Hello everyone! We’ve been busy with many aspects of our life since our last travel, hence the delayed update. Shafa has been busy with homeschooling our toddler with so many development milestone to catch back then (which he has been progressing very well and even advanced at certain things)! Aside from that, she’s been busy with her freelancing jobs, which she had secured a number of clients since our last travel. Congrats to her!
JenjalanKami at Johor Premium Outlet
Anyhow, let’s quickly move to our next resort review, which is Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor. It’s been our favourite resort since Shafa’s pregnancy years. One of the staffs even remembered we had patronage the resort once before, which was cool! As usual, we will stop by at Johor Premium Outlet (JPO) before reaching the resort. JPO is located about 11 minutes from Le Granduer, which is great for shopaholics!
Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor’s lobby area
Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor is a place that we will always come back again and again. We first visited the resort back when Shafa was pregnant, and it is amazingly convenient as you don’t have to go anywhere else to have fun (sometimes pregnant woman just don’t want to go anywhere). Now that we came back here with a toddler, we find it amazing place for family with small kids! We’ll share the details of what we think of the resort for family travellers below.
During our stay, we manage to try the resort’s Deluxe Suite. Play the above video to know more about the Deluxe Suite’s view and facilities!
We also manage to snap a few pictures inside the bedroom of our suite. Check out Shafa’s Instagram post above to see all the three pictures. We think it’s a beautiful room with warm lightings!
The whole suite is spacious and comfortable for families! But you may want to keep watchful eyes on your toddler for the stairs if you have an active climber and explorer like ours. Check out the above Instagram post for the pictures around the suite!
The best is definitely the view from the suite. So green! And you can even catch airplanes passing by, as it is located about three minutes from the Senai Airport! Check out the above Instagram post to see the view from the suite’s balcony.
Walking in Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor
And now, let’s have a tour around the resort! The above staircase that you see is our scenic walk towards the sports centre. You can ask to be transported by a buggy, but we just want to walk around the area with our toddler.
Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor bowling area
The sports centre is quite big, where they have quite a number of sports to play in the centre. They even have a second swimming pool here! But as usual, we choose to play bowling. You have no idea the struggles we had to go through to complete the game with a very inquisitive toddler.
Our toddler having fun at the pool!
We visited the swimming pool next morning after breakfast. There’s nothing quite like splashing in the swimming pool with winds blowing. Just play the above video to watch how happy our toddler was! Don’t worry, Yusof is nearby our toddler, just below the shades. Our toddler refused to be under the shade with him.
And so that ends our non-food review for Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor. We totally love this resort, which made us came twice for visit! Stay tuned for the food updates for this resort in our upcoming blog post. Hint: Best food ever!
Note: The visit was before the COVID-19 virus takes in. As parents of a toddler who are also living with an elderly, we do advise you to adhere to the government rules and guidelines by the Health Ministry. As a travel advocate, we definitely will help you to dream and plan for your next travel by feeding you with our travel write ups. Stay safe and be positive!
In the grand scheme of life there is nothing more sacred than family. We have always shared the same values but none more passionately than the importance of putting family first and making time spent with loved ones a top priority.
This is why we travel together every chance we get, and these days bring mom along for the ride. When it was just us and our little guy, we had a blast traveling from one place to a next and creating memories that would last a lifetime.
These days, we live by the words “the more the merrier!” As our readers know by now, we are big on locations that are not only family-friendly but that are also fun for all ages, young or old.
This is why we’re featuring an all new blog post centering around a vacation spot that is world-famous for amusement parks, beaches, resorts and other family-appropriate attractions: Florida!
Many have heard about it, some have seen it first-hand and it is a bucket list travel destination for travelers world-wide but we’re going to let you in on some of the best kept secrets, a.k.a kid friendly cities, that the sunshine state has to offer.
Some might be as world-famous as the state itself but others will be sure to entice you to add them to your bucket list in the future if you ever get the chance to truly explore all of the magic, sun and pristine beaches the state has to offer!
First up, which will come as no surprise to those who are just as in love with Florida as we are, is:
1. Orlando
Home to more than a dozen different amusement parks, history-rich museums and cultural festivals, Orlando is one of the best cities to visit when you’re in town with little ones in tow.
