5 Tips for a Family Holiday in Mykonos

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Mykonos is known for its wild parties, vibrant beaches, and luxurious accommodation, but it isn’t an exclusive destination for party animals by any means either. Family trips to the island can be just as enjoyable and there are a few places which even the kids will enjoy. Nonetheless, whether you are going to attend a wedding in Mykonos or just planning to enjoy a relaxing holiday with the kids on the island, a few intelligent tips might go a long way towards ensuring that you have an awesome family holiday there.

Know Your Beaches

All beaches in Mykonos are gorgeous, but depending on the kind of crowd you are with or the type of experience that you are seeking, your preference should vary. If you are here with the entire family and there are kids with you, try out the child-friendly Agrari Beach. The water is pretty calm almost throughout the year and there is even a decent playground there for the children to keep themselves busy in, while the adults go for a drink in the café/bar! Agrari beach is neither too crowded or too empty, creating a sense of relaxation without sacrificing the security that comes naturally with being in a place with plenty of other families as well.

Another beach that you can check out is the long stretch of Panormos Beach, which lacks water sports options so you know it won’t be too busy in the sea. There is no restriction that forbids families to enjoy the Pinky Beach or Super Paradise Beach either, but due to the high ratio of partygoers, it’s best if you leave before 10 pm.

Stay in a Villa

The Mykonos experience is incomplete unless you stay in one of the multiple luxurious villas found throughout the island. Not only are these villas conveniently located in places that offer incredible views of the Aegean Sea, but they also have everything from personal infinity pools to baby baths for catering to the needs of families. A large majority of the couples who plan for a wedding in Mykonos usually consider accommodation from here at BlueVillas for their guests and the event itself. Even when you don’t have an occasion in mind, large families and groups invariably find the huge villas with a dozen or more (up to fifty) bedrooms much more convenient, luxurious and economic. Do remember to book your accommodation with BlueVillas early though, because the best villas always get booked months in advance every year.

Leaving Before 11 pm is a Good Idea if You Have Young Kids

Safety is not an issue in Mykonos under normal circumstances, even when it is late at night, but if you have young kids and would like to avoid the drunken crowd, leaving clubs before 10 pm is probably a good idea. If your kids are in their late teens though, you won’t have too much to worry about of course, as they probably like parties a lot more than you do!

Rent a Car

Before we get to why renting a car is recommended, let’s make it absolutely clear that Mykonos has quite a capable public transportation system in place. Buses come in every 20-30 minutes and stop at most of the attractions and locations, making sure that tourists and travellers are able to get anywhere that they need to. However, renting a car is still a better option when you have children with you because the buses can get crowded, which is a hassle when you have kids to monitor. Renting a car is not cheap, but the convenience is worth it and it is definitely cheaper than getting everywhere with cabs. ATVs are also quite popular in Mykonos and if you are in a small group, it might be more economical to rent an ATV than a car.

Keep the Weather in Mind

This one is a universal tip, but given that the island never really gets too hot or too cold to be advised against, the season is more of a concern when you have young children or seniors in your group. The ideal time to visit would be before July or even June when you are trying to avoid the heat completely. The two months of September and October are also quite pleasant, after which, the temperature dips quite a bit and the cold wind may chill you out after sunset if you are still in your beach clothes! In any case, coastal climates are unpredictable at times, so do check in with the weather forecasts before planning a day trip.

Now that you know how to make your family holiday to Mykonos the most enjoyable, all that is left to do is the planning required to make it happen!

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5 Family Fun Ideas For Your Trip To The UK

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If you are planning on vacationing in the UK in the future, you will not be disappointed when it comes to exciting things to do. The nation is full to the brim with fantastic activities and attractions both inside and outside of the capital of London.

To ensure you have a break you, your partner and children are unlikely to forget, here are five family fun ideas for your trip to the UK.

  1. Ride the Roller Coasters at Alton Towers

If you and your kids want to scream at the top of your lungs on an exhilarating ride, make sure to visit Alton Towers, which is home to the fastest rollercoasters in the UK. One ride you will not want to miss is Galactica, which is a virtual reality roller coaster that simulates the sensations you would feel on a space voyage. You can even book a stay at the resort hotel, which is adjacent to a fun water park.

