Planning a road trip is exciting at the best of times, but when you’re thinking of taking to the road while pregnant, a little more planning might be required to ensure everything goes smoothly – whether you’re going from A to B or planning to drive through the whole alphabet. With an extra passenger along the way, it’s no surprise that a little extra work is needed to help everything go off without a hitch. Being informed is the best way to ensure all goes well. Road trips can be an incredible way to enjoy a holiday, but having all the information there for you can help make your road trip while pregnant one to remember.

Here are just a few of the things you should keep in mind if you’re planning to go on that next great road trip while pregnant:

Set aside a little time to move every hour and a half

While it may seem like a hassle to pull into the services or take a break from travelling every hour or so, you’ll soon thank yourself for taking the time to stop and have a breather if you’re going on a road trip while pregnant. At the best of times, travelling by car can feel cramped and uncomfortable after a while, but for pregnant women, swollen ankles, feet and even leg cramps are common side effects of sitting still in a car for a long time. Taking the chance to stretch out and rest is the best way to ensure the rest of your trip is more comfortable, and to ensure any unnecessary swelling is reduced to a minimum.

Plan plenty of toilet breaks

Alongside taking the time to stretch and generally relax outside of driving, it’s well-known that pregnant women often need to go to the bathroom far more than usual. After all, there’s usually a knee, elbow or foot comfortably nestling right on the bladder to help you along. If you’re choosing to stick to your own country for your road trip, you might think you don’t need the same amount of planning as you might do for travelling abroad while pregnant. But mapping out usable bathrooms and facilities is just as crucial as getting vaccinations sorted for travelling abroad if you want to avoid unnecessary discomfort or worse.

Ensure you keep up with proper nutrition

It can be tempting to fall into easy habits on road trips – whether it’s choosing junk food over the healthier option, snacking on the go instead of eating proper meals or drinking less to avoid bathroom breaks. But for pregnant women, it’s vital to maintain the right nutrients; especially for those with morning sickness, where an empty stomach can make everything worse. Opt for simple healthy snacks and make sure to stop for proper mealtimes, as well as plenty of water if and when possible. Nutrition is essential, and staying hydrated is vital.

Dress comfortably

It may be tempting to go all-out with your clothing, but your baggiest tee shirt and joggers are a whole lot comfier if you’re planning to be in the car for hours on end. There’s always the opportunity to get changed when you get where you’re going, and even kicking your shoes off is a good idea to reduce swelling on your feet and ankles for long spells in the car. Comfort over style is the best way to go every time if you’re planning to go on a road trip while pregnant. However, you must always keep your seatbelt on at all times, no matter how uncomfortable it might be. If required, extenders are available as well as padding to make belts a little comfier, but they are a must for your safety and the safety of your little one.

Are you planning a road trip later this year? Whether you’re newly pregnant or you’re going to be further on for that next epic adventure, planning is the best way to ensure both you and your extra passenger are safe, happy and raring to go. Wherever your destination is, a road trip is a fantastic way to see more – especially if it’s done the right way.

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Cruising is the easiest way today for American’s to visit Cuba.  However, it’s not like your typical Caribbean cruise destination.  There are rules to follow for entry and for exploring.  This article will go over what to expect when cruising to Cuba and provide some helpful tips that I’ve learned from my own experience.  It will also provide my honest review of this once forbidden nation.

Growing up I never imagined I’d someday visit Cuba.  This land has always been off-limits for Americans, at least in my lifetime.  When I learned that Americans were suddenly being allowed to visit and that cruises were going, naturally I was very eager to go.  However, knowing Cuba’s history, I had some reservations.

Many people I know refuse to give even a dime to this communist dictatorship, and with good reason.  As an American, I agree with this notion. However, I don’t feel all of the Cuban people deserve this treatment because the people don’t necessarily support their own government.  I’m sure like any country, many locals are just trying to get by however they can.  This part of me felt compelled to help the PEOPLE of Cuba, while not supporting its government. 

Plus, the “travel fanatic” part of me was incredibly curious to see just how Cubans lived, therefore my wife and I booked a cruise and the die was cast.

Cuba entry requirements

For those who are unaware, while the travel ban to Cuba has been lifted, there are still specific requirements for entry.  To put it plainly, one must have a ‘reason’ for traveling to Cuba.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has set up 12 different categories that describe these reasons.  In order to gain entry, you must select one of these categories when filing out your paperwork required for the visa.

The categories are as follows:

• Visiting family
• Humanitarian projects or to provide support to the Cuban people
• Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments and certain intergovernmental organizations
• Journalistic activities
• Professional research
• Educational activities by persons at academic institutions
• People to people travel
• Religious activities
• Public performance, clinics, workshops, athletic or other competitions and exhibitions
• Authorization to provide travel services, carrier services and remittance forwarding services
• Activities of private foundations, research or educational institutes
• Exportation of certain Internet-based services

Cruise ship tourist travel falls into the category of “People to people travel” from the list above.  When preparing to board your cruise ship, you are given a form to fill out where you self-declare one of these categories.  If you’re like most Americans, you will only fit into the People to People travel category.

People to people travel allows American tourists to visit Cuba, but only if part of an educational tour group – thus to learn about the Cuban culture and its people.  To explain this another way, American tourists are not free to tour Cuba on their own and go wherever they like under this category.  You MUST have an arranged tour prior to arriving in Cuba or you will not be allowed off the cruise ship.

The cruise line will offer a selection of tours that you can choose from if you wish to purchase directly from them, or you can book your own tour prior to your cruise.  We decided to book with the cruise ship, however if I had to do it again I may book from an outside company.  I will explain this more in detail later in this article.

While you must have an arranged guided tour, you are allowed to explore freely on your own in the city before or after your tour.  This was a concern of mine when booking the cruise, because I was afraid we wouldn’t have the option to shop for souvenirs, or perhaps try some local cuisine before re-boarding.  I thought we may be stuck on the tour the entire time with no personal freedom.  This was not the case at all.  Our tour ended around 1:30pm and we were free to explore Havana on our own after that until the ships departure at 2:00am.

While free to explore, there are still certain buildings you are not allowed to enter such as certain hotels, and other prominent buildings in Havana.  The cruise ship will provide you a list of these places.

Cuban visa / tourist card

Entering Cuba by cruise, the fee for the visa / tourist card is $75 and will usually be added directly to your cruise fare when purchasing.  However, it would be a good idea to double check with your booking agent to ensure this is included, though they will usually tell you.

Prior to boarding your cruise, you will be issued a Cuban visa at the departure cruise terminal.  You will need to provide this to the customs officer customs in Havana, so do not lose it.

Arriving at Cuba – First Impressions

The day of arrival into Cuba was an exciting one.  My wife and I didn’t know what to expect, and as we spotted Havana from the deck of our ship it felt as if we found the lost city of Atlantis.  There was Cuba – the forbidden land, right before us!  For a minute I almost forgot the nation was once a hostile one and one that is still under a communist dictatorship.  It felt so strange that I was now seeing it this close with my own eyes.

As we got closer to shore the excitement grew further because we could see many colorful buildings lining the shore and the iconic 1950’s American classic cars driving all over the place!

It felt as if we were being transported back in time.

Pulling into Havana Harbor was actually really beautiful.  To the west was the city center where many beautiful buildings stood including the capital building – called “El Capitolio” which was sadly under renovation during our visit.  To the east stood a giant statue of Jesus Christ called “Christ of Havana”.  While a bit smaller than the world famous Christ the Redeemer statue that overlooks Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, it was still very impressive.  We learned later on our tour that Christ of Havana statue faces the harbor as to provide blessings to all incoming ships.

Disembarkation in Havana

As your ship prepares for arrival into Havana Harbor, the cruise director will provide procedures on how and when to disembark the ship.  Based on the pre-arranged tour you booked, you will need to meet at a certain location in the ship at a certain time.

For example, our tour – named “Ultimate Highlights of Havana, Old & New” met in the ships main theater at 8:00am the morning of our arrival.  Don’t worry about not knowing where to go.  The ship organized this very well with many announcements, even the night before.

After arrival into port, and the Cuban customs officials cleared the ship, different groups will be called one at a time to disembark the ship.  Once your group is called, you simply follow the leader to the gangway and enter the terminal building in Havana.

Cuban Customs

Once you enter the terminal building you will need to go through Cuban customs.  This part was incredibly interesting and not at all what we expected.

Much like entering the secure area at an airport, you have to go through metal detectors and have any bags you are bringing with you screened.  You must then hand your passport and your Cuban visa to a customs official for processing.  While all of this was normal, the part that was extremely strange was the Cuban customs officials themselves.  All of the officials were young women, some who looked no older than 18 years of age.  The way they were dressed was even more shocking.  Although they wore an official uniform which includes a white shirt and skirt, many of them wore fish-net stockings!   It was the strangest customs experience we’ve ever encountered in our many travels.

Once through customs, we headed to the currency exchange center within the terminal known as the CADECA.  This is a requirement as American currency is not accepted, and credit and debit cards will not work in Cuba.  Therefore, in order to purchase anything, you will need Cuban currency.

Currency Exchange – CADECA

There are two types of Cuban currency in circulation, The Cuban Peso (CUP), and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC).  The CUC’s are used by tourists and CUP’s are used by locals.  They have very different exchange rates as well, but the CUC is the only one you’ll need to be concerned about as it is the one you will need for your visit.

CUC’s are pinned to the American Dollar with a 1:1 value (1 CUC = $1.00), however keep in mind there is a hefty exchange fee of 13% for changing American currency.  If you have any Canadian currency or Euros laying around from a previous trip, it will save you money by bringing it with you.  The exchange fee for changing Canadian currency or Euros is only 3%.  We brought Euros with us and were able to save the additional 10% fee.

Touring Havana

After exchanging currency, we were instructed on where to go to find our tour bus.  There were plenty of English speaking workers offering directional assistance which was helpful.

We went down the stairs and exited the Terminal Sierra Maestra at the Plaza de San Francisco.  We boarded our tour bus which was clearly marked (there were many), and prepared for our tour.