Whether you’re looking for thrills at Universal Orlando on their twisty roller coasters, magic with beloved characters at Walt Disney World, history lessons at some of the finest museums or tons of cuddles from the animals at Green Meadows Petting Farm, you won’t leave Florida feeling like you missed out on ANY of the fun.
2. Destin
Credit: Emerald Coast
Pristine white sand, crystal clear waters with a hint of emerald and sunsets that will take your breath away. Need we say any more?
We’re joking, there is SO much more to say about this beautiful city in the Florida panhandle. You can book a sitter to walk the beach as a couple, or if you take little ones with you like we do, there is no shortage of fun in the sun to be had on the beach itself.
Into mouth-watering treats? There are tons of restaurants with menus that have items that even in the littlest mouths will devour!
To make it even more enticing, you can take your little ones to the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise where the crew will keep your kiddos busy with water gun fights, discovering sunken treasure, dancing and more! Better yet, if you’re a fan of marine life and are dying to see it up close, you can view dolphins in their natural habitat by visiting the Southern Star Dolphin Cruise.
3. St.Augustine
There are two kinds of visitors to the city of St.Augustine. Those who swear by the beach, which offers white sands and beautiful waters, and those who choose it for the history & streets lined with shops.
Personally, we’d say we would go for a little of both. We love a good trip to the beach but we also love popping into shops to see what trinkets they have available for purchase.
If you have a fan of all things reptilian, then you simply must visit the St.Augustine Alligator Farm. Home to a variety of crocs, alligators and caiman species as well as a special 15 foot saltwater resident, you can easily expect to spend an entire day just taking in the prehistoric creatures.
So, reptiles aren’t really your thing nor do your kids appreciate all of the teeth & scales? You can focus more on the history surrounding St.Augustine by heading over to Fort Castillo De San Marcos, a must-see historical landmark that draws in visitors from all over.
With tours, canon demonstrations and a junior ranger program to take part in, you’ll come away with a ton of new knowledge about those who defended the fort as well as its purpose.
4. Weeki Wachee
Credit: WeekiWachee.com
Located in Hernando County, and with a population of exactly 12 people, you might wonder why Weeki Wachee has made our list. Well, for the simple fact that the city is home to the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
This is the ideal place for those who aren’t a fan of the harsh beach weather that Florida is known for and who are looking for a memorable experience for their children outside of sandcastles and waves.
Home to the world-famous mermaids of the Weeki Wachee, the springs offer a variety of exciting shows including wildlife, the riverboat cruise and Buccaneer Bay, where you can experience the thrill of the water park slides, and direct access to the crystal clear springs.
It’s the perfect way to beat the heat, while enjoying the best of Weeki Wachee. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of other activities that include kayaking, hiking and boating!
5. Kenansville
Credit: Visit Orlando
As shameless animal lovers, we felt that we just had to include Kenansville for one very specific reason: Wild Florida Gator Park.
It’s not to say that Kenansville isn’t without it’s own charm to draw in visitors, however, the main attraction is definitely Wild Florida. In this case, when you have children with you, the park is absolute perfection with what they offer for their visitors.
If you have a little animal enthusiast at home, you won’t want to miss the amazing experience that you can have at Wild Florida. Available for up close and personal experiences are lemurs, porcupines and our personal favorite, SLOTHS.
The one of a kind experience allows you to accompany a trained expert into the habitat of your choice of their featured furry friends and actually feed perform species specific enrichment activities. Not only that, but for an extra fee you can also take SELFIES with your animal of choice. If that’s not a one of a kind, heart stopping opportunity then we don’t know what is!
6. Tampa
Credit: WISE.travel
Although listed on the bottom of our list, Tampa is by no means any less exciting. From amusement parks to some of the worlds greatest zoo’s, a trip to this particular city will be one for the family vacation books.
One attraction in particular that we want to mention is the Florida Aquarium. Home to a 250,000 square foot aquarium, the Florida Aquarium is a must-have on any vacationers bucket list.
From clown fish to the great white, your whole family will be wowed by the many different types of marine sea life that are housed at the aquarium.
Marine life not a thriller in your life? Then there’s also several amusement parks such as Busch Gardens, ZooTampa at Lowry Park and of course, the Museum of Science & Industry.
Affectionately nicknamed the Big Guava, Tampa will not disappoint. This is especially true if you’re looking to make your trip a memorable one for your littlest travelers.
