Port Douglas, Australia 

Located in the Daintree Rainforest, which is the oldest one on earth, your family will find lots to do in Port Douglas, Australia. While you will want to start your adventure at the Discovery Center to understand the area, take a guided night tour to see all the nocturnal animals that call the rainforest home. Ride the zipline high above the rainforest to get a bird-eye view. The Great Barrier Reef is located nearby and makes a great place to go snorkeling or scuba diving. 

Rovaniemi, Lapland 

Show your family where Santa lives on a trip to Rovaniemi, Lapland. Everyone will love driving the husky dogs as they pull your sled. Then, rent a snowmobile for a family riding adventure. Take a ride in a sleigh pulled by reindeer before meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus. Have dinner at the nearby ice hotel. There is usually plenty of snow for everyone’s favorite winter activities. 

Berlin, Germany 

Located just 30 minutes from Berlin, Germany is the world’s largest indoor waterpark. This park that covers over six city blocks has special areas for each age group, including giant waterslides for adults. When you visit Berlin, your family can also visit German’s oldest zoo, along with seeing the animals at Tierpark, Aquarium Berlin, and Sea Life. Marvel at the inventions at the Technical Museum. Everyone may enjoy taking photos at the Gardens of the World. Consider ending your visit with a stop at the Legoland Discovery Centre. 

Rarotonga, Cooks Island, 

There are many things for families to do in Rarotonga, Cooks Island. This South Pacific island getaway offers numerous family-friendly resorts with children’s clubs that your kids will adore. Glass-bottom boat tours give every member of your family a chance to see what lies under the water’s surface. Similar to a Hawaiian luau, you will love watching an Island Night show. Get a better understanding of the island on a storytellers’ bike tour where you and your family cycle for a little bit before being rewarded with a thrill-binding story about island events. You can also go on a dune buggy or jeep tour to the top of the nearby mountains. End your visit with a fantastic day at one of the family-friendly beaches set on the shores of quiet lagoons. Depending on where you’re traveling from the time difference can be a bit difficult to get your sleep clock used to but it’s worth the potential jet lag. 

Masham, Yorkshire, England 

Your whole family will feel like royalty when you book a stay at the Swinton Park castle. This country estate offers many opportunities for your family to relax on its spacious grounds, including mountain biking, hiking, owl hunting, or relaxing in one of the tree lodges. Nearby, Masham offers many things to do, including exploring a nature reserve and going on a trike tour. 

Time spent building family memories is a wise investment. Choose your favorite family activity and get away with your family today. 

Understanding Disney Character Dining

Before proceeding with the discussion, you should be aware of what exactly is character dining? For character dining, you have to make sure that you are booking your table well in advance. Character dining is when you dine at a restaurant, and many of the Disney characters roam around the room and stop at your table and hug your kids or pose for a photo with them. It is an experience of a lifetime for sure. However, finding a place for character dining in Disney World could be tough because of its popularity. If you don’t book way in advance of your journey, it will be hard for you to get a table at any of these locations for character dining.

Locations For Character Dining In Disney World

There are numerous locations available for character dining in Disney World. Let’s take a look at some of the best locations among them:

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Cinderella’s Royal Table is perhaps the best place for you from where you can enjoy the character dining experience at Disney World to its fullest. If you are looking for the best dining experience at Disney World with the best Female Disney Characters, then you have to book your table here. The heart-warming greetings from Cinderella will surely take your experience to the very next level.

• Location: Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom
• Characters: Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White, Belle, Ariel

The Crystal Palace

The Crystal Palace is a great place for character dining in Disney World. The food here is wonderful, and the menu consists of a plethora of choices that will give your taste buds a wonderful time. Moreover, Pooh and his friends might visit you any time during your feast to have a photo session with you and your family. All in all, this restaurant will give a great experience of character dining.

• Location: The Crystal Palace Restaurant, Main Street the USA
• Characters: Piglet, Eeyore, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger

Chef Mickey’s

It is hard to find a person on this planet that is not in love with the great Mickey Mouse. It is probably one of the best Male Disney Characters ever created. So, dining with the great Mickey or Minnie Mouse or even Donald Duck is an experience that you don’t want to be missing. Chef Mickey’s is one of the more popular restaurants that you can choose for your character dining experience because you are not only getting to dine with some of the quintessential characters of Disney, but also the quality of food here is very much better than many of the other locations.

• Location: Contemporary Resort
• Characters: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto

Chip ‘n Dale’s Harvest Feast Dinner

If you want to ensure that your family is having a different experience of character dining in Disney World, then you have to take your family in the Chip ‘n Dale’s Harvest Feast Dinner, which is located in The Garden Grill Restaurant. You and your family will love it. Another interesting part of this place is the entire place revolves, and so, as you finish your food, you could end up making a full round of the restaurant by sitting at your table. From time to time, Chip, Dale, Pluto, Mickey, and lots of other Disney characters will come to you and greet you. You can take pictures with them and have fun. Basically, you will find those characters from Disney here that are very much popular in the Disney Character Warehouse as well.

• Location: The Garden Grill Restaurant
• Characters: Mickey Mouse, Dale, Chip, Pluto

Donald’s Dining Safari

You will find Donald’s Dining Safari at The Tusker House Restaurant. When it comes to enjoying delicious and exotic food during your character dining experience at Disney World, you will find it tough to get a place that is better than this one. Also, the setting of the entire restaurant is based on the African safari backdrop. When you visit the restaurant, Donald Duck will personally greet you. You will characters from Disney in this restaurant whom you revere, such as Mickey, Goofy, Daisy, and Donald Duck. This place just takes the Disney Character Dining experience to a whole new level.

