Travel

We could all use an escape from our daily lives’ stress, yet the most we can do is take a vacation once a year.  If you owned the property you were visiting; these excursions could be infinitely less expensive! After all, who doesn’t want to get away now and then? If you’re curious about what it could be like to own your own vacation home, here are the steps to guide you towards that purchase.

Decide on a Where

What city or activity comes to mind when you think about a vacation.  Are you a beach partier, or do icy slopes make you want to look at Banff homes for sale?  This may be the easiest item on the list, but it’s still a difficult and deeply personal idea.  

If you have a family with kids, where would your family get to spend the most time together?  What would inspire everyone to settle in together and connect?  Consider everything about the ‘where’ before you move forward.  

Figure Out Your Budget

How much money per month can you afford to use?  As long as you make three times what your house payment and a potential vacation house payment would be: you should be fine!  In recent years, many have started to say that you have to make at least four times the amount you’ll have to pay, but as long as you’re financially secure, that’s not necessary.  

Window Shop Online

Look at homes in your prospective area!  This could mean glimpsing at websites to see what’s available or following influencers on Instagram who live in that area to get to know what people own in the area.  If you’ve visited before, you’ll know what to expect, but you should still window shop online to try to find a price point that feels feasible to you.  Many areas are in a sellers’ market right now, so if you want to avoid that, you can consider putting off buying until later or bargaining to lower costs.

Consider Visiting In Person

Visiting the location in person again will allow you to look at properties more hands-on.  You can talk to local agents and realtors this way and see if they’ll be willing to send you listing and video tours of homes if you don’t find something before you return home.  It’s important not to rush a decision and buy a house just because it’s available.  Think about all of your options thoroughly before you put a plan into motion.

Don’t Forget to Barter.

Being long-distance when buying a property may destroy our perception of what’s a good decision to make.  Instead of allowing yourself to purchase a property that’s overpriced just because it’s available, look at the property values of similar homes, and try to place a competitive bid.  Allow yourself to save some money and purchase a home that your entire family and yourself will love to enjoy for every vacation.

Home buying, while a long and complicated process, with careful planning and a good agent, you’ll catch a break and the hope of your dreams.

If you have been one of the ones patiently waiting for Disneyland to open, there’s finally a light at the end of the waiting game tunnel. Disneyland will open for out-of-state residents on June 15, 2021. For California residents, the park has been open exclusively to them only so unless you’re a Californian this may be old news.

However, if you’re not a California resident and are hoping to make a trip back to the magical resort, there are a few things you should know ahead of time. Some of these tips you may already know, others you may want to write into your plans for your big visit back.

Purchase tickets online and in advance

Tickets to the amusement park are being sold online only. When you arrive at the parking lot, you will be asked if you have your tickets. This will be your entry to the park and to the parking lot. Each visitor must have their ticket and a separate reservation booked which must be done on the Disneyland website only.

Once you’ve booked your reservation, be aware that you’ll need to do this for every guest visiting with you and for each day that you will be visiting. Upon entry, you will need to show the QR code for your tickets and another separate QR code for the reservation for each person.

Pack face coverings and other essentials

Although Disneyland is not requiring its visitors to show proof of vaccination, face coverings are required for kids two years old and up when walking through the park. For those vaccinated, the mask mandate will be lifted when walking through the resort outdoors but will be required indoors such as restaurants, shops, and rides.

Therefore, be sure to pack masks that loop around the ears because bandanas and other such face coverings will not be allowed. We know how easy it is to lose a mask, especially with kids so be sure to bring a pack of disposable ones so that you can replace them should something happen. Along with your masks, it’s important to pack other essentials such as hand sanitizers and snacks since only a few dining options will be available.

Since the lockers will be closed, each family member should bring a backpack with snacks and water to keep them hydrated throughout the day. If you’re bringing a stroller, be sure to pack one of your good size diaper bags in the storage compartment and follow the stroller guidelines to keep you and your family safe and comfortable throughout the day. 

Dining

As of now, there are enforced designated eating areas where you can take your mask off to enjoy your favorite Disneyland snacks. The majority of indoor dining has remained closed, however, the carts with snacks such as churros, ice cream, and pretzels can be found open throughout the park.

Another thing you’ll want to look for is that a lot of the quick-service restaurants are only taking orders via mobile orders and since order times tend to fill up quickly, you’ll want to be sure to order ahead of time so that your meal can be ready by the time you get to the pickup window. 

