Author: Norshafa

I love writing about social media, motherhood and travel. Combining passion for photography and writing, I aim to share information on life and places, even if it's just 5 minutes from home!

5 Top Things to do at Walt Disney World Florida

We’ve never met anyone who hasn’t had a bucket list for travels. Even if it’s local, or just a few hours worth of travel time, friends/family and strangers can be heard saying how they have a dozen places or more that they’ve dreamed of traveling to. Personally, we have dozens of destinations on our travel list. Yes, this includes both near and far destinations but on the larger scale of things, our most fantasized about locations are many thousands of miles from my hometown. We’ve dreamed of worldwide travel since our childhood.

In fact, one of our most desired places to visit is Walt Disney World, which most known is located in none other than sunny, Florida! Although we’ve been longing for pristine beaches, shady palm trees, quaint beach side eateries and marine life, we can’t deny that a day filled with pure Disney magic & fun has been beckoning to us as well. Walt Disney World has long been called the most magical place on earth, and with all of the spirit of childhood dreams & experiences meant to stay with visitors for a lifetime, it has more than earned its reputation over the last 40+ years since its grand opening.

Although we have yet to cross Disney World off of our ever growing bucket list, we know a few who have and had so many delightful stories to tell. From my loved ones and even those we’re just meeting, the stories of things they want to experience when they visit are endless. This is why we’ve decided to compile our own list of top things to do at Walt Disney World, should our day ever come to sprinkle ourselves in Pixie Dust and explore every nook & cranny of the most magical place on earth. We hope that for those who have never experienced Walt Disney, our list helps inspire them to either make or add new experiences to their list of things to do; for those of our readers who have made the trip, we hope our list can hold up to the true experience you’ve gotten to live!

1. Character Meet & Greet.

This might be something that is best suited for little ones but to be honest, meeting the Disney Characters that have brought magic into our lives as well as countless others, is among the first things we’ll be doing if we ever make it through the gates of Disney World! Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Peter Pan, Ariel and more can be found around the park (check your map so you don’t miss scheduled meet ups!) waiting for you with a hug and eager to hand out autographs.

Visitors can also schedule FastPasses to be able to schedule a meetup with multiple characters at once, like Anna & Elsa. Meeting your favorite characters will require dedication and research but if you’re a true Disney fan it’ll be worth the leg work.

2. The famed Fireworks show.

Who doesn’t love a good fireworks display? We know we certainly do! If you’ve heard about the character meetups before, then you’ve definitely heard words about the world famous fireworks shows at Disney World. The best part about this spectacular shows is that there’s more than one so you’re guaranteed to witness one or the other or both if you’re paying attention/plan accordingly.

You can catch the formal shows that are done in specific areas of the park or you can catch the standing view shows that are done park-wide, featuring dazzling fireworks & an accompanying parade. If you can’t bear to settle for second best, we’ve heard that the show you want to be at can be found within Magic Kingdom, at the Happily Ever Show. Living out your childhood dreams at Walt Disney World will be topped off by the iconic Disney castle coming to life with animation, story, and song to tell some of your favorite character stories.

3. Grab a seat and Be Our Guest.

As a die hard Beauty and the Beast fan, this is one experience that Shafa can’t pass up, no matter what experience try to dazzle her along the way. We’ll have to be sure to make our reservation well in advance because as we’ve heard it be told, it’s almost impossible to get a dinner reservation unless it’s done with plenty of planning beforehand. Lunch is easier to get into, however it isn’t exactly the full experience we’re dying for.

4. Dine Around the World.

This particular feature of Disney is able to be experienced by both adults and children. Celebrated in Epcot (another park within Disney) visitors can experience the wonders of food around the world or popular adult beverages from France, Germany, etc. You won’t walk away disappointed or with an empty stomach, that’s for sure!

5. Calling Avatar fans!

We know we should have mentioned more about rides and dining options in my earlier 4 top things to do a Walt Disney World BUT we couldn’t pass this one up. If you’ve ever seen the film, Avatar, then you know you absolutely have to have to experience Pandora – the World of Avatar, for yourself. Visitors can experience 3-D rides such as Flight of Passage, wander though the floating mountains or go on to dine at vegetarian friendly restaurant locations inspired by the movie.

