Planning a Family Vacation as the Kids Grow Up

Published on: 19 June 2018 Last Updated on: 09 October 2020

There’s no doubt family vacation is one of the most precious memories that we have. In fact, a survey conducted by the Family Holiday Association found that 49% of British community said that vacation time with their family is their happiest memory.

Prioritizing vacation with the family does not only rejuvenates your spirit and relieves stress but it also helps foster stronger family ties. Spending quality time with the whole family on a trip gives your kids a happy childhood.

How about when the kids grow up? Is it still necessary to take a family vacation? Yes, it is. In fact, family vacations can be more fun and adventurous when kids are already older. Unlike spending vacations with toddlers where they don’t really have much say on your location or activities scheduled, planning a family vacation with older kids could be more challenging. They have their own lives and preferences so it’s important to communicate and plan for something that’s appealing to everyone.

Below are some of the tips that you can use when planning a vacation with your older kids:

Select a Location that Offers Wide Selections of Activities :

When your kids were little, choosing a destination for your family vacation was relatively easy. You can just bring your brood to any amusement park and they’d be on cloud nine. Choosing a destination for your older kids is a different story. To make your vacation memorable, you have to choose a location that would interest your kids who are not kids anymore.

Generally, older kids want adventure and excitement. Spending the whole day on a museum could be dragging and boring for them.

These family getaway destinations will be appealing to your older kids:

Yosemite National Park :

If you want an affordable yet interesting vacation, visiting a national park is your alternative. Yosemite National Park in Mariposa Country is a must-see for any trip to California. It’s beaming with majestic views, hiking trails, and family vacation opportunities.

Bahamas :

f you’re looking for a dream vacation getaway, the island of Bahamas offers a family vacation that you can never forget. Aside from the magnificent beaches and water activities, treat your family with sumptuous meals and have fun getting to know with the locals. Booking at a family welcomed or 21 and the older resort is a wise idea to save money.

Cruises :

Going on a cruise is the best option if you want to get the most of everything in a small window of time. Aside from covering a lot of ground in a short period of time, the cruise company caters to vast interests, both onboard and on land. You and your husband can enjoy sunbathing on the sundeck of the ship while your kids can head ashore and go shopping. After all, alone time with just your husband is a necessity in your marriage.

South Africa :

Choosing a destination that has plenty of options is a must when traveling with grown-up kids. South Africa offers diverse family bonding opportunities with their majestic mountains, beaches, fascinating museums, renowned vineyards and cuisine and even a colony of a penguin on Boulders Beach.

Choose a Homestay Rental over a Hotel

Though going on a vacation with your family could be a luxury, it does not mean that you have to spend your entire savings account and be broke for the next 10 years. Prioritizing practicality and functionality will go a long way.

Though staying in a hotel room can be convenient and could really make you feel that you are on a vacation, it could be pricey especially if you’re staying for a few nights. Renting someone else’s house or apartment instead of staying at a hotel is an excellent idea to save money.

What are the advantages of homestay rental over a hotel?

First, they are unique and special. Variety of accommodation is limitless, from city apartments to a villa to treehouses. Space is all yours and you will get the privacy that you need. You don’t have to deal with hotel staff or personnel knocking on your door. It also offers comfort and convenience just like your own home, plus you can cook your own meal since the majority of rentals have kitchens.

Be Flexible and Spontaneous :

Though creating an itinerary for your trip is important, you don’t really have to stick to it 100%. Sometimes, we’re too concerned about ticking everything off of our to-go or a to-do list that we forget to have fun and enjoy the moment.

Since your grown-up kids have minds of their own, they may feel to explore the shopping area instead of checking out the museum as you planned. Be open with the unexpected turn out of events and embrace the fact that your kids also need time to do things that they like.

Having older kids may mean less time together as they get busy with school, work, and even their own family. Make up for these lost time and create a family vacation that you and your whole family will never forget. Don’t wait until it’s too late – book a trip that everyone can enjoy.