Shopping

To minimize high traffic areas and keep social distance, some shops will only allow a few guests at a time. Therefore, to cut on time, you may want to shop for souvenirs online prior to your trip to take with you. For example, mouse ears at Presley Couture come in a variety of Disney-themed movies and characters that won’t only save you some money it will also save you some time from waiting in line to grab a pair for your and your little one.

Don’t be surprised if they ask for you to purchase online while at the store since mobile checkout is currently being tested for all stores including downtown Disney. 

Characters

Gone are the days where you can run up to Mickey and ask for a picture. You will now find your favorite Disney characters socially distanced behind a rope you are not allowed to cross. You can still take pictures near them, just not as close as before. Another attraction that will not be open is the princess makeover station, although the shop will still be open for all of your princess’s needs. 

For those of us used to endless Disneyland visits prior to the pandemic it will seem like a big change. However, if you’re ready for the adjustments you’ll find Disneyland to be as magical as ever, especially with fewer wait times in line. 

Properly maintaining your Recreational Vehicle is highly essential when you are not traveling and your RV is standing in your parking lot. Proper maintenance is key to the extended lifespan of your RV, and that’s the prime factor that most RV owners miss.

Mostly, the RV comes with an owner manual that can help you a lot in how to maintain and care for your RV when it’s inactive. Still, we are providing you with 11 crucial caring tips for your RV.

Check Roof Seals for Leakage

The standard age of roof seals is 3-4 months. Hence you must replace the seals every two-three months. If avoided, you can witness water leakage in your RV that can damage the metal shell and damage the wirings and internal connections.

If you continue neglecting the roof seals, the water can start absorbing in the outer framework that can further move to the ceiling panels, and cause extensive damage to your RV. 

Now, you will find a plethora of sealants in the market. You should always consider a sealant that fits with your RV and is branded.

Check Tire Pressure

With time, the air pressure decreases in your RV, and it gradually degrades tire life. You should always check the air pressure and refill it whenever required. In the owner’s manual, you can check the required air pressure for front and rear tires.

Remember, keep the pressure as notified in the manual. Overfilling can also be dangerous for your RV. Overfilling can cause tire explosions that can also damage your RV and surrounding stuff.

Moreover, you should also check the wheel lug nuts. If you find them loose, it’s always good to tighten them. Loose lug nuts can create play in the wheel and axle that can be problematic when traveling.

Check RV Batteries

Batteries need regular charging, and the batteries get charged when driving. However, in the case of parking, battery drainage is a common problem that every RV owner faces.

Hence you should always keep a check of your batteries and ensure they are alive. Generally, the batteries can last for 4-5 years, followed by regular charging and maintenance. 

With time you should also check the corrosion on your battery terminals that can also degrade its lifespan.

Maintain Water Drainage System

During your traveling tenure, you have different halts where you can drain out your solid and liquid wastes. However, when your RV is parked, you must also ensure that the drainage system is completely clean. You can use various cleaning chemicals that can be used to clean the drainage system.

Ensure no solid waste is left behind as it may develop future problems for your RV. Also, regularly check the flushing system and proper water connections across the RV.

Maintain Your RV Brakes

Brakes do require regular maintenance. Brakes must be checked to ensure they are in good condition. More often, hydraulic brakes are installed in RVs and motorhomes. Hence, you should regularly check their functioning and repair them if required.

Ensure no brakes are jammed or have any leakage. This might cause a hurdle in your upcoming RV trip. In case of repair, the seals and wheel bearings are replaced to maintain the proper functioning of the braking system.

Change RV Engine Oil Regularly

Your RV is a machine that requires lubricant for the engine’s proper functioning. Hence you should regularly check the run and replace its engine oil. It is recommended to check the engine oil every 3000-5000 miles. The exact count varies based on your engine oil strength and brand. With regular running, the engine oil gets exhausted, and the level decreases.

Your engine provides you information about this or can start creating overheating issues. So, you must check the engine oil level and change it at a regular interval of time.

Lubricate and Clean Your Slide Outs

There are cases when you don’t use the slide-outs in your RV for long. That results in jammed slide-outs causing problems after a long period.

So, the thumb rule says that regular lubrication and oiling of slide-outs is a must whether you are using them or not. This way, they can stay in position and can work for you whenever needed.

Their mechanism with regular lubrication can last for long, providing you hassle-free slide-outs in your outing.

Check Electrical Connections

You would have time when the RV is not in action for a long time. In such cases, it’s essential to check whether all electric connections are in good condition or not. You can check all switches, ports, and other connectivity across the RV and ensure everything is working fine.