As I stated earlier, there were many tours to choose from that were offered by the cruise line.  This included tours to Cuban rum and cigar factories, agricultural farms, art museums, and more.  There are also tours if you’re interested in entertainment during your stay, such as classical music performances and a visit to the legendary Tropicana cabaret where many famous performers have entertained.  We chose one of the most popular tours which explored the city of Havana by bus. This tour allowed us the option to see many landmarks and areas of interest.

While the tour was enjoyable, if I were to do it all again, I may opt to book a private tour which I learned takes you to many of the same places we went, but with a private guide in a 1950’s American classic automobile.  The ship offered this tour as well, but the price was astronomical at $339 per adult.  While I haven’t quoted private companies, I’m almost certain they’d be far less expensive as many others we came across chose this option.

Highlights of Havana

Our tour started by driving through the older historical sections of Havana, which was quite charming.  As we passed famous city landmarks and buildings, our tour guide would give us a detailed description of what we were looking at and its importance to Havana and Cuba.  Some of the architecture in the old city was very beautiful, and the historic American cars added to the uniqueness.

Before long we ventured further from the old historical city center and immediately the surroundings began to deteriorate.  Garbage lay on the streets and many buildings were crumbling or in a pitiful state of disrepair.  It was an eye-opener.

The tour guide blamed earthquakes for the state of the building falling apart, however with the last major Cuban earthquake occurring in 1992 (26 years ago), this was a poor excuse for the current state.

La Plaza de la Revolución

Our first stop was Havana’s famous Revolutionary Plaza.  This is where Fidel Castro addressed millions of Cubans after the revolution forced out Batista in 1959.  Cuba would never be the same after this as we all know.

The plaza itself was very intimidating.  Massive sized memorials to famous revolutionaries decorated the surrounding government buildings.  To the north, on the side of the Ministry of Interior Building, was a large sculptural relief of Che Guevara – the infamous Marxist revolutionary.  The words below his portrait read “Hasta La Victoria Siempre” – which means Until the Everlasting Victory, Always.

The adjacent Telecommunications Building had an equally large portrait of revolutionary Camilo Cienfuegos with words saying “Vas bien Fidel” or You’re doing fine, Fidel.

While we never felt unsafe here, it didn’t give us a warm and fuzzy feeling either.

The bus stopped here to let us get out to take photos with many of the American classic cars who apparently like to park here. 

The south side of the plaza hosted a large star-shaped marble tower known as the José Martí Memorial.  It is the largest monument to a writer in the world.

Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón

After departing Revolutionary Plaza, we headed to the Colón Cemetery – named for Christopher Columbus (though he is not buried here).  The cemetery is famous for its elaborately sculpted memorials and was filled with hundreds of them.

Fusterlandia

We then drove to a neighborhood known as Fusterlandia after the Cuban artist José Fuster.  The neighborhood is famous for its display of colorful mosaic tilework that covers almost everything, including doctors’ offices, bus stops, fountains, benches, gateways, and more.  We got off the bus and explored the area and gained access to Fuster’s studio which was like a mosaic tile amusement park.

There were some local shops here as well as handmade authentic souvenirs that could be purchased from locals.

Communist Cuba

Departing from Fusterlandia, we headed through the western side of Havana on our way to our next destination.  Our tour guide explained the workings of Cuba’s governmental programs, and how it provides for its citizens.  While she never exactly said it, her tone and display of facts made it seem like she was proud of this “excellent” life in Cuba.

She went on to explain how there are no homeless in Cuba because the government will provide you a place to live.  Homes were even taken away from the wealthy to provide for the impoverished.

She explained how healthcare is completely free, and even cosmetic plastic surgery was fully government funded. 

As she described these programs as being “wonderful”, we drove though very run down areas with small dirty looking markets, and passed by a hospital than looks like it hasn’t changed since it opened in 1982.  In short, I don’t think anyone on the bus was buying her wonderful outlook on Cuban life.

She then explained the education system – again completely free, and how different school ranks (elementary, middle, and high school) all had color coded uniforms.  We could even see students walking along the streets outside the bus wearing their respective colors (red, blue, and brown).

Once students graduate, they must choose from a list of predetermined jobs based on the needs of the nation.

Cubans were not allowed to own personal vehicles prior to 2011 without permission from the government via a permit.  These were usually restricted to diplomats, technicians, doctors, those on foreign missions, and those with bank accounts outside of Cuba.  As of 2011, Cubans can freely purchase a vehicle, but at astronomical rates that no one can afford. (Example: Most vehicles cost 4x-5x as much in Cuba as they would in the US or Europe, and the average Cuban wage is only $20 per month).

The American classic vehicles (all dating from 1959 and older) were given (by Castro) to the driver and servants of the rich and prominent Americans who resided in Cuba prior to the revolution.  These cars are sort of a souvenir of the Cuban Revolution and are kept in the family as sort of a badge of honor.

Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro

We arrived back in the historical district and the scenery got much better.  We visited Morro Castle which stood of the banks of Havana Harbor.  Within the old fortress was an authentic Cuban rum and cigar store.  While we don’t drink or smoke, I went in to see what it looked like and what I saw looked like the New York Stock Exchange of cigars.  People were crammed all around the counters with money in hand trying to get their share of the famous Cubans.  My wife and I took in the scenery of the harbor and enjoyed the breeze.

Cristo de La Habana

The last stop of the tour was a visit to the Christ of Havana statue we saw from the ship while entering the harbor.  Having been to Rio de Janeiro and visiting the more famous Christ the Redeemer statue, I was excited about this stop.  However, unfortunately everyone on the bus was more interested in getting back to the ship for lunch, so we didn’t get out here.  I was disappointed, but I was able to snap this photo from the bus.

By the time we arrived back at the ship, we were tired of “exploring”.  We walked around the old and historic downtown area for a while and headed back to the ship for lunch.  We initially wanted to try a restaurant that we saw featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, however it wasn’t within walking distance so we didn’t.

Evening in Old Havana

Later that evening I went out again on my own to see a little of Havana at night – mostly because I enjoy photography, and wanted to get some night shots.

I walked down some alleys and streets and happened to pass an open-air style restaurant where an authentic Cuban dance was being performed on stage before the patrons who were eating their dinner.  I stopped to video a portion of it which was probably one of the coolest things I saw while in Cuba.

As I strolled on further I noticed a young Cuban family (husband, wife, and young child) enter a building that appeared to be crumbling.  Out of shear curiosity I watched as I was thinking “Where are they going?” I discovered the building appeared to be an apartment building as the couple climbed the stairs with their child.  The building was in such bad condition it probably would have been condemned in the USA.   I was simply stunned.  “They live here!”  It started to really hit home how bad the Cuban people have it.  And the even more stunning part was, some (as in the tour guide) don’t even realize this, because they aren’t allowed to experience life elsewhere.

As I walked back to the ship it got darker and darker, and I could see many other locals roaming the dark and narrow alleys.  While I never felt unsafe, I was starting to feel uncomfortable as the night crept in further.  I made it back onboard by 9:00pm and I had seen enough.  While the ship was staying in Havana until 2:00am, I personally felt this was a bit excessive.  Even the ship next to ours started backing out of port, ready to depart by 9:30pm, which to us would have been better.

Final Thoughts

We very much enjoyed our visit to Cuba and are glad we got to experience it. It was definitely an eye opener to experience the disparity between life in Cuba versus life in the USA.  I truly hope that in the future the people of Cuba will be able to experience a better life – one of freedom and economic prosperity. Perhaps then they might realize how much more life can offer.

Since we’ve been back people have asked us if we would ever return to Cuba?  The short answer is we have no plans to.  While I personally wouldn’t mind seeing some other parts of Cuba, it’s not high on my bucket list. But you never know what the future may bring.

I really appreciate you reading my blog, and I hope you enjoyed this article.  If you would like to be notified of my next article, please subscribe using the form on the right sidebar (scroll down for mobile devices).  Thank you so much for your support!   Happy travels!

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Planning a trip to Japan can be a daunting task.  There is so much to see in Tokyo alone that making time to see everything can be very challenging.  Then there is Tokyo Disney.  You may ask yourself like we did “Do I take a day for Disney? Or should I skip it and only focus on seeing “Japan” and Japanese culture?”

The short answer to this question is:  If you consider yourself a Disney fanatic, the answer to whether you should take a day for Tokyo Disney is no – TAKE TWO! (Seriously, I will explain why).  If you’re not a fan, and don’t make routine family trips to visit Mickey Mouse, then the answer all depends on you.

In this post I will provide my review of the Tokyo Disney Resort.  I hope it will help you make the best decision for your family.

Two Different Theme Parks

The Tokyo Disney Resort is comprised of two separate theme parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.  While you may be inclined to only spend a day at one of these parks (in order to not take time away from exploring all of Japan) each park is very different, and really worth a visit if you have the time and budget.

Below I will describe each of the parks in detail to the best of my ability; however, before I do, I will explain some of the differences of Tokyo Disney to the American Disney Parks.

I should note that while I have visited California’s Disneyland Park, most of these comparisons will be to Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort, as this is what I consider to be my “home park”, and the one I have by far spent the most time visiting throughout my life.

Language

Most everything in both of Tokyo Disney Resort’s theme parks are written in English as well as Japanese.  In fact, attraction names appear exactly as they do in the American parks.  While many cast members know some English, most all rides and shows primarily use Japanese for verbal communication.

Don’t let this be a deterrent though.  While we couldn’t understand a thing our Jungle Cruise driver said, she was very fun and entertaining to watch!  It was also extremely enjoyable to hear popular Disney songs sung in Japanese during Mickey’s Philharmagic!  Our kids got a good laugh – and we did as well!

The Monorail

Getting to the park has always been one of my favorite aspects of visiting Disney World as a kid, and still is as an adult.  I love reaching the front gate to the Magic Kingdom by monorail, and it’s something I look forward to every visit.

Tokyo Disney has a monorail of its own.  Unlike the Disney World monorail, which is setup with “tram-like” horizontal style benches; the Tokyo Disney monorail is setup much like a subway is.  Benched seats line the perimeter of the car, however they were cushioned and comfortable. There was even Mickey shaped windows and handles for passengers to hold while standing.

