3 Kids and Us

Experience Enchantment and Ecstasy at Disney World

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It’s magical, moving, and a must see. Disney World holds so many wonders for people of all ages, it’s a great experience, and has left all its visitors wanting to return again and again. It’s a place where boys and girls see their most loved movie characters come to life, and where adults relive fond childhood memories. See a phenomenal picture of this multinational mass media company at this resplendent resort: take the kids to Disney World, and have the time of your lives. Here’s some things to see while you’re there.

Magic Kingdom Park

This is the first of the 4 theme parks opened at Walt Disney, and is suitably named, because it is truly a magical experience. Children, and adults, have been able to behold some of the most cherished, and memorable Disney characters, from Mickey Mouse to Cinderella. Electrifying and exhilarating entertainment is on offer each day at the theme park, and they surely won’t leave you disappointed.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a popular ride in the park. It’s both a haunting and hilarious experience all in one.  It depicts a haunted goldmine, wrapped up in legend stories of supernatural forces within the caverns. Grab all the family, and jump on board for a evocative journey.

One of the most identifiable buildings, as you enter the theme park, is Cinderella’s fairy tale palace. A glowing, and intricate, brick structure with blue tips, not only lights up its structure, but the emotions of all who come across it. The wonderful love story of Cinderella has stayed in the hearts of many throughout all generations, and now you can step into this storybook adventure yourself.

Epcot

Twice the size of Magic Kingdom Park, this 300 acre theme park is a place where you can let your imagination run wild. Get the feel for what it would be like to travel around the world on land or sea, in a place where countries are united. Its truly a sight to behold, and to celebrate by being amazed and entertained by all its wonders.

In Epcot, you can be enthralled and enlightened at the same time, one of the attractions you can do this in is The Circle Of Life. Be captivated by these classic film characters from Lion King, as they share important lessons about the environment. Let Simba set you straight on your surroundings, as he teaches some important facts to Timon and Pumbaa.

Let your emotions come to life with a visit to Headquarters where you can meet the highly entertaining characters, Joy and Sadness, from the recent Disney Pixar film Inside Out. Capture a moment with them and gain a feel of what it’s like inside Riley’s head. The options of what to do at Epcot are inexhaustible.

Dine With Disney

Make sure you don’t missed out on the host of places to eat while you’re at the resort. You could enjoy a storybook dining experience at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, where you meet the Disney Princesses, in a building with the ambiance of a castle and cathedral combined. Or enjoy eating the old fashioned way at the 50’s Prime Time Cafe, American comfort food at its best. There’s plenty of other places you could enjoy a good meal at Disney, so fill your tummy as well as your imagination.

Essential Tips on How to Have a Great Family Vacation in LA

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So, you’ve decided that you want to take the family for a vacation in LA. You know what you want to do and have already found one of the Los Angeles vacation rentals that’s going to be perfect for you and the kids. But, there’s one nagging feeling at the back of your mind. And that’s all about how you can make sure that everyone one is happy and has the best time on their vacation. If you’re in this position, don’t worry. We’ve all been there and experienced this at some point. Here are some essential tips on how to have the perfect family vacation in Los Angeles.

What Makes LA a Great Destination for Families?

The main reason is that LA has so many things to keep everyone in the family entertained and interested for the length of the trip. You can find something that suits pretty much any age and even the more resilient of teens will enjoy some of the activities. But, as parents, we all know that there’s a fine line between having a perfect trip and an absolute disaster! Let’s have a look at what you should do.

Plan, Plan, Plan:

Planning is one of the most important parts of having a successful and stress-free family vacation. The more time you take at the start by coming up with a suitable itinerary to keep everyone happy, the smoother it will be when you arrive. It’s also a good idea to read recent reviews on blogs or TripAdvisor to get an idea of any unexpected things that may pop-up so that you’ll be more prepared.

Plan what you want to do each day and draft up an itinerary to keep things organized. You should also consider spending a full day at the theme parks. One of the most important things to do is to plan carefully and not to overdo it with the different activities. The last thing anyone wants is to start off at breakneck speed to find themselves exhausted on the third day.

Start Your Day as Early as Possible:

When you’re on vacation, it can be difficult to drag yourself out of bed at 7 am. We all want to stay in bed until 11 am when we’re not working, right? But, this isn’t a good idea if you’re planning a day of sightseeing. The crowds typically start to come in the late morning and early afternoon. This means that you may be faced with long waits if you don’t get there early enough.

Quite simply, the best thing to do is to aim to avoid the crowds as much as possible. This means there will be less stress for you and the kids won’t get bored whilst waiting in the long lines. And the earlier you start, the earlier you finish, which means you can then have more time relaxing later in the day.

Take Advantage of Early Bird Deals and Offers:

A savvy parent will look online before taking their family vacation to see what early bird tickets and promotions are available. The better ones will give you a discount and allow you to skip the line. This is one of the best features of booking in advance because who wants to spend hours standing in the queue to get into the attraction?

