Category: Travel

El Nido is a province of Palawan in the Philippines and well known as the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago. According to the latest survey, some of the most beautiful beaches and coral reefs in the world exist in El Nido. There is no denying that the planet’s most extraordinary natural splendor can be seen here. If you are planning a trip here, book one of those cheap flights to El Nido and make the most of your vacation.

It is no wonder to see El Nido, a popular destination among the tourists and especially families. The islands here have become world famous for their natural splendors and beauty. There are dozens of hidden caves and lagoons to explore and dive underwater to enjoy the spectacular marine life.

Reaching El Nido Palawan and moving around with your kids

There are many El Nido cheap flights provided by different air carriers in order to cater to the growing demand. One can easily get a direct flight from Manila through El Nido Airport. Hundreds of families arrive here every year to enjoy the white sand beaches, and postcard-perfect islands plus the laid-back lifestyle. Once you reach here, you will find that it is very easy to explore El Nido on foot as it is a small town.  One can easily walk to the major attractions and enjoy the local culture as well. You can even rent scooters or take tuk-tuks.

Food, accommodation, and shopping

Parents can pick from any of the vast numbers of options for accommodation. All they need to be careful about is to ensure that the hotel or resort is kid friendly and centrally located. One can stay near El Nido Beach that are just minutes away from those glorious beaches. Some popular resorts include names like The Nest, Amakan. Garden Bay Beach, and more. The prices will vary based on location and availability.

El Nido Fish Market is great if you want to enjoy some fresh seafood delicacies. Jarace Grill is one of the most popular restaurants here. D’Factory Ice Cream is a great place to enjoy ice-creams with kids. Some other favorite eating joints are Fat Choy, The Nesting Table, Bella Vita El Nido and more for Asian, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Italian options. As no trip is complete without shopping, you can visit El Nido Boutique Artcafe, Pops District Promenade and Palawan Divers for local artifacts and souvenirs.

Things to do

Kids will love El Nido and its abundant wildlife, amazing islands, and natural beauty. You will never run out of options of how to plan the day with your family.

• Discover the iconic spots in El Nido – Many nooks and crannies are still waiting to be discovered. So, you can take your family and kids to any area or location in those lagoons and spot different fish and aquatic species.
• Enjoy Kayaking and Snorkeling – If your family is the adventurous type, why not plan a kayak and snorkel trip in the Big Lagoon. The Big Lagoon is amply incredible for kids as they would feel comfortable in the shallow waters of the deep, turquoise lagoon and enjoy looking at the colorful sea life.
• Take them to Shimizu Island – It would be an incredible experience to look at the rock formations of Shimizu Island that indeed look spectacular. Your little ones are surely going to be amazed, looking at that work of nature.
• Look for colorful starfish at Cadlao Lagoon – Cadlao Lagoon is very popular because of those beautiful waters with colorful starfish. It is a popular activity among the tourists to visit the open lagoon with shallow waters to search for the starfish or simply swim around.
• Explore the Cudugnon Cave – Visit the Ipil Beach to explore the spectacular cave. The Cudugnon Cave with tall ceilings once held artifacts from the indigenous people. Kids would be filled with awe once they are inside the cave.

My husband, Louie, wanted us to go to Taiwan during the Holy Week, and he told me this one month before the Holy Week! Primary reason? He was craving for some Taiwanese street food. Thoughts swirled through my head, but three questions stood out in my mind: Where to go? What to eat? What to do? I’ve been to Taiwan two times before, and I don’t like going to the same places again. (Read this post for the top 10 attractive places we visited in Taiwan in 2015.)

Deciding where to visit and what food to eat are always an important part of our travels. This trip to Taiwan was no exception. We had to make the most out of our stay and explore the city’s exciting food scene and historical sites as well. Taipei may not be a huge city, but it makes up for its size with astonishing food options and rich history. It can be daunting to choose the best ones, so in a week’s time, we finally narrowed down our list to 20 tourist spots and things to do. If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan soon, this can be your guide.

