by Jules on January 24, 2012
Keeping the whole family happy and content for two solid weeks was always going to be a huge ask! But make some plans and get the ground rules in place and the toddler tantrums and teen dramas will be minimised (hopefully!)
1. Slow it right down – Children work on a whole different timescale and anyway it’s not about ticking off the seen items on your to-do list. Chill out and take it slow.
2. Kids Eat Free – Save money on family meals by looking out for deals where kids eat free or two people eat for a set fee.
3. Plan ahead – Make a rough itinerary suitable for all the party, allow plenty of interesting stops for all ages and include a few rest stops too! But prepare to be flexible too as your choice of activity might not be ‘cool’ enough!
4. Take Your Own Stroller – Using your own baby stroller or pushchair at some theme parks and attractions can save you from hiring one.
5. Go prepared – Make sure you have a capsule first aid kit, a few snacks and drinks. Also pack any toiletries you might need; wipes, tissues, spare clothes etc
6. Multi Day Passes – Find out if attractions offer multi day passes or discounts and take advantage of them.
7. Focus – Turn the mobile off and enjoy quality time with your family. This is your vacation too, so enjoy it.
8. Use The Pool – If you’ve paid extra for a hotel for a pool then make sure you use it. Or consider booking a hotel without all the usual amenities if you won’t use them.
9. Child Spending – Set your children a daily or weekly budget on what they spend on souvenirs and gifts to save any bickering later on.
10. Get back to nature – Try camping and make educational trips fun, which will probably work better with younger children. Spot and identify wildlife, plants and birds.
11. Student Discounts – Many attractions offer student, children, senior and family discounts. Check in advance and carry your ID with you.
12. Lead by example – Encourage your children to explore and try new things. Try that zipline experience and sample those local ‘speciality’ dishes – adventure is the spice of life!
13. Capture the moment – Take a few photos, video or even keep a scrapbook.
14. Routine – Try to stick roughly to your home routines, such as bedtimes but do allow some flexibility as a holiday is meant to be fun after all.
15. Discount Vouchers – Many local newspapers and magazines offer local attraction deals such as 2 for 1 entry etc, which will save families money. Also look out for promotional leaflets in hotels.
16. Loyalty Vouchers – Other organizations also have offers from their partners – make sure you’re signed up to receive post from your credit card companies, supermarkets etc.
17. Make it count – If you want to go off and explore an art gallery by yourself then make sure you do it; you don’t have to be together 24/7. Likewise try to spend some quality one-on-one time with each of your children.
18. Rules – If you are going to let your children explore by themselves make sure you have ground rules in place. Make sure they know when and where to meet up with you and make sure they have working mobile phones for emergencies.
by Jules on January 20, 2012
As the holiday season for most Westerners winds down, China’s most festive, fun, and important holiday is about to kick-off. The Chinese New Year, to be celebrated this year on January 23rd, is fast approaching. Where will you be celebrating the Year of the Dragon Lunar New Year? Here are some of the top three locales around the world.
First and foremost is Hong Kong. Despite their feelings of separateness from China itself, Hong Kong has one of the most extensive and spectacular Chinese New Year’s celebrations. It’s a fifteen day long party full of fireworks, dragons, decorations, music, and costumes. Not to be missed is the Tsim Sha Tusi East night parade. And even though there are firework displays all throughout the two weeks, if you were to see only one, it would have to be the display in Victoria Harbor, which happens on the second day of the festival.
Singapore is so exuberant in its celebration that the country officially takes off two days. Smaller festivities are happening in every major city and town, branching out from the local Chinatown. Some of the larger events include the Chingay Parade and the Hong Bao Carnival. The parade, colorful and jubilant, will include more than 7400 participants and performers. The carnival stretches along the Singapore riverside with more than 500 street vendors, art displays, and exclusive to this year, a Ninjing Pavilion.
