However, there are few things that you can do to kill time during airport layovers.

1. Get a shut eye

Yes, why don’t you get some sleep? Not everybody can afford business/first-class seats or flying on those big luxurious planes. If you are among the general kind, like me, you know very well that those seats aren’t as comfy as our beds.

Most airports have lounge or even recliner seats. Make use of them.

2. Connect To The Free Wi-Fi

Most airports offer free Wi-Fi hotspots. Connect and get started with the endless browsing on your smart phones or tablets.  Next idea can be a short video chat with your friends and family.

The only thing that can bore you then is ‘Low Battery’. So, don’t forget to keep your phone fully charged before the trip.

3. Find friends on Google Latitude

Several apps on play store or app store of your phone let you find out the whereabouts of your friends. Google Latitude is one of the same kind. You can check out if anyone that you know is nearer to you and are stuck in the airport (as you are). You can even have a reunion there during the layovers.

4. Don’t do anything stupid

You may think I am advocating this, but if you search “stupid things to do at the airport” you’ll be surprised by the result there. Don’t try to do what those useless folks have already done. Playing a slot machine at Vegas can be smarter than doing ‘Don’ts’ in the airport layover.

5. Airport Shopping

Shopping for most of us is a perfect stress buster. So, why not buy few tax and duty-free items for your friends and family in the airport shopping corners?

Can you think of some other interesting things to do at the airport? How about you list some of them below?

Losing luggage considered as the worst travel experience is a common problem faced by many travelers. When you get off the plane and get a text saying, ‘Sorry, your bag didn’t make it. What hotel are you staying in?’Around 25 million bags get mishandled every year.

Why is it common you ask? Well, there are a number of reasons a bag could get lost or mishandled. Some common ones are:

1. Mistaken Identity

As many bags look similar, someone could nab your bag thinking that it’s their own. Traveling with a unique bag can avoid such mishap. Sew on patches, attach ribbons or use fabric paint — anything to make your bag stand out. This also helps you identify your bag easily.

2. Connecting Flight

Around 53% of all mishandled bags are due to transfer flights. Your bag doesn’t make it on the plane because there isn’t enough time between flights. I recommend scheduling connection flights at least with an hour interval.

3. Late Check-In

Always check in, at least, an hour early because if you have to run through the terminals, your bag might not have time to get on the plane.

4. Bag Tag Mix-ups

The bag tag can get torn off, or misread and might get sent to wrong place. To avoid it: find a secure part for tags and also remove old tags from your luggage.

5. No contact Info

Airline workers have no way to return your bag if they don’t know that it is yours. So, make sure to attach address to the outside of the bag.  To be on the safe side, also include contact info on the inside of the bag.

99% of checked bags get delivered on time. Hopefully, your bag will arrive safely and on time to your destination. However, if something goes wrong, there’s no reason to panic. Even if your bag is lost, you can get it back in timely manner. Then, you can enjoy your trip worry-free and with all your possessions, like you were meant to.  Just contact your airline, and express your concern calmly.  Airport Lost and Found has a high success rate of finding lost property. After getting a detailed description of your lost items, it alerts airport employees, attendants, security, restaurants, shops, and even airport transportation services.

Did your luggage go astray? Write us your experience in the  comment section below.

Read on and find the probable advantages you would gain by hiring shuttle services.

Comfortable Ride

Hiring a shuttle service means you don’t have to worry about traffic-jams or parking your vehicle. You can afford to just sit back and enjoy the ride. You can also travel along with family and friends as the shuttles can accommodate a higher number of passengers than a taxi service. Not only that, shuttles are fully loaded with high-tech equipment like music system, LCD screen, AC and many more such facilities.

Pick-up and Drop-off Services

Once you book a shuttle, your ride will arrive at the pickup location before the specified time, in order to make sure that you reach your destination on time. You can stop worrying about missing your flights or being late for any important events once you get inside a shuttle. The only thing you are required to do is to reach the pickup location on time.

Reliable transportation

Experienced shuttle drivers help you reach your destination without facing any traffic issues. They are well informed about traffic status in each and every street of the city. The shuttle drivers are also notified about various shortcuts in the city. Unlike public transportation, shuttle services are very precise about their schedule. Shuttle services take the safety of their guests as a priority. So, they regularly check their vehicles for any possible flaws.

Affordable

The cost of hiring a taxi can be very nonsensical as it depends on the time you spend inside a taxi. On the contrary, shuttle services only charge a reasonable flat rate. Furthermore, you can travel for as many days as you wish without spending on parking charges.

There certainly are more of the advantages that the service seeker would receive from shuttle service companies, yet these are the most important one explained.

