Visiting Manhattan With the Kids

5 places to see which won’t bore your children (too much)

Let’s face it, announcing a family trip to New York will not be met with the same enthusiasm as a trip to Disney World would. New York isn’t the land of dreams like Kissimmee Florida’s main attraction is. Manhattan, however, does have many attractions and sites that are kid-friendly and might teach the little tykes something at the same time.

Of course, there are certain parts of Manhattan that don’t cater to children and could lead to interesting but awkward conversations between parents and children. Times Square, for example, is an incredible place to watch people. What you see and what your child sees might not be the same, however. Especially after dark.

Keeping it kid-friendly

If your children are too young, sticking to more pedestrian sites could be a promising idea. For your first visit to Manhattan with kids, you might want to stick to the following list of sites:

  • Statue of Liberty. The most iconic piece of art in New York, the Statue of Liberty is recognizable and appreciated by almost everyone – with little regard to age – and you can enjoy a short ferry ride to get to the island. Inexpensive and self-paced, touring Liberty Island’s museum and the statue itself can take as long as your kids maintain their interest. Not to mention you can get them those cute little foam headpieces of Lady Liberty for your kids.

  • American Museum of Natural History. Kids like dinosaurs, and whales, and hands on exhibits where they are encouraged to touch and manipulate displays. The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) can keep you and your kids occupied for hours.

  • Central Park. When you need a break in the middle of your sightseeing, this massive expanse of green space is a welcome oasis. It includes plenty of places to run and play, food and activities

  • for children of all ages. The Tisch Children’s Zoo includes a petting zoo and the ‘enchanted forest’ where kids can see and watch birds, turtles and frogs. If you visit Central Park between April and November, take a ride on the carousel. The current carousel is over a hundred years old and features 57 hand-carved and painted horses and two chariots. It is well worth the $3 fee to ride.

  • Empire State Building. For the best views of the city, the Empire State Building or the World’s Trade Center have the best observation decks. Although not as tall as the WTC, the Empire State Building is less expensive to visit and less scary to ride to the top, the elevators are not as fast as the ones on the WTC.

  • Children’s Museum of Manhattan. If you are looking for a place to take the kids that they can’t help but enjoy, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan offers hours of fun and interesting exhibits (most of them interactive) all designed to capture and keep the attention of children so their parents can relax and get rid of some of their stress.

Although these sites are all within walking distance (for adults) of each other, younger children could struggle getting between them. Luckily enough, Go New York Tours offers sightseeing with a double-decker tour bus allowing you to travel between your favorite attractions at your pace without having to walk or catch a taxi or public transportation to get to the next stop.

When traveling to New York, or almost anywhere, preparation will make the trip a lot smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved. Plan your itinerary and buy tickets early to ensure that you will be able to see and visit the attractions you want.

How to Choose Best Lightweight Travel Luggage Bags

You are in the queue in an airport terminal watching the luggage line moving. You carefully watch each bag with care to identify you are dreading two disappointing and distinct outcomes. Your bag could appear mauled and dented with the underwear appearing from a gaping tear, or just like a gone wrong blind date, it could not appear at all. Choosing the best lightweight travel luggage bags will help prevent such tragedies and inconveniences like paying for an oversized bag, or squeezing a nylon duffel bag in the upper compartment. If you would like to experience freedom, you need to choose the right bag that will make you feel confident while traveling and keep your items safely.

What are your luggage options?

Most lightweight luggage bags have straps for easy carry ability. While back straps and handles are common useful features, most travellers get frustrated when their bags have solid wheels that can make moving with the pack a tricky activity. These bags come in different sizes, either with or without frames. They give you an option when planning for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. These lightweight bags are no longer useful for carrying sweat attire like towels to the gym but can also serve as perfect traveling companions while on a trip.

Do you need a soft or a hard bag?

Soft bags are common in the market because they are easy to squeeze in the overhead compartment. They know how to absorb shock as compared to hard bags. They are present in a broad variety of a difference occurring in terms of straps and zips. Many hard-sided bags are crucial for meeting weight requirements in places that check luggage. If the weight of your current bag exceeds the maximum weight limit of the carriage, you will have to buy a lightweight bag that will save you money in the long run. These bags can provide maximum protection to fragile items and are easy to clean. When you choose a particular travel bag, you need to make sure that you are paying for the best bag quality that will not break or tear when under pressure.