• Location: The Tusker House Restaurant
• Characters: Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck

Cape May Café

If you want to enjoy seafood for your lunch and dinner or if you love to have English breakfast along with Disney characters walking around and greeting you, then Cape May Café is a perfect place for you to come and eat. The quality of food here is very good, and you will meet Disney characters like Goofy, Donald Duck, and Minnie Mouse.

• Location: Beach Club Resort
• Characters: Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, Goofy

Finally, the character dining is an absolutely memorable experience for anyone. Eating in the presence of some of the best Disney characters is something that you would want to experience at least once your lifetime. Therefore, when you are going on a vacation in Disney World, character dining is something that you should be looking to experience.

Planning a successful trip takes a considerable amount of time and expense. There are several parties involved in the process, including airlines, restaurants, and accommodations. It requires quite a bit of expertise to pull off a successful trip with completely no hitches, a task which can be a little daunting for some people. Luckily, there is a workaround to all this. There is a way to make the whole process much simpler, giving you your peace of mind while making everything else efficient. The answer is simple: Hire a Tour Operator and Guide.

Here are some of the reasons why you absolutely need to heed this advice and get yourself a reputable operator with a guide for your next trip:

1. It saves you time and energy

A tour guide can plan your entire trip for you, so you can focus on other things that will make your experience even richer. With a tour guide, you do not have to lift a finger. From your transportation to accommodation and meals, and finally to all the interesting sites you can visit, tour operators will plan everything for you to the last detail, saving you time and energy.

2. Buying Power

In the travel industry, people who have connections can get you the best deals for your trip. Hiring a tour guide is the best way to get discounted prices and special travel considerations because they leverage their industry experience and relationships and use them to bargain on your behalf.

3. Insurance

Most tour operators are insured. They have general and professional liability insurance, meaning that if something happens to you or to someone at your party and they get hurt, their insurance will cover the costs. This cover also extends to your property, such that in case of property damage due to one reason or another, you are secured.

4. Due Diligence For Safety

If you are traveling as part of a very large group, for example as a group of students, safety becomes a primary concern. Tour guides will go the extra mile to ensure that all the stakeholders in the trip are compliant with the required safety standards, such as having insurance, meeting the federal safety standards and generally having the required business practice standards appropriate for the group on the trip, be it very young children or the elderly.

5. Knowledge of The Destination

Travel guides will usually have visited the area you are going to before. They have a very authoritative knowledge of your travel destination, so you can trust them. They can also harness this knowledge to recommend all the best places to visit, dine or seek accommodation, making your experience as fun, enjoyable, and stress-free as possible. Having a tour guide with you is the perfect way to navigate a new town or city.

6. Cost Efficiency

When you hire a tour guide, you will probably have to buy an all-inclusive package. This allows you to budget your finances more efficiently and to be certain about where your money is going. Having only one payment to make also takes the stress out of the equation since you also have only one person to consult with and confirm all the necessary arrangements you may have made. Tour guides also usually have options of setting up special payment plans that suit every budget, which is great for someone who would like to plan, say, by having a vacation at the end of the year.

7. Experience

You can rarely go wrong by having experienced staff help you out with your plans. If you are working with professionals who understand how things are supposed to go, you end up falling for fewer pitfalls and having a much easier time than someone who decides to do it all on their own for the first time.

8. Smooth Operation

When you work with someone who has done it before, chances are they have an existing operational structure and way of doing things in place. They have a step-by-step process that allows them to perform every task more efficiently, ensuring the highest quality of service standards. You can rest easy knowing that there is someone paying attention to all the details on your behalf.

If you have been planning a trip, hiring a tour guide or a tour operator to help you streamline the entire process is the best way to go. If you are planning on visiting Santiago, also consider finding a local to give you a free walking tour to help you get the most out of the city. It is the number one way to guarantee that you will not get disappointed in your experience.

Vacations or holidays are a time when one looks for a change or relaxation. The change of place and weather has a good impact on the overall being. However, it is believed that going with a small baby is either too difficult or impossible. While this may be true, proper planning and following tips to travel smart with your baby may help you make traveling with your little one an enjoyable experience for every one.

Choosing the right mode of transport, choosing kid-friendly places to stay and destinations, planning and packing well and making sure your baby feels comfortable wherever you go are some of the ways in which you can make your travel experience a memorable one. If you are planning a trip in the future, we suggest you make a note of the pointers and tips given below.

In This Article

• 15 Tips To Travel Smart With Your Baby
• FAQs

15 Tips To Travel Smart With Your Baby

Given below are some useful and wonderful tips that will ensure you have a hassle-free holiday with your little darling. Follow these trips to travel smart with your baby.

1. Always Make Your Plans and Booking Much Before Time

• Planning well ahead of time and getting your travel and accommodation booking confirmed will give you a good heas start.
• This will reduce your stress and give reassurance as you begin your travel with your little baby.
• Prepare your itinerary keeping in mind your baby’s schedule, like their nap time, their playtime, etc

2. Pick Ideal Baby Destinations

• When you plan to travel with a baby, look for places like a lazy beach retreat, family and scenic resorts, or similar baby-friendly places.
• Avoid crowded, noisy tourist destinations as they may pose a challenge when you have a baby in tow.
• Calm and peaceful surroundings help soothe babies. After all, your baby is on vacation too.

3. Make a Point of Feeding Your little one during landing and takeoff

• If you are planning to fly with your baby, feeding during landing and take-off is one important tip that you need to follow (1).
• This helps the little one’s jaws keep working and helps their ears adjust to the pressure and elevation changes while flying.
• It also helps you to keep them calm and relaxed rather than cranky, irritable, and disturbed during take-off and landing.

