The Talking Suitcase

Experience the World With Kids

Beat the Boredom – 12 Tips for Surviving Airport Layovers with Kids

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Airport layovers, as an adult, can be boring and frustrating, but airport layovers with kids can be downright distressing.  That’s why I strive to turn our inevitable layovers into an extension of our vacation.  Being prepared, getting some rest and turning wait time into game time can help reduce the stress.

Because the reality is that you will, at some point, experience layovers. Flights with layovers tend to be much cheaper than direct flights.  Sometimes it’s just not possible to get a direct flight between destinations.  Other times circumstances beyond our control, such as weather or aircraft delays, result in more time than expected hanging around the terminal.

Luckily, this does get a bit easier as kids get older.  At least they no longer need constant attention.  But being hungry, tired and bored can amplify emotion in an already moody teen.

Don’t land stressed and frustrated!  Gone are the days of sitting around at the gate twiddling your thumbs trying to keep the kids calm.  Here’s our 12 suggestions for surviving airport layovers with kids:

Know Your Gate Location: 

We like to find our gate right away, so we know where the aircraft will be located.   I don’t want any surprises when it’s time to board.  I can’t count the number of airports we’ve been in where it takes 30+ minutes to get from one side or terminal to another.  Recently, I swear we walked for 15 minutes down a never ending corridor before we even saw the first gate number.

Find a Deserted Gate

However, instead of waiting at our gate, I like to hunt down an empty gate.  You might find these closer to the end of the terminal.  Here, kids can be a little louder and more active without disturbing other flyers.  If kids are little, they can run around the chairs to get some of their energy out, spin in circles or have a mini dance party.

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New York City on a Budget: A Guide to Money-Saving Travel

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Visiting New York City is an experience that most people would never forget. The bustling city has so much to offer, but it’s also notorious for its overpriced attractions and glittering lights.

Having a limited amount of money in one of the most expensive cities in the world sounds like a problem. What do you do? Skip the museums, breweries, and attractions because they cost too much? Or give it up and spend it all on a fine-dine restaurant? Don’t worry. We’ll tell you how to get around town, what to see, how to eat for cheap (or free), and more!

Visiting New York: How to Stay On a Budget

The NYC has amazing eateries, museums, and other attractions that give visitors the perfect mix of culture and relaxation. And it’s not as expensive as you might think: there are tons of ways to save money on everything from food to accommodation.

Stay outside Manhattan

Depending on your itinerary, the NYC exploration may take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. Staying in Manhattan could eat up a major portion of your travel budget. Look elsewhere. You can get a hotel in Williamsburg or Park Slope will be much cheaper without cutting much on amenities.

If you are a budget backpacker and traveling solo, a dorm bed could be a suitable option. Plus, Airbnb and CouchSurfing can save you money on hostel beds. A general rule of thumb is: the longer the stay, the cheaper the room. If you are staying for a week or more, try checking out weekly rentals.

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Money Saving Tips: 28 Tips to Keep Money in YOUR Pocket

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Save-money-on-Royal-Caribbean-1

Are you planning a cruise?  There is a plethora of cruise money saving tips to help you save money during your next vacation on the high seas.  Some of these tips are specifically for Royal Caribbean, but most will work for all cruise lines.

Cruises can be an affordable travel option – if you avoid being nickel-and-dimed at every turn, once your on board.  Follow these Caribbean cruise money saving tips & tricks to stay on budget.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Money Saving Tips

Booking Tips:

:: Book last minute –  Booking last minute cruises can save you a ton of money.  If you’re flexible with your schedule & room type this is a great way to cruise for less.  Look for cruises going out within the next few weeks.  Cruise lines don’t want to sail with empty staterooms, so you can usually find a good deal.  Payment will be due immediately for last minute bookings,  so keep that in mind.

Booking these types of cruises are most economical if you’re within driving distance to the port or you’ve confirmed that you can get inexpensive airfare prior to booking.

:: Book early – Conversely, you can find good deals if you book 6 – 9 months prior to sailing.   If you know when you want to cruise or have a specific room type and location you want, it’s best to book early. Sometimes early bookings come with incentives on room rates or even airfare.

If you are planning an Alaska cruise, premium rooms fill up quickly, particularly those with a view or balcony.  The sea and land tours can fill up a year in advance.  Always plan for these types of cruises well ahead of time.

:: Book cruises 2-3 months prior to sailing –  Royal Caribbean requires final payment 75 days prior to the sailing date for 1-4 night cruise vacations, 90 days prior to the sailing date for 5-night or longer cruise vacations.  If you looked at a cruise but found it to be above your budget, check back on these dates to possibly get a better rate.  People cancel or simply don’t make final payment.  Cruise lines want to fill these rooms, so you may be able to take advantage of cancellations.

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Are Cruises All-Inclusive? Learn What’s Included the Cruise Fare

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

I have a friend planning her first cruise.  She was shocked to learn about all the “extras” she’d have to consider. She thought cruising was like an all-inclusive resort – just on the water. But that’s not really the case, with the exception of river cruises and luxury cruise lines.

The first thing to note is that it is possible to take a cruise and not spend a penny more than your cruise fare, taxes and gratuities. However, there are a lot of additional expenses you need to to be aware of that can add up quickly. The good news is that you can purchase some of these add-ons in advance, as a package, to help alleviate the shock of a high shipboard account balance at the end of your cruise.

Cruise fares may seem quite high, but they do include almost everything you need for an awesome vacation. Your accommodations, transportation, food and entertainment are provided at one cost. When you breakdown everything that’s included, a cruise can be a budget friendly way to travel.

The cruise fare includes:

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What to Do in Nice, France with Kids – Toddlers, Teens & Tweens

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what-to-do-in-nice-france-with-kids

While the French Riviera might conjure up images of celebrities at the Cannes Film Festival and cars zooming around the streets during the Monaco Grand Prix,  the South of France is still a great destination for families. But what do you do with kids when you visit France’s Southern coast?   I suggest making Nice your home base.  You can easily visit much of the Cote d’Azur from Nice using public transport.  Flights arrive from all over the world into the Nice Airport, so it makes sense that your first stop is Nice.

It’s always a good time to visit the South of France.  Nice has 300 days of sunshine a year after all!  My favorite times are the Spring and Fall, but you can find family-friendly activities all year round.   Read on for a locals perspective on what to do in Nice, France with kids.

Since it is likely that most of my American friends don’t speak French, I’ve tried to only include activities that kids can participate in, despite that language barrier.

What to Do in Nice, France with Kids

Hit the Beach

summer-at-nice-beach

One of the nicest things to do in Nice with kids is a trip to the beach.  If you’re lucky enough to visit during the warmer months, you could plan an entire day around the shore. I know many older kids would be perfectly happy to lounge around by the sea all day listening to music, posting TikTok videos and texting with friends.

Younger kids can throw rocks in the water, collect sea glass or simply take a break and enjoy a snack by the sea.  If it’s a sunny day, take a swim.  It’s not uncommon for kids to strip down to their underwear and dive in, not that I recommend this over swimming trunks 🙂

You’ll find both public and private beaches in Nice.  For a fee, you can take advantage of a lounge chair, umbrella and drink service.  We find that the public beaches meet our needs, so that’s where we take our kids. During the summer, you’ll find lifeguard stations at various points to help provide an extra pair of eyes while you’re little ones enjoy the sea.

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