vacation Archives - Serendipity Mommy

9 Amazing Reasons for Visiting Vietnam This Year

October 11, 2019 by Mandy

How do you fancy visiting somewhere with delicious food, flawless beaches, and tropical forests? What if we said it’s also extremely affordable, filled with friendly people, and rich in culture?

Visiting Vietnam is a must for anyone who wants adventure mixed with surprising ease. This beautiful and mountainous South East Asian country has got so much to offer that a single vacation won’t be enough.

Read on to discover why Vietnam should be top of your vacation wish list.

1. Don’t Break Your Budget

From hotels to food, Vietnam is a very affordable country to travel in. Tours, travel, and activities are often considerably cheaper than you’d find back home.

You can eat out for just a couple of dollars and the street food scene is world-famous. Pick up souvenirs and stay in opulence for little money.

2. Fall in Love with the Cuisine

Vietnam’s cuisine will charm you from the moment you take the first bite. From the classic noodle soup Pho to the intricate flavors of the local herbs and spices, you’ll be buying a Vietnamese recipe book before you leave.

3. Hike Amongst the Rice Paddies

Hiking here is outstanding with mountainous regions, tropical forests, and rice paddies. Head to Sapa valley in Northwest Vietnam and prepare to have your mind blown. Hike through the incredible landscape and don’t forget your camera.

4. Relax on the Beaches

Vietnam’s beaches are out of this world. With vast cliff backdrops, white sand, and clear water, you can lie back and forget about everything but the present moment.

Travel to Phu Quoc to visit Star Beach and Long Beach. Go snorkeling in the beautiful water and lie under coconut palms dreaming of lunch.

5. Visit Stunning Towns

This country is full of wonderful villages and towns that show you what everyday life is like here. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An and hire a bicycle. Explore the stunning streets with yellow houses and sample the town’s renowned restaurant scene.

6. Explore Vast Cave Networks

You might not know this, but Vietnam is famous for having some of the most amazing caves on the planet.

Travel to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and explore the Son Doong cave, the largest in the world.

7. Get to Know the Locals

Is Vietnam safe to visit? That question will be answered as soon as you leave the airport because you’ll quickly discover that the Vietnamese are incredibly friendly and welcoming.

Even with a language divide, locals will be happy to give you directions and help you out. Homestays are a great way to get to know Vietnam’s wonderful people.

8. Embrace the Activities

From hiking and ziplining to kayaking and snorkeling, Vietnam is a country rich in activities. With 30 National Parks, there’s plenty of walking and nature hikes to be had.

Cooking courses are also a fun activity and you’ll go home with expert local tips and tricks to impress all your friends with.

9. Enjoy the Easy Travel

Vietnam has the perfect balance of backpacker trails and friendly people. It’s easy to get around and you can take tours wherever you go. Many Vietnamese in the tourist trade speak English and help is never far.

Make Time for Visiting Vietnam

With so much to do and in such a phenomenal landscape, visiting Vietnam is a no-brainer. Pack flip flops and sunscreen and be whisked away on an adventure you’ll never forget.

5 Reasons You Have to Visit New York

September 30, 2019 by Mandy

New York is one of the world’s most famous cities and there is so much on offer in the Big Apple for tourists. For anyone who loves to travel New York has to be at the top of your list of cities to visit and when you go you will understand exactly why so many millions of tourists have walked these streets. Whether you are looking for a long weekend break, or even a longer vacation in this epic city, I would recommend that you grab yourself a ticket to New York, and here is exactly why.

Melting Pot

The phrase melting pot can be applied to New York more than any other city on Earth and there is a reason why they call this place ‘immigrant city’. In just a matter of streets you can be deep in Little Italy, absorbing all of the Italian culture here, and then you could be in the heart of Chinatown which actually feels as though you’ve stepped into the middle of a Chinese city. The food, the music, the culture and the people in New York have come here from all over the world which makes it a fascinating place to discover.

Broadway

They say that if you can make it here then you can make it anywhere and the bright lights of Broadway have long attracted the biggest and best in the world of theater. There are over 30 theaters here on Broadway with performances each and every day. Going to see show on this big stage is a special moment and it is reason enough to visit the city. Check online for best prices, we did this when we went and found Mean Girls tickets from $78, much cheaper than on the street.

