Unusual Places for Family Vacations

As the days add up, leading to the holidays for the festive season, I am certain that you would have been receiving emails and texts from the retail stores, providing reminders of the forthcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, thus signaling the time where you should probably order the perfect gifts for your friends and loved ones, to let them know how much you love them. For some of us, it is also a period to take the time off, possibly from the routine 9–to –5 daily work hours. The holiday season can be a great time, not only to unwind, but to plan to spend more time with the family and loved ones. If you aren’t looking to spend the holidays indoors, you might be considering a visit to one of your favorite vacation locations. And while the Disney Theme Parks might not be an ideal for those who do not like crowds, noises and waiting in queues, I have put up some fun places, in some cases if the finances is not a restriction, where you can go and rekindled the bond with your loved ones and members of the family.

Castries, Saint Lucia

Capital city of Saint Lucia, Castries would remind you, in a striking manner, of the attractions in Costa Rica and Ecuador, however without the crowds of tourists and expats that don these places. An absolutely beautiful location, Castries boasts of an impressive run of beaches, mountains, snorkels and scuba diving, very tall palm trees, enviable landscape and awe-inspiring waterfalls with much, much desirable sunlight. You can visit the Marigot Bay, the Maria Islands Nature Reserve, or even the Pigeon Island National Park, while having a family togetherness that is like no other.

Castries also has a sea port and is a recipient of a volcano that happened years or decades ago. These are places you can also visit during your stay in this admirable location. The Castries market is also close by, a market where food and other items are sold in the open.

A population of less than 10,000, you would be blessed to have a great family time, without the hassle of being around a lot of people.

Prince Edward Island, Canada

On the North border of the United States lies Canada and its vast expanse of lands. You must have heard of places like Calgary, Alberta or even Vancouver Island. However, in Canada resides a small place called Prince Edwards Island. Though a minute part of Canada, Prince Edwards Island is renowned for its beaches, stunning landscapes, and aura of community which serves as icing to such a beautiful location.

There are also other features that would trigger the pull toward visiting this small island. The island is also home to amusement parks, lighthouses as well as golf courses spread across different luscious locations. You can visit the Confederation trail or sit by the seaside to a feast of freshly caught lobsters. If you do schedule your visit timely, you might get to take part in the Cavendish Beach Music Festival.

It does add to the attraction that vacationing on Prince Edwards Island is affordable, compared to more exclusive locations. It truly is a home away from home experience.

Butrint, Albania

Located in the south-eastern part of Albania is the little town called Butrint. One of Albania’s invaluable locations, Butrint is an ancient city with one of its primary attractions being the archaeological remains evident of the historical Roman Empire – the public baths, the theater, the basilica etc.

The city is awash with different places to visit and lots of experiences to have. When visiting, you do have several accommodation facilities you can opt for. You can select the inns, the hotels, the motels or probably, the resorts. Once you are done and settled, unless you are on the trip with a tour guide service, you can then plan your vacation according to the sights the city has to offer.

The Butrint National Park is known for possessing remains from an earlier era where a mixture of the Greek and the Romans lived. Resident on the environs of the National Park is the Butrint Lake. The Castle of Ali Pasha Tepelena is another location you can visit. There are also museums, castles, national parks, beaches and other monuments that are accessible from Butrint. Just after the city is the Butrint Monastery.

Butrint is mostly visited for its historical value - this is evident from the day-trippers who flood the location to view the different historical and cultural artifacts. Also, if you are one to go local while on your vacations, you can try out the restaurants to sample the Butrint traditional dishes. Also, vacation to Butrint is relatively an affordable venture.

Corfu Island, Greece

One of my favorite vacation destinations, I happened to visit Corfu while collaborating with a friend who is involved with a admission essay writing service. Booking adjoining rooms in the Marbella Corfu hotel, she proceeded to inform me of the processes that go into the development of an all in one essay.

Located on the grounds of Albania’s close neighbor, Greece, Corfu is another location resplendent with beaches, monuments and beautiful laid out landscape. An overwhelmingly attractive location, you might experience crowds when you go down to the beaches, nevertheless, this doesn’t mean you cannot locate some of the beaches with lesser crowds. You probably would have to go toward the northeast areas, where the sites are not really in the open. It should add to the novelty to discover some of these beaches.

Other areas of interest would include Corfu Town, the Corfu museum of Asian Arts, the vineyards, the resorts, and the archaeological sites. The Greeks are also known for their culinary prowess. You could use this opportunity to savor some of their popular dishes.

