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Photo Diary Peillon, France: Our Southern Ascent

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Peillon, France

If you’re looking for an authentic French village along the Cote d’Azur, a visit to Peillon should be on your list when visiting Nice.  Getting off the train, you can spot the 12th century village perched on top of a cliff with higher mountains soaring behind.

The breathtaking mountain vista is a stark contrast to the Mediterranean views of Nice.  Walk the steep, narrow streets and image yourself, 500 years ago, living in one of the houses clinging to the rocks.

There are a couple of restaurants in Peillon if you’re looking for a nice meal.  There are no grocery stores or souvenir shops, so make sure to pack water and snacks.  The lack of touristy shops is part of what makes Peillon a breath of fresh air when compared to the rows of postcard merchants in Nice.

Looking down from Peillon, France

View of the valley from the mountainside of Peillon village

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Cairo Travel Essentials: 10 Things You Must Pack for Egypt

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

Before our trip to Egypt, I was a maniac researching Cairo travel essentials and guides.  I wanted to know all the things we would need to pack for Egypt, what types of clothes we should wear and generally what to expect during our visit. After all that research, stress and preparation, I've concluded that there are 10 things you must pack for Egypt. So double check your suitcase and don't leave home without these items!

Before our trip to Egypt, I was a maniac, researching Cairo travel essentials and guides.  I wanted to know all the things we would need to pack for Egypt, what types of clothes we should wear and generally what to expect during our visit. After all that research, stress and preparation, I’ve concluded that there are 10 things you must pack for Egypt. So double check your suitcase and don’t leave home without these items!

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5 Unique London Experiences to Have 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.

London is known for it’s history and famous landmarks, but there is more to the city than Big Ben and Tower Bridge.  We’ve put together a list of 5 unique London experiences to try on your next visit.  Encounter some of TV’s most lovable characters, take in sweeping views of the city, and enjoy delicious food and afternoon tea. Experience a different side of London with kids on your next holiday.

Take a Trip to the Kingdom of Far Far Away:

Lucy at DreamWorks-Tours Shrek’s Adventure

DreamWorks Tours: Shrek’s Adventure is a unique experience that combines live shows and special effects. Let Donkey take you on a 4D bus tour through London to meet Shrek, Pinocchio, the Muffin Man and the Magic Mirror. After escaping from witches and Rumpelstiltskin, have your adventurer pose for pictures with Shrek and play games with the Penguins in Madagascar.

*This experience is best with younger children and should be reserved in advance.

Afternoon Tea with a Kid-Friendly Twist:

Photo Credit: The Sanderson Hotel

 

No trip to London would be complete without afternoon tea. Typically served between 4pm – 6pm, this British tradition can make for a magical experience when visiting with children. A couple of fun recommendations for kid-friendly afternoon tea include:

Charlie and the Chesterfield Afternoon Tea At The Chesterfield Hotel. This will be a delight for Willy Wonka fans. This chocolate themed tea features traditional finger sandwiches and scones plus children can enjoy their own special treats from the kids menu. Get your golden ticket and savor an afternoon of tea with a fizzy lifting cake.

The Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea At The Sanderson Hotel is an experience based on Alice in Wonderland. Guests can enjoy “Alice” China black tea, King of Hearts parmesan croque-monsieur stack and more.

*Look for special offers online before reserving at table.

Discover the Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

Photo Credit: Visit London

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is an experience no Harry Potter fan, young or old, should miss. Visit the sets of Diagon Alley and the Great Hall, find out how the special effects team created the films, and admire props such as Potions Class and Puking Pastilles. Visitors will want to take time to enjoy a Butterbeer and can even pre-order a souvenir tankard.

*Reservations required

Marvel at 360° Views:

Photo Credit: Up at The O2

Up at The O2 is a completely unique experience to share with older kids (ages 9+). Take a 90 minute climb over the Arena rooftop to see historic Greenwich, Olympic Park, and Canary Wharf. See some of the sights of London from above while the kids take selfies to impress their friends.