Hopefully, you too would like and love to find these features before hiring a shuttle service from now on.

Have a safe trip

Keeping them engaged

The idea of a road trip means fun for every child. While the first few hours will be very fun for them, be prepared to be shot with “How many more hours till we get there? I’m bored!” after the excitement of the road trip wears down. To keep boredom at bay, you could give them coloring books and a box of crayons. Play games like “Who are they?” where you choose another car on the road and try to imagine the passengers’ stories. Get creative and make up your own fantasy stories with them as heroes, villains, spies, etc.  Listen to audio books. You can have some fun blowing bubbles out of the car. Also, just belting out to songs on the radio breaks the monotony!

On Packing

Do not let your child pack his/her own suitcase unsupervised. While kids love getting involved and packing their own things, they could get carried away sometimes and pack unnecessary items, leaving the essential items behind. Pack light, pack right.

Finding treasures along the way

To make your little ones more enthused about the ride, you can list out major landmarks on your way to your destination and create a map. When you get to the landmarks, hand out little “surprises” for them; doesn’t have to be very big. Pack a fun activity book and crayons or little treats in a paper bag and wrap it. The excitement to unwrap the surprises alone keeps the kids excited along the way.

Eating inside the car

Carry along some munchies with you. Fresh fruits are the best options on snacking. Also, nuts, carrots, string cheese, hard boiled eggs are some great options to snack on. If you are taking packaged foods, carry those that are easy to eat, clean off and dispose.  Stick a straw through yogurt packaging to avoid spillage. Sippy cups and travel mugs are worth investing in for a spill-free ride. Use plastic cups for snack service.

On organization, hygiene and health

Road trips can get messy no matter how much you try. Make use of a large paper bag to dispose wrappers from all the packaged food you consume on the road trip. Ziploc bags are a great way of organizing on a road trip.
Carry wet wipes for easy cleanup of all sorts of mess. Make sure you pack a mini first aid kit filled with Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, cloth bandages, and other basic supplies.

Have a happy trip!

Anyways, I chose not to express my frustration and moved on. I put my belongings inside the taxi. The driver didn’t at all help me lug my belongings in the cab. I don’t know why he behaved the way he did. On top of this, the driver was so slow that I could hardly catch my flight. After that terrible taxi experience, I learnt a great lesson, next time I needed to hire one, I gathered information and choose a taxi service both reliable and affordable.

If you have had such an experience in the past, consider using the following ideas to hire a taxi or before booking taxi online.

Search online: If you don’t know about any taxi service company around your home town, search online and gather information of top companies offering taxi service. Try to know about their background and performance. You may call them and ask for free quotes.

License or registration: It can be helpful to have information on license or registration of the company, before you book a taxi. You must know whether they are registered or not. It is risky to ride or hire taxis which are not licensed or registered. They may not have special insurance policies for the passenger against accidents.

Time: Time is the main factor which determines how the companies execute their activities. Get information about their operating hours and plan accordingly because they need to pick or drop you off on time.

Rate: When you are going to hire a taxi, you must know the rate. They may charge you higher than the normal rate. So always stay informed about the taxi rates in the area. For this, you can ask taxi companies to send their free quotes via email.

Fleet: Of course, you want a clean and comfortable taxi.  I saw many taxi service companies with damaged and uncomfortable fleet. There is chance of such types of taxis giving you more hassle in your journey. So, hire a taxi which has gone through regular maintenance and servicing.

Furthermore, you can also ask your friends or relatives about the genuine and on-time taxi service. They may have more ideas. New Hope is a city where we can find many taxi service companies. Some of them provide outstanding service. Drivers are truly professional and behave in a friendly manner. They handle your luggage and assist you in the best way possible.

Please keep in mind that only the price doesn’t make a difference. The main thing is their customer care policies. Choose a taxi service which you feel is satisfactory and reliable.

Children can immerse themselves in the local culture, wildlife and geographical wonders on the shore. In addition to participating in age-specific children’s programs, they may pick up a few nautical words, learn to socialize with people from other countries, and try new kinds of food as well.

Besides the fun, water-slides and games, here are five reasons why you should take your kids on a sea trip.

1. Culture

Travelling certainly takes you out of your comfort zone and provides you a boosted world-view. As part of your cruise planning, find the books for your children about the region you’ll be visiting so as to give them an overview. Onshore, make your children participate in activities such as visiting museums, shopping in markets, watching dance performances, or trying new food items.

Taking your children with you encourages them to participate in different sorts of cultural activities offered by youth programs, such as cooking classes and craft projects. Even if they cannot learn much about their destinations on a voyage, they are likely to learn about a lot of people. The jaunt would be a culturally eye-opening experience for your kids.

