6 Stunning Spots in Jamaica Every Traveler Should See

February 21, 2016 by Leave a Comment

The shores of Jamaica attract millions of visitors every year. With plenty of budget holidays and low cost accommodation, there’s never been a better time for a Caribbean holiday. If you’re planning to explore this tropical island, be sure to visit some of these jaw-dropping natural wonders.

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Mystic Mountain

The famed Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios is home to one of the most popular, most exhilarating attractions in Jamaica. Starting your adventure into the heart of this rainforest, walking routes or a chairlift will take to you to the summit of the 700 foot mountain. Admire the spectacular ocean views before hopping aboard a bobsled. Set on a 1,000 meter metal track, you’ll whizz down the mountain and take in the vibrant eco system along the way.

Doctor’s Cave Beach

No trip to Jamaica would be complete without sampling one of its beaches. Doctor’s Cove in Montego Bay is one of the best — a sweeping strip of palm fringed white sands. It’s long been attracting visitors from around the world with many believing the crystal waters have rejuvenating and curative properties. Even the cynics can agree, this is one of the most relaxing spots on the island.

Martha Brae River

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Jamaica’s rural landscape with a guided tour down the Martha Brae River. Locals lead the expedition aboard a bamboo raft which offers an authentic insight into the region. Expect beautiful fauna and flora and make sure you bring a swimsuit. There are lots of chances to cool down with a swim and escape the midday heat.

Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park

Covering an expanse of 200,000 acres, this national park is a nature lover’s paradise. The preserve is home to more than 800 endemic plant species and over 200 species of tropical birds. Hike deep into the rainforest and you can marvel at towering waterfalls and jaw dropping scenery. The adventurous can also climb to the summit of Jamaica’s highest point, Blue Mountain Peak.

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Dunn’s River Falls

One of the island’s national treasures, this collection of cascading waterfalls is Jamaica’s top-grossing attraction. Visitors can amble across the gentle tiers of limestone or take a refreshing dip in one of the plunge pools. Arrive early and you’ll avoid the crowds of tourists for a secluded experience.

Black River

Spanning over 50km, Black River is one of the longest rivers in Jamaica. Its murky depths are home to a huge array of fish species and crocodiles. It may not be safe for swimming but visitors can take a guided boat tour and learn more about the diverse ecology. Along the way, you’ll spot herons, snowy egrets and many other beautiful bird species.

Take some time to visit some of these must-see attractions on your next Jamaica holiday and you’ll be guaranteed an unforgettable experience. It’s just one of the world’s most fantastic islands you can visit.

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Could Vegas Be Perfect For A Family Vacation?

February 8, 2016 by 1 Comment

What do you think of when you picture Vegas in your head? I imagine most people immediately form the image of gambling in their mind. A murky casino, filled with smoke and crowds of people bent over roulette wheels. Well, let’s cast that image aside right now. First, casinos in Vegas are nothing like that. They’re stunning with golden walls and beautiful designs that are a pleasure to spend your time in. However, that still doesn’t help when you’re thinking of somewhere to take your kids. Kids won’t be allowed on the casino floor. You might think that this makes Vegas a pretty awful choice for a family holiday. But you’d be wrong. There are lots of things you can do as a family in this massive playground.

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See The Lights

If you’re staying in Vegas with your family, you need to go out and explore the city at night. Hire a limo and get chauffeured around dazzling displays of colour and wonder. The neon lights of Vegas will be like nothing you’ve ever seen before. You can even go and check out the Eiffel Tower. Or at least, the Vegas version of this famous monument. It’s just as impressive as the real deal. Every hotel has a different show and display so you could spend hours travelling around without getting bored.

Incredible Accommodation

If you have the cash, there is some truly incredible accommodation to stay in when visiting vegas. There’s a hotel that has a roller coaster built into its roof. Or how about an outdoor glass lift, similar to the one your kids might have seen in Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory. Vegas is a place where dreams come true, and they’ve certainly tried to give kids things to enjoy as well. In one hotel room, you can bowl a strike in your room. Yes, there is a room in Vegas with it’s own bowling alley. It will cost you a fortune to rent but would it be worth it? I think so.

See A Show

Not all the shows in Vegas are R rated. In fact there are quite a few that are perfect for the whole family. Don’t forget that this is the place where fame sensations come to wind down their career. Or just take a break. If you have a look at this site you can get Vegas tickets for Justin Bieber, Billy Idol or Celine Dion. There are shows for every generation, no matter how old your kids are.