The Tokyo Disney monorail surprisingly was not free like it’s counterpart in Orlando.  A small subway-like fare was charged to ride.  The monorail is used mainly to access the Tokyo DisneySea park from the Ikspiari shopping area located in front of both parks.  It is not needed to access Tokyo Disneyland.

Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland is another version of Disney’s most iconic and most notable theme park.  It strongly resembles the Magic Kingdom from photos, however has many features of Disneyland California as well, plus has some magic of its own.

First Impressions

Upon entering Tokyo Disneyland, we immediately noticed a big difference in the Main Street USA portion of the park – here known as the World Bazaar.  The entire street with its similar style gift and candy shops was covered!  A massive roof was constructed over the street to keep guests out of the elements, and to add a unique look to the park.

I wasn’t sure how I felt about it at first, but it actually was very nice.   It was also one of the coolest (temperature wise) parts of the park, as the heat and humidity in July strongly rivaled that of Orlando.  So any addition to keep us cool was welcomed!

The Tokyo Disney Resort was celebrating their 35^th anniversary, so there was a large feature in the center of Main Street to commemorate this.  There was shimmering lights and colors coming from it and a specially written theme song, titled Brand New Day was blasting.

The experience of entering with the music playing actually did an excellent job of providing that special Disney magical feel.  It was very enjoyable and nicely done.

Layout

Tokyo Disneyland is laid out in a very similar fashion to both American versions.  As you approach Cinderella’s Castle – which may I add is practically identical to the Magic Kingdom’s version in every way (except for a darker shade of stones on the lower half), the park branches out in much the same fashion.

Tomorrowland can be found to your right – which features an identical looking Space Mountain.  Fantasyland is straight ahead and behind the castle.  And Adventureland is off to your left.  While this sounds exactly the same as both the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland California, there are some different features to be found.

As shown above, there are some new and unique regions of the park (such as Westernland and World Bazaar).  Even the well known regions have a different layout, and offer some alternative attractions.

Rides and Entertainment

Tokyo Disneyland features many of the same iconic rides as the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland California that we’ve all come to love.  These include Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Jungle Cruise, the Haunted Mansion, and Splash Mountain to name a few.

There are a few totally unique rides and experiences as well.  The most notable in my opinion would be Monsters Inc. Ride & Go Seek! Which is an moving car ride based on one of my all-time favorite Disney movies – Monsters Inc.

While we didn’t see all of the shows and/or parades, we did manage to see part of one.  It was just as amazing as the American versions – but with a Japanese flare.

Food & Restaurants

While I cannot comment on all of the dining experiences at the park in order to properly compare it to that of the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland California, I can say that Tokyo Disneyland offers a wide selection of food choices and dining options.  There are plenty of restaurant selections featuring different cuisines including Japanese food, and also just as many snack kiosks and quick service food spots located around the park.

We grabbed a bite at one of these and had a very delicious maple-chicken sandwich put together in a waffle.  It was very good!

What Stood Out?

While walking around the park I seriously could almost forget where I was.  The park was SO INCREDIBLY similar in look and feel to the Magic Kingdom (especially in some locations) that I felt as if I was in Orlando during one of my many family vacations to Walt Disney World.  But a quick look around at the people, who I would say were 99.9% Japanese reminded me where I was.

The People

As I said above, the most noticeable difference was the people.  While I wasn’t surprised to see many Japanese people, I was surprised to see just how “into Disney” they got.  There were SO MANY people dressed up in Disney gear it was remarkable!  From matching Disney T-shirts to character hats to Mickey ears and headbands, I was surprised at how much the Japanese embraced Disney.  This was a very pleasant surprise.

The Cast Members

The cast members in all of the Tokyo Disney Resort were second to none and this REALLY stood out.  They seriously never stopped smiling!  As we entered a ride or exited one, or bought an ice cream or just walked around the park, cast members constantly greeted you, smiled, waved, even occasionally danced and sang!

In all my years going to Disney World in Orlando, I always thought the cast members were nice and friendly.  However, the ones at Tokyo Disney win the gold star for going above and beyond what is expected.   They made us feel so incredibly welcome, and were genuinely sincere in all of their actions.  It was an absolutely wonderful experience, and made the visit that much more enjoyable.

The Prices

Anyone who visits Disney World in Orlando knows they’re going to spend a fortune for their visit.  Disney World prices have continually climbed to a point where they’re really unfair to the average income American family.  Regular price for a 1 day adult admission to the Magic Kingdom in 2018 ranges from $109 to $129, depending on whether it’s peak or off-peak.  Disneyland California reaches even higher with 1 day prices of $97 to $135!

Tokyo Disney has a much fairer price structure.

The cost for a 1-day adult ticket for either park as of 2018 is ¥7,400 (~$65).  Kids tickets are even less. ¥6,400 (~$56) for kids 12-17, and ¥4,800 (~$42) for kids 4-11 years old.  These prices are good for ANYTIME – peak or non-peak.

This is incredibly reasonable, and MUCH better priced than Disney parks in the United States!  Our family of 5 was able to spend a day in Tokyo Disneyland for $364 less than one day at the Magic Kingdom would have cost.

Not only are the admission prices much fairer, but the cost of food within the park was incredibly reasonable as well.  From the cost of meals to ice cream, everything was more reasonably priced.

You definitely get a lot more bang for your buck at Tokyo Disney than in the United States.

Tokyo DisneySea

Tokyo DisneySea is a one of a kind Disney park with an overall “sea theme”.  The park is divided into separate regions much like other Disney parks.  Each region includes a portion of the giant lagoon that runs throughout the park, and many of the attractions incorporate the sea theme as well.

I had read that the park was often rated as the top Disney Park in the entire world.   For this reason, we decided to save this for the 2^nd day, so we could save the best for last.

First Impressions

As we disembarked the monorail, we entered this enormous plaza featuring a large fountain at the center hosting a giant globe.  The south end of the plaza was comprised of several beautiful Mediterranean styled buildings with stone and stucco facades.  A large archway in the center held a black banner advertising a “Disney Pirates Summer” which was the theme going on at the time.  Already we were impressed, and we hadn’t entered the park yet.

As we approached the archway to enter the park, we could make out the iconic volcano centerpiece of the park ahead.  We could hear cannons going off and pirate themed music was playing.  There were people singing and cheering, and water was shooting up and in all directions!

Once we entered the park we realized that a pirate themed show was going on.  There was a massive lagoon ahead of us with pirate ships circling in the water firing shots at each other while actors dove and shouted.  The crowd looking on cheered in excitement as we walked by in amazement.

The lagoon was surrounded by an absolutely stunning landscape.  A medieval looking fortress stood on one side of the lagoon, and beautiful Mediterranean styled buildings stood on the other.

As we made our way across a bridge, we could see further into the park.  The scenery only got more amazing!  A beautiful looking Arabian Coast area could be seen, as well an area that looked like it came right out of The Little Mermaid – called Mermaid Lagoon.

An enormous ship was docked in the harbor to the left.  This area was designed to resemble the American Waterfront.   Everything was incredibly well detailed and flawless in appearance.  We immediately realized this park was a step ahead of all other Disney parks.

Layout

One of the greatest things about Tokyo DisneySea is the new and refreshing parts of the park.  No other Disney park has anything like it anywhere in the world.  Below is the official park map.

The lagoon runs throughout the park, which enhances the sea theme of the park as well as adding beauty.  Each area is incredibly well done with an impeccable attention to detail.

The Mysterious Island portion of the park is especially unique and fun to explore.  There are caves, lagoons, a medieval fortress, and massive volcano at its center.  You could also board one of the pirate ships and simulate firing a cannon!   The kids loved this.

Rides and Entertainment

While Tokyo DisneySea does have some attractions that can be found in other Disney parks – such as The Indiana Jones Adventure, Toy Story Mania!, Tower of Terror, and Turtle Talk, it also has many different and unique attractions found no-where else.  Some of these include:

• Aquatopia – A whirling watercraft outdoor ride.  This was a great ride, especially on a hot summer day like we had.  It was one of our favorite rides in the park.

• Nemo and Friends SeaRider – A screen-motion thrill ride where guests meet many of the characters from Finding Nemo.

• Raging Spirits – A high speed roller-coaster in a jungle environment which features a 360° loop.

• Sindbad’s Storybook Adventure – A boat ride much like It’s a Small World, but to an Arabian themed story.

• 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea – Explore the undersea world inspired by the famous novel in this moving ride.

• Journey to the Center of the Earth – Discover a subterranean world where you dodge dangers and fly through caverns on this fast paced thrill ride.

Food & Restaurants

Like Tokyo Disneyland, the park offered a plethora of various cuisines in both contemporary style dining and quick service.  All of the prices were extremely reasonable, and the quality of the food was excellent.

One cool and unique feature found in both parks were the crazy flavored popcorn kiosks.   Located throughout both parks, guests could purchase very unique flavored popcorn.  Some of these flavors included:  Honey, soy sauce and butter, cappuccino, white chocolate, curry, black pepper, and herb tomato!

What Stood Out?

As mentioned above, the people, cast members, and prices were the most wonderful and unexpected features that stood out from our Tokyo Disney experience.

Tokyo DisneySea stood out by itself as simply an amazing one-of-a-kind park.  In our opinion, it is unmatched by any other Disney Park.  The exceptional design, attention to detail, and impeccable customer service is the reason it’s ranked as #1 in the world.

Summing Up

After spending two days at the Tokyo Disney Resort, we left wanting to come back for more.  We completely loved our Japanese Disney experience.  It was absolutely worth taking two days out of our vacation to experience.

I highly suggest taking time to visit both parks; however, if you’re really tight on time, I recommend Tokyo DisneySea.  It was a completely different experience, and a place every Disney fanatic should visit at least once.

I really appreciate you reading my blog, and I hope you enjoyed this article.  If you would like to be notified of my next article, please subscribe using the form on the right sidebar (scroll down for mobile devices).  Thank you so much for your support!   Happy travels!

Disclosure:  There are some affiliate links on this page.  While the prices of the items displayed on this website are no different than on each advertisers websites, we do earn a commission if you choose to purchase.  Thank you for supporting Off with the Kids and helping us share our adventures!