Always Book a Hotel with Breakfast Included:

One of the top ways to make the most out of the time when you’re on vacation is to book a hotel or resort that offers a buffet breakfast. This saves you both time and money in the morning and the day will typically start off in a positive light. Compare this to waking up early and then spending 30 minutes walking around the street to find a place to get some food. If you’re staying at a vacation rental, consider stocking up on food from the supermarket for breakfast. This also helps you to leave at the earlier times to avoid the crowds and long lines later on.

Allocate at Least One Day to Relax:

There’s nothing wrong with spending a few hours relaxing around the pool. It’s a good idea to find your accommodation in a place that’s near the beach or has a pool at the very least. One day of relaxing will be perfect for everyone. And the best part is, you don’t have to plan the day!

Choose the Activities to Suit Everyone in Your Family:

Just because you and the spouse want to see Hollywood or visit some of the museums, it doesn’t mean that the kids or teens will appreciate it as much. Make sure you ask everyone what they want to do and find something to suit everyone. Younger kids tend to prefer areas where they can play and older ones love the thrills at the theme park. This is a family vacation and everyone should have their say on what they want to do.

Have a Budget and Stick to it:

The final point is a practical way to enjoy your holiday and not feel the post-vacation blues when you return home and realize just how much you’ve actually spent. Set a daily budget and stick to it as much as possible. It’s OK to spend a little extra, but if you do go overboard, the little extras quickly add up when there are three or four of you.

The Takeaway Message:

Los Angeles is a great place to spend a family vacation. Plan ahead and ask everyone what they want to do and see. And don’t forget to have at least one day around the pool or beach to relax!

Top year-end holiday travel destinations you’ll surely love

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Already considering the many awesome sights to see and locations to shop during the Christmas holiday season this year? Seoul, Tokyo, Bali, Manila, Taipei, Melbourne – these are just a few of the places you should look forward to this year!

Check out these top year-end holiday travel destinations and pick one (or two) for your upcoming travel plans.

Seoul, Korea. Considered as Asia’s winter wonderland, Jimjilbang, Korea’s traditional spa for grooming and soaking is something you should definitely experience in winter. There are 24-hour ones available for you to scrub the old year blues away. During October, you can experience the autumn at full blast as the weather transitions from warm to cold, plus you’ll see some amazing colours. The vibrant Christmas trees are paraded starting November, coupled with festive carolling and free concerts. Seoul Plaza Hotel boasts a 20-metre Christmas tree, which is sure to put you in a good mood.

Tokyo, Japan. If you’re looking for something even more exciting, you can find it in Tokyo. If you’re looking for tradition, Japan offers you with Buddhist amazing hot springs and temples. You will love the colours of autumn and if you want something modern, the fantastic lanes of Shibuya and Shinjuku will instantly put you in a festive mood. Consider spending your New Year’s Day in Japan as it’s one of their biggest holidays.

Bali, Indonesia. If you feel like you’re about to burst from stress, the island of Bali is a perfect place for rejuvenation and peace of mind. You can spend your weekend relaxing in a spa or a yoga retreat for spiritual cleansing. Bali boasts amazing beaches and quiet mountainside retreats. Here you can find basically anything and everything you’re looking for in a holiday getaway.

Manila, Philippines. The capital of the Philippines is an up-and-coming destination for anyone looking for cosmopolitan chills and thrills on a budget. Here you can find some of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world. Communication is easy because English is the medium of exchange. If you’re in the mood for some shopping action, then consider Manila as your end-of-year holiday destination.

Taipei, Taiwan. The climate in Taipei is perfect during the year-end. It’s cold enough for tourists coming from a tropical climate, but not too cold to stop them from enjoying. The city boasts a lot of activities and experiences, including shopping and dining, plus culture lovers will find many fantastic finds in the rich traditions of this Asian country. Taipei is a worthy place to close out the year with everyone you love.

Melbourne, Australia. Looking for a European winter trip this year without the matching cold, then consider the fabulous city of Melbourne. Despite the lack of winter in Australia during the year-end months, it still has plenty of chilly wind coming from the South Pole. The city itself is active and friendly, and the tram system makes it easy to move around to experience European-style Christmas, old-fashioned Aussie barbecue, or a trip to the beach. If you happen to visit in November you can even go to the Melbourne Cup where massive horse-race event happens throughout the nation.

End Note

Found a destination you, your family, or friends will love going to? Time to plan as early as now, and to make sure you can avoid the most common travel hitches, don’t forget to secure travel insurance for you and everyone travelling with you. This way, you can focus on the fun and less on worrying about any likely issues you might encounter while having a blast out there.

North America is Your Vacation Playground

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So many people take a vacation and decide to head to another country. However, North America really is your vacation playground, offering so many different cultures and experiences for anyone who is ready to embark on a journey. Whether it’s visiting a coast, the opposing coast, or another region you haven’t been to, you are sure to find great vacation packages and a lifetime of fantastic memories. Before you plan your next trip, here are our top suggestions!