If you found any issue, get it repaired instantly. For top-class RVs, the function of the fridge, cooler, TV, and other appliances is also as essential as driving the RV. So, you must check every appliance, gadget, and electric connection for proper functioning.

Own a Perfect RV Cover

This is one of the smartest investments that is highly recommended for RV owners. Investing in prefabricated RV cover means you are protecting your vehicle from weather elements and keeping it completely protected.

Further, with an enclosed RV cover, you also get a fully enclosed compartment to keep your maintenance tools and make adequate repairs, cleaning, and maintenance whenever required. Numerous metal RV dealers provide you with options to choose a certified metal RV cover at an affordable price.

So, these are the prominent yet most crucial tips that you must consider when caring for your mobile home. Regular maintenance is the root of extended lifespan, and hence you must regularly maintain and clean your RV to enjoy every trip.

Planning a trip is always an exciting affair. But it is also undeniable that traveling can be expensive.

Unless money grows on trees for you, you probably don’t want to sacrifice your financial stability to travel all over the world.

Luckily, you don’t have to.

Here are five tried and tested travel tips that will help you plan a trip even when you’re on a budget.

1. Travel out of season

One of the excellent ways to travel on a budget is to do it during the off-season. That way, you won’t feel that you are missing out and you’re not breaking the bank.

There’s a reason many people or tourists travel during and around the same time as each other. Often, it’s because that’s the time when they collectively get a break from their work or school. Other times, that’s because these are the best dates to go to certain places.

For example, summertime is the best time to go to tropical destinations. When you travel, you should travel out of season to not have to deal with the masses.

Since there are many patrons in your destination when it’s in season, the prices will be astronomical. At the same time, you probably won’t have as great a time when you constantly have to deal with fellow tourists.

By traveling out of season, it doesn’t mean that you are going to miss out on a lot. Instead, you’ll have a better chance of enjoying yourself without spending more than you should simply because of your timing.

At the same time, you get to see a different side of your destination that you wouldn’t have seen if you went when tourists are aplenty.

2. Be accommodation-savvy

One of the costliest parts of traveling is the accommodations you’ve arranged for yourself. Even when you get a cheap hotel, it can still be expensive, especially if you want to be anywhere near your destination’s critical places.

That’s why you need to be smarter with where you choose to stay, especially when you think of your travel style.

Instead of sticking to staying in hotel rooms, consider branching out more. Many hikers or outdoorsy people who travel to go on trips around nature don’t bother with expensive accommodations.

If you’re interested in traveling to get from one site to the next, hostels are much cheaper. If you’re less likely to stay for hours in your chosen accommodation, you shouldn’t spend much money on it anyway.

As long as you can sleep there comfortably and safely, that should be good enough.

3. Pack properly

Another part of traveling that may add a dent to your budget would be your baggage fees. It may be tempting to bring all the items you “think” you need with you, but you have to be more strategic with what you get.

Bring multi-purpose products and avoid bringing items that you don’t need during the trip. Clothes are the parts of your pack that will take up the most space, so you ensure that you don’t pack too many of them. You should have two pairs of shoes at most with you and clothes that look good no matter what you pair them with are also helpful.

Strategic packing will be a massive help for you in terms of cutting costs during your travels.

4. Book flights in advance

Plenty of veteran travelers know that to reduce plane tickets’ costs, you need to keep an eye out for sales. At the same time, you should know to book your flights in advance.

This tip helps you travel during holidays when it’s notoriously expensive and hard to find a flight.

When you purchase your plane tickets in advance, you won’t have to settle with boarding flights at odd times. You also get to have them for a more negligible expense than you would have if you didn’t book them in advance.

5. Be smart about your flight

If you don’t have much experience booking flights from a budget airline, you should know that it doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

Read the fine print so you’d know what you’re dealing with. That way, you’d know what to expect when you book a budget airline flight.

Often, there are going to be pockets of time when certain flights are going to be cheaper. It would help to check social media to figure out these schedules and make the most out of them.

With some finagling and manoeuvring, you’ll be able to book a cheap flight to your chosen destination.

Conclusion 

Traveling with a budget shouldn’t mean that you have to compromise on enjoyment. With the tips on this list, you should make the most out of any trip.

Even when you don’t have an unlimited budget to work with for the journey, you should still have fun. Apply these next time you’re planning a trip anywhere and know that you don’t have to be a multi-millionaire to be a well-traveled person.

