FREE AND AFFORDABLE THINGS TO DO IN NYC THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Pic Credit: Pixabay

With Aer Lingus advertising a sale to NYC my timelines has neve been busier with people asking question and seeking advice on city breaks to this incredible city. We have been lucky to have been many times but this year in fact this month marks our first trip with the kids and the excitement is immense already.  One comment that keeps popping up in a Facebook travel group I admin is whether it is possible to do New York on budget or how can money be saved (for shopping!!).  New York City Tourism have pulled together a really useful guide on free yes and discounted attractions over the coming weeks. If you do think of anymore or even tips please add the to the comments below.

Free Annual Celebrations:(note dates as some are of course seasonal)

• The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is on view through January 13. The 80-foot Norway spruce is covered in 50,000 multicolored LED lights.
• The lighting of the world’s largest menorahs takes place at sundown on each night of Hanukkah at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn and Grand Army Plaza in Midtown. The celebrations also feature live music, latkes and children’s gifts.

Festive Lights:

• Each year, residents of Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood light up their homes with over-the-top Christmas decor. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and take in the decorations with festive music in the background.
• The Dumbo Improvement District is presenting a series of holiday events and activities, including animations projected on the Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). The projections are on view through December 31, from 4–10pm daily.
• Shine Bright illuminates Hudson Yards with 2 million twinkling lights in this free celebration. The display includes 725 evergreen trees and 16-foot-tall lights in the shape of hot air balloons.
• Wander through The Shops at Columbus Circle and enjoy Holiday Under the Stars, which features twelve 14-foot stars hanging from the ceiling.

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Experience the Magic: Best European Christmas Markets to Visit in 2023

The festive season in Europe is synonymous with twinkling lights, the sweet scent of mulled wine, and the joyful laughter of families and friends. European Christmas markets offer a unique and enchanting experience that draws travellers from around the world. If you’re planning a winter getaway, here are some of the best European Christmas markets to visit in 2023, complete with opening dates and average temperatures to help make up your mind. Keep eye for flight sales

Strasbourg, France

• Opening Date: November 25, 2023, to December 31, 2023
• Average Temperature: 2°C to 7°C (36°F to 45°F)
• Best Airport: Strasbourg Airport (SXB)
• Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik is one of the oldest and most charming Christmas markets in Europe. Explore the historic district of La Petite France and delight in traditional Alsatian treats and exquisite handcrafted ornaments.

Vienna, Austria

• Opening Date: November 18, 2023, to December 26, 2023
• Average Temperature: -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F)
• Best Airport: Vienna International Airport (VIE)
• The Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz is a fairy tale come to life. Sip on aromatic glühwein, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy the melodious sounds of choirs and musicians.

Copenhagen, Denmark

• Opening Date: November 18, 2023, to December 31, 2023
• Average Temperature: 2°C to 6°C (36°F to 43°F)
• Best Airport: Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
• Tivoli Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas. With its dazzling lights and thrilling rides, it’s a great family-friendly destination.

Prague, Czech Republic

• Opening Date: December 2, 2023, to January 6, 2024
• Average Temperature: -2°C to 2°C (28°F to 36°F)
• Best Airport: Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG
• The Prague Christmas Market in the Old Town Square is a visual feast. Sample Trdelník (a sweet pastry), shop for handmade crafts, and admire the illuminated Gothic architecture.

Nuremberg, Germany

• Opening Date: November 25, 2023, to December 24, 2023
• Average Temperature: -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F)
• Best Airport: Nuremberg Airport (NUE)
• The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is famed for its gingerbread cookies and intricate wooden toys. Immerse yourself in the heart of Bavarian Christmas traditions.

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Smooth Sailing Adventures: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Cruise with Kids

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Are you ready to embark on a family holiday that combines relaxation, adventure, and entertainment? Look no further than a cruise tailored to families with kids! While cruising may conjure images of romantic getaways and tropical sunsets,  or a holiday more suited to retirees, do not be fooled it’s also an excellent option for families seeking a fun-filled, hassle-free getaway. Buckle up (or should we say, anchor down?) as we explore the seven irresistible reasons why going on a cruise with kids should be on your family’s travel radar for your next getaway.