4. Be Flexible With Your Schedules

• While you must plan well, you still do not know how your baby will take to the new surroundings during your journey.
• So there are chances that you might have to change your schedules keeping in mind the new schedule of your baby.
• Your baby might get bored having to sit still for long periods so keep your itinerary simple.
• Keep your plans flexible so that it is much easier to make last-minute adjustments if your baby gets tired

5. Stick To Your Baby’s Routine

•  Babies get cranky when exposed to a new environment.
•  So make sure you stick to your little one’s routine.
• If your little one’s schedule includes to a bath, a soft lullaby, and a bottle to snuggle with, never deviate from this routine.
• This will help them calm down and make them feel more at home.

6. Carry A  Few Of Their Favorite Toys And Pack Some New Ones Too

• Babies can sense they are away from their familiar environment and may become quite irritable to changes while traveling.
• Carrying a couple of their favorite toys is a great support in helping them come to terms with their new environment and this certainly will habe a calming effect on them (2).
• Also, it would be a good idea to shop for some new and innovative toys that your little one has not played with till now.
• Packing them for your trip is an excellent idea as a new toy automatically grabs the attention of your little one and is guaranteed to keep him occupied for some time till the newness wears off.

7. Carry First Aid And Required Medications

• It is important to keep a first aid kit handy (3).
•  Your first aid kit can contain saline solution or saline based nasal drops in case your baby catches a cold .
• Getting a proper check-up of the baby before traveling can be extremely helpful.
• Consult your pediatrician and carry a few medicines prescribed by him that your baby may need.

 8. Carry the Breastfeeding Gear

• Breastfeeding is a challenge while on travel so best to keep the necessary stuff ready.
• A nursing cover is ideal for a breastfeeding mother to feed the baby comfortably at any place without hesitating.
• Sometimes when the baby burps, spitting up of is common, so carrying small towels, napkins or clothes is a big help.
• Babies are unpredictable and moody as well so can create challenges while being fed in front of people so a mother should be ready to make feeding a smooth phase.
• Mothers should wear nursing bras or use nursing pads so the milk doesn’t show in case of a leakage.
• It is also good to find pillows that can be taken on a journey that gives a comfortable position to feed the baby.

9. Keep Baby Meals Handy

• You can keep the baby formula ready so that the baby can be fed at the right time.
• For babies older than six months of age, you can carry baby foods, small finger or bite-size foods.
• Simple cereals or fruits can be carried as well.
• If the baby is on formula feed, you can have an insulated bottle filled with hot water. This will let you prepare formula instantly as and when needed
• It is also a good idea to express milk and carry it as this is permitted by aviation.

10. Clothes And More Clothes

• Always have extra clothes handy when traveling with a baby.
• It is easier to remove or add layers on the go according to changes in the temperature.
• With babies on board, you may need to be ready for emergencies, such as vomiting, soiling diapers, etc.
• Carry an extra bag or backpack with you with all the baby’s essential items.
• Also, make sure that you dress your little one in clothes that facilitate easy changing of diapers.

11. Make Sure You Have a Full Bottle

• Whenever you set on a journey, even if it is a short one, you must have with you a full bottle to feed your little one when needed.
• Babies tend to relax when the bottle is popped into their mouth immediately rather than to wait for you to prepare the formula.
• So always ensure you have a full bottle handy with you while traveling.

12. Unpack As Soon As You Reach Your Destination

• Unpacking is something most people put off till later.
• However, it would be a good move to send your hubby away with your little one or keep the mite engaged in some activity, till you unpack your belongings and create a home-like atmosphere as soon as possible.
• Seeing familiar things around will help settle your baby and make him less cranky and irritable.

13. Create a Play Niche in Your Hotel Room

• Once you check into your room, you need to find a play niche for your little baby and also stack up whatever toys you have carried along in that niche in a low drawer or shelf.
• This helps to keep the room more organized and also makes the little one feel quite at home with his toys and favorite teddies

14. Make Use of Technology

• Keeping your little one entertained with his favorite cartoon or some interesting app is surely a good idea during travelling.
• This is a good option but one needs to keep a tab on the time as this is not good for the baby’s development.

15. Hire a Play Crib

• Most hotels have play cribs for hire and it would be a good idea to take one on hire while you are staying in the hotel.
• This way, you get the much-needed rest while relaxing in your room as your little one is quite safe playing in the crib and will be quite occupied examining her new surroundings

Before planning a vacation it is good to consult a doctor and make him aware of the travel plans. This way they can advise the needful in terms of the weather conditions and the medications suitable for the baby. It is important to have a proper plan in place for the trip to be a memorable and pleasurable one. It is obvious that the baby becomes cranky due to the new set of surroundings. Parents should be well prepared for to let things go smoothly and have plan Bs in place for things that may go wrong.

FAQs

1. When Can I Start Traveling With My Baby?

It is best to travel with a baby once they are at least a month old as the chances of infection are less. You can also talk to your pediatrician and get their advice on whether your baby is ready for travel.

2. How To Travel With My Baby For the First Time?

It is important to keep the baby products readily available, travel to a place where the temperature is neither too hot nor cold, a place that has baby-friendly stuff, prepare well for food to keep the baby hydrated, keep the baby comfortable, and stick to the sleep schedule. Keep extra clothes and have lots of patience.