Back in Taiwan: 20 Tourist Spots to Visit and Coolest Things to Do

1. Have a fun food trip and shop for souvenirs in Shilin Night Market

Shilin Market (士林夜市) is one of the largest and most famous night markets in Taipei. It’s a must-visit attraction if you’re hunting for bargain goods and Taiwanese street food. We stayed in an Airbnb nearby and we did purposefully so. Filled with a variety of local, traditional, and international merchandise like clothes, gadgets, and souvenirs, this night market is bursting with energy every single night. And yes, even when it rains! The fun doesn’t stop until midnight. There’s A LOT of tempting food in Shilin Night Market, so it’s wise to get there early to avoid the massive crowds.

2. Taste and compare different milk tea and bubble tea 

Bubble tea must be Taiwan’s unofficial national drink, because there’s plenty of stalls selling bubble tea everywhere. We ended up drinking bubble tea every day when we were in Taipei. We’re such fans of this milky delight! How to spot the best ones? It’s easy. See lines extending around the block? Head for it and don’t miss out. Our best bets are CoCo 都可茶飲, 珍煮丹, and Milk Shop. Tiger Sugar is another must-try.

3. Go mall hopping in Xinyi District 

I’ve been to Taipei three times, and the Xinyi Shopping District (信義區) is always a good choice for shopping. This is where you can find the famous Taipei 101, ATT4FUN, the flagship Eslite bookstore, Neo19, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Xinyi Place, Breeze Songgao as well as other entertainment, shopping, and dining complexes. If you have a loose itinerary, visiting Xinyi District is certainly a good way to explore Taiwan’s remarkable range of shops.

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4. Explore the Beitou Library

We booked via Klook for the first time for the Beitou and Yangmingshan day tour. We met at Taipei Main Station and drove to the first stop: Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch. Located within Beitou Park in Beitou Hot Spring area of Taipei City, Beitou Library is Taiwan’s first green library. The surroundings look clean and green.

What’s notable here is that the library is fitted with eco-friendly features and settings. The building is made entirely of wood. With large windows that allow natural light to substitute interior lighting, ventilation that reduces the need for fans and air-conditioning, and roof covered by photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity, Beitou Library is one of the most energy-efficient and environmental-friendly architecture in East Asia. If you want to also book through Klook and avoid the hassle, click here and get P150 when you sign up.

5. Visit the Beitou Hot Spring Museum

Beitou Hot Spring Museum (北投溫泉博物館) is another attraction just within a short walk from Beitou Library. Built during the Japanese colonial era, this museum is a Tudor-style building with a brick and wood façade and black tile roof set picturesquely in the surrounding greenery.

Exhibits inside include the discovery of hokutolite, the geological landscape and development of the Beitou Hot Springs, stories about the reconstruction and preservation of the museum, some posters displaying Beitou’s impact on Taiwanese cinema, the youth of Beitou, and a multimedia auditorium. If you’re interested to learn about Beitou’s rich hot spring culture and history, this is your place to be.

6. Check out the Thermal Valley

When the Japanese took control of Taiwan, they brought with them a rich and well-developed Hot Spring (onsen) culture in Beitou and sought to develop Taiwan’s various hot spring locations into popular destinations for rest and relaxation. One of the coolest attractions is the Beitou Thermal Valley or “Hell Valley” (地熱谷). The lake here is one of the primary sources of hot spring water for the resort area. The emerald green color of the water is probably that of the year-round sulphuric steam that rises up from the water and blankets the valley in a haze of extremely humid fog.

7. Enjoy the surroundings near the Yangmingshan Flower Clock

When exploring Yangmingshan, you can’t miss out on the Flower Clock in Yangming Park (陽明公園, 花鐘). It’s the centerpeice that’s located near the western entrance to the park. The landscape is adorned with many types of flora and fauna. Best time to visit is during the flower festival in Taipei.

8. Visit Yangmingshuwu (Zhongxing Guesthouse), one of Chiang Kai-shek’s official residences

Yangmingshuwu (陽明書屋) served as a place where the late President Chiang Kai-shek received guests from around the world and spent his summer vacations. It was the only residence Chiang Kai-shek chose to build in Taiwan, hence it became one of the culturally and historically significant buildings in the Yangmingshan National Park.

