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Tips for Planning Family Travel

12/28/2021

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Being a good traveler is something best learned early in life, and parents can help ensure that children enjoy their family trips to the utmost with a little planning. Along the way, parents also make their own time spent in the airplane or in the car more enjoyable and less stressful. If you are traveling with young ones, here are a few tips that will make the experience less of a trial and more of a treat.
Choosing the right Travel Agent
Choosing an appropriate travel agent is the first important step to plan a perfect family trip. Ask your travel agent for travel plans that are highly recommended for children and families. Not all destinations and themes are age appropriate. But dude ranches, bird watching, hiking and almost any other activity can be enjoyed by children in measured doses and with adequate preparation. Many tour operators specialize in the family element and are better equipped to deal with the attention spans and skill levels of your children. But even family oriented tour operators have age limits, so make sure that your travel agent is informed on the age of your children early in the planning process. Likewise, family travel involves special budgetary considerations that your travel agent will be adept in handling for you. Many airlines and tour operators provide infant discounts that your agent can acquire for you.
Prepare a Travel Strategy
Once you know where you're going and how you'll get there, take a little time to develop a travel strategy that includes the good and the bad: appropriate diversions, activities, expectations, consequences, and, most of all, opportunities for memory-making... discuss and review it with your family so everyone is on the same page - and truly excited about the trip. A good activity to plan for on the way home is a conversation to recap the trip, day-by-day. Everyone talks about what you did, what they liked, what they want to do again - and you can record it all for posterity.
Allow your kids to make Memories
Many kids love to collect things, so give the children a special box or pouch to place found objects like shells, stones or feathers. Along with pictures, these keepsakes are great ways to remember the trip. Speaking of pictures, older children can be given their own disposable camera for the trip. The additional responsibility is good for the child and will provide a new way for them to participate. Remember, too, that your interests will not always coincide with the kids': give a few extra moments at a play-ground, a waterfall or a "gem mine" that you might not otherwise have stopped to visit. Older children can be encouraged to keep a journal of their trip, recording their impressions and memories of the adventure.


Great memories are made on family vacations, so travel should not be reserved only for the adults of the world!


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European River Cruising: A Complete Guide

12/28/2021

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Why River Cruise in Europe?
Travel by river is one of the best ways to venture out in Europe and take in the heart of the continent. This guide allows you to look at the options available to travelers wishing to take a trip through Europe from a river's perspective, easing through the countryside at a pace that allows you to explore the best cultural elements there. Travelers who return from river cruises carry pleasant memories of the countryside, local people, and fellow passengers. River cruise and barging travelers inevitably become true enthusiasts for the experience.

Longer and shorter trips
On longer trips, 10 days or more, the typical river cruise passenger is a well-traveled individual often over the age of 60. Shorter cruises typically attract a younger crowd. River cruises on the larger vessels do not always allow children under 12 as passengers, so make sure to check on any restrictions for families. The passenger manifest will be a mix of European and North American travelers, but most crews speak at least some English, and many are fluent. Individuals who require physical assistance when traveling should check with their travel consultant to determine the accessibility of any particular vessel for disabled passengers.
Peak Season for Cruising
The peak season for river cruising is much the same as European travel in general, late spring through mid-fall and early November. The shoulder season, a real value, ranges from early March through mid-May. The autumn months coincide with grape season, and several cruise lines are fully booked during this time by wine connoisseurs. Finally, April is tulip season and cruises in and around the Netherlands are particularly popular then.
What to pack for Cruising?
As always, pack as lightly as possible, as space on the smaller barges can be at a premium. Your cruise operator will no doubt provide you with a list of recommended items to bring, but the usual recommendations of hats, sunscreen and sunglasses are often overlooked but very important, because so much of your time will be spent outdoors. The smaller barges and self-drive options require good deck shoes and weather gear.


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3 Things To Know when Booking your Trip

12/28/2021

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Trips are always exciting for travel lovers but are best enjoyed when carefully planned. Before you book your trip and start looking for the hotel prices, here are some things you should know while planning for your trip.
River Cruising 
Nowadays, river cruising is becoming more and more popular. It’s because if a destination has a river then you can explore it well through a cruise. It is fast, cost-effective and splendid way of exploring your journey with travel being the part of the adventure. Also, with cruising you can see many scenic views at every stop. 
Value the experience you are seeking
It’s true that travelling can make your life better and happier in many ways. So, while  you’re planning for your trip do focus on the value package. Most of the times the low cost options available online doesn’t give best experiences.
When travelling you may experience some exciting and crazy things that in the future will become your best memories of life and you tell others about your experience. So, always make sure that you find the best deal for your dollars to fulfil your vacation needs.
Avoid over tourism
Over tourism occurs when there are many visitors at a particular place thus, creating issues for local residents. Many popular destinations are causing infrastructure problems for the residents due to increase in the tourists in the recent years. 
To avoid over tourism, you can either travel off season or visit unfamiliar places.

