Photo by Josh Willink from Pexels

Let’s have a look at what you can do below: 

Take the time you need and double it

When you think about travel as a family, you need to have about two times as much time as you think you will need to make your trip a stress-free and pleasant experience for everyone. Simple tasks like packing, traveling to the airport, checking in, getting to the hotel, right through to putting on the spray sunscreen before you head to the pool for the day will take more time just because you have kids with you.

If you allocate twice as much time as you think you will need you can take your time and create a relaxed experience rather than feeling as though you are stressed and rushed. Kids pick up on stress very easily, so the camper you can keep the better. You may not be able to fit as much as you would like into your itinerary however you still get to have a family holiday. 

Be sensible with your carry on

If you are traveling with young children you need to be prepared for meltdowns. You can easily help the situation by packing your bag with some essentials. Have a charged tablet ready with games, movies, books, and TV shows. Don’t forget to take a power bank and children’s headphones too.

If you usually worry about screen time, when you are travelling you may want to think about relaxing the rules for the journey as it can help to keep them focused and safe in a busy and naturally stressful environment. You may also want to pack a few things like coloring books, word searches, card games, and crayons. You should also make sure you have enough snacks in your carry-on. Kids can get cranky when they are hungry so if you keep them fueled with some healthy snacks you are more likely to have a calm journey. 

Talk through your plans with the kids

Kids usually don’t do well when they don’t know what they are doing. They thrive with a routine and a holiday will remove the routine they are familiar with. They like to know what is coming up, so talk them through your plans.

Discuss the trip to the airport, the flight, and getting to the hotel as well as talk through what you will doing the next day in the evening before bed. This way they won’t feel as though they are completely in the dark.

This should take away some of the unruly behaviours you may see if you take away their routine completely. Just talk to them about what to expect from each day and how you want them to behave. 

These three tips should help you to travel with kids and it is less stressful.

Do you have any other tips for travelling with kids that might help? Please share them in the comments below. 

The post 3 tips that will make your travel with kids less stressful appeared first on Double Barrelled Travel.

Honestly, this is paramount to avoid unexpected breakdowns and delays. Work-related trips in the car just don’t have the same appeal that road trips do. Honestly, it just feels like a super long commute, a super long commute that usually has more expectations and, therefore, more pressure. 

So, if your car breaks down or even has any issues at all, it’s going to throw everything off for you. You might even get into some trouble with your job, something that’s both entirely unfair and far from ideal. So, with that said, here’s what you need to do to prevent your car from breaking down before your next work trip, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

Photo by MART PRODUCTION

Schedule a pre-trip inspection

Start your preparations with a thorough pre-trip inspection. Ideally, it’s best to just schedule a visit to your trusted mechanic to check essential components like brakes, tires, fluids, and the battery.  Seriously, there might be a high chance that you need something or something within your car is messing up. It might be helpful to look into truck transmission repair if you own a truck a couple of weeks before this trip. 

You never really know what’s happening or what’s going to happen. So, just by addressing potential issues beforehand can significantly reduce the risk of a breakdown on the road. 

Check the tyres

Your tyres are the foundation of a safe and smooth journey. Inspect the tread depth, look for signs of wear, and ensure proper inflation. You usually don’t need a professional for this – it’s something you can check yourself and even inflate yourself at a gas station. So don’t forget to check the spare tyre and ensure you have all the necessary tools in case of a flat.

How’s the battery health in your car?

So, one thing you really need to keep in mind before this work trip is going to be your battery. A dead battery is a common cause of breakdowns, not always, but for a huge chunk, it is. So, you’ll need to check the battery’s age and connections. If it’s older than three years, consider replacing it. Plus, you’ll want to clean any corrosion on the terminals and ensure a secure connection.

Try to plan out your route

If you’re carpooling, there might be a slim chance that you’ll struggle with this, but if you’re driving alone, then this shouldn’t be an issue at all. But it’s going to make everything so much easier if you’re able to research your route and plan strategic stops for rest and refuelling. Again, if you’re carpooling, it might be tough (because you need a say from everyone), so try to plan ahead for this route and your stops if you drive alone. 