2. Language

A multicultural environment exists in a cruise ship. Depending on your itinerary, your children may make friends from various countries. The crew members would also be from all over the world, and they may be willing to teach your children a few words in their native tongue.

Similarly, announcements over the public address system may be in several languages and thus, your kids will be benefited from the general exposure to various languages on the journey.

3. Wildlife

Sea life is definitely a fascination for kids. Depending on where your itinerary leads you to, you may spot a lot of marine species like dolphins, sea lions, fishes, and whales. You may take older kids under the water on snorkeling treks to view various kinds of colorful fishes and coral.

Various cruises have developed a lot of fun and educational programs for children, emphasizing on marine learning aspect.

4. Geography

The kids get an opportunity to learn about the world’s oceans on the family cruise. On various Adventure Ocean programs, fun and games include sessions on how waves are formed. Depending on the travelling plan, there are glaciers, mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, beaches and many more to explore.

To enhance the learning process, you may even involve your children in the voyage planning process, and encourage them to plot your course on a map. You may let them have a say in what places you’re going to visit, or even ask what places they wish to visit.

5. Etiquette

Of course your kids are going to explore new places, learn about different culture and languages on the sail, and know about the wildlife. Beyond this fact is another fact that they will be eating in a dining room, ordering their meals through waiters, and talking with adults. On this time being, they are expected to behave.

Sea trips are the great place for your kids for lessons such as how to use your napkin, the proper use of tableware, saying “please” and “thank you” , and being courteous to people. They learn how to behave in such social settings.

So, if your family vacation would bring your children the opportunity to have fun, and as well as have some educational experience, why not take them for a fun-filled adventure?

Bon Voyage!

Here are some secrets you should know before taking your babies to this wonderland. Find out those handy secrets which will certainly make your kids love you to the fullest.

What to take with you?

If you love your baby skin so much then you need to plan for its protection. The Southern California sun is so cruel that it would surely damage the sensitive skin of your babies. Dress up should be something in which you should focus on, dress them in layers and don’t you dare forget the following:

• Spit-up happens- extra outfit is a must
• Sunscreen-I needn’t say why
• Sunhat-the sun there is so cruel
• Stroller- you can’t keep on carrying them
• Baby Food- Hunger prevails in Disneyland too
• Diapers- you know why

When it comes to stroller, you can rent one in around $15/ day, while two of such will cost you $25. In case you want double stroller, or of a bigger size, you can’t get them there. So, it would be better to take one on your own.

One of the best things inside, for which you would thank the management, is the baby care centers.  There is no need to panic if you forget something important to take there. Baby centers and the nannies there would get you covered. Need Medicines? Ran out of wipers and diapers?  Need more baby food? You’ll be served with all of them by the nannies in the baby centers inside the amusement park.

Feeding a Baby

You are allowed to take food inside Disneyland, but it would finish too soon without a doubt. You can buy food for the baby at the Baby Care Center there. You can get milk in the park there, along with yoghurt, fruit, and everything your older baby might need and want. You don’t need to worry about food for toddlers too. You can easily get toddler meals for guest under three years of age at many restaurants in the parks.

Favorite Attractions for Babies

You, now, almost have a well-fed and comfortable baby – all set to enjoy. Then it is fun-time!  Disney parks contain loads of family-friendly rides, which accommodate at least two adults and a small baby, or one adult and two children. Due to this, couples can take a ride with the baby, without the need of being separated.

Here is a list of some attractions that you can enjoy with your very young baby:

• Pirates of the Caribbean-good for nursing
• It’s a small world-visual stimulation for babies
• Winnie the Pooh
• Jungle Cruise
• Parades

Along with those attractions, there are many more that Disneyland has got to offer to your grownups.  Here is the list:

• Disney Junior: Live on Stage
• The Little Mermaid
• Triton’s Carousel of the Sea
• Mickey’s Fun Wheel
• World of Color

This blog, however, is not a complete guide to visit Disneyland with your babies but would certainly help you to plan well and enjoy an overwhelming time with your babies. Try planning well before you head out for Disneyland this summer.

Let’s get started.

1. Surf the web before you sail

DIY travelers can utilize the web to their advantage, by looking for a trip of their preferred price range. Utilize Cruise Critic’s online cruise discoverer tool, to figure out which voyage lines and schedules may be the best for you. Utilize our Fare Compare gadget to find the difference between various cruise packages. By doing so, you’ll be able to find out the average price range of cruise trips. You’ll also have a lot of options that you could consider for choosing the best one for you.