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4 Christmas Markets famous Worldwide

12/28/2021

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Christmas is one of the most awaited times of the year and people throughout the world plan for it. Some markets are famous for Christmas and here are some of the best Christmas markets you should visit:
Great Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco, USA:
The great dickens Christmas fair is an event that is the recreation of the mid-19th century. The fair highlights the scenes of the Victorian London as viewed by the author Charles Dickens. You’d feel like you’re a part of the Victorian Christmas since more than 750 characters from Charles Dickens imagination invite you to be a part of the merriment, laughing and dancing in this holiday essence.  
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is the coolest Christmas market in France and also one of the oldest in the world. It has a mix of French and German cultures. It has 4 styles of Christmas markets with over 300 stalls so everyone can find something for themselves. The market has more than 2 million visitors during the season.
Brussels Winter Wonders, Belgium
Brussels winter wonders is a real life Christmas wonderland. It gives a glimpse of the past Christmas with over 200 traditional stalls and shops. If you’re a shopaholic, you’ll find many outlets here. Not only this if you’re looking for more fun and attractions then there’s Ferris wheel, ice rinks, artistic discoveries and many food stalls etc. 
Salzburg, Austria
The historic city of Salzburg in Austria is one of the best places to visit in the festive season. Salzburg has one of the most beautiful Christmas markets. There are many attractions for visitors and is a great place to eat, drink and shop.
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Cruise or All-inclusive: What to choose?

12/28/2021

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Choosing between a cruise and all-inclusive is quite difficult but we'd provide you with a criteria to decide what would be best for you according to your travel preferences and taste.
1. Food
If you're a foodie, the first thing to consider while choosing between both is food. Although food options are same on both but quality may differ. As per reviews and experience shared by people, food offered on both is the same so for a foodie, any choice from these is a win-win situation.
2. Entertainment
Another important factor in cruising is entertainment. The most important thing we look for and consider in a tour is entertainment and travel-lovers are always inclined towards the options that offer more entertainment. Although cruises have a lot to offer for entertainment but user experiences have shown that an all-inclusive wins in terms of entertainment as compared to the other option.
3. Cost
Last but not the least, cost is highly important when planning a tour. In fact, cost is considered first of all before planning a tour. If you are on budget and have to manage in a budget already set, the best thing to do is listing down the items that are important to you. The best thing is that both options offer a variety of deals to choose from which makes things better in terms of cost. The user surveys and reviews have shown that both options have a tie cost-wise. 

We hope this article would be helpful when choosing from both. Happy Cruising!
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3 Tips to Travel with Toddlers

12/27/2021

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Travelling with little ones is a challenge and new parents find it quite difficult to adjust for travelling with their new born. Here are some amazing tips that you can use to travel easily with your little one:
1. Make sure you book the right flight
Booking the right flight according to the sleep schedule of your toddler would bring you more convenience. Traveling during sleep hours of your child would keep you calm along with your child. Moreover, not only the right flight is necessary, the right seat also plays an important part. For kids, aisle side and window side seats have proven to be the best. The middle seats usually make children irritated by seeing unknown people on both sides. However, an aisle side and window side can offer them a variety of scenes to get involved with.
2. Pack favorite toys of your child
Never forget packing favorite play items of your child as those could prove to be the best things for your little one during the flight hours. It happens that children get to mess up with their sleep schedule which makes them annoyed. Parents are usually annoyed when such a situation happens during a flight and toys play the best part on such times, especially if they are the favorite ones of your child.
3. Choose a hotel accommodation carefully
Choosing hotel accommodation has to be carefully done always but it is one of the most important things when you are planning to travel with a toddler. Most hotels offer some special arrangements for little ones like a separate crib, fluff toys or a little play area inside the room. Make sure you carefully review such offerings before choosing one.

We hope these tips would add something to your knowledge for travelling with your little one.  Happy travelling!
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Shopping places to visit in Chicago

