 3, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on family friendly National Parks in the United States.  The National Park Service celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2019.  And, there will be plenty of special events at each park throughout the summer. While every park is a worthy destination, you’ll find that some work better for families than others.

 

national parks

 

 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

No other national park offers families as many ways to enjoy their time together as Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Captivating waterfalls, wooded hiking trails, fishing, camping, kayaking, and beautiful wildlife make this free-admission national park a nature-lover’s dream.  The nearby towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are home to a vast array of attractions including America’s #1 Aquarium.  Additionally, the Dollywood theme park, several mountain coasters and chair lifts, water parks, go-karts, ziplines, funky museums and several theaters.  They host a variety of family-themed music, comedy, and magic shows year-round.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon have plenty of lodging.  However, for an authentic Smoky Mountain experience, many people choose a rental cabin.  Pigeon Forge cabins offer the rustic charm of a mountain lodge combined with the convenience of modern living. Most cabins come with large decks.  Furthermore, many are equipped with hot tubs and barbeque grills.  Inside are game rooms, fireplaces, fully-equipped kitchens, multiple televisions, and Wi-Fi.  Some larger cabins even have built-in home theaters, and all cabins come with views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains.  The views range from tranquil and park-like, to stunning and magnificent.

 

national parks

 

The Grand Canyon

At Grand Canyon National Park, you can explore an 800-year-old ancestral Pueblo site on the Tusayan Ruins Tour.  Or, learn about some of the park’s diverse wildlife on the “Critter Chat” tour. Both are ranger-led, and both are free. When the kids or your feet have had enough, you can still enjoy canyon vistas from the comfort of your car. The 26-mile Desert View Drive (otherwise known as the East Rim Drive) from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View offers breathtaking views.  There are plenty of photo ops along the way.  Grand Canyon Village has several restaurants, a supermarket, plenty of places to picnic, and, of course, incredible views.

Stay inside the park at one of the seven lodgings (six on the south rim, one on the North Rim) for the ultimate Grand Canyon experience. Some rooms may even have a view of the canyon, depending on where you stay. If the park lodgings are booked, stay in nearby Williams, AZ. From there, you can take the rustic Grand Canyon Railway to the park. Storytellers and musicians provide entertainment and bring the Old West to life on the two-and-a-half hour ride.

 

Arches National Park

Add Arches National Park to your list of national parks.  It is the world’s densest concentration of natural stone arches.  In addition, there are spectacular red-rock formations, incredible scenic drives, and easy hikes with big payoffs.  They make Arches National Park one of the most visited parks in America. The park has broad appeal because visitors don’t need to hike to enjoy the park. Formations like Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, Landscape Arch, and Parade of Elephants can easily be seen from various roadside stops.

This southeastern corner of Utah is unique in offering two national parks close together, just outside the hub town of Moab. If you have time, spend a day at nearby Canyonlands National Park, as well as Arches. A wilderness made up of countless canyons and spectacular buttes carved by the Colorado River, this park is well worth the visit. Larger and wilder than Arches, it also can’t be easily accessed by car – so if you tire of roadside attractions and people, you know where to go.

 

Zion National Park

In the southwestern part of Utah, Zion National Park features massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red.  Also, a unique array of plants, animals, and rich history brings visitors from all over the world. Zion has many family-friendly hikes, The Pa’rus Trail and the Riverside Walk.  For  example, both offer a sampling of Zion’s gorgeous scenery and are even wheelchair accessible. The Emerald Pools Trail and the Weeping Rock Trail have spring-fed pools, waterfalls, and views of the canyon. Both trails are easy enough to navigate with small children.

Zion’s main road – the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive – is closed to vehicle traffic from April to October.  But, the National Park Service runs shuttle buses to many stops throughout the park. The shuttle starts in the nearby town of Springdale and runs all day. Springdale has plenty of family restaurants, reasonably priced accommodations, and a mix of shopping.