Palm Springs, California

A trip to a palm springs resort will certainly be a luxury gift to yourself! You will not only be able to enjoy some of the best weather around, you will also have access to some of the best activities one would want on a vacation. Take a shopping trip to Palm Springs Canyon Drive and enjoy the best scenery, awesome boutiques, and an array of delicious restaurants and cafes to enjoy. Or you can schedule a tee time and experience golf in a new way. Palm Springs is also home to museums, art galleries, and beautiful gardens that will appease the eye and the soul alike.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Palm Springs has a competitor for the best resort and that competitor is Cabo San Lucas! Cabo San Lucas is relatively easy to travel to by driving or by sea, but we highly recommend to do it by sea. An ocean cruise will get you in the spirit of luxury and prepared to relax. The weather is comparative to Palm Springs in that they receive sunshine on average around 300 days per year. There are plenty of beaches to enjoy the sand and the sun while providing plenty in the water activity arena. Cabo San Lucas is also well known for their fantastic food and vibrant night life. No matter what kind of vacation you want, Cabo San Lucas can provide it.

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Taos, New Mexico

If sand and sun are your thing but you are preferring not to be at a beach, then Taos, New Mexico is a perfect desert destination for you. For the adventurous types, there is a wide array of things to do. There are water sports located at various rivers and watering holes to engage you and cool you off in the summer heat. Or you can opt for a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Zip lining, summer chair lifts, train rides, and hunting excursions are waiting for you. For the not-as-adventurous, there are plenty of ways to learn about the indigenous cultures of New Mexico and see some gorgeous works of art. Of course there is delicious food waiting as well. One simply cannot vacation without access to amazing food!

Ronks, Pennsylvania

Ronks, Pennsylvania doesn’t make many vacation lists and it should! It may not have beautiful beaches or a wild nightlife but it has charm and a relaxing quality that offers you time to recharge and reconnect. Ronks is smack dab in the middle of Amish country and there is plenty of fantastic Amish goods to be purchased. The Amish are well known for their furniture craftsmanship and amazing foods. Nothing tastes better in the morning than some fresh bread with a bit of Amish butter slathered on. Take time to check out the railroads, farm tours, small amusement parks, and even scooters for renting to cruise around town with.

Anytime we plan a vacation, we should make a list of what kind of trip we want to have. Maybe it’s slow paced with a lot of nature. Or an adventurous time seeking out all the hottest activities. Or maybe we just want a hotel room somewhere quiet so we can sleep as much as we want. Then take a look around North America, you are bound to find it!

West Hollywood: A Great Destination for a Family Vacation

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Remember how simple it was planning a vacation before you had children? You could plan something last minute with a few dollars to your name and have a great time. Now, planning a trip with children involves a multitude of complexities. Finding the right accommodations, activities that everyone enjoys, and even affordable dining can be quite the challenge as any parent might attest. Though it is without a doubt easier to plan a vacation alone than with children, that doesn’t have to mean it has to present a challenge.

A Destination with Something for Everyone

Mom and dad want to do some shopping, the younger kids want to go swimming and hit the beach, and your teenager wants a plush hotel room complete with a big screen tv for their video games. Everyone has different ideas of what would make a great vacation. The key to pulling off the best family vacation is to select a larger city like West Hollywood, CA that has tourist attractions and accommodations to meet everyone’s needs.

Find Comfortable Accommodations

While you don’t plan on spending that much time in the hotel room, when you do come back from an eventful day, you want to be in a space that you feel comfortable in. If you plan to visit West Hollywood, you can find hotels that offer comfortable bedding, indoor/outdoor pools, gyms, large bathrooms, and flat screen televisions for your gaming teens. If you’re looking to save money on your visit to California, you might select a hotel that comes with a mini kitchen. This way you can prepare some of your meals and save money on dining out.

Tours Are Always Fun – And Educational

Want to add a bit of education to your family trip without the kids knowing? Check out some of the local tours and attractions for a history lesson they’ll never forget. In West Hollywood, you can take tours through famous and historic neighborhoods and studios. Or perhaps head over to the local theme parks where you can check out rides like Transformers Ride 3D. Your younger kids might enjoy traveling in time through Dinosaur Hall in Los Angeles. There’s a lot of fun to be had in this town so be sure to check for discounts on tours and attractions.

Shopping Can be Interesting

Your kids might not like the idea of going from shop to shop as you browse stores. They often get bored pretty easily making your shopping experience anything but relaxing. The great thing about choosing a location like West Hollywood to vacation to is that the shopping can be pretty interesting for your kids. Known notoriously for being the design mecca on the west coast, the shops, fashion studios, and boutiques are all intricately designed to draw attention. This would make for cool selfie backgrounds for your teenagers – which is always a plus in their book.

Plan Around Annual Events

If you really want to see the true culture and diversity of a city like West Hollywood, CA, then you should definitely plan your family vacation around some of the city’s biggest events. For instance, in October, you can join thousands of locals and tourists for one of the biggest Halloween street parties. Your kids will have so much fun dressing up and being amongst others who enjoy dressing up as well. This is certainly an experience your kids won’t forget.

Whether you’re planning a summer vacation, a fall getaway, or a winter retreat with the family the key to having a good time boils down to the location. Choosing a large city like West Hollywood means a better chance of finding things to do that everyone loves and enjoys. It is most certainly a family vacation no one will soon forget.

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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!