9. Learn the volcanic history of Xiaoyoukeng

Xiaoyoukeng (小油坑) is a post-volcanic geological park located on Mt. Qixing’s northwestern foot. This place is known for the fumaroles, sulfur crystals (smell of sulfur is very intense), hot springs and spectacular “landslide terrain.” Most people are surprised when they hear just how close Taipei City is to a dormant volcano. Here you can see streams of fumes coming from fumaroles in the distance. As you get closer, you can feel the geothermal heat and you will even see bubbling puddles by the side of footpath.

10. Take a hike in Qingtiangang Grassland in Yangmingshan National Park

After the eruption of Mt. Zhugao, the lava flowed north towards the area, creating this unique landscape. During the Japanese occupation, Qingtiangang (擎天崗) was established as a ranch for cattle to graze. The park is still home to cows and other wildlife to date. We thought we could see the clouds due to its elevation. Unfortunately, there was too much fog when we got to the top. Anyway, if you’re into hiking, include Qingtiangang Grassland in your itinerary. It’s the most popular hiking destination in Yangmingshan National Park, with a foot path impressively lined with undulating grass and stumpy shrubs.

11. Dip your tired and sore feet in Lengshuikeng

Lengshuikeng (冷水坑) was our last stop in our Klook trip. Why it’s called “cold water pit” when translated into English is that it’s cooler than the hot springs in the area. So visitors are invited to soak their feet into the hot spring for a quick hot spring experience. It’s a popular rest spot for those hiking or touring Yangmingshan National Park. It also houses a visitor center, small restaurant, and a formal hot spring building (where visitors are separated into genders and must enter nude). Access is free for all.

12. Satisfy your palate with hotpot dining

Taipei City is dotted with hot pot restaurants, so make sure to try one. Some feature all-you-can-eat deals, some cater to single diners, while there are also those that specialize in certain, high-quality ingredients like imported beef. In spite of the dizzying variety of Taipei’s hot pot options, what they all offer are intimacy, fun, and bubbling vats overflowing with food. We had lunch in Little Mongolian Hot Pot in Xi Hu with my aunt and cousin.

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13. Go furniture shopping in IKEA

We visit IKEA with sheer excitement whenever we can, outside the Philippines. Since we planned to go food tripping in Raohe Night Market, we might as well check out IKEA Dunhua North Road Store in Songshan District. Located diagonally across Taipei Arena, it’s only two metro stations away from Songshan station. While it’s not the biggest IKEA branch in Taipei, it’s also worth the time to go as it offers reasonable prices, tasteful design, and delicious food. First-time visitors may feel lost, confused, and overwhelmed, and that’s fine. The store has directions everywhere and customer service assistance can help find things you’re looking for.

14. Try delicious Taiwanese street food in Raohe Night Market (饒河夜市)

After visiting IKEA, we went straight to Raohe Night Market (饒河夜市) to get Taiwan street food for dinner. With 600 meters of shopping space, this place is packed with fun and interesting food, quaint shops and entertainment stalls, and carnival games with prizes. We’re surprised that it’s as crowded as Shilin Night Market when we went there. But unlike Shilin Night Market, Raohe Night Market is easier to navigate and browse through. Traverse two straight lanes and you can find yourself out pretty satisfied. Taiwanese sausages, beef noodles, pork rib noodles, Fu Zhou Shi Zu food stall’s Black Pepper Buns, and monga fried chicken fillet are up for grabs! Read my post here to learn the top 20 Taiwanese street food we tried and recommend.

15. Have a relaxing and soothing foot massage

After hours of walking, we couldn’t help but feel excited when we saw the foot massage center near Raohe Night Market. A well-deserved foot massage helped our feet feel better. If you have sore and tired tourist feet and your feet are screaming for mercy, take time to indulge in a massage; it’s the perfect pampering experience while traveling!

16. Be mesmerized with geological formations in Yehliu Geopark

There’s a limited number of buses that drive to Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園) every day, so I booked another Klook tour for our convenience. Yehliu Geopark is home to a number of unique geological formations including the iconic “Queen’s Head” (女王頭). It’s located along a cape stretching out from the town of Wanli.

