Traveling With Friends (And How To Stay Friends)
Lots of people travel with their friends when they’re young. Before everyone has families and children to take care of, there’s nothing better than a Friendcation. But how do you make sure that you stay friends?
Traveling can be an extremely stressful time, when people are pushed to their limits and out of their comfort zones. We’ve always said that you don’t fully know someone until you travel with them!
People have their patience and their tolerance tested when they’re abroad and not in their normal environment, and this can place a lot of strain on even the longest serving, and best friendships.
Our first tip would be to spend time apart! Just because you’re traveling together that doesn’t mean you have to spend every waking minute together. Our interests when traveling can be really different. Some people are really into the history side of thing, when some of us find the thought of spending half a day in a gallery completely nauseating. Do the things that you want to, and if that means spending time doing different activities then you’ll have lots to talk about in the evening! Just because you’re sharing the experience of travel, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to share every experience when traveling.
Have other tips for traveling with friends? We’d love to hear them!
Finding the perfect holiday destination
Planning starts with setting a budget. It is important to set a figure for the trip so that the holiday chosen is within one's reach. No one wants to be stranded in a foreign town! Step two is to identify the kind of holiday one is looking for and the rest will be easy. From Skiing in Europe to trekking in the jungle somewhere in Africa, a superb holiday can be arranged within a matter of hours.
It is important to browse through different sites so as to get the best bargain. There are also various companies on the net which can arrange an entire holiday based on someone's hobbies and needs. If you can dream it, they will surely try to make it happen! From lazing around on a sunny beach to jumping off a cliff with a parachute strapped to your back, they will create holiday packages specific to outlined requests.
The destination will dictate the kind of activities on offer. Safaris will only take place in Africa and white water rafting can only happen on a river. Choose your destination wisely. The time of year will give you the weather. If one wants to bask on a sandy beach, this can only take place during summer or somewhere in the tropics.
The last step is to do some shopping. Shop wisely and just the basics. Spending a chunk of the holiday funds before it even starts is not a wise idea. Some things can be bought during the holiday as well. Shopping in an exotic town can be fun and of course friends at home will be expecting some gifts on your return. Souvenirs will also come in handy to remind you about the wonderful trip.
Finding the perfect spot can be only a few clicks away!
5 Most Happening Kids Party Venues In Adelaide You Would Love to Visit
You might spend a day with some close friends, their families or plan a picnic with the neighbors without much preparation. But, It's always essential to stream down your needs to select the right holiday destination, especially for your kids. Also, when you plan a day out with your kids, it becomes imperative that you plan everything in advance.
If you are from Adelaide, then we have 5 most happening kids’ holiday destinations for you. Your kids will not only love these destinations but will also cherish the sweet memories in future. So, check out the following and choose the one that best suits your purpose.
1.Stratco city Beach, Cnr Pirie and Frome St: Choose this venue if you intend to enjoy your day with kids at the beach. It will cost you $18 per person on weekdays and $20 on weekends.
2.SA museum café, North Tce: Looking for an educational tour for the young folks? Then this is your ultimate choice. It costs around $16 per kid along with cake service, drinks and party food like pizza and nachos.
3.Mercury cinema, 13 Morphett Street: This is a perfect 38-seater cinema hall that you can hire for $300 for 3 hours. If you are looking for a happening place for your kid’s birthday, then this is the perfect venue.
4.Adelaide Chocolate school, 48 Melbourne: Do you want to take your kids to chocolate school? Do you want them to learn some excellent techniques? Make them learn to prepare assorted solid chocolates, chocolate lollipops, and other candies.
5.Adelaide Zoo, Frome road: Zoo is perfect for kids aged from 4 to 14.
You can be a part of the panda picnic party, party animal package and well-catered party option at a price of $29 or above.
Select your package wisely from the full range of available options and make your day worth it.
Choosing the best tent for your hiking adventure
With the holidays drawing near, you might be considering what to do with all the free time that comes along with it. Are you in search of a hobby and want to adventure the great outdoors? Hiking is a pastime activity for most adventurers and choosing the best tent to take with you will determine whether your hike will be successful or not.
We will start from the factors to consider when purchasing it like;
1: What is your budget i.e. how much are you willing to spend on a tent?
2: What amount of weight can you carry?
3: How fast will it take to set up the tent?
4: Design of the tent and how much space that you need?
Capacity of tents is also a main consideration whether you are travelling alone or in a group. Tents are classified with the amount of people it can hold. They vary from one person models to two person models to even four person models.
Most tents are designed to be in use during all seasons, whether you are camping in the summer or in the winter. Tents that can withhold all four seasons are most preferred as weather can tend to be unpredictable sometimes changing from a nice sunny weather to windy and cloudy so you need to find a tent that can be used yearly. Such tents were designed to be used in low temperatures, heavy snow, strong winds and areas with abundant sunlight. They differ from normal tents as they have a durable fabric with less mesh and poles which are more stable and strong.