12/12/2021

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Although Chicago is famous for its many things, one of them is it’s world-class shopping. From discount outlet malls to high-end fashion boutiques, vintage wears, local stores, named-brand shops and luxury art and jewellery, it offers everything for everyone. Not only this, if you are hungry and want to take a break, you can choose from its variety of fast food restaurants, cuisines and dining arrangements. 
If you are a shopaholic and want to visit Chicago, then you should visit these places.
  • Andersonville
Andersonville is a friendly neighbourhood with scenic historic architecture, known for welcoming local businesses which means not only you’ll be able to find unique shops but also in budget-friendly cost. Here you can explore all kinds of shops such as vintage wears, accessories, antiques, book-stores, pet supplies, candy shops, kitchenware, music, shoes, furniture and food. 
If you’re thinking of visiting Andersonville then Clark street is a must visit for you where you can find variety of restaurants and cafés.
  • Woodfield mall
Woodfield mall is one the largest mall in the state with 234 stores for you to explore. Its wide variety of shops include wears for all men, women and kids. It means every member in the family can find something appealing to them.  One of the impressive things about this mall is it’s vast size with anchors such as Apple store, Macy’s and JCPenney act.
Apart from these, you can also find many food restaurants and entertainment venues like Pac-man entertainment.
  • Water tower place
Water tower place is a skyscraper having 8 floors as a shopping centre with more than 100 stores. It provides many shopping opportunities for all types of people and you can find many famous brands here such as Sephora, American girl place, Adidas, Victoria’s secret, Finish line and Forever 21 etc. There’s a Lego store for kids as well. You can also have freshly prepared food at the restaurants there.
  • Fashion outlets of Chicago
Fashion outlets of Chicago is one of the most visited shopping spots by tourists with more than 130 stores. If offers a wide variety of famous brands at discount prices. In this mall you can find brands like Prada, Longchamp, Burberry, Nike, Puma, Saks, GAP, Gucci etc. You can also find stores for Jewellery, toys, cosmetics, books and gifts as well as currency exchange and luggage storage. You can also find several healthy food options here such as Freshii, Maoz and Carmines Rosemont etc.
  • Oak street
Oak street located in the Gold coast of Chicago is one of the most well known and famous shopping spots for tourists.  Here you can find many high-end fashion brands such as Dior, Giorgio Armani, Hermes, Prada, Saint Laurent, Ted Baker and Versace etc.  You can also find expensive jewellery and accessories here. After shopping to your hearts desire you can give yourself a good treat at one of the many good quality food restaurants or grab a drink at a fancy bar.

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TheĀ  Ultimate Guide for a Mexican Riviera Cruise in 2022

12/12/2021

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The Mexican Riviera has a string of amazing port cities and beach resorts along the sunny Pacific Coast of Mexico. This region and its popular destinations are known for unique elements that make cruises to the Mexican Riviera appealing to families, couples and groups of friends who prefer fun travel. Along with the beautiful beaches, the widely distributed landscapes range from rugged mountain peaks to cactus-strewn deserts. You’ll discover cultural and historic attractions along with the abundance of marine life.
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Mexican Riviera Cruise Credits: The Cruise Web
What to Pack for a Mexican Riviera Cruise?
It is necessary for you to stay healthy with the changing climate and bodily needs. The following items are the must-haves when planning to opt for Mexican Riviera Cruise:
  • Summer clothes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Multiple swimsuits
  • Water-proof camera
  • A light rain jacket and a sweater 
  • Mosquito repellent lotion and band
  • Hats
  • Rash-guard clothing
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen (reef-friendly)
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Waterproof case for smartphone
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Binoculars (optional)
Mexican Riviera Itineraries
Carnival Panorama, Carnival’s newest cruise ship started sailing in Dec 2019, offers you three itinerary options for taking a Mexican Riviera cruise. All will be departing from the convenient port of Long Beach (Los Angeles).
6-Day Cruise: If you’re looking to visit two of the Mexican Riviera’s most popular vacation spots — Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada — opt for this relaxing 6-day cruise option. It gives you two consecutive days to explore the beauty and adventures in Cabo and then wrap up your vacation by spending the day in the “Cinderella of the Pacific.”
7-Day Cruise: If you’re looking to explore as much of the Mexican Riviera as possible, opt for the 7-day itinerary which takes you to the beautiful ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. At these you can explore the rich culture, history and stunning beaches.
8-Day Cruise: The longest cruise option that gives you equal parts relaxation and equal parts excitement, opt for this 8-day itinerary. You’ll get two full days in Cabo San Lucas, then a full day each in Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.
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5 Reasons to visit Alaska in 2022

12/6/2021

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Image from WIkipedia
​Due to the global pandemic, 2020 and 2021 have been very rough. Especially, the travel and tourism has been among the ​most affected sectors with a massive fall of international demand amid global travel restrictions including many borders fully closed, to contain the virus. After the situation has been better and 2022 seems to be the travel year, we're here with some  amazing reasons to visit Alaska in 2022:
Plenty of wildlife sights
Enjoy the chance to spot some of the state's most famed wildlife such as caribou, moose, grizzly bears and black bears with ease in fall. We suggest heading to Kenai Fjords National Park in fall for a chance to watch the whales before they migrate and Denali National Park for the best opportunities to spot bears.
Explore admirable seaside towns​
Most visitors come to Alaska via cruise or land tour, hitting specific landmarks along the way such as the Inside Passage, Denali, Anchorage, Fairbanks and Skagway. This leaves little time on their itinerary to check out the other lesser-known towns. Spend some time exploring some of Alaska's other charming areas, including Haines, Talkeetna, Gustavus and Girdwood for unspoiled fall views and a chance to mingle with locals.
The chance to see the northern lights
Alaska's darker skies and earlier sunsets can add to your chances of spotting the aurora borealis during a fall visit. Travel specialists recommend a stay of at least three nights in the north for the best chance of watching green, blue, yellow, pink and orange streaks color the dark night sky in autumn.
An opportunity for Salmon fishing
Autumn is one of the prime times for avid salmon fishing fans to take part in the sport. There's a decent chance for fishing in mid- to late-October, but September is the best time to rake in a great silver salmon catch thanks to abundant populations of the species at this time of year.
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Feel free to reach out to us for getting more information and booking the trip for you!
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