3 Kids and Us

13 Alternative Date Night Activities to Try

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Going to dinner and a movie can be a fun date night activity, but it can become a little monotonous over time. Keep the spark alive in your relationship by doing something a little different every now and then. To help you plan the perfect evening with your partner, read the following 13 alternative date night ideas.


  1. Beat an Escape Room

Sometimes you both need to have a little fun and let your hair down, which is why you should consider an escape room. Head on into an Atlanta Escape Room to break your way out, and you can also determine your breakout experience by picking from different room themes. You can even choose to double date with another couple, so you can easily crack codes and follow clues to break free from a room successfully.


  1. Book a Cooking Class

Instead of spending your time and money at expensive restaurants, why not broaden your culinary repertoire by attending a cooking class with your partner? A local chef can help you create different dishes in the kitchen, which you can recreate at home. It’s a fun way to improve your cooking skills while experiencing different cuisines and flavors.


  1. Be a Tourist in Your Hometown

Many locals fail to recognize the biggest and best qualities about their own town or city. As a result, they may never experience the best sights and sounds their hometown has to offer. So, why not become a tourist for the day by creating a bucket list of all the places in the city you have yet to explore, such as a museum, historical site, popular park or even a new bar or coffee shop. You can guarantee you and your spouse will have plenty of fun along the way.


  1. Watch the Sun Set or Rise

A beautiful backdrop can provide the perfect setting for a date night. Take a blanket and picnic basket and watch the sunrise or set in the perfect location and at the perfect time. If watching the sunset, fill the picnic basket with a bottle of wine, two glasses, cheese, and sandwiches, or create a breakfast hamper when watching the sunrise.


  1. Attend an Art Class

Do you and your partner have a picture-perfect relationship? Well, an art class could be right up your street. If you both are looking to be a little more creative with your date night activities, you can guarantee an art class will add a touch of color to your love life. For example, you could attend a fine art class or could even create sculptures or pottery. Even if art isn’t your forte, you can trust you will create plenty of fun memories throughout the experience.


  1. Sing Your Heart Out with Karaoke

Do you want to shout how much you love your partner from the rooftops? Why not belt it out instead by enjoying a spot of karaoke? Everyone has a go-to karaoke song they can turn to when handed a microphone, so take yourselves along to a karaoke night at a local bar. You could even buy a karaoke machine to have a little fun inside the home with no judgement.


  1. Enjoy a Thrill-Seeking Experience

Those looking to add a little more excitement to their love life should enjoy a thrill-seeking experience. For example, you can both put your bravery to the test by skydiving from a plane or bungee jumping off a cliff. You will love the feeling of adrenaline rushing through your body, and it is an exhilarating experience you will both share with each other.


  1. A Murder Mystery Evening

Spend the night tracking down the mysterious murderer in the room, as you and your partner will have to put your heads together to identify who done it at a murder mystery evening. You will both need to pay close attention to the clues to win the game. Sounds like fun, right?


  1. Go Wine Tasting

If you both love a tipple or two after a hard day’s work, you should enjoy a spot of wine tasting at a winery or restaurant. You’ll both smell the wine while talking in-depth about the varying bouquets. It will also provide you with an opportunity to try different varieties, and you could even find a bottle you will both love to crack open over a romantic dinner in the future.


  1. Play Laser Tag

Unleash your inner child by playing a game of laser tag. You will have plenty of fun as you both turn childish fun into a full-blown, but enjoyable, competition. Act younger than your age and remember what it feels like to ‘just be kids.’ However, if you win, try not to gloat – that can turn a successful date night into a dating nightmare.


  1. Visit a Museum

If the weather is more than a little bit dreary, grab your partner and take yourselves along to a local museum to explore different exhibitions and artefacts. You’ll have an opportunity to learn more about a topic, such as local history, dinosaurs, art, space, and more.


  1. Enjoy a Live Music Event

Many bars often host live music events that feature local musicians and bands. You simply need to do a little research the best places to attend an event. It will provide an opportunity to enjoy a night of great music, which will be complemented by good company and drinks. You never know, you could watch a talented artist before they hit the big time.