  1. Book the Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Enter the wonderful world of Harry Potter by booking tickets on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. It was at this very destination in Watford that the eight movies were made, so you can step inside Dumbledore’s Office, knock on the door of 4 Privet Drive, and you can even walk into the Great Hall.

There are also thousands of genuine props on display along the tour, such as the Triwizard Cup, Hagrid’s Motorcycle, and Harry’s Nimbus 2000. Don’t forget to have your picture taken on Platform 9 ¾ before climbing aboard the Hogwarts Express.

  1. Watch a West End Musical

You cannot visit the UK and not visit London’s West End. Here you can take your pick from many world-class productions, which will delight and excite both young and old. There are many long-running kids theatre London productions to choose from, such as Wicked, Mamma Mia, The Lion King, and Matilda the Musical, to name only a few.

  1. Go to Legoland

More than 80 million Lego bricks have helped to create the fun, colorful park of Legoland, which also features thrilling rides and many gift shops. Children can also earn their driving licenses with the help of the Lego City Driving School. Spread across 150 acres in Windsor, your children will not want to go home after watching the many entertaining live shows and enjoying the imaginative rides.

  1. Explore the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is easily the best museum in London, as it offers superb exhibits of dinosaur eggs, Neanderthal skulls and meteors. It is also impossible to miss the incredible whale skeleton that greets you at the entry hall.

You can trust your kids will love the brand-new T Rex Grill, which features animatronic dueling dinosaurs, while serving up delicious steaks, pizzas and sandwiches. Of course, it is one of the most popular museums in the UK, so beat the crowds by avoiding the weekend and visiting during a weekday.

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Tips to Remember When Traveling by Car

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Planning a long trip and choosing a car as your mode of transport is quite a daring combination one can do. Going on a trip in your own car has its own pros and cons, so when planning to take a long trip in your car, you need to plan things well in advance, and it is not only packing your stuff but many other things that will affect your trip in different ways. Planning your road trip well in advance will help you make it infinitely better and you will be able to enjoy it to the fullest. We are here to give you some tips on how you can make your road trip an unforgettable one.

Here are 6 tips you should remember when planning to travel by car.

  • Packing – you should always do your packing according to the boot space that your car has to offer. You should always follow the mantra, ‘less is more’. No one wants to carry heavy bags with them on a vacation or keep looking for things in the overcrowded suitcases. A bit of research will help you learn about the weather of the place you are planning to visit and it will give you an idea about what type of clothes you should pack. Also, a light car gives more mileage, so avoiding heavy bags will help you save a lot on fuel.

  • Watch your sleep time – You should take proper sleep at least two to three days before the commencement of the journey as it will help you build your sleep cycle and will help you avoid drowsiness while driving.

  • Choose the right vehicle – You should always select a car that you are comfortable with. Budget can be an issue, and it might stop you from getting yourself your dream car, but in the long run, it will be very beneficial. To get your desired car, you can also take an auto loan. Probably by now, you have thought of it but you’ve been clueless about how you can get a car loan.

  • Anticipate your problems – While on a road trip, you should be prepared for every possible worst-case scenario. You should go with the motto ‘more is more’, as the more prepared you are, the less time it will take you to fix the problem and get back on the road. You should have your insurance information with you at all time, and if driving a rental car, you should always have the minimum insurance that is required in the country.

  • Travel gadgets and accessories – You should always rent a car which has all the latest technology features, and if not, you yourself should be carrying at least some amount of travel gadgets that are helpful in any trip. The most important gadget, without a doubt on a road trip is a GPS. Renting a GPS in a foreign country is all the more helpful as one doesn’t know the routes there and is also not familiar with the roads and the traffic.

  • Plan your route – There is no right way to map out the route you’ll follow in your journey. You should always plan your route because that way, you will be less stressed as there will be no confusion as to what path you have to follow. Planning your route will also help you build your itinerary in a more detailed manner, giving you a better understanding of the place.

