Last Day in Vegas

We did not have anything planned  on our last day in Vegas so we decided to  roam around.   We had a whole day to kill since our flight wasn't until in the evening.  I wanted to go to the residential facilities for veterans in Las Vegas but my husband said that we might need an appointment for it so we just abandoned the idea.  It would have been a good opportunity for the kids to  greet veterans.

Even early in the morning, the heat of the sun was already setting in so our  strategy was to go in some of the shopping building to cool off then go out again and explore.  

 Being able to explore  on foot is a lot better than driving around as you get to see a lot of things and also experience it.  A lot of walking and sweating is a great exercise.

We got to roam around Vegas on a hot summer day but it was a lot of fun.

Las Vegas  is a beautiful place to really explore.  You get to see different  building structures that you would see visiting different places but it is all there in Vegas.

Caesar's Palace is what captivated me the most.  It's beautiful, I am sure it cost a fortune just to build what's on the exterior of the building.  I used to admire it from movies but seeing it in person is  awesome.

When we were walking around, there were many instances where sales people  were trying to entice us with "freebies" again but  we never fell for it since we knew the drill already from what we experienced on our second day of our vacation.

We do our  vacation during summer time when our kids are off from school so it is always super hot.  We also do it  during this time to celebrate  either our daughter's birthday or our wedding anniversary.  

I can't believe it's been over a year since we last visited Vegas, time do flies!   I think  one of the   shocking experience my kids  had during our roaming journey is when they saw a man lying on the sidewalk, he seem lifeless and we didn't really know if we will try to help but he seemed so drugged out that my husband said don't bother him.  

We don't gamble and we didn't really  watch any of the shows in Vegas so exploring the city and the nearby  natural beauty like the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead was really awesome.

I think our son's favorite is  the car show that we went to.

We stayed in Vegas for our vacation but the most memorable that we did was our roadtrip to Grand Canyon.  It's true that we've seen  so many beautiful things in Vegas but the  beauty of nature still wins for me.

Everything You Need To Know About Escape Games

If you are thinking about something entertaining to do as a group or family, then you may well be interested in one of the latest trends in interactive live entertainment – escape room games. Escape room games are live experiences where players are trapped in a location with a time limit to escape, which they do by solving puzzles, finding clues, and unraveling mysteries. Originally a Japanese idea based on a series of video games, real live escape rooms have been around in the US for some time now, and have even been featured on TV shows like The Big Bang Theory. With locations all over the country such as these Atlanta escape room facilities, an escape room experience could be a great fun activity for you to enjoy.

How Does it Work?

Escape room games have a story. You and the other players in your group of between two and about eight people are trapped somewhere and have to race against the clock to escape. There are different themes, with some escape rooms going for spooky haunted house type themes, others with exciting action movie type scenarios, and others with classic mysteries to solve. Usually, the time limit is influenced by the story to give a real sense of rising tension as you work to find the answers you need to escape. A games master monitors your group while you play and will offer hints if you are struggling to solve the puzzles, as the idea is for people to get the full experience and for people of all ages to be able to play.

Are Players Really Trapped?

Escape rooms are an entertainment facility, and so while they do create the sense that you really are in the story and under pressure to solve the puzzle or mystery, you aren’t actually trapped. This means that if the experience unexpectedly makes one of your group anxious, they can, in reality, leave the room at any time without completing the challenge.

Who Are Escape Rooms Appealing to?

Escape rooms are becoming popular as team building activities for coworkers, as they give people a scenario outside of the norm where they have to work together, as well as being fun and exciting. Families too can enjoy escape room games together, particularly games designed to be less scary and to include some puzzle elements that younger children can have a chance to solve. In general, anyone who enjoys games, roleplay, and live shows can have fun with this style of entertainment, and most escape room locations offer multiple different rooms and stories so people who have had fun there can go back for a different challenge and experience next time.

If you are looking for something new and interesting to do, whether with friends, family, or your team at work, check out the escape room games in your area and give it a try – it can be a lot of fun and also gives a surprising sense of achievement when you beat the game!

Journey Behind Niagara Falls

On labor Day  weekend last month (Sept. 1-3), we decided to cross the border.  We have never visited  Niagara Falls before so this was a spontaneous trip  that we thought would be fun.  We live in the Mountain State so it took us a little over 4 hours of driving to  reach Toronto.  I previously suggested to just go on the New York side so  our business stays in the US but hubby said it would be a chance to see part of Canada since we haven't been there, so that's what we ended up doing.

We did the tour offered by the hotel where we stayed in so after  an hour or so rest upon checking in, we explored a 3-hour scenic  tour around Niagara Falls.  Since it was on a holiday weekend, it was a bit pricey but we really did not a have a choice because we will only be there for a day so we took that option.

The good thing about going on this VIP tours is that you'll get the VIP treatment which means, you don't have to fall in the long lines.  The professional tour guide  arranged all of the things that needs to be done so you can just enjoy the journey. 

Seeing the Falls is really breathtaking.  I have seen so many  pictures and videos of it but it is quite different seeing it for real in person.

I am glad that they allow camera, we got to take some pictures behind the Falls although it was misty.

There were so many people so  taking pictures  takes time as you have to wait  for other people to  clear up a spot but we managed to get some.

The tour guide did not go with us by the Falls but we have limited time to see everything and  get back to the bus.