Which is the right size for you?

As a first rule, you need a travel luggage bag that is not more than forty-five inches long and wide, and sixty-two inches thick. Even though you may want to carry your bag on the plane, if cannot carry it on your head, you will not put it in the above your head cabins. You need the right size of bag that will not cause you to pay an extra amount while travelling in local planes due to overweight.

Features to look for when buying a lightweight travel bag

Water resistant material

While your lightweight travel luggage bag does not have to be one hundred percent waterproof, you need to ensure that the material used in its manufacture is semi-waterproof so that everything does not get wet when in a drizzle. Additionally, you will have to ensure that the material does not stay wet for long because it might get musty. You need material that is both lightweight and thick. A material that you can pour a cup of water on it without getting wet on the inside. You need a bag that will keep your belongings dry regardless of the downpour you are experiencing.

Lockable zippers

You need to ensure that the compartments of your travel bags have two zippers for locking. These zippers will eliminate the worries of losing your items because no one will break into your bag while traveling or in the hostel. You will no longer have to worry about someone opening your bag or stealing your belongings while on the move. You need to buy locks that are TSA-friendly because they have a particular release valve which allows TSA to open without breaking, to check the contents. If your bag does not possess zippers, you can check luggage website for a lockable metal mesh for your bag. The metal mesh that you tie on your travel bag will ensure that no one breaks into it or steals it while it is unattended. However, the mesh will add weight to your bag and make you pay more while on transit.

Internal frame

Many travel bags of today are internal frame packs because the support frames and rods are inbuilt and you cannot view them from outside. However, you will come across backpacks that have outer frames as the rods are separate from the pack. Make sure that you purchase a bag that has internal frames. The looks are better as it will be slimmer and will not get stuck to anything while on the go. Additionally, they tend to be lightweight as the composition of the frame is sturdy plastic or carbon plastic, making it durable and comfortable for the back.

Padded or contoured back

Lumbar-shaped travel luggage bags make carrying comfortable because it spreads weight evenly. It also gives an allowance for a natural arch that eliminates back pain. Additionally, this pack type creates some space between the bag and your back, allowing passage of air and help you to remain calm.

Multiple compartments

A good lightweight travel luggage bag needs to have several compartments. In this manner, you will be able to break your items into smaller portions for easy access while locating what you need. It saves the time and effort used to dig inside the whole bag while looking for a deep-seated item.

Padded hip belt and shoulder straps

The most weight you carry with your travel luggage bags will be pushed towards your hips. You require a padded belt that will make sure that you support your weight comfortably. The belt will distribute and support weight evenly to reduce back strain. The shoulder straps will make the work of carrying luggage easy on your shoulders. They will put less pressure on the shoulders and back, thus reducing strain.

Conclusion

When choosing a travel bag, most people start questioning about size. They forget that there are other options that they need to put into consideration while purchasing the packs. You need a bag with the right size and material that will maximize your comfort when traveling around.

TOP 7 THINGS TO DO IN NEPAL

Nepal is a country that is rich in natural beauty and also has a very vast amount of cultural and traditional diversity. With eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains located within the boundaries of the country, Nepal is also the largest Himalayan state in Asia. The world’s tallest mountain- Mount Everest, lies on the Khumbu region of Nepal. Because of its immensely prepossessing mountainous beauty, trekking in Nepal has become the top activity to do among travelers. Thousands of trekkers and hikers visit the country every year to go through various trekking destinations at many different regions of Nepal.

Nepal’s rich cultural and religious diversity also makes the country a top destination for religious tours. With many sites and settings listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, Nepal is a country that demands a visit at least once. The Himalayan landscape of the country towards the north garners many trekkers. For a small country, Nepal has tremendous geographic diversity. The beautiful terrain of the destinations also caters heavily towards tourism. One famous city for adventure activities is the lake-side city of Pokhara. Albeit Nepal trekking being the most popular and sought after activity to do, Nepal offers so many more adventures activities and thrills. The diverse topography and the encompassment of natural wonders like rivers and their tributaries as well as deep gorges and lush woodlands make Nepal a destination for thrill seekers as well as leisurely cultural tours and easy hikes. Here are top 7 things to do in Nepal.