Conclusion –

Planning your road trip well in advance will always help you to stay a step ahead of all the possible problems one can face during a road trip. While on the road, you are responsible for yourself. We hope that these tips are helpful to you, and if you are planning a road trip, be careful, be safe and good luck.

 

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Getting the Best Deals for Your Vacation

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Going on vacation is not only fun, but it can also be an essential part of getting away from it all, de-stressing and enjoying life. It can also be an expensive endeavor, and you could easily spend thousands of dollars on a week away. You might see a vacation as an expensive luxury you can’t truly afford, or just feel reluctant to spend such a large amount of your hard-earned cash on something non-essential. However, if you’re clever and do your homework, you can have a dream vacation at a very reasonable price.

Price comparison sites

Your first port of call may well be one of the websites that search for all the deals available within your specified parameters. These sites definitely make the job of comparing costs a lot easier, and it is possible to obtain some very good prices. They also help you work out when will be the cheapest time to go to your preferred destination, and for many travelers, the information they provide is more than sufficient for finding a good deal on their vacation. There are a couple of things it’s useful to know, though. Firstly, the prices shown may not necessarily be the cheapest available, depending on the algorithms used by the comparison site to determine rankings. You could well find that by going directly to a provider you’ll get an even better deal, so it’s worth checking to find out if you could pay even less. Secondly, be wary of hidden costs that get added to the basic rate shown. You might be offered a hotel room for a bargain price, then find you have to pay surcharges, or that additional costs apply to make full use of the facilities.

Off-peak and late booking bargains

You’ll be surprised at the definition of off-peak when it comes to vacation resorts, as there are spring and fall breaks available at far lower prices than during the premium summer months. One trick that’s worth knowing about is going to ski resorts out of season. They may be best-known for their winter sports, but when there’s no snow, they still have fantastic facilities for outdoor pursuits, as well as all the apres-ski entertainments. For example, you can get some substantial discounts on Snowmass condos for rent in the aspirational Aspen resort – a taste of luxury at an affordable price. Leaving your booking until the last minute can save you hundreds of dollars, as operators try and sell accommodation and flights for whatever they can get rather than lose out altogether. The key to getting a bargain is to leave it as late as possible. If you try even a week before, you could find the providers are charging more rather than less.

It might take you a few hours to find the really sweet deals, but the savings you can make are so significant it’s worth taking the trouble. Combining your reduced travel costs with money-saving vouchers for local attractions will mean you get even more bang for your buck so that you can enjoy a special vacation for a fraction of the full price cost.

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Planning A Vacation- Five Cities You Should Visit

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It is often said that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and this is true for many things. Making a list of the most beautiful cities in the world will undoubtedly be very hard. Not only do we find different things stunning, but we all have visited different places and hence, will have different experiences to draw from, when making a choice. Nevertheless, there are places that a majority of people will find interesting, beautiful and well worth a visit. Each city will have its own charm and uniqueness, giving the city its identity.

Prague

Not many people go to the Czech Republic’s capital and come back disappointed. It is a stunning city, situated by the river Vltava. Often called the city of a hundred spires, its extensive historic centre is included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites. There is no lack of atmosphere in the city centre, and all the sites are close enough to enjoy on foot. The most popular attraction in Prague is its castle. The Prague Castle stands above the historic town on a hill, and just so happens to be the largest ancient castle in the world. In the courtyard stands St. Vitus Cathedral, the most amazing building with a fantastic painted glass window. Back down in the historic district, you will find the Old Town. In the Old Town square, the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn and the Town Hall are not to be missed. The Jewish quarters will give you a fascinating account of the history of the Jews in Prague and you will be able to visit numerous stunning synagogues.

Machu Picchu

Once you travel on Machu Picchu Tours every other experience or adventure you have will be compared to the time you strolled the ancient Incan ruins of Peru. There is more speculation than there are Llamas in Peru about the purpose of and motivation behind the construction of Machu Picchu. However, one of the most exciting and quite literally breathtaking experiences of Machu Picchu is perched just behind, it’s named Huayna Picchu.