3. What Should Baby Wear While Traveling?

The baby must be dressed as per the climate. It is advisable to go for light cotton clothes if its summer and woolens if its winter. Making the baby wear dark-colored clothes to avoid stains is also a good thought.

References

1. Travel Recommendations for Nursing Families | Nutrition | CDC – [https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/breastfeeding/travel-recommendations.html]
2. Children’s use of transitional objects during daily separations from significant caregivers – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8451155/]
3. Traveler’s First-Aid Kit | Johns Hopkins Medicine – [https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/travelers-firstaid-kit]

If you are travelling with your baby for the first time, it can be a stressful affair. Babies are unpredictable as it is. And you have no way of knowing how they will behave 30,000 feet up in the sky. You do not know if she will be fussy, if she will sleep well or if her ears will hurt. You are also worried for yourself – if you will get any time to rest during the trip or if you will be able to feed the baby comfortably. You are also worried about the fellow passengers – if they will find you too fussy or if they will complain about baby’s persistent crying in case that happens. Basically, you are worried about everything. Here is a concise guide that will help you sail through your air travel.

It Is All About Planning: How To Plan Your Flight With Baby?

Planning right is half the job done. Take care of the following aspects, and you will feel much comfortable on the D-day:

• Talk to the doctor: Make sure your child’s doctor approves the flight travel. This would mean that the doctor will check the baby for any infection, especially in the ears. Some doctors also prescribe ear drops so that the child does not get ear ache during the travel
• Buy a separate ticket: Kids below 2 years of age fly free. However, we suggest that you consider buying an extra ticket for your baby. Benefits are many: your child will be most comfortable in an airline approved car seat which can be fixed on the flight seat; you will not have to worry about carrying him on your lap throughout the journey; and, you get to carry an extra luggage which is god-sent when traveling with a baby
• Choose nap-time for flying: It is best to choose a time when you know your little one will be napping. This way, the flight will remain more or less uneventful
• Talk to the airline: Understand the airline rules in terms of what you can carry on-board before the flight so that you do not get any surprises on the day of travel. Ask specifically if things like milk or hot water or formula can be packed in the carry-on bag
• Pack it right: Make a list of things that you know you will need during the flight. Extra clothes (for the baby and yourself, in case the baby spits on you), extra diapers, wipes, pacifiers, toys, food and blankets are necessary items on that list

On The Day Of The Travel: What Should You Do On The Day Of Travel?

You have planned it right. Now here are couple of things you need to do on the day of the trip:

• Arrive early: In case you have not chosen your seats yet, please make sure you arrive early to ensure you get good seats (and not the dreaded middle seat!). Even if you have reserved your seats, it is still better to arrive early so that you are not panicking about missing the check-in time. If you are restless, your child will sense it and will get restless too
• Take the pram/stroller: You might want to consider carrying a pram or stroller. Some of the international airports are huge and you might get very tired carrying your baby around. Even for domestic flights, a pram/ stroller can be handy in case your flight is delayed. Please do check with the airlines if they will let you carry the pram/ stroller in the airplane (most airlines do)

On The Flight: What Should You Do Inflight To Ensure That Your Baby, You And Co-Passengers Are At Ease?

Finally, the day of travel has arrived. You are well prepared. You have arrived at the airport before time. You have got a decent seat. What next? Here are some tips to keep in mind so that the flight is smooth.

• Board first: Most airlines will let passengers with kids to board first. Make use of this. The extra minutes will give you a chance to settle down, put the bags you do not need immediately in the overhead carrier and keep things you will need handy around you
• Feed the baby to reduce ear pressure: If your baby is awake during take-off, make sure you feed the baby, either breastfeed or feed from a bottle. If the baby refuses to feed, try giving her a pacifier. The suckling motion of mouth will reduce the pressure in the ears. Repeat the same step during landing as well
• Be polite to co-passengers: Being polite can go a long way in ensuring that your fellow passengers are not irked by the fussiness involved in traveling with a baby. Many times, people are more annoyed with the parents who pretend to own the airplane than with the little one’s crying. Of course, you can choose to ignore them. But what we are saying is politeness cannot hurt
• Change diaper only in the toilet: Many parents think it is ok to just change the diaper in their seats. This is not cool. The smell, although you are accustomed to it, is a total put off for others. Always do this in the toilet. It is also more comfortable for you to change your baby’s diaper in the changing station in the toilet

How much ever you plan, remember things can go haywire. And this is okay. The idea is to think of every possible eventuality and be prepared for it. And if something unplanned happens, well, welcome to parenthood.
Happy journey!

Babymoon is a concept that is relatively new to Indians. It is nevertheless fast emerging as the hottest trend in travel and transportation. Bollywood bigges have taken on the trend and many couples have followed suit. So are you (or your wife, if you are the to-be dad) pregnant?

Then read on to plan a beautiful and unforgettable babymoon experience.We will help you  with some of the top destination to travel within India and outside India.

In This Article

• What is Babymoon?
• When Can You Go For Babymoon?
• Considerations When Planning a Babymoon
• Top 5 Best Babymoon Destinations in India
• Top 5 Best Babymoon Destinations Outside India
• FAQ’s

What is Babymoon?

A babymoon is a trip taken by expectant parents during pregnancy. The idea is to have some relaxing and romantic time together as a couple before the baby arrives. Since most of us are worried about our relation equation after the baby comes, taking some quality time off can ease the stress that you will have as new parents. A babymoon also gives allows you take a ‘twosome’ break, which may not be possible for the next few years from now. The trip could be anywhere, a resort close by, a neighboring city, or a tourist spot in India or abroad. The idea is to just unwind and spend some quality time together – nothing tedious!

