vacation Archives - Page 2 of 8

Kid-Friendly Attractions in Albuquerque, New Mexico

September 30, 2019 by admin

Whether you’re looking for some activities to do outdoors or want to spend quality time inside, there are spectacular places in Albuquerque, New Mexico to spend time with the kids. Kid-friendly activities such as looking at hot-air balloons, visiting the aquarium, and walking through botanical gardens are just a few of the options.

In this piece, we have listed some things to do in Albuquerque where you can take your kids to have a fun and exciting experience while when you’re paying a visit to New Mexico.

1. ABQ BioPark Zoo

Situated next to the Rio Grande, ABQ BioPark Zoo is 64-acre Zoo which has been providing guests close encounters with exotic and native animals since 1927. The place is home to more than 200 animal species, such as camel, koala, lion, among others.

Children will surely be thrilled by the Rio Grande Garden’s Fantasy Garden as they can enjoy the wonderful sights of seed packets and bees, and a pumpkin which is as large as a house. The Butterfly Pavilion is also another attraction which is open from late May through September. The many varied gardens provide cool shade, a model railroad, a pond, and various seasonal flower displays. The ABQ BioPark Zoo is just a perfect getaway for your kids as it also right next to another great attraction – the Albuquerque Aquarium.

2. Albuquerque Aquarium

Albuquerque Aquarium showcases the aquatic life of the Rio Grande and the ocean it feeds into. Thanks to the location of Albuquerque, the aquarium’s exhibits highlight the river’s life-long journey. At the aquarium, your family can surely enjoy observing stingrays at close range, meet barracudas and watch bamboo sharks.

The aquarium has both fresh and saltwater tanks so your kids will surely be amazed by the turtles, sharks and lobsters in the deep ocean tank. They will also see luminous jellyfish, an eel tunnel where eels slither overhead and a shrimp boat.

Upon entering the attraction, travelers will easily mesmerized by the charm of the river through a series of small aquarium tanks, showcasing the fishes and other species of the Rio Grande. Right next to it is a mini-movie theatre which plays a brief educational video for the visitor about the life of the river. Outside the cinema, visitors will be surprised by the open-top tank which is patrolled by stingrays, while a shrimp boat lies run-aground in the background.

3. Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum

Situated at 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE in Albuquerque, the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum attracts infinite curious travelers annually to witness their extraordinary exhibits with their own eyes. Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum has been educating the community about everything in the realm of hot air ballooning for more than a hundred years. It also features a step-in balloon basket where kids can enjoy a virtual ride in a balloon gondola.

If you are thinking of ways to give your children extraordinary yet educational experience, take them to Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum as they can learn a lot about the history of a hot air balloon, barnstorming and the famous International Balloon Fiesta held in Albuquerque every fall while having so much fun at the same time!

4. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

If you are looking for something educational and cultural, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center will you a multifaceted introduction to Pueblo culture. Established in 1976, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center was created as a way to portray the art, traditions, and foods of Pueblo People while providing assistance and resources to local tribes.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center showcases the world of nineteen Indian Pueblos, with museum exhibits that take visitors back through time. The center also houses crafts and arts on display, drumming, rotating art exhibits, and a whole variety of dances. If you are planning on visiting the center, try to inquire ahead if there will be bread baking demonstrations in the traditional oven. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is near downtown Albuquerque and other local tourist attractions.

5. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

Albuquerque offers a myriad of fun activities for kids that can give them an unforgettable experience. One activity you should consider doing while you are here is visiting an Albuquerque museum. You would not want to miss the varied selections of dinosaurs of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History – from one brontosaurus on the second floor to the one flying overhead in the atrium – your whole family will certainly enjoy the museum.

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science also has prehistoric dinosaurs that roam around the halls; computer exhibits are also available where your kids can create their own videos while an exhibit is also available on the exploration of outer space.

Endless events are hosted by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science that are designed to entertain and engage the local and foreign community alike. You may want to enjoy workshops and classes that deal with comprehensive topics, such as dinosaurs, astronomy, insects, and a whole lot more. The museum also hosts seasonal events to observe holidays as well.

If you consider going to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, it is important to look at their calendar so you can get a quick overview of what’s on their latest upcoming activities. Museum tours are available weekly so you can enjoy an informative yet meaningful experience by viewing all the unbelievable exhibits displayed here!

6. Sandia Peak Tramway

It is one of Albuquerque’s unique attractions to make your New Mexico trip more exciting and fun! The Sandia Peak Tramway is a must-see attraction as it will take you on the ride to get a bird’s eye view of the spectacular side of Albuquerque! This 2.7-mile journey in a tram car is fun by itself but the main part is once you reach the top as you can see the whole city from 10,378 feet.

If you are planning on taking a ride on Sandia Peak Tramway, do not miss to spend some time on the observation deck looking at Albuquerque down below. You may also want to consider dropping by the Sandia Ranger Station where you can get maps to help you unravel the beautiful trails and animals that live at such high altitudes. If you want to have a more memorable experience, see the ski museum at the base of the tram or take a hike for more adventure!