2. Book Early

Nowadays, voyage lines seem to attract ‘advance planners’, the individuals who book a journey, and pay the office six to 18 months ahead of time, by offering magnificent charges and tossing in something else that makes their trip lavish. Look out for free of charge or lessened airfare, complimentary civilities (free strength feasting, refreshment bundles, shore outings and/or tips) and lodge updates.

Tip: If you need a free overhaul, watch out for promotions that particularly say ‘Balcony staterooms for the price of outside cabins’. Don’t go for the ones that say ‘Upgrades within like categories’. It means that the line will shift you from your outside lodge to, what it regards to be, a ‘better’ outside lodge. The ‘better’ option may not be what you expect it to be.

3. Book Onboard

If you book your next journey  while enjoying your present one, you can exploit advantages like decreased deposits, fare discounts or free onboard credit. Stores are normally refundable. You can pick or change packages and promotional offers later-on, and even present your booking to your most loved travel enthusiast.

4. Book restaurant packages

You can save money on food by following a simple tip. Eat in free dining venues like  the main dining room, outdoor grill, buffet venue and so on. Why waste your dollars to cover the random and extravagant expenses, on special restaurants, which charge extra and unnecessary fee.

Look for dining packages, if you love the intimacy and varied menus. Some lines, similar to Celebrity, package together different supper reservations at marked down rates, compared to the original rates from booking the same tables independently.

5. Reserve port days (partially) for spa treatment

Voyage ship spa treatments could be as expensive as the ones at first class resorts. But that doesn’t mean that you have to restrain yourself from enjoying the services of a spa. These centers often introduce small-budget packages or offer benefits of their regular packages. To be aware of such instances, you might need to ask at the spa, or check your day by day activity list for extraordinary offers. The key is to stay informed.

6. Avoid over-tipping

Nowadays, most cruise lines add an extra charge to your voyage price, an auto tip that covers all the tips, which you would have paid to your lodge steward and dining staffs. Bar bills regularly have a 15 to 18 percent tip included, as do numerous spas and wellness centers. Yet, an increasing amount, the slip you need to sign demonstrates a space for an extra tip.

You’re generally welcome to give an additional tip for extraordinary administration, yet you shouldn’t feel forced to give more than the auto tip, as it’s not justified. Few travelers notice only the clear line on the bill, and add 15 to 20 percent without speculation, ending up tipping twofold.

7. Find your own way to the shore

Voyage liners offer trips to the nearby ports or shores. Now, while it may seem like a good idea to sign up for these trips, it’s not. Usually, the boat that would take you to the shore isn’t of a really good quality, in terms of comfort. Plus, you may not have the freedom to do whatever you feel like, due to the strict schedule.

Rather, book a boat or any other water locomotive available on your own. You will be able to take the best out of your trip that way, as you will be free to choose the locations to visit. You can also save some money here, by skipping places where it is required for you to pay the fees.

8. Use your calculators

Unless you’re a top of the line, premium-line, cruiser, who books the best suites on the deck and pays extra for wine and forte, consider calculating the amount of money you’re spending on accommodation and food, and also keep a track of all the additional expenses.

Restrain yourself from extravagant packages. Extravagant lines have been known to incorporate everything from shore journeys, tips and pre-cruise lodgings to refreshments, strength feasting, and Internet access- alongside fine lodge conveniences and top of the line administration

9. Wine- Don’t waste it

In case you’re not able to finish your container of wine during supper, don’t throw it away. Request your waiter to cork it so that you could use it the following day. Wine containers should be available at local restaurants. You can order it when you’re ready for dinner. In case you’re paying extra for Chardonnay or Cabernet, you can, in any case, get your cash’s worth by drinking the entire thing.

10. Resist Temptation

It is the best money saving tip that gets on every expert’s list. The most ideal approach to save cash on a voyage is not to surrender to the offers of all the beverage vendors, craftsmen, gems/ ornaments stores, the forte restaurants, cupcake and dessert shops, and so on.

I’ve listed and explained the things that I’ve seen and experienced during my cruising trips. All the cruising tips and tricks that I’ve listed here will be a great help for you to save some dollars at least. Not to forget, find a fine taxi service to take you to the cruise terminal.

Share how much you could save and how much you enjoyed in the comments section below.

Happy Cruising

Tickets

The one thing you must never forget to pack is your tickets. This includes plane tickets, shuttle tickets, tickets to Disneyland, rewards cards, or any other ticket you may need. Check, recheck and then check once more before you leave home.

Appropriate Clothes and Shoes

The bulk of your luggage will probably be clothes. But, you need to make sure that these are clothes appropriate for Disneyland. Your clothes and shoes must be comfortable enough to walk around in all day. Also, don’t forget to pack hats, scarves and sunglasses.

