It would be fair to say that this year is different to most in the way of summer holidays and for some parents, most of the next few months might be viewed as that.

However, looking at this from an evergreen perspective, let’s analyze under “usual circumstances”. When summer arrives, parents are often inundated with concerns about what to do with their little ones. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be during summer, any prolonged holidays away from school can prompt worries about how to plan days.

If you happen to be based in London, this task becomes somewhat easier. Today’s post is all about showing ideas on how to handle this downtime with your little ones and make the most of the time off in the capital.

It can be as simple as a bus

One of the great things about little people is that it can all boil down to something that is utterly simple. This is the case with this first suggestion, with the classic Routemaster being the definition of huge excitement for some kids. Particularly if you grab something like the No11, you’ll find yourselves going past Westminster, St Paul’s and the Houses of Parliament – which can be something of a mini-tourism route!

History doesn’t cost anything

By a similar token, instead of simply riding past these historic sites, considering stopping by some of them as well. Of course, there are umpteen across the capital, but if we were to pick a specific example it would be around Covent Garden. Not only do you have the wealth of cafes and shops which can prove entertaining for kids (particularly the former), but there are historical tours, former filmsets and more that can comfortably prove entertaining for a dive back through the times.

It can be as simple as green space

For a lot of people, London is the definition of skyscrapers and modern developments. However, look within, and umpteen parks are unleashed. It might be Wimbledon Common, Brockwell Park or even something a little less well-known such as Coram’s Fields. All of these are free to enter, have some of the best playgrounds around and are great for little ones to let off some steam.

If you are in the midst of the longer summer holidays, consider creating a schedule where you visit one of these parks per day. You can combine it with the public transport system, and create a real adventure where children start to learn more about how London ticks and even the geography of it.

A trip to the theatre

If we return to our suggestion of Covent Garden, a trip to the theatre can form another itinerary for a day. There is even a week of special performances for kids to be found throughout the month of August.

Granted, other theatres are available, but in terms of bringing together the very best of theatrics in a picturesque setting, Covent Garden tops the list. It might be The Lion King at the Lyceum, or Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre, but there is a wealth of options for little eyes.

Planning a trip can usually be an enormous strain to the brain, even for someone whose hobby is to travel to different places or countries. There are numerous things to consider and to think about when you’re arranging a trip — place to stay, the number of days to spend in a certain destination, how to get from one place to another.

Just to think all of these would make you doubt whether the trip will be worth all the effort or not. This is why we have Google map hacks that would make planning an itinerary for your special vacation uncomplicated.

On this list, we are going to share a top-secret tool that would help you overcome a mind-boggling process and make it a systematic process, and enjoyable as possible. The best thing about Google Maps is that it is free and accessible to anyone. On top of that, it is extremely easy to use.

Helps in Visualizing Your Trip

You can create a list, write on sticky notes all you want that would help you organize a trip itinerary, but visually looking at it on a map is easier and would easily help you in wrapping your head around on all the things you need to do, and whether you want to go to a certain place.

We are sure you’d rather see it visually, especially if you’re a visual person or someone who enjoys using maps. Even if you’re not, it is still very practical to see and know where everything is located in association with each other as you organize your trip. This would help you be realistic in making your plans.

Aid You in Determining What Places to Spend Most of Your Time

Booking a hotel room in a city that’s almost an hour away from most of the tourist destinations would be a complete waste of time. On the other hand, using Google Maps would help you visualize what streets or hotels are near the location of the famous tourist destinations.

Using Google Maps to have a quick survey of the vicinity where most of your planned ventures would be and would essentially help you in planning accordingly. To be honest, this would help you in saving a lot of time, rather than wasting a lot of time going from place to place.

Makes the Trip More Efficient

Maybe this would be the number 1 reason for you to utilize Google Maps in making your travel itineraries. It shortens the amount of time wasted from moving to places back and forth on a city.

Arranging activities simultaneously on your itinerary that is near one another, would help you steer clear of wasting unnecessary amounts of time in transit, and would ultimately help you in saving money for transport, which is the most important thing when going on trips.

