3 Kids and Us

How to Use Your Phone to Plan Your Next Family Vacation

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Are you using your phone to its full potential when you travel with your family? Many people take their phones for granted and often don’t realize just how many ways it can help when you’re planning a vacation. Below are some of the ways you can address this issue and ensure that your cell phone becomes one of the most important pieces of travel-related equipment you possess.

Online Booking

More businesses than ever are making it easier for customers to book accommodation, flights, and a wide range of other travel-related services and products. For example, if are traveling to Bryce and require a good deal on a bed and breakfast near Bryce Canyon, businesses like Slot Canyons Inn makes it extremely easy to book this type of accommodation through your smartphone. In other situations, travel company chains have customer loyalty programs that you can easily access through their website or through mobile apps that you can install on your smartphone.

Deciding Where to Go

In many instances, you and your family may be unsure about where you want to go on vacation next. Your smartphone is the perfect research device and you can find out all kinds of important facts about each destination you are thinking about visiting.

A wide range of travel-related websites and mobile apps are available that include countless reviews and comments about different travel destinations and the experiences people have had with different hotels, bed and breakfasts, car hire companies, restaurants and other businesses in a particular city, town, or tourist hotspot.

Getting Organized

A large number of productivity and organization apps can be used on today’s cell phones and they will ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible. For example, packing apps allow you to input all of the items you and your family need to bring with you on your next vacation. Making sure that you remember to pack everything for everyone who will be traveling is a stressful and difficult task, but a mobile app like this will make your life much easier.

Eating and Dining

While you travel, there will be times when you and your family members will want to relax and eat. However, some restaurants and cafes are better than others, so you should turn to your phone once again for guidance. Most established restaurants, hotels, and cafes have an online presence and previous customers have probably already rated each of these places to eat. As a result, you can quickly determine which businesses serve the best food and offer the best value for money.

Important Updates

Unexpected events can ruin a vacation, so it’s crucial to keep up-to-date with the latest developments on the way to your destination and at your destination. For example, weather and traffic conditions can change rapidly, so it’s vital to keep informed about these latest developments through your smartphone.

A phone is no longer just a device to make and receive phone calls. It is now one of the most important tools people who go on vacation with their families can use to plan and prepare for a trip away.

How To Add A Touch Of Magic To Leisure Through Family Yoga Travel

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Travelling is a wonderful time for laughter, bonding and festivities. An opportunity to learn new things, see different cultures and connect with different people. Whether it be on the beach, a new city, trekking on the mountains or star gazing in the wild, traveling is one of the best de-stressors when you need to take a time out. And what better way to spend it with your family.

No matter how far you are away from home, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a must, and yoga is proof that exercise on-the-go is not difficult. Here are simple ways to do just that:

1. Bring your props with you


Yoga props don’t consume too much space in your luggage, just bring your mat with you! A big travel mat rolled on your bag would indeed serve as a reminder that it’s time to squeeze in some exercise hours on your vacation but it might just add up a wee amount of weighing.

One Lululemon yoga mat review from a renowned yogi indicated that lightweight travel mat fits perfectly in her travel bag and added only about 1 kg. Add that to the fantastic view of your beach or the mountainside and you have an instant inspiration as you execute your downward-facing dog pose. Take in a deep, deep breath of fresh breeze while you’re at it.

2. Know the local Yoga scene

As with any travel bit, exploring the local yoga studios are part of the vacation itself. Your hotel might just have their own yoga studio for you to enjoy. Perhaps, you will find a Yogi instructor giving free classes on the town’s plaza where you can meet other families practicing yoga themselves. Or maybe there’s a studio beside the famous restaurant you are dying to try. In any case, search for Yoga practice opportunities before you travel.

3. Make an itinerary and make yoga part of it

So, your youngest wants to go to the waterpark and your eldest wants to check out the museum; your hair is thinning out at the thought of having not enough time to go to all of these places but you want everyone to be happy, too. Well, the best plan is to make a plan. Find time before your travel to search for the noteworthy tourist’s spots, find the perfect schedule and you’re good to go. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for opportunities to practice yoga as well.

4. Equip Yourself with the Perfect YOGA APP for your needs

If you find yourself on vacation in the woods, make sure you pack light and bring your mobile phone with you in the case of emergencies and in the case of yoga. Your family does not need to skip your Yoga sessions just because you guys are in the middle of the forest or midway into a mountain. Relax and breathe the fresh air, hold your hands up high for your Sun Salutations and slowly, gently breathe out while going back down. For the next pose, pull out your phone and open your newly-downloaded Yoga App. Yoga Studio is one of the best apps you may download, it costs only 3.99 and is available on both Android and Apple OS. You can also get YogaGlo, tagged as one of the top Apple apps of 2016

5. Yoga Retreat

Have you ever considered going on a retreat? How about a yoga retreat for your next vacation? Morocco, Thailand, and Cambodia offer yoga retreats all year round. Some even offer a family yoga retreat which teaches you poses that can practice your little kid. Not only is this a good husband and wife quiet time, but it can also be one of the most memorable bonding experiences you will have with your children. Do not be intimidated by silent yoga retreats as this is a whole new level of experience altogether.