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Dos and Don’ts: Wedding Invitation Design

Before saying “I do” and finding your “forever after”, you need to do a couple of things. You need to sort out all the little details including finding the perfect wedding location, reception venue, wedding date, wedding dress, cake and much more. There are several things you must consider, and you need to stay on top of everything to complete all the preparations on time. This includes hiring the right entertainment, the right photographer and, more importantly, sending out your invitation cards early! Invites need to be the first to be completed. If you haven’t done so, now is the time to start on them. Don’t know how? Don’t worry. We made a guide you can use to help you figure out how to design your wedding invitations. Here is a list of things you can and can’t do when you’re designing your cards: Dos Use bold splashes of color to transform your invites. Traditionally, you would use a cream, off-white or white personalized writing paper for your invitation cards. But, you can pick a colorful themed design if you want to. Nothing is holding you back if you would like bold colors for your invites. Additionally, stronger colors can completely change the whole look of your cards. You can even bank on them to help your invites pop. It will just take time to find the perfect blend of cool and warm tones to make your cards. Make it personal. Your wedding must ultimately reflect who you and your fiancé are as a couple. You need to let both your personalities shine for you to ensure that you can enjoy your big day. Go for something unique. It’s your wedding day! It’s definitely one of those significant milestones you need to commemorate. You should strive to stand out from the rest and be different. When designing your invitation card, don’t go for the most popular trends but try to use rare and uncommon elements. When in doubt, stick with the classics. If you don’t think you have the creativity to design your invitation card, it’s best if you opt for traditional patterns and styles. You can never go wrong with them because they will always remain on-trend. Not to mention, there is a broad range of options you can choose from to suit your tastes and aesthetics. Don’ts Don’t use more than two fonts. Your invites can become very confusing and unsightly if you use several fonts. You need to limit it and only use two types of lettering style: (1) one script font for accenting; and (2) one block font which will be your primary choice to keep your wedding details neat and tidy. Using these two types will ensure that everything will remain readable. Don’t overcrowd it. You can’t place everything you imagine on the cards. It will make them too chaotic and unbalanced. You need to keep everything centralized on your chosen theme. These are the essential tips you need to remember to be able to have the perfect wedding cards. You can quickly finish designing them if you follow these to the letter. Read Also: Reasons For Using Your Handwriting For Wedding Invitations Wedding Printable You Don’t Want To Forget At Your Event

Beach Hacks That Will Maximize Fun and Reduce Aggravation

Vacation days at the beach areas should always be fun and stress-free. Losing vulnerable items, sunburned kids, and sand all over your beach items, but to name a few, can ruin your beach day. To ensure that you achieve the most of your day, assuming everything goes out as planned, try out these beach hacks that will maximize fun and reduce aggravation. 1. Pack your beach bag the previous night There is nothing worse than delaying your beach trip simply because you are looking for every item that you may need for the beach. Ensure that you put everything in place the night before; to save time. You may be lucky to be among the first beachgoers, allowing you to pick a good spot on the beach. 2. Don’t forget a good beach umbrella A good beach umbrella is one of the few items you don't realize how much you need until you go without it. Beach umbrellas shield you from extreme sun rays, provide a cool shade and add extra style to your beach excursion. Choose a beach umbrella that you can afford and suits your every need. 3. Make use of a mesh bag To avoid bringing beach sand home with you, you can use a mesh bag to carry your kid’s toys and beach gear. As you return the toys and beach gears in the mesh bag after use, excess sand falls out on the beach rather than in your car or your house. 4. Bring along a fitted sheet To prevent filling your beach towel with sand, use a fitted sheet that prevents blowing sand from invading your space. Lay your fitted sheets upside down, place a heavy object on the four corners to act as anchors, then pull the sheet up and stretch tightly. 5. Hide and protect valuable items Valuable items like keys, money, and phones must be kept safe from theft, getting lost, and damaged. Use the "diaper trick" when you want to go swimming. You can wrap your valuables in a diaper then, fold the diaper as if it's dirty. You can store your phone in a plastic bag or a pool pouch to prevent damage from sand and water. Also, you can tie your keys around a wine cork or a floating chain, especially if you are swimming with them to prevent sinking into the water. 6. Pack baby powder There is no fun in wiping wet sand off yourself at the end of your beach day. However, you can use some baby powder to remove sand from parts of your body where sand is still sticking. First, you need to air dry as soon as you get out of the water, then apply baby powder. Baby powder absorbs excess moisture on your skin, making it easier to brush off the sand. 7. Start your day on a heavy breakfast You may carry food to the beach but end up throwing it away because it’s filled with sand. To avoid this, ensure that you eat a heavy breakfast before heading out. You can pack some drinks and light snacks instead of something more substantial. 8. Carry an inflatable kiddie pool For those parents with newly mobile babies, you can bring a small inflatable kiddie pool to the beach. If you are not careful, babies can move just enough to get away from you, making your day less enjoyable. You can put your baby into the inflated pool with some toys to keep them contained and still entertained. 9. Bring along a couple of balloons At the beach, ears get blocked and need to be cleared. To do this, blow a balloon to clear your ears. It is also easy for the little ones to grasp this concept. 10. Avoid carrying heavy stuff to the beach Instead of carrying a heavy chair down to the beach, upgrade it to a foldable chair that can also be carried like a bag pack. This opens up another hand to carry other things rather than making trips to and from the beach. To maximize summer fun, use these simple hacks to enjoy your day at the beach. Make sure to carry an inflatable kiddie pool for your baby, if you have one, so that you may also get the most out of your fun in the sun. Bonus: Try out reading our exclusive guide on top expensive beachfront homes. Read Also: 10 Beach Vacation Packages That Will Let You Unwind Without Breaking 5 Best Beaches and Beachfront Attractions in Santa Cruz, CA