*Book online

Enjoy a Day Out with Paddington Bear:

Photo Credit: Visit London

The Paddington Bear movies rekindled our love of the children’s literary character from the 1950’s. Start your day at Paddington Station to pose with the bronze Paddington Bear statue, then follow the Pawprint Trail to find more Paddington statues. Even if you can’t follow the full itinerary, kids will love taking selfies and even getting their own bear at the Paddington Bear Shop, either at the station or the famous toy store, Hamleys.

London is one city that I can’t seem to stay away from. It’s constantly calling my name with something new and exciting to experience. While we love traditional sightseeing, it’s always great to get out and try something unique. Jump on a bus with Donkey, hunt down Paddington Bear, sip tea like Alice and see London from the rooftops. Kids won’t stop talking about their unique London experiences!

Do you have any unique London experiences to share?

See more top family attractions in London before planning your trip.

 

 

Pictures from the Road – Easy Guide to Understanding French Road Signs

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Driving in France can be challenging, especially if you can’t read French.  The thought of getting in the car and navigating roads at 60+ mph in a foreign country can be scary.  But really, it’s pretty much the same as driving in the U.S.A. and most other countries.  The exception being the UK, as they drive on the wrong side of the road 😉  French road signs are pretty straightforward and use a lot of universal symbols.   However, it is important to know what those signs mean and how you should interpret them.  This guide can help you travel safely and successfully in France.

On our recent road trip, I took pictures of signs we passed on both the interstate and local roads.  A few times I had to have the kids translate a word or two for me.  It’s so nice to travel with kids that are pretty much fluent in the language!  But first, lets look at some key vocabulary.

French Vocab.

Travaux = works (ie. road work)
Attention = attention
Ouvert = open
Fermé = closed
Rappel = reminder (you’ll see this under the speed limit signs as a reminder to the speed limit. It’s a reminder to you that you are still in that speed zone – not that it has changed)
Prochaine sortie = next exit
Sortie = exit
Péage – toll road
Sauf = except
cédez le passage = yield or give way
Toutes directions = all directions
Route barre = road closed
Sens unique = one-way
Suivre = follow
Arrêt = stop
Serrez à droite = keep to the right
Allumez vos feux = Turn on your lights
Aire de XX = rest stop of X town
Gendarmerie = police station
Rue = street

Guide to French Road Signs

It is also important to note that in France there is priorité à droite or the right-of-way is to cars entering from the right. This is always the case unless you have a sign with a yellow triangle giving you priority. While you won’t really find people merging into your lane as if you weren’t there as they enter the highway, they do have the right of way.   If there is an accident, you are at fault.  This is opposite of in the U.S., where priority is given to those already on the highway.

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Things to Do in Châtel, France with Kids {in Summer}

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If you’re considering a trip to the French Alps, Châtel must be on your list of destinations.  It would make a great home base from which to explore all that the spectacular Alps have to offer.

Chatel has the Famille Plus Accreditation, meaning that parents can rest easy knowing there are accommodations, restaurants, activities and hospitality services designed just for families.  This endorsement is based on continual examinations, so you know the  resort makes a concerted effort to uphold the high standards required.

If you want to stay connected in France and throughout Europe, eSIM cards will save money while allowing you access to call, text and browse the internet.

Things to Do in Châtel, France with Kids:

Summer Lifts in Chatel, France

Ride the summer lifts – In summer, the ski lifts are in operation to transport visitors up and down the mountains.  There are four lifts open, providing access to various points on the peaks.   Riding these turned out to be one of my kids favorite activities.  They loved the aerial views of Châtel and the surrounding countryside.  Plus I think it was just something new for them, so they wanted to ride up and down as many times as we would allow.  What kid doesn’t love rides?!

Ride the lifts (as many times as you want) for no additional fee with the purchase of a Multi Pass.

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