A Guide to the Perfect Romantic Escape

Whether you’re newly partnered up, planning to ask a very important question, recently tied the knot, or wed for a number of years, a romantic escape offers you precisely that – a chance to escape together. Life can get incredibly busy, especially with full-time jobs and a family to look after, which is why taking the time to reconnect somewhere incredible is so worth it.

With that in mind, reading the points highlighted below should feel like small steps along the way to fulfillment and happiness, taking the time to treat yourself and your special someone. If you work for it, you can earn it. This is a guide for your perfect romantic escape for you and your most precious loved one.

Find a place of peace

If there’s one thing you should avoid while being on a romantic escape, it would be a disturbance. A romantic getaway is about finding the right atmosphere. Love is a natural element of life, and the time you spend with your loved one should be peaceful and cherished. You may also consider going to a place of diversity so that you can enjoy chilling on the beach, dining in a fantastic restaurant, dancing, and all that your heart desires. Finding a place where you find peace and joy is one of the things that will make a difference on your romantic getaway.

Keep your partner in mind

What your partner enjoys matters, and what you both enjoy together is what you should have in mind. That way, through activities in the place you choose to travel to, your relationship will go to higher highs, from strength to strength. You will find ways of getting closer that were never on your mind, with fun and romance as your constant companions along your journey. You can ask them about what kinds of activities they enjoy, and create on a small checklist together, such as:

• Fantastic beach retreat
• Dancing the night away
• Exquisite food and drinks
• Fine hotels and resorts

Lists such as this will help you plan your trip, and also plan to surprise them accordingly. By keeping your partner in mind, the whole experience will help them know just how much you care for them, that you are considerate and that you have their happiness in mind. It will make your relationship flourish to new beauty and closeness.

Cheers to all the memorable times

Your romantic escape is something special, so make sure that the place you visit has something to it: a special place that you will always remember. Going on a Peru honeymoon is not quite the same as going to that place you went to last year with your friends. It’s a place of endless ancient romance and incredible cultural delights, somewhere you can toast the rest of your lives together.

Be flexible and stress-free

Start your day in the morning, or in the afternoon if you wish! A couple on a romantic vacation will be spending a lot of time making magic, so make sure you pick the right place for it. That romantic view or excellent hotel will make things amazing for you and your partner. But don’t let stress invade your time away - take things as they come, and be laid-back in the face of set-backs.

Things You Would Need When You Hit the Beach

When the sun comes out and the time is just right to hit the beach, there would be no other place in the city you would want to go. But, if you’re looking forward to having the best laid-back kind of time at the beach, you might as well carry a few things. While many would argue that going to the beach without worrying about what to carry makes sense, feeling comfy and cozy at the beach counts more than lazing away from getting a few things. With that being said, here’s a list of things that would be pretty useful to carry to the beach.

Umbrella

When we talk about the beach, everything is perfect except for the times when the sun starts scorching us. If you know the temperature is going to be bad, it would be a good idea to carry an umbrella. While wearing sunglasses would be helpful on a sunnier day, carrying an umbrella would keep you away from direct sunlight.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is something you should never forget to carry when you’re going to the beach. While a layer of sunscreen before leaving to the beach would help, reapplying at certain intervals would help you make sure you’re protected from the sun at all times. With sunscreen, you would be able to escape both sunburns and harmful UV rays.

Beach tent

If you’re planning to spend a lot of time at the beach and go with many people, taking along beach tents would be greatly useful. On a hot day when an umbrella can’t do justice, a beach tent would keep you covered. It would be great if there are children and many people. Learn about the best beach tents to buy the best one based on your requirement.

Baby powder

The only annoying thing when you go to a beach is the amount of sand that would stick to your body. Moreover, when you finally leave the beach, you run a risk of getting sand particles that are hard to clean in your car. This is when baby powder would be super useful. All you have to do is take some baby powder and rub it on your body to see all the sand particles fall off.

Water

When you go to the beach, you’re exposing yourself to an ample amount of sunlight. You’re at great risk of being dehydrated if you’re spending an entire day at the beach without having water. Carrying two bottles of water would be beneficial. And it would be even better if you carry along a small cooler.

Extra clothes

When you’re done having a good time at the beach, and you intend to go back home, the last thing you would want to do is return in the same clothes that you wore to the beach. The clothes would be sand-laden and might mess up your car. So, carrying extra clothes to change before you get in your car would be a good idea.

