Tag: family vacation

Float Along on a Flotilla – A Perfect Family Holiday

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Want a holiday where you can sail the seas without any hassle, you’ll find exactly that on a flotilla. Tour a destination on one of these entertaining and exciting expeditions. You can take in various sites; wander along the seas of a beautiful destination while being the captain of your own ship. You don’t have to feel sped up or restricted by a cruise ship tour. On your own yacht adventure you can go at your own pace, and follow a group of sailors on a guided route, so that you can sale the waves without a worry in the world.

So what are some of the benefits of going on a flotilla as opposed to any normal boating holiday? Here are some things to consider.

Anybody can do it

It doesn’t matter if you know the ins and outs of sailing and can brave the seas on your own, or if you’ve never set sail before and you’re an amateur at this sort of adventure, it’s something that anyone can take part in no matter your skills.

You can get the help needed during the journey if you feel a little bit uneasy along the way. If you’re a pro, you can have as much independence as you would like during the trip, so that you don’t feel the boundaries of other cruising trips, or group voyages.

Everything you need is provided

Sometimes one of the main setbacks to going on a sailing trip is that you haven’t got all the necessities you need to set sail. With a flotilla, you’ll be provided with all the things you need, so that you can sally along without any hassle or hindrances.

Need a yacht? Well, a fully equipped one is always provided on these. You’ll have all that you require for the journey, with the yachts on a flotilla, there’s all the safety, navigation and equipment on board. You’ll have all the necessary training needed to commence confidently. Don’t worry, these trips also ensure that the yacht you’re given is easy to handle so that you won’t be drifting about disastrously.

Don’t fear the possibility of running out of gas when you set sail, the yachts have their engines filled, and are filled with water, to keep them going for a while. You can coast and it won’t cost you your time with an engine that turns off spontaneously because it’s low in fuel.

With a day’s itinerary provided for the period of travelling, you don’t have to feel lost at sea. The whole journey is planned out for you, so you can follow a structured plan but at the same time not be pestered to pick up the pace.

You don’t have to travel in the most shabby looking sail boat, with flotillas, you can choose from a wide selection of yachts that suit your taste, and that you’d actually like to be seen in. Get one that provides seating and tables inside so you can float along in a leisurely way. Have a shower on deck: these yachts include this too, so you can feel refreshed and well pampered every step of the way. It’s all about traveling in comfort and with class.

Fun for all the family

Want a trip that is different but that everybody in your family can enjoy? You can get that with a flotilla. Bring everyone along for the ride whether young or old, and watch all alike smile from ear to ear as they sail along and see all the beautiful sites a flotilla holiday can provide. It’s a perfect family beach holiday.

Your kids don’t have to feel alone on the trip either, with a flotilla there’s plenty of other travellers involved, and a fleet of yachts where your kids can make some friendships. Let them spread their social wings and enjoy the company of meeting up with other children. Feel the joys that come with any other holiday, when you meet great people, but even more, you get to go on an exciting expedition with them.

There’s a host of social events and activities that take place on a flotilla too. You can keep the whole family entertained with one of the many past times that are provided on a pleasurable holiday. Fancy a fun regatta at the end of an amusing adventure at sea? Get your competitive heads on a challenge your flotilla companions to a race.

Why not get involved in some of activities when you come off board and behold the varying beach clubs. Downgrade to a dinghy for a short period but don’t feel the loss, with all the enjoyment you can have on one of them: these inflatable rubber boats can have you making some magical family memories together. Or have a go at windsurfing and feel the freedom of wind whooshing through your hair while the sun kisses your skin.

You also have the luxurious option of stopping off somewhere; at a beach hotel, and being pampered for a night or two to set you up for your next few days of yachting. Have a few cheeky cocktails and recline alongside a plush pool and chill.

Wherever, Whenever and whatever

Your choice of location for this sort of tremendous trip is endless. Pick wherever it is you want to go, whatever month you want to go in, and then pack your bags and go. This isn’t a journey that happens just once a year but you can search for a date that suits you and your whole family. Whether school holiday, summer break, or a winter cruise, go at a time that’s right for you.