Explore Outside The City

Don’t forget when you visit Vegas you’ll be nearby a number of other sites such as the Hoover dam. Take your kids to view this monumental man made achievement. If you head over there in the early hours of dawn, you’ll be in for a tremendous view not to be missed.
I hope you see now that Vegas isn’t just a place where adults can gamble their life savings. It could be the perfect destination for a fun family adventure that you’ll never forget.

 

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How to Plan an Unforgettable Vacation

January 26, 2016 by Leave a Comment

How to Plan an Unforgettable Vacation

From time to time, everyone needs a good vacation. Because vacations are often expensive, it is important to take time to prepare and plan. Whether you choose to visit the beautiful Six Senses Spa (advised upon by Mukesh Valabhji) or travel to a unique city, the following tips can help you plan an unforgettable experience.

Determine What You Want

To begin with, it is important to identify what you want out of your vacation. Everyone is different, and certain things matter more to certain people. Ask yourself the following questions to better understand what your ideal vacation entails:

  • Do you want adventure or relaxation?
  • Are you interested in visiting a new place?
  • Do you want to go somewhere close or travel across the world?
  • How much time do you have for this vacation?
  • What do you want to do during this vacation – sightsee, sleep, outdoor activities, etc.?

Plan the Details

Once you know what you want, it is much easier to plan the details of the trip. Start by choosing the destination. Then, decide where you want to stay and for how long. While you are planning, you should also decide whom you are going with. Then, plan the smaller details including food and activities. Once you have all of these details, you can book your airfare and accommodations. You may even want to look for travel deals during this time.

Prepare

A little preparation before the trip can be extremely beneficial and it often promotes a better overall experience. Some important things to prepare include your itinerary, clothing, toiletries, luggage, and any necessary travel documents such as a passport. Make sure you do not leave this prep work until the last minute. If you do, your stress prior to the vacation will be much higher.

Research the Destination

Good preparers often research the destination ahead of time. A little research is especially helpful if you have never been to the area. You can educate yourself about the culture and language. Also, determine what the main form of transportation is and what the weather will be like when you arrive. This will help you easily acclimate to the area when you arrive.

Be Realistic With Your Expectations

Sometimes people put too much pressure on the vacation, hoping for a near-perfect experience. Traveling comes with ups and downs, and it is important to understand this. Try not to let the things you cannot control ruin your fun. Sometimes things happen, and it is common for flights to be delayed or a restaurant to disappoint. The good news is when you are realistic these minor inconveniences do not take a toll on the entire trip.

Enjoy the Moments

When you set realistic expectations, it is easier to have a great time and enjoy the moments. Remember, even the simplest activities are often worthwhile. Whether you hike a mountain or sit outside and enjoy the view, these are moments you cannot take back. They are also a lot more appealing than the day-to-day activities of regular life.

There is a reason vacations are so appealing and sought after. Make yours an unforgettable one by following this helpful guide.

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Road Trip With the 2016 Mazda 6

January 26, 2016 by 6 Comments

Over the course of one of our recent excursions, we were given the opportunity to try out the new 2016 Mazda 6.  With tons of bells and whistles as well as a super efficient engine, the 2.5L SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine takes efficiency to a whole new performance level, with better EPA-estimated highway MPG than the competition.

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This car is a fun to drive, and the ride is smooth.  From the side front and rear radar, all your sides are covered and as long as you are careful, good driving is easy to do in such a safe environment.  The Mazda 6 also has the added benefit of a stellar safety system.

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This includes standard safety featureslike advanced front air bags, front side-impact air bags, side-impact air curtains*, Dynamic Stability Control* with Traction Control System, 4-wheel ABS with Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist, Available Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert*, Smart City Brake Support*, Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning*, Lane Departure Warning System*, High Beam Control, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Close Proximity Warning*.

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Overall this car was a blast to drive.  The handling felt like I was driving a larger car then I was, which kept me further from the vehicles around me (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing).  It was still something to get used to.

Especially since this is the first time I have had the pleasure of using the HUD to display speed and directions.  This is a small projected image on a see-though screen near the bottom of the windshield. This acts as a quick information window which can be glanced at while driving without distracting the driver.  (My husband loved it, he thought it was one of the coolest things about the car and he talked way too much about it- for me, it was a little unusual.)

It had a ton of trunk space, which really matters for any family. Perfect for travel, but also for those every day activities like shopping or heading to the grocery store. This model also had a GPS unit that was easy to use, and if you are like me, a necessity for getting from point A to point B once you are out of your comfort zone.  The front and back seats had lots of leg room- and head room.  My husband is nearly 6’4, and he was able to fit comfortably into the car without his head hitting the top. This is unusual.  For bigger people, it’s good to know.  My son had room in the back, even when I had my seat back.  We were all comfortable- something I can’t usually say in most cars.