These are a few things you should carry to the beach. Now that you’ve read the list, you know your beach time experience won’t be as comfy and chilled if you don’t carry along these essentials.

7 Things to Consider When Buying a Second Home

If you've got a ton of money burning a hole in your pocket and want to invest it in some more property, here's what to consider when buying a second home.

Looking to buy a second home? If you've got a ton of money burning a hole in your pocket, you might want to unload some of your cash into a new property.

But, buying a second home is not as straightforward as it may seem. In this article, we look into the things you have to consider before investing in a second home.

1. You Need a Good Plan

If you thought buying your first home was difficult, think again. Buying your second home is a lot more complicated.

First of all, you need to resist the urge to buy the first property you can afford. Sure, you now have enough money to buy a second property. This doesn't mean you should.

When it comes to real estate investing, the bad decisions outnumber the good ones. Before even considering buying a second home, you need to take hold of your situation and research your purchase first.

If you buy your second home on a whim, you might regret it fast. Even if you can afford the second house with all its expenses, you might find that you don't actually need it or like it.

So, plan out the purchase of your second home carefully!

2. Consider Your Long-Term Financial Goals

If you are certain you need a second home and want to move forward, you must consider your entire finances. Buying a residential property represents a considerable investment. Before moving forward, ask yourself some questions.

Are you going to keep investing in real estate? How are you going to use this new property? Do you want to your vacations in this home? Are you going to monetize it?

Consider your financial plans and your lifestyle to see what type of second home suits you. If you just want a getaway, your second home should be close to your primary one. If you want a vacation home, you should find a property in a location you love to visit during the holidays.

You may also want to look into renting your home out when you don't live in it. This is a great way to pay back your mortgage and make the most out of your investment.

3. Ask Your Family

Buying a second home is as much a lifestyle decision as it is a financial one. That is why you should always ask your family about what they think before moving forward.

First, discuss this with your significant other. Even if you are paying most or all of the mortgage, you will still get to live in the second home with your spouse. So, they should have an opinion in this.

If you have children, they need to know about the purchase before you move forward with it. Kids are not good financial advisors, but they will appreciate it if you tell them you are buying a second home.

4. Decide on a Location

Now that you've got the financials down, it is time to decide on a location. Where your second home will be located will affect the way you use it.

Even if you are buying property at an area you are visiting for years, you will still need to know the area from the perspective of an owner and not a visitor.

Owners who buy properties at tourist destinations get to learn things they never knew about their favorite tourist spots. That is why it is a good idea to visit the area off-season and find a local real estate agent to guide you.

Residential real estate doesn't work globally so you will need to rely on local experts to help you. A local agent will know the market and the common pitfalls. If you are looking for a contemporary villa in Australia, check out this website.

5. Financing Options and Mortgage Interest Rates

Since you did not buy your second home on an impulse, you still have time to shop for a good mortgage to finance your purchase.

Even if you have the whole sum to buy the home up front, you should still consider a mortgage. This will help you maintain your liquid assets and save money in the long run. However, don't just grab the first mortgage you find. Take your time and look around.

Keep in mind that your mortgage interest rates may be higher for your second home. When your lender evaluates your second mortgage, they will look at your credit history before giving you a quote.

Second mortgages are almost always higher than first mortgages. This means that if you can afford a larger down payment, you will save more in the long run. Nonetheless, second mortgage loans are tax-deductible, like all mortgages.

6. The Challenges of Buying a Vacation Home

In addition to the challenge of financing your second home, you will have to face a few other challenges. First, mortgage lenders might not even give you a mortgage for a second home unless your credit score is good.

Then, you will have to actually find a property that is both suitable and available for sale the time you need it.

You will also have to deal with additional expenses. These include maintenance, insurance, and all the extra utility bills you will have to pay for your second home.

7. Find Ways to Lower Your Additional Expenses

Finally, you could buy your second home jointly with some other owner. Fractional ownership cuts down costs and allows you more flexibility.

The only downside to this option is that you will have to work out a schedule for the use of the house with the other owner. If the other owner is a friend or family member, you will be fine.

Buying a Second Home? Check Out Our Lifestyle Guides!

Now that you know what to consider when buying a second home, come on in and check out more great articles at the San Diego Lifestyle.

We focus on the amazing life in San Diego. We promote the best restaurants, beaches, hiking trails, indoors activities, and luxury real estate in San Diego. We write about life in the city and life at home, and we want YOU to feel the amazing spirit of our great city!