7. Clearwater
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Clearwater gets it’s name for the dazzlingly clear waters of its beaches. We know we’ve covered a lot of mention of beaches in our post so we’ll skip over the details of the beach side of things for now and say that there’s plenty more to do in Clearwater than to just get sand in your shoes.
For example, the mini-carnival “Sunsets at Pier 60” will grab your attention in a hurry with it’s street performers, musicians and wide variety of wares for sale. Families can also visit Winter, the world-renowned dolphin who overcame unbelievable odds, in residence at the Clearwater Aquarium.
Tired of all of the water? Feast on delicious authentic foods at the East Gateway District where you can also find La Feria de la Nieve, old fashioned Mexican ice cream.
Well, there you have it. We’ve compiled a list of 7 Best Cities To Visit In Florida That Will Make Your Kids Happy for our readers that we think you’ll love taking a look through.
For animal lovers, thrill seekers, cultural enthusiasts and more, there are so many different experiences waiting for you in the sunshine state. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, or in our case, as a whole family unit (little guy included!) you’ll never run out of fun, exciting gems to uncover in Florida.
It is one of the best states for families that we’ve ever seen and can’t wait until our travels one day take us to its beautiful beaches, zoo’s, thrilling amusement parks and beyond!
Manila is the heart of the Philippines and it has endured all kinds of challenges in the past years. Being an archipelago, Philippines is no stranger when it comes to typhoons and calamity.
Despite all these, Manila is always able to get back up and restore to an even better state, making it still the best place to visit if you are looking for good tour activities, food, and experience. Here are the top 4 awesome things to do when you visit Manila!
1. Manila Ocean Park
Credit: ZeoTrip
Don’t miss the chance to visit the only Oceanarium in Manila and interact with hundreds of marine animals. They also have different attractions that showcases barn animals, birds, and even the creepy crawlies.
Their best spot is the 25-meter curved glass walkway tunnel where you can walk along sharks, sting rays, and different kinds of fishes in all sizes. The Manila Ocean Park also has sea lion, bird, and water shows that would definitely make your visit memorable. There is also a toy museum perfect for the kids and even the kids at heart.
They have a hotel inside which you can choose to stay in and make the most of your visit! Plus, this place is only walking distance from Luneta Park, Intramuros and Fort Santiago – where you can take a stroll and be in one of the most historical spots in the Philippines.
Location: Luneta, Manila, Metro Manila 1000
Entrance Fee: $14 – 23 USD
2. Star City
Credit: Star City
If you are up for some thrilling rides and fun times, then this is the place for you. Star City is located in the middle of the busy streets in Manila and is the second most popular amusement park in the Philippines.
Enjoy extreme rides such as Vikings, Frisbee, Jungle Splash and Surf Dance! For a complete family getaway, you may also enjoy the family-friendly rides like the Dragon Express, Magic Forest and the most recommended – the Philippine’s tallest Ferris Wheel, which stands 60 meters high!
This is the only place in the Philippines where you can have fun and enjoy the snow at Snow World. In Snow World, you can make snowballs and throw it with your buddies, lie down there or even play and act like a child.
Location: Vicente Sotto St, Manila
Entrance Fee: Up to $12 USD
3. Philippine National Museum
Credit: Philippine Tatler
The National Museum is one of the best places in the Philippines that you can visit for free. Learn about the country’s Fine Arts, Ethnicity and Archeology.
You’d be surprised on how interesting and diverse the Filipino’s antiquity is. Though it is free, it is best to at least book your visit in advance if you will be coming in large groups to avoid inconvenience.
Location: 1000 Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila
Entrance Fee: FREE
4. SM Mall of Asia Bayside
Credit: iStar-Tariray
This is the best place to visit if you are looking for a fantastic shopping experience and sunset view. The mall itself is the fourth largest mall in the country and the eleventh worldwide.
Aside from the endless shopping and ice skating experience, the Bayside area offers a lot of dining and fun activity both for individuals and families. You can visit rides in the area that will really give you a different experience from taking a stroll at the mall.
They also have the MOA Eye which is a huge Ferris wheel that shows you the entire view of the metro. We recommend trying this ride at night and marvel at the beauty of the colorful night lights of the busy city.