Obviously the ruins are the main spectacle and the reason everyone makes their way to the tourist trap of Aguas Calientes. Huayna Picchu is most easily described as the large peak in the background of the ‘postcard shot’ of Machu Picchu but is, rather ironically, over-shadowed by Machu Picchu. The dizzying heights offer an unrivalled almost aerial view of the ruins and allow one to put the ruins in context amongst the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Paris

The City of Lights, or love as many romantics prefer to call the capital of France, is an amazing place. Situated by the river Seine, Paris has an endless list of attractions for every visitor. The picture perfect white fairytale-like Sacre Coeur Basilica dominates the area of Montmartre, and from here you will get breathtaking views of the city. The iconic Eiffel tour gives the skyline an edge, and the pretty cathedral of Notre Dame will impress even the harshest critic. Take a walk along the Champs-Elysees or stroll along the river Seine. Paris also makes for an ideal place to have a picnic. There are plenty of green areas, gardens and parks to sit down and soak up the French ambiance.

San Francisco

Although not at strikingly pretty as the European cities, San Francisco has its own charm. The historic trams that cross the city gives San Francisco uniqueness and are a popular pastime for tourists. The Bay area is beautiful, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge really glimmers and glistens in the sun. The skyline of San Francisco is one of the most beautiful in the world, and a great way to get a good look is to take a river cruise or go out to Alcatraz on an evening tour. There are impressive buildings in the city but none as stunning as the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square. Well worth a trip, even if it is just for a photo. If you’re looking for advice on the best sites to see and places to go, Santa Barbara Travel offers expertise on traveling both domestically to places like San Francisco as well as many of the international destinations mentioned in this article.

Andorra la Vella

An unusual city is Andorra la Vella whose tiny country, Andorra, nestles between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. If winter sports attract you then visit one of two resorts close to the capital for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Pyrenees. Or visit the famous Caldea, a spa and swim complex with natural thermal springs keeping a huge lagoon at a constant 89F. Andorra la Vella is perhaps best celebrated for its shopping – popular because tax and duty free! Andorra la Vella is the highest capital city in Europe, with its own ancient history, a picturesque beauty in the mountains and its own unique charm.

Going to some of these places might be a dream to many but until you have the opportunity to travel to some of your dream cities you could also consider updating some of the furniture and decor in your home to reflect some of the places you’d like to travel to. Click here for some ideas of creating an oasis in your own home.

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Choosing Vacations the Whole Family Can Enjoy

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Planning a vacation when you have children involves a whole new set of considerations. Not only do you have yourself and your other half to think about, but you now have one or more kids who may have very different ideas of what constitutes the ideal trip away. Having a couple of kids who are close in age but like highly diverse activities is difficult enough, but it gets even harder if you have kids with an age gap. After all, toddlers and teens rarely want to do the same things! If you want to book a vacation you can all enjoy, have a look at these options.

Mountain towns and leisure resorts

One way to ensure you will be able to keep everyone happy is to stay at a leisure resort that gives you access to a variety of activities all in close proximity. For example, if you visit a mountain town resort, you have facilities such as swimming pools, spas, shopping, cinemas, and so on, right next to thousands of acres of trails and a range of outdoor sports and activities. You’ll find that ski resorts like Deer Valley in Utah transform into first-class summer vacation destinations, where you can stay in one of the hotels on Main Street in Park City and take advantage of being adjacent to both the town and the wilds.

Cruises

Going on a cruise is perfect for families because there are so many activities on board the ship to cater to everyone’s tastes, plus you will be visiting new and interesting places every day or so. Onboard entertainment may include the shows and cabarets for which cruising is best known, but there are plenty of alternatives, such as sports facilities, a gym, swimming pool, cinema, shops, a library, and of course, there are the fine dining and twenty-four-hour buffets on most ships. The kids will very likely find other children to play with, and if you select your trip carefully, you will find there’s a good choice of child-oriented entertainment too. Choosing a themed vacation where you get to visit a range of interesting places means everyone should be able to find a location that they will enjoy, and living on a ship is always a great adventure for kids.