Part of the Daliao Miaocene Formation, the cape stretches around 1,700 meters, formed as thousands of years of geological movement forced the Datun Mountains to change their shape, jutting out into the ocean. Besides the Queen’s Head, other remarkable formations include Sea Candles (燭台石), Fairy Shoe (仙女鞋), Ginger Rocks, Elephant Rock, Ice Cream Rock, Kissing Rock, and Princess’ Head. Come and enjoy before it morphs into another nature wonder piece. 😛

17. Discover the old streets of Taiwan in Jiufen

When in Taiwan, you can’t have enough street food. Jiufen is another town known for Taiwanese street food. Popular food to try are glutinous rice cakes, peanut ice cream rolls, and meat ball soup.

Originally built by the Japanese, Jiufen is now a maze of lanes and alleyways with rich history and culture. Many buildings in the town remain unchanged to this day, reflecting the Japanese influence. Here you can feel “spirited away” as this was the inspiration for the Japanese fantasy anime, Spirited Away. It was also featured in the Taiwanese historical drama, A City of Sadness.

18. Feel closer to nature at Shifen Waterfall

Shifen Waterfall (十分大瀑布) isn’t the biggest waterfall but it’s a beautiful sight. The 20-meter tall cascading waterfall is a great background for taking photos. It creates a rainbow as water splashes into the lake.

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19. Write your wishes and fly your own sky lantern at Shifen Old Streets

Shifen Old Streets is a lively place for people who want to get a glimpse of an old railroad town still retaining the charm of the past. It features a collection of lanes and alleys in and around the Shifen railway station area. Originally built to transport coal during the Japanese era, the station and track runs straight through the village. Today, it’s more popular for flying sky lanterns so you can let your wishes come to life.

It’s interesting to know that the sky lanterns were used as a signaling system for those living and working in the railroad industry. We wrote our wishes with calligraphy and released them into the sky. This was certainly one of the coolest things we did in Taiwan.

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20. Try the famous misua and original hot star chicken in Ximending

To make our trip complete, we went to Ximending to have our share of the Ay Chung Flour Rice Noodle. I’ve had it a few years ago and it still has the same savory taste. Prepare to queue but don’t be discouraged because it moves quite fast. Note that there are no tables and chair at Ay-Chung Rice Flour Noodles. Place your order, get your bowl of “mee sua” noodles, add condiments, then stand on the street and start slurping…before it gets cold. 🙂

Airbnb has been present since 2008 and it has garnered revenues over $2.6B in 2018, but it’s my first time trying it now…in 2019. 🙂 I’ve always preferred staying in a hotel just because I thought it’s more convenient with the service staff and the usual hotel amenities. Also, I usually check out agoda.com for our hotel bookings. When I get discount offers from the site, see a clean room with a comfortable bed in a location accessible to public transit, I’m happy. If there’s complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi, I’m over the moon!

Call me an Airbnb snob, and my husband is quite the opposite. He prefers having a unique experience and staying in a beautiful room with a homey vibe and creative interior design. Our trip to Taipei was the perfect chance to stay in an Airbnb and that’s exactly what we did. In this post, I’m sharing my review of Uruztopia201 at Shilin Aegean Decor and my experience as a first-time Airbnb guest.

Looking to book your first Airbnb? Sign up via this link to get up to $55 discount (or PhP 2,200 off) toward your first trip. Note: Coupons expire one year from date of sign up.

Review of Uruztopia201 at Shilin Aegean Decor (Taipei, Taiwan)

Location: We wanted to be close to any night market in Taipei since food tripping and shopping are the two main reasons why we came here. At first, our top choice was to stay in Ximending Area or Taipei Main Station. However, there wasn’t a lot of good accommodations available. We also checked online booking sites for hotels but most hotels are farther away from the MRT and are quite pricey. When we turned to Airbnb, we found Uruztopia201 at Shilin Aegean Decor. It’s walking distance away from Shilin Night Market (500 meters from Shilin MRT Station). Note: Exact location will be provided once booking is confirmed.