Location: Pasay, City
Entrance Fee: FREE
Whether it’s a trip with your friends or family, Manila has a wide variety of offerings to make your trip awesome. There are a lot of free attractions you can visit if you want to learn more about the city. Having hospitable locals is a bonus if you feel a little lost or overwhelmed with the city’s diverse beauty!
Hello everyone, hope you had a nice holiday! How has it been? For us, it was hectic. Just before the holidays, we were so excited to have been invited for a 1-night stay at MOV Hotel. Here’s what we think!
1. Parking service available
Everybody knows how Kuala Lumpur is such a packed place, especially the Bukit Bintang area. Therefore, MOV hotel doesn’t have it’s own parking space. However, there is a parking service available for those who come by car, which was offered by a third party. Just ask the friendly front desk people!
2. Instagrammable spots everywhere
Ahhh… Holiday is never complete (or started) without an awesome instagram update. The waiting area is beautifully decorated, with unique seats and lightings. Even Aydeen loves them!
The hotel is seriously instagrammable everywhere! This picture was taken inside the lift on our way up to the hotel room. Excuse Shafa’s eye bags, apparently it’s normal for mothers raising active toddlers. 😂
And this was taken inside our room! Shafa would have selfie-d all day, if it wasn’t because she was dragging an 18-months-old toddler who doesn’t know how to sit still. 😌
And these were taken during breakfast! We told you the hotel is instagrammable everywhere. 😊
3. Slide to breakfast
See that white thing beside the beautiful waiting area? That’s the slide that will take you to breakfast, in case you’re bored with lifts or stairs!
And that red thing at the breakfast area? That is where you will be cushioned from the slide for breakfast! Slide your way to the homemade sausages!
4. Super friendly staffs
Now, isn’t this the first thing that anyone would review a hotel? A staff reflects the whole hotel service. So, with a smiley face and warm gestures like this, visitors will definitely come back again (we know our son would)!
5. Mesmerizing KL View
Aydeen loves windows, especially the ones where he can observe what’s happening around him. During the day you will have a great view of the busy city life.
Obviously, we loved the window too! Taking in the scenery a few seconds before Aydeen started to do things to grab our attention. You know, all those toddlers moves. 😣
We especially love the night view! Full of beautiful lightings from famous buildings. A great way to de-stress yourselves if you can’t be away from the city!
6. Beautifully Decorated Rooms
Romantic design, isn’t it? Though that design only lasted for a while before Aydeen decided to mess them up. Life with toddlers is always fun 😂
7. Non-smoking Family Room
When we told the hotel staff that we will be coming with a 1-year-old toddler, they gave us this non-smoking MOV Family Loft room. Very thoughtful!
8. Perfect for family
The MOV Family Loft comes with 1 king-sized bed and 2 single beds on the upper level. Do watch your toddlers, they will definitely love the stairs!
9. Neatly arranged facilities
The sink was situated just beside the king-sized bed. And what’s best, there are two mirrors, baby! Perfect for family with many girls (apparently I was the only one interested in the mirror for our small family of three 😂).
These were some of the facilities provided during our stay. Kiblat for Muslims are clearly signed too. Excuse our toddler, he was just too interested with the lamp above the bed. 😅
10. Scenic rooftop pool
This is our favourite picture of the stay – the swimming pool experience with a view from the rooftop! The swimming pool is quite small, though, you may want to avoid peak hours.
These were some of the views we managed to catch. We missed the night view as the time was too tight, didn’t manage to fit them in. Pretty sure parents with toddlers would understand that. 😅
11. Tourist spots nearby
These were some of the tourist spots that we managed to drive through nearby. Would have loved to visit, if it weren’t Aydeen’s bedtime already, and we only have one night!
12. Deliciously cooked breakfast
While waiting for our breakfast to be cooked (yes, cooked!), doughnuts were served. And as you can see from the picture, homemade sausages were also available.
These were the breakfast that we had. Aydeen apparently loved them, look how he was eager waiting to be fed!
We had an awesome experience with MOV hotel and will definitely come back again!
Anybody who is a native of Orlando knows that there is no end to engaging, fun venues for entertainment. In fact, the city is famously known for being one of the largest amusement park hot spot of the United States. Within just a few short miles from downtown you have parks such as Disney, Epcot, Universal, SeaWorld and many more! These parks alone are a major draw for tourists as well as native Floridians but there are a lot of families traveling to Orlando for vacation that may not be too keen to spend their time at some of the busiest, most expensive places the sunshine state has to offer.