    Like we said, we know we should have talked more about rides, food, etc. but from our own bucket list and those we’ve spoken to about their own experiences, the top 5 had spoken to us. Our research also led us to so many other noteworthy things to do within Walt Disney World, but maybe our readers will get a part 2 to the Top 5 Things to do at Walt Disney World, in the near future!

    5 Best Beaches In Miami

    The sound of palm trees swaying lazily in the breeze, an endless abundance of warm sun rays on your skin, sandal weather all year around and quaint little tourist shops are just a few things that come to mind when we think of Florida, also known fondly as the Sunshine State. With its picturesque sunsets, the allure of endless beaches and warm weather, it’s no surprise that Florida is one of the most coveted travel destinations in the world. Tourists from colder states and even backpackers from overseas visit the state in troves every year just to get a taste of the Floridian lifestyle, some even going home briefly only to return months later to relocate permanently.

    While the state has a lot to recommend to travelers and those fleeing colder weather, such as amusement parks, botanical gardens, and other hidden gems, the main attraction is certainly the beaches; hands down, no contest. The first question many tourists ask upon arrival is usually somewhere along the lines of “where’s the nearest beach?” or “what is the best beach to take my family to, within easy driving distance”. Visitors are always a hurry to hit the beach, dip their toes in the warm Florida waters and work on their tans.
    Now that we’ve, hopefully, given you a tantalizing glimpse of what visitors have in store for them while in the Sunshine state, we’d love to help further the cause by telling our readers about a few locations, in particular that are the highlight of Florida’s beach scene.

    Central Florida beaches are quite the lure for tourists, however, Miami is the biggest bucket list destination for many tourists. This is due to the clear blue waters, shimmering white sands and exotic street fare offered right on the beaches. Locals and tourists alike spend their days crowded on the beaches, lining the sidewalks to visit popular eateries and soaking up the sun in the balmy Miami weather.

    There are dozens of beaches located in Miami, ranging from large to more intimate options depending on personal preference. Most are open to the public, although there are some that aren’t, and offer visitors the option of public restrooms, picnic areas and also, on-site grills. There are even on-site lifeguards who are trained to monitor the beach, use life saving measures should they be needed and who also keep beach-goers up to date with beach conditions by utilizing flags that list rip currents, wind conditions, etc.

    For our readers who have been dying to visit Florida or more specifically, Miami, we’ve done some research on the best beaches to visit and have come up with a list of our top 5. These beaches made it to our top 5 based on location, size, attractions and of course, the natural beauty factor. With that being said, let’s get started and see if any of them manage to get a spot in your Top 5!

    1. Virginia Key Beach.

    (Source: viginiakeybeachpark.net)

    Minutes away from some of the top tourist destinations in the area, retail hot spots and dining options, this particular beach stretches over a mile of natural shoreline and attracts both locals as well as tourists, who are able to traverse the beach/park via the miniature train that was built specifically for getting around the park itself.

    In addition to two different playgrounds, which are ideal for parents of small children, Virginia Key also boasts a historic carousal that still stands today AND a dance floor that is available for rentals for parties, events, etc.

    So in addition to a beautiful natural landscape that visitors can enjoy while being surrounded by swaying palms, Virginia Key has various other attractions with which to draw in visitors.

    2. 85th Street Beach.

    (Source: Vylla)

    We’re going to have to be honest and come right out to say that this one made it to our list simply because it’s one of the most secluded beaches in Miami and we’re all for relaxation without the added foot traffic, both automotive & people related. As one of the only stretches of beaches that are devoid of condos or traffic, 85th Street Beach is ideal for those who prefer quiet over large crowds.

    Due to being so far from the normal as far as beaches go, a.k.a being less populated, 85th Street is also lacking in major draws such as food carts, grills, etc. so visitors will want to be sure to bring everything they’ll need for a days worth of fun in the sun.

    3. South Beach.

    If you’re dreaming of seeing Hollywood stars and basking in all of the glamour, then South Beach is the most happening beach in town. Frequented by celebrities, South Beach is ideal for those who don’t shy away from the spotlight/crowds.