Be sure to keep an eye out and check out the Mazda 6 at a local Mazda dealer near you.

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4 Reasons To Add Arizona To Your Bucket List

January 15, 2016 by Leave a Comment

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Arizona is one of the hottest destinations in the United States of America. It may fly under the radar when people are racking up their bucket list points, but it’s just as deserving as any other state. It’s an area that quite simply has something for everyone. With contrasting weather, landscapes, and food, you’re bound to find something that blows your mind. Tons of different types of people flock to Arizona every year to check out what the state has to offer. Here are a few of the best things to see during your visit.

Art and Culture

Although the arts may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Arizona, it sure has plenty to offer the art enthusiast. More commonly considered a place to see natural beauty, there is also more than enough man-made treasures to be uncovered. With a bunch of different galleries and exhibitions on display, you can be sure to find something for you. Be sure to check out the crafts of the Native Americans in the area if you’re a history buff.

Golf

You’d be hard-pressed to find more golf courses as diverse as those that Arizona have to offer. With terrain ranging from uncertain sand to steady grass, you can find an appropriate setting to get your game going. There are over three hundred different golf courses in the state of Arizona, so you won’t have any trouble finding them. This all adds up to make Arizona the perfect destination for a golfing getaway. Find the best gold resorts in Arizona at http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/HotelsList-Arizona-Golf-Resorts-zfp438171.html.

Outdoors

Arizona is perhaps best known for its iconic landscapes, so why wouldn’t you do everything you can to take advantage of them? The weather is generally hot all year round, with a few exceptions, so it’s always perfect for you rambling boys. The sheer diversity of the landscapes around Arizona make it an ideal playground for you to get lost in your sense of adventure. Did we mention the small matter of the Grand Canyon? Voted the number one tourist destination in America by http://itsgr9.com/top-10-places-to-visit-in-the-us-in-2015-reviews/. Why wouldn’t you want to see that for yourself?

Shopping

If you like to do a spot of shopping on your holidays, you’ll absolutely fall in love with Arizona. There is a range of different stores all around the state, and they all cater to different audiences. Whether you’re looking for local boutiques, or giant chain stores, Arizona has you covered. With hundreds of shopping malls scattered around the state, you will never be too far from the nearest one. That means that you can take a well-earned shopping break. At least, if the thought of scaling the Grand Canyon doesn’t particularly fill you with confidence.
Next time you’re drawing up a shortlist of places to visit in the United States, don’t gloss over Arizona as a genuine contender. If you haven’t been before, resolve to give it a fair shake this time. It’s got everything it needs to rival its more glamorous cousins.

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Lassig’s Wildlife Trolley Suitcase

January 4, 2016 by 7 Comments

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If getting ready for a trip, you know the best way to keep your little ones happy and content is by keeping them busy and giving something to be responsible for.  The new Lassig Wildlife Trolley is perfect for this.  It is available in six bright Wildlife designs: Elephant, Turtle, Birdie, Tiger, Giraffe, and Rhino for those animal lovers in your life.  The bag itself sports telescoping pull handle, deep main pocket with additional mesh pockets, and zipper divider within, as well as a carrying handle and front zipper pocket.  These make the bag not only stylish and fun for kids, but also useful to pack for a weekend out at a relatives house or a big trip with the family- it’s a cute suitcase for any occasion and fits easily in the overhead bin.

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The bags are free from  PVC, AZO, Phthalates, Nickel, and Cadmium.  Your kids will be fine carrying around all their favorite night time plush and other “essentials”.  The icing on the cake for this line of suitcases is that for every product purchased from the Wildlife Collection, Lassig will donate a portion to support the Momella Foundation and two of their conservation projects: the Big Cat Guardians and the Sparkling Elephant Project, which aim to enhance creativity while educating and creating awareness for endangered wildlife species throughout Tanzania.   The suitcase also makes a great gifts as well, either as a decorative and useful container for another gift (vs just a plain old cardboard box or bag) or a fun way to let the family know a vacation is on the way- the possibilities are only limited by imagination.

Giving your child their own little suitcase will include them in the planning, “helping”, and chaotic pre-travel preparations without them being a hindrance. My own boy is actually a better listener at the airport when he has his own bag to “take car of”- just don’t expect them to put it through security on their own.  Lassig’s Wildlife Trolley Suitcase retails for $49.99 and is aimed at children aged 3+.  Available from www.Habausa.com.