Space: For only $39 a night, my husband and I shared one room but we felt like having the entire place to ourselves. It’s like staying in our own temporary home in Taipei. How awesome is that! The design was great with the aegean blue and water theme, which was very pleasing to the eyes. The room is also neat. We had to wear bedroom slippers when entering the house. There was good shower water pressure in the private bathroom. It’s also remarkable that safety features are in place: fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, smoke detector, and even a first aid kit.

Amenities: The one downside of staying here is that we didn’t get free breakfast like we normally do when we stay in hotels. That wasn’t a problem since Family Mart and 711 are nearby. We did enjoy a lot of amenities: use of Wi-FI, cable TV, water boiler, mini fridge, blender, small oven, toaster, microwave, and electric stove in the small kitchen area. We were also allowed to prepare and cook our meals. Cooking basics like pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper, dishes and silverware are available. Bathroom essentials (towels, shampoo, soap, and toilet paper) and bed and bath stuff (hair dryer, clothing hangers, bed linens, extra pillows and blankets) were also provided. As mentioned, it’s literally like living in our own home while outside of the Philippines. I can’t ask for more.

Flexibility: Instead of worrying about strict check-in and check-out times that might interfere with our travel itinerary, we had the pleasure of having a kind Airbnb host who offered flexibility throughout our stay. We worked our arrangements prior to our visit and everything was fine since from our first day to the last.

Service: I used to think that Airbnb has the drawback of not having hospitality. I was wrong. Our host, Alan Chen, was friendly and approachable. He answered all my questions even before coming to Taipei and provided his recommendations and local tips as well. He’s free to talk online via WeChat and he showed genuine care to help. He sent me reminders, maps, links to good places to visit as well. I guess this is why many Airbnb guests have rated him 5 stars and also why Airbnb users say that this platform is a fun way to meet locals and learn about local culture.

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Thoughts as a First-Time Airbnb Guest

We had a wonderful experience staying in Uruztopia201 at Shilin Aegean Decor and I recommend it to anyone planning to go to Taipei soon. I guess we got lucky in having a supportive and engaging superhost or we might have just chosen a great place. Because of this, I’m more open to trying more Airbnb space next time! To wrap this post up, here are my some tips when booking your Airbnb:

1. Apply filters. When booking with Airbnb for the first time, apply the many filters available in the site to narrow down choices. These will really help you show results according to budget, preferred locations, amenities, facilities, etc.
2. Read the reviews and looking for a good rating. The reviews are a good basis for choosing where to stay. Check out what other people say about the location, check-in and check-out process, cleanliness, price for value, and all other factors. For us, a rating of 4 and above are worth looking at. If you’re a first-timer like me, it may also be best to book with a superhost, so you can be rest assured that the host already has received good ratings from fellow travelers. Superhosts are the type to reply quickly to inquiries and offer the most secure booking transaction.
3. Pay attention to details. Don’t miss out on every photo uploaded on the Airbnb listing to have a better view of the entire layout and ambiance. Learn which rooms can be entered and which amenities can be used so you won’t be disappointed upon arrival. If unsure, you can send the host a message to reduce the guesswork.
4. Choose the most convenient location for you. It’s best if it’s near restaurants or stores and accessible for public transportation (near a bus stop or MRT). Explore what the neighborhood has to offer before booking. The nearby places and activities you can do in the area are also important in the decision-making process.
5. Do your homework and do compare prices. AirBnb is not always more expensive than a hotel. Accommodation pricing depends on the season and availability for the most part. If hotels don’t fit the bill, give Airbnb a try. At best, you’ll have a good experience as we did. Otherwise, it will be a good experience also to learn for next time. Either way, you’ll have a story to tell your friends and the world. 😉

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Italy’s Amalfi Coast draws thousands of tourists from around Europe each year. The rugged coast stretches from Salerno and Naples along the Sorrento Peninsula. Stunning beaches and warm waters combine with world-class restaurants. If you want a luxury vacation, learn about Amalfi Coast rental properties first. You can find dozens to suit all budgets and types of vacation. Regardless of the type of holiday, discover these top ten things to do on the Amalfi Coast.