When Can You Go For Babymoon?

We advise you to plan your babymoon during your second trimester after discussing with your doctor. If the gynecologist gives a green flag after taking into consideration the health of your pregnancy, then pack your bags!

Why second trimester? Because it is better to avoid travel in the early days of pregnancy (first trimester). It might also be a period when you have morning sickness. And third trimester is again too close to the D-Day to have a relaxing vacation!

Considerations When Planning a Babymoon

Since you are pregnant, it makes sense to take into account certain safety measures. A babymoon should be a perfect getaway for you, but you need to be prepared for any emergencies that may arise. Some points worth pondering on are:

1. Before booking tickets, do take into consideration the travel policy of the airline you wish to travel with. Also, do consider your travel options during pregnancy.
2. Make sure that you are aware about the closest hospital, just in case.
3. You will need a holiday that does not involve too much of physical strain- avoid places that involve long flight of stairs or long walks.
4. Make this holiday a one that focuses on relaxation and bonding. Book for prenatal massages and quiet, romantic times with your spouse.
5. And at last, do plan the budget – you already have a lot of expenses coming your way.

Top 5 Best Babymoon Destinations in India

Whether its beaches, backwaters or history that tick you, we have got you covered. We have consciously avoided mountains because often they are not well connected by trains and airports (or good medical facilities). It is also advisable to avoid potential conflict areas because we do not want to take any risks during your pregnancy! So here goes the list:

1. Goa

Goa is synonymous for relaxation! The beaches, the lazy laid-back resorts, jolly and helpful people and above all, the ever calming Arabian Sea! We suggest you book a good resort with private beach and just stay in enjoying the hospitality!

2. Pondicherry

Unlike Goa, you cannot really walk into Pondicherry’s Bay of Bengal as the beaches are rocky. But this is the best place for enjoying great French hospitality and cuisine. Additionally, places like Sri Aurobindo Ashram provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying your pregnancy with its peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.

3. Kumarakam, Kerala

Imagine a beautiful and well equipped luxury houseboat, lapping in the romantic and beautiful backwaters of Kerala. All you would see is expanse of water ahead of you, bright blue sky above you, and lush green all around you. Avoid summer months (April and May) as it can get very hot and humid.

4. Jaipur

Not a fan of beaches and backwaters? Catch a flight to the pink city. Royalty is the name of the game here as the hotels and the monuments will make you feel like a princess.

5. Agra

Having a baby is the best time to revoke the romance in your wedding. And what better place to do it other than at the eternal symbol of love for all of us – the Taj Mahal.

[Read : Air Travel During Pregnancy]

Top 5 Best Babymoon Destinations Outside India

Feeling a bit more adventurous? Then here are our favorite five babymoon destinations abroad. One thing you need to remember is to pick a resort that has a medical center or a hospital nearby. Also ensure you have taken a good travel insurance. So, here goes the list:

1. Greece

Think of white and blue houses tiered across the hill and breathtaking views of the sea – that is Greece! We suggest you do a quick tour of Athens and head straight to one of the many beautiful islands for a relaxed and beautiful babymoon.

2. France

Paris is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world. But there is much more to France than Paris. French Rivera, Nice and Cannes are some of our favorite picks.

3. New Zealand

New Zealand offers an amazing experience that is very close to nature, be it amazing lakes or stunning mountains. Get an international driving license and just drive around. You will thank us for this!

4. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a great option to enjoy your babymoon if you are looking for a beach destination that is outside of India. Great resorts, foot massages, lazy sea and chilled out people – that’s Bali for you!

5. Maldives

This is a beautiful country with 26 small atolls. Most often, each atoll houses one resort. Pick a beach villa to enjoy the beautiful turquoise sea, and coconut trees and if you are lucky, you might spot dolphins and reef sharks from your room!

Happy babymoon!

Read Also: Traveling During Pregnancy – Precautions and Safety Tips

FAQ’s

1. How Many Days Should A Babymoon Be?

There are no set guidelines for the length of a babymoon, but most people take between two and four nights off work. You can take a week off if that’s what you want. Similarly, a pre-baby excursion of any length is beneficial, so don’t allow a lack of time to prevent you from enjoying a babymoon.

2. What Month Should You Take Your Babymoon?

The second trimester of pregnancy approximately weeks 13–27 precisely called the honeymoon phase of pregnancy is widely considered the optimal time for a babymoon. This is because your pregnancy symptoms from the first trimester have decreased and your tummy is still very small.

Travelling means different things to different people. While some find it fun, some like the adventure part. On the other hand,  some value the relaxation and excitement in travelling. When one travels, one not only gets to enjoy the bounties that nature has to offer, but also presents a huge opportunity to learn and grow. When it comes to kids, they learn some wonderful lessons without realizing the same. Travelling, thus, broadens their horizons and perspective. Have to travel with a toddler?