 

 

Yellowstone National Park

Striking cliffs, granite domes, colorful wildflowers, lush forests, 200-foot tall sequoias, and of course, Old Faithful make Yellowstone National Park a family favorite. For the kids, the Park Service runs several Ranger Programs like the Junior Ranger Wildlife Olympics. The entire family will enjoy the tours of Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Canyon Village. For the ultimate in star gazing, check out Cosmic Update, or Planet-Building in the Universe, two of the parks Astronomy programs offered in partnership with the Museum of the Rockies.

For a different perspective, take a boat tour of Yellowstone Lake on the Ranger-led Lake Sceni-Cruise. Yellowstone also has over 900 miles of hiking trails, dramatic scenery, and hundreds of animal species. Because Yellowstone is nearly 3,500-sq.-miles and covers parts of three states, you might want to consider camping inside the park at one of the twelve campgrounds. If the family balks at spending the night in the wilderness, Yellowstone also has a variety of lodgings.  There are nine in total, including the Old Faithful Inn and the rustic Roosevelt Lodge.

 

Filed Under: Vacation Destinations Tagged With: , , ,

How to Take Memorable Vacation Photos

June 20, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on vacation photos.  When you go on vacation, you make memories that will last a lifetime.  What better way to document those memories than to take great photos?  You can store them in an album, put them on your wall or even give them as gifts to everyone who vacationed with you.

 

 

memorable vacation photos

 

 

 

 

Here’s a few tips on how to take memorable vacation photos:

 

Tell a Story

The most engaging photos will always tell a story. Try and take photos of any key moments so that you can build a narrative of your journey.  For example, take a photograph of your suitcase before you go.  Additionally, take a photograph of the plane or train you are travelling on.  Furthermore, when  you have reached your destination take a photo.  This will tell a story and it will also show how you got from point A to point B.

 

Vacation Photos

 

Take your Camera Everywhere

Always have a camera within arm’s reach. It doesn’t matter if you use the camera on your smartphone, the goal is to capture the moments.  It may also be worth taking some kind of waterproof carry case with you.  A down pour could occur any moment. If you are taking your smartphone with you then check out this link: https://setapp.com/how-to/set-up-icloud-mail-on-your-mac.  It givens information on how you can save your photos to the cloud or you can email them to yourself instead.

 

Timer

If you are traveling with a group then you will know how annoying it can be to always have one person left out of the vacation photos.  If you want to get around this dilemma, use a selfie stick.  Or, put your camera on a timer.  Either options will allow everyone to be in the same shot and you don’t have to worry about leaving anyone out. If you are not sure how long to set the timer for, then 10 seconds is usually a great starting point. This gives everyone the chance to get in the right pose, and it also stops you from having to rush too much.

 

Scenic Shots

The last thing that you want to do is fill your vacation album with a ton of scenic photos. Nobody wants to see a huge range of photos that are all mediocre. If you want to avoid this, then only take a photo when you see a striking landscape. You might also want to get other people in front of the camera too so that you can get the ultimate travel photo.

 

memorable vacation photos

Local Wildlife

If you are vacationing somewhere that has super unique wildlife, then you need to bring the right gear with you.  A powerful zoom function will go a long way.  It will help you capture birds, and other wildlife that you may come across. This can help make memorable vacation photos.

Filed Under: Travel Tips Tagged With: , ,

Family Vacations in New York City

May 28, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Today, we’re sharing travel tips on vacations in New York City.   A trip to New York City might bring up thoughts of a romantic weekend or a massive Christmas shopping trips.  It might not be the first place that you think of when it comes to a family holiday. You might imagine busy streets, long queues, expensive restaurants and fancy hotels.  Certainly not the kind of place you’d go to with young children. But, these romantic breaks and shopping trips aren’t all that New York has to offer.

 

vacation in New York City

 

A vacation in New York City could be perfect. The city is packed with museums, playgrounds, parks, large toy shops and other brilliant family-friendly attractions. Your kids will love it, you’ll all get a chance to bond, and you might even be able to fit in some more grown-up excursions while you are there.

 

Family Vacations in New York City

 

Find the Right Hotel

Choosing the right hotel is essential if you want a successful, safe, fun and stress-free family trip. The hotel that you choose should have large rooms just in case you need to add extra beds or cribs.  Furthermore, it should cater to families with facilities and restaurants serving a range of food.  You might also want to find somewhere close to the attractions that you would like to see during your visit.  You don’t want to spend time doing too much walking or on public transport with tired and grumpy kids.