Google Map is Customizable

This app would let you write notes on each location indicator to aid you in remembering specific details so if you would desire to recall which friend suggested a certain location or which diner was ranked number 1 in the city.

You can include all kinds of information on your customizable notes. These customizations include color coding, icons, etc. that would give you the capability to personalize the map and make it what you need it to be.

Additional Information About a destination

One of the most creative features that Google Maps has is that it contains a lot of information about a specific location, such as telephone numbers, feedback information, and even a website, whether they have one. This will immediately get linked up to the location indicator if the place is on the app (which most of them are).

This would make things a lot easier for you and your travel companions to have dinner reservations at your favorite restaurants, inquire about tickets for the museums or theme parks. This would help you save the extra effort in inquiring about such information.

Takeaway

Surely, you’re already excited to use all these hacks and tips on your next vacation. Especially now that we are all under quarantine during this pandemic, be sure to mark all your destinations on your Google Maps, and visit all of them once the quarantine is over.

Author – Crystal Pitt

Before setting off on a long trip, there are quite a few things you’ll need to do to prepare. From getting all of your legal documentation in order to pack for your trip, preparing to leave for extended travel can take up a lot of time and effort. As a result, you might not give certain parts of travel preparation the attention they deserve.

One of these areas that you might find yourself neglecting is your home preparation. But in order to come home to a safe, secure, and welcoming home, preparing your home for your departure, absence, and arrival is pivotal.

To help you in doing this, here are three ways you should prepare your home before taking a long trip.

Clean Things Up

When your home sits empty, it’s easy for small messes to turn into bigger messes that you’ll have to deal with once you get home, especially in the kitchen. Because of this, you should take the time to clean things up before you leave.

According to Taylor Martin, a contributor to CNet.com, at the very least you should clean out your refrigerator and food storage areas as well as taking out all of the trash in your home. By doing this, you’ll rid your house of anything that could attract pests while you’re away or that could turn into a science experiment that you have to clean up once you return. You may also want to consider doing things like changing your sheets and airing out your washing machine and dishwasher as well.

Plan For Outdoor Maintenance

Along with preparing the inside of your home, you should also do some outdoor maintenance as well. This is especially important as a way to protect your home from appearing vacant during your absence.

To best do this, HomeAdvisor recommends that you take on outdoor maintenance based on the time of year you’re going to be gone. For example, in the winter, you’ll want to remove snow from your property and insulate any water pipes so they don’t freeze. In the fall, you should rake up any leaves that may have fallen. And in the spring or summer, you may want to plan to have someone come to your home to mow your lawn or care for your landscaping so nothing gets overgrown.

Keep Your Home Secure

Arguably the most important way to prepare your home for your leaving on a trip is to make sure everything is secure while you’re away.

As part of this, HGTV suggests putting your lights on timers so it appears that someone is turning them on and off each day. Additionally, you should also lock all of your windows and doors, remove any spare keys you have hidden, and put a stop to any mail or other deliveries.

If you’re going to be leaving for an extended trip or vacation, consider using the tips mentioned above to prepare your home before you leave.

Bali stands out as the Indonesian gem in the archipelago string of the Sunda Islands. Just 8 degrees off the equator, the hot sunshine and the lower level of rainfall than most of the other Indonesian islands, attracts visitors from across the world. Its glorious tropical climate, colourful culture and traditions shaped by 4000 years of history, leaves an indelible impression on everyone that treads its ancient soil or explores its clear warm waters.

Bali is known for its beautiful, white sandy beaches and baying palms that pepper the South and Southwest coasts of the island, but there are also the lesser known black sand beaches in the North, East and West which are less exploited by tourism. Pererenan and Seseh, Echo and Lovina are just a few of these un-spoilt phenomena.

Getting to, From Bali

It’s simple, Bali Ferry. Booking is simple, secure and guaranteed. With Bali Ferry you have access to the all-important, local knowledge. They will answer all your questions, times locations and destinations are clarified and confirmed. Bali Ferry expert staff are able to help you shape your itinerary, maximize your experience and ignite your intrigue in Bali’s mysticism.