So, why even do this? Isn’t this just extra work? Well, this not only helps you stay refreshed but also allows your car to cool down during extended drives. Plus, regular breaks reduce the strain on your vehicle and decrease the likelihood of mechanical issues.

Have you ever had your car breakdown on a work trip? Let us know in the comments.

The post How to prepare for a car breakdown on a work trip appeared first on Double Barrelled Travel.

You wouldn’t want it to just be an okay one, however. You’ll want it to be perfect.

Planning the perfect vacation can seem complicated, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s just a matter of focusing on the right areas and knowing what you want. It’s worth using a few vacation planning tips to help you with the process.

They’ll let you get through the planning process with ease and make sure your vacation is as perfect as possible.

Photo by S’well on Unsplash

5 tips for planning the perfect holiday

1. Know how long you’ll go for

One of the first things you’ll need to do when you’re planning the perfect vacation is to figure out how long you’ll go for. It can make much more of a difference than you’d think. Going for too long could mean you’ll end up getting bored, for example.

If you don’t go for long enough, however, you mightn’t have the time for everything you want to do. Spend some time considering this. Multiple factors could affect your time frame, like how much time you can take off work, or whether you can afford a longer holiday.

2. Plan your activities

There will be quite a few things you could do when you’re on holiday. It’s worth figuring out what you want to do while you’re there. While you might want to take everything as it comes, it’s worth at least having a general idea of what you can do when you’re there.

If there are things you really want to do, plan to do them on a certain day while you’re there. It’ll make sure you end up doing everything you want to do, and have the perfect holiday. If you can’t fit everything in, make a list in order of priority as to what you want to do first.

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

3. Research your destination

Once you’ve picked somewhere you want to go, it’s worth spending some time researching it. You can find out quite a few things you might need to know by doing this. That includes local amenities, activities, the cost of travelling there, and much more. It’s worth being aware of as much as possible so you take enough spending money and use your time wisely.

While that means spending a little more time on it, it should be seen as a necessity. It’ll make planning the perfect holiday much easier, as you’ll know exactly what you want to do while you’re there. It can even help with more than a few other things. If you’re going to Brisbane, for example, this Brisbane guide could help.

4. Pick the right time of year

The time of year you go to a particular destination makes a significant difference in how much you’ll enjoy yourself. This mainly applies to the weather, and you’ll need to know what the weather will be like during specific months. The research mentioned above helps with figuring this out.

The cost will also be a more notable factor in this. Some times of the year are just more expensive to travel, as there’ll be more people going on vacation during these times. If you’re worried about your budget, it might be worth avoiding these parts of the year.

Photo by Aidan Formigoni on Unsplash

5. Sort out the practicalities

When you’re planning the perfect holiday, there’ll come a point where you’ll have to sort out the practicalities. These refer to the flights, accommodation, and similar factors. You’ll need to spend some time on them and actually book them. Armed with the research mentioned above, this could be relatively easy.

It’s worth comparing options before you make a decision. You could end up finding nicer accommodation, for example, for a better price. With a little bit of effort, you shouldn’t have a problem finding the perfect ones for you. Once you do, it’s just a matter of booking them.

Planning the perfect holiday

Planning the perfect holiday can often seem complicated. You could even put some pressure and stress on yourself to make sure everything’s perfect. Don’t get caught up in that, however.

Instead, focus on a few areas and take a deep breath. It’ll be much easier to do than you’d think.

With some holiday planning tips, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. The planning process will go by smoothly, and the vacation itself will end up being perfect. You’ll be relaxing and de-stressing before you know it, so you’ve no reason not to focus on using these tips.

The post 5 great tips for planning the perfect holiday appeared first on Double Barrelled Travel.

Sound good? Here are some top tips to ensure you always look well-dressed and fresh when travelling.

1. Invest in a Capsule Wardrobe

It’s all about being minimal but versatile. Opt for clothes that can be mixed and matched seamlessly. Neutral colours are your best mates here – think beige, navy, white, and black.

