Experience the World With Kids
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While on a recent cruise, I started putting together a packing list for cruise vacations. These are things that are always in our suitcase when cruising or things that I forgot to pack and kicked myself about later. Even if you’re a veteran cruiser, you may find a few of these tips useful.
We also put together a handy printable packing list for cruise vacations. Click here to download the editable form and start personalizing it for your cruising needs.
Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.
No visit to the French Riviera is complete without sampling some of the local Nice specialties.
In Nice, there is a mix of unique flavors only available in this region – traditional Provençal and Niçoise foods with a heavy Italian influence. Being on the Mediterranean, seafood and fresh ingredients play an integral role in the tasty regional specialties. From mussels and tuna to olives and eggplant, once you sample the local fare you’ll see why Nice is a favorite gastronomical city.
1. Socca – A quintessential street food of Nice, socca is thin, crusty chickpea pancake with a soft interior. It’s cooked in a wood oven on a large round steel plate. I like it with a bit of pepper, but the kids just dig right in. It’s one of their favorite after school snacks. It also pairs well with beer for those that want a break from wine. Of course it would pair well with wine if you wanted a break from beer!
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The allure of sailing past glaciers, venturing into the rugged wilderness and admiring the quirky frontier towns entices more than a million people per year to take an Alaskan cruise. An Alaskan cruise is not one of those vacations where you want to skip a port and relax on the ship. There are too many wondrous adventures waiting that make it necessary to plan your Alaska cruise excursions carefully.
In addition to sharing my own experiences I gathered recommendations from my in-laws who have cruised to Alaska multiple times, even taking the land and sea tour once to get their insight on the best Alaska cruise excursions. They always sailed with Royal Caribbean, but many of the excursions are similar, regardless of the ship you choose. You can also book some of these independently (i.e., not through the cruise line.)
For those a bit more adventurous, a friend of mine highly recommends 2 tours she took sailing on Princess with kids.
The Top 4:
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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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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!
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.
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.