Bali Ferry customer service is second to none, and starts even before you make a booking. They check the quality, safety and reliability of all the fleet vessels. They ensure convenient boarding and departure times, connections and pier safety and services. The attention to detail that Bali Ferry insist upon has earned them the accolade of being the most respected operator in the region.

Only when Bali Ferry are satisfied with the service can your Bali Ferry experience begin. This starts with your booking, for your convenience, from your computer or smartphone, e-tickets are issued guaranteeing your booking. Via the digital media they are also able to keep you up to date with discounts, promotions and alterations to services or schedules, which can occur due to outside influences, such as a change in weather conditions.

With your e-ticket printed and in hand, simply present it to the staff at your point of departure. Bali Ferry are well known and respected by all ferry and boating staff, and having a Bali Ferry ticket ensures you are given an exemplary service.

Round and About Bali with Bali Ferry

Bali Ferry gets you to and from the most amazing and fascinating places within the Sunda archipelago. There are frequent links with the island of Lombok, this island to the east of Bali is renowned for beautiful beaches, sun worshipers and surfing aficionados will be in their element here, 2 of the most popular beaches are at Kuta and Banko Banko. With fares as low as 846 Baht, this represents the best possible value for money.

Nusa Lembongan is idyllic, it’s surrounded by turquoise waters and portrays a laid back pace of life. Here, marine conservation is very important to the local. The waters around the island contain 247 species of coral and 562 species of fish that feed off the reefs. With fares from just 484 Baht, for anyone keen on snorkeling and exploring marine life, Nusa Lembongan is must do destination.

Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno are 3 tiny islands to the Northwest of Bali and a short distance for the West coast of Lombok. These islands, collectively, are a real treasure. There are coral reefs to leave you in awe, turtles to fawn over and ship wrecks to explore. These 3 islands leave each visitor with memories galore, and all from just 735 Baht per adult and with discounts for children.

From 523 Baht allow Bali Ferry to take you to Nusa Penida. Amazing photo opportunities await the visitors to Nusa Penida. With, almost unrealistic, rock formations rising up from the turquoise waters, here there are sights that must be seen to be truly appreciated. Nusa Penida, along with its close neighbours, Lembongan and Ceningan islands, make up the regions bird sanctuary, this is a real must for any keen ornithologist, and a simply amazing marvel of tropical birds for those that are not.

Exploring the wonders of the Sunda islands archipelago, in and around Bali, shouldn’t be trusted to chance, it needs to trusted to the experts. Traveling to and from Bali and with inter island links, there is not a more comprehensive service in the region than that offered by Bali Ferry. With safety and customer service being the mantra, you are in safe hands with Bali Ferry. Visit www.baliferry.com for a complete, unequalled service that leads to memories that last a lifetime.

South Florida is a top tourism destination for a good reason. For starters, it provides a combination of a vibrant mix of contrasts as well as scenic views while playing host to some of the world’s best wildlife sanctuaries. Delicious seafood eateries, world-class shopping spots to rich marine life as well as exotic beaches add to the glamour of a top travel destination for relaxation and adventure.

Below are some of the spots that should be in anyone’s bucket list while visiting South Florida

Sanibel Island

Located along the Gulf of Mexico, Sanibel Island is an ideal travel destination for sea lovers. The island offers scenic views of the sea with plenty of beautiful landscapes as well as heritage sites and landmarks. The island is best known for its sunsets as well as luxurious resorts.

Rich marine life made up of seashells contributes to the popular island activity, which is shelling. The island is also home to vast species of American alligators, as well as various species of birds such as egrets and herons.

While the island is ideal for plain relaxation, taking a boat ride or going out for fishing should add to the excitement.

Florida Keys

If you want to experience and indulge in some of the world’s best water adventures, then the Florida Keys is the place to be. Home to idyllic landscapes, this top travel destination is ideal for snorkeling as well as diving past colorful reefs.

The surrounding is also filled with lively restaurants as well as bars for spending quality time. While visiting, you can wrap up the evening sightseeing the sun setting by pairing the salty ocean breeze with fresh seafood.