One example of this is definitely parents with small children. Like us, who don’t see toting tiny littles around through all of the hustle and bustle as a feasible option, tourist families would much prefer a smaller scale entertainment venue. Little ones are apt to get cranky, tired, overheated/cold, hungry and a myriad of other issues that can quickly make a fun day go downhill. Plus, after shelling out the big bucks for top dollar amusement parks (Disney, SeaWorld, etc.) it can be frustrating and disheartening to parents to have to pack up the family and leave midway through the day.
This is why, as parents with a toddler, that we decided to do a little digging and see what the city of Orlando has to offer for travelers who want to get the most out of their trip. We were shocked at just how many different options Orlando has available, especially in terms of affordable entertainment for the younger family members in a traveling group. If Orlando is on your traveling bucket list in the near future and you’ve been stressing about options that you can enjoy with even the smallest members of your family, stay tuned because we’re about to list 7 of the best options we found!
1. Take a ride on the Icon Orlando.
Are you a fan of breathtaking views? If so, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to board the tallest observation wheel on the East Coast. Be sure to come with your camera/phone fully charged because you won’t want to miss a single beautiful moment from the time you board until the time you disembark from this giant rotating observation wheel. Single day admission is also super affordable, so if in the future we’re able to visit with our little one, it won’t break the bank either!
2. Take the family tubing down river at Kelly Park/Rock Springs Run.
There are those who dream to see blue waters but don’t like to fry at the beach. That’s us, and Kelly Park offers a great alternative with its spring fed waters that stay cold (68 degrees!) all year long and crystal clear waters. The park features a fully functional concession stand, picnic pavilions, souvenir shops and much more. You can rent tubes onsite as well as reserve camping spots if you’re looking to spend a weekend at the springs. Admission is typically about $6 per carload, parking is within easy walking distance to the water and the experience is one you’ll keep with you for years to come.
3. Get creative at the Crayola Experience.
As one of the most iconic brand names in U.S history, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to explore Crayola if you find yourself in the Orlando area. With dozens of creative, hands-on experiences featuring every color imaginable (and even ones you can name yourself) the Crayola is a unique and one-of-a-kind family adventure that you’ll want to revisit time and time again. Among the available things to see and do, you can shop the gift store, travel between a dozen activity station, play games and grab a tasty lunch from the snack bar. There’s even an indoor playground on site to help keep the smaller members of your group happy.
4. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the World of Chocolate Museum.
Yes, you read that right, there’s a museum dedicated to chocolate right in Orlando. From the moment you step foot in the museum your journey to all things chocolate will begin, including a brief stop in the rain forest to learn about cacao, the origin of all things chocolate. Though the guided tour itself is only 45 minutes in length you’ll get the full experience with stops that include 25 sculptures made purely from chocolate, see some of the machinery used to make chocolate and visit the tasting room! From there you can explore the cafe as well, so no need to despair once the tour is over.
5. Get your glow on at the Putting Edge.
Family members of all ages will love being transported from their every day world and into a world of ethereal glowing features. This illuminated universe is made even more epic by the fact that you get to play mini golf against your loved ones and visit the included arcade if golf isn’t your thing.
6. Enjoy the farm experience at Green Meadows Petting Farm.
As of this very moment, the farm is expanding and moving to another location so it’s closed for the big move, however, it’s definitely an experience you don’t want to miss with your little ones. From cows to chickens and goats, you’ll be in awe at the animal encounters that are available for the picking and your little ones will delight in being able to provide the animals with daily snacks.
7. Fly into the sky with the Orlando Balloon Rides.
If you’re the fearless type, then these hot air balloon rides are for you! This is truly the experience of a lifetime, as the Orlando Balloon Rides company has become one of the worlds largest operators of commercial hot air balloons to date. The company is committed to making each and every experience a memorable, experience for each member of your party.
Although we’ve included 7 of what we consider the best experiences to share with your family, little ones included, we haven’t even scratched the surface of what awaits you in Orlando, Florida. A quick internet search will provide you with dozens of other opportunities that we strongly suggest taking advantage of if you’re looking to save money as well as ensure that your youngest family members can join in on the fun during your Orlando vacation!