 

Prepare for Your Journey

If you can, a road trip might be ideal.  For example, it’s more comfortable for the kids, you can stop whenever you along the way, and you’ll have access to your own vehicle for the duration of your trip.

Whether you are flying, driving or taking the train, make sure you pack everything that you need.  This includes snacks, drinks, and plenty to keep your kids entertained for the journey.

 

 

vacation in New York City

 

 

Plan Some Events

There is absolutely loads to do in New York.  Some of it is suitable for children and young families, and some isn’t. If you want to be able to make the most of your trip and see as much as possible, it’s a good idea to plan your days.  Start looking online for the best child-friendly New York attractions, NYC show tickets that your kids might enjoy, and the best family-friendly eateries before you travel.

 

Visit at the Right Time

If you are traveling with children, it’s always a good idea to avoid visiting at the busiest times when there is likely to be long queues and crowded streets. You might also want to avoid high summer when the weather can be very hot, and prices inflated. Visiting between January and March, or September and November can be wise.

 

 

vacation in New York City

 

 

Study a Map

New York is quite easy to navigate. It is built in logical blocks, making it easy to walk around and find your way. But, it’s also absolutely massive. So, if you don’t want to spend time lost and confused, study maps before you leave to help you to get your bearings.

A vacation in New York City can be a memorable experience for you and your family.  Do your homework and check what places that you and your family would enjoy.

 

Filed Under: Travel Tips, Vacation Destinations Tagged With: , , ,

How to Enjoy Road Trips with a Baby

May 23, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on how to enjoy road trips with a baby.  While we are sure you will have a wonderful time, there will be stresses.   Especially, when your baby kicks up a fuss while you’re trying to navigate the highways and byways.  However, you trip doesn’t have to be entirely stressful or ruined.

 

road trips with a baby

 

 

 

Here’s a few tips on surviving road tips with a baby:

 

#1: Keep your baby supplies nearby

Don’t cram all of your luggage into the trunk of your car. When it comes to the items your baby needs, you are going to need them at hand.  Pack them into a large diaper bag that can accommodate most of your baby necessities.  For example, diapers, ready-made bottles of breast or formula milk, blankets, wipes, and toys. With everything you need in close proximity, you will quickly have what you need should your baby get bored, hungry, or both!

 

#2: Enlist a back seat passenger

Other than your baby, you might have a back seat passenger ready if you’re bringing other family members or friends along.  But, if it’s just you and your partner, you might want to tag team driving duties.  For example, one of you can sit in the back with your baby.  As a result, the back-seat passenger can take on the duties when crying or tantrums arise.  Additionally, this will ensure the driver isn’t overly distracted.  Duties can included feeding the baby to reading baby books or playing peek-a-boo.  Furthermore, the back seat passenger will be invaluable when it comes to keeping the baby quiet and entertained.

 

#3: Plan for breaks

Unless you want a smelly car, you will need to plan for breaks to give you the opportunity to change your baby’s diaper. You might want to change their clothes too if they have become sweaty or stained with food.  And, you all may need a little respite from the confines of your car.  Before you set off on your journey, download a rest stop locator app on your smartphone. This will be useful when planning where to take stops.

 

#4: Avoid the scenic route

We know road trips are often about taking those roads less-traveled.  But, when you have a baby to look after, you don’t want to run the risk of getting lost on your journey.  As we suggested, you will need a route that includes places to take a break, gas stations and food courts.  So, you might find traveling the highway is more practical than taking detours into the countryside.  Plan your route in advance; if you can find a scenic route with plenty of rest stops, then fine.  But if not, stick to the main roads for convivence sake.

 

Finally, traveling can be a fun when you learn how to enjoy road trips with a baby.  By following our tips, you should be able to minimize stress for both you and your baby.  Let us know what you think, and if you have any other useful tips for any road trippers this summer.  Please leave a comment below.

You may also like:  Family Travel Tips With Kids

 

Filed Under: Traveling With Children Tagged With: , ,