The Florida Keys is also home to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park that is a serene park with coral reefs seagrass swamps and mangroves extending three miles into the ocean. While here, you can take a glass-bottom boat ride or go snorkeling and kayaking. Here is also where you will find the nation’s first-ever underwater park.

Boca Raton

Better known as Boca, Boca Raton has everything that one might need when traveling. Exotic beaches, one of a kind golf course, fine hotels, and excellent art museums means you can never get bored while visiting.

Boca Raton is also an ideal shopping spot while in South Florida. The glittery city comes with more than 200 upscale and elite specialty shops. Countless boutiques and fine restaurants should take the shopping experience to another new level.

The Mizner Park Amphitheater is the place to be if you wish to spend quality time at concerts and events. Similarly, if you wish to be caught in the pageantry of some college football games, make plans to visit the Cherubini Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl at the FAU stadium. The Spanish River Park is the place to be if you wish to sightsee and learn more about marine life

Fort Myers

For a perfect mix of nature and family-friendly attractions, Fort Myers is a must-visit in South Florida. The charming city is best known for fishing as well as shopping opportunities. Historical landmarks also come in plenty ideal for sightseeing.

While at Fort Myers, create time to visit Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Estates to learn more about some of the nation’s famed inventors. You can wander around the botanical gardens that sit on a 20-acre property.

The Seminole Gulf Railways should offer an exciting picturesque trip through the surrounding countryside. Batting cages, nature parks are some of the attraction sites in addition to beautiful beaches with an abundance of shells as well as stunning sunsets.

West Palm Beach

If you wish to learn more about South Florida Culture, West Palm Beach is a must-visit. Located along the Atlantic Coast, the top travel destination is ideal for exploring artwork in the Norton Museum. You can also spend some quality time while catching a show at the Kravis Center best known for performing arts.

Buzzing nightlife is what Clematis Street is all about, ideal for relaxing after wandering around throughout the day. During the evening, you can spend quality time relaxing in some of the city’s luxurious upscale restaurants watching the sunset. Sandy beaches and some of the nations enticing waterways should add to the excitement.

West Palm Beach is also home to Mounts Botanical Garden, the oldest and largest public garden in South Florida. This is the place to be to see flowers from around the world.

Conclusion

South Florida stands out as a top travel destination given its enormous coastline, sunny skies as well as endless attractions scattered all over. Tourism is a big deal in the area given that this part of the state is warmer for longer portions of the year than most parts of the country. For that matter, South Florida is the closest you will ever get to the Caribbean vacation.

If you’re looking forward to embarking on your next international adventure and are on the hunt for new gadgets to purchase which will make your future trips easier and new games to keep yourself entertained on your trips, you’ve come to the right place. Simply continue reading in order to discover a comprehensive list of gadgets and games that you’ll find handy on your next trip.

Gadgets and games while you travel:

3 Travel gadgets that are well worth purchasing:

A portable power bank:

You should never leave home without a portable power bank as not only will you be able to use a portable power bank to recharge a flat smart phone battery but you’ll also be able to use a portable power bank to charge any electronic device which has a USB port. As examples, you should be able to use a portable power bank in order to charge a laptop or a tablet.

A travel sized steamer:

If you’d like to look your best on your overseas holidays, it’s also a great idea to purchase a small, travel size steamer, which you’ll be used to get rid of any creases in your clothing. After all, you don’t want to enjoy dinner at a Michelin star restaurant in Paris in a wrinkled shirt or dress. If you frequently travel for business purposes, you’ll also find having a travel sized steamer in your suitcase, extremely useful.

An electronic translator:

If you find it difficult to communicate effectively in non English speaking countries, make sure to purchase a small electronic translator, which you’ll be able to use to communicate with locals who don’t speak English.

Fun games to play while you travel:

Online casino games:

If you can remember the fun you had last time that you visited a casino, it’s well worth visiting an online casino to entertain yourself on your trips. Especially when you’re waiting in line to purchase tickets for an attraction or are stuck in an airport terminal waiting for a delayed flight. Some of the fun casino games which you’ll be able to play include themed slots, bingo, keno, poker, baccarat, roulette and blackjack. If you’re interested, make sure to get details for casino bonuses, in order to get the best possible value for your money.