In conclusion, outdoor activities with your family can be a moment to last a lifetime so preparedness and safety is key and from the words of the wise failing to plan is planning to fail.
How to: Pack Like A Pro, Every Time
The best thing that ever happens to any person is a vacation. After weeks or months on end sitting on a workstation in the office or at school, you obviously look forward to a break. Most people take this opportunity to visit loved ones in other cities or towns or even new destinations. It is important in this case to pack your travel kit adequately. After all, nothing beats preparedness.
It is a vacation alright, but who said it shouldn't be planned for?
Proper preparation prior to traveling is essential. It will help you avoid problematic situations and inconveniences such as buying items, which you may have forgotten. This may dampen your spirit and spoil the joy of traveling. It is recommendable that before you embark on any arrangements, come up with a packing list. This must include all items you would require while away from home.
The list typically has the following items, clothes, toiletries, travel documents, credit cards or cash, a first aid kit, and accessories. Pack the clothes keeping in mind the prevailing weather conditions of your destination and the duration of your stay. Do not forget also to include sandals, shoes, and slippers. Just in case you have planned to do some shopping on the latest fashion wear and shoes, then you might consider buying them at the next stop (destination). This way, your baggage becomes lighter and you can shop, shop and shop!
Be on the safe side.
Be on the safe side; carry your identification documents such as the national ID, passport or Visa. This is because authorities may confront you. If you intend to cross international boundaries, make sure to have your vaccination certificates within reach. Keep photocopies of these documents or better yet, scan and post them on your email to act as a backup. Get a leather case (to house these documents) with a strap to hang around your neck but inside your shirt or top. This way you can be guaranteed of their safety and accessibility.
Prepare your reservation documents and tech gizmos.
Other essential items to be included in your travel kit are hotel reservation documents and gadgets. These- plus a toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving kit, hair care products, deodorant, sunscreen lotion, phone, phone charger, dental floss, mosquito repellent, hand mirror, camera, an I-pod or MP3 player, sunglasses, road maps, diary, caps/ hats and the list goes on!
Enjoy your well-deserved vacation and remember to bring home one or two souvenirs. Plan well and prepare all you need.
Things to Love About Odd Vacation Rentals.
Perhaps you think odd vacation rentals are only for the adventurous types who travel to exotic places and stay in igloos or ice hotels. You might not realize that some of the oddest rentals are right here in America, close to home and available for your next adventure vacation.
An Island
You can stay on an island off the Florida Keys for a few nights. This island includes a two bedroom, two bath luxury home, where the main suite shower also offers ocean views. There is a motor boat for your convenience, but who would want to leave this private island paradise very often?
A Church
Travel to Martha's Vineyard in the American Northeast to stay in an old Methodist church redone to be one of the island's most upscale retreats. The church was abandoned by the Christian sect, so it was purchased and turned into luxury rooms for guests. The advantage to this church is its ability to cook meals. Many of the hotels on Martha's Vineyard do not have the option for cooking.
A Rolling Room
What do you do when you want to build a hotel, but the land you've purchased is only zoned for RV's? You build each room on wheels! These cabins, located in Washington state, do not actually move, but they are up to code. The walls are steel and glass to provide visitors with pristine views of the Cascades.
A Sanitarium
There is an old Victorian house in California where the mentally insane once wandered and tried to find themselves. This home is now a bed and breakfast, but travel through its halls and marvel at the fact that deeply disturbed residents once stood in the middle of the luxury which exists there today.
A Trailer
Stay in a trailer park on vacation! Bisbee, Arizona is a throwback town, all the way to its old style trailer park inn. Guests stay in any one of the trailers lined up just outside of town while they visit the charms of downtown Brisbee. The trailers are all vintage, but redone to provide all the modern day conveniences.
A Treehouse
Finally, live the dream of every kid when you stay in a tree house in South Carolina. You need to paddle your way to the tree house, but it is in the center of a wildlife refuge to fuel your adventurous spirit. There are hiking trails all around you and a rugged feel to the whole experience. If you are looking for a true outdoors camping adventure, you really should try sleeping in a tree for at least one night.
Flying with a baby - Traveling with Kids Follow Up
Taking your baby for a trip doesn’t have to be strenuous anymore. All you need is a little preparation and forward planning. Start planning early enough to allow time for new ideas. Before embarking on your trip, remember to do the following.
1. You need to consider certain supplies essential for the trip. Make sure there is enough food and milk for the journey. Remember to include fruits in your child’s menu. If you happen to carry solid food, pack them in a cooler. It is better to bring with you food that is easy to prepare while travelling. You can prepare fruits easily by simply peeling, mashing and serving your baby at room temperature.