I was in awe  looking at the Falls but at the same time I always  have  fear of seeing the  force in water.  I grew up in a coastal area so I am used to water but a tidal wave wiped out everything we had when  I was 10 years old so that traumatic experience  stuck with me.

Niagara Falls is one of the places in our bucket list so we are so happy that we got to see it this year. 

Traveling  is not cheap, as  a family of four, it's quite expensive actually for an average-income earner family but we love doing it.  We want our kids to have  good experiences through traveling to places.  This is something both hubby and I never experienced when we were kids so we want our children to have a different experience than us.  We still have a lot of places that we want to  travel so hopefully we will get the chance to do it in the future.  

The Best Child-Friendly Travel Destinations

When you have young kids or teenagers, it can be difficult to plan a vacation that everyone will enjoy. Sometimes it feels so impossible; families decide to boycott heading abroad, settling for a nearby location. While this may make you, the parents, feel safer, you are taking away your chance, and your kid’s chance, of experiencing and seeing the world.

If you want to head abroad, here are the best child-friendly travel destinations.

NIagara Falls, Toronto Canada - Sept. 2018

Edinburgh, Scotland

Sometimes heading to a capital city can leave parents worried, wondering if it’s too big for their kids to handle; however, Edinburgh is big enough to keep you and your children entertained, but small enough so that you do not feel overwhelmed. Edinburgh is notorious for its major festivals throughout the year, including the Fringe festival or the science festival. Other major points of interest include the Museum of Childhood, the Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, and the Old Town. For a relaxing day, though, head to Holyrood Park, where you can walk, cycle or simply look at the loch.

Florida, USA

When you think Florida, you will, of course, concoct visions of theme parks and Disney World. You’ll also dream about sunny weather and beaches galore, for both parents and kids to relax and sunbathe on. If you want to explore, though, you can visit the Shuttle Launch Experience which can be found at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, or you can grab a vehicle from a trusted car rental and drive to the Everglades National Park so that the whole family can see alligators and the subtropical wilderness.

Disney World Florida

Toronto, Canada

Toronto will wow your kids, with its abundance of child-friendly activities, such as ascending the famous CN Tower or seeing dinosaur bones at the ROM. You can also visit Chinatown and the Kensington Market, or see the glittering skyline from afar when the sun dips. The main attraction, however, is Niagara Falls, which will be a wet and wild experience for all family members to enjoy and remember for years to come.

Niagara Falls

North Island, New Zealand

While the North Island may not have snow-capped mountains, it does still offer dramatic and beautiful views you’ll never forget. Plus, it is difficult to separate New Zealand from Lord of the Rings, so be prepared to recognize rolling, green hills, hobbit houses, and vivid vistas. Popular places of interest include Rotorua, Waitomo, and Wellington.

Tokyo, Japan

Japan itself can seem like a giant playground. With neon lights and anime seemingly everywhere, kids can settle quickly and be kept entertained incredibly easily. If your children are avid gamers or fans of Pokémon, then the Pokémon Center is right up your street – just be prepared to have to buy a few plushies! If you have teenagers, you can take them to Akihabara, the Electric District, where the latest gadgets and geek culture can be found. Mount Fuji and the beautiful Nikko are also only a short drive or train journey away if you’re after a more traditional view of Japan.

How to Plan the Perfect Family Trip

Family trips are great ways to bond, make beautiful memories, and teach your children more about the world and the people within it. They also tend to be very stressful. In some cases, you might just be tempted to go to a destination entirely directed to your kids. However, this is a mistake for several reasons. One, you don’t get to enjoy the trip nearly as much, and two, you don’t get to bond together as a family. Family vacations should be about learning and growing together, and to perfect your next family trip, all you need to do is follow these steps.

Choose Kid-Friendly Destinations

Kid-friendly destinations are not just theme parks or resorts. A kid-friendly destination is anywhere in the world that will accept children. To put this into perspective, everywhere except adults-only entertainment venues, like casinos. Your children will have as much fun exploring a new city as you will, so don’t ever hold back when choosing your next destination. Adult-only venues are geared for adults, and far too many kid-venues today are geared just towards children. To vacation together as a family, choose a middle-ground.

Make Use of Child Discounts as Much as Possible

Wherever you choose to go, whether that is to a camping trip or a theme park or even to an ancient city like Rome, always check in advance what child discounts there are. Doing so can help you prepare your budget accordingly and can help you save a few bucks in return.

Rent Out a Vacation Home

As any parent can attest, renting out a hotel or motel room with kids is a nightmare. They either need to stay on cots on the floor, in bed with you or in another hotel room. It can cause discomfort, and it can hit your travel budget significantly. That is why all families should start skipping the traditional hotel and instead aim to rent a property while they are away on vacation. It can be quite economical, allow everyone to have their own sleeping arrangements, and if you need it, a kitchen to make home-cooked food. Vacation homes can be found around the world on VacationRenter, allowing you to enjoy a home-away-from-home on your next big family trip.

Switch Up Your Schedule and Take Plenty of Breaks

When exploring a city or even having a beach vacation, it is important to switch up your schedule. Having a beach day is fun, but remember to go through a market in the afternoon or go on a tour in the morning. This way your trip can be full, varied, and interesting. When you plan for these big trips, however, remember to take into account your child’s stamina. They might be bouncing off the walls in the morning, but as the day goes on, they might need a nap. By taking plenty of breaks, you can help everyone to recoup their energy to enjoy the highlights of your trip that much more.

Family trips need to be fun for the whole family, and by following this guide, you can make that happen.