Safe and Sound: Chill Places to Relax in San Diego

Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of public beaches and the Gaslamp Quarter? Here are the five best places to relax and chill out in San Diego.

With a population of about 1.339 million people, San Diego can seem a bit crowded and overwhelming. In a city full of beaches, bars, museums, and everything in between you'll find crowds of people everywhere.

So what if you need to get away from the hustle and bustle and find some peace and quiet? Does a place like that even exist in a city like San Diego?

The answer is yes, and in this article, we'll highlight some of the best places to relax before heading back to the city.

Secret Swings at La Jolla

One of the best ways to relax is to swing on a swing set. While you may not have one in your backyard, we found the "secret swings" hidden away in the trees of La Jolla.

Take a trip near the UC San Diego and find the hillside above the Scripps Pier. There you'll find the secret swings where you can sit back, relax, and swing away while enjoying the ocean views.

What's more is this swing is handmade, and there has been more than one set created. From a swinging bench chair to a tire swing, you can choose your favorite. But, the location of these swings change from time to time so it might take some effort in finding them.

Lake Cuyamaca

While some find taking a drag from a cigarette relaxing, others love going fishing for an afternoon. At Lake Cuyamaca, you'll find 110-acres of lake filled with 440,000 pounds of fish. These fish range from bluegill to Florida bass.

Did we mention it's the only lake in San Diego stocked with trout all year? Get your fishing pole, Juul Starter Kit, and prepare to relax. Visit MistHub to know about the kit.

Black Mountain's Glider Port

Find the peace within the city with a glider ride in Black Mountain's Glider Port. Leap off a mountain in the middle of San Diego to take in the full view of city and countryside. Black Mountain is literally in the middle of the city, ensuring you'll see everything and more.

If you don't find jumping off a cliff relaxing, this is still the perfect spot to sit back and watch other's glide. The best part? This is the only "secret" aeronautical area still operating in San Diego.

Mosaic Garden

Find peace and serenity in Escondido's Kit Carson Park. Here you'll find a beautiful mosaic garden filled with shimmering colors of reds, golds, and greens.

Take some time to meditate or simply admire the Queen Califia's Magical Circle. This is the statue, along with her colorful eagle, which will greet you at the entrance. You'll find nine other large statues and sculptures inside this maze-like garden.

It's free to roam around as long as you go on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 9 am - 12 pm or the second Saturday of every month from 9 am - 2 pm.

Places to Relax in San Diego

While some never tire of the hustle and bustle of city life, other's need a break to rejuvenate and de-stress before heading back to reality. These spots in San Diego will certainly be places to relax and unwind.

For more information on all things San Diego, specifically, topics on leisure and travel, check out our website!

How To Protect Your Kids From The Sun On Holiday

When you are on holiday with your kids or if you live in a very hot place, you need to make sure that you are protecting them as much as you can. UV rays can be very dangerous and can burn them as well as cause more issues later in life. Here, we are going to give you some tips on how you can protect your kids from the sun on holiday. Keep reading to find out more.

Sunscreen

The most important thing that you should be doing if you have your kids out in the sun is to be regularly applying sunscreen to them. You’ll find that there are plenty of products that are made specifically for kids and can come with the recommended SPF. Make sure that you choose a sunscreen that is going to protect your kids and don’t let them go long periods of time without reapplying it.

Find Shade

If you are visiting the beach or are sitting around a pool all day in the sun, then you’ll find that there are plenty of ways to find shade. Look out for umbrellas that you can place over your kids when they are sitting in direct sunlight or take them inside for lunch or for a drink to get them out of the sun for a while. Finding shade is really important so if you don’t have an umbrella that you can look for a suitable alternative like a tree.

Swimwear

It is always a good idea to have your kids cover up when they are out in the sun all day but if they keen on getting in and out of the pool then you might need to rethink this. The great way to work around this is to invest in some UV protective swimwear that will protect them from the sun and let them jump in the pool at the same time. Take a look online and see all of the beautiful designs that you can choose from.

Sunglasses

UV rays are not just harmful to your kids’ skin but also to their eyes. This is why you should think about investing in some sunglasses for them. If you find that your kids are prone to taking these off, then you should think about investing in a pair that will wrap around their head. If they are in the pool, then consider getting some goggles so that they are protected and can see when they want to go underwater.