2. Layer Like a Pro

Flights can be as unpredictable as good old-fashioned British weather. One moment you’re in the Sahara, the next you’re in the Arctic. Layering helps. For ladies, a pashmina or light cardigan is gold. Gents, think light sweaters or a trendy denim jacket.

Photo by Polina Kovaleva: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-in-black-jacket-standing-5507229/

3. Comfort is King (and Queen!)

Especially for those torturous long-haul flights. Ladies, stretchy leggings or loose trousers are fab. Gents, those comfortable chinos from the top menswear section you save for Sundays? Perfect! They look good, and they are less likely to get creased like your favourite linens, so they are a good choice for effortless style and comfort.

4. Ditch the Heels and Brogues

High heels and tight leather shoes aren’t your friends when travelling. Instead, opt for stylish slip-ons or trendy trainers. They’re comfy, chic, and won’t make you hobble after a few hours.

The post How to look well dressed when travelling appeared first on Double Barrelled Travel.

If you have spent your time racing around Sydney and are soon to travel north up to Brisbane, you might want to know the top recommendations to see and experience as much of Australia as possible.

There is plenty to explore and see when traveling from Sydney to Brisbane from beautiful beaches to waterfalls. Hence, use these ideas to ensure you make the most of your road trip from the southern to the more northern state.

Photo by Fabian Reck

Consider going on a fishing charter

The trip from Sydney to Brisbane offers plenty of beautiful golden beaches and clear waters. In those waters are incredible things to see and experience. Therefore, it makes sense to consider spending some of your time doing a fishing charter.

Gold coast fishing charters are a great way to spend time on the Gold Coast. Because there is so much aquatic wildlife and scenery, why not spend your time on the water?

Whether or not you enjoy boats, this trip will be one that you will not want to miss. Fishing charters are suitable for all types of people and they will guarantee that you remember the natural beauty that the trip from Sydney to Brisbane has to offer.

Visit the Blue Mountains

One of the first things that you will want to see when you leave Sydney or the Blue Mountains which are located just outside of the city.

You can spend days and days at Blue Mountain, so ensure that you research them thoroughly to understand what exactly you would like to see and how long you would like to spend there. You can spend many nights in the Blue Mountains if you have your own campervan and explore the many beautiful things it has to offer.

Hanging Rock in the Blue Mountains – photo by Ethan Tien.

Head to Newcastle

Many people miss the smaller cities in Australia, yet these offer some incredible beaches, food, and culture.

Newcastle is one of those smaller cities that people miss off simply because they haven’t heard about it before. Heading to Newcastle will give you a quieter feeling than Sydney and Brisbane, yet you can enjoy the city life as well as the beach.

If you are into history then there are a few museums and a fort that you can visit so you do not need to spend the entire day basking in the hot Australia sun. These also make for great activities to do if it is raining or cold outside.

Stop at the Myall Lakes National Park

Two hours outside of Newcastle, when you are heading towards Brisbane you will see the incredible Myall Lakes National Park.

Those who love to spend time outside in nature will love the national parks and the incredible views and walks it has to offer. In the National Park, you can enjoy plenty of trials as well as abundant wildlife which will guarantee to help fulfill anyone who wants to see Australia in its most natural form.

Spend your time soaking up the lake at Nambucca Heads

As well as the ocean, Australia is full of beautiful lakes, especially the one at Nambucca Heads.

Nambucca Heads is home to a beautiful, relaxing, and serene lake that joins the Pacific Ocean, so you can enjoy abundant amounts of water. The Nambucca Heads is a few hours from the National Park, which gives you the opportunity to rest and relax your body after hours or days of hiking through the beautiful scenery the National Park has to offer.

You can kick back and relax in the Australian sunshine at the number ahead for as long as you want before you head into the busy city of Brisbane.

