Seek Your Trip

Travel bucket lists and other ideas for adventures of a lifetime

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6 Great Destinations for Family Holidays

Traveling with family, especially one that includes young children is very different from traveling solo. There may be some destinations that you would rather do on an adult only holiday, but there are some destinations that are perfect for a family holiday. With loads for the kids to do and discover, it just wouldn’t be the same without them. Here are six of the best destinations if you are traveling with children.

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Disneyland, Paris

This one had to be top of the list. Many adults long to go to Disneyland, but wait for children as an excuse to go. Everyone loves a Disneyland break. There is so much to do, from rides and site seeing, to meeting your favourite Disney Heroes. The kids will have a great time, too.

Devon, UK

If you don’t fancy taking them on a plane, there’s a wealth of beauty and fun to be found along our own south coast. Devon has gorgeous scenery, fantastic sandy beaches, and safe waters. There is something for everyone. With many holiday parks offering kids clubs and entertainment, a trip to Devon could be the ideal first family holiday.

Brittany, France

Brittany is a little further afield, but still a relatively short trip. With long stretches of golden sand, as well as plenty of culture to explore, and some fantastic places to eat, Brittany is the ideal family vacation.

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Florida, USA

Florida is one for older children. With theme parks and resorts a plenty, there’ll be no time to be bored. If you are thinking of a trip to Florida, you might want to go for two weeks to make sure you have time for everything. Just a few of the places you’ll want to visit include:

  • Universal Studios
  • Disneyworld
  • Everglades National Park
  • Kennedy Space Centre
  • SeaWorld

Kos, Greece

Kos is one of the smaller Greek islands, but it still has plenty to offer a family. Kos is a quieter destination than many on the list, so it gives you a great chance to relax and explore as a family. In recent years, more hotels have added family friendly facilities, with more for the kids to do. Then there are beach sports, and tours to try, as well as lots of culture and some amazing local cuisine.

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The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos islands have featured on many a nature documentary, and there is a reason why. If you’re a family of explorers, this might be the one for you. With so many different kinds of wildlife to see first-hand, it’s a fantastic experience, and one the kids will relish telling their friends about when they return to school.

Traveling with children can be wonderful. They view everything with such an innocent curiosity you can’t help but be caught up in their excitement and wonder. To make traveling easier, be organised. Visit the London Travel Clinic for any travel vaccinations you might need. Apply for passports and visas well in advance. Make sure you change your currency, and write yourself a comprehensive packing list.

Lastly, remember to have fun!

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4 Key Differences Between River Cruises and Ocean Cruises

To many people, ocean cruises and river cruises both fall squarely into the ‘cruising’ category, with little in the way of separation. While these two different methods of water travel might seem similar, they have far more differences than similarities.

From the size of the ship to the focus of the cruise, the differences between a river cruise and an ocean cruise are incredible. Read on to learn the four most important differences to consider before you book a cruise for your family this year.

1. Ocean cruises are all about the boat

Many ocean cruises spend days travelling from one destination to another, making the boat far more of an attraction than the destination itself. Because of this, most cruise ships have incredible facilities, ranging from swimming pools to casinos.

On a river cruise, the focus of the experience is different. With shorelines visible at all times, the focus of a river cruise is far less about the boat itself – which is always smaller than an oceangoing cruise ship – but the beautiful scenery out the window.

If incredible facilities, exotic casinos, and a luxurious onboard experience are what you’re looking for, an ocean cruise is sure to satisfy. However, if culture and scenery are your idea of a great holiday, a river cruise is more likely to suit your tastes.

2. River cruises are far more personal

Oceangoing cruise ships range from large to gigantic, boasting hundreds of rooms and facilities that make five-star hotels seem small. River cruise ships, on the other hand, tend to be smaller and more personal vessels.

Instead of giant dining halls, travellers on river cruise ships can enjoy a much more personal experience. Far from being a limiting factor, the smaller size of the ship is an excellent quality that enhances the experience of a European river cruise.

3. Ocean cruises can be rough and stormy

If you often feel seasick, an ocean cruise might not be for you. While ocean cruises frequently encounter stormy weather and serious waves, river cruises are largely protected from extreme weather by their surroundings.

While the ocean experience is certainly exhilarating, travellers seeking a blend of culture, natural beauty, and peaceful conditions will probably enjoy a river cruise more than a cruise on the ocean.

4. River cruises drop you right in the action

Even coastal destinations are often out of reach for oceangoing vessels. Due to the size of most cruise ships, many need to dock at ports that are far away from their destinations, forcing travellers into a long and boring coach journey.

This article was written by Shearings Holidays. From Cologne to Budapest, Danube river cruises with Shearings allow you to exit the ship right into your favourite European destinations.