Awesome Activities to Add Some fun To Your Family Vacation

June 25, 2019 by admin

When you take the kids away on vacation it isn’t the same as when you go away with just your partner and there is a call to add something extra to the vacation. Instead of spending your days reading on the beach and enjoying some wine and good food of an evening, there is a need to include some entertainment and some adventure to the trip, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. My wife and I are very fortunate that our kids enjoy the same thing as we do, my son and I were even able to get 36 holes of golf in together during our trip to Portugal last year! There are all kinds of activities which you can chose from and here are some which we have enjoyed in the last few years.

Kayaking

Kayaking is great for the family because it is relatively simple to do and each journey will take you to see something new. We have kayaked on rivers through Costa Rica, over the Hudson River in New York and even taken the kayaks out on the sea during a trip to Australia a few years ago. Easy to get the hang of and the kids will absolutely love it, even more so when they tip over apparently!

Winter Fun

We took the kids on a skiing holiday a couple of years ago to Norway and they not only fell in love with the sport but they loved all of the snow-based activities. What the kids loved most was not in fact the skiing or snowboarding, but the husky rides which we took across these huge snow planes, reaching incredible speeds which left us all a little bit scared, and very excited.

Canyoning

Activities when you are on holiday are so much fun and we found that canyoning is a great adventure because it doesn’t require huge amounts of skills and you get the chance to discover some beautiful natural settings. We have done this with the kids in the southern Alps and in Costa Rica and they loved finding their way through the gorges, especially the abseiling which they were able to do down a waterfall in Costa Rica. This is an activity which you can find all over the world and I can assure you that any adventurous kids will absolutely love it.

Cycling

Something we have done on just about every family holiday which we have taken is renting a couple of bikes and heading out on a trek. Most holiday destinations have some great routes that you can cycle on and it gives the kids the chance to get out and about, and most importantly to stretch their legs. What I love most about taking the bikes out when we are abroad is the fact that you don’t know what you are going to see or what you will discover, which lends itself to some amazing adventures.

Next time you take the kids away have a think about some of these activities and see if you can entertain the kids with them, it sure beats wasting a day on the beach.

Here are some more fun summer activities.

Chennai: The bearer of the South Indian Heritage

September 12, 2018 by admin

Chennai is a metropolitan city based in India and it is renowned for being the capital of Tamil Nadu. It is a hub for education and technology mainly for the South Indians. It has also been ranked 36^th in the largest urban area by population in the world. Chennai is frequented by health tourists but apart from that, it is also the home for the Tamil film industry. The city also holds the colonial history in forms of buildings and other architectural places. A huge part of the industrial sector is dedicated to automobiles and so Chennai is often called the ‘Detroit of India’.

If you want to visit Chennai from anywhere around the world, it is best to take a flight to the Chennai International Airport(MAA). It is connected to all major cities and destinations from around the world. You can definitely book Cheapest Dubai to Chennai flights or even tickets from any other Middle Eastern country to Chennai. Just make sure that the website is safe and secure.

After landing in the city you will get awed by the population and the culture of the people. We will definitely recommend you some places that you must visit without any fault. So, here are some of them:

Marina Beach: This beach is quite famous for being the second longest beach in this world. You will be greeted with white sands and a great roaring sea which is the Bay of Bengal. The beach is stretched over 13 kilometers and it is visited by more than 30,000 visitors on a daily basis. Occasionally you can also spot the olive ridley sea turtles that make nests in the shore. Definitely sip on the tender coconut and enjoy your crispy murukkus.
Government Museum and the National Art Gallery:Chennai has one of the oldest museums present in India. These places aren’t only for knowing Chennai. They also open up your knowledge about India as a whole. It has a nice collection of South India bronzes having its origins both in the ancient and modern times. Apart from that, there are rare marble sculptures which play an important role in knowing about Buddhism. The Art Gallery is famous for its collection of 16^th and 18^th-century paintings hailing from Rajasthan, the Mughal Empire and also from the Deccani school of art.
Sri Parthasarathy Temple:Religion has always been an important part of the Indian culture and the ancient people depicted it beautifully through their art. You can experience that in this temple that hails from the 8^th It is based on the Pallava architecture and it is one of the most important Vaishnavites sites present in India. The renovation was done to it in the 16^th century by the Vijaynagar kinds but as a whole, it still remains the same.

Chennai is a bustling city with a rising economy in India. We will always recommend you to roam around the city to learn about this beautiful place and engage in the culture of the Indian heritage.

Top 5 activities you must try out in Uganda

September 6, 2018 by admin

Uganda, a place that shines like a pearl in the continent of Africa is finally coming out in the mainstream travel and tourism after being in the shadows. Uganda might seem small but it surely is packed with activities that have often reached out globally. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the many activities that the travellers are fond of. If you are planning a trip to Uganda then do follow our list of activities that we have suggested. Obviously, there are activities other than Gorilla trekking. So, how about we dive into the list of fun-filled activities that you’d want to look out for!