  1. Go Bowling

How does an evening of bumper lanes, quirky shoes, beer pitchers and bar snacks sound to you? If it sounds like the perfect night out, grab your other half to enjoy a game or three of bowling. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the game or have experience, bowling can provide hours of fun, so it is the perfect activity for a date night. You could even make the game a little more fun by placing a silly bet on who will win.

Spending Christmas in Exeter

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Christmas is right around the corner, and this year it might be time to visit a criminally underrated and under-visited place in the UK. Full of charm and personality, Exeter is primarily known as a cathedral city in the south west, but it’s also so much more.

Exeter has many attractions, and because of the city’s modest size, they’re all in a moderate walk distance away. Make sure to check out the best Christmas party venues Exeter has to offer, because you’re guaranteed to have a splendid time.

The Exeter Cathedral

Known as one of the oldest and exquisite cathedrals in all of England, it’s located in the centre of the city, and it’s stood there for almost one thousand years. The original Norman Cathedral was replaced in the 13th and 14th century, but the looming towers still remain from the original structure, while the rest of the gothic cathedral has remained mostly unchanged.

The Cathedral is the crown jewel of Devon County, and it’s the seat of the Bishop and the Mother Church of Diocese. It’s a remarkable feat of engineering, design, and craftsmanship, and is a history lesson all on its own. It’s served as a pilgrimage spot for centuries, and remains one of the most visited places in the West Country.

Do some Christmas shopping

As it is always the case with Christmas, you might want to do some shopping that goes along with the season. Well, if that’s the case, then Exeter has you covered. There are plenty of shopping venues to choose from, and they often organise dedicated Christmas shopping weekend, and sometimes even full weeks depending on the year. Places like the Fayre and the Christmas Markets offer some fantastic Christmas shopping that can rarely be matched anywhere else. 

Visit a Christmas Event

Every year there are several Christmas events to choose from, and almost all the time they also act as charity fundraisers for various charities and causes. You can attend the many parties that are being thrown all across the city, or if you’re a fan of wrestling, then you see the Christmas wrestling show, or even visit one of the many lively rave parties that regularly happen on and around Christmas. Whatever you choose, you’re bound to have tonnes of fun.

But that’s not all about Exeter, in fact, the city offers plenty of other low-key activities due to its ripe culture and history. It has an amazing library for those that prefer something more academic in nature, but also unique and interesting museums like the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. If you’re a family with kids, then you might want to check out the Crealy Great Adventure Park and its rides – it’s fun for all groups and ages.

But best of all, spending Christmas in Exeter is almost always a trip that’s definitely never going to be forgotten. It’s a place filled with love and warmth that you’ll want to visit over and over again.

Auto Insurance the Right Way

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It’s finally happened – all the paperwork is done and you hold in your hands your first set of car keys to call your very own. But what about insurance? With so many plans and companies and things you seemingly need to know and do to pick the right one, how exactly do you pick the right one for you? We’ve narrowed it down to a couple top things to keep in mind when you’re looking to pick the right car insurance provider.

Compare Online

Sounds simple, but is it? It is! You can save money by comparing online on price comparison websites which showcase costs and plans alongside one another for easy viewing, helping you make the best choice for you.

Maintain Good Credit

As with other types of insurance like life insurance, if your credit isn’t good, chances are your premiums will be higher making it difficult to get a truly good deal on your insurance. Check your credit score often and do your best to adjust it where you can.

Set The Right Deductible

Having a higher deductible reduces your premium, but it means you will pay more out of your own pocket upfront in the case of an accident. If you have a good accident-free history though, it could be worth the gamble to reduce your premiums. This can save you money on your insurance per month.

Beware Of Scammers

Crooks can rip you off by staging accidents or doing things like purposely slamming on their brakes to make you run into them and then claim that you are at fault. In every situation never claim responsibility upfront, always photograph the scene, and be sure to always phone the police to report the situation.

