A Weekend at Disney World

Disney World is a favorite tourist destination for all ages. This is why a lot of families would choose to spend their holiday in this magical place.

Like how we see it on TV, Disney World is where you will meet your favorite Disney characters like Minnie and Mickey Mouse. However, there are a lot of other things to see in Disney World than just sightseeing your favorite characters. That is why we have listed some tips and tricks when touring here.

The Cost of Touring Disney World

You can book in advance to tour other spots in Disney World that are not in the traditional itinerary. The price for the tours usually varies from $25 to $249 per person depending on the rides and spots that you want to visit Disney World. It is important to check out online deals as you might get discounted tours. Also make it a habit to ask for discounts before booking as the agents might be able to help you look for discounts, especially if you have kids.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Disney World Trip

Bringing kids to Disney World can be quite dreading. Kids can burst out any time in public if do not like what they are experiencing. So here are some things you need to consider when going to Disney World.

Book early.  Tours can run out quickly especially if they offer great deals so make sure that you make early bookings. If your tour package includes plane tickets, booking early gives you a chance to choose a seat that is most favourable to your kids.

Exercise. Touring in Disney World takes a lot of walking so make sure to dress lightly and wear proper hiking shoes. For kids, it is best that they wear rubber shoes and bring strollers.

Be on time. Make sure that you arrive 30 minutes before the time agreed. Tours in Disney World start on time.

Always be prepared. Always bring extra batteries for your cameras. Disney World is full of beautiful spots and if you only have your personal phone with you, you would rather save battery for emergency calls.

Where to Go in Disney World

There are four themed parks in Disney World and each park has a number of rides that you can choose from. The main parks are the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  The following are the must-try rides in Disney World.

·         Thunder Mountain

·         Avatar Flight of Passage

·         Mission: SPACE

·         Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

·         Slinky Dog Dash

·         Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

Disney World is definitely an exciting place to visit.  Whether you are going with friends or with your family, this place will never run out of electrifying rides.



Most Amazing Things to Do in Chicago

This is just a fantastic place with plenty of sights to enjoy and things to observe. We know that it may be overwhelming when first visiting as to what destinations to add to your itinerary. Check out the list of the best local attractions, including:

Go DEEP

Love it or loathe it, deep-dish pizza is where it’s at in Chicago. There’s much debate over where the best pizza in the city can be found, though it’s generally agreed that the original was invented at Pizzeria Uno. With dozens of lists of “best” pizza restaurants, fiercely fought online battles amongst various loyalists. And, more choice than you can shake a gorgeous piece of golden crust at, there’s no real option here.

Beer Tasting Tour

Would you like to have a drink to go with your pizza? Chicago takes beer almost as seriously as the deep dish and many of the local breweries run visits where you can sample the product as you see how it’s made. 

Get festive

Lollapalooza, Blues Fest, Chicago Jazz Festival, Windy City LakeShake…the list goes on! Chicago has more than 200 festivals, events, and celebrations this year alone, so you’re bound to catch at least one.

Millennium Park

No list of Chicago highlights would be complete without a tour of this popular park and, crucially, it’s “Cloud Gate” sculpture, more commonly known as “The Bean.” You’ll recognize it from almost any film set in Chicago, any picture of Chicago and even the odd video game. So guess, how exciting this could be!

Hit the beach

Situated as it is on the bank of Lake Michigan, Chicago has over 26 miles of public beaches to explore. Illinois Beach State Park is just excellent for camping and hiking, Kathy Osterman Beach is very popular for its clear water and North Ave. Beach is the place to be seen as the most famous stretch of sand in the city.

Adler Planetarium

This is an observatory that also functions as a museum, theater, and research center. Situated right near the Shedd Aquarium in the Museum Campus along the lakefront and offers an unblocked view of the skies above.

With an All-Access admission pass, you’ll be able to enjoy unlimited shows, special exhibits, and all that the planetarium has to offer.

If you are hungry, you should probably head to Chicago! Take your best friends and family and enjoy a few days in the Windy City. We went with our co-investors who helped us start up our painting company 10 years ago (www.MesaPaintingPros.com). It was a nice treat for us all and well worth the effort to save and plan well.