Ten Things to Do in the Amalfi Coast

1. Explore Amalfi Town

The region’s main town bursts with character and life. Colorful houses and shops stand side by side, each one looks distinct and different to the next. Locals wander around at their slow pace of life. Tourists snap pictures of the quaint lifestyle. Check out Amalfi Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo. Spend the afternoon along the promenade. Then browse through the shops before relaxing on the beach.

2. Enjoy picturesque coastal walks in Sorrento

Sorrento lies on the northern arm of the coast. The main attractions lie in the town’s magnificent scenery. Follow the trails up the hill to the best viewpoints. Walk through the quaint town centre and visit the 11th-century Cathedral of Sorrento. Stop by the fort and watch the fishing boats come home and the sailing boats bobbing up and down near the horizon.

3. Hit the beaches in Maiori and Minori

Both Maiori and Minora are a short drive from Alamfi and have an incredible stretch of coastline. Book your vacation rental in the town and spend the afternoon on either of these beaches. Expect soft white sand (with relatively few beachgoers) against the gentle lapping of the clear Mediterranean waters. Check out the rows of shops along the waterfront and make the most of the region’s best seafood.

4. Get out into nature in the Ferriera Valley

Aside from beaches and quaint towns, the region has other natural attractions inside the Ferriera Valley. The protected area has hiking trails into the mountains that wind through the thick forests. Spend a few hours out in nature soaking up the serenity of Italy’s coastline. Some of the trails lead to picnicking spots. Others head to waterfalls. Grab a map in Amalfi Town and enjoy a day out in nature. And you probably won’t see a single tourist on your entire trip.

5. See the Amalfi Coast by boat

The best way to see coastline is by taking a boat tour. Organise a short trip out onto the Med and watch the undulating coastline from the luxury of the deck. You can take the perfect photographs that really capture the region’s essence and perspective. Your tour guide will share stories as well which add so much more insight and value to your trip. Most boat trips last between one and two hours. Visit the tourist information office for the latest tips.

6. Marvel at the beauty of Positano

Imagine multi-coloured houses rising up the lush mountainside. Now add in a historical old town, winding streets and a thriving café culture. This is Positano, one of the region’s most picturesque towns. Spend the night to experience its full beauty. Have a full day to relax on the beach and soak up the charming ambience, and watch the world from the cafés. Then join a boat tour out to see the stunning views of the town from the sea.

7. Visit the traditional fishing village of Cetara

Decades ago, the Amalfi Coast mostly consisted of quiet fishing villages. Today, the region has transformed into a tourist hub. Only a handful of the coastal communities remain including Cetara. Everything you see in this small village stays untainted by tourism. The way of life reflects what the resident’s grandparents and great grandparents did in a bygone era. Sit on the side of the port and watch the wooden fishing boats bring in their daily catch. Photograph the colourful boats and buildings. Then sit next to the beach and eat the catch of the day.

8. See the Murals at Furore

Furore lies in the central part of the Amalfi Coast. Rent a car and drive up limestone cliffs to this little-visited town. As you enter Furore, you’ll notice the beautiful murals. The hand-painted images show what day-to-day life was like in the past. You’ll find these mural covering the walls of several houses and shops.

9. Hit the clubs in Capri

Regular ferries connect Capri Island to the several towns along the coast. Tourists flock to Capri for its stunning landscapes, mountain views and vibrant nightlife. If you want to hit the clubs and party, this is the place to visit.

10. See the ultra-rare caves bathed in emerald light

Smeraldo Cave creates an emerald light that bathes the inside of the caverns. Only a handful of caves on the planet exhibit this natural phenomenon. Follow SS163 Route to the entrance. You’ll take an elevator inside the cave to see this incredible natural phenomena. Look out for the way the light bounces off the walls to create an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

A perfect holiday in an Italian Paradise

If you’re looking for luxury and natural beauty, you’ll find it along this stretch of the Italian coastline. Get out and explore the picturesque towns, remote islands and take a boat tour to get the best views. Embrace the slow pace of life inside a café while watching the world pass by or visit traditional fishing villages. Italy’s Amalfi Coast caters to everyone and everyone’s travel interests.