Do it in the time scale that you desire too. You don’t have to be on a flotilla for a full week. If you would just like a few days, you can have it your way.

Whether gallivanting in Greece, and taking in all the glories it displays, or trekking along the seas of Turkey, wherever your journey takes you, you can make the most of it and soak up the beauties of these destinations while meandering along the marine.

No Need for Persuasion: Teenagers Will Love Coming to Dubai With You

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Teens can be too cool for a lot of things. It’s not that they have bad attitudes. Sometimes, the way things are presented makes a big difference.

Think of your kids as potential buyers of a vacation getaway. How would you pitch an exotic destination like Dubai, filled with sun, sand, and sites unseen anywhere else in the world? There’s no need for persuasion when you’re talking Dubai.

Get Their Feet Wet

The first destination is not foreign to most teens. Most major areas in the US and UK have access to one or more water parks, so going to the Atlantis park or Wild Wadi shouldn’t be a unique concept. But the Atlantis park isn’t just a waterpark with slides. It hosts rare fish and mammals – even sharks!

Get Really High

The Burj Khalifa is a massive building. The observation decks are open to the public as well as any teen who has the stomach to take in the amazing yet jaw-dropping sites from this mammoth that hosts over 150 floors.

Hop in a Balloon

There are several ways to see Dubai. The creative opts for hot air balloon rides. One can see the vastness of the desert, the contours of the land, and the bustle of the outskirts and middle of cities from above. Early morning ballooners get to see the sunrise like never before. Book your ride in advance or from the comfort of your JW Marriott Hotel, Dubai luxury room.

Get to the Mall

Most parents witnessed the once greatness that was the UK and American malls. The behemoth caverns of retail outlets are harder to find these days yet the business model is thriving in Dubai. A lot of today’s teens never got to see what it was like in a 90’s mall. It was a grand shopping experience and one you can replicate today in Dubai.

Take to the Ice

It’s a bit ironic to head to an ice rink in a land that features temperatures unseen in many other places in the world but the rink affords time for teens to socialize with others their age and mom and dad to be alone.

Play Tag

Of course, any teen would roll their eyes at the mention of a game of tag. Yet the Oasis Center Mall hosts a super cool Lazer Tag arena, where kids zap other family members who hide, duck and weave throughout the game maze.

Go Offroad

Tell your teen you’re all going on a 4×4 offroading adventure and that should pique their interest. Book your safari tour through a number of vendors. Some offer other amenities such as food and a tour of the inner cities.

See the Dolphins

Some feature flower gardens and other have koi ponds, but Umm Hurrair has a Dolphinarium. You’ll have access to watersports, boat tours, and of course, a chance to swim with the dolphins. The site has food, game centers, and enough to do for the entire afternoon.

Get Skydiving

The Skydive Dubai Desert Campus is the place for indoor skydiving. It’s a thrill that few facilities around the world offer. It’s an intense experience that is safe enough for teens and the entire family. The site promises world-class skydiving without the need of a plane.

How to Survive Your Next Family Vacation

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Family vacations are fantastic. Now so many families are separated by cities, states, or even continents, getting the family together for a trip gives you all the perfect chance to have a proper catch-up and spend some quality time together without the distractions of everyday life.

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However, a family vacation can also be incredibly stressful, especially if you are traveling with children. Or your own parents! What starts as a fun catch up can quickly become an interrogation into your life, with all the old family dramas resurfacing. Here are some great tips to help you survive your next family vacation, without incident or heartbreak.

Organize Travel

Traveling can be stressful at the best of times, but if you’ve got the family all coming in from different locations to take a trip together, the logistics can be complicated. Even if there’s just a few of you, it can be tough to all arrive at the same time.

So, don’t try. Book a week or two for your vacation, give everyone plenty of notice and let everyone make their own way there in their own time.

Think of Accommodation Carefully

Accommodation is another thing that causes stress. If you are going away with family, it’s a good idea to stay in a cabin such as Birch Forest Lodge or on a campsite instead of trying to organize hotels. This way, you can have separate lodges to give everyone a little freedom, while still having a great location to spend lots of time together whenever you want.