    Additionally, if you like being more active than just settling down on the beach and staring out into the blue waters, don’t forget to head to Haulover Park, which is a short distance away, to enjoy activities such as bicycle rides, tennis, golf and for fishing!

    4. Homestead Bay Park

    (Source: Visit Florida)

    Although it has a USD7 entrance fee and flotation devices are prohibited (wonderful conservationist effort on behalf of the animals & environment) Homestead Bay Park is ideal for those looking for a lowkey vacation spot. Located just North of the Florida Keys, Homestead Bay Park features crystal clear waters, a full service restaurant set in a tropical setting and a pool for those who aren’t a fan of swimming with the wildlife.

    5. Crandon Park.

    Last but not least, this particular beach is the most idea for visitors who are traveling with family. Famous for its clear waters, white sand and depths that are ideal for little ones, Crandon Park is the perfect destination for travelers with small children. Featuring a board walk, nature center AND a family amusement center, you can’t go wrong by adding Crandon to your bucket list if you’re heading to Miami in the future!

    While we can only put words on a page, we can’t do justice to these Top 5 Miami Beaches but we do hope we at least painted a tangible picture for our readers to enjoy and consider while planning a trip to sunny Florida! If our Top 5 didn’t catch your fancy, don’t worry: there are MANY other beaches for tourists that you can find or if you’re feeling adventurous, inquire about once you’ve reached Miami.

    5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Le Quadri Hotel

    Hello readers!

    It has been quite some time since we last post for ourselves.

    We have been busy with our stuff lately. Clients to meet, social medias to manage, articles to write, as well as preparing for an upcoming Webinar in November & December with Spendless Academy!

    Nevertheless, we still have time to visit our LinkedIn connection, Vincent Leong, for a quick tour around Le Quadri Hotel. Want to know what we think of the hotel? Read on!

    1. Strategic location

    Well, it is strategic if you are the peaceful type. It is in Kuala Lumpur, but not at the centre, so traffic is not as congested. Plus, there are not too many buildings around. We would say it’s quite convenient for you to hold any event there!

    2. Comfortable rooms

    The picture above was one of the rooms available for visit when we were there. The room was comfortable, with a lot of facilities available. There was, of course, television, telephone, mini fridge, international plague, kettle, safe deposit, iron, iron board, shower robe, slippers, laundry bags, and the most awesome – weighing machine! We know, holidays can make you gain weight, so to us it is definitely a great idea!

    Oh yes, and do expect that it’s a basic toilet with a standing shower. Looks good to us!

    3. Awesome Grab & Go

    Shafa was meeting Vincent at Aroma’s Coffee. It serves coffee and pastries, and if remembered correctly, Shafa was having a Cappuccino (maybe) which tasted so delicious!

    The place was beautiful, and looks very cosy. It’s a great place to just hang out and have some coffee while doing your work or chat with your friends!

    4. Western dining with a beautiful view

    Aside from Aroma’s Coffee, there is Hatton – the hotel’s Western restaurant. It offers a wide variety of prime beef and fresh seafood. You can actually see two scenaries from here – on one side is very green, just like in the picture above. On the other side, you can see the city. How splendid!

    5. Chinese food available

    Tired of the same old Western food at hotel restaurants? Worry no more, for Le Quadri has a Chinese restaurant for you to satisfy your taste bud! And don’t worry Muslims, Vincent has assured that they have attended halal food training, so that they will be able to serve only halal food for everyone. How nice is that?

    Those are 5 of the many reasons why you should consider Le Quadri hotel in any event that you are having, even how small. Just try it and share your experience in the comments section below!

    5 Alaska Destinations That Will Blow Your Mind

    By Nikki Spitzer

    A vacation to Alaska is one you will never forget! There is so much to see that will ultimately astound you, but I would like to share my favorite 5 Alaska Destinations That Will Blow Your Mind!