Hats

The final way that you can cover your kids up from the sun to protect them from the UV rays is to get some hats. It is so easy for their scalp to burn through their hair and this can become extremely painful so make sure to prevent this as much as you can. Let them choose their new hat and they might be more likely to wear it when they are out in the sun. Make sure that the hat covers their face and the back of their neck if possible.

Final Verdict If you are going on holiday soon with your kids, then you should make sure that you take the necessary precautions to keep them safe from the sun. Think about buying some UV protective swimwear, a hat, and some sunglasses. You should also make sure that you don’t forget about applying some strong sunscreen each time they jump in and out of the pool. This way, you’ll be able to protect them more effectively.  

Traveling with Prescriptions Made Simple: 6 Tips You Need for Your Trip to San Diego

Traveling while on medication is a little trickier than when you're not taking prescriptions. Use these tips when traveling with prescriptions to/from San Diego

Clothes -- no problem! Laptop -- in the bag! Medication -- can you really bring that on a plane?

There is a lot to take into account when you're traveling, and it can be anxiety-inducing. What shouldn't be anxiety-inducing is bringing along the medication necessary for your health.

Other than the fact that there are certain medications that you can't take with you, traveling with prescriptions is actually a breeze. It's just a matter storing and packing them -- and having the right documentation.

Here's everything you need to know about taking your medications with you if you're heading to San Diego!

1. Talk to Your Doctor

You should visit your doctor ahead of time to talk about your medical needs. They can go over a dosage schedule with you in the event of a large time change.

Make sure you get any documentation from them that can make it easier to prove that the medications are yours. This includes written prescriptions and a copy of your medical record.

In case you lose your medications or they're stolen while you're getting from point A to San Deigo, you'll need written prescriptions from your doctor so you can purchase more during your trip.

2. Check Your Supply

The worst thing that could happen other than losing your medications would be running out of doses. You want to come prepared. Make sure you have enough of your medication to last the whole time you're in San Deigo.

You may want to even pack a little extra simply because you never know what will happen. Your flight might get delayed, or if you're driving, your car might stall and leave you stuck for a few hours.

Have your doctor prescribe you a few extra doses to account for these emergencies. Sometimes, your insurance company might give you a little grief about covering this, but if you let your doctor know about it, they can usually work out a deal for you.

3. How to Store Your Medication

Even though it's required, put your medication in its original prescription bottle. This way, it's a lot easier to prove that it's yours. If you don't have it for whatever reason, make sure you bring written prescriptions.

There are a few rules on liquid medications. You can't bring more than 3.4 ounces unless you declare it beforehand. They may be subjected to additional screening.

If you have weekly medication containers, go ahead and bring them because you can always put your pills back in after you land.

• Carry-on or Checked Bag

You can have as many prescriptions as you need in your carry-on or checked bag as long as it passes the screening process. Out of the two, carry-on is the better option because it allows you to keep an eye on your medications so they won't get stolen.

If you're traveling by car, it's a good idea to keep your pills in your glove compartment for easy access. In case you plan to leave your car for an extended amount of time, consider moving them to your trunk.

4. Your Dosage Schedule

If San Deigo isn't within your usual time zone, you'll have to adjust your schedule accordingly. Again, if you speak to your doctor before you leave, they will be able to set up a schedule with you.

You'll need to take your pills when you normally would -- according to your timezone. There are actually things you can buy for this. There are multi-time zone clocks and alarms that can track your dosage times and wake you up when it's time to take your meds.

We recommend that you test this out, and try to get in the swing of things before you head out to San Deigo.

5. Emergency Refills

Getting a refill of your prescription can be slightly difficult depending on your situation. If San Deigo is in the borders of your own country and you go through a local branch, you could probably have your prescription sent there temporarily.

If San Diego isn't part of your original country, or your local branch is nowhere to be found, you'll probably have to pay the full price for your medication.

The good news is, you can file an insurance claim when you get back, and possibly, get your money back. Just make sure you save all of your receipts so you can send it off with the claim.

6. Drug Restrictions

Some countries won't let you bring certain medications like Advair Diskus with you. San Deigo is no exception. You can call their embassy or visit their website before you leave to check and see if your medication is restricted.

Sometimes, you can't bring certain medical equipment like syringes on a plane. What you can do is fill out and send a form so an exception can be made. The embassy can also tell you what these forms are.

Tips on Traveling with Prescriptions

If you want to make your trip to San Deigo go smoothly, you'll need to know the rules concerning traveling with prescriptions.