You know the daily drill of the exhaustive process of potty training a toddler. As any parent who has ever potty trained a child will tell you, leaving the country – or even the house – during this difficult stage can be stressful and counterproductive. Why should you visit a foreign country – with a whiny toddler even?
Well, if you’re talking about potty training – first things first! Japan will make the process a bit easier.There are child-sized toilets in a lot of the public restrooms, which any toddler will feel much more comfortable using. The bathrooms will be a point of interest for older children (and adults), as well. They’ll will be fascinated by the toilets in Japan with all their buttons and fancy gadgets. In their staying in hotels or apartments, you’ll find special toiletries for kids. And when dining out, don’t worry if you have a picky eater who refuses to eat sushi.In many of the restaurants, you’ll find a children’s menu. The food was even served on adorable children’s dishes with small eating utensils at most restaurants where we dined.
Everything is whimsical, themed, or cute. Japan has a way of taking something completely ordinary and making it whimsical and cute. If you order a donut for your child, it will very likely be decorated with googly eyes and a face. If you order a hot dog from the child’s menu, they’ll cut it and cook it to look like an octopus.
If your children enjoy amusement parks, you’ll find a number of popular parks to choose from when visiting Japan with kids – including Disneyland Tokyo and the only Disney resort with a nautical-theme, Disneyland Tokyo!
Tokyo, Japan, specifically, is a serious stimulation of the senses. Everywhere you look, there are bright lights, colorful signs, and flashy electronics. It’s a city packed with action. Just the type of place that would wow a child. Is your kid a gamer? Tokyo has an entire district dedicated to video games and Anime. You’ll even find urinals equipped with gaming systems.
It is one of the friendliest countries. So naturally, the friendly people make visiting Japan with kids a lot easier. It’s nice going to a place where people will smile at children and offer to help families with children. More to it,Japan is safe and clean even for young kids! It is even one of the safest countries in the world. It’s also very clean.
What a way to start the school holidays but to discover more places so here we compiled a list of some of Asia’s top up-and-coming, Malaysian travel bloggers; keen observers and documenters of life that let us see the world vicariously through their globetrotting adventures and drive us to count our pennies at home—so that we might fulfil the wanderlust in us!
You’ll pick up great tips on the best places to eat, the country that gives you the best bang for your buck, and the priceless experiences you won’t exchange for anything in the world!
1. RAMBLE AND WANDERER
RaW of Ramble and Wander takes travel blogging to new heights with his award-winning photos and posts, some of which have been gained international recognition on BBC Travel, CNN, and Lonely Planet!
2. MALAYSIA ASIA
David Hogan Jr. is a multiple award-winning travel writer and blogger from several tourism boards in Malaysia. He covers the latest news and events related to tourism and the local scene in Malaysia, such as the upcoming 20th Century Fox World theme park at Genting Highlands.
3. MY TRAVELLICIOUS
Why you should know him: If you’re looking to inject some humour in your reading list, look no further than Fadli of My Travellicious. What differentiates Fadli from the other travel bloggers is that his posts are bilingual (Malay and English) and he writes from a first-person point-of-view using a highly conversational tone and a stream of consciousness style.
4. THE TINY WANDERER
Kher Ying of The Tiny Wanderer keeps a record of her personal travel experiences on The Tiny Wanderer, so you won’t see much in the way of reviews, but instead, you get a first-hand view into certain experiences, such as waitressing in Melbourne, working on a cruise ship and living in Germany.
5. ALEXANDRA LUELLA
Aside from being a foodie lover who documents her gastronomic conquests across the world, she’s also quite the stylite who takes an interest in eclectic wacky clothing lines and attends acclaimed fashion events!
The stunning colonial city of Merida is located in the Yucatan. This city is rich in both culture and architecture. What captures you most about Merida is the people. Unlike some of Mexico’s more popular vacation destinations the pace is slow and the smiles are big. Merida is also widely considered to be Mexico’s safest city for years now.
Narrowing the list down just 10 things to do in Merida is tricky. That becomes increasingly difficult when you realize just how many amazing day trips from Merida there are. This list is a starting place but by no means all there is to do in this thriving Mexican city.
1. Wander the Historic City Center
The historic city center better know as Centro is the beating heart of Merida. You’ll find shops, restaurants, markets and entertainment everywhere you look. The stunning colonial architecture and brightly painted homes come with right stories. This is undoubtedly the number one thing to do while you’re in Merida. If you want to take a deeper dive into the the homes and gardens check out thisgreat walking tour.