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

As mentioned earlier, this is one of the most sought-after activities in Uganda. The trek is offered at the Bwindi Forest which is home to half the global population of mountain gorillas. If you are patient enough to look out for other animals then you’d find primates such as blue monkeys, grey-cheeked monkeys, and chimpanzees. This place is also the home for almost 350 species of birds. This landscapes that melt into the mountain ranges is a sight to behold apart from game watching. The trek is also interesting as you would have to traverse along the rugged peaks and valleys with the occasional intrusion of waterfalls.

Nalubale River Rafting

Who would’ve thought that river rafting is prevalent in Uganda since we have a generalized perception of how we know Uganda? To burst that bubble, give yourself the ultimate white-water rafting experience at Nalubale. Be sure to follow your instructor since they value your safety. The experience might be a bit rugged for the ones who have never done rafting, but you will definitely take this experience to your home.

Day Tour to Ssese Islands

If you are trying to escape the loud city, then Kampala might not be the ultimate choice for you to be. So, instead of taking the usual Kampala tour, take a detour to this slow-paced island while taking a long walk along the sandy shores. This place is not your usual touristy spot, so expect the clandestine ambience that you were searching for. This can also be great for romantic getaways. Travellers often restrict themselves to Buggala Island which is the most accessible one from the lot. But for the souls hungry for some adventure, they can venture to the other islands like Bukasa or Banda (only at their own risk).

Adventure-activities at Jinja

The source of the river Nile, Jinja has become the focal point for various adrenaline filled activities. For those who are looking for these kinds of adrenaline packed activities, it is advisable that they drop by Jinja. Activities may include river rafting, mountain climbing, mountain biking, bungee jumping et al.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Another activity in Uganda which you must look forward to is Chimpanzee trekking. Although their kind thrives in over 21 countries across Africa, it is here in Uganda that you are sure to spot them swarming all over emerald wildness. You can take a Chimpanzee safari through the twisting trails of the Kibale or in the Budongo forest. Kyambura Gorge also offers a good option here.

Uganda is a land which is culturally and biologically diverse and is packed with natural splendours that will baffle you at every passing moment.

How to Survive Summer in Australia

August 9, 2018 by admin

Australian summers are just wonderful and many people dream of having a vacation there. There is huge number of options regarding beaches, regions, natural sceneries as well as activities. There’s a little bit of something for everyone. This is particularly satisfying if you are from the Northern hemisphere and have decided to escape the winter by fleeing to the Land Down Under. Not only will you be skipping the cold and tedious winter, but you’ll be doing it in one of the best vacation destinations in the world. However, there are dangers you should be mindful of during your vacation time as the heat is very strong and the nature has its own hazards. It’s better to be safe than sorry which is why we’re here to give you a few pointers:

The sun

Summers in Australia can get very intense in terms of high temperatures and sunburn hazards. This is why you need to have a bottle of water with you wherever you go. Please take this seriously, otherwise, the heat and dehydration can get to you anytime, and if there’s no water nearby, you’ll be facing serious health issues such as a heat exhaustion, cramps or a heat stroke. It’s very likely you’ll need urgent medical attention or you might even endanger your life. That is why you should also wear sunscreen and protect your skin wearing light clothes in order to prevent skin cancer and other serious problems.

The accommodation

Regardless of your choice of a place to stay, be mindful of the fact that nights in Australia can also be extremely warm. While some people can handle high temperatures and the heat at night, others cannot sleep in a room that is too warm. That is why installing air conditioning in Sydney is a routine thing. Don’t let this tiny, yet important issue such as the lack of AC ruin your vacation. Make sure your rented house, hotel or hostel has a functioning cooling device, otherwise, many sleepless nights await you (and we do not mean in a good way).

The beaches

Australia has numerous amazing beaches, both wild and refined. Naturally, you need to be careful when swimming anywhere. Be honest with yourself. Are you a great swimmer, an OK swimmer or an insecure one? The answer will tell you how careful you need to be at the beach. Make sure not to leave safety areas or not to go far away from the shore if you’re on a wild beach. Many people drown during the summer all over Australian beaches and the issue needs to be taken seriously.

The roads

Given that Australia is a country of huge vastness and just a few cities, it has many roads where you can drive full-speed. However, that doesn’t mean you should. It’s easy to hit the gas pedal and get lost in the scenery. There’s generally not much traffic most of the time, especially if you’re going through some remote parts, but you should still be very careful as there are all sorts of drivers out there whose driving you cannot control. This is why you need to do your best to be alert at all times.

The camping

Since the country is full of wonderful natural sights, it is a great candidate for many picnics, as well as for camping. This sounds like a lot of fun and it really is. However, Australia has all sorts of dangerous wildlife and you should only camp in the areas that are secured and where camping is allowed. Another important remark is that there is a very strict fire restriction in Australia during the summer. The heats can be very strong and the amount of wind makes it very easy for a fire to spread out of control. Also, the fines are quite high, so you need to remember that lighting a fire is an absolute NO.

In this article we were focusing on the hazards and potential issues that you might encounter during the summer in Australia. Have these safety measures in mind and try to stick to them. Of course, don’t get obsessive, as long as you stick to the basic rules, you’re most likely to stay safe and have the great enjoyable vacation you’ve been fantasizing about.