There really is so much to do when you travel from Sydney to Brisbane. Seeing it is quite a long trip, it makes sense to stop off and visit various places along the way that you might not otherwise do if you fly. From amazing fishing charters to serene national parks, you really are spoilt for choice when you take a road trip from the sunny city of Sydney to the vibrant city of Brisbane.

The post What to do on a road trip from Sydney to Brisbane appeared first on Double Barrelled Travel.

It might sound scary, but there are actually a number of great reasons why solo travel is a fantastic thing to do, and why, if you get the chance, you should try it at least once (and once you do, you’ll probably want to do it again). To help you understand this idea more, here are some of the best reasons why solo travel is a great idea. 

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok

Be independent

In the simplest terms, when you’re travelling on your own, you have to be independent – there’s no choice in the matter. You’ll have to step entirely out of your comfort zone and make your own choices, relying on your own knowledge, research, and instincts to help you. Of course, there will be people around you who you can ask for help if you need it, but in the main, you’ll need to work everything out for yourself. 

Being independent in this way will help you when you get back home too. You’ll have people to help you then too, but wouldn’t it be great to know you could do things for yourself and not have to ask for assistance unless you really needed it? You would become more confident, happier, and more resilient, and feel more relaxed about getting outside of your comfort zone.

Do it your way

Another great reason for travelling solo is that you’ll be able to make all your decisions based on what you want, rather than what other people want. It’s good to learn the art of compromise, and it’s nice to allow other people to have their say, but when that’s what you do all the time, wouldn’t it make a refreshing change to get your own way and do things how you want to do them?

Whether it’s your accommodation, your budget, your choice of activities, or even where you go to start with, if you’re travelling by yourself, it’s all down to you to decide what’s best and in that way, you can make the trip of your dreams really come true.

Photo by Vlad Kovriga from Pexels.

Be spontaneous

Have you ever been away with friends and family and seen or heard of something you wanted to do, but because plans were already in place, you couldn’t do it? It’s probably happened, and it generally means you’ll have to miss out on a lot that you wanted to do. 

When you’re on your own, you can be as spontaneous as you want, changing your mind about any aspect of your trip when you need or want to. Perhaps you intended to have a lazy day around the pool, but then you saw there was a fun day trip taking place and you wanted to get a ticket. Or maybe it’s the other way around, and you booked a ticket but changed your mind because you’re tired or just want to stay back at the hotel. You can be completely spontaneous because you don’t have to think of anyone but yourself. 

Have you ever travelled solo before? What is your favourite solo travel memory?

The post Why solo travel is a great idea appeared first on Double Barrelled Travel.

Catch of the day 

There are few better ways to spend your time on the Gold Coast than getting out onto the water. If you love to fish, researching and booking Fishing Charters will make your trip one of the most exciting and fulfilling, especially considering the type of fish you could catch. 

Charters are available for a half-day or full-day, but you can also book a private tour if you are with friends and family eager to test their fishing skills. Not only is this a great way to spend a day, get some sun, and keep your catch, but it’s also ideal for bachelor parties and similar events to make your stay memorable. 

Surf’s up 

It wouldn’t be a trip to the Gold Coast without taking your board out and catching some waves. Sure, this activity is still close to the beach, but you aren’t laying on the beach, so it still counts. Gold Coast is famous for some of the best surfing you will find in the world, let alone the country, so it would be a shame to miss out. 

Don’t worry if you have never surfed before, either. There are classes for beginners to help you get to grips with surfing. If you know your way around a wave, rent a surfboard (or bring your own) and get out there as early as possible to beat the crowds. 

Full of hot air 

While walking around the city is fun, it also doesn’t give you the full picture. If you want to see the full picture and enjoy the Gold Coast in all its modern glory, booking a hot air balloon ride is the answer. 

There are various hot air balloon services you can find all across the area and many will even provide door-to-door service so all you need to worry about is bringing your camera. Just don’t drop it when you start ascending.

Photo by City of Gold Coast on UpSplash

Get arty 

If you’re looking for a change of pace and even want to keep the costs low, Gold Coast has plenty of free museums and art galleries to visit. These help you dive into the local culture and history while also seeing what the finest creative minds in Australia can offer. Museums are also ideal for kids (despite what they might say at first) since they learn something while on vacation. 