6. Meditate

Travelling, though enjoyable for everyone, can also be quite tiring. Take a few minutes out of your day to just practice your breathing. The best times are when you are waiting for your flight, aboard your plane and while traveling on land to your destination. It need not be a complicated practice as you can just sit there, block the surroundings and just breathe. You can turn it into a game for your kids, everyone will enjoy it.

7. Do not forget to cleanse

Yoga is a cleansing of the mind, spirit and the body. Make sure you get your daily, if not weekly, dose of it. And while you’re at it, take advantage of your time while on vacation; reset your body by getting that 8 hours of sleep. Pick your food thoroughly– an option you don’t usually have when you only have an hour for lunch at work. Do some light reading. Anything that would help you reach that state of relaxation where both your mind and body is at rest.
Be it on vacation or at the comfort of your own home, there’s plenty of yoga to go around. Share the experiences with your family and new friends, ask them to join and eventually, build a community of yogis eager to practice even when they’re away from home.

Did You Know About These Hidden Gems of Kolkata?

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Kolkata is a small city, geographically. It is only 1/8th of the size of the capital, New Delhi and the main city is even smaller. However, Kolkata has so much more than you might have read on those travel blogs or what the travel packages of Yatra might offer. There are so many things to see which Google wouldn’t tell you. Sometimes, even your tour guide wouldn’t tell you because they think those places don’t deserve mention or because not many people ask them, the tour guides, to take them there. There lies the mysterious Kolkata, the unseen Kolkata, the Kolkata which you need to ‘explore’, not visit.

Shobhabazar Rajbari: Shobhabazaar Royal Palace would be a literal translation but Nabakrishna Deb was more of a super rich landlord with wealth generating from questionable sources. However, the palace he built in Shobhabazaar is amazing and you wouldn’t find a better combination of Indian and British architecture in Kolkata.

This is a saat-mahala house which means the interior of the house is divided into seven sections, ladies’ wing, drawing room etc., servants’ quarters and more. There is a thakur dalan, supported by seven really tall pillars. This is almost 250 years old but due to proper maintenance, has kept much of its original charm intact. You can visit the palace during Durga Puja, in October, when it’s open for the general public.

Kolkata Town Hall: Built in 1813, by architect and engineer Maj.-Gen. John Garstin, in Roman Doric style, the town hall cost no less than 700,000 rupees in those days! The result was amazing though, it is one of the most beautiful structures in Kolkata but sadly none, neither the manager of your hotel in Kolkata nor the tour guide you hire, would recommend it. It was utterly neglected in independent India because it was a symbol of British occupation! In fact, this magnificent building was almost ruined and the Kolkata High Court had to intervene to save it. Presently, Kolkata Corporation has done an appreciable job of restoring the former glory of this building and it houses a library on Kolkata, containing the rarest books and diaries on Kolkata and you can check out the magnificent history of Kolkata here. While, booking a hotel through Yatra, you can search a one near Town Hall.

Paramount House: Why only visit when you can eat and drink as well. Paramount is quenching the thirst of Kolkata for 100 years now and their sorbets and drinks (strictly non-alcoholic) is a must for you to try out. You might have drunk a lot many things in different restaurants and 5 star hotels in Kolkata, but I bet you will forget everything else when you take a sip at Paramount. Located at a not “so easily accessible” place at the back end of College Street, it is frequented by many who know the taste of their drinks.

Their price list is all set to surprise you because you wouldn’t believe that such heavenly manna is available for 50c or so. Their list is very, very long and you might be confused with the choice. The best thing to do here is to request them for a speciality. But then, each of their drinks is special, trust me.

Hastings House: One of the oldest buildings in Kolkata, it had seen better days when it housed the Governor General of India, Lord Warren Hastings. This place is now a Women’s College, under Kolkata University. If you are a fan of haunted places and spooky incidents, this is where you should go with many students complaining of inexplicable incidents in this building. In specific, there is an Englishman on a horse who supposedly asks for some lost files! This is in Alipore and you can get there easily.

Babu Ghat: Ghat is translated by American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language as “A broad flight of steps leading down to the bank of a river in India, used especially by bathers.” but the ghats on Ganga are much more than that. This is where Kolkata used to come for their afternoon and evening pleasures, then bathe in Ganga or sit in the breeze to have a respite from the oppressive heat. With Kolkata losing the use of Ghats, these ghats are now often neglected but Babu Ghat is a must see. You can see the vast Ganga flowing, the breeze, the local sellers and a true picture of old laid-back Kolkata.

Glorious Destinations to Enjoy this Summer

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Although a lot of places can be crowded and expensive during the summer season, without a doubt, this is one of the best times to travel. If you are clueless about where your itchy feet should go this summer, keep on reading this post and we’ll have a look at five of the best places you should see.