The post A Disney Fan’s Review of Tokyo Disney, and Why It’s Worth a Visit appeared first on Off With The Kids.

For the whole first decade of the 21^st Century my family worked on mastering the American road trip.  We’ve cruised from coast to coast numerous times (six to be exact in each direction), and driven from the North to the South and vice versa more times than we could keep track of.  On our many American road trip adventures, we’ve visited many national monuments, parks, historic battle fields, road side attractions, and much more.  We’ve even flown to Alaska and Hawaii and road tripped over there as well!  On our American adventures we’ve visited all 50 states in addition to our nation’s capital, Washington DC.

Eventually, in 2015 we decided to take our love for the road overseas for the first time.  Our first European road trip was an experience we’ll never forget.  We enjoyed it so much that we’ve gone back three additional times since.  To date we’ve driven through 18 European countries, and have learned a great deal about traveling around Europe by car.  This article is intended to provide helpful information on how to go about planning a European road trip.

Mapping out a European road trip

Most road trips are started on paper, with a map and a highlighter or pen, or perhaps on the computer plotting out destination points electronically.  Planning a European trip starts the same exact way; however, there is a little bit of an art to it.  I’ll explain.

Step 1:  Pick a region

Europe is big with many countries that greatly differ from each other.  The best plan of action is to start by choosing a region of Europe that you would like to explore.   Lengthier trips can include multiple regions; however, if it’s your first time planning a European road trip, it may be best to stick to one region for reasons I will discuss in this article.

Here are some great examples of regions to plan a European road-trip.

• Italy – (one could easily spend weeks just driving around Italy alone)
• Iberian Peninsula – (Spain/Portugal)
• UK – (England, Wales, Scotland – these can even be broken up into separate trips)
  
• Ireland – (Ireland, Northern Ireland)
• Upper EU – (France, Belgium, Netherlands, Northwest Germany (Rhineland), Luxembourg)
• Alps – (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Southern Germany (Bavaria))
• Mid-East Europe – (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Eastern Austria)
• Balkans – (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro)
• Scandinavia – (Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway)

While this list obviously doesn’t include all the possibilities, it’s a great place to start if you don’t know where to.

Step 2:  Highlight points of interest

After you have chosen the region of Europe you want to explore, it’s time to start researching points of interest!  This is the fun part, and the part I enjoy the most when planning a European road trip.  What do you want to see?  Where do you want to go?

Like most people, there are the famous points of interest we all want to see – such as the Colosseum in Rome, the leaning tower of Pisa, and the canals of Venice.  These would be perfect points of interest to highlight for an Italian road trip; however, don’t stop there!  Sometimes the best places to see are the ones you don’t know exist.

While planning your European road trip, look carefully at the map.  Look at the names of the towns and cities between the major places you want to visit.  Make note of these and write them down.  Don’t worry yet about how you’ll get there (which roads to take).  Once you have enough of them noted – start googling!  You’ll be surprised to find a plethora of good information about these locations, especially in travel blogs.  There are many travelers who are more than happy to share their experiences with you.  Sometimes the places you find accidentally are the most enjoyable!

Step 3:  Connect the dots

Now comes the challenging part of figuring out the timing of it all and planning your route.  The easiest way to start this process is by utilizing a good mapping program like Google Maps (which I use).  Plug in a starting city and an ending city and see what it says the driving time will take you.  Make sure you set it to morning or mid-day for accurate results.  I usually add some time to this amount to account for fuel , restroom, or additional breaks (depending on the length of the drive and the needs of your passengers).

For a family of five this is a general rule of thumb I use:  For every 3 hours of straight driving time between points of interest, I usually add about 30 minutes.  For example, if the drive said it would take 5½ hours, I’d add an hour and plan for it to take 6½ hours.

The more challenging part is figuring out how long to spend at each point of interest you choose.  This part is entirely subjective and depends on what your family likes to do, and the pace you normally enjoy.  My family enjoys a faster pace than most people I know, and usually won’t spend as long in one destination as might be recommended.  For example, while planning to see Rome, most sites I read suggested staying 3 to 4 days here.  My family and I saw most of what we wanted to see in a day and a half.  Determining the length of time to spend in any destination is completely dependent on your travel style.  It will help you determine the length of your trip as well.

What if I don’t know how long to plan for tours or sight seeing at certain locations?

The best way to determine how long to spend on a tour or sight seeing is by doing lots of research on the destination.  TripAdvisor forums are an excellent source for determining how long to spend at places. Other travelers like myself are happy to share their experiences and often give great recommendations.  Official websites for certain attractions often state how long a typical visit takes as well.  Just remember, as I’ve learned over the years, that things always take longer than you think they will, so plan accordingly.

Step 4:  Scout lodging options

While I often wait until I have everything else in the plan solidified before actually reserving lodging, I will often look at various lodging options during the planning process.  Unlike the USA, where every decently large town has a Holiday Inn Express or a La Quinta Inn, Europe is extremely different when it comes to lodging choices.  Different countries can provide varying options on accommodation choices and prices can vary as well.  While I also check hotel websites and search engines, I like to use VRBO by HomeAway.  Similar to AirBnB, I’ve found several great deals using this site for apartments and homes for rent across Europe.

Save money staying in between destinations.

One of the best parts of driving around Europe (versus taking trains), is that you can usually save a lot of money by staying at the “in-between” places trains cannot get to.  I’ll give you a perfect example of this.  When my family and I were planning our travels in Switzerland (which is a VERY expensive country), we planned to spend one day in Lucerne, and two days in Interlaken/Lauterbrunnen.  The map below shows you their locations and proximity to each other.

Originally we planned on spending one night in Lucerne, and two nights in Interlaken; however, when researching hotels and apartments, they were all extremely high!  One night in a decent hotel in either of these cities cost upwards of $250 – $300 a night!  When you multiple that by three nights and add taxes and fees you’re looking at over $1000!

I knew there had to be a cheaper way, and there was.  Instead of going with our original plan, I decided to look in the middle of the two cities for a place to spend all three nights.  I discovered a wonderful looking Swiss chalet available with two LARGE bedrooms, full living room, and kitchen.  It wound up costing us $417 total for the three nights averaging $139 a night (total cost).  Compare this to a small hotel room at over $300 a night and this was a great deal!

The chalet was in a lovely quiet Swiss town of Hasliberg.  The town was full of similar looking chalets, and had a breathtaking view of the Swiss Alps!  This turned out to be one of our favorite places that we stayed during our entire trip, and like I said earlier – if we had traveled by train, we couldn’t have stayed here.  Having the car helped!

The drive to Lucerne took an hour from here, and Interlaken required a 40 minute ride in the opposite direction.  However, saving the amount of money we did for the lodging made it well worth it.  Plus, we would have missed out on a very authentic Swiss stay with an absolutely amazing view!

Other Important Information

There are some other important factors to keep in mind when planning a European road trip.  Some of these may be obvious, especially if you’ve traveled international before. However, some you may not be aware, so it’s better to be informed.

International Driving Rules

While almost all European countries drive on the right side of the road like the US does, there are a few (four) that do not.  The United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus are the only European nations that drive on the left side of the road.  I’ve driven in Ireland and while the experience at first was a bit disorienting and a little ‘weird’, it was easier than I thought it would be, and I was used to it within a couple of days.   I wrote an article specifically on this subject if you would like some detailed information regarding the experience.

International road signs differ some from American road signs, so if you’re thinking of planning a European road trip and haven’t driven overseas before, I strongly advise you to get familiar with these.  Most are fairly similar in shape and color, however there are a few that can be quite baffling to an American.

Crossing borders

If you plan to cross country borders using your rental car in Europe, the most important step is to verify permission to do so with the rental car provider.  Many rental car companies in Europe restrict travel to certain countries.  Doing so will likely void your contract and you will be liable for the fees associated with that violation.  Therefore, if you plan to visit multiple countries on your trip, make sure you choose a car rental company that allows travel to these nations.

When planning a multiple country European road trip, it is much more cost effective to begin and end the trip in the same country.  Many European rental car agencies charge extremely high drop off fees ($1000+) for dropping off a rental in another country.

Are their border controls between European nations?

Most countries in Europe are part of the EU, and have borders much like we do between states (ie:  a welcome sign and that’s all).  However, there are some that maintain their sovereignty with closed borders requiring travelers to enter via a fully manned border checkpoint.  While it’s natural to expect only the non-EU nations to have these border controls, some EU nations have them as well (such as Slovenia and Croatia).  Waiting in line for some of these border stations can cost you a lot of time, so plan accordingly.  The longest we waited was about 1½ hours; however, I have heard of wait times reaching as much as four hours to cross at some locations.

What will I need to cross the border?

While the answer to this question relies heavily on what border you are crossing, you will definitely need your passport, rental documents, and proof of insurance for the vehicle.

Insurance

Vehicle insurance for one country in Europe may not be valid for the next, so it’s very important to make sure you have the proper coverage prior to entering the country.  Your rental agreement should state what countries you are allowed to travel between and which countries you are covered in.

When we traveled through some of the Balkan nations (Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro) it was required to have additional insurance not provided with the rental agreement.  This can usually be purchased right at the border, however certain smaller border stations do not offer the option to purchase it on the spot, so be aware of this as you’re planning your trip.  Below are examples of what this insurance paper looks like if purchased on the spot.

An easier way of obtaining this additional insurance is to have a “green border crossing card” in your possession.  This card can be issued from your rental company usually at an extra charge, though some companies will include it with the rental at no additional fee if it’s initially requested upon booking.  This card lists the various nations it is good for right on the card using a 1 or 2 letter country code.  The below picture shows what the card looks like and below it is a key to the country codes.  I color coded the list of countries to show which countries are covered on this card.  (Green = covered, Red = not covered, White = not listed)

Speed Limits, Tolls, and Restricted Driving Zones

Much like the United States has many states where the speed limits, traffic rules and laws vary slightly, the same goes for driving in Europe.  It is important to understand at least some basics regarding these for the countries you plan to drive in prior to your visit.