Planning a vacation can be a lot of fun, but it can be a lot of work too. From activities to car rentals and plane rides, there’s a lot of planning that has to be done. And of course, don’t forget about the hotel! No matter where you stay, there is likely to be many different options. For example, Lake Tahoe has dozens of hotel choices, in addition to camping opportunities on the lake.

The question is whether or not the hotel you choose is the right one when you’re traveling with family. Don’t just pick any old hotel if you’re traveling with children or the in-laws. Instead, follow these tips while you’re searching and you can ensure you find the perfect room for your crew.

5 Things to Look for in a Hotel When You’re Traveling with Family

The Right Room Setup

A hotel room isn’t just a hotel room. There are many different types of hotel rooms, and some are better for families than others. If you’re traveling with your significant other, a standard room may be a great choice, but it isn’t a good choice if you’re traveling with your in-laws. Instead, you will want to consider a joint room or a suite. With bedroom doors, you can get a little privacy when you need it.

If you’re traveling with very young children, a deluxe room might be a good choice as it provides you with the ability to stretch your legs and keep your eye on the kids at the same time. If they’re a little older, a joint room might be a better choice. The key is to consider who you’re traveling with and the level of privacy everyone requires when choosing your room.

Fun Things for the Kids to Do

There are a lot of fun things to do on vacation, but that doesn’t mean the kids won’t get bored! It’s a good idea to look for hotels that have fun things for the kids to do.

A pool is a must. It doesn’t have to be a fancy show-stopping pool with a view either. A basic pool will be plenty of fun for older kids. If you have younger ones, look for a pool that will accommodate them.

There are other fun things you can look for too! For example, some hotels have kids clubs, and some even have babysitting services! If you’re in the mood for unique locations or creepy experiences, check out this list for some Fall River activities.

Convenient Perks

There are many ways a hotel can provide you with perks. Some you probably know about, like the fact that you can request extra pillows or room service. Think outside the box and ask the hotel if they provide family-friendly perks that include:

• Strollers
• Playpens
• Booster Seats
• Netflix Access
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Bike Rentals
• Laundry Service
• Travel Guides
• Headphones
• And Much More!

A Good Location

It is important to consider the details inside each hotel, but you should also consider where it’s located. Some hotels are located in a prime spot. These hotels may have great views and luxury amenities, but that doesn’t mean they’re a good choice for your family. Kids will take fun activities and a family-friendly pool over views any day!

You also need to consider the proximity of the hotel’s location to the things you want to do. If you are going to theme parks, having to pack everyone in the car every day to drive there is going to be a hassle. You will want a closer hotel instead. Look for a location that works for your family.

An Affordable Price

There are a lot of fun things to think about when it comes to selecting a hotel. Unfortunately, you have to think about the not-so-fun things too. That means considering how much it’s going to cost. Just because you have saved up money for your vacation doesn’t mean you can afford to stay anywhere you want. Look for a hotel that fits your budget and your needs.

That means you might have to skip splurging on a smaller room in a luxury hotel for a larger room in a less exciting hotel. No matter what your budget, make sure you consider it carefully so you don’t drain your savings to stay in a hotel you won’t spend a lot of time in anyway!

Family vacations can be great, as long as everyone has their own space and feels comfortable. That means thinking carefully about what hotel you choose. With the tips on this list, you can ensure you book a room in a hotel the whole family will love.

Planning for any trip or vacation can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to financial considerations. Now, you can amplify that stress even more if you’re thinking about a long-term trip. Long-term travel might mean you’re going to be away for weeks or months. So how do you appropriately plan for the amount of money you’ll need?

You don’t want to run out of funds or not have access to the money you need while you’re abroad, so some planning ahead can be helpful. The following are some tips and things to keep in mind if you’re budgeting for long-term travel.

4 Tips on How to Set a Budget for Long-Term Travel

1. Consider Your Overall Travel Style

Some people have no problem maintaining their budget when they’re traveling, even on a long-term trip. They may have a travel style that lends itself to budgeting and keeping costs low. Not everyone is going to be the same, however.

If you’re used to traveling on short but relatively luxurious vacations, you’re going to have to adjust your style. Staying on a budget for a long-term trip might require that you shop at local stores and markets for food instead of going out for meals.