  1. Trekking in Nepal

Because of Nepal’s beautiful mountain peaks, trekking in Nepal is perhaps one of the most famous activities to in the country. Some 90 of Nepal’s peaks exceed 7,000 meters and eight exceed 8,000 meters, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. Regions that are quite famous for trekking also include the beautiful region of Annapurna, the Manaslu region, the Langtang region, the region of Mustang and many off-the-beaten-path trails that go through isolated and secluded acreages on remote and far-off parts of the country. The Everest region is one of the top destinations for Nepal trekking. With trekking journeys like the Everest Base Camp Trek, the experience of trudging through dainty settlements and mountain villages and meeting and interacting with local indigenous people of the Himalaya is a great way to learn about their culture and tradition. The experience of this is very humbling and is made all the more enchanting by the views and sights of various cerulean mountain peaks that loom in the distance and form the foreground of many trekking journeys.

Nepal trekking is also a great way to learn and encounter the terrain’s natural wonders and visit destinations that offer the best elements and aspects. It is a fascinating experience where the traditional aspect of the journey is molded spectacularly with the landscapes and with the mountains as well. The huge variety of options allows for people of many ages and capabilities to attempt a trek in the country. The strong culture and unreserved friendliness of the Nepalese people adds to the charm of trekking in Nepal.

  1. Hiking

Hiking is great way to have break from the monotonicity of everyday life and spend some time in the luxurious lap of nature. Kathmandu, one of the most commercialized cities in Nepal, has many close vantage points and hiking trails that one can take to get away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded city. Hiking is also a great option for people who have a limited time to spend in the country and want a taste of Nepal’s original natural environment. With destinations famous for hiking like Nagarkot, Daman and Chisapani, travelers can walk along peaceful hillsides and can look at the distant mountain peaks as well as panoramic views of the valleys and cities that lie below. Hiking is definitely a leisure activity that is aimed at rejuvenating the body and refreshing the mind. It is a good sport to do every once in a while when city-life becomes overwhelming. The beautiful landscape and the emerald terrains of the hiking routes present one of the best activities to do in the country for people who want a relaxing experience in the precipice of the busy city life.

  1. Peak Climbing

Peak Climbing is definitely an adventure taken by travelers and mountaineers who want more thrills than regular trekking journeys. There are many climbable peaks in the country that offer a wonderful and thrilling experience. Peaks like Lobuche, Naya Kanga, Tharpu Chuli, the Island Peak and the Pisang Peak are some of the more famous peaks that see many climbers a year. The palpable excitement of peak climbing is enhanced by the journey as well, as the paths to the peak often includes many destinations and villages. The beautiful landscape of snowy vastness at the top of the peaks presents amazing views and mesmerizing landscapes for mountaineers to rejoice upon.

  1. Cultural Tours

Nepal is rich in culturally significant sites and settings. The art and architecture of Nepal’s temples and various places of worship are not found anywhere else on the planet. The Durbar squares of the Kathmandu Valley are excellent examples of Nepal’s architectural dexterity and intricacy. The courtyards, the chaityas and Bihars and the Gompas found in the city are opulent in their decorations and are complimented heavily with thousand-year old inscriptions and sculptures. The well-preserved painting and religious texts found on many sites makes cultural tours in the country a very enriching affair. With many sites listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, Nepal’s cultural tour is an enlightening ordeal where the country’s history is reflected marvelously on the destinations. With influences from many different countries, Nepal’s culture and its prosperity on the preservation of many age-old rituals and religious practices makes for quite an exotic experience not found anywhere else outside the country.