Speed Limits

Speed limits are posted in same way in all European nations, however just like the United States, some places are much stricter about obeying these limits than others.  For example, Switzerland is extremely tight on their speeding laws and have hidden traffic cameras EVERYWHERE.  They will nab you for going even 5 kph (3 mph) over the limit which can easily be done accidentally.  However, in Croatia, where the limit on the motorway reaches 130 kph (80 mph), expect most vehicles to be doing upwards of 150-160 kph (93 – 99 mph).  Some even much faster! While Germany’s autobahn is widely known for its excessively fast drivers, I’ve driven on it as well and in my opinion, it doesn’t compare to the Croatian motorway, which to me felt like I was competing in Formula 1.

Tolls / Vignettes

Much like the US, many countries in Europe require drivers to pay a fee for using the motorways.  These fees are collected in two different ways depending on which country you are traveling through in Europe.

Tolls

Tolls in European nations usually operate on a pay-per-distance system.  That means you pay an increasing fee according to the distance traveled.  Most tolls are still the traditional manned tollbooths where both cash and card are widely accepted. However, there are a few places where there are only “barrier-free” tolls.  These are the ones that capture your vehicle’s toll tag or license plate and bill you electronically.  So far, these can be found in Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and France, however other countries may be adopting them as well.

If you plan to travel in a country that has barrier-free tolls, pay attention to which routes you plan to take while planning your trip to learn the location of these tolls.   For instance, while planning our Ireland road trip, I discovered the existence of the M50 toll that is on the ring road around Dublin which features this type of toll.  It’s important to be aware of its location because this particular toll’s fee increases with every day it’s not paid.  Therefore if you were totally unaware and went under it with your rental vehicle and returned home some 10 days later – you would eventually receive a nice fee in the mail.

These barrier-free tolls are usually well marked and have large signage for drivers; however it’s always best to be aware of their locations prior to taking the trip.

Below is a list of current European countries using the toll system.

• Croatia
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Norway
• Germany
• Poland
• Serbia
• United Kingdom
• Portugal
• Greece
• Ireland
• Macedonia
• Turkey

Vignettes

Some European countries require visitors to purchase a vignette to drive in their country.  A vignette is a form of road pricing or road tax that’s used instead of tolls.  In the form of a windshield decal, these can be purchased at gas stations, rest stops, and post offices around the border of the country.  Some countries allow you to purchase a vignette online in advance.  Most are not expensive and can be purchased for various lengths of validity, usually 7-10 days.   Switzerland is the only country where a short term vignette is not available, therefore travelers must purchase the vignette for the entire year.  Below are examples of what some vignettes look like for various countries.

Vignettes are verified by state officials such as border guards and national police.  If you are caught driving without a valid vignette you may face hefty fines which are often required to be paid on the spot.

Below is a list of European nations requiring vignettes.

Next to each in parenthesis is the shortest duration vignette available for rental cars (under 3.5 tonnes).  Each is linked to the official website where additional information can be found.

• Czech Republic (10 days)
• Slovakia (10 days)
• Slovenia (7 days)
• Austria (10 days)
• Switzerland (1 year)
• Hungary (10 days)
• Bulgaria (2 days – weekend)
• Romania (7 days)

Restricted Driving Zones

Another thing to be especially aware of if you plan to drive in Europe are restricted driving zones.  These zones restrict traffic unless the driver has a special permit or permission to be in the zone.  This is especially common in Italy in places such as Rome, Florence, Pisa, and Milan and are known as “ZTL zones”.  While these zones are supposed to be marked really well with signs (see photos below), they can easily be missed while driving in Rome traffic or through the narrow streets of Florence.

Some of these zones are only active during certain hours.  Electronic systems are sometimes used to notify drivers when the zone is open or closed.  For example, Florence uses signs with green or red lights (below).

Pay attention to these signs when driving in a city with ZTL zones.  Video surveillance cameras (shown above) photograph ALL vehicles entering the zone and report the license plate numbers to the local authorities who compare it to “white list” database to verify if the vehicle has an active permit.  If you are in the zone illegally you will likely receive hefty fines.

What if my hotel is in a restricted driving zone?

This was the case when we stayed in Florence.  We had rented an apartment one block from the Duomo which was well inside the ZTL zone.  Many hotels/apartments will kindly submit your vehicle information to the authorities to have it added to the white list.  However, they are charged a fee for this so some may not be willing to.  Check with your hotel or lodging prior to arriving to see how they handle this.  If you plan to park in a public parking garage within the ZTL zone, the attendants will submit your information at no additional charge.  This will prevent you from being fined later on.

Finishing Up

Planning a European road trip might sound a bit daunting to anyone who has never traveled to Europe before.  There is a lot to keep in mind especially when traveling between different countries.  However, it’s actually extremely rewarding for the freedom it provides.  Think of being able to go wherever you want whenever you want and not be at the mercy of adhering to a train or bus schedule, or relying on finding a taxi or Uber.  There are some topics this article didn’t cover, such as pumping gas in Europe (which is a little different than the United States).  If you have any questions about something I didn’t cover, or something that would make your planning a bit less stressful, I’d be happy to help!  Feel free to send me an e-mail or drop me a line in the comments section below.

I really appreciate you reading my blog, and I hope you enjoyed this article.  If you would like to be notified of my next article, please fill out the subscribe form on the right bar of this page (scroll down for mobile devices).  Thank you so much for your support!   Happy travels!

Disclosure:  There are some affiliate links on this page.  While the prices of the items displayed on this website are no different than on each advertisers websites, we do earn a commission if you choose to purchase.  Thank you for supporting Off with the Kids and helping us share our adventures!

The post Planning a European Road Trip, a Step by Step Guide appeared first on Off With The Kids.

Still not convinced? Here are five reasons why you should consider a family road trip.

1. Everyone can get involved

Once you decide to go on a road trip, the whole family can sit down to help plan a route, choose places to stop, and come up with ideas for activities. You could even design your own map.  This can also be used as an educational tool to teach the kids about geography.  I personally loved looking at the map as a kid and it’s one of the reasons I love to travel so much today!

In planning the trip, make sure you listen to everything little ones have to say, even if some of their suggestions aren’t possible. (In some cases, giving them a list of activities to choose from might work better.)  Being so involved with the planning process means kids are going to be more invested in making the trip and success, and so they’re more likely to behave — a win-win situation for all of you.

2. It’s budget friendly

As long as your car is in good condition, a road trip will normally cost less than flying, getting the train, or catching a bus, especially if there are a lot of you. This means you could have more money for attractions, exploring, food, accommodation… the choice is yours.
The wonderful thing about road trips is that they can be tailored very specifically to suit your budget, whether you want to go down the camping/cool box route or stay in hotels along the way.

Need some advice about driving holidays? Check out Secret Traveler’s tips for staying safe on the road.

3. It gives you more freedom and flexibility

On a road trip, you won’t be at the mercy of airlines and/or travel operators, which means you can set off and stop whenever you like. This is especially useful when you’re traveling with young children, who may need more frequent toilet breaks and rest stops, and it gives you all more chances to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.

Going at your own pace also means your plans can change if you need them to. You might discover a hidden attraction you’d all really like to visit; you might decide to spend more time exploring outside if the weather is good. It’s entirely up to you.

4. You can take the scenic route

Road trips are as much about what happens along the way as they are about your destinations. With this in mind, don’t be afraid to take a longer route if there’s more to see and do. It’s an opportunity to go to places you wouldn’t normally visit, and passengers of all ages will be kept occupied if there’s something to look at outside the window!

Want to know how to drive along a scenic route? This guide has you covered.

5. It’s a simple way to spend quality time together

All you need to do is pack up the car and set off, there you have it — a break from everyday life. With everyone able to switch off from responsibilities such as work and school, you’ll be able to stay in the present moment, make memories, and share experiences you’ll be talking about for years to come.

The post 5 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Family Road Trip appeared first on Off With The Kids.

The name “Netherlands” comes from the Dutch word Nederland, which literally means “lower land”.   Some of the land is so low that over a quarter of the nation actually lies below sea level, including much of Holland!

What is the difference between Holland and the Netherlands?

Many often confuse the terms “Holland” and “the Netherlands” to mean the same thing.   Thus, often people will refer to Holland, when the entire nation of the Netherlands is meant.  To explain the difference briefly, the Netherlands is the short name for “The Kingdom of the Netherlands”.  The Netherlands are made up of 12 provinces, and 3 special municipalities (over seas).   Holland makes up only 2 of the 12 provinces – named Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland (North Holland and South Holland respectively).

Back when the kingdom was first established by Napoleon and led by his brother King Louis Bonaparte in 1806, Holland was the major economic contributor to the kingdom.  The land even bore the name “Kingdom of Holland” for 4 years from 1806-1810.   After Napoleon’s defeat, the Netherlands remained a kingdom, however united into the nation we know today with Holland being only a small part of the whole.  See the map for all constituent parts of the Netherlands.

Visiting the Windmills of Kinderdijk

Our family’s primary goal in visiting Holland was to see the iconic Dutch windmills the land is famous for.  We were hoping for a chance to see them up close, and even have a chance to go in a working one if possible.

One of the places I discovered in my research that affords such an opportunity is Kinderdijk (pronounced: kinder-dike).  This small Dutch village in South Holland features nineteen well-kept authentic 18^th century windmills, 3 pumping stations, and a network of dikes and reservoirs that earned the site UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997.

Kinderdijk is an excellent place to visit with or without children.  However if you have kids, be sure to bring them because they will definitely enjoy it!  The name Kinderdijk literally means “Children’s dike” in Dutch which originates from the Dutch folktale “The Cat in the Cradle“.  The legend states that following the great Saint Elizabeth Flood of 1421, a basket was spotted floating on the water on one of the inundated canals of the area.  The basket was found to be carrying an orphaned infant and a cat who was bouncing from side to side in an effort to keep the cradle balanced while protecting the baby inside.  This local legend became a modern fairy tale and is what gave the village of Kinderdijk its name.

Kinderdijk is situated in a polder at the confluence of the Lek and Noord rivers.  While there are several ways to reach Kinderdijk using public transportation, the process is very time consuming.  Buses and water-buses are the easiest ways if staying near Rotterdam. However, if you have a vehicle, I would recommend this over using public transportation – mainly for the location.  There is a large parking lot for a minimal charge.  Complete directions can be found here.  You can also zoom in and out of the map below to see it’s location.