    1. Juneau

    Famous for being the state capitol, Juneau has much more to see than the small and not so typical capital building. Juneau is unique because is only reachable by boat or seaplane.
    Mount Roberts towers over town and you can take the tramway up for beautiful views. Once at the top, you can choose to take the tramway back or hike down.
    Juneau Icefield above the city contributes to the areas many glaciers, but Mendenhall Glacier is the big attraction here. My favorite, and the best way to see Mendenhall Glacier in my opinion would be the “Paddle & Trek” excursion. Start out paddling across Mendenhall Lake, explore the glacier’s gorgeous ice caves and then trek up the glacier with crampons on your boots. Quite the adventure!

    2. Hubbard Glacier

    Most cruises include Hubbard Glacier on their itinerary and it is a sight to see. As you sail past small icebergs in the water a massive 400-foot-tall wall of ice awaits. The glacier spreads more than six miles where it meets the ocean. The best part is the calving. Once you hear a crack, look for a large piece of ice to tremble and listen for the coming thunderous roar. It is incredible!

    3. Talkeetna

    Along the way to Denali, this tiny town at its base is what you would think of as an idyllic small Alaskan town. It is filled with art, yummy food and fun outdoorsy adventure opportunities. Being close to Denali, flightseeing is popular. Float trips and fishing are also options since Talkeetna is located where three rivers meet.
    Eat a delicious lunch or dinner at Wildflower Café and visit Nagley’s Store, established in 1921. Besides being part of Talkeetna’s history, Nagley’s was also home to Mayor Stubbs, a famous cat who was named Mayor in 1998 and remained mayor for 20 years!

    4. Denali National Park

    Denali National Park is a must see on any visit to Alaska. Mount Denali is the tallest mountain in North America at 20,310 feet. Appropriately, the meaning of the Athabascan word Denali is “The Tall One” and it is an amazing sight to see. The park itself consists of 160 miles of a beautiful landscape consisting of mountains, valleys and rivers. This is an incredible background for wildlife viewing with over 37 species of mammals and 130 bird species. There is definitely a lot to see here!

    5. Anchorage

    This is Alaska’s big city complete with its own Hard Rock Cafe. Although to most of us, it isn’t so large but just big enough for a wide variety of cultural, entertainment, food and adventure options. Anchorage is a perfect Alaska “base camp” and was named one of “The 10 Hottest U.S. Destinations for Summer 2018” by TripAdvisor.
    Within walking distance is Ship Creek where you can rent fishing equipment and fish for Salmon right there in the city. There are over 135 miles of paved trails for walkers and bikers. For hiking, horseback riding and even dog sledding there are more than 300 miles of unpaved trails. All sorts of daily excursions are possible as Anchorage is a short drive, boat or plane ride to many wilderness adventures including fly-fishing, gold panning, ice climbing, glacier exploring and much more.
    Anchorage is also home of the starting line of the “Last Great Race on Earth” – the famous Iditarod, dogsledding at its best. The race is scheduled for March 2, 2019 and making it a fun time to visit. While in town, be sure to kiss the statue of Balto the famous sled dog for good luck!

    For more on Alaska and other travel destinations, please visit my blog at www.travelalatteblog.com

    About Author

    Nikki Spitzer is Travel Agent specializing in Alaska, Hawaii and Europe. Her love of travel began when she was small and since then she has been totally addicted! She and her family value travel and vacation time together and she is always planning their next adventure. Nikki especially enjoys working with families and groups to create personalized itineraries that exceed their expectations. By taking care of all details, she saves clients time and stress so that they can enjoy their time together.
    To discover more about Alaska and other travel tidbits, check out her website at https://www.magicalmomentsvacations-nikkispitzer.com

    Best Ideas For Camping in The US

    Camping is a fun and exciting recreational activity. There are multiple ways that you can enjoy camping, depending on your level of comfort and outdoor experience. Here are some of our favorites.

    State parks are ideal for camping. Because the state manages them, they are generally well maintained and easily accessible. You do have to pay to enter a state park, but the price of admission is well worth it. In addition to camping, many state parks are near natural wonders such as lakes, mountains, or rivers. Your list of activities will often include hiking, fishing, swimming or learning about new wildlife. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop and pick up a souvenir!