Your medication may be restricted, or you might need a refill while you're there. You'll also need to adjust your doses depending on the time zone changes. Don't let your medications hold you back from broadening your horizons.

Looking for a fun place to take your kids while you're in San Diego? Visit our blog to find out why this zoo is the ideal place!

5 Most Amazing Ski Resorts In Austria

Austria is a lesser known ski destination of Europe but surprisingly, the country has resorts that are better in terms of value for money as compared to their counterparts in Switzerland and France. You can expect a great welcome along with warm and friendly services here, even as you spend lesser than the other countries. Let us list the most amazing resorts in Austria that you must absolutely visit during the snowy months of the year.

Kitzbühel

Considered as one of the best ski resorts in the world, Kitzbühel is located 95 km from Innsbruck. The resort features 170 km of ski slopes including the Streif, which is a challenging downhill ski race track. You can enjoy high-speed jumps and steep curves, bumps and depressions as you ski here. Kitzbühel hosts the annual Hahnenkamm in the month of January and it is an event that is famed for the toughest downhill ski races. The other attractions of the area include the medieval streets which are lined with luxury hotels, cafes and designer boutiques that make it a complete holiday destination for families.

St. Anton

St Anton is a ski resort that offers adventures for the brave hearted skiers. Its highest lift, the Valluga, stands tall at the height of 2810 m. The major attractions of the resort include the off-piste skiing and an excursion to Zürs which is located off the back of the Valluga. While Zurs is meant for seasoned skiers, the Rendl ski area is easier to navigate for the beginners. The nightlife of St Anton is another reason of the popularity of this resort.

Saalbach

Next on the list of top skiing destinations in Austria is Saalbach, which takes you 90 minutes to reach if you take Salzburg airport transfer. Saalbach has some traditional bars, cafés, and designer boutiques in its centre. You can also check out the neighboring Hinterglemm, which is quieter and makes a better family destination. Most of the slopes in this resort are south-facing, which does not always guarantee good snow. For this reason, mid-winter is considered the best time to visit here.

Sölden

Sölden is the resort that you must visit if you are looking for reliable snow. The slopes in the Ötz valley are ideal for the intermediate-level skiers. Though the resort may not be very appealing, it has extensive slopes that offer lots of off-piste opportunities for skiers who yearn for true adventure. Ski season in the resort continues for most of the year because it has two glaciers, the Rettenbach and the Tiefenbach, linking into the ski area.

Ischgl

Also known as the party resort, Ischgl has an incredible a full-on nightlife that is as exhilarating as the high-quality intermediate pistes. The resort is a much-loved venue that hosts some of the best pop artists of the world and attracts thousands of ski enthusiasts and party lovers from across the globe every year.

All these resorts are well-connected and easily accessible from the major cities of Austria. So the next time you are traveling to this beautiful country, make sure that you have at least a few of them on your bucket list.

Must do’s in Rome

Rome is a beautiful city steeped in history. There are numerous things to do in Rome which will give you a sneak peek into the past, right from the ancient government building to the storied cemetery. Rome is not only about history; there is a side to Rome which is all about the outdoor music, best bars, and the annual city marathon. However long you choose to stay in Rome, you will enjoy exceptional views and world-class sights. 

Rome attracts thousands of tourists from across the globe every year and it remains one of the top tourist destinations. Travelers can never have enough of Rome and are always looking for reasons to return to this beautiful city. Tourists find fascination in the ruins and divinity in the church.

Top things to do in Rome

Colosseum

There is nothing like Colosseum in Rome. If you go to Rome, you must go here. It is an architectural marvel which has withstood the passage of time. The Colosseum was inaugurated in AD 80 and is a 50,000 seater amphitheater which has become a spectacular building and is one of the Insta worthy places to visit. The Colosseum is a highlight of Rome and one should never ever miss out on visiting this beautiful amphitheater. 

St. Peter’s Basilica

This Italian church in Vatican City is within the city of Rome and is one of the best displays of Renaissance architecture. It is the largest church in the world and is considered as the holiest Catholic shrine. It has a central dome which dominates the skyline of Rome. It is another must visit the site when it Rome. 

Stadio Olimpico

Stadio Olimpico gives a glimpse of the two first-class football clubs - SS Lazio and AS Roma. If you are a football lover, a trip to the stadium is a must. During the match, the stadium is filled with chanting and is a spectacle of flares. You might be able to catch a rugby game on your visit to the stadium. 