Our visit to the Windmills of Kinderdijk

The UNESCO World Heritage site consists of a large rural water management system consisting of many water ways connecting the network of working windmills.  Unlike windmills that generate electrical power, the Dutch windmill’s function is to pump water out of the lowlands and back into the rivers beyond the dikes, so the land could be farmed.

Over the centuries the Dutch have developed ingenious ways to manage their unique topology. Today they are revered as the top water management experts in the world and often provide advice to many other nations.  The windmills of Kinderdijk and of Holland stand as a testament to the ingenuity of the Dutch engineers and still function today!

Visitors to Kinderdijk have the unique opportunity to explore an entire working network of windmills at your own pace.  There are plenty of walkways and bicycle paths for visitors to enjoy and an excellent visitors center where a demonstration of the history of Kinderdijk and the windmills of Holland are explained in detail.  This was extremely educational and very well done.  The kids really enjoyed it as did we!

While walking around the area was incredibly beautiful and enjoyable for the scenery and the nature the site provides, visitors are able to tour a working windmill and experience how the keeper of the windmill used to live prior to automation.  There are even some fun wooden clogs for the kids to try on!

While the tour was all self-guided, it was still very enjoyable and I was very impressed with how the inside living quarters were so accessible when most “museums” have these areas roped off.  I was even able to sit on the bed which you’d never be able to do in any historical museum I’ve ever been to!

Many of the walls within the windmill featured historic photographs of the area over the past couple of centuries.  Some even showed photos of families who lived in the windmills and kept them running.  There were even some authentic wooden clogs on the wall which gave the experience the truly authentic “Holland experience”.

There were several levels to the windmill each with different functions to the living quarters and keep of the windmill.  The kids loved climbing the stairs from level to level to explore what waited next.

The very top of the windmill was the one area that was closed off with a large metal cage since this was where the main gears that turned the vanes of the windmill were housed.  While the picture doesn’t do it much justice, I will work on adding a video here in a future update.

Once back outside we strolled around the grounds and took several pictures.  It was a beautiful October day and with the sun shining it made for excellent photos of the family and kids.

After exploring some more of the area we walked our way back to the entrance and continued on our journey.  To this day, this is one of our favorite locations we’ve visited in all 18 European countries we’ve visited!  If you enjoy exploring quiet and peaceful nature areas away from the crowded cities, and learning all about Dutch history, you will definitely enjoy Kinderdijk!

If you have any questions about Kinderdijk, or visiting the Netherlands in general, feel free to ask me and I’ll answer it just as soon as I am able. Thank you for reading my blog.  If you enjoyed this article, please leave me a comment below and/or subscribe to the blog to have new posts sent directly to your inbox.  The subscription form is located on the right sidebar (scroll down on mobile devices).  Thank you so much for your support!

Disclosure:  There are some affiliate links on this page.  While the prices of the items displayed on this website are no different than on each advertisers websites, we do earn a commission if you choose to purchase.  Thank you for supporting Off with the Kids and helping us share our adventures!

The post Visiting the Famous Windmills of Kinderdijk with Kids appeared first on Off With The Kids.

The city of Mostar was one of such cities that during 1993 was under constant siege by the Croatian Army.  The once beautiful city was torn to pieces during the siege which left it in dire conditions.  Even the famous Stari Most (old bridge) which divides the city practically down the middle was left in ruins.  The bridge, which spans the Neretva River, was the world’s largest man-made arch after its completion in 1566 and has been the center-piece of the city ever since.

Over 20 years has passed since the war, and today much of the city has rebuilt itself.  Even the Stari Most was rebuilt from the ground up using original techniques and some of the original stones.  It reopened in a grand celebration on July 23, 2004 – 10½ years after its complete collapse.

Our family loves history, and enjoy exploring unique and interesting places.  Even the kids love history!  Therefore, while we were vacationing in neighboring Croatia and Montenegro, we decided to take an excursion to visit the once war-torn city of Mostar.  Reading the history of the events that transpired there further compelled us to want to go.

The city of Mostar is divided in half – almost exactly by the Neretva River.  The eastern half of the city is generally inhabited by Muslims, and the western half is Orthodox or Christian.  The bridge serves as a connection between the two halves and is a remarkable masterpiece at that.

As we started to cross the bridge we immediately noticed how unique and beautiful the pathway was.  Smooth white stones made up the top of the bridge which consisted of rows of raised “bumps” which were unusual and quite interesting.  The material was so smooth that it was a bit slippery which reinforces the need for the raised bumps.

Every year the bridge hosts a diving competition where many men will dive off the apex of the bridge plunging about 80 ft (24.4m) into the water below.  This stunt originated over 480 years ago as a Muslim tradition, but today remains mainly a tourist attraction, but one that is still very popular.

The bridge also provides an incredible view of the city and makes for some very excellent photos of Mostar.

Walking through the Old Town of Mostar is very pleasant and enjoyable, especially if you like shopping for knickknacks and souvenirs.  Once crossing the bridge we entered the Bazar Kujundžiluk, which is a vibrant and very colorful market place with many merchants, craft shops, and traditional restaurants.

The street itself is made up of magnificent looking cobblestone which dates back to the Ottoman era during the mid 16th century.  The street served as the center of business for the whole region with more than 500 workshops.

Walking up this street awards you with wonderful views of the bridge which makes an excellent place for family photos!

It was hard to believe this beautiful city was once piles of rubble.  While most of the city has been completely restored, some remnants of the war still remain.  The picture below which I took shows the remainder of a shelled building that suffered so much damage it was beyond repair, and hasn’t been replaced as of 2017 when we visited.

While I would like to see all these building restored to their former glory, I think it’s important for the Bosnian people living in Mostar to remember the history of the war.  Not to hold grudges against their once enemies, but to remember what can happen from holding such grudges and prejudices against the many various ethnic groups of the area.

Besides just the buildings, you could see the history of the place in some of the older residents of the city.  There was one lady I won’t ever forget.  She was a fragile old woman of about 85 years or so, and was sitting on the edge of the road near the entrance to the old city.  The look on her face just made me think of what this place must have been like for her back during the war, and even prior to it as Yugoslavia always had a shaky history since it’s formation nearly 100 years ago in 1918.  I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to live in a place where the threat of war hangs over your every day life and you are never quite certain that one won’t suddenly break out.

Thank you for reading my blog.  If you enjoyed this article, please leave me a comment below and/or subscribe to the blog to have new posts sent directly to your inbox.  The subscription form is located on the right sidebar (scroll down on mobile devices).  Thank you so much for your support!

Disclosure:  There are some affiliate links on this page.  While the prices of the items displayed on this website are no different than on each advertisers websites, we do earn a commission if you choose to purchase.  Thank you for supporting Off with the Kids and helping us share our adventures!

The post 12 Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina appeared first on Off With The Kids.

Tour the insanely beautiful canals

Bruges is nicknamed “Venice of the North” because of it’s many beautiful canals that run through the heart of the city.  However unlike Venice, the canals of Bruges can be toured relatively inexpensively.  For only €8 for adults/€4 for children (ages 4 to 11) you can embark on a pleasant guided boat tour through the heart of the city.  The tour lasts 30 minutes and the scenery is absolutely phenomenal.  Our guide was very nice (and quite humorous) and spoke English as well as a few other languages.  If you only get to do one thing in Bruges, make sure you do this.  This was our favorite attraction in Bruges and one we cannot wait to do again!  Just remember not to stand up while on the boat.  It’s natural to be tempted to do so to capture a nice photo without heads in it, but in doing so I nearly lost my own!  There are many low hanging stone bridges the tour passes beneath that have just enough clearance for the boat and its seated passengers.

Stroll through Bruges’ Markt

At the center of Bruges is the Markt, Bruges’ bustling main square.  Here you will find many shops and restaurants to explore and can grab a bite while taking in the exquisite architecture surrounding the square on all sides.  One of our favorite things about Bruges was the quaint and colorful buildings with their stepped gabled roofs which you can find plenty of here.

Climb the Belfry of Bruges

On the south side of the Markt stands the Belfry which towers over the square.  The 83 meter (272 ft) bell tower is the finest in Belgium and dates to the 13^th century.  There are 366 steps to the top of the tower where you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of the city.  The tower also has a carillon of 47 bells that play music from a keyboard.  If you happen to visit Bruges during the months of June through September you can experience a free carillon concert!

If you walk through the archway below the Belfry you will enter a courtyard on the opposite side.  This courtyard was used for the filming of the 2013 Netflix series The White Queen.  It’s also important to note that in this courtyard is one of the only public bathrooms we could find.  You will need to pay to use it though as it isn’t free.

Discover the Basilica of the Holy Blood

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a church famous for the crystal vial kept inside that is said to contain the actual blood of Jesus Christ.  The story states that blood of Christ was brought back from the Holy Land by Dietrich of Alsace in 1149 on his return from the Second Crusade.  Many tourists flock here to see the vial which is displayed weekly.

The basilica itself has a lot of history to it.  Dating back to the 12^th century, the church features a Romanesque lower chapel that is virtually unchanged, and a more recent Gothic upper chapel (16^th-19^th centuries).

Take a carriage ride around the city

As mentioned above, Bruges has plenty of horse-drawn carriages roaming the city.  If you’re looking for a bit of romance, or perhaps just want to enjoy a leisurely ride with the kids, you can find these for hire in the central square (Markt).

Take in a museum

Bruges is home to many various museums.  Some of these are extremely interesting to say the least!  Lover of French Fries? – Bruges has a museum for that!  Below is a list of some of Bruges’ museums.

Groeningemuseum

The Groeningemuseum is Bruges’ finest art museum which features an amazing gallery of Flemish Primitive art work throughout the centuries past.  Famous artists such as Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, Hugo van der Goes, and Gerard David have masterpieces that can be found here.  Parent alert:  Please note that not all the artwork here is appropriate for children.

Volkskundemuseum (Museum of Folk Life)

This museum features renovated 17th century dwellings that showcase several aspects of daily life in the 19th and early 20th centuries.  Throughout the many almhouses you can see an old fashioned classroom, millinery, pharmacy, confectionery shop, grocery store, and much more!  Each of these rooms contain a wealth of antiques and decor from these time periods.  This is an excellent museum for children!