The Top 5 Scuba Diving Locations in Hawaii

Diving originated as a food collection method for the sea. Divers would practice free diving breathing techniques that allowed them to remain underwater for longer periods. Today, diving has become much more defined because of Hawaii’s diversified sea life, environmental components like volcanic lava-tubes and manmade wrecks that were made for discovery. If you want to experience all that Hawaii offers, you will want to travel between the islands as each offers divers unique experiences with sea creatures, reefs, and corals that continue to captivate. Best Scuba Diving Locations In Hawaii In 2022 In this article you w 1. Kauai: Otherwise known as the Garden Island, Kauai is the fourth biggest island in Hawaii. With lots of greenery and towering mountains, the landscapes give way to tropical rainforests and traversing waterways that visitors crave for an authentic Hawaiian vacation getaway. Wondering about Scuba Diving Kauai? Take a trip to the south shore and visit the golden sands of Poipu Beach, Polihale State Park or Tunnels Beach where diving temperatures are between 74 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Underwater visibility is around 3,100 feet. As there are strong currents, it is advisable to dive in groups or with a knowledgeable dive guide who knows the area well. 2. Maui: Maui is a hot spot for divers who want to enjoy South Maui’s crescent-shaped Molokini Crater which has visibility of 150 feet. If your diving goals include marine life, you will also want to check out Honolua Bay. Some of the top-rated beaches in Maui include Kaanapali Beach, Maluaka Beach, and Kapalua Bay. 3. Kailua Kona: Kailua Kona is located just west of the Big Island and has dozens of dive sites that are ripe for adventure. Most notable is a 400-foot dive site called Blackwater, which lights up at night with a vast number of bioluminescent marine life that makes this dive site a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As your safety line is tethered to the dive boat, you can dive easily to 60 feet to avoid many of the dangers of nighttime offshore ocean diving. 4. Lanai: The Hawaiian Island of Lanai is yet another diver’s paradise filled with lava tubes and sea creatures that help to create a truly magnificent underwater experience. Southeast of Hulopoe Bay is one of the most popular local dive spots called First and Second Cathedral. With visibility of 80 to 100 feet, the underwater caverns filled with tunnels make for incredible exploration for both beginner and intermediate divers. 5. Niihau: The Forbidden Island is among one of the most beautiful dive spots in Niihau. With mountainous lava formations, underwater caves, and an unbelievable amount of sea life, clear visibility provides you with access to dolphins, manta rays, monk seals, octopus, and reef sharks. With dive sites between 40 and 100 feet, it is an ideal dive site. The Hawaiian Islands offer year-round diving. It has an abundance of reefs and endless coastline, making it is an ideal environment to hop from one island to the next experiencing designated dive spots. With shallow waters and clear visibility, you have access to the most beautiful underwater landscapes that are found anywhere in the world. Read Also: 6 Tips To Make Your Scuba Diving Experience Worthwhile Yacht Charters And Sailing Vacations

Planning a Family Vacation as the Kids Grow Up