12 Top Benefits Of Travelling For Children

• Children learn patience 
• Independence and responsibility 
• Cultural awareness is generated in your children 
• Your family ties become stronger 
• Enhances your children’s learning experiences 
• Improved grades 
• Focus on collecting wonderful memories 
• Children learn to socialize and make friends more easily
• Kids learn how to be tolerant and adopt better habits
• They become excellent in group decision-making skills 
• Children learn how to adapt 
• Learning Together

12 Top Benefits Of Travelling For Children

Vacations are no doubt a lovely break no matter how big or small it is. Children are always excited about travelling, and it holds immense benefits for them in the long run. Given below are twelve benefits of travel for kids:

Children learn patience through travelling

Children, especially little ones are basically quite impatient by nature and expect things to happen as soon as they demand it. Travelling can bring unexpected delays. There might be a number of occasions when you may have nothing to do but wait if your flight or mode of travel is delayed. Long bus rides, waiting in queues and boarding, all take up quite a lot of time. Thus, the child will learn patience through travelling

Travelling teach the child Independence and responsibility

Children learn to become more responsible while travelling and this is indeed a huge lesson as far as kids are concerned. You can teach them to be responsible for their belongings and make sure they pack their necessities, teaching them the importance of responsibility

Cultural awareness is generated in your children while travelling

Travel opens your children’s eyes to novel windows of the world. They get excellent exposure to varied languages and culture. The child gets to know how different people across the globe live and their different values. They learn about new languages, history, people, cuisines and cultures. You can even include some educational activities as per their interests

Your family ties become stronger

While travelling together, you tend to share ample experiences which tend to strengthen your family bond and help to bring you closer as a family which is ideal for your children. Regardless of whether you are trekking together or enjoying a roller coaster ride with your kids, you become closer-knit

Travelling enhances your children’s learning experiences

Travel offers your kids real-world experiences and even applications to some subjects they have been learning in school. Visiting a history museum or a world-famous art gallery provides your child with substance and rich perspectives to what your child has learned in his or her class

Travelling helps to improved grades

You are sure to see an improvement in your child’s grades: A study conducted by the Georgia University has revealed kids who came back after a holiday abroad showed improved grades as far as academics are concerned

Focus on collecting wonderful memories

Children learn the value of accumulating memories of lovely times they spent traveling as a family. They learn that life is about gathering rich experiences and memories as they will last to the very end of their lives. Travelling ensures that you bring back lots and lots of wonderful memories

Children learn to socialize and make friends more easily

They learn to socialize better with strangers and even share smiles and stories with new acquaintances. This is quite a valuable lesson which teaches them about what really matters is celebrating life with smiles and laughter

Kids learn how to be tolerant and adopt better habits

Kids learn acceptance and tolerance during their various travels, which makes it so much easier for their parents to handle them. Children also realize the importance of cleaning up and packing their backpacks.

They become excellent in group decision-making skills

While in daily life, children’s opinions are not paid much heed to, parents normally pay heed to even kid’s opinions during vacation. Children are provided a wonderful platform to voice their opinions and the entire family as a whole takes decisions which offer a lovely opportunity for the children in every sense of the word

Children learn how to adapt while travelling

There may be umpteen situations during travel where kids need to adapt to different situations without complaining. Be it unexpected weather set back or a flight getting delayed, kids learn to adjust accordingly as they have no other choice

Learning Together

Learning together about different places and people as a group becomes so much more fulfilling and enriching for both parents as well as the children. Travelling teaches you so many new things which can be learned as a group rather than individually. Find out some healthy travel snacks for kids
Traveling with kids does have its disadvantages and can be quite challenging. However, you will find your children will benefit quite a lot while travelling. So make sure you plan your next trip along with your kids soon. You can witness the wonderful ways your children benefit from travel. Traveling with your children could be an ordeal in some ways. Find out 12 Useful Tips To Travel Smart With Your Baby
But, what you should remember is that travelling is a lovely experience that provides you with wonderful memories. You and your child can  cherish these memories for a lifetime. You realize you bring back a lot more than pictures and souvenirs when you travel with your little children, strengthening your family ties, bringing you closer than before.

In India, vacations greet you in all seasons, winter, rainy and the months-long summer vacations. In our children’s dictionary, the word vacation is synonymous with holidays. Your kids are likely to pressurize you to take them on a holiday. No wonder as their friends are going to explore different places, they also want to go. Know about  the Top 8 Summer Vacations Destinations In India. 

With the summer vacation just about the corner, it could be a well deserved break for you and your kids to break away from mundane routines and enjoy a few days off! If you are confused about choosing an apt destination, this blog may help you to fix one. You can find top five vacation spot when you have kids here.

Top 8 Summer Vacation Destinations In India

1. Ooty For Summer Vacation

A very famous hill station in the South. Children, no doubt, will enjoy the picturesque beauty from awesome wooden cottages perched on hills. The fog and cold weather will surely bring respite in summer.

Activities and Places to Visit:

• Toy train through deep jungles and valleys is one of its kind, suitable for the entire family
• Children can enjoy pony rides and explore botanical gardens
• Take them to the honey and bee museum and tea factory to see how honey and tea are prepared
• Enjoy hot cheese omelettes at Pykara and go on a refreshing walk around Pykara lake and falls
• Try fishing, trekking and horse racing
• Coonoor, just 17 kms away from Ooty provides numerous other attractions such as Lambs Rock, St Catherine Falls, Lady Canning’s Seat, Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, Law’s Falls, Ralliah Dam and Droog
• Relish wholesome seafood, meats and south Indian food

Accommodation:

Prices start from Rs. 1000

2. Goa For Summer Vacation

Apart from the fascinating beaches, Goa is famous for scenic beauty, a great dose of adventure, a kind touch of heritage and mesmerizing cultural insights. If you are not sporting enough, you can lay back on the beach, wrapped in sunscreen, sipping fresh coconut water and reading a book. Running on the sand of sun kissed beaches with lapping waves and fresh smell of turquoise blue water is an exhilarating experience in itself.

