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Child friendly

7 child friendly cities to visit on holiday

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A genuine concern while planning a family holiday is what activities are available for the whole family to enjoy? Increasingly more and more cities around the world join the list of ‘children friendly’ holiday destinations as the hospitality tourism ‘powers that be’ have recognized the importance of providing family friendly fun-filled attractions.

1. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is regarded as the theme park capital of the world. This is not surprising with six theme parks at Disney World, Sea World’s Discovery Cove, Gatorland, zip lining at the Amway Center, a show at Cirque de Soleil, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Lego Imagination Center, Epcot and iFly Orlando, there won’t be a dull moment left in your itinerary.

2. London
The land of Harry Potter, Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland, a visit to London should excite any child at heart (this includes adults). The city is filled with family-friendly things to do. Interesting activities and places of interest include: river cruises on the Thames, the Tower of London, Madame Tussauds wax museum, London Zoo and the bird’s eye view of the city from the London Eye.

3. Chicago
Chicago boasts its own array of child friendly must-do attractions. The extraordinary Field Museum ranks high on the list. Kids will take delight in the interactive features of the exhibits. Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, North Park Village Nature Center with its waterfall and wildlife fit a kid definition of fun.

4. Nassau, Bahamas
A haven for water filled fun activities that children love. Kids will find Nassau’s water wonderland perfect for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. The Atlantis aquarium is also a major hit with both the young and old. Families would enjoy a leisurely stroll through the craft markets and duty free shops.

5. Chiang Ma, Thailand
This family friendly town seems to summarize the best of big city Bangkok. Families who love outdoor adventure will appreciate the elephant rides to water rafting to a visit to the local zoo to hiking in the hillsides. There also remains the opportunity to give your children the invaluable experience of experiencing a different culture.

6. Dublin, Ireland
Plenty of family friendly hotels and endless attractions to keep little tourists busy and entertained, Dublin is a city to delight all ages. A hop on/off city tour is a pretty good way to access the top visitor attractions with over 25 stops including the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral and the national museums. The National Aquatic Centre, the Chocolate Warehouse and EcoAdventure Ireland also provide plenty of pure pleasure filled hours.

7. New York
New York may rank as the number one city to visit. With the abundance of attractions to delight children, it makes for a great family holiday destination too. The American Museum of National History, a Location tour (locations of TV and film), Central Park Zoo, New York Aquarium at Coney Island and the overwhelming number of dazzling shopping destinations are all good reasons to make a visit to this vibrant city.

 

Travelling with children

12 Essential items needed when travelling with small children

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Travelling with small children may not be as difficult as you might imagine. A little time spent preparing, planning and organizing and you can enjoy a successful holiday with the happy and comfortable kids. Being unprepared spells stressed out parents and equally stressed out children.

1. Food to snack on
Snacks keep children nourished as well as entertained. Choose your child’s favourite snacks, the healthier the guilt free and better. Ideally these the kids can munch on themselves without too much of a mess. Dried fruit, raisons, pretzels, stick cheeses and cereal bars. On international travel, there may be laws governing bringing in of food items in some countries.

2. Nappies/diapers/pull-ups
These can be bought practically everywhere in the world. It is important, however, to carry enough for the first day or two of your journey. This is helpful in reducing luggage space.

3. Small first-aid kit
First-aid kits should comprise of pain reliever, bandages, antibacterial ointment, a thermometer, antihistamines, cough medicine, antiseptic cream, bug repellent and relief, tweezers, paracetamol, anti-diarrohea tablets and sunscreen.

4. A change of clothing
When travelling with small children a change of clothing is essential. In the event of any mishap ending in messed clothes which is a likely event, you are safe in the knowledge that you have spare until you reach your destination.

5. Wet wipes
Wet wipes are a mother’s best friend and come in handy to refresh faces or clean hands and when changing nappies.

6. Activity bag of favourite things
Included in here could be favourite music or story cd’s. Colouring and reading books, board games and finger puppets keep kids well entertained as well. Another idea suggests experts, is to introduce a few new toys too, they add to the novelty of the journey.

7. Ziplock bags
These are amazing essential versatile items useful in most non-life threatening emergencies and one can never have enough of them. They can double up as storage bags for food, small toys, and toiletries as well as for many other objects. Light weight and hardly take up any space at all, ziplock bags earn their place on the list of essential travel items.

8. Travel adaptors
On carrying electrical items on international travel, travel adaptors

9. An umbrella
Even if you’re travelling to a sunny and hot destination, an umbrella is useful in keeping your children out of the harmful rays of the sun and prevents sunburn. Sunglassess and a hat are a good idea too.

10. Comfortable weather-proof shoes
Be prepared for walking by taking along comfortable shoes. Sometimes you may experience unexpected downpours.

11. Disinfecting hand gel
These are great when no water is available and clean hands are a prerequisite against the spreading of germs.

12. Collapsible stroller

Strollers come in very handy when having to walk long distances with mall, tired children. The collapsible variety is a space-saver and can easily be checked in or stored away in the overhead compartment.