Are you going to be doing a lot of traveling soon? You could be going on a vacation, or perhaps you are leaving on a business trip. There are certain essential items that you always need to bring with you. You may not be able to get some of them when you are on the road.

There are certain items that we use every day and take for granted because we are close to our bathrooms and closets. Therefore, you need to think about all of the items that you absolutely need if you are going to be traveling abroad.

Five Essential Items You Absolutely Need To Bring With You

When you are planning your trip, you need to think about the possibility that you may not be able to get these items when you are traveling. It could be that there will be stores that may not have these items. You may also be traveling in remote areas where stores may not be open.

Therefore, you need to bring with you your toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and your deodorant. These are five essentials that you absolutely cannot do without.

Additional Items To Bring With You On Your Trip

These items are ones that you may or may not need. It just depends on how long you will be traveling, where you will be staying, and what type of activities you are going to do. For example, you should bring packing cubes which can help with organizing all of the items that you will bring along.

It is important to have different types of clothing. If the weather changes, and you want to put on shorts or a tank top, you need to have them with you when you travel. Toiletries are also essential. A backup roll of toilet paper is a good thing to bring.

Additionally, extra shoes, sandals, and even a water bottle can be very helpful when traveling in remote areas.

Conclusion

There are a few other items that you might want to bring with you that are not absolutely essential. This will include a headlamp and flares if you are traveling in remote areas. If you are traveling where there will be hotels, you may want to bring a microfiber towel with you.

Additionally, bring a toiletry bag that will contain items like extra toothpaste, dental floss, and many other items. By being prepared, you will never have to worry about not being able to obtain the essential traveling items that you may need.

European nations are full of lively and dynamic cities known for their nightlife, architecture, luxurious hotels, and hospitable locals. So, if you are looking forward to having a family holiday, gastronomic trip, city break, or romantic getaway either alone or with your buddies pick one of Europe’s spots as your destination.

Read below about the best destinations in Europe. Without a list to refer to, it’s no surprise that you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Best Destinations in Europe

Paris, France

I thought this should come first! The City of Light is usually on the bucket list for every traveler. Its ambiance is just remarkable. The food in Paris is what everyone wants to taste as they enjoy and try to indulge in their culture.

Let’s also give some credit to the divine cuisine and the great number of art collections. What about history? Preserved in the world-class museums you’re free to walk in and learn about France’s and the world’s history.

Take a few trips around the marvelous districts, hit the boutiques and you may think of adding to your fashion collections. Don’t forget to move to the Eiffel Tower and have your view of the city. Your memories in Paris will last forever!

London, England

Everyone is aware of the world-class sights in London. The city is great; however, I’d suggest visiting local London. Travel to the awesome untouristed markets, neighborhoods, cafes, and restaurants.

Tour the British Museum and explore the Tower of London. Bliss! Bliss!

Florence, Italy

Experience the authentic taste of Italy in Florence. Quaint hotels, stunning architecture, museums, and mouthwatering cuisine are some of the special experiences you don’t want to miss. The art and history are also special.

While you have some free time, take food tours and cooking classes. You’ll enjoy it.

Santorini, Greece

No matter where you visit in Santorini, all are stunning. The caldera views are ridiculous. Also add to the fun by enjoying the sunsets, hikes, local wines, and boat tours. Wrap it up by relaxing in the luxurious hotels.

Next, you should hit the decorated beaches – the cool sand makes for a memorable visit. Next in line, indulge in the archaeological delights of the well preserved Ancient Akrotiri. Santorini has much to offer. To drink in all it’s fascinating spots you’ll need a couple of weeks to months.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has much to offer. First, it’s history is amazing. From the decorated Park Guell to the romantic narrow alleys of Barri Gotic. Tour the architectural marvels, sacred churches, and if you love partying set foot in one of the nightclubs.

This city seems to leave no one out. It accommodates the adventurer, culture lover, and the partier with its endless choices of activities to take part in.

Are you a football fan? Go cheer and enjoy Barcelona play in their terrific stadium – Camp Nou. I’d suggest you take a week’s vacation in Barcelona. You won’t regret.

Some of the cities can be a bit expensive, though the investment is worth it. And what you pay for is what you get. Pack and go see what the world has to offer.

For many years, it has been a tradition for family vacations to involve two parents and their children. Recently, things have changed because there is a change in dynamics as there is a rise of single mums who are raising their kids. As a result, it’s common for a single mummy to travel with or without their kids. This post will show you some of the best travel ideas for a single mummy.