The Best Things Visitors Can Do In Great Texas

There is no lack of points to see and perform in Texas. Visitors can spend a month in the Lone Celebrity State and still not experience everything. There are numerous excellent places to see around significant cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin. With its lovely desert as well as hill views, lakes, coastlines, train flights, scientific research galleries, family fun parks, romantic castles, breweries, waterparks, wedding event places, mountains, amusement parks, caverns, as well as arboretums, Texas offers something for every person.

Big Bend National Park

The park is situated in the far-flung, Big Bend is one of the most remote and least visited national parks in the country. It’s also one of the most beautiful. With its cathedral-like canyons, lushly forested mountains, stunning desert expanses and unending stretches of wilderness. There’s no overstating Big Bend’s natural beauty. You can opt to float the mighty Rio Grande, hike in the gorgeously craggy Chisos Mountains, or explore the fascinating Chihuahuan Desert.

Don’t Mess with Texas

Texas State Capitol

Texas’s three-story state capitol building is the largest in the union and arguably the most impressive structure in the state. The building itself is architecturally excellent to look, of course, with its ornate, pink-granite grandeur and the legendary, 218-foot rotunda. But be sure to walk around the lovely grounds and check out the outdoor monuments, as well, to gain a rich insight into Texas history and culture.

San Antonio RiverWalk

A winding, urban waterway lined with lush plantings, shops, museums, flashy hotels and iconic restaurants and bars that attract millions of visitors every year.  In addition to popular dining and nightlife spots, the RiverWalk is the picture-perfect place to stroll around – or, better yet, hop on a river taxi for the best possible tour experience.

Gruene Hall

Gruene Hall built-in 1878 and this is the oldest running and most famous dance hall in the state. Nowhere is this more apparent than at Gruene Hall, the historic dance hall and live music venue located in picturesque Gruene, about 25 miles north of San Antonio. 

Padre Island National Seashore

The world’s most extended undeveloped barrier island, Padre Island National Seashore is a Texas treasure, and one of the state’s most important conservation areas. The island provides a safe habitat for over 350 migratory bird species, in addition to the rare Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Plan to take a tour to the Malaquite Visitor Center upon arrival to get your bearings and plot out your beach activities for the day.

Fort Worth Stockyards

Fort Worth Stockyards is a historic cattle district steeped in longtime cowboy tradition; the Stockyards are now a hub for live entertainment, including rodeos, concerts, and shootout shows. The city used to be known as “Cowtown,” due to being one of the biggest stockyards and processing operations in the West. Today, strolling through the Stockyards is akin to stepping back in time.

Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is the home of NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center and Mission Control, the monitoring center for the agency’s human-crewed space flights. The place is one of Texas’s top tourist draws, the Space Center in Houston provides a captivating look into the world’s largest space program. 

Franklin Barbecue

The tastiest BBQ joint in Texas, which, in a state that prides itself on producing the best-smoked meat in the country, is saying something. Anthony Bourdain deemed it “the finest brisket I’ve ever had”, and top food critic after top food critic has raved about the silky, succulent, meaty perfection of the meals here. Eating at Franklin Barbecue is a rite of passage for Texans.

The Alamo

The Alamo is the most famous Spanish mission and battle during the Texas Revolution. To observe the Alamo is to better understand the state’s eccentric pride and individualistic spirit – in short, to know the Alamo is to know Texas. Anyone interested in American history and the history of the Republic of Texas should make time to “remember the Alamo.”

Texas top foods and drinks:

  • Chicken-fried steak
  • Barbecue
  • Chili
  • Fried okra
  • Tex-Mex cheese enchiladas
  • Chile con queso
  • Brisket tacos
  • Pecan pie
  • Tortilla soup
  • Dr Pepper
  • Frozen margarita

Destinations to Explore in Japan

Japan is somewhere we think everyone should make a tour to explore the country. From futuristic skyscrapers to tranquil bamboo forests and neon arcades to serene temples, it’s like nowhere else on the earth.