Disclosure- I received an item to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest.

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Tips for Travel with Children

January 4, 2016 by 1 Comment

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I frequently travel, and since becoming a mother, it hasn’t stopped me. Travel with children can be a little difficult. It can be a little stressful. It doesn’t have to be though! They may be, slightly out of their normal routine, but it doesn’t have to mean a bad experience for you. Here are some tips to make travel with children a little easier.

Time

Take your time. Whether that is getting to the airport, making a connection or getting to a hotel. There is no rush. Just plan ahead and make sure you allow a lot of time. I have found that kids love the airport. They get to have a walk, see the airplanes and eat snacks. So allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy it as much as you can. I think if you are feeling stressed, your kids notice.

Plan

This might sound like an obvious one, but it is so important. From the method of travel to the hotel, it all needs to be planned. You don’t want to turn up to the hotel to find that is isn’t family friendly or doesn’t have any travel cribs. Read the fine print when booking a hotel, and opt for family friendly hotels like Hotwire hotels. Then you won’t be faced with any unexpected surprises.

The other important things to plan are what you will do at your destination and how you will travel. If it is just adults you can just hire a car and it isn’t a problem. With children, there is the extra foreplanning for things like car seats. Will you take your own? Does your airline allow you to take them without a charge? How much are they to rent? These are all important questions to think about.

Every destination will have something for the family to do. Do your research ahead of time to find out what the best spots are. Some attractions may need to be booked in advance. You don’t want to find that you have to wait in a long line with tired children!

Pack Light

Well, with kids, as light as you possibly can. They don’t need to bring all their favourite toys. One or two would be plenty. This is when technology comes in handy too. If you have a smartphone or tablet, can you use that to entertain them on the plane or car journeys? You will most likely be taking it anyway, and it will keep them occupied for a length of time for sure.

The other thing to do with the things you are taking is check the climate of the destination. If it is a varied climate, it is trickier. If you know it will be cold, pack accordingly. Likewise for warmth. When you book your hotel or villa, it is worth checking if there is a laundry service or a washing machine available. This will mean you won’t have to pack something for each day. Do a little laundry and you will be able to pack rather light.
Good luck on your travels! It doesn’t need to be a daunting prospect. Relax, deep breaths and enjoy!

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Top Tips To Get Your Children Excited About Your Camping Trip

December 18, 2015 by 1 Comment

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Planning a camping trip can be lots of fun, especially if you’re taking your children with you. It’s an activity that’s filled with adventure and exploration and can ultimately bring you closer together. If your kids have never experienced camping before, you may feel even more under pressure to make this a holiday to remember. There is no need to feel stressed as there are countless ways you can keep your kids entertained and get them excited about the prospect of camping. Use these tips during your planning to ensure you create fun filled and successful trip that you can all enjoy.

Get the involved in the planning

Your children can give you a great deal of help when you’re planning your camping holiday. You can show them websites and pamphlets that advertise tourist attractions and places that might be of interest to them. It could be a kid’s outdoor playground or a family friendly history trail. Compile some potential activities that are nearby to your campsite and share your findings with them. You can talk through which ones you think might be suitable and get their feedback. Be positive when you speak about each activity to grab their attention.

Make them a Camping kit

Just before you head out on your trip present your child with their own individual camping kit. This could contain a blanket, walking boots, a map, a torch and a whistle. Educational books about wildlife would also be a great item to include. This will get them in the mood for an adventure and will be an excellent treat before their vacation. Make this gift to your child personal to them by choosing camping items in their favorite color or cartoon character. You could also include board games and coloring books to keep them entertained if it’s raining outside. Take this opportunity to lay down some rules about camping safety and explain what behavior you expect from them when you arrive at the site.

Do a dummy run

Nothing will get them more excited about their camping trip than a dummy run in their own back yard. It will be beneficial to your children to have some experience in a tent before you get to your campsite, even if it is only for a few hours. They might be nervous about camping for the first time so doing this will put all of their concerns to rest. Reassure them that the tent is perfectly safe and the noises they hear are just friendly animals and insects. You can teach them how to put up the tent properly and even practise cooking outdoors if you like. This activity will also be great during your planning as it may highlight essential items you need to buy or replace before you leave.

These top tips will make sure you and your kids are fully prepared and excited about your camping holiday. Spend lots of time having fun and getting involved in a whole host of outdoor activities. Having a stress-free experience will make camping your top choice in accommodation for the future.

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