The importance of traveling

As a single parent, it can be difficult to care for your child. This is because you spend most of your time moving between work, school, and home. Aside from this, you need to do household duties and participate in weekend sports activities with your little one. Unfortunately, these activities can take up most of your time.

When you travel as a single mum, you have an opportunity to bond and get to know each other more. Most of the time, your kid might see you differently. They see a mum who is adventurous and funny, and not just as someone who pushes them to complete their homework and do their daily routine. Besides, being away with your kid allows both of you to know each other in a new environment. As a result, your child can appreciate and respect you as a parent.

Even better, this is a rare chance to share some of the challenges that your child is experiencing. As a single parent, you can find out and see the exact things that are affecting your child. As you can see, spending time away from home can help you learn more about your kid and their friends at school. Also, you can understand their goals in the short-term.   

How to make your travel plans work

There is no denying that while taking a trip with your kid can be exciting, it can also be an exhausting one for a single mummy. Therefore, to make things easier for you, consider doing the following things: 

• Look for hotels that have swimming pools. When planning to travel with your child, you should book hotels that have pools. A hotel swimming pool usually attracts other children, meaning your child can have someone to swim with. Therefore, you can simply sit on the sidelines and watch them while they are having fun. This means you don’t need to be in the pool the entire time.
• Prepare well for long travel days. If you intend to spend more days on the trip, then pack things that your child can do by themselves, such as games and books. You need some breathing room to ease tensions while on long train rides or flights. 
• Create time for you to be alone. You should figure out how you can find some time to be apart from your child while on vacation. This will help you to bond well during the time you come back together. Hence, you can book to have a massage and enroll your child in a kid’s club for a couple of hours. The best thing for doing this is that you will feel energized and enjoy interacting with new friends.

Family vacations give you a chance to reflect and reconnect with your child. Whether it’s a bike ride or a hike, you will have long-lasting memories of the times you spent together with your child.

These vacations don’t have to be expensive, meaning you don’t have to book luxury hotels for your child to appreciate the travel. This is because most children cherish the time spent together with you. This post will look at 5 child-friendly travel destinations. 

Rome, Italy

While Rome in Italy might not seem that attractive to your child, the history of the gods, epic battles, and ancient weapons will be appealing for the younger generation. Here is how you can help them understand the importance of this destination. Before you go to Rome, read to your child an age-appropriate book that talks about Ancient Rome. 

Alternatively, enroll your child in a gladiator school where they will learn about life in this ancient city. Even better, once they learn how to fight like the ancient warriors, they might feel cool visiting Rome. There are various types of accommodation in Rome including hotels and resorts. These places organize myths and heroes tours, treasure hunts, and family shopping trips through the city’s special designer’s shops. 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is mainly about glittering skyscrapers and fancy cars. Besides this, you can also enjoy visiting special places, such as the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project where you can feed a three-foot-wide turtle. Best of all, you can enjoy sand skiing, camel rides, and dune-bashing which involves driving a jeep over sandhills. 

There are several family-friendly activities that most hotels provide water parks with thousands of water creatures and evening programming for children so that you can enjoy time alone at night.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam has various things to keep your child busy all day long. Think about it, the city has restaurants with a corner designed for kids to play with toys. There are also playgrounds everywhere and several child-friendly attractions such as the ARTIS-Amsterdam Royal Zoo, National Maritime Museum, and NEMO Science Museum. 

The Pulitzer Amsterdam hotel boasts of having curated amenities such as natural bath products and activity books for children, rocking horses, and wide-open garden spaces.

Melbourne, Australia

There are good reasons why Melbourne was voted as the most liveable city on the planet. This is because the city is full of culture, has a variety of high-class dining, world-class sports facilities, and many more.  

Melbourne in Australia has plenty to offer including the Scienceworks Museum, watching penguins at Phillip Island and many more. There is no doubt that this place can even make you feel like a little kid once more. Imagine seeing wild forest and fern gullies and the Puffing Billy Steam Railway. 

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Monte Carlo has various awe-inspiring things like the Oceanographic Museum, Observation Cave, Exotic Gardens, and Zoological Gardens. Apart from the places, remember that Monaco is strategically located, making it easier for you to visit France and Italy both in one day. 

As a result, you can have three trips in one. You can book in any of the child-friendly hotels, such as The Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo which has various great kids programs, including Little Chef’s dessert-making lessons.