Solitaire:

Solitaire is a classic card game which you’ll be able to play when you’re traveling without a travel companion. You may want to travel with a pack of physical cards which you’ll be able to use on train journeys, plane flights and bus journeys or you may want to play solitaire on your smartphone.

Candy Crush Saga:

If you’re looking for a fun, addictive, simple to play game which is perfect for traveling, it’s definitely well worth playing Candy Crush Saga. Which is to this day the most popular match 3 puzzle game in the world.

So if you travel frequently for business or pleasure, hopefully you will find some of the travel information which has been listed above useful. Especially if you enjoy purchasing the latest travel gadgets and playing games to pass the time on your travels.

 

It’s impossible not to have a good time in Las Vegas because there’s always so much to do. However, you really need at least a week to get a good idea of what all the city has to offer. But if you only have a long weekend to spend in Sin City, here’s what you should keep in mind to make the most out of your trip.

Stay on the Strip

There are many ways to make your trip to Vegas a success, and choosing the right place to stay should be at the top of your list. Although hotels farther from the Strip are cheaper, you’ll probably want to stay in a hotel along the Strip so you’ll be closer to all the action: casinos, clubs, shows, restaurants, and shopping. This will make your trip far more pleasant because you’ll spend less time getting around and more time having fun. And that’s especially important to do when you’re only there for a long weekend.

Hit Up the Casinos

You can’t go to Vegas and skip the casinos — Vegas is home to some of the best casinos in the world. Our top picks to visit are Caesar’s Palace, Silverton Casino, and the Bellagio. But if you’re looking for a casino that is known for a particular activity or game, it helps to do some research in advance. For example, Caesar’s Palace is the best place to wager on sports. The Bellagio is known for poker, and the Silverton Casino and ARIA are known for their slots. Additionally, the MGM Grand and the Golden Nugget are often the best choice for those who are new to Vegas and aren’t heavy gamers.

See a Show

Besides being nicknamed Sin City, Las Vegas is also known as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” due to its quantity of high-production stage shows like the Cirque du Soleil shows and the Tournament of Kings. But there are plenty of other great shows to see, like Terry Fator, Penn and Teller, the Blue Man Group, and Absinthe. Better yet, tickets are reasonably priced in comparison to other shows like Broadway shows. You can also get discounted tickets online on sites like Tix4Tonight or at booths along the Strip.

Vegas is also a popular tour stop for many well-known musicians, so if that’s a priority for you, check out upcoming concert dates before booking your trip. Some recent and upcoming performers include Keith Urban, Gwen Stefani, Aerosmith, and The Chainsmokers.

Go on a Helicopter Tour

This might not be the first thing you’ll think of when planning a trip to Vegas, but helicopter tours are extremely popular in the area. You can take a tour of the city at night, which only takes about 10 minutes to one hour depending on the package you choose. If you have more time to dedicate to a tour — i.e. three to seven hours — choose a package that allows you to see the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Grand Canyon. It’ll certainly be an experience you’ll never forget!

Have a Nice Meal

Las Vegas is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, particularly French restaurants. So if you’re going to splurge on one fine meal over the weekend, do so at Restaurant Guy Savoy, Picasso, the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Joel Robuchon, or Twist by Pierre Gagnaire. French food not your thing? Vegas is also known for its Japanese restaurants, American steakhouses, and Italian restaurants. Some options of these to consider include: Aburiya Raku, Hatsumi, Andiamo Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, and Piero’s Italian Cuisine. Just make sure to make a reservation beforehand and follow the dress code.

With a little pre-trip planning — such as booking a show or making a reservation — there’s no reason you can’t fit all of these activities into a weekend trip. You’ll definitely make the most of your time in Vegas if you do!

Did you know that taking out a loan can actually save you money? This is especially true when you are using the loan for traveling. Here are a few ways that applying online for a travel loan can help you save money and then enjoy your trip more!