Cappella Sistina and Musei Vaticani

The largest museums in the world, it is an overwhelming maze which incorporates areas like the Sistine Chapel, which existed here long before one could purchase a ticket. It started as a collection of the sculpture by Pope Julius II and has been added since then. It also has celebrated works of Raphael and Michelangelo. The collections include a piece of the moon which was donated by Nixon and a 120-meter long gallery that was painted with the most accurate maps in the world. You can spend hours exploring the interior and then wander in the beautiful botanical gardens. It is known as the green heart of the Vatican, the museum is a paradise with fountains, rare plants, and historical monuments. 

Villa Ada Roma Incontra il Mondo

This multicultural series of events is all about the Roman summer. You can find musicians from across the world playing on a lakeside beneath the trees. The festival also showcases art exhibitions, political debates, workshops and book readings with the best Roman cuisine. However, you will need a ticket for the events but anything that is organized in the parking space is free. This festival is known for promoting the world culture with a strong ethical message in each edition. 

Museo delle Mura

This is a free museum which is housed in the ancient Port San Sebastiano. It has a collection of artifacts which are associated with the Roman roads and walls. It gives an excellent view from the ramparts of the gate which look across the Parco dell'Appia Antica towards the Alban Hills. 

These six are the must visit sites in Rome and will leave you asking for more. It reflects the rich culture and history of the city. History buffs and architecture lovers are going to love every bit of this city. In addition, Rome is known for the mouth-watering cuisine and wines. Roman cuisine is all about fresh and seasonal ingredients from Roman Campagna. Its dishes include beans, peas, goat, shellfish and cheeses. Whatever your travel personality, you will find something to do and see in this beautiful city. You can simply walk down the cobbled streets and gaze at the beautiful architecture that is a highlight of the city. For an architecture lover, there is no better place than Rome to explore and learn more about the subject. It is a must visit for one and all will leave you impressed in no time.

An Easy Guide for a Trip to London, UK

London is on the top of many people’s lists when it comes to cities they want to see, and for a good reason! The city itself is ancient, built on top of Roman ruins and rebuilt again and again through history. It is one of the great seats of power in the west and was once the capital of nearly a quarter of the populated world and a quarter of the world’s population. London has history, it has culture, and it is still one of the best places to go for everyone. If you need help building your itinerary, however, here are some great suggestions for your next trip to London.

Top Landmarks to See

London has no shortage of landmarks. From the time it was known as Londinium and under Roman rule, the city has fallen, been rebuilt, and has evidence of each era if you know where to look. For most first-time tourists, however, these are the top landmarks you must see:

1. Big Ben, the London Eye, and Westminster
2. Buckingham Palace 
3. Tower of London 
4. The National Museums 
5. Hyde Park 

There are hundreds of landmarks to enjoy in this amazing city, so if you don’t feel like seeing one or even all of these landmarks, there are so many other places to explore instead.

Top Markets to Visit

London’s markets are legendary, and of course local and tourist favorites. Whether you want somewhere to eat, to shop, or to simply wander through, here are the top markets you must see:

1. Covent Garden 
2. Borough Market 
3. Portobello Road Market 
4. Brick Lane Market 
5. Camden Market 

If you are a true connoisseur of markets, however, don’t let this list deter you. There are markets in every borough and for many different purposes. There are flower markets, antique markets, food markets and more throughout London during each season. These five, however, are consistent staples and are open regularly all-year round.

Top Events to Go To

London is full of eclectic and must-see events throughout the year. From annual events like Christmas at Kew, or daily events like a West End show, here are the top activities to see during your trip:

1. A West End Show 
   
   There are shows for everyone. From West End shows for kids like Wicked or the Lion King to more serious plays that feature some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. London rivals and even surpasses NYC for its theater performances, and you would be making a huge mistake in missing it.
   
2. Christmas Events
   London positively lights up at Christmas. From the streets being bathed in wondrous Christmas lights to pubs being decked out for the holidays, there is something for everyone. Don’t miss out on:
   
   
   1. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
   2. Christmas at Kew 
   3. Ice skating at several top London Landmarks 
   
   
3. Summer Events 

Summer is the time of food festivals, music festivals, and rooftop bars in London. As these events are hosted throughout the city, however, you will need to look up beforehand to see what will be near you and what is the most interesting. There is also the Notting Hill Carnival to enjoy, just remember to go on the “family friendly” day if you don’t want to get caught up in a massive street party.