Snacks and water

You don’t want to depend entirely on Disneyland for all your food and water. While they have quite a few restaurants, firstly it is expensive (water is free though) and secondly, you’ll have to wait in line at these restaurants. Bring along light snacks that you can munch on while waiting in line or walking around. And make sure everyone has their own water bottle. (Here is a great blog by Elliot on fun Disney themed snacks for kids)

Camera

You won’t forgive yourself if you don’t capture every moment of you trip to Disneyland, and neither will your kids. So, make sure you carry a good camera with you and snap a lot of shots with Mickey, Minnie and all the Disney Princesses.

Autograph Book and pen

Be sure to bring along a Disney autograph book and a pen (don’t forget the pen). Your kids can get it signed by all their favorite Disney Characters. You can also get one of these autograph books at the park itself, but it’ll cost you a lot more if you buy it inside Disneyland.

Sunscreen/ sanitizer/toiletries

Since you’ll be walking around in the sun all day, don’t forget to bring sun-screen. Pack a big bottle for your entire family. Similarly, bring along sanitizers and wipes in case you can’t find a restroom nearby to wash up. If you don’t like the soaps and shampoos they provide at the hotels, you’ll have to bring them yourself as well.

First Aid Kit

You can’t travel to Disneyland without a small first aid kit – especially if you’re traveling with your kids. Your first aid kit should have Band-Aids, aspirin and ointments for blisters and sunburn.

Wireless Charger

Wireless chargers are a travel staple. Make sure you carry these around while traveling to Disneyland. While there are plug-in stations at Disneyland, you wouldn’t want to waste your time waiting for your phone to charge when you could be having fun at the park now, would you.

Blanket

If you plan to see any parade or show during your trip, you must bring your own blanket. You’ll be able to mark your territory and sit comfortably while you enjoy the show.

Jacket

Many people underestimate the California weather. While it is fairly hot during the day, it gets pretty chilly at night and in the morning. Pack a sweater or a light jacket to keep you warm when the sun goes down.

Make sure you check your luggage for all these items before you leave.

Oh, and let me know about your trip on the comments below J

Enjoy your trip!!

Going to Disneyland is a pretty big deal for most of us. While, the kids who are going with you might be very excited to don on princess/pirate costumes, you might not want to dive too deep into the whole Disney fever. And we know Disneyland is no fashion show, but some of us still like to dress up nice for something that memorable.

Alright, so let’s get started!

1)      Shoes, shoes, shoes

I cannot stress this enough; your shoes can make or break your day at Disneyland. Getting from one ride to the other, you will walk a lot at Disneyland. You will be running around Disneyland all day trying to catch one ride after another. I know it can be every tempting to put on new shoes when you go somewhere, but please don’t do that. New shoes need breaking into. Be smart; wear your most comfortable pair of shoes and save yourself from all the blisters and pain.

2)      Accessorize

I’m not talking rings, bracelets and necklaces. I’m talking sunglasses, scarves and totes; these will be your lifesavers at Disneyland as you will be spending a whole day there.  Hats are also great for a hot day, but make sure that they are well-fitting. You don’t want your pretty hat to fly off on very fast rides.
Also, Check up on the weather update early ahead and dress accordingly. Weather updates may not be 100% accurate all the time. So, carry your essentials in a backpack/tote just in case there is a change in weather.

3)      Classic Goes A Long Way

Imagine a scene 20 years down the line and your kids will be making fun of you for wearing whatever you are wearing to Disneyland. Or even worse, you cringe at the Disneyland photos yourself because you don’t like it.
Disneyland memories are precious and you will prize the pictures you take at Disneyland. Don’t let your embarrassing or unflattering clothes stop you from framing them. Instead, be smart about what you wear to Disneyland and wear classic prints and cuts. Choose styles that will stand the test of time.

4)      Throw in Some Disney fever

Does this even need explaining? I mean, come on, you will be in Disneyland! It doesn’t have to be the mainstream Mickey ears if you don’t like them. Opt for other Disney-themed clothes and accessories. Dresses, head bands and bows with polka dots can give off a Disney vibe and the best part is that you can easily DIY them.

If you would like to a little more dramatic, you can also throw in some characteristic fashion styles from your favorite Disney character.

5)      No Compromise on Comfort

Being comfortable is essential wherever you are. Disneyland is no exception and the most magical place on Earth will be miserable if you are not comfortable. Do not compromise on comfort and wear whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.  At the end of the day, comfort matters the most.

Have a comfortably stylish time at Disneyland!