  1. White Water Rafting

With over thousands of rivers and tributaries that flow from the source at the Himalayas, Nepal is a country rich in water resources. Nepal is also one of the top destinations for White water rafting. With amazing jovial rivers like the Sun Koshi, the Kali Gandaki and the Trishuli among countless others, White Water Rafting in Nepal is an amazing experience that lets travelers and adventurers soak themselves in the winding and twisted rapids of ebullient white waters.

  1. Jungle Safari

Nepal has a much diversified biome scattered throughout the country. As such, the flora and fauna of Nepal is also very unique. The dramatic changes in elevation along the transect results in a variety of geographical features from tropical savannas, subtropical broadleaf and coniferous forests, montane grasslands and shrub lands and rock and ice at the highest elevations. With this feature comes the presence of a myriad of plant and animal species who have their habitat at various ecological spheres of the country. Nepal has many protected areas that have their own terrestrial ecosystems. Jungle safaris in the national parks and protected areas presents the opportunity to experience the animals in their natural habitat. Many endangered animals like the Red Panda, the Musk Deer and Snow Leopards can be seen while riding an elephant’s back in the rich woods and lush jungles of the country that range in elevations and climate.

  1. Adventure Sports

Being a widely diversified country in terms of landscape, Nepal offers many adventure sports to do as well. Activities like Bungee Jumping, Zip-flying, paragliding and rock climbing can be done at various beautiful locations throughout the country. The sports are also a great way to marinate oneself with the marvelous landscape of the place.

Leisure boat rides on pristine and tranquil lakes along with fine intercontinental cuisine and exotic manifestations makes Nepal a perfect holiday destination. Hospitable people, best terrains that differ in topography and climate and the encompassment of glorious mountain peaks glad in snow makes Nepal one of the top destinations in Asia to have a visit to. There are many more things to do in the country and there is something for all age groups and demographics.

9 Of The Largest And Most Stunning Fountains In The World

Fountains, both the new and historical, are fascinating monuments. They connected to sources of water and are purely functional architectures. The earlier fountains relied on gravity to work and water from a source that was higher than the fountain. Today’s fountains are an amazing architecture that marvels many with their beauty, power, and other elements. Below are the top nine of the largest and most marvelous fountains in the world.

 

1. Bellagio Fountain In  Las Vegas

(Height: 45.2ft, Water Shoot Up Level: 1000ft)

 

The massive Bellagio Fountains are located on the Bellagio Hotel’s artificial lake. The structure was constructed at the cost of around $40 million. The fountains put on a water show with a spectacular lighting choreographed to various music pieces with a 30-minute break in between each show. At the break, the water surface changes its color and so does the face of the Bellagio Hotel.

 

2. King Fahd’s Fountain In Jeddah

(Speed: 233 mph, Water shoots up Level: 1023ft)

 

King Fahd’s Fountain is the highest in the world throwing its water to a height of 1023ft, which is higher than the Eiffel tower without the antenna. It runs on three big pumps that pump water at speeds of 233mph per second delivering 652 liters of water. The King Fahd’s Fountain is one of the top attractions for tourists traveling to Jeddah.

 

3. The Archibald Fountain In Sydney

(Construction: Granite and Bronze, Type: Monument)

 

Archibald Fountain is widely considered as Australia’s finest public fountain. It was unveiled during World War I in commemoration of the Association of Australia and France. The architectural design of the fountain is inspired by classical Roman and Greek Art and literature. The Archibald Fountain by a bronze statue of Apollo and other mythical creatures.

 

4. The Buckingham Fountain In Chicago

(Height: 150ft, Diameter: 280ft, Cost: $750,000)

 

The fountain is a landmark located at the center of the Grant Park in Chicago. It was commissioned by Kate Buckingham in 1927 in honor of her late brother Clarence. The fountain’s design was created by Bassin De Latone. It has around 15,000 gallons of water circulating through its 134 jets of water that are powered by three pumps. If you are interested in something less ostentatious, then these water fountains for outdoors could allow you to add a feature to your garden.

