Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be a one-way trip to the dark side. If you’re worried about an upcoming family vacation, try some of these ideas to reduce stress and the likelihood you’ll vow never to leave the house again until the kids have left for college.

Flying

Planning to take to the skies for a vacation with your kids? These tips make flying with kids as easy as walking around the block. For starters, book early flights and check in online. Mornings are usually quieter and airports less crowded. Planning a trans- or intercontinental flight? Opt for an overnight flight so everyone can sleep. Most airlines allow online check-ins up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure — do that to avoid standing in long lines. Read More

Finding a good travel app can be very overwhelming. There are thousands to choose from and it’s hard to decide between them. That’s why I decided to share my list of those I find useful.

1. GOOGLE TRIPS

Google Trips makes your life easier by organizing your essential (travel) information in one place. Read More

On a cold evening in February 2009, I was trying to waste some time without internet at my grandparents’ house. I had three choices that night: vampire-themed fantasy romance novel New Moon, TV or a new magazine titled Joy I found in my mailbox earlier that day. I chose the third option and enthusiastically began to read the fashion magazine, which was nothing special, but one article caught my attention. It was on a new phenomenon called couchsurfing (also referred to as CS). The following day, when back at home, I curiously typed the URL address listed into a browser. You had to register to see more than a homepage, something that hasn’t changed til this day. I didn’t do it, but I cut the article out of the magazine and put it into a secret folder I owned.

It was only in 2013 that I decided to make a step forward and register. I still knew nobody who was using it, but more and more people were aware of it. Two years later, I had my first CS experience and it was wonderful. No, let me rephrase that: it was so good that I no longer wanted to travel any other way.

What is couchsurfing?
It is the world’s largest social travel network. Founded in 2003, it has a very simple concept. Many people have a couch in a living room that a stranger could crash on. This website lets you offer yours to a fellow traveller. What you get in return is a new friend and some company. Read More

For a really long time I couldn’t unserstand why people use AirBnB, when there are so many hotels, B&B and hostels around – until I tried it myself. After four very positive experiences with AirBnB, I can say I’m impressed with the whole system. Comfy rooms, friendly locals and cheap prices are the main reasons I’m using it more and more these days. Let’s start with the basic…

What is AirBnB?

Airbnb is a website where people rent out their rooms, apartments, and houses to people looking for a place to stay. Opened in 2008, it’s the biggest apartment rental website still functioning with over 2,000,000 listings worldwide. AirBnB allows you to stay in a wide range of lodging, from private rooms to treehouses, villas and castles.

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In October 2015, me and my boyfriend spent a little less than 24 hours in Niagara Falls, Ontario. We arrived from Toronto and spent most of the day on Canadian side, which is better in terms of the view and activities offered, although I liked American side a lot more. It’s greener and more park-like.

Since this was our first time there, we pre-ordered Niagara Falls Adventure Pass before even flying out of Europe, but you can also get it at the Welcome Center for the same price (adult $54.95, child (6-12 years) $36.95, kids 5 and under free). My recommendation would be to buy it there, so you have an option of changing your mind. You need to visit ticket booth anyway to redeem the online ticket.

Attractions included

Journey Behind the Falls
Hornblower Niagara Cruises
Niagara’s Fury
White Water Walk
+ 2 days of bus transportation throughout Niagara Falls
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