    Campground parks are another camping option. Many are run by a national for-profit organization, so they are interested in your repeat business. That means they’re usually well maintained and staffed by knowledgeable people able to help direct you to any fun events or don’t-miss activities in the area. Campground parks typically have more amenities than state parks, with showers, laundry rooms, and cooking areas. Some may have pools and places where you can connect to the internet or play games.

    While most of us imagine camping to be something that you do out in the woods, many camping areas are located near beaches or in areas where you can enjoy the natural scenery. Some of these camping areas may be privately owned, and you should plan ahead of time to see if reservations are necessary and space is available.

    Of course, if you’re just starting out on your camping adventures, you may want to start in your own backyard. Having adventures in your backyard is a great way to introduce kids to camping, and provides you with the opportunity to test your gear. Trust me-you don’t want to realize you need a hammer for your tent stakes at 8:30 in the evening while it’s raining and the kids are crying. When you’re camping in the back yard, you’ve got a failsafe ‘Plan B’ in place in case your equipment fails or someone isn’t comfortable. For some families, they camped in the backyard for about three months before the younger kids could make it all the way through the night. Their first night could almost be called a disaster, as they had crying and scared kiddos who almost didn’t want to give it a second chance the following weekend!

    Camping gives you the opportunity to be out experiencing nature. While the location is important, finding the perfect spot isn’t always about the beautiful scenery or the amenities to be found at the campground. Sometimes, the perfect spot is just about where you can enjoy each other’s company while you’re looking at the stars!

    5 Places In Malta That Will Make You Travel

    By Lily In The World

    1. Valletta

    The capital of Malta, Valletta, is one of the most beautiful capitals I’ve ever seen! Old buildings and new buildings are composing this amazing city. In 2018, Valletta was European Capital of Culture. Film festivals, theatre, music, live show… the city was never sleeping. Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens, you will have a stunning view of the “3 cities” of Malta (Birgu, Senglea, and Kalkara) and of the Grand Harbour. Have a walk in the cute tiny streets and don’t forget to look up. All the houses have these typical colorful Maltese windows, called the bow windows. The city is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, which offers very nice views everywhere. If you’d like to know more about the country and its history, stop at Malta Experience. A short movie will explain you the roots of this incredible country.

    2. Birgu

    Birgu is one of the 3 cities and it’s the most important one. It’s a very important city in the Maltese culture. Indeed, during the Great Siege of Malta in the 16th century, it’s there that the knights were based. They were sleeping in hostels that you can still visit nowadays. You can also visit the Fort St Angelo, a very important place. You will learn more about Malta.

    3. Mdina

    Mdina is the ancient capital of Malta. It is called the “silent city” because it’s very quiet. Only 294 people live there. In the city, there are just a few bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. And of course, a beautiful cathedral. Nowadays, lots of people visit Mdina to see Mdina Gate, the main entrance of the city. Why? Because some scenes of Games of Thrones were filmed there, the Mdina Gate was used as the entrance of King’s landing.

    4. Marsaxlokk

    Marsaxlokk is totally different from the 3 other places. It’s the fisher village of Malta. The bay is full of “Luzzu”, the typical Maltese fisher boats. Every Sunday, there is the fish market. For lunch, stop in a restaurant and try the fish of the day, or a seafood platter. Delicious!

    5. Gozo

    Maltese people often go on holiday to Gozo, the 2nd biggest island of the Maltese archipelago. Gozo it’s a paradise for nature lovers. You can do a lot of activities there: diving, snorkeling, climbing, hiking, cycling… You can reach Gozo by ferry from Malta in 30 minutes and the ticket costs €4.65 back and forth.
    Now I bet you want to book a flight to Malta, right?

    About Author

    Behind Lily in the world, there is Linda, a young woman of 25 years old. Born in Belgium and raised by Italian and Moroccan parents, she lives now in Malta. She traveled a lot (Italy, France, UK, Hungary, Sweden, USA, Ireland, Spain…) and her travel wish list is still super long!

    Links
    Blog: http://www.lilyintheworld.com
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lilyintheworldblog
    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lilyintheworldblog

    Top 5 Places To Visit In London For Family Travellers

    London is one of the favourite cities in the world. It has so many options for tourists to visit, you have no idea where to start! Below are some guide to the top 5 places to visit for family travellers while you’re in London.