A Floating Playground: Cruise ships are like floating cities designed with kids in mind. From water parks and rock-climbing walls to mini-golf and sports courts, your little adventurers will be spoiled for choice when it comes to activities. Let them expend their boundless energy while you relax knowing they’re in a safe environment.

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Kid-Friendly Entertainment: Say goodbye to “I’m bored” complaints! On a cruise, boredom is banished thanks to the endless entertainment options. From Broadway-style shows and movie theaters to themed parties and interactive game zones, your kids will be enchanted throughout the voyage.

Adventure for All Ages: Whether you’re sailing the Caribbean or exploring the Mediterranean, cruises offer a range of age-appropriate shore excursions. Snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, exploring ancient ruins, or zip-lining through lush rainforests – the opportunities for family adventure are endless.

Educational Fun: Who says vacations can’t be educational? Many cruise lines offer kids’ clubs with educational programs that blend learning and play. From science experiments to cooking classes and workshops on marine life, your kids will expand their horizons without even realizing it.

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Top 10 reasons for traveling with kids

Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog Trip: Tromso

Traveling with kids can be an enriching and rewarding experience that not only creates lasting memories but also offers numerous developmental and educational benefits. While it might seem daunting at first, the advantages of embarking on adventures with your little ones far outweigh any challenges. So far my 8 and 11 year old have been to 33 countries and counting, they really do love to travel like their parents!

From fostering family bonding to promoting cultural awareness, here’s why traveling with kids is such a great idea.

• Quality Family Time: In today’s fast-paced world, spending quality time together can be a challenge. Traveling provides a unique opportunity to bond as a family away from the distractions of daily life. Sharing new experiences, navigating unfamiliar surroundings, and overcoming challenges as a unit can strengthen family ties and create lasting connections.
• Educational Opportunities: Travel exposes children to new cultures, languages, histories, and environments. It’s a hands-on learning experience that goes beyond what they can learn from books or screens. Whether it’s exploring a museum, tasting local cuisine, or immersing in a different way of life, kids gain valuable insights that can’t be replicated in a classroom.
  

  Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog Trip: Jordan

• Cultural Awareness: Exposing children to diverse cultures from a young age fosters open-mindedness, empathy, and an appreciation for differences. Interacting with people from different backgrounds encourages kids to develop a broader perspective on the world and helps break down stereotypes.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills: Traveling often involves navigating unexpected situations. From flight delays to language barriers, kids learn to adapt to changing circumstances and develop problem-solving skills. These experiences teach them flexibility, patience, and how to stay composed in the face of challenges.
• Building Confidence: Traveling encourages kids to step out of their comfort zones. Whether it’s trying new foods or engaging with locals, each successful encounter boosts their self-confidence. Overcoming obstacles during travel empowers children to believe in their abilities.
• Creating Lasting Memories: Memories of shared adventures have the power to strengthen family bonds for a lifetime. Children cherish the moments spent exploring new places with their parents and siblings. These memories often become stories that are passed down through generations. One such trip for us was definitely Tromso, it captured our hearts in a way we never expected.
• Expanding Horizons: Exposure to different landscapes, architecture, and lifestyles broadens a child’s perspective. It ignites a curiosity about the world, inspiring them to ask questions and seek knowledge about unfamiliar places.

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Tips for Jordan with kids 

If travelling to Jordan with kids is on your agenda we have compiled tips and advice based on our recent trip to Jordan. I have lots of queries via our Instagram on our trip and it has taken me way longer to write this article but life has been busy with work and my kids play and compete in a lot of sport so time just run away on me!