Activities and Places to Visit:

• A host of water sports awaits you! Sea rides, dolphin spotting, day cruise, snorkelling, jet skiing, para-sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, knee and wake boarding, speed boat, and scuba diving
• Goa is a paradise of beaches, some of them are Vagator, Calangute, Anjuna, Baga, Morgim, Bogmalo, Majorda, Colva, Agonda, Palolem, Mandrem and Varca Beaches. Some luxurious hotels have their own stretch of beaches so you can have your own private beach time
• Enjoy fresh seafood from beach shacks listening to live music
• Do take some time to visit ancient churches and shop around printed clothes

Accommodation:

A number of budget resorts provide rooms starting from Rs.1200 per night.

3. Jim Corbett National Park

This place is widely known for frequent spotting of tigers and has also featured in the film “Kaal”. Jim Corbett Park has its own thrill and wilderness which is incomparable.

Activities and Places to Visit:

• Kids could be thrilled with the unusual experience of elephant safari, jeep safari and horse safari
• Forest rest houses organize camps. The hotels and resorts also arrange a myriad of activities ranging from setting camps, bonfire and adventurous activities

Accommodation:

Rooms start from Rs. 1300

4. Kaziranga National Park

Time for some family adventure! Ideal for nature lovers and staying away from hustle and bustle of the city. Famous for spotting one-horned Rhino, turtles and minivets.

Activities and Places to Visit:

• Night safaris and Elephant safari
• Camping
• Trekking
• Hotels and resorts organize several excursions and activities
• Jorhat and Panbari Reserve Forest are nearby attractions

Accommodation:

Economical, yet, hygienic lodges managed by Assam Tourism Development Cooperation provides room from Rs.900 onwards. Howver, in the case these are not available, other resorts and lodges starting from Rs.1500 onwards are also available.

5. Darjeeling For Summer Vaction

The jack of holiday and queen of summers.

Activities and Places to Visit:

• Toy train ride from Darjeeling to Kurseong/jalpaiguri enjoy the sheer landscape beauties on this 70 km long journey
• Rock gardens and waterfalls are sure places to get selfies
• Tiger hill peak to enjoy the beautiful experience of watching sunrise in tranquillity
• A cable car ride from Darjeeling – Rangit is something your kids will look forward to
• Ghoom Monastery, Dali Monastery, Tamang Ghumba and Aloobari Monastery can help your kid acquaint with the north eastern culture
• Garg World Amusement Park – yes, the kids will love it
• Other attractions: The Ava Art Gallery, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Batasia Loop and the War Memorial, Botanical Garden, Scrubbery Park, Red Panda Breeding Farm, Himalayan Zoo and Dhirdham Temple Mirik lake and Himalayan Zoological Park
• Do try the sweet dumplings and mouth-watering momos

Accommodation:

Rooms start from Rs.1500 onwards

6. Pachmari

The only hill station in Madhya Pradesh surrounded by magnificent Satpura range. You can send your kids for mountaineering or trekking day camps whilst you can go for a leisure walk or on trails surrounded by water and greenery.

Activities and Places to Visit:

• Maradeo Hills
• Take your kids to fascinating Jatashankar and Pandav caves to know more about caves with religious history
• Satpura National Park. Handi Khoh, Apsara Vihar, Dhoopgarh are few other attractions atop winding hills

Accommodation:

Rooms start from Rs.1300 onwards

7. Mussoorie

Relax in the nature’s lap gazing at the ups and downs of valleys, spotted with lakes and waterfalls.

Activities and Places to Visit:

• Cable car to Gun Hill: Enjoy the panoramic view of Mussoorie from height
• Kempty falls: Carry the swim seat, buy pool balls and play frisbee under cool Kempty Falls
• Cloud End and Lal Tibba are other attractions here
• Shop for souvenirs at Mall Road
• Ranikhet: Just 63 km away, this is another ideal destination. Here, you can go trekking, camping in the forest and can also enjoy traditional Kumaoni cusisine

Accommodation:

Rooms available from Rs. 900 onwards.

8. Manali

Manali is a destinationvery famous destination not only for honeymooners, is also reserves fragrant fruit orchards, ice-clad peaks, steep cliffs, picturesque landscape with pine trees and snow-covered hotel cottages for your children as well.

Activities and Places to Visit:

• Paragliding, river rafting, mountain trekking, ice skiing – Manali Mountaineering Institute provides basic training in these along with water sports
• Rahala water falls: Enjoy picnic with the beauty of nature
• Solang Valley – An awesome spot to watch glaciers, snow-clad peaks and enjoy snow skiing
• Vashisht Hot Water springs and temples, Arjuna Caves, Jagatsukh, Tibetan Monastery and Hadimba temple are other must see attractions
• Manali Club House: After spending the day sight-seeing club house is a decent way to relax and let your kids enjoy indoor sports
• Kullu is just 40 km away from Manali, which is again a delightful tourist destination. The place is also famous for adventure sports, temples, wildlife sanctuaries and selling Kashmiri products
• Manali Mall road is the place to shop for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs

Accommodation:

Rooms start from Rs. 700 onwards

Your kid wants to run free in open spaces, splash in cool waves, and indulge in adventurous activities. Keeping this in mind while choosing a destination for summer holidays. Also, consider the scenic beauty and varied cuisines, you can give above options to your kid and select a perfect family holiday destination. Book hotels in advance. Also, never forget to pack the swimming suit and sunscreen! So pack your bags, get ready to unwind and chill!

Find out how to plan a summer vacation with a toddler here

Do you dread at the thought of flying with your kid? Perhaps you haven’t yet recovered from the embarrassment that greeted you owing to your child’s screaming, kicking and tantrums in the recent journey! An American tourist went on and sued Qantas airlines after a three year old screamed in her ear. Imagine, nowadays etiquette minding is that serious! However, if you train your little prince and princess a bit and are yourself prepared well in advance, you are very likely to have a scream free air travel.