 

5. The Fountain Of Wealth In Singapore

(Area: 1683 m / 5521ft, Height: 13.8m / 45.2ft, Water Shoot Up Level: 30 m high)

 

The Fountain of Wealth is one of the major attraction in Singapore’s underground shopping mall in Suntec City. The fountain is regarded as a symbol of life and wealth as per the Hindu mandala. It is a piece that symbolizes the oneness of the spirit and the harmony and unity of Singapore’s four races. The Fountain of Wealth has a circular ring that has bronze material supported by four big slanted columns. The ring has a circumference of 66meters.

 

6. Trevi Fountain In Rome

(Height: 68ft, Width: 161.3ft)

 

The Trevi Fountain is among the most famous fountains in the world. It is located in Rome’s Trevi district and is the largest Baroque fountain in the city. Trevi Fountain is a central figure in the fountain is an Oceanus sculpture. Its fame is attributed to its beautiful appearance that has seen it get featured in many films. A restoration project was commissioned of the fountain which is currently running at the cost of $2.9 million.

 

7. The Burj Khalifa Fountain In Dubai

(Water Shoot Up Level: 500ft, Length: 900ft)

 

The fountain is located on the artificial Burj Khalifa Lake in Dubai. The Burj Khalifa fountain put on a spectacular show that serenades the entire city with its incredible display. It is ranked as one of the grandest dancing fountains in the World.

 

8. The Nations Friendship Fountain  In  Moscow

 

The Nations Friendship Fountain has 16 gold plated statues each representing the former republics of the USSR that existed during 1944 to 1956. It is located in the larger Russian Exhibition Center and is one of the top attractions for tourists visiting Moscow.

 

9. Magic Fountain Of Montjuic In  Barcelona

 

Magic Fountain of Montjuic is a landmark that puts on a show of lights and water jets. Constructed in 1929, the fountain was originally done for light shows, but it was later redone in 1980 and music was incorporated into the shows. The fountain underwent some more changes with the last restoration done in 1992 in readiness for the summer Olympics held in Barcelona were at Montjuic hill and near poble Espanyol de Barcelona and Placa d’Espanya.

How to achieve bickering-free and safe travel with your kids

Traveling with kids is seldom easy. Whether you’re going to a family-friendly destination or a far-flung holiday spree, you need to plan in advance how you’re going to keep the kids entertained and safe while traveling.

From quick fun-inducing tips to the crucial cheap travel insurance has to offer, this article has you covered.

First aid supplies. Nothing can spoil a family travel faster than someone getting hurt or sick. Therefore, before leaving home, ensure that you are up-to-date with your first aid kit in your travel pack. This should include pain reliever, band-aids, an assortment of bandages, first aid cream, an instant cold compress, and bring sunscreen and insect repellent as well.

Prepare them for the different climate. Whether you are going somewhere hot and sunny, or cold and snowy, you need to make sure they keep their sunscreen on or their cold climate gear clad. Instruct them the basics, such as drinking adequate water in hot countries and applying their sunscreen to avoid any sunburn.

Get a travel insurance ahead of time. If you’re looking for cover appropriate for children under 16, you have plenty of options available online for quotation. Travel insurance Singapore for instance, will give you choices depending on how your child or children will be traveling.

If your children are traveling with you, the appropriate type of cover can usually be found via a family policy, but, if your children will be traveling with their friends, you might need to purchase a separate cover for them.

Always bring a handy snack. This tip will save you a lot of money. As you travel abroad in the car, parks, tourist attractions, and other locations, pack snacks in plastic Ziploc bags then keep them in a small bag or cooler within you or your oldest child’s reach. This way, you won’t need to turn around to pass the goodies while you’re driving or doing something.

In-car entertainment. Your kids – especially younger ones will need something to occupy their time while traveling. If you have a video player in the car, it can be tempting to play the kids’ favorite program, but take note that watching TV for the duration of the travel can overload them in time to arrive at your destination. If you want to play shows in the car, ensure that you break up their use with other activities, like books or puzzles.

Toys and gadgets. A few days before your trip, walk around the house and get a bunch of small toys that your kids will play while in the vehicle or your destination. You don’t need to go out and purchase something new. Better yet if you have kid’s meal prizes laying around. Store the items out of sight until the trip. The kids will think they’re “new” when they see them again.