Glamorous camping

Or glamping, as it’s better known, is a perfect compromise between all-out camping and staying in a luxury cabin. That means the adventurous ten-year-old who wants to experience the thrill of living under canvas and exploring the wilderness can satisfy their desires, while the fourteen-year-old who hates the thought of sleeping with bugs and not having a hairdryer can retain the feeling of being somewhere more civilized. Glamping sites are the ideal combination of being close to nature without giving up your home comforts.

You might not be able to keep everyone happy all the time, but if you all get a turn participating in your favorite activities and no-one has to make any unpleasant sacrifices, you’ll find the trip will be a happy experience for the whole family!

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How to Travel with Friends

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Traveling with friends can either be a fantastic or challenging experience. If you are thinking of traveling with either a companion or group to one or more destinations, you must avoid the negative side of the experience, such as misunderstandings, conflict and frustration.

Ensure you and your pals return home with a closer bond, rather than wishing you had never met each other, by finding out how to travel with friends.

Choose Your Travel Partners Wisely

It is crucial you know your friends well if you are going to travel together. While you might be best friends with someone in the workplace, they might be a completely different person outside an office.

Only travel with people you know well and who share your interests. After all, if you like to follow an itinerary but your travel partner loves spontaneity, it might not work.

Pick a Travel Destination

Choose a destination that everyone wants to experience. For example, nothing will make a friend feel left out quite like having their opinions dismissed. It’s important to discuss the best options for everyone, or it could lead to conflict or resentment during the experience. Get everyone together to pick from the best vacation rental destinations.

Set a Travel Budget

Not everyone might have the same travel budget as you. While you might want to enjoy all the luxuries of a five-star hotel, they might have a smaller budget. Before you start planning itineraries and booking excursions, have a conversation about everyone’s finances to ensure you are on the same wavelength.

Make Sure Everyone is Committed

If you are traveling as a group, you must secure a booking together. It is essential everyone commits to a trip before you book flights and accommodation. If one or more people cancel, it will be then down to the committed travelers to pay for the dropouts’ share of the flights and accommodation.

Nip Arguments in the Bud

Arguments can happen between friends on vacation, as people will have different opinions and personalities. Don’t allow tension to mount, and instead nip any problems in the bud as soon as possible. Talk to your travel companions both openly and honestly, and avoid raising your voice, which can make matters worse. The more you communicate, the less likely arguments will arise.

Take a Break from Each Other

Conflict can happen when friends spend too much time together. If you want to maintain your friendship, it might be a wise idea to occasionally take a break from each other. For example, you could explore a destination while your friend relaxes on the beach, before meeting back up for lunch or dinner.

Stay Off Your Phone

Nothing will frustrate your travel companions more than you being tied to your phone. Traveling with friends is a unique experience, so you shouldn’t spend the whole trip texting your boyfriend, checking your work emails, or browsing social media. Be present during the trip to ensure you have an unforgettable time and do not upset your friends.

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Save Money on Florida Attractions, Resorts, Tours, and More PLUS Get a FREE $15 Credit

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Let me tell you about my secret weapon for saving money on Florida attractions, resorts, tours, and more. Make sure to read to the end to see how to get your FREE $15 credit. A few years ago a friend of mine introduced me to Florida Vacation Auction. It’s an auction site where you can bid on hotel stays, tours, attractions, and so much more all over Florida. The first auction I won was for our favorite hotel in Hutchinson Island, Vistana’s Beach Club. Each room in this hotel has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms including 1 with a hot tub, a huge living room, balcony, and full kitchen. It’s right on the beach so you can go right from your room to the beach and the pool. With the full kitchen we can cook our food each night as save money on going out to dinner if we choose. I won the auction for a 3 night 2 day stay at this amazing hotel for only $215!!! This hotel is normally $179+ PER NIGHT. It was such a savings! Just look at the view in the picture I took on our most recent vacation there last week:
Here are a few pics from our hotel room:

I WON 4 tickets to Museum of Discovery and Science for only $15!