Lastly, San Francisco in the USA has been celebrating the Chinese New Year for nearly 150 years - one of the longest running celebrations outside of Asia! Some activities to take note of are the colourful Chinese New Year Flower Fair and the buzzing Chinatown Community Street Fair. But the penultimate celebration is the last and most dazzling: the fantastic Chinese New Year Parade. Not only traditional, but the parade has been titled the best outside of China; it includes a 250 foot dragon manned by 100 men and women!
by Jules on January 18, 2012
Komodo has just been voted one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature so we thought we’d explore this fascinating destination a little more;
Komodo Island is one of the many islands which comprise the Republic of Indonesia. It is part of the Komodo National Park and has been designated as both a nature reserve and an UNESCO biosphere reserve. In fact the actual Komodo National Park is made up of the three large islands; Komodo, Rinca and Padar. The total size of the park is some 1,817 square kilometers including land and waterways. The most notable attraction and the reason the National Park was created is the presence of the Komodo dragon.
The Komodo dragon is the largest known species of reptile still living. Komodo dragons can reach lengths of up to 3 meters and weigh as much as 70 kilograms. Up until 1995, a centuries-old tradition of the locals involved offering pieces of slaughtered deer to the komodo dragons as a kind of offering. This helped the dragons become accustomed to human interaction. Since these massive lizards can live as long as 50 years, they would often come to recognize human inhabitants of the island. More recent protection acts have put an end to this practice, however, and the komodo dragons have become less tolerant of humans as a result.
A walking tour of the island will reveal many of these majestic lizards. Guided tours are the best option for tourists unfamiliar with the terrain. A knowledgeable guide will be able to point out the caves and feeding grounds of the komodo dragons, ensuring the best views. Though thrilling to observe, they can become aggressive and should be approached with caution.
Another stunning sight on Komodo Island is the pink sand beach. This rare colouring phenomenon is caused by red coral in the surrounding waters which combines with a natural white sand beach to form a distinct pink hue. This beach is relatively secluded, so visitors should plan to pack their own snacks and supplies for a relaxing day in the sun.
Not all the treasures of Komodo Island are immediately visible to visitors. Many of the best sights and activities here take place underwater. A dive in the waters surrounding the island will reveal a colorful world of hundreds of species of coral and over a thousand species of tropical fish. Clown fish, bat fish and butterfly fish all inhabit these waters, along with dolphins and other marine mammals.
by Jules on January 10, 2012
Sports events unite fans across the world, whether it be football (or soccer), golf or tennis, and many are historic events that are fascinating and amazing to be a part of, even as a spectator;
Tennis at Wimbledon, England
Located in southwest London in the UK, Wimbledon is one of the four events that make up the tennis grand slam and is considered by millions of tennis fans as the premiere tennis event. It is certainly the oldest tennis tournament on the planet with matches played since 1877 at the All England Club at Wimbledon. As the only event held on natural turf it is one of kind and hosted some of the most awaited tennis matches of all time. If you’re lucky enough to get a ticket, bear in mind there is a strict dress code and don’t forget to order the essential strawberries and cream.
Golf at The Masters, United States
Two words can sum up this great golfing event held annually at Augusta in George, USA; ‘tradition’ and the ‘green jacket’, ok so maybe three words. Started in 1934, The Masters is a one of a kind tournament that greats such as the golden bear Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer made a name for themselves and the 8 million dollar prize fund is pretty appealing too!
Polo at Palermo, Argentina
Polo in Argentina is by far the best in the world and that is why the greatest players come from all over the world come to compete here, especially at the Argentine Polo Open Championships. Polo originated in England, but it was in Argentina that it became the great sport it is today. The championships are held annually at the Palermo Barrio and have been running since 1893.
American Football at The Super Bowl Sunday, United States
The championship game of the national football league is one of the greatest shows to ever behold. So many people try to see this event that tickets have cost upwards of a thousand dollars. The game itself is worth watching, but you will also get an opportunity to witness a half time show that is a spectacle not to miss.
Football at The World Cup
This is the most watched sporting event in the entire world with billions of viewers tuning in. To be a part of this spectacle is more than amazing. From the chanting to the cheering (just don’t mention the vuvuzela) and the festivals to the sheer excitement a true sport lovers event to be a part of.