It’s also a good idea to bring the kid’s play gadgets like PlayStation Vita, Switch, or whatever they’re using. And invest in a good power bank to keep it going. Of course, moderate their use.

That’s it. These tips should significantly lessen the bickering, keep your kids safer abroad, and ultimately lead to a more exciting travel. Have fun!

The Multi-Functional Carry-On Backpack: Perfect for Traveling with Kids

Traveling with kids can be difficult to say the least, especially when you’re flying. Not only do you have to negotiate your surroundings, but you’ve got to make sure that you’ve got everything your little ones need at close hand. That’s why I was pleased to find a Carry on Backpack that’s been designed to cope with everything that traveling with kids can throw at you. So, let’s have a look at how a travel backpack could help you have a stress-free journey or day-out.

  1. It’s Big Enough to Carry Pretty Much Everything

With a massive 35 liters of space divided up into compartments, you’ll be able to fit everything you need for a flight or day trip inside. However, if you do need some extra room, or you can’t resist buying souvenirs, an expandable zip gives you another 10 liters of space. You’ll also find a removable sleeve for electronics, together with a handy set of front pockets, so it’s easy to slip out the kids tablets on the move or when passing through security, and keep all your travel documents in one place.

  1. A Backpack That’s Versatile

Unlike traditional backpacks, this travel backpack is versatile. You can use the top and side handles to carry it as you would a normal suitcase, add a shoulder strap, or release the hidden straps to convert it into a backpack.

  1. It’s Easy to Move Around with the Option of a Hands-Free Travel Backpack

Getting from A to B is easy with a travel backpack. You can simply pick it up and put it securely on your shoulder or back to negotiate stairs, cobbles or other uneven surfaces, and still leave your hands free to hold onto your kids or a pushchair.

  1. It’s Easy to Keep Everything Organized

Traveling with kids is never easy, especially if they’re young. There’s all the usual baby and toddler paraphernalia, plus drinks, snacks, changes of clothes and the ‘can’t-leave-behind’ comfort blankets and toys. The compartments inside the travel backpack make it easy to give some semblance of order to your things, making it easier to access the things you need quickly and most often.

  1. It’s perfect for adult getaways or business too

You wouldn’t dream of taking a whimsical baby bag on your adult only holiday or lugging it into the office. However, this travel backpack is a bit like a chameleon; it’s useful in so many scenarios. It’s perfect for that romantic weekend away, or for taking your notes and laptop to a business presentation, or even for making sure you have enough kit with you for an after-work session at the gym.

The Takeaway

Who said that traveling with children means lugging along a bag covered with cute puppies, spaceships or princesses? A sleek minimalist, multifunctional carry-on backpack will give you so many more options whether you want to simplify traveling with your kids, you’re traveling professionally or you simply want a space-saving bag that will allow you to travel minimally.

Packing Your Suitcase For The Sunshine State?

Heading to Orlando, Florida this summer? No doubt you and the kids are eager to check out the new Avatar Land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Or perhaps, you want to test out the water rides at the incredible Volcano Bay where queues haven’t been invented yet. You can read more about what I’m talking about on www.themeparktourist.com. Either way, you need to make sure that you do have everything in your bag for the trip. So, what will you need when you take an adventure to the sunshine state this year?

A Poncho

If you’re heading over around June-August, and most people do because that’s when schools are out, you’ll definitely need to get yourself a poncho. This lightweight rain coat will definitely come in handy when the heavens open up. Disney do sell them in the park, as do the other major theme parks. But you should still take one yourself because you can get them at low prices online. You need one for each member of the family. You might be thinking, with the high temperatures, what’s the point? You’ll dry out soon enough. Well, the rain storms can last at least an hour, so it’s up to you whether you want to spend the day soaked.

Silly, Floppy Hats

Yes, you should also think about getting each family member a rather uncool, floppy hat. Particularly, if you’re from a region where the sun is kind of a legend. You know it’s there, but there’s only one person in your village that has actually seen it. Floppy hats will keep the face and neck safe from the sun’s powerful rays. Of course, you should also take some volume 50 suntan lotion. The stronger, the better. Don’t forget, with sites like www.couponsherpa.com, you can get 70 percent off everything that you need for summer. So, you shouldn’t worry too much about these purchases eating into your holiday budget.