2. Climb Uxmal
While a day trip to the famousChichen Itza is totally possible we are going to recommend visitingUxmal. This set of ruins is equally as impressive as it’s more famous cousin and boasts some incredible perks. There are two major reasons Uxmal gets our vote, the first being you can climb the ruins. Climb up, take some pictures or just marvel in the moment. The second reason is there are far less tourists. The crowds at Uxmal are small so you won’t waste time waiting at the entrance.
3. Relax at the Beach in Progreso
There is a bus calledAutoProgreso that take you directly from Centro to Progreso Beach. The beach is lined with restaurants and bars to enjoy while you take in the view. If you make a purchase for any of the restaurants they will allow you to use one of their beach chairs. Progreso is alo a cruise port, on days the the ship is in town you’ll see lots of street vendors pop up as well.
4. Browse the Markets
At the root of all cultures there is food. To find the most authentic, fresh ingredients you have to visit the market. Merida’s biggest market is theLucas de Galvez market, located in Centro. The tip here is to go in the mornings before the crowds and the heat pick up. You also get your pick of all the freshest produce and food.
5. Swim in a Cenote
If swimming in a freshwater, underground cenote is on your bucket list the Yucatan is perfect for you. Within a short drive of Merida you can swim in all cenotes of all shapes and sizes. The hidden gems can be tricky to find so linking up with a great local guide for acenote tour means you’ll get the most of the experience.
6. Visit the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya
To truly understand this region of the world you need to make a stop at theGran Museo del Mundo Maya. The museum focuses on the history and culture of the Mayan World. You’ll have a chance to learn about the way of life and see what aspects are still present in everyday life. The beautiful modern building is air conditioned making it a great option for a hot afternoon.
7. Taste Yucatecan Food
When most people think Mexican food they think taco. While you will find plenty of tacos they are not the main event. The Yucatan has its own unique dishes including cochinita pibil, huevas motuleños, panuchos and chilaquiles. Eat your fill of Yucatecan food at some of theseamazing spots. Also,don’t forget to use that salsas found on the table at each meal
8. Experience a Street Festival
Merida is one of those cities where there is always something going on. Every Sunday there is astreet festival in Plaza Grande. Vendors selling food and handcrafts line the park paths and streets. If you time is right you’ll hear music and see people flocking to the streets to dance. It really is the best way to spend a Sunday.
9. Ride Bikes
In Merida there is a strong focus on families. Family friendly activities are common and easy to find. One of the most popular isBici-Ruta, a Sunday morning bike ride. Every Sunday morning between 8:30 and 12:30 half off Paseo de Montejo is closed for the ride. You’ll find bike rentals near the Walmart.
10. Visit the Churches
The churches and cathedrals are pillars of each neighborhood in Merida. Each is backed with history and its own story of how that community has grown and changed. Create your own walking tour, popping in and out of thesebeautiful spaces.
Can’t believe how incredibly fast that 2018 flew by. A whole year and it felt like it happened in the blink of an eye. As the end of the year approaches us everyone is starting to make their New Year’s Eve plans for ringing in the New Year and welcoming 2019. Traveling for New Year’s is always so much fun for me because it is so much fun to spend your holiday in a place that isn’t just your hometown. If you can make it to a big celebration/festival then it will make your holiday that much more fun. Here are 10 of the best and most unbelievable destinations that you can spend your New Year’s Eve throughout the world.
1. Sydney, Australia
Sydney is absolutely beautiful and they host a huge fireworks display and celebration for the New Year. You can watch the firework show at Sydney Harbour and enjoy the beautiful show. Plus it is also Summer time there during the New Year which means it is nice and warm for ringing in your New Year. Not to mention because of how time zones work, you will be the first to ring in the New Year in Sydney.
2. London, England
London is an amazing city and they have an incredible New Year’s Eve fireworks show that you can watch at Stately London along the Thames. But be sure to buy your tickets in advance as they do sell out quickly!
3. New York City
Of course you can’t exclude New York City from the list. It is one of the most famous New Year’s Eve celebration cities in the world and is quite often televised. From watching on TV you always want to know what that experience would be like! Just keep in mind, it gets extremely busy and packed like sardines in Times Square but the view and whole experience is truly amazing.