    1. Piccadilly Circus

    As you can see in the picture, Piccadilly Circus is a busy meeting place, and a famous tourist attraction. The place is famous for its video display and neon signs, which are displayed on its buildings.

    From this location, you can easily walk to Piccadilly, Leicester Square, Shaftesbury Avenue or Regent Street. Piccadilly circus can be accessed via the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines.

    2. London Paddington

    Welcome to the town of the famous Paddington Bear! For the fans of the movie & books, you will love the Paddington Station. There is a bronze statue of Paddington Bear under the clock on Platform 1. Looking for Paddington Bear souvenirs? Head over to the Paddington Bear Shop in the station!

    Paddington station is the London terminus for the Heathrow Express train to London Heathrow airport. It also has two separate tube stations providing connections to the Bakerloo, Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City Lines.

    3. Coca Cola London Eye

    Looking for a great overview scenery of London? Head over to the Coca Cola London Eye! The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel, on the South Bank of the River Thames in London.

    You can buy the ticket on the spot, or you can buy it online, and save 10% off the price. There is also a combination package with other London attractions, so you may want to check their official website: https://www.londoneye.com/tickets-and-prices/

    The nearest London Underground station is Waterloo. It is also within walking distance from Charing Cross, Embankment and Westminster.

    4. South Bank

    South Bank is situated just beside the River Thames. There are usually events and street shows happening in the area, so the walk is very lively! From here, it is walking distance to the iconic landmarks of London, such as Big Ben and Coca Cola London Eye.

    5. M&M World London

    If you are the type of person who likes cute colourful things, selfie at instagrammable spots and happen to have a sweet tooth, M&M World London will be the perfect place to visit!

    Situated in Leicester Square, it is spread across 4 floors, with exclusive M&M’s chocolates and merchandise. If you have a London Pass, show it in-store and enjoy 15% off all purchases made at M&M world London.

    These are the top 5 places that are fantastic for family travellers. Enjoy your stay in London!

    Top 3 City Destinations That Will Make Your France Road Trip Perfect

    France is definitely a great country to visit. Not only because of its beautiful landmarks and sceneries, the people are also very friendly and helpful. However, be ready with some very basic French vocabularies, such as “combien” and “un” to “dix”, as well as “tout droit”. These words will give you such a big help!

    For a road trip with very limited time, Below are three top city destinations that you should include in your itinerary.

    1. Lille

    Perfect for old city lovers, Lille is a historic 17th century city. It offers historical landmarks, museums, heritage sites, shopping, art, great hotels, and restaurants.

    You don’t want to miss this city, especially since it is so easy to get to via Eurostar from London (only 90 minutes from London). As for us from Den Haag via Ouibus, it takes a mere 3 hours 55 minutes ride. Both of these will arrive at Gare Lille Europe (signboard in the picture).

    The building in the picture is Garre De Lille Flandres, the main Railway Station of Lille. It is a terminus for SNCF Intercity and regional trains. It is only 500m walking distance from Gare Lille Europe, and both stations are adjacent stops on one of the lines of Lille Metro.

    2. Rouen

    Rouen is a vibrant city with beautiful architecture. The buildings of Rouen shows elements of a Norman architecture, such as half-timbered houses and Gothic cathedrals. Below are some of the buildings worth visiting in Rouen.

    The picture is of Le Gros-Horloge (the big clock). It is a beautiful astronomical clock set within a Ressainance arch that stretches over the street bearing the monument’s name.

    Other beautiful places and buildings include Historial Jeanne D’Arc, Old Market Square, Grande Pharmacie Du Cntre and the churches.

    3. Paris

    Visit to France is incomplete without visiting this city of love! Paris has so much to offer it’s visitors. The main one, of course, is the Eiffel Tower. You can choose either to pay more by taking the lift to the first or second floor, or you can pay less and use the stairs! You can skip the long queue by booking online, but be sure to book on a much advanced date, as it is always sold out! Alternatively, you may book your visit with a tour group, which is the fastest way to go up (with a bit more to pay, of course)!