Theme Park Tickets

If you’re planning on hitting all the theme parks, it’s best to pick up tickets before you go to. You can get great deals, particularly, if you’re staying at one of the hotels offered by the theme park. They’ll give you fantastic discounts so you can get 14 days in each theme park. Now, you’re probably not going to stay in Florida for over a month. But with flexi tickets like this, your travel plans are, well, flexible. Oh, and if you are going in the middle of summer, do make sure you check out the Fastpass options. Otherwise, you’ll spend the entire day queuing and you don’t want that.

Water Fan

Remember that hot weather? Well, you’ll find life is a lot easier if you have a water fan. This helpful device sprays water into your face which is a lot more refreshing and a lot less annoying than it sounds. Particularly if you get stuck queuing outside for a must do ride. Yes, it does happen. Just ask the people who queued for five hours to get on the Frozen ride for two minutes when it first opened!

I hope this helps you pack your suitcase for Florida and I’m you will have a wonderful time there with the whole family.

48 Hours in Dublin: Everything You Need to Know

Are you about to visit Dublin? Well, if so (or even if you’re just considering visiting Ireland’s charming capital city), you’ll be pleased to know there’s plenty to see and do. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Dublin, squeezing in some of the best sights, sounds and tastes the city has to offer…

How to get around

Like most old cities, Dublin is pretty compact, which means there’s a great deal to explore and enjoy on foot. But Dublin is best seen (especially over the course of a couple of days) if you make full use of the excellent public transport on offer. Buy yourself a pass for the Hop-on Hop-Off Tour Bus, making the most of the on-board commentary (where you’ll learn lots about the city) and hop on and off the service all around the city as many times as you like. The two-day ticket is well worth the money and will ensure you can access all the things you want to experience while you’re in Dublin.

Where to eat

There are plenty of delicious dining options in Dublin, from places serving traditional food such as Trocadero (with belly-warming dinners including beet-cured salmon and sticky date pudding), to those who are experimenting with Irish cuisine with a French twist, such as Chapter One. Make the most of having 48 hours to spend in a coastal city by sampling some of the finest fish and seafood in Ireland: Cavistons is famous for its food, and if you’re lucky enough to grab one of their limited number of tables, you’re bound to enjoy a mouth-watering fish supper. Or, the Winding Stair is an excellent restaurant if you really want to sink your teeth into traditional Irish dishes and you’ll enjoy beautiful views across the river too.

Where to stay

If you’ve booked your hotel through a provider like Travel Republic, you’ll have already chosen a lovely place to stay. But if you’re still at the stage of looking around, narrow your search for accommodation depending on what your priorities are. You can get highly rated hotel rooms in the centre of Dublin, just a short walk away from all the tourist attractions, bars and restaurants, as well as more affordable options that are a little further out from the centre but located along good transport links.

What to do

Don’t be afraid of doing the ‘typical tourist’ things while you’re in Dublin – after all, they’re popular for a reason! For example, Kilmainham Gaol is well worth exploring with its permanent exhibitions featuring leftover belongings from the jail’s inhabitants, and you’ll hear about the trials and tribulations of the prisoners and the crimes they committed to earn themselves the title of inmates. The ‘last words’ exhibition (displaying the last letters and personal belongings of the 14 executed leaders of the Easter Rising in 1916) is fascinating too.

Also, the Guinness Storehouse is worth getting around to see, and you’ll enjoy a complementary pint in the Gravity Bar if you book onto a tour. Be sure to pull up a stool somewhere in the Temple Bar – the atmosphere in this part of the city is buzzing and popular with locals and tourists alike.

Finish your stay with a trip to Trinity College (the library is on a par with the beautiful libraries at Oxford and Cambridge), or pay a visit to Dublin City Gallery (home to a world-class collection of art) and St Patrick’s Cathedral (Ireland’s largest church). If you’re interested in art and architecture, you’re bound to be impressed.

So, are you looking forward to spending 48 hours in Dublin now that your mind is buzzing with suggestions?