Corfu Town is also a heritage site for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. So get ready to see some strongholds that served in the wars that occurred in these locations, hundreds of years ago.

Ephesus, Turkey

Ephesus in Turkey is another place you can plan a truly memorable family vacation. In the above locations that I suggested, you would notice that most of these places were notable for their open air, outdoor sights, i.e. beaches, parks etc. However, what if, having had your fill of the outdoor and sunlight, you simply want to immerse yourself in the novelty of the place? If one of your piqued interests lie in uncovering the past and the activities that happened during those periods, then Ephesus might be the place for you.

Though there are outdoor attractions in Ephesus, the main lure of Ephesus lies in its archeological remains with its own share of splendidly laid out landscape with panoramic views. Here, you would also get to see the remains of the Temple of Artemis - one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Ephesus Museum, the basilica of one of the apostles, St. John i.e. the place where he was buried, and the Gladiator’s Graveyard. Notably referred to in the Bible, Ephesus has its own share of Christian origins

If you do wear out from learning about the past, you can go with the family to visit the resorts, the beaches and the hotels. Ephesus offers diverse interests, while you enjoy the time spent with the family.

Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada

Taking us back to Canada, Pinawa, located in Manitoba, is another place you might just like to spend your vacation. An attractive yet reserved location, Pinawa also holds its own interesting sights which might cause you to want to take the family there.

Firstly, the town is located close to the Winnipeg River, which adds to the all-surround natural beauty that it possesses. As a result of its proximity, most recreational activities offered in Pinawa – swimming, diving, going on trips by boat, canoes etc. involves the Winnipeg River. However, that is not the only sights that Pinawa offers. Similar to Prince Edwards Islands, Pinawa town has its own golf course as well as parks for those who are eternally drawn to the outdoors. You can also go down to the beach, visit the hockey arena as well as get to play in the tennis courts.

Pinawa is sparsely populated so offers the attraction and security of a lovingly preserved community.

Margarita Island, Venezuela

Having places such as Angel Falls - recognized as the largest waterfall in the world and Caracas, in Venezuela; Margarita Island sometimes goes under the radar as a place to visit. Generally, Venezuela is very popular for its lovely beaches, gorgeous landscape and several tourist attractions, notably, as mentioned, Angel Falls. However, Margarita Island holds its head high among these more famous locations.

Margarita has its own share of beaches – you get to select from a large number of them, mountains, and areas you can go for a swim. You can also go scuba diving, jet skiing or other water sports that might be of interest. The Restinga Lagoon National Park is also within sight, and should be somewhere you put on the list of places to go. You could visit the capital Asuncion which is also close by. There are shopping, lots of entertainment and you could even book additional tours to get a more expansive view of the island. The locals are very welcoming, notably depending on the way you approach them.

Probably due to the affordable cost of living in Venezuela, planning a vacation to the island is quite cheap, even if you are going with the family. It is also important to know that the Island is recognized for the large amount of crime that occurs there. Thus, it probably might be more convenient, for safety purposes, to hire a travel agency or a tour service, to plan your vacation and get your accommodations. The occurrence of crime might and would deter some. However, as long as you err on the safe side, you are going to have a largely memorable family vacation.

I have quickly put up this list so you can timely plan on your vacation during this period, or put up a schedule for the coming year. While making plans, you should be able to locate travel agencies which would help you desirably plan your trip.

Do have a memorable vacation. And drop me a note on your experience in these places.

6 Things Your Kids Learn by What You Do, Not What You Say

There are a few moments in every parent’s life when we wish we could lead by instruction instead of example.

“I can drink out of the milk carton right now, but you need to pretend you never saw this.”

It's at these moments when we realize that what we do is usually a lot more important than what we say. Words are important, for sure, but they aren't quite as powerful as actions.

With that said, none of us are ever going to be perfect. There are going to be times when we drink out of the milk carton or neglect to put the cap back on the toothpaste. When our kids have kids, they’ll do the same. These things are all okay because we’re human.

But there are a few important lessons that we should not compromise. Try to remain consistent with these six things, so your children will understand how to handle them as adults.

1.      Find healthy outlets for stress

From the time our children are born, it’s abundantly clear that they don’t have the skills to deal with stress. These things are learned, and our kids are learning by example.