Reduced Mileage, Reduced Price!

If you aren’t using your car much if at all due to being ill, losing your job, working from home or other reasons, be sure to report it to your insurer. Less use of the vehicle means you can qualify for lower premiums. Just be sure to be truthful and not do this then use the car as much as you had been as anything that happens outside the world of your claimed use of the car may not be covered under this adjusted plan and will leave you having to pay out of pocket.

Pay Attention To Mechanics

If you have an accident and need something repaired, keep an eye on who the insurers send your vehicle to. Sometimes the shop they use will have an incentive to use cheaper or non certified parts that don’t suit your vehicle best.

Take Advantage Of Special Offers

Often times, insurance providers will give special discounts or deals to drivers that have no accidents, are mature drivers, married or have taken special driver training courses then you may qualify for a special discount on car insurance. Likewise if you have special devices in your car that deter thieves can help cut costs on insurance too, such as fingerprint identification and more.

So if you’re looking for a good deal on your car insurance, consider looking into some of the tips above. You might be surprised at how easy it is to get a deal if you’re willing to take an extra class or have a special anti theft device installed. It’s always a great day when you get a deal, so what kind of deal will you go hunting for with your insurance today?

How To Guarantee A Fun Family Vacation

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There are no guarantees in life, not even when you’re going on vacation. That means it’s up to you to make sure everyone’s set to have an amazing time and minimize the risk of any issues. It’s all about what you do or don’t do prior to leaving and your attitude while you’re onsite.

Make time to arrange, organize and prepare well before your travel dates. Remember that spending a bit more in travel, like chartering a private jet, can go a long way in turning your trip into a more comfortable and enjoyable one. Read more about these private jets and their average costs. Get all of your family members involved, so everyone knows what’s going on. Create a priority list to help you ensure you have the most important items covered first. See how to guarantee a fun family vacation.

Choose the Location Wisely

It’s a good idea to research your destination options and know what you’re getting into ahead of time. Reconsider automatically booking the vacation that’s the cheapest. Get input from the family to hear where each person would like to travel to and why. Weigh a variety of factors before committing to one location. The better fit your selection is for the entire group, the more fun and less friction you’ll encounter once you’re on your trip.

Get the Right Luggage

Secure the right luggage for the destination and each person. Determine if it’s doable to take carry-ons along or if you’ll be needing more space in your suitcase. Pick out designs and patterns that you can easily spot once you’re in the airport gathering your luggage. Having the proper bags will make your travels that much more enjoyable. It’s worth investing in a set that’s going to last you a while and get you to where you’re going in style.

Shop Ahead of Time

The fun part of going on a trip is the new clothes you get to buy for the vacation. Help yourself out by shopping online at a store like Vingino. The Dutch fashion company convinces with creative children’s fashion, which thrills parents and children alike. To give the kids a lot of freedom of movement, the store relies on simple cuts and casual silhouettes. Your children will love the clothing, and it will make them that much more excited to leave for your trip. Shop together and agree to items you both can get behind.

Have A Family Meeting before Departure

It’s important to all be on the same page before you take off. Have a family meeting to go over the trip details and rules for when you’re on vacation. Allow everyone to discuss concerns and ask questions. Share the details you have planned out, so the entire family feels included and knows not to expect any surprises. You can even go as far as to print out an itinerary and review each day as a group. You’re more likely to have fun and experience fewer issues when you take time to lay it all out on the table for everyone.

Plan Activities in Advance

Don’t be afraid to plan activities before your arrival. This way you know exactly what you’re doing on which days. It also promises you spots or tickets for specific excursions and activities, saving you from disappointment. Once again, ask for input from the family before you start booking reservations. While it’s nice to have plans some of the days, it’s probably best to leave some free time during your trip. Part of having a fun family vacation is getting time to unwind and being granted personal time to yourself outside of the house. It’s all about balancing out your time together and giving each individual a voice.