The Olympics
This is by far the most historic event to ever grace the sporting world. From the 1988 Jamaican bobsled team to the 1980 miracle on ice the Olympics have held some of the most spectacular competitions in all of history. And with just under 200 days to go excitement is building already in the UK for the 2012 Olympic Games.
by Jules on January 6, 2012
As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef is a chance to witness the ocean in its greatest beauty. The tropic blue waters of the reef stretch to such distance it is the only living thing visible on earth from space. Exotic sea life with unparalleled diversity live in the coral reefs. Visiting the World Heritage Site of the Great Barrier Reef, below the surface and above, is a life changing experience.
Tour the Great Barrier Reef from the surface of the Coral Sea along the Northern Coast of Australia. Day trips and overnight sightseeing tours are available; charter a fishing boat and aim for the catch of a lifetime, pass over the clear waters in a glass bottom boat, glide over the reef in a kayak, or focus efforts on spotting a majestic whale. The beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is enhanced when viewed in the quiet of the early morning hours as well as under the stars of twilight. To witness preserved areas of the reef make a trip to the Marine Park in coastal Bundaberg.
A trip to the Great Barrier Reef would not be complete without dipping underneath the warm waters. The options are endless; swim with dolphins, scuba dive, or snorkel. Once underwater, visitors come eye-to-eye with thousands of vivid species and coral gardens. The white sand beaches that reach along the coast provide the perfect place to rest and take in the beauty of the reef. A romantic horseback ride down the shore is a leisurely option. Numerous water sports like jet and water skiing are available from the shore. There are over 600 island beaches to explore, each providing breathtaking views of the Great Barrier Reef.
For a panoramic view, take to the sky, with a camera ready. Helicopter and aircraft tours are readily available to whisk tourists over long stretches of sea and coast. A hot air balloon ride offers another unique experience. Visiting the Great Barrier Reef opens up an underwater world often veiled. Explore and see one of the most amazing wonders the Earth has to offer.
by Jules on January 4, 2012
Visitors to Hong Kong will probably take a trip on the Star Ferry, ride the tram up to Victoria Peak and gawp at the incredible daily light show on the Avenue of Stars Promenade. And what do these three locations in Hong Kong have in common? They all afford visitors an awesome view of what has just been crowned the best skyline in the world!
The property experts Emporis have compiled a skyline ranking report which calculates the visual impact of buildings on skylines across the world. Based on a points per building system, Hong Kong has been recognised as having the most high rise buildings anywhere, classed as twelve or more floors, with some 7,688 buildings falling into this category. In comparison, second on the list was New York which only has 5,937 high rise properties.
The top ten cities on the skyline ranking report are; Hong Kong, New York, Chicago, Singapore, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Dubai, Shanghai, Bangkok and Tokyo.
Check out the Hong Kong scenery for yourself on our recent video Where we’ve been; Hong Kong and check out the view from the Tallest hotel in the world which is incidentally also in HK.
by Jules on December 21, 2011
There are many things to see and do in the 1.6 kilometer deep Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. Many people choose to visit the easily accessible South Rim. The overlooks on the South Rim can be reached by car, and are the choice viewing spot for most individuals who want to see the Grand Canyon, without much effort.
Those who are up for adventure can go view the Canyon from the North Rim. While it is only 16 kilometers across the Canyon, It is a 354 kilometer drive, or for those sturdy individuals a 34 kilometer hike through the North and South Kaibab trails that go through the Canyon. This trek can only be taken part of the year. In the winter season, which goes from late October to mid May, the road and trails are blocked by heavy snows and closed for safety.
Below the Rim is the Inner Canyon and it is full of adventure. One can take a mule or backpack to Phantom Ranch. For those water loving folk, there are river trips through the Colorado River. These trips can take a few days or up to three weeks. A short trip is impossible; The Grand Canyon does not have one day river trips. It is just too big!
If you want to hike from the South Rim to the North Rim, you can take the South Kaibab Trail. This trail has a narrow foot bridge that rises 21 meters above the Colorado River. The trail takes a vertical descent into the Canyon, but what goes down must come up. There is a climb of 1.6 kilometers. Most hikers decide that this trip should be an overnight one, so plan accordingly.
Those who aren’t able to make the hike can use the one and only way to cross by car. It is a 231 kilometer drive through the desert, so make sure your car is well maintained and bring plenty of water.
The North Rim is at a higher elevation than the South Rim. So, a reward awaits those who journey there; beautiful and spectacular views of the Grand Canyon below.