You might have to change the type of lodging options you utilize, and you may have to skip some of the tourist attractions that you might normally gravitate toward.

2. Learn About Your Location

Where you’re going to be traveling is going to have a much more significant impact on how you should budget above any other factor. You need to learn about where you’re going in the sense that you research how much the cost of living is.

How much are you typically going to spend on a meal or transportation? What are the other costs that you might have to consider that are unique to your specific destination?

3. Create an Actual Budget

Before you leave for your trip, try to use a budgeting app or budgeting software and create an actual formalized budget. Some things you’ll need to consider include your rent, Internet and utilities, groceries, going out for dinner or drinks, transportation, and miscellaneous costs.

You can create a few different sample budgets that will allow you to compare how different options could change how much money you’re spending.

When you’re creating a budget one of the best resources you can use are blog posts from people who have gone to your destination. Check out what they say, how much they spent while there were there and see what might seem reasonable for you.

4. Think About Saving Money Back At Home

Finally, with long-term trip planning, you’re not just thinking about how to budget for where you’re going. Unless you’re getting rid of everything, you’re probably going to have expenses back home you need to maintain while you’re away such as things like a car or mortgage payment.

While there are some expenses you may have to keep up, part of your budget planning should also include finding ways to save money back at home while you’re away. For example, go through and make sure you cancel all those monthly subscriptions you won’t need while you’re gone and your cell phone as well.

City travelling offers up some of the best experiences, as you’ll never be stuck for things to do and see. When we went to Dubai for our honeymoon, we found it hard to pick just 12 of our favorite tourist attractions there. However, travelling around cities isn’t like your typical beach holiday. There are plenty more things to think about to make the most out of your city break. Here are five top tips for travelling around cities and experiencing all they have to offer.

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5 Tips for Travelling Around Cities

1. Do your research

Before you set off on your city break, make sure you do your research first. What is there to see? What are the top-rated attractions? Where are the best places to eat and drink? It’s unlikely you’ll have enough time to see and do everything, so you’re going to have to be selective. You may find that some of the biggest tourist hot spots are actually quite disappointing – The Secret Traveller at 1Cover has listed places like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Spanish Steps in Rome as just some of the most disappointing tourist attractions in the world.

2. Think outside the box

With those disappointing tourist attractions in mind, you may want to consider thinking outside of the box when it comes to travelling around cities. Instead of getting on a sightseeing bus to experience the city, opt for walking around and getting lost within it instead. Take the road less traveled and look for ‘off the beaten track’ guides that will let you know about all of those hidden gems you won’t see in regular guide books. You could even ask the locals where they recommend, as they’ll have plenty of advice for less touristy attractions to visit.

3. Watch your budget

Cities can be far more expensive than other types of holiday, so you’re going to want to keep a close eye on your budget. Look for ways of making your money go further, such as special offers on multiple attractions or investing in a weekly metro card instead of buying a travel ticket every day. Make yourself a travel budget and ensure you stick to it, so you don’t have to take money out while you’re abroad – no one needs those foreign exchange bank fees when they get home.

4. Pack light

There’s nothing worse than lugging a heavy suitcase over the cobbled streets of some European city because cars can’t reach your hotel… Trust me! If you want to make the most of your city break, then you’re going to want to pack lightly. This will also save you some money on extra baggage charges, too. You can use the handy trick of bringing outfits that can be layered so that you will have plenty of outfit choices, whatever the weather, without having to carry a huge suitcase.

5. Look up

Exploring a city can be so much fun, but many of us forget to look up. We’re so busy taking photos or shooting Instagram stories that we forget to actually experience the destination. Of course, taking photos is an excellent way of preserving memories, but maybe limit yourself to just a few hundred a day. 😉 This way you can really enjoy all that your beautiful city break has to offer you. You’ll also find yourself less likely to bump into people or get targeted by pickpockets – which are quite common in popular cities – if you spend less time with your phone or camera in your hands.

These are just five top tips for travelling around cities and making the most out of your city break. Do you have any others to add? Just let me know in the comments.