Always carry feeding bowls and utensils when traveling with your baby. This is because many hotels and restaurants do not have cutlery for infants. A travel high chair is very important as you can feed your baby wherever you go. Wipe-clean plastic bibs are also very important in cutting down on the laundry.
2. Before feeding your baby, warm the food and milk at optimum temperature. Don’t overheat the food as the baby will have to wait for it to cool down. Cold food is bad for your baby.
You need to know how to sterilize feeding equipment s when travelling with your baby. Microwave sterilizer bags and disposable bottle liners work well. Stores that deal with infant feeding equipment will offer a range of traveling accessories such as these.
3. Other essential items you will have to carry include diapers and fresh pair of clothes for the baby to change after taking a bath. You should also consider carrying a torch if you are breastfeeding as lights can go off at night. Never forget the baby’s blankets as they bring warmth and comfort. Dress your baby in light clothing when travelling in order to conserve the temperature.
4. If you are planning to fly, arrive at the airport early. Two hours earlier is good as security inspections when going to the gate have intensified. The baby will have time to familiarize with the new environment and feel comfortable throughout the journey.
5. When booking for the flight explain that you are travelling with a baby and you will be seated together. This is very important in allocation of seat tickets and prevents changing seats with other passengers on board.
Flying With Kids
Taking a flight whilst accompanied by a toddler is quite hectic for both the inexperienced and regular travellers. Nothing comes close to the trauma experienced by parents subjected to awful frowns by fellow passengers, as a result of an upset kid. Nevertheless, there are some vital tips one can undertake and ultimately have a trouble-free journey with these little angels.
One of the least exploited but most recommended tips is to schedule flight times to coincide with the kid's nap time. This is a sure way of affording the travelling parent(s) enough rest period mid-flight. Never mind that the kid is still awake during takeoff. At some point, he will definitely yield to the ambient noise and lull into slumber land.
Another essential point is to carry along an extra set of clothes for both the mum and the young one. Kids tend to get restless especially when their diapers are dirty and wet. Toddlers are even more erratic and love crawling all over the place. That said,change of clothes may become necessary in the course of the flight. In addition,leaky baby diapers may occasionally mess up your wardrobe compelling you to change into fresh clothing.
For a more jumpy and hyper kid, a couple of books, crayons,stickers and snacks should certainly be brought along with your hand luggage. Toys are known to tame even the most fitful variety of kids. Don't forget to stack in a few of them as you pack.
Finally, it is important to acquire an age specific baby carrier with comfortable strapping before you embark on your journey. Given the hectic movements at the airport, a free pair of hands is undoubtedly more than welcome. If able to shell out some more dollars for a spare seat on the plane, please do not forget to carry the car seat.
Bon Voyage!
Three Great Driving Holidays
Southern Scenic Route, NZ
The South Island of New Zealand is a road trip wonderland, no turn is a wrong turn when everything is as gorgeous as this paradise. Everything is fresh and green, an unspoilt and untouched holiday for the nature lovers amongst us. Make sure you spend time in Milford Sound, Dunedin and Queenstown.
Great Ocean Road, Aus
Australians are proud of their coastlines, and so they should be. The Great Ocean Road was built for tourists and was built to be driven. With gorgeous coastal towns to stay in and explore along the way, the region is well worth the trek from Melbourne. Lined by rugged bush and rainforest, with cliffs that drop to ocean and beaches that stretch on and on. You’ll find yourself falling in love with ocean air.
Route 66, USA
An iconic road trip with a lot of history to match. Stretching from Chicago to California, what was originally the trek to a new life is now a international icon. 3800 kilometres of small American towns and landscapes that you won’t see anywhere else on earth. A great way to see more than just the major cities of America.
Surviving Long Haul Flights
Long haul flights are rough. They’re a virtual lottery in the sky and you’re not the one who rolls the dice. You won’t know until you’re there who your neighbours on the flight will be, but you can prepare yourself in other ways and here are our tips for surviving hours upon hours in the sky.
Maximise comfort by making sure that you’re dressed in something you know won’t irritate you. If you’re not into casual wear, bring something more comfortable to change into on the plane. Make it something breathable, stretchable and that you can sleep in if you want to.
Keep yourself entertained in whatever way you know will work best. Lots of people like watching films or television shows, others prefer to read while you may be more suited to working or getting creative with a personal project. (We use the time to write and edit video footage)
Break the flight up, this helps with boredom, productivity and keeping your mind off how much longer there is to go. Divide the flight into two or three hour blocks, and let your mind tick each off as they pass. This is also a good way to allocate time to different activities. Say you’ll do something for the first two hours and then switch to something else. This is a great way of getting sleep to, and making sure that you’re doing activities that will either keep you awake when you should be, or wind your brain down when you need to rest.
What are your survival techniques for long flights?