Pamper yourself naturally 

Those looking for the finer things should look visit the natural spas of the Gold Coast. The Currumbin Valley has plenty to look forward to, including koala reserves and other activities but if you’d rather avoid something typically touristy, the natural spas are the place to be. 

It’s free to visit (although you’ll need to drive there or arrange transport), and you can walk through stunning gardens and purchase from the local fruit shacks along the way before taking a dip that will ease all your worries.

Currumbin Valley: Photo by City of Gold Coast on UpSplash

Sing with the whales

Heading back to the water, whale watching is one of the most popular attractions in Australia, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so take the opportunity while you can.

You will board a ship with a spacious observation deck and visit a sanctuary that provides total protection for the whales where they can thrive, give birth, and show off to their audience. The best time to book a tour is between June and November, so bear this in mind so you’re not disappointed. 

Welcome to the jungle 

The treetop walk at Tamborine Mountain may be one of the best things you’ll ever do and it could be the only place you’ll ever want to watch the sunset again. The rainforest at Tamborine Mountain is also fantastic at any time of day, and many people spend the day hiking, picnicking, or even conquering the treetop challenge.

Tambourine Mountains. Photo by Noah Pienaar on UpSplash.

You’re golden 

With so much to do during your trip to Gold Coast, it might feel like there isn’t enough time. Still, don’t let that stress you out. You’re surrounded by sun and surf and some of the coolest spots on the planet, so embrace it, go with the flow, and pick activities and attractions that stand out the most. 

Have you been to the Gold Coast? Let us know in the comments!

The post appeared first on Double Barrelled Travel.

And that really doesn’t have to be a difficult thing. Yes, you may have in your mind how family travel might look to society, but if you want it to look entirely different, it can. In this blog post, we’re going to show you how.

What does family travel look like to you?

So for starters, why not think about how it looks and feels to you? Does it tend to be a resort-style hotel with kids’ activities in a hot climate somewhere that’s labeled ‘for kids’?

If that’s the case, you’re not alone. But if this doesn’t feel fulfilling for you, it’s not your only option.

What we expect

When we start to think about other travel choices, such as city breaks, luxury islands, or adventure travel, it can be easy to think that you just can’t take kids there.

And maybe you can’t – but that has to be based on your judgement and not societal expectations. You know your kids best and if you know that they’d love different experiences, you can give them to them too.

Pushing boundaries

Now what if we were to flip that? You can tell from our site that we love to travel and explore the world in our own ways, so of course you get to push the boundaries of what travel really looks like to you. It could be that you want to take a month off and explore Europe? Or maybe you want to do the Rovos Rail Cape Town to Pretoria?

You don’t have to choose family-friendly labeled activities all of the time, as long as you know what works for your family’s lifestyle and routine, you can shake up how that looks.

Luxury travel

Maybe you’re dying to go on more luxury breaks, but you’re worried that they aren’t child-friendly. When that’s the case, you just have to ask.

Look on their website and check with their concierge. You’d be surprised by how many places are accommodating, which means you can still enjoy the standard of travel you want without having to change your lifestyle after kids.

Seeing the world with new eyes

And finally, it’s hard not to recognise that when you travel in this way, you get to see the whole world through new eyes – and that can be exactly what you need at times.

It’s not always about heading to a resort or going somewhere that’s trending and looks good. Sometimes, you want to travel the world your own way – and that’s okay too. Just make sure that you’re making your travel experiences your own and you’ll be able to make it feel so much more rewarding.

The post Why family travel doesn’t have to look the way you think appeared first on Double Barrelled Travel.

Source: Pexels, Spencer Davis

Selecting a destination

When planning your solo trip, there are many factors to take into account. Decide on the type of experience you want: cultural immersion, adventure or leisurely sightseeing? Consider your budget and what activities you’d like to do there. Do some research online for potential places and read up on their culture and tourist attractions. Furthermore, think about which season and climate best suits you–some destinations may have better weather at certain times of year than others.