Sint-Janshospitaal (Old St. John’s Hospital)

This one is rather interesting.  This “museum” is an old hospital dating back to the 12th century.  Visitors can see the medieval wards where the nuns and monks attended to the poor and sick, as well as view a large collection of eight hundred year old medical instruments.  The hospital also contains an impressive collection of art works along with an old dormitory and pharmacy.

Torture Museum Oude Steen

Looking for something a little different?  Perhaps you’ll enjoy Bruges’ finest collection of ancient torture devices and execution equipment!  Displayed for you in one of Europe’s oldest prisons, visitors can examine some of the most cruel and unusual contraptions designed to inflict pain on the human body.  You can be repulsed and fascinated at the same time!

Frietmuseum

For the lover of quirky museums, check out Bruges’ museum dedicated to potatoes and the history of Belgian Fries.  I wish we had visited this one on our trip.  I love fries!

Eat all the waffles and chocolate you can handle

Saving the best for last, a trip to Bruges isn’t complete without gorging yourself silly.  Authentic Belgian waffles can be found throughout the city as well as some pretty awesome smelling chocolate shops.  We tried both and all we can say about it is, “Yummy!”!!

Well there you have it!  These are just some of the many various things to do in Bruges, however if you only have a day, these are some of the attractions you may want to check out.

Disclosure:  There are some affiliate links on this page.  While the prices of the items displayed on this website are no different than on each advertisers websites, we do earn a commission if you choose to purchase.  Thank you for supporting Off with the Kids and helping us share our adventures!

The post Exploring Beautiful Bruges, Belgium in One Day appeared first on Off With The Kids.

While the below steps may seem a bit overwhelming, trust me it’s really not as difficult as you may think – especially if you have ZERO experience with this.  Prior to our first rental we had none as well.  Choosing to rent an RV for our trip to Alaska was one of the best decisions we’ve made during our travels, and this remains one of our favorite family vacations to this day!

RV Basics

RV stands for “Recreational Vehicle” and is a term that is used that applies to motorhomes, travel trailers, and similar type equipment used for recreational purposes.  However when most people refer to RVs, they are referring to motorhomes.  The difference between a motorhome and a travel trailer is that one is driven and the other is pulled by a truck or other large vehicle.  In this post I will only discuss drive-able RVs (motorhomes).

Types of RVs

There are three different types of RVs.  Below is a simple and quick guide to the difference between the types.

Class A

These are the largest and most expensive class of motorhomes.  These RVs usually resemble buses. They can extend up to 40 feet long, and accommodate between five to seven passengers, and offer the largest selection of amenities. They’re like having a mini house on wheels.  They usually include a bathroom, kitchen, living room, bedroom, and much more.  (Typical rental rate:  $100-$300 per night)

Class B

These are the smallest and least expensive class of motorhomes.  These RVs are similar to large vans and are typically around fifteen feet long.  Class B RVs fit two passengers comfortably, but could sleep up to 4 people.  Their amenities are usually very limited but are good for a beginner who doesn’t want to handle anything too large.  (Typical rental rate:  $50-$75 per night)

Class C

These are the standard or middle-sized RVs.  They can vary in length but they’re quite a bit larger than the Class B RVs usually measuring about 30 feet in length.  The Class C RV fits five people comfortably, but can hold up to seven in larger models.  They offer a wide selection of amenities such as a small living space, dinette table, mini kitchen, bathroom, and beds.  Class C RVs are perfect for families.  (Typical rental rate:  $100-$200 per night)

Our family rented a Winnebago 24P Class C RV.  This was 24 feet long and slept 6 people.  It wasn’t too large or too small, and it was perfect for our needs.  Below is the floor-plan for the model we rented and a picture of our family with our rental in Alaska.

Your rental company website will have detailed photos, floor-plans, and more to help you choose which you think would be the best for your needs.

Choosing an RV Rental Company

There are many RV companies in Alaska to choose from to rent an RV.  Most of these are based in Anchorage, and is where we started our trip.  Below is a list of many of them that link to their individual websites.  While this list doesn’t constitute all the choices, it includes the most popular companies in the Anchorage area.  Be sure to read the reviews from past renters before making your final decision.

• ABC Motorhome & Car Rentals
• Alaska Adventure Car & Camper Van Rental
• Alaska Best RV Rentals
• Alaska Family Motorhomes
• Alaska Grizzly RV Rentals
• Alaska Wilderness RV
• A&M RV Center
• Clippership Motorhome Rentals
• Cruise America
• Explore Alaska
• Great Alaskan Holidays, Inc.
• RVShare

While most of the above companies are similar to each other in how they function, RVShare is a little different.  RVShare is a community driven RV rental marketplace comprised of independent dealers and private owners.  In simple terms, RVShare provides a way to for individual RV owners rent out their own personal RVs to families looking to rent an RV for a short time, and learn about RVing.  Renting with a peer-to-peer site like RVShare is beneficial for a few reasons. It cuts out the middleman and a competitive marketplace, meaning renters can get the best possible rates. Renters also have access to a diverse inventory, allowing them to choose from many different sizes and styles of RV.  Working directly with owners has additional benefits because they know every detail about their RV better than anyone and will provide an exceptional orientation and great service.  Renters can expect an RV that is well taken care of, and total transparency – all fees are disclosed right up front. RVShare is also partnered with the most experienced RV rental insurance company in the world to provide all the necessary coverage.

Who is Driving?

One important thing to keep in mind when you chose to rent an RV is who will be driving it?  While only a regular standard drivers license is required to rent and drive an RV, most companies will require the driver to be at least 21 years of age.  Some require you to be at least 25 years of age.  If you plan to have multiple drivers, each driver will have to meet these same requirements and declared at the time of rental.  Some companies may charge a fee for additional drivers so this is something you should check with your rental company.

Rental Deposits

There are two types of deposits you will likely be required to make when you rent an RV.  The first is the initial deposit when you first make the reservation.  This deposit is usually in the ballpark of $300-$500, however every company sets their own rates.  This deposit simple secures your reservation and will either be refunded to you or applied to your total rental amount.

The second type of deposit you will be responsible for is the security deposit, and is usually standard with every rental company.  This usually ranges from $500-$1000 which is 100% refundable once you return the RV free of damage.

Rental Insurance

This one is paramount and one that you should definitely consider when you decide to rent an RV.  Unlike renting a car, RVs are a different animal and may not be covered by your standard auto insurance or credit card.  If the rental company doesn’t initially mention it when securing your rental, ask if additional insurance is offered by them.  Many will offer it and will inform you about all the details prior to your rental.  If they don’t offer it, you will be required to make sure you are fully insured prior to renting the RV.  You may be covered already under your current auto insurance, but it’s very likely you will not be, and need to take out additional insurance to cover the RV.  Be sure you FULLY understand what is covered and not covered by the policy you agree upon.  This can save you many possible headaches down the road in the event of an unforeseen event.

The company we went with included free liability insurance as part of their service, but we chose to take out additional insurance to significantly lower the cost of collision and comprehensive deductibles just in case.  While we ended up not needing it, this gave us peace of mind.

RV Rental Rates

When you rent an RV, it’s easy to get overwhelmed because prices can fluctuate greatly.  The rate depends on many things, such as vehicle type (discussed above), rental length, distance traveled, season, availability, and others.  It’s a good idea to think of it like renting a hotel room.  The larger more elaborate hotel room you choose, the more you’ll likely pay.  Same goes for an RV.  You can usually score much better deals by reserving as early as possible, especially with larger companies who often run specials and promotions.  We booked ours in November of 2013 for a June 2014 rental and were able to get a great early bird discount!

Price Per Mile

Some RV companies will charge you per mile driven.  The average rate is between $0.30 and $0.50 per mile.  This can add up quickly especially if you plan to drive a long way around the state like we did.  I would suggest carefully adding up the distance for your trip in advance, or simply inquire about a rental with unlimited miles.  Some companies may charge an extra fee for unlimited miles (typically sold for about $20 per day), while some will just include the option in the rental as part of the price.  Our rental had included unlimited mileage which was very nice to not have to worry about.

Additional Expenses

Fuel

This is one obvious thing you’ll need when you rent an RV, but is often overlooked when configuring the cost of your adventure.  RV gas mileage can range from 7 to 20 MPG (miles per gallon).  Be sure to ask about the MPG rating of the RV you chose so you can calculate how much to expect to spend on gas by multiplying it by your estimated number of miles traveled.  It’s also a good idea to use an app like Gas Buddy to see what the current gas prices are where you plan to travel.  Gas prices in Alaska are usually a bit higher than prices in the lower 48 (area dependent).

Food

You will need to provide your own food while in your RV so remember to plan for this in your budget.  Anchorage has major supermarkets along with a Walmart Super-center where you can purchase food and snacks for your journey.

Supplies

Check with your rental company to find out what all is included in your rental.  Most large companies will provide a plethora of essentials such as utensils, pots, pans, plates, etc; however it’s a good idea to verify exactly what comes with the rental and what does not.  The company should be able to provide an itemized list of exactly what you are getting.  For an additional expense, there are often bonus items you can have added.  We paid additional to rent lawn chairs, a toaster, a deluxe barbecue, and firewood.

If you are traveling with small children (as we were), be sure to bring your car seat with you (as I’m unsure if RV rental companies provide them).  They can strap in easily in the RV so your kiddies can be safe as they are riding down the road – even while seated at the kitchen table!  For additional tips on traveling with a car seat, check out this excellent guide.

What to Pack

While this section doesn’t necessarily help you in renting the RV, many who are going on an adventure like this for the first time may be unsure how to pack for it.  Below is a helpful list of items you may want to bring along.  The list isn’t an all inclusive mandatory list of items, but some good suggestions to consider.