Attractions

New York has some of the most iconic tourist attractions anywhere in the world and seeing places like the Statue of Liberty, The Empire State Building and the famous bridges like Manhattan and Brooklyn are a rite of passage when visiting the city. Beyond this you have places like Central Park, Yankee Stadium and Times Square, famous places which you can visit with ease during your time in New York.

Museums and Galleries

New York offers some of the most famous art galleries and museums anywhere in the US and places like The Guggenheim and the Museum of Modern Art are must-visit places. In terms of other museums you’ll also find the likes of Sea, Air & Space museum, as well as the American Museum of Natural History. If you like museums and galleries then this is your city.

Food

Because of the rich blend of cultures which you’ll find in the city, there are food options from everywhere in the world. Furthermore there are some of the finest restaurants in America situated in New York so if you consider yourself something of a foodie, this city is going to blow you away.

Don’t wait any longer, get yourself booked up for a vacation in the Big Apple, you won’t regret it.

Save on a Charter Bus Rental for a Family Adventure

May 17, 2019 by Mandy

A charter bus is the most convenient way to travel during any group trip. Who doesn’t want to just relax and have fun while on a vacation without having to worry about the road ahead? The best options available while travelling are almost hardly ever easy to access. But a charter bus makes that happen for you, combining the best of all worlds by providing comfort, safety, ease of mind and plenty of space to all those who rent it. One of the most convenient ways to travel, hiring a charter bus is the best choice you can make for you and your group on your next trip. Charter bus rental price is also a big perk as it is mostly cheaper than hiring many small vehicles while providing almost double the comfort. Whether it’s a wedding, a family gathering or a road trip with friends, renting a charter bus is the most sensible option. It not only ensures the safety of the group but gives you ample space and time to have fun with your friends and family.

Let’s take a look at some of the many advantages of chartering a bus for your next group trip:

1. Budget Friendly

Choosing a charter bus will definitely help you avoid making a major dent in your wallet. While hiring a couple of four-wheelers instead of a bus may be the first thing that comes to your mind, availing that option can cost you twice the amount you would have to spend if you were to hire a charter bus. Charter bus rental prices are not just cheaper, but also astoundingly rewarding for all the convenience it provides.

2. Unity

The main advantage of hiring a charter bus is that it lets the group trip remain a group trip. There’s no separation, and all the people on the trip can enjoy their time together without having to worry about anything else. Spending time together is the main point of a group trip, and a charter bus makes sure that it is taken care of for the whole journey.

3. No hassles, no worries

You don’t have to be worried about reaching the destination, the traffic or the route if you hire a charter bus. The experienced drivers can make sure that the trip is smooth sailing for you and your group, always taking care of your comfort and individual needs while at it. They also can suggest you some amazing places for you to check out on the way, making the trip way more fun than you might have initially expected.

4. Environment Friendly

Now, many people don’t think much about this, but let’s also think a little bit about the earth. A fully loaded bus gets more than 4 times fuel efficiency than a fully loaded car. By hiring a charter bus, you are also helping in saving fuel and reduce pollution.

5. You are the boss

Remember those car trips where the one behind the wheel was the alpha and the seated ones were the peasants who had to go wherever the alpha took them? Forget about that now, as the group gets to decide the pit-stops and re-routes without any blowbacks from the one behind the wheel. You just need to tell the driver about what you want and your directions will be followed, with almost no additional prices unless you exceed the distance you rented the bus for. From the music to the pit stops to how much time you spend taking in the view outside, it is all up to you to decide.

How to Use Summer Break to Its Full Potential

February 22, 2019 by Mandy

The year is well underway now and if you’re good at forward planning, no doubt your thoughts are turning to the summer and how you can best keep the kids entertained. Summer break is a long time for kids, and can be a challenge for parents, especially if you work and have the whole period off isn’t an option. Such a large chunk of time is a valuable asset if used wisely, but what are the best ways to use the summer break to its full potential?

Vacations

The obvious way to spend a week or two of summer break is going on vacation. If you start planning now, you’ll be able to research possible destinations and find the places that most appeal to everyone in the family, and you could get some decent rates on packages, flights, accommodation, and tickets. Get the whole family involved in making the decision, so everyone feels invested in having a great time and make sure you arrange your visit so each family member can have at least one day where they choose what to do.