Second, make sure the destination you’re planning on visiting is safe for solo travelers. Reach out to people who have already visited and ask them about their safety experiences. Additionally, research local laws and customs so you are aware of any potential issues. Having these details beforehand will make your trip much smoother when you arrive.

Accommodation

Accommodation choice is another crucial element when planning a solo trip. Consider what kind of accommodation best suits your needs and budget–hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, etc. For an immersive experience, couchsurfing or staying at a local’s house might be worth considering as these provide unique insights into that place’s culture. Depending on where you’re going, there may even be special offers like discounts tailored towards solo travelers at certain destinations.

Packing

Packing can make or break your journey, so it’s essential to plan this part carefully. Bring fewer things so you don’t have to lug around too much luggage. Don’t forget the essentials like passports, currencies, medicines and documents; additionally include items which will make the trip more enjoyable such as books, music players or journals.

Planning activities

Once you’ve selected your destination and accommodation, it’s time to start organizing activities for the trip by looking for things to do in Gympie, for example. Research local attractions and festivals taking place during your stay – if possible, book tickets ahead of time so there aren’t long lines when you arrive. Additionally, budget for excursions or day trips within budget that offer an unforgettable insight into local culture and landscape.

Safety tips

When traveling alone, it is essential to stay secure. Make sure your passport and other important documents are stored safely away. Furthermore, learn the local language so you can ask for assistance if needed. It may also be beneficial for friends or family members to be aware of your itinerary and check in periodically.

In conclusion, solo travel can be an incredibly rewarding experience. With the proper preparation and planning, you can create a lasting memory of your trip that will remain with you forever. So don’t wait–pack your bags and get ready to explore!

The post Adventure awaits: The definitive guide to planning a solo trip appeared first on Double Barrelled Travel.

Keep reading for advice on everything from what to pack to how to handle jet lag.

Photo by GeoJango Maps on Unsplash

1) Research your destination

Researching your destination is essential for any trip, but even more so when you are travelling with children. Be sure to look into the local customs and laws, as well as any special considerations for families travelling with young children. Additionally, it’s important to research the climate of the place you’re visiting in order to pack appropriately for your family.

2) Create an itinerary

Having a plan in place before you leave can be helpful for reducing stress and ensuring that everyone enjoys their time away from home. Make a list of all the places you want to visit and prioritise them based on distance and duration of stay. Also, make sure to factor in rest days so no one gets too tired out!

3) Pack light

It’s easy to overpack when travelling with kids, but try to only pack what is necessary. Choose lightweight clothing that can be easily layered and rolled up in your suitcase or travel bag. Bring items like a favourite blanket or toy that will make the journey comfortable for your little ones.

4) Familiarise yourself with airport procedures

Navigating an unfamiliar airport can be daunting, so it pays to research in advance the procedures and policies of the airports you will be visiting. Make sure to familiarise yourself with security protocols and other regulations that may affect families travelling with young children. Additionally, look into airlines’ family-related policies, such as whether they offer discounts for minors or provide any amenities for kids.

5) Manage jet lag

Long-distance travel can be exhausting, especially when travelling with young children. To help manage the effects of jet lag — such as fatigue and difficulty sleeping — try to avoid caffeine, schedule your flight at an appropriate time, and make sure to take plenty of rest breaks throughout your travels. Additionally, creating a routine around meals and bedtimes will help you and your family stick to a healthy sleep schedule while on holiday.

Photo by Gustavo Fring on Pexels

6) Visit a doctor prior to your trip

Visiting doctors before travelling is important for ensuring you and your family are healthy during the journey. Make sure to bring any necessary medications, vaccinations, or pertinent medical records with you on the flight. And don’t forget to purchase a travel insurance plan in case any unexpected health issues arise.

By following these tips, you’ll be ready for an enjoyable international adventure with your family. With careful planning and preparation, you can ensure that everyone has a safe and fun time while travelling abroad. Bon voyage!

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