    The city is best explored by riding the hop-on-hop-off buss. It will take you to the tourists attractions around Paris. You can then visit Arc De Triomphe and Champs-Elysees, the best shopping place in France!

    If you are an art lover, or just want to see the Mona Lisa, head over to the Louvre Museum! The museum is very big, you may want to use the map provided to visit the highlights of the museum, if your time is very limited.

    These are the three cities suggested for the city lovers who are having road trip to France. Happy planning and have a great trip!

    Long Distance Inter-Country Bus Trip In Europe

    We have been browsing what was the best mode of transportation to travel from The Hague to Lille (note: this is inter-country between Netherlands and France). After a thorough research, we have decided to travel by bus. Specifically, we chose OuiBus!

    You see, when travelling with a small toddler, the trip needs to be in a budget and convenient. Any bus trip sounds perfect! And it would be easy peasy to research & book. Or so we thought.

    We almost booked Flixbus, but then we found out that toddlers need to be safely strapped in a car seat. And it’s not provided by Flixbus. Plus, travelling 13 hours flight with a transit in between? Definitely inconvenient to drag a car seat along (though we did some research on how to bring car seat along throughout long distance flight and extensive trip, we just can’t bear with it).

    Renting a car seat alone was also a difficult option, at least if we search it online. And we’re definitely not backtracking to return the car seat!

    And so we thought, to make life easier, why not go for a train ride? And so we did our research again. The price was way above our budget. We got stuck.

    Then we stumbled upon OuiBus. It did not require our toddler to be strapped in a car seat! Yay! The price was also reasonable. Double yay! Only problem: the price kept rising every time we accessed the website. It’s like seeing stock exchange, changing by the minute!

    After persevering doing research, we stumbled upon a website that also offers Ouibus, and price was fixed! So we booked our The Hague – Lille trip with OuiBus via a website called BusBud. Highly recommended!

    Below is some of the sceneries from the bus trip. Not much, as we were busy with our toddler.

    And below is the station where the bus halted. We only had time to take pictures when we were queuing for restroom!

    That’s all the sharing we have for our long distance inter-country bus trip in Europe. Hope it helps!

    How To Have A Remarkable Keukenhof Gardens Visit

    Visit to the Netherlands is incomplete without Keukenhof Gardens. It is the most popular place among tourists, and you really have to plan ahead if you want to visit this place. Below are the tips that would help your visit.

    1. Consider strollers for children & wheelchair for senior citizens

    Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world’s largest flower gardens. It is so large, it provides you with map for you to plan your visit. Since we have a senior citizen without wheelchair (it’s fully booked!), we need to cut our journey short. It’s still beautiful, though!

    2. Book your ticket & pay your parking online

    We’re serious when we said it’s popular among tourists. Thank God we bought everything online! The only downside was that we travelled by car, and the que was SUPER LONG during exit. It was about 2 hours getting out of the car park!!!

    Alternatively, you may consider getting to Keukenhof by bus. It is accessible by bus from train stations of Haarlem, Leiden & Schiphol.

    3. Plan your trip between mid-March to mid-May

    Keukenhof is open annually between these period. We did not do our research well back in 2015, where we paid Netherlands a visit during September. Lesson learnt, we planned our trip on April for the year 2018!

    Better still, plan your visit there during the Flower Parade (which we missed). Surely a whole lot fun!

    4. Expect variety of gardens, not long field of tulips

    The Keukenhof features a variety of different gardens and garden styles. The map provided will show you exactly the location of each garden, so plan your walking tour beforehand!

    However, it doesn’t contain the long fields of tulips many visitors expect. We know a lot of tourists expected this, because we were one of them. Ha ha!

    There are tulips fields outside the Garden (mostly privately owned). There are even some that can be seen from the Garden, though the view is quite far. These fields may have restricted access and are not included as part of the Keukenhof ticket.

    5. Best place to picnic!

    Keukenhof Gardens has a lot of stalls, but just imagine the sea of people swarming the area! Plus, it is quite limited choices for us Muslims, so we decided to picnic. There are a lot of free space where we can sit around with our family and enjoy our food!

    Enjoy your Keukenhof visit!