• The Jordan Pass 

Jordan with kids Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog

I had read a lot and I mean a lot while planning and researching this trip and the Jordan Pass was a no brainer it covers entry into over 40 of the key sites including Jerash, Wadi Rum Petra and also by purchasing the pass the 40Jd visa fee is waived. Kids under 12 go free anyway to the tourist sites in Jordan so you don’t have to buy a pass for kids however you do need to pay the 40jd visa fee. It’s comes via email which you can store on your phone, however we printed them out as I heard reviews of people have difficulty when scanning on the phone and also saves you having to hand over your phone every time.  In theory you are meant to also show your passport or a copy of it but we were never asked in any site but did have it copied and printed again just to save having to hand it over every time we wanted to enter one of the attractions.

• Arriving into Jordan 

Jordan with kids – Amman Citadel Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog

I find when travelling with young kids you need to be flexible and I feel anyway take it at a slower pace. Jordan has 2 airports one in Amman, its capital and the other in Aqaba in the south of the country.  Its certainly worth considering your key attractions and factoring the airport around that for example, Aqaba is closer to Petra and Wadi Rum where as Amman is closer to the Dead Sea, Jerash, Baptism Site, Madaba. The distance from Amman to Petra is over 4 hours each way.

Another thing to note is do be prepared to queue at visa desks, it took us quite a while to get through so I was glad I had snacks for the kids.  Also be sure to fill in the tourist form before you arrive to get your QR code. Its all online and quick to fill in.

Visas took so long that when we landed to the belt they had moved our luggage over to a holding/ storage area which nobody had told us. We have an old suitcase with a distinctive colour which one of the kids spotted quickly. In addition we did have a tile in it so we knew at the very least it had made it to Amman.

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Tips for skiing with kids 

Getting your kids ready for their first lesson on the slopes is exciting but you might be thinking about getting a thousand things or doing a thousand things that you probably don’t need to or you might be forgetting something important. We love winter holiday with our kid having been to Tromso and Lapland in recent years.   Here’s our concise, handy guide on tips for skiing with kids with thanks to Maison Sport.

Clothing

Keep in mind your kids will probably fall quite a few times before getting the hang of it, so it’s important to make sure their attire is appropriate so as to avoid snow getting inside their clothes. Here are our tips for clothing:

• One-piece ski suit is better than a two-piece outfit. We’ve all experienced it, even as adults, it can happen that when you fall your jacket can ride up and some snow gets inside. Especially for young kids, 6 and under it’s better for them to wear a one-piece suit rather than a two-piece suit.
• Mittens are better than gloves. Especially for younger boys and girls, mittens tend to be better not only because they keep their hands warmer, but also it’s easier to grip the ski poles. As a plus, the wrist straps will make sure they won’t lose their mittens even if they take them off.
  

  Tips for skiing with kids

• Ski masks under the helmet. A ski mask protects head, ears, neck and face if needed. Again it’s practical because it doesn’t leave many gaps for snow or cold to get through.
• Layer Up.  Layers will make sure your kids stay warm during their lessons. Typically you’ll want at least three layers –  thermal layer, a fleece layer, and a waterproof insulating layer.
• Don’t buy too many things. Keep in mind that next year your kids will have probably outgrown all their clothes so don’t go crazy buying too many things, especially if you only ski once or twice a year. Better yet, if you have other friends with kids, you can always borrow a few things!
• Ski Socks. It’s worth investing in a couple of sets of ski socks, much better than using normal or sport socks. They’ll only need to wear one set, don’t send them out in two layers of socks.

Equipment

How cute is it seeing all the little kids with their little skis on or on their mini boards? Making sure they feel comfortable in their equipment is key for them to have a good time during their lesson.

• Get them used to it. As soon as you have your equipment, make sure they are comfortable in it, especially the boots. Have them walk around, bend their knees, make a couple of movements they would do during their lesson in order to make sure everything feels good to them and nothing is too tight or hurts them.
• Rent. As with clothes, what fits right this year, will probably be too small next year. Especially when it comes to equipment which is definitely more expensive than clothes, it’s always better to rent it.
• Goggles. It is important your kids have goggles to protect their eyes from the glare and keep them warmer. A tip with goggles, try and keep the foam and inside of the goggles dry as the goggle can steam up if they get wet.

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