4. Pago Pago, South Pacific
If you’re looking to be the closing lineup for ringing in the New Year then you will want to do so in Pago Pago in the South Pacific. You will be the last place to strike midnight and ring in that New Year with a fun celebration!
5. Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando FL
Disney is a truly magical place but even more so around the holiday season. A great way to spend your New Year’s Eve would be filled with a day of fun at the park followed by the magnificent firework and projection show to end your night. Get there early though because they do tend to hit capacity on holidays!
6. Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland is another beautiful country to visit if you have never been you may want to try it out. There are so many fun activities and festivities to celebrate ringing in the New Year and their celebrations are three days long. The firework show at midnight on New Year’s Eve is a spectacular sight to see as it features 4.5 tons of fireworks that are shot over the Edinburgh Castle, it truly is amazing to see.
7. Hong Kong, China
If you want to mix the feel of the New York City New Year’s bash with the traditional cultures of China then you may want to schedule a visit to Hong Kong this New Year. There is a beautiful fireworks display over the skyline and you will see the famous ball drop just like in NYC.
8. Cape Town, Africa
Cape Town is an absolutely beautiful city and a great place to bring in your New Year. Again, Cape Town is entering the Summer season so you can certainly enjoy your New Year in the beautiful warm weather and enjoy an extravagant fireworks show with fun festivities around you.
9. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is known to be a party city so as you can probably imagine, they know how to celebrate. They bring in the New Year with a celebration known as Silvester that features the Party Mile including food, festivities, and shows/music. The fireworks show at midnight is incredible and the party continues after the show is over!
10. Las Vegas, Nevada
Another party city is of course Las Vegas. The whole Vegas strip becomes one big New Year’s celebration filled with food, festivities, and music. At midnight there are so many fireworks being sent off that you are bound to see them from wherever you are, it makes for a great night!
New Year’s eve is such a great time of the year. You get to reflect on the past year and everything that you went through. If you are looking to make a trip for your New Year’s celebration this year I hope you check out one of these amazing destinations. You are bound to have a blast at any of these beautiful cities. Above all, remain happy, healthy, and safe during your celebrations.
We have been longing to visit Bicester Village since we had our first couple trip to Europe! Having heard about the beautiful shopping village and how it is cheaper buying there than from outside, it was on our draft plans when we visited Europe as a couple for the first time, but had to take it off the list due to time and budget constraint.
Look how smiley Aydeen was!
We finally visited Bicester Village during our family trip in May 2018. It was such a memorable one, especially with our 1-year-old on tow! We tried to make the trip awesome for everyone (we had range of ages from, 1, 30, 40 & 69, so we were trying VERY hard to make everyone pleased). Here’s what we think!
1. Day trip was fine
We originally wanted to bring everyone to Oxford before going to Bicester, as Oxford was the city where we celebrated our first anniversary (and we personally think it’s a beautiful historic city, especially for Harry Potter fans!). However, since this round of trip we bring other people who were more keen to shop than to visit cities, we just had a car ride around the town and off to Bicester Village.
It only takes about 22 minutes car ride from Oxford to Bicester Village, so you definitely should add this into your itinerary if you are visiting Oxford. If you are from London, it takes about 1 hour 21 minutes car ride, so day trip is fine.
Not going by car? No problem! There is an express train from London Marylebone Station. Alternatively, you can ride a coach.
2. Changing diaper was easy
Diaper changing was very easy at Bicester Village. It is very spacious and clean, our toddler made a trip there every few times while others were busy shopping!
Forgot to bring diaper creams? No problem! They have a machine inside the diaper room that sells just that!
3. You have the option to relax and wait for the things you bought to be delivered directly to you
Being first time parents ourselves, we know how tricky it gets when your toddler starts to throw tantrums. Going to Bicester Village with people who really want to shop – that doesn’t make your life easier. Best way is that you keep your child entertained, it will be a happier trip for everyone.
We went only to selected shops, whenever our toddler was happy. After we got home, we only knew the hands-free shopping service offered by Bicester Village – just sit and relax waiting for the items to be delivered directly to you. Isn’t that just awesome for parents with small kids? Too bad we only knew later, or else we would have buy more things!
Those are some of the things that we can share about our trip to Bicester Village with a toddler on tow. Hope it helps!
JenjalanKami 