This is a case where talk and action go hand-in-hand. When you're feeling stressed, talk to your kids about your feelings and how you choose to handle them. Then, try to engage your children in healthy stress-busting activities. You may do breathing exercises or yoga together. You may also spend some time talking about stress and your feelings. These things will make you feel better, and they'll teach your children the increasingly-important skill of coping with stress.

2.      Form a healthy relationship with alcohol

Like it or not, your relationship with alcohol and/or medications will shape your child’s future relationship with these things. If you suspect you have a problem with alcohol or drugs, get it in check now. Not only will this be good for your health and wellbeing, but you can start setting a good example for your children.

If you don’t do drugs and drink alcohol in moderation, you’re well on your way to setting a good example. But your efforts don’t have to stop there. Talk to your kids about alcohol and the dangers of addiction and underage drinking. If your kids know you disapprove, they will be less likely to have problems with drugs or alcohol.

3.      Handle anger and conflict constructively

Have you ever known someone with a true anger management problem? There’s a good chance their behavior was inherited from a parent or guardian. Our children look to us to learn how to deal with anger. If we let our anger run wild whenever someone frustrates us, they will probably do the same. After all, it is what they’ve learned is acceptable.

This is especially important in the toddler years when kids are first learning how to handle their emotions. Most toddlers will throw a fit when they get angry, frustrated or confused. They do this because they’re overwhelmed with feeling. Instead of meeting their fit with one of your own, try to keep a cool head. Let them know that it’s okay to feel whatever they are feeling, and ask them if they want to talk. If not, it’s okay to give them a little space. This is a skill that takes a lot of practice, and the more they see you keeping cool, the easier it’ll be for them to do the same.

4.      Eat well

In an age when processed foods are everywhere, it's important to set a good example for our children about proper nutrition. Of course, it's okay to have a takeout night or to cook from a box every now and again – as long as it's not the norm. 

Let your kids see you cooking and invite them to help with the process. As they become more involved, cooking and eating well will become habits for them. This is an important area to lead by example because nutrition isn't something we can expect our kids to think about. They will simply see and do. 

5.      Exercise regularly

Kids may spend a lot of time exercising through outdoor play, and that’s great, but it doesn’t let us parents off the hook. If they see that you’re inactive, that’s what they’ll think of adults. When they become adults themselves and shed their playtime routines, they’re likely to become as active or inactive as you have been.

6.      Manage your money

When kids are old enough, you can show them how to manage their own money, but it’s also important to show them how you manage yours. If your children know you’re spending your last dime on a purse for you or a toy for them, they’ll think that’s okay. Their relationship with money starts much sooner than most people realize, so try your best to set a good example.

When we expect our children to “do as we say, not as we do,” it sends a mixed message. They naturally look to you for leadership, so send a clear and concise message by leading by example.

#Giveaway Farming Simulator Nintendo Switch Edition

Finding those last minute gifts to give this holiday season can be a challenge all in its own. There are so many options to look at and even after the holidays are over, there are the items that can be added to the gifts that were given. With that I have found that when it comes to either those last minute gift ideas or for seeking out items to go with some of those big gifts, especially when it comes to the gaming consoles, that getting the accessories and games is the way to go. So when we were sent the game, Farming Simulator for Nintendo Switch, we were excited to check it out and also add it to this years holiday guide.

In this game of Farming Simulator, we get game play that is just like the Farming Simulator game that we have enjoyed on our XBOX One console. The game brings that family game night fun that we enjoy on our consoles to life again with the Nintendo Switch. Where we can tend to the animals, harvest crops, drive the farming equipment and so much more! Here are some of the features that you can find when playing Farming Simulator for Nintendo Switch:

• Develop your farm in 2 huge environments - a North-American and an Eastern-European landscape
• Harvest a large variety of new crops (sunflowers, soybeans, and many more)
• Transport your goods with trucks and trailers, or try out the newly-added drivable trains
• Take care of your livestock, including pigs, cows, sheep and chickens
• 250 faithfully reproduced farming vehicles and tools from over 75 manufacturers 

Bringing the adventures that can be found on a modern farm, home to play and enjoy playing over and over again on your Nintendo Switch! And to help with bringing the game of Farming Simulator for you and your family to enjoy playing on your Nintendo Switch, the wonderful people from Maximum Games would like to give one of our amazing readers their own copy of Farming Simulator for Nintendo Switch!

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Product received, thank you to Maximum Games as well as the PR for supplying me with a product for this review, all opinions are my own.