Once I won my first auction I was hooked. I have since won tickets to local attractions such as Butterfly World, Miami Seaquarium, and Museum of Discovery and Science just to name a few! And when we travel to other places in Florida I always check Florida Vacation Auction to bid on attractions in the area that we’re going to. There are great hotels and attractions all over the state. Right now I see such fun things as a Ghost Tour in St. Augustine, Adventure Landing mini golf in Jacksonville Beach, Oceanside Hotel on Miami Beach, Jungle Queen Riverboat – BBQ Dinner and Show Cruise Ft. Lauderdale, Zoo Miami, Lion Country Safari, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Orlando, and so much more!

Just look at some of the great places you can bid on:


$15 Credit For Cori’s Cozy Corner Readers!

Ready to check it out yourself? I have partnered with Florida Vacation Auction to offer something very special to my readers. If you sign up for a free Florida Vacation Auction account and enter the special code CouponCorner they will add a $15 credit to your account to use any any auction (credit expires 10/3/2018). There are some auctions that start at a $15 minimum bid so imagine your savings! Don’t miss out. There’s no obligation when you create your FREE account and earn the $15 credit. All auctions run for a week and end Sunday at 10 p.m. There are new auctions each week starting Sundays at 10 p.m. so make sure to sign up and check back weekly! Feel free to e-mail me at Cori@CorisCozyCorner.com and ask me any questions. Good luck and happy bidding!

There is no obligation when you sign up so you have nothing to lose!

Did you sign up yet? What are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this FREE credit!

Special Hilton Grande Vacation’s Plantation Beach Club Auction Coming Up

Usually the auctions are for 2 night stays but starting July 8th and ending July 15th they are having a special auction on an 8 day/7 night auction for the Hilton Grande Vacation’s Plantation Beach Club. This special auction is for a specific week in December so perfect for winter retreat.

Bid with confidence

  • No Membership Fees

    Registration is free and simple. Bidders can save as much as 80% off retail value for their Florida vacations.

  • No Hidden Charges

    If your winning bid is $200.00, you will only be charged $200.00 as we do not add any additional costs or handling fees. (We even pay the taxes for you). If an advertisers has a required charge such as a cleaning fee, resort or parking fee, it will be clearly identified in the auction listings so you are aware before bidding.

  • Being a Winner is Easy

    All winning bids are automatically charged at the close of the auction to the registered credit card used for the specific auction. Auction winners receive an email with a link to their travel voucher after the auction closes.

  • Enjoy Flexible Travel

    Travel vouchers are redeemable for a minimum of 90 days. Florida Vacation Auction vouchers are booked direct with the hotel or resort and attraction tickets are redeemable at the advertiser’s box office.

 

 

 

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4 Tips for Florida Newbies

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If you’re a relative newbie to this glorious, sun-soaked state, and you’re planning on sinking some roots into Miami, Orlando, Cape Coral or Palm Bay (or anywhere else for that matter!) you’ll probably take some time adapting. Florida is one of the most upbeat, laid-back and positive states in America. From theme parks to dazzling beaches, buzzing nightlife to serene natural wonders, Florida has everything to encourage you to stay. So, to get you well on your way to seeing Florida as your permanent home, settling into whichever community you choose, here are some top tips to ensure your incubation period here is pleasurable and drama-free.

Prepare for Sun

There’s a reason it’s called The Sunshine State. In most places, well over two-thirds of the year see sunshine shine down from the happy heavens, meaning you’ll be well topped-up on vitamin D and all those positive wellbeing elements that come with exposure to sunlight. However, you should take precautions as the sun can feel relentless to those without the appropriate clothing and creams. Invest in these early on and make sure you and your family are protected from the elements so that you can fully enjoy their glory!

Familiarize Yourself with the Sights

There’s plenty to see and do in Florida; the relatively compact state is punching well above its weight in attractions. The upshot of the many theme parks, beaches, restaurants, bars, nature reserves and areas of astounding natural beauty is that there should rarely be a moment you don’t feel compelled to hit out and see the state. Getting to grips with all Florida has to offer will mean you’re never out of ideas of what to do on the weekend.