Kyoto

This is traditional Japan as you thought it. Geisha in brightly colored kimonos emerging from wooden teahouses, forests of bamboo, temples, and shrines in gold and silver and scarlet, raked gravel Zen gardens, intricate feasts served on lacquered plates, graceful tea ceremonies, and markets full of intriguing.

Tokyo

If Kyoto is the heart of the country, Tokyo is its ultramodern counterpart. It’s here you’ll find the skyscrapers, noisy arcades, busy pedestrian crossings, crazy youth fashions, and many many incredibly delicious restaurants. 

Takayama

Takayama is an utterly beautiful small town on the edge of the Japan Alps and one of the best less-visited places to go in Japan. You will be wandering the historic center full of traditional wooden houses, colorful shrines, neatly shaped trees, and bright red bridges over the river.

Hakone

Mount Fuji is one of the best places to visit in Japan, but this must-see attraction landmark can be somewhat elusive and is often hidden by clouds.

Nikko

This is a temple town and listed in the UNESCO world heritage site. The temples and shrines with their vermillion gates and moss-covered stone lanterns are scattered on the wooded hillside. The major attraction is Toshogu Shrine, an impressive complex with more than a dozen lavishly arranged red and gold buildings amongst huge, ancient cedar trees.

Koya-San

Koya-san (Mount Koya) is one of the most amazing places to take a tour of the traditional side of this country. This secluded and sacred temple town is located in the forest-covered mountains of Kansai and is one of the best places to get a taste of life as a monk by staying in a temple lodging.

Tsumago

It’s a picture-perfect traditional mountain village that is located in the Kiso Valley. This is one of the famous-preserved post towns, and you feel like you’ve stepped back in time on the traffic-less streets of nicely restored wooden inns.

Nara

It was Japan’s first permanent capital. This is full of historical treasures, including many UNESCO world heritage sites. It’s one of the best Japan destinations and makes a rewarding day trip from Kyoto to explore the temples and wild deer in Nara Park.

Hiroshima

Highlights include visiting the Itsukushima shrine at nearby Miyajima island and trying the delicious local specialty okonomiyaki, a thick pancake of batter, vegetables, and noodles.

Come here to pay your respects to the victims of the atomic bombing in the 2nd world war at Hiroshima’s moving Peace Memorial Museum and Park. You can stay to explore the modern city that was almost entirely rebuilt after the 2nd world war.

Taking Your Pets When Your Travelling

Yes, it is possible to take your pets with you when you are traveling to other countries. However, then you need to make sure that you know everything there is to know about traveling with pets. This is the only way that you can be sure to be successful with taking your pet with you. There is everything you need to know about taking your pet with you when you are traveling overseas.

Make sure that the country you are traveling to allows it

This is really important to know that the country that you are planning to travel to allow pets from other countries. There are many countries that don’t allow pets to be imported. Even, if they are healthy and if they have all their vaccinations. The last thing that you want is to have your pet stay at the airport while you are on holiday.

It is much better to make sure that your pet is allowed in the country that you are going to, than what the pet is going to stay in a cage until you return. 

Take your pet to the vet beforehand

This is really important. You need to make sure that you are taking your pet to the vet beforehand. Sometimes there are other vaccinations that your pet needs to get in order to be allowed in a foreign country.

And, there might be some illnesses that you are putting your pet at risk to. You also need to make sure that the pet is healthy and that the vet is giving the pet a health clearance certificate. Without this certificate, it can be hard to take your pet with you. 

Check with your hotel if they accept pets

If you are going to stay at a hotel or resort in a foreign country, you need to make sure that your pet is going to be allowed there. This can be a huge problem if you arrive at your destination and your pet isn’t allowed to go with you to the hotel or resort that you have made bookings at. 

Traveling with a pet can be frustrating and hard work. However, this is something that many pet owners will do, when they love their pets, and when they don’t want to travel without them. With this guide, you will know for sure that you are going to have a great time traveling together with your pet. Without worrying that your pet might be denied access to the country.