New York

Concrete jungle – this is one of the best ways to describe New York. More than its towering skyscrapers, it has a lot to offer for any traveler, making it a hot spot for a summer holiday. The Central Park, the green lung of the city, is one of the places that you should not miss during your visit. Other attractions that you should not miss include Metropolitan Museum of Art, Times Square, Empire State Building, Museum of Modern Art, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and American Museum of Natural History. If you are just including New York on a tour of the states, then here is an idea of what you can fit in to a weekend.

Maldives

For anyone who loves tropical paradise, this should be on the top of the places to see this summer. If you are looking for privacy while being able to enjoy sun, sea, and sand, this is a good choice. It is perfect if you are with your significant other. Here, you will not be staying in a multi-story hotel. Instead, you will be relaxing in an overwater bungalow. Many have their own private pools. You can jump into the ocean straight out of your room. It is also known for diving and snorkeling, among other activities. If you’d love to visit the Maldives but you are on a budget, then check out these handy tips.

Bali

This is another paradise for beach-lovers. Located in Indonesia, Bali has gained reputation as a world-class surfing destination, with the most popular place being the Kuta Beach. In Seminyak Beach, on the other hand, you can find a number of luxurious accommodations. There are many beach clubs that will get you in the mood for partying from day until late at night. If you had too much of the beach, head to Ubud, a town that is known for a vibrant art scene. Here, there are many hotels offering a good view of the rice paddies.

Amsterdam

The capital of The Netherlands has endless activities that are perfect for every traveler. For a taste of culture, head over the Museumplein, which is home of the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, Van Gogh Museum, and Rijksmuseum. Taking a canal cruise is another activity that you should not miss during your visit. If you love shopping, go to The Nine Streets, which is popular for its diverse collection of independent shops.

Dubai

This glamorous place is also another top pick for the best summer getaway. There are many luxurious hotels, which will offer the best choice of accommodation for those who do not mind splurging. It is home to a collection of manmade islands as well. The Dubai Marina and Dubai Mall are worth checking out. Of course, your visit will not be complete without having a sample of its food. For a unique experience, get out of the city and head to the desert.

Awesome Destinations for a Legendary Summer Road Trip

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Going on a road trip is one of the best ways to have a fun-filled vacation. It allows you to see more without the need to spend a fortune. You can create a plan in advance, but the beauty of going on a road trip is that if you see a signpost to something interesting you can stop off there and check it out. If you are going on a couples retreat, road tripping with friends, holidaying with your pets, or going with your family, enjoying a road trip will prevent the group from getting bored in one location. You can see below some great options for an awesome summer road trip.

California

Get started with your Golden State road trip in San Francisco. There are endless attractions that will offer fun for the whole family, such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, and Golden Gate Bridge, among others. Next up, head to Monterey and Carmel. Children will surely have fun exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is recognized as one of the best in the country. Dennis the Menace Playground is also a good idea. After this, go to Santa Barbara, which is popular for its seaside and Spanish architecture. Los Angeles and Orange County are your next stops. Here, you can enjoy Disneyland, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and Santa Monica Pier. And for your last stop, head to San Diego and visit Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo.

Greece

If you are planning on driving across Europe, you’ll definitely want to add Greece to your itinerary. From history to architecture, from beaches to food, it has a lot to offer, making it another highly recommended destination for a road trip. Start your journey in Athens, which, in most cases, will also be your last stop. Explore its many heritage sites and be educated as you revel in the beauty of ancient architecture. Next, stop by Delphi, an archaeological site. Olympia and Naflpion are also worth seeing. For the best of island living, be sure to also visit Crete.

Croatia

If your group would love to travel through a tropical paradise, Croatia should be on the top of your road trip list. Split is one place that should not be missed, which is home of the Diocletian’s Palace. Hvar, a 68-kilometer island is also worth visiting. Slano, meanwhile, is perfect if you are looking for a place that has a chilled vibe. Of course, your visit will not be complete without going to Dubrovnik, dubbed as the Jewel of the Adriatic.

New Zealand

Gifted with picturesque landscapes, New Zealand is another popular choice. Its roads are not only safe, but also offer stunning views that make driving a relaxing experience. Whether you take the North or South Island route, you will surely be left in awe. If you have a week to spend, one of the best itineraries includes a trip from Auckland to the Volcanic Plateau. From kayaking to sightseeing, there will be endless activities that will give everyone a memorable holiday.

Canada

In British Colombia, you can go on a road trip from Vernon to Naramata. Highlights of this route include Elephant Island Orchard Wines and Lake Okanagan. If you are in Alberta, on the other hand, take the Dinosaur Route. Some of the attractions that you should not miss in this trip include Dinosaur Provincial Park and Royal Tyrell Museum. Meanwhile, in Manitoba, you can consider driving from Winnipeg to Grand Beach. The Viking Trail in Newfoundland, on the other hand, is best for discovering ancient Viking settlements.

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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!