Travelling With Kids on a Plane

Remember, the attention span of your lad is short, he is prone to get easily bored and waiting for baggage check in and security checks has already robbed him of his patience. Crammed seats, uncomfortable leg room and a crowd of passengers renders him more cranky. Babies and kids are considered a nuisance in public-confined spaces. Here’s how to avoid the cold stares of fellow passengers:

Packing Checklist When Flying With Kids

1. When travelling with kids, let them feel like a ‘big boy’ or a ‘big girl’ – pack their own back pack with their goodies and and toys safe for the flight. Put in some diapers and napkins, a set of clothes, and some wipes. Will give the kid to look forward to being ‘big’ and will space some space in your own luggage
2. Now this bag needs to something comfortable, your child may go from being ‘big’ to being a ‘baby’ anytime. The backpack needs to be handled by you in that case
3. If you are a nursing mother, ensure that you carry a shawl or a blanket or ask for one
4. Always make sure to have an extra bottle and formula in case you lose one if you have an infant
5. Pack a small bag with the essentials – some diapers, napkins,medicines, wipes, bottle, formula, plastic bags, some snacks – this will come handy
6. Some people feed their kids relaxation medicines – its your call but it is best not to rely on them as they could react

Before Boarding The Flight With Kids

1. Insist on using toilet before boarding: Once the flight takes off, it’s going to be a hassle both to you and the co-passenger
2. Let your kids take a walk or just roam around: Do not ground them now, as the during the flight they will not be allowed motion
3. Warn your kid about aeroplane police: If he misbehaves or makes noise, he will be arrested and isolated in jail, that’ll keep him subdued!
4. Seating arrangement: Double check the seating arrangement, take the bassinet (if available) when travelling with a baby
5. Window seats: Choose window seat for your kid and you may take the middle one, act as a buffer. You can keep him engaged by showing hills of feathery clouds, setting sun and small houses. In this way, they won’t upset the passing beverage trolley

On Flight With Toddlers

1. Keep motion sickness bag handy: You don’t want to face the disaster of your kid throwing up in someone’s lap!
2. Use diaper: Wear your kid a diaper even if you feel he is potty trained. Kids can reverse anytime
3. Carry interesting books: Story books, colouring books, comics or picture book; pack his choice. You may even surprise him with a new book!
4. Keep his seatbelt fastened always: Explain him the dangers of unfastened seatbelt; that he may fall and get hurt.
5. Carry ear plugs and candies: Kids are more sensitive to variance in air pressure at higher altitudes. Ear plugs and busy mouth will make him less complaining.
6. Coax your child to sleep: Keep hammering your child from a day before that when he gets on the plane, he will feel sleepy and should relax.
7. Carry his favourite teddy and blanket: You don’t want him to throw a tantrum crying for his sleep buddies!
8. Electronic Devices: Bring on those electronic devices. iPad, SmartPhones, PS3, portable DVD loaded with music, games, audio books, iPod and movies to keep your child busy and not bored. Charge the electronic entertainment items and keep charger handy!
9. Carry fragrance free sanitizer: You don’t know which of the fellow passenger may be allergic to the heady fragrance.
10. Carry headphones and keep the volume low: Sometimes the in-flight gizmos do not work their best, so just in case
11. Feed him well: Keep him well fed and busy with tit-bits
12. Medicines:Keep medicines handy as motion sickness, stomach upset and headaches are common

The Don’ts of Travelling By Air With Kids

DO NOT

1. let your kid block the aisle by sitting or sprawling on the floor. This is nuisance to both the passengers and flight attendants
2. let his body, feet or mouth stink. This is basic civic sense
3. allow touching, pushing or grabbing the body, items or chairs of co-passengers
4. book flights during peak travel times. Instead opt for Sunday, Tuesday or Wednesdays during the middle of the day or later in the evenings
5. let him kick or bang the front seat. Remove his shoes
6. let him spread germs. Provide him with a tissue or handkerchief while sneezing or coughing
7. let him run on the aisle. Take him at the back of the plane to stretch and play for few minutes and then back to the seat
8. let him encroach others privacy. Peeping over the seat of the couple excited about their honeymoon definitely do not consider this action cute!
9. let him disturb others by questioning neighbours and poking at their belongings
10. let him litter. Instruct him to put trash in the cup and hand it over to you or the flight attendant
11. dress him uncomfortably. Tight clothes can make him irritable
12. carry sticky and messy food. Unnecessary trouble in cleaning

Tips When Flying With Children

1. Set up a flight schedule for your kid: movie time, meal time, sleep time, reading time, iPad game time etc.
2. Select child-friendly seats with larger leg rooms, at least inquire the airlines about smoke-free and silent zones
3. Instruct your child to appreciate the flight attendant’s service by thanking them while deplaning
4. When your kid needs your attention, give him, otherwise you are giving him a reason to misbehave and others to snicker
5. Try to board early so that you can tuck the luggage overhead and roll fancy trolleys without driving over others feet
6. Remove those bulky coats while moving through the narrow aisle – less trouble for co-passengers
7. Check the bathroom and clean any mess created by your kid
8. Choose normal flight time i.e. one which coincides with the sleeping time of your child – less grumpy kid!
9. Explain him the procedure at airport and the conduct expected in aircraft. He will process information and prepare for anticipated change

Teach your kid to talk softly and politely not just in aircraft but always. Hopefully, with the above tips you are likely to have a pleasant flight with your little one. In case, there is a meltdown, tantrum or crying, take it easy, these are kids after all!