Plan Activities

When it comes to activities, it can be hard trying to please everyone. So, again, don’t try. Book activities online beforehand if you can, or plan days fishing, trying local sports or visiting attractions. Let everyone in your party know what’s happening and when. Then they can join in when they want to but you’re under no pressure to spend the whole vacation together.

Take Some Time Off

Being in close proximity to your family can be challenging, especially if you aren’t used to it. So, when it all gets too much, take some time out. Go for a long walk on your own or spend some time exploring with your partner. Just because you are on a family vacation it doesn’t mean that you have to spend all of your time together.

Plan Meals

You probably won’t want to eat every single meal together, which is another reason lodges make an excellent choice of accommodation. But, arranging some family meals is a wonderful way to bring everyone together for some fun, even if you’ve spent the day apart. Try some local restaurants but also have nights at your accommodation barbequing, having a picnic, or you could even order food in. Make sure you’ve got some games and snacks prepared to keep the fun going once the food has finished.

The best way to enjoy a family holiday is to organize and plan in advance. Prepare plenty of activities and fun days out so there’s no chance for any old drama to resurface. Family time is important – make the most of it!

Six Smart Tips for Surviving Your First Family Road Trip

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Whether you’re trekking all the way to Disney World or are simply traveling across your home-state, family road-trips can be equal parts exciting and exhausting.

If you’ve never gone on a long-term trip with a baby on board, there’s plenty to consider before stepping foot in to the car: this is especially true when dealing with siblings, too.

Thankfully, we’ve outlined the essential tips and things to know prior to embarking on your big journey. By keeping these tips in the back of your mind, you can worry less about what happens on the road and focus on the fun of your destination.

Bring the Right Gear

Among the most important tips for traveling with baby passengers is the need for the proper gear. While some amenities such as diapers and wipes may seem like no-brainers, afterthought items such as a carrier and travel crib are must-haves when you have a baby on board. Don’t worry about packing too much: as long as you comfortably fit everyone in the car, there is no such thing as being too prepared.

Be Ready for Frequent Pit-stops

“Mom, I need to go to the bathroom!”

Be prepared to stop at just about every rest station in case of a bathroom break or diaper change. Unfortunately, such stops can put a dent in your travel time and ultimately interrupt your tiny travelers who finally fall asleep; however, these inconveniences simply come with the territory of a road trip. Bear in mind it’s better to stop more frequently, though, than end up with a bathroom emergency on your hands.

Set Mini Milestones

Perhaps one of the best ways to break up the monotony of your drive for both yourself and your little ones is by setting smaller milestones on the way to your final destination. For example, make it a point to stop at a restaurant or store that you would never be able to visit locally in order to give your kids something small to look forward to.

When in Doubt, Stock Up on Food

Whether you’re trying to keep your budget in check or simply avoid stops, it never hurts to have plenty of healthy snacks on deck. If you’re dealing with a lot of fresh fare, try to make room for a cooler in the car: otherwise, prepackaged trail mix or Cliff bars can likely do the trick.

Keep Your Kids Busy

As soon as your kids begin to grow bored, your trip tends to go downhill very quickly.

From books and tablets to gaming consoles and beyond, strive to let your kids entertain themselves. It may also be a worthwhile investment to create a playlist with your kids’ favorite tunes to engage in the occasional singalong.

Don’t make the mistake of solely relying on screens and other electronic technology, though. In the case of something breaking or chargers running out, it’s a good idea to at least have some traditional toys and games on hand.

Give Your Kids Time to Rest

If you are fortunate enough to encourage your kids fall asleep during the trip, it may be a good idea to simply let them rest for as long as they can versus interrupting their slumber. Simply use your best judgment: if you’re traveling through a populated area with plenty of places to stop, you can worry less about halting your journey. On the flip side, if the next rest are is over 50 miles away, you might want to go ahead and pull over.

Family road-trips should emphasize fun first and foremost. With these tips in mind, you can make sure that you actually enjoy your journey versus worry about the what-if’s.