London has everything, and the more you research, the more you can create a unique itinerary that is perfect for you.

Travelling to a different country – preparing the kids

With the summer break well and truly upon us, many families are deciding to head abroad and make the most of their well-deserved family time. But if you’re planning on traveling to a different country with your children, it’s understandable if you’re feeling a little anxious about it.

There might be different customs, new foods to try, different languages to decipher and a completely different way of life. It can be a big change for a little one. So, how can you prepare them for the wonders of a new country? Read on for some helpful tips no parent should be without!

Exposing your children to the language

Spanish, Portuguese, French or even Chinese – a different language can seem quite daunting no matter how similar it might be to English or how complicated and alien it might sound! Introducing your child to some of the languages they might encounter will make their foreign adventures even more exciting. You can start by creating your own flashcards of phrases or have a look at some foreign street signs – like these ones - and try and decipher them together. Bilingual picture games or Bingo is always fun, or if you want to join in the learning fun, see if you can enroll in a language class for beginners together. Check out your local college or university for more details.

Show them the destination

Most of us like surprises. But when it comes to heading on holiday, most of us would prefer to have some sort of idea what to expect before we landed. The same goes for the little ones. Once you have a destination in mind, show them little snippets of the country or city in question, either by showing it to them on a map, introducing them to pictures online or videos of other travelers.

Show them how long it’ll take to get there, and what modes of transport you’re going to use. Try and answer as many of their questions as you can. It’ll make them even more excited for the trip ahead.

Introduce them to the cuisine

Their favorite food, snacks, and treats might not be readily available at your destination. And it’ll make the trip more authentic if everyone is eating the local food rather than a cheeseburger and fries. Before you go, look up some recipes together and have a go at making a few dishes. Exposing little ones to new cuisine in the comfort of their own home will make them much more willing to try it! They won’t be as daunted when a strange looking plate is placed in front of them.

Listen to music

Each country has its own style of music, so what better way to introduce your child to a new culture by listening to some? You can discuss how the music makes you feel, and then research the history and the tradition behind it. It might seem like a lot of homework before you go on holiday, but your kids will love being involved.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Family-Friendly Hotel for Your Vacation

Once you’ve chosen the destination you want to visit on your vacation, the next important step is selecting accommodation that suits your family needs. Making this decision can be tough with the vast number of options available, so putting together everything you want from your trip is a great starting point. There are several things to consider whether it’s the location, how close it is to the beach or if food is included in the price that can sway your choice. Without some research and finding a hotel that caters to all the important things within your budget, you could end up feeling disheartened on arrival.  

If you’re planning a vacation and are looking for the best family-friendly hotels, take a look at some of the things you should consider before booking your stay.

Deciding on location

The location of the hotel has a huge impact on your vacation. If you want to be in walking distance to local attractions, heritage sites and places to eat, then staying central is the best option. If you don’t mind using public transport or perhaps hiring a car, staying further away from the main tourist hotspots will give you an excellent choice of hotels at affordable prices. Many hotels have shuttle transport to and from the airport, so check before you travel to ensure your arrival and departure are stress-free.

Room only or all-inclusive

If you’re going to be using your hotel as a base to do lots of sightseeing or exploring, you may want to consider having a meal such as breakfast included in your stay, so it sets you up for the day. For vacations that enjoy the luxuries of a full resort experience, having each meal included will provide everything you need for a relaxing break without having to worry about overspending on food.

Childcare facilities

It’s natural to want some time with your partner on vacation so finding a hotel that has child care options is a great way to get a few hours to yourself. Some hotels offer a babysitting service while larger resorts may have the option of kids clubs to keep them entertained.

It’s all about the pool

Whether your hotel has a pool is a huge consideration for many families. Indoor and outdoor pools provide hours of fun for everyone and are even better for the kids if they have fun activities or water features such as splash areas and waterfalls too. Resort style hotels are ideal for this and destinations such as hoteles en Puerto Vallarta also offer sun, sea, and sand on your stay.

Free WiFi

Many hotels now offer complimentary WiFi as standard, but there are a few places that still do not. If this is an essential factor for you, this small cost might cause a little aggravation so checking before you book is the ideal solution. It’s also worth noting that you might not experience the same level of connectivity as at home.

By making smart choices before head off on your adventures will help to give you the best experiences in some of the most beautiful hotels across the world.