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Photo by motiqua on Flickr

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The Natural Wonders of Urumqi, China

Urumqi is one of those places in China that one should definitely pay a visit to. It is located in the north western section of the country and is home various tourist attractions and destinations. It is a place also rich in history and culture, given the many ethnic groups that made this place their home. Also, it is nearest to the tomb of the terra cotta warriors, which is another plus for those visiting the place.

Urumqi is filled with so many things to see and do, and though most of them reflect the modern lifestyle of the people, the most beautiful tourist attractions would have to be there natural wonders.

There are many places to visit in Urumqi and here are the top three natural scenic and beautiful destinations that you must include in your travel itinerary.

Heavenly Lake

Imagine a lake with crystal clear waters, so clear in fact that it mirrors the majestic snow-capped mountains in its background. That is Heavenly Lake, a very suitable name for something that seems to have been heaven sent. This crescent shaped lake is located in the eastern section of Urumqi. It has calm yet deep waters, the deepest part being almost 400 metres deep. The lake is formed by the melted ice and snow from the Tianshan Mountain (also referred to as Heavenly Mountains). The towering mountains and the crystal waters are more than enough reasons to visit the lake.

Southern Pasture

This is another beautiful spot in Urumwi, China which. The southern pasture is a field of green and lush grass, with rolling hills and mountains dotted with green and robust trees. As the name suggest, this place is the perfect grazing or pasture land for many grazing animals. And if you think that all you will see here is grass and animals, then you’d be wrong. This place abounds with various natural wonders like valleys, waterfalls, and majestic mountains. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to witness the traditional horse-racing events held by the locals. Otherwise, you can rent a horse and go through the whole place on a guided tour. Alternatively, you can simply sit on the grass and enjoy the wonderful view of animals and vegetation and traditional people.

Red Hill

Red Hill is one of those beautiful tourist attractions of Urumqi, China which cannot be easily missed. This hill overlooks a beautiful Urumqi landscape and is relaxing and amazing at the same time. The name is taken from the aubergine rocks of the mountain, which when hit by the sun reflect a bright red colour. This place has been developed for tourism and such you can find modern amenities and entertainment. If you’re not up for that, you can simple hike the dedicated trails until you reach the top, and get to admire the wonderful view of the city of Urumqi.

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Photo by andreelau on Flickr

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Ola Guadalajara!

Guadalajara is the second biggest city in Mexico and is one of the most frequented places in the country by travellers from all around the world. But why not? With its rich culture and being the origins of mariachi music and tequila, there are so many things for tourists to see and enjoy in this part of the country. From the thriving countryside to the bustling city, you will surely find something to keep you busy and happy throughout your stay.

The Town Centre

Guadalajara is the capital Jalisco, Mexico and is most famous for its radical transformation – from an ancient colonial town to a modern and industrialized city. There is no shortage of clubs and bars and high end restaurants that will keep your nights and stomachs satisfied. Despite the developments, there is one district in the city which was able to maintain the city’s wonderful history, aptly called the Historic Centre. Here you will find various religious and historic structures like the Cathedral and the Degollado Theatre. There is also the Cabanas Cultural Institute, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lake Chapala

Venture out into the outskirts of the city and you’ll find one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Guadalajara – Lake Chapala. This is the largest among all of the freshwater lakes found not only in the area but in the whole country as well. The lake does not only offer visitors a picturesque view for photo ops, but also a place where tired visitors can come for a relaxing and peaceful retreat. The lake and its surrounding mountains are home to some of Guadalajara’s indigenous flora and fauna, along with migratory birds who are looking to escape the winter weather. Given the size of the lake, visitors can enjoy boating to the two islands of the lake, namely Escorpion and Isla Mezcalla, the latter being declared a national monument, filled with ruins and a fortress which are remnants of the place’s warring history.

Rodeo, Guadalajara Style

Yes, there are also cowboys and Indians in Mexico and you can find them gathered in the Charreria, Guadalajara’s version of the rodeo. It all started out as a friendly competition among workers of haciendas who try to beat each other in horse riding and roping, vying to become the revered charo, the Mexican image of strength and masculinity. However, this pastime has evolved into a sport and is now considered the official sport of Mexico, despite soccer being the most popular. If you find yourself in Guadalajara on a September, don’t miss out on the International Mariachi and Charreria Festival where you’ll get to witness some of Mexico’s best charos battle it out in the dirt, while mariachi bands hold concerts and parades throughout the streets of the city – the perfect event where you’ll see the best that Guadalajara and Mexican culture can provide.

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Photo by danielkaempfe on Flickr

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About Seek Your Trip

Here at Seek Your Trip, we post twice-weekly articles that will get your travel juices flowing. The idea is to inspire you to get out there and explore far-flung places and unusual cultures.