Get Cultural

Besides the burgeoning list of tourist sights on Florida’s books, there’s also a side to the state that only residents can fully appreciate, and that’s the unique culture of a region that’s assimilated Cubans and African-Americas, and folk from all walks of life, be they young artists or retired beach-goers. Get out and explore your local area and you’ll find everything from Tiki bars to book groups, all with a welcoming, accepting atmosphere that comes with a state known for its open-mindedness.

Know the Services

Florida is seen by much of the US as a chilled-out and welcoming community. But in part, this is a community that rests on the institutions and services that hold us together and propel us forward. Whether you’re looking to yacht, broker, buy some land or simply make the most of your years here, there are services a Google away that’ll make life a lot easier and introduce you to the fine people of this state. There are even legal experts in the Florida Ticket Firm that’ll fight your case when you’ve picked up a ticket.

Welcome to Florida: now you have the basics under your belt, it’s up to you to act on them and get out into the state to explore, make friends, and become part of a large yet close-knit community that truly cares for one another.

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Is There Such A Thing As A Perfect Family Holiday?

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family-2532849_960_720The perfect family picture or are you all wishing you were anywhere but here?  (image)

Is it possible to have a perfect family holiday? To be honest, we don’t need to tell you, as you can probably give us an answer yourself. And that answer is probably….no! Don’t stop reading just yet, however, as we do have some useful tips for you in a moment. But the reason why a perfect family holiday isn’t possible is because…

  1. a) there is no such thing as perfection
  2. b) you are travelling with other human beings

Think about your family vacations. Did any of the following things happen?

– Your kids didn’t want to go to your chosen destination.

– Your children squabbled with you, each other and at the world itself when they discovered there was no wifi.

– Your accommodation didn’t quite match the brochure.

– You ran out of money, probably because your kids wanted to do absolutely EVERYTHING!!

Did any of the above sound familiar? If not, then you must be doing something right. Still, if you have yet to find perfection, there are ways you can attain some kind of holiday nirvana. Not everything will go perfectly – such is family life – but you can make life easier for yourself. For example, you should put the following into practice.

– Talk about where you want to go as a family. It’s no good choosing somewhere that the kids will find ultra-boring (another walking holiday) and you shouldn’t only focus on what the children want (yet another theme park). Choose somewhere that will tick the right boxes for all of you, providing something approximating a stress-free holiday. It is possible, kind of!

– Plan the journey. The more preparation you can do, the better. Bring snacks and games along for the kids, work out rest-stops if you’re travelling by car, and pack a first-aid kit for any health emergencies, such as bee stings, sunburn, and travel sickness. If you plan for disaster, you can reduce disaster.

– Stay in a family friendly hotel. Unless you are planning on spending your holiday as a family in a tent or caravan, you should probably book a hotel. Not every hotel is accommodating of children, so find a place where your little ones are welcome, such as the Albany Marriott. Ensure there are facilities to keep your kids entertained, such as a swimming pool or games room, and book a separate room for your children so you’re not crammed together in one living space.

– Don’t spend a fortune. You don’t have to give your family the best that money can buy, as there is more to a holiday than luxury and shopping. A camping trip can be a great bonding experience, for example, as you toast marshmallows over a fire and enjoy somewhere scenic. Money is the source for a lot of stress, so visit somewhere where you won’t be forced to break the bank.

– Unplug from the world. A family holiday is about creating happy memories, and you won’t have as many if you are all glued to your smartphones for the duration. Limit your internet use to your private time, and spend the rest of the time plugged to each other rather than the wifi.

And so…

Don’t strive for perfection. The higher your expectation, the more disappointment you will feel. It’s unlikely the holiday will be 100% perfect, but you should go with the flow, no matter the ups and downs. You can have a great holiday, but see beyond the squabbles and mishaps that befall you. They are all part of the experience anyway. Still, if you do have ideas of your own for a perfect holiday, be sure to let us know!

 

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