Summer camp

It’s a tradition among many families for kids to go to summer camp, and if you choose the right camp, it can be a fantastic experience for your kids. You’ll find a wide variety of alternative types of camp, from the traditional outdoors camping in nature to themed camps for horseback riding, sports, cookery, crafts, space camp, and many more. There are also military-style camps that some parents swear by, and if your child is interested in a career in the armed forces, they could be a good option. Your kids get to take part in plenty of activities, make friends, and learn many valuable skills, and a good summer camp can make a lasting impression on children.

Summer school

Summer school is a more academic option, but if your child is finding their lessons a challenge, they can be a highly effective way of learning and getting caught up. You can choose from general summer schools that cover a range of subjects or go for a specialist summer school that focuses on a specific topic like math or science. For kids who aren’t native English speakers, going to an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) summer school, such as those run by ECS, gives them a definite boost because the schools approach the teaching by using real-life experiences to help children feel at home speaking English in all sorts of different situations. It’s not all work, either! Summer schools often combine the academic element with sports or other activities; for example, your child could do an EFL with golf or tennis summer school.

While kids should be given a chance to relax and recharge their batteries over the summer break, that doesn’t mean a whole summer of playing computer games or sleeping in! Summer is a great time to branch out into new areas and practice skills in others, and your kids will benefit enormously from an active, rewarding summer break.

A Guide to Zanzibar’s Most Beautiful Spots

February 8, 2019 by Mandy

The popular island of Zanzibar has been in the news recently, thanks largely to its eye-catching accommodation options and architecture that boasts a unique meld of atmospheric décor and strong cultural heritage.

This is just one of the many reasons why you should visit Zanzibar, particularly if you’re considering an adventurous trip; it’s home to some of the most fascinating and beautiful spots in the world.

We’ll take a look at some of these below, while asking why they offer such an enriching experience for travellers from across all corners of the globe.

1. The Livingstone Beach in Stone Town

While Zanzibar is a sun-kissed island with numerous beaches, one in particularly stands out for its immense energy and stunning ocean setting- and it’s perfect for families too.

This is the iconic Livingstone Beach in Stone Town, which may not be quite as idyllic as those located outside of the city but boasts an immeasurable charm that reflects the nature of the locals.

The surrounding ocean is particularly beguiling here, while the beach comes to life as the sun sets and locals gather in their hundreds. At this time, you can also see people perform acrobatics and capoeira in front of the popular Livingstone Beach Restaurant, and the sheer energy and vibrancy of the location is incredibly engaging.

If you do visit this beach, you’re guaranteed to have fun whilst sampling the true heritage and natural beauty of Zanzibar. Just don’t be afraid to talk to the locals and engage them, as they’re extremely welcoming to those from overseas!

2. The Darajani Market

Who doesn’t love shopping? While this may be fun in cosmopolitan cities like London, it provides an even more immersive experience in the type of markets that are incredibly popular in Zanzibar.

The Darajani Market is particularly impressive, as this quaint and charming setting provides a genuinely sensorial shopping experience and one that serves as the very heartbeat of the iconic Stone Town.

Not only is this market genuinely beguiling, but it also hosts local vendors selling a wide range of items from clothing and mobile handsets to oil and fresh food produce. If you go early in the morning, you may even catch the so-called ‘big fish’ auction whilst basking in the glorious rays of the sun.

The market also boasts a rich street-food culture, with local samosas and chapatis as delicious as the marketplace is enthralling.

3. Forodhani Gardens

If you’re searching around looking for Zanzibar holiday options from trusted experts, you’ll note that a trip to the Forodhani Gardens represents one of the most popular excursions on offer.

The Forodhani Gardens adorn the seafront of Stone Town, where a host of street vendors and food outlets set out their stalls against the backdrop of the island’s stunning shores and beautiful skyline.

Here you can head out for a romantic walk with your loved, while basking in the sea views and sampling foods such as fruit, grilled maize and Zanzibar’s famed (and locally sourced) pizzas!

This area is another that’s particularly beguiling at sunset, while licensing laws means that you can also grab a delicious and exotic cocktail during an evening visit!