Unplug

As the parent, it’s a smart idea to be a good example for your kids and unplug the majority of your time on vacation. Work ahead at the office and only bring with you what you must attend to while at your destination. It’s also a good idea that everyone makes it a habit to check phones and computers once a day and not be constantly glued to them. You’ll all have a much more enjoyable and relaxed time when you’re not always staring at your devices. Observe the nature, sights, smells and sounds around you and soak up the beautiful scenery. It’s likely you’ll all regret spending too much time connected and not enough of your trip being in the moment.

Have Meals Together

Use vacation as a chance to have meals together, especially if you’re usually too busy to at home. Make it fun and allow each person to pick a restaurant or food group to try while you’re away. Mix it up and go casual one night and dress up another evening. Come ready with conversation and to discuss what each person believes to be the highlight of the trip so far. Everyone should look forward to a nice meal together after having some alone time during the day. This is also a good chance to discuss any other activities the group wants to participate in or adventures that you’ve become aware of since arriving.

Document your Favorite Memories

One way to have a little fun is to take pictures of your family members enjoying themselves on the trip. Get a mix of action shots and posed pictures and return with a lot of great images to share and keep. Make an album or create a video when you get home and be glad you have these memories that you can cherish forever. Pictures are an excellent way to remember all the fun you had and be able to look back on your trip after you get home and time passes.

Conclusion

Your family vacation won’t be same if you decide not to plan and prepare. Get organized and excited about all of the enjoyment that’s to come. Remind everyone that traveling is about bonding as a family, having new experiences together and allowing yourself to relax. Of course, there may be situations that arise and obstacles to overcome, but don’t let that stop you from having a nice time. This is how to guarantee a fun family vacation.

Three Tips for Planning a U.S. Road Trip with Your Kids

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Taking a road trip through the U.S. with your children in tow might seem like a daunting task, however, when planned properly, it can easily turn into the adventure of a lifetime. If you’re hoping to do as much exploring as possible as a family for your next trip and want to stay at home in the U.S., then a road trip could be the perfect alternative to traveling abroad. With so many different sights to see and things to do in every state, the hardest part is going to be getting your itinerary right! We’ve put together some top tips to help you plan the best family road trip ever.

Tip #1. Include the Kids from the Beginning:

Even the youngest of children can have some of a say in the type of things that they’d like to see and do on your family road trip (within reason, of course!). Giving your little ones the chance to speak up and offer their ideas for your trip will make it more of an all-inclusive family experience, and of course makes it easier down the line by ensuring that everyone gets a chance to do the things that they’d like. When your children are involved in the planning process, they’ll probably be also more likely to be excited about helping and being a little more cooperative since they’ll be more invested. One good idea is to offer them suggestions that are already parent-approved, to avoid deviating too much from your own plans.

Tip #2. Start Saving Up:

Chances are, you won’t actually be taking the trip for some time – it takes a while to plan and ensure that everything is ready to go before you can set off. So, it’s a good idea to open a designated savings account and start putting aside some money for the sole purpose of your trip. Even if you’ve already booked accommodation at hotels in Kingman, AZ such as the Best Western Kingman and have all your other expenses taken care of early on, it’s a good idea to have some money aside for emergency expenses as you never know when you might have to dip into your wallet for an extra cost that couldn’t have been predicted.

Tip #3. Start Planning:

Whilst taking a road trip with family, it’s important to have a structured plan in place so that everybody knows where is next on the list. Get the whole family together and look at your various options for travel destinations, stops along the way, and activities that you can take part in, then discuss which ones you’d like to do and which ones can be missed out. This will help you to put together an awesome travel itinerary that everybody agrees on and is happy with because it includes all members of your family. Then, create a list – or even a spreadsheet – that maps out exactly where you’re going and what you’re going to do and when.

Did you enjoy these tips? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

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We left our home in Sydney, Australia many moons ago in May 2012 and, other than a brief stint back in Perth for Christmas and a wedding in early 2014, we have been travelling the world nomadically ever since, running a business from our laptops and we’re here to show you how to do it!