Grab Deals Quickly

When you are planning a trip, you may be checking hotel prices, airline prices and vacation packages frequently. You want to find a good deal! However, you never know when a deal might come along. An airline ticket might drop hundreds of dollars overnight, meaning you need to book the flight quickly! When this happens, you might not have the cash you need, ready to go. Hop online, apply for fast cash loans and you can get approved within a matter of minutes. Use that cash to book the travel deal you found and you will save a lot! You can pay off the small loan you used anytime afterward and be happy knowing you got that deal.

Lower Interest Rates

When you choose to use a travel loan rather than a credit card, you will definitely save money on interest payments. Small loans typically have much lower interest rates when compared to credit cards. In addition, you can shop around online for the loan with the best rates before you apply. Skip the credit card and use a travel loan to pay for your trip and you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Set Interest Rates

In addition to having lower rates, travel loans are typically structured to be paid off in set, monthly amounts. You will know exactly how much your bill will be monthly, enabling you to budget properly. It will also ensure that the amount you owe never increases as it can with a credit card. Credit card interest rates are based on your card balance. If you continuously pay the minimum, rather than paying the card in full, your interest rate payment will climb and climb, meaning you are wasting money.

Travel Off-Season

Saving for a vacation can take months and even years. By the time you save the money you need, the prices may have increased or it may be in the peak season of your destination, driving up prices. Rather than wait and risk increasing prices, apply for a travel loan online and book your trip now. You can pay the loan later and take advantage of low off-season prices.

Online Loan Advantage

One of the keys to applying for a travel loan is that you can shop online from the comfort of your home. This enables you to compare loan terms, look for the lowest interest rates and find the best loan for you. This will save you money and help you get the best loan possible. While online loan shopping is fantastic, most online lenders are still reachable through phone, email or in person, in case you have any questions or need some guidance. Be sure to do your research and you will save a lot of money!

There is literally nobody on earth who does not associate Las Vegas with amazing casinos. Right from Bellagio’s to Silverton Casino Las Vegas, there are plenty of options waiting for you to try out your luck in this city. Here are our top picks:

1. Caesar’s Palace

   Bringing in all the fun experience you need when it comes to a Casino, Las Vegas is pretty much the go-to place when you want to enjoy the most popular gambling haven of Las Vegas. With an ancient Roman setting in place and a lavish surrounding right there for you with table games and favorite slots, you can enjoy the best of games. Try your luck at poker and blackjack and do not forget the race and sportsbook, which is a complete matter of pride and joy for people here. Whether you want to win it big or simply enjoy the experience, Caesars Palace is pretty much right on point for giving you the gambling experience you need.

2. Silverton Casino

   The Silverton Casino Hotel in Las Vegas is perhaps one of the most ideal spots to visit. Its biggest advantage is that it is quite close to the shopping hub and closely connected to the airport. The entertainment options for skill games here are unending. Right from table games to a variety of slots, to the race and book games, you can enjoy every offering at the Silverton Casino Hotel at Las Vegas. Overall, this place boasts of like 1,500 slot machines in total.

3. Bellagio

   The Bellagio Casino is one of the best gaming destinations that Las Vegas has to offer. It is spread over 116,000 square feet of the casino floor which entertains everybody ranging from casual visitors to the most VIP of clientele. This has been the scene for 20 years. Everything here right from penny slots to the table games situated in private rooms can be enjoyed by the patrons at all times of the day. The reason why this place has made the commercial definition of Las Vegas casino is that it delivers nothing but the best. The MGM resorts network here makes for the best hospitality partner and you are sure to have the time of your life here.
   

While these were, of course, our top picks when it comes to the best casinos in Las Vegas; here are some more options you can consider making the most of your casino experience at Las Vegas:

• Golden Nugget
• The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
• Planet Hollywood

Well, our pick for overall amazing casino is the Silverton Casino in Las Vegas. It is one of the most prime spots to have fun and has too much to offer to you! Additionally, for all the royalty, nobody can underestimate Bellagio. Also, Wynn Las Vegas and Caesar’s also have a lot to offer to you! So, get done with the popular strip and try your luck at any of these gambling havens of the world.