• Camera
• Binoculars
• Hiking Boots
• Waterproof Boots
• Waterproof Backpack
• “Wicking” Wool Socks
• Rain Gear (Ponchos, waterproof jackets, etc)
• Fishing Gear (pole, line, lures, etc)
• Mosquito Spray/Lotion
• Mosquito/Bug Tent with pop-up setup.
• Sun Screen
• Chapstick
• Bear Spray (this can be purchased online, or locally in Anchorage)
• Survival Gear (knife, emergency blanket, first aid kit, etc)
• Hiking GPS
• Hiking Emergency Beacon and/or Satellite Tracker and Communicator
• GPS enabled smart phone for offline maps.

See bottom of this article for some links to recommended products available for purchase through Amazon.com.

Picking Up Your RV

Once you’re ready to go, picking up your RV is rather simple.  The company will provide directions to their facilities for when you land in Anchorage.  Be sure to check the RV rental company’s operating hours.  If your flight lands after the company has closed for the evening, you will need to find out how the RV company handles this.  This was the case with us when we went on our trip.  Our RV rental company offered an excellent after-hours pickup service which allowed us to sleep in our RV the night of our arrival!

Your rental company will most likely have an orientation for you to attend which will provide basic instructions on the operation of the RV.  Our company showed us a video as well which was very beneficial for the first-time RVer.

Your orientation should include everything you need to know on how to properly operate and maintain your RV.  This includes how to fill the potable water tank, empty the waste water tanks, reset breakers, and more.

Choosing Campsites

Alaska has a plethora of choices on where to camp with an RV.  You will not have a problem finding a place to stay.  The toughest part will be selecting which one you like the best.  The rates range from $0 a night (yes, there are some free ones) to over $40 a night.  The lower priced ones often will not have any hookups (i.e. electrical, water, sewage), therefore staying at these will require use of your battery and holding tanks.  You can read about various different RV parks and campgrounds online to determine in advance what amenities come with the stay.  A great site to check out for this is Alaska.org.  We mixed up our stays during out 11 night adventure.  Some nights staying at campgrounds with no hook-ups, and other nights staying at an RV Park with full hook-ups.

Dump Stations and Potable Water Stations

While enjoying your RV rental, you will be required every so often to refill your potable water tank, as well as dump your waste water tanks.  There are meters inside the RV that let you know how full or empty they are.  It’s important to keep an eye on these during your journey to ensure you don’t run out of water along your route, or worse – fill up your waste water tank.  The links below provide a list of locations on where to find these in Alaska.

• Sanidumps
• Alaska.org – Lists areas with dump stations

The MilePost

While not mandatory, this book can be a lifesaver when exploring the highways of Alaska.  Published every year, this is the must-have guide to Alaskan roads.  Not only is it chock-full of excellent tourist information about every area of Alaska, but it gives a detailed account of what can be found at every exit along Alaskan roads.  This is VERY helpful when driving an RV around and you’re looking for a gas station, dump station, or potable water station.  It also contains information on campgrounds, RV parks, and much more.  We definitely recommend picking up a copy before your journey.  You can order it from Amazon by clicking here or on the image link to the right.

Disclosure:  Off with the Kids receives a small commission for any purchase made by clicking on the links on our website. We are truly appreciative if you choose to purchase anything through our site, and sincerely thank you for helping to support our blog!

Returning Your RV

Returning the RV is pretty simple, especially if you take care of it as you’re required and leave it as you were given it – clean and undamaged.  If you managed to damage the RV during your trip, or failed to clean it properly, you may be subject to additional fees.  Below is a list of the potential fees you may encounter and how you can avoid them.

Late Fee

Verify the day and time that the rental company expects you to return your RV.  If you return the vehicle late, then you will be charged a late fee.  These fees can be high – typically $25 per hour late!  It is also common to be charged for an additional day for bringing the RV back late.  It’s good practice to aim to return your RV several hours early, just to be safe. 

Holding Tank Fee

RVs usually come equipped with holding tanks that store the waste water from your RV.  These tanks will collect dirty sink and shower water (grey water) as well as toilet water (black water).  Almost all rental companies will require you to empty these tanks prior to returning your RV.  The fee for failing to empty the tank is typically under $100.

Cleaning Fee

This one should be a no-brainer.  If you rent an RV, you will be expected to leave it spotless like it will be given to you.  This means if you track dirt, mud, or other unpleasantries into the vehicle, be sure to clean it all prior to returning it.  Failure to do so will leave you facing a fine of roughly $100.

Damage Fee

This is the one fee we all hope to avoid, as it’s the largest.  When driving the RV, take your best care not to damage it in any way.   Even if you cause minor damage, you will likely lose your security deposit.  This can and will include scratches, so be careful when driving under overhanging tree limbs that may scratch the roof of the vehicle, as this is a common mistake.  If you cause major damage to the RV, then you will be forced to pay for anything not covered by your insurance.

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Prior to 2010, my family had never been to Charleston.  We had always heard that it was a wonderful place to visit and that it was incredibly beautiful and the people were the friendliest people you’d meet anywhere, however we just never got around to going.

Then, when a dynamic change of events happened at work (we were living in Washington State at the time), we found ourselves packing our bags and MOVING to Charleston, South Carolina!  Excited and nervous at the same time, we took a house hunting trip to explore this renowned city that we’d never visited before.  When we arrived and finally got to explore, we fell in love.  This post discusses what Charleston is all about, and why you really need to take a trip there and see it for yourself.

Historic Sites

Charleston is chock full of history, so much so that you can’t escape it.  From colonial era houses to Revolutionary War monuments to Civil War historic sites, the history is everywhere here.  Even if you aren’t a history buff or have no interest in battlefields and old war museums, I promise you will love it – and your kids will too!

One of the best things about Charleston (unlike many other U.S. cities) is that it has a historic preservation law.  This ordinance, first passed in 1931 established strict guidelines for the city which strives to protect its colonial era charm consisting of several old pastel colored buildings and quiet gardens.  Included in this ordinance is a height limitation on buildings.  This is the reason you will never see giant skyscrapers here.  In fact the skyline of Charleston is comprised of colonial church steeples!

This is personally my favorite aspect of Charleston.  There aren’t many places left today where you can walk around and almost feel like you’re in the late 1700s.  The city is a time capsule and a beautiful one at that!  Below are several historic sites you can visit with your family that I’m sure you’ll love.  Clicking on the title of each will take you to their respective websites for further information.

Fort Sumter National Monument

This famous sea fort is most famous for its role in the Civil War, where the first shots were fired.  You can take a ferry from Patriots Point where tours are given daily.

Fort Moultrie

This fort dates to the Revolutionary War and actually had embankments made from palmetto tree trucks.  This fort was especially fun to explore with the kids because of the small and narrow passages!

Charles Towne Landing

Charles Towne Landing marks the original site of the first permanent English settlement in Carolina.  There are colonial exhibits to explore, nature/hiking trails, a great Visitor Center, and even a replica of a 17^th-century sailing ship you can climb aboard.  This makes for an excellent day trip, especially with kids.

Charleston City Market

This is one of the most popular sites in Charleston.  While it has seen many renovations over the years (latest in 2011), the public market dates back to the early 19^th century when stands here rented for 25 cents per week!  Today the market is extremely vibrant, with more than 300 merchants selling all sorts of items.  This is one place to purchase authentic hand-made sweetgrass baskets, which originally were used on local plantations.

Patriots Point

For veterans and all fans of the U.S. Military, Patriots Point is a must see.  This naval and maritime museum is one of the best we’ve been to.  With real retired navy ships to explore including the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier and the USS Clamagore Submarine, this is a place I actually felt like a kid again – especially when I pulled the dive horn accidentally while touring the sub.

Beautiful Downtown Charleston

One of the things people love so much about Charleston is its beauty.  The picturesque port city has so much to offer in this area, it’s often difficult to know where to begin.  With it’s decorative facades, infamous single houses (side porch style houses Charleston is famous for), historical plantations, and more – Charleston has a charm like no other city.  Below are some examples of some of the beautiful and amazing sites to see in historic Charleston.

Rainbow Row

A series of thirteen colorful colonial aged houses, Rainbow Row is one of the top photographed sites in Charleston.  This is the longest strip of Georgian row houses in the United States.  The houses used to originally face the Cooper river, however the land has subsequently been filled in, and now can be found just off shore on East Bay Street.

Cobblestone Streets

Charleston still has 7 cobblestone streets to explore and enjoy.   While these are only regular streets and alleys open to the public, who doesn’t enjoy the old-fashioned feel to them!

These can be found on Maiden Lane, Philadelphia Alley, Chalmers Street, Gillon Street, N. Adger’s Wharf, S. Adger’s Wharf, and Longitude Lane.  All 7 of them can be walked on foot in less than 30 minutes.  Below I included a walking map you can follow to reach them all.

Carriage Rides

If you don’t feel like walking the cobblestone streets, you can take an old-fashioned carriage ride lead by mules to take you around.  My family and I did this and found it to be fantastic.  The driver will provide a history lesson along the way, pointing out several notable locations as you pass.  There are several companies that offer this service however the most notable one is Palmetto Carriage Works.

King Street

One of the top 10 most famous streets in America, King Street, is the main shopping district of Charleston.  Lined with all kinds of interesting shops and restaurants, this is where you’ll find many people – locals and tourists alike love it.

Parks, Gardens, & Plantations

Charleston and the surrounding area has numerous greenspaces to enjoy.  If you’re a lover of flowers, trees, and natural beauty – trust me you will not be disappointed.  Below is a list of just a few of these places.

Battery Park & White Point Gardens

A trip to Charleston isn’t complete without a walk through here.  Within walking distance from Rainbow Row, this 5.7 acre public park is located at the extreme tip of the peninsula that makes up downtown Charleston.  The historic park has famous million dollar mansions lining it to one side, and the Charleston harbor on the other.  The park has old cannons and cannon balls to take pictures with (great for kids), and fantastic views of the harbor.  You can even see Fort Sumter from here where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

Waterfront Park

A beautiful 8 acre park along the Cooper River in downtown Charleston, this is another great place to bring the kids and just hang out.  This is where the iconic Pineapple Fountain is located.

Marion Square

This is another very popular park in downtown Charleston.  Spanning 6.5 acres, this greenspace is often used for seasonal farmer’s markets in the city, and other special occasions.  It marks the finish-line for the annual Cooper River Bridge Run (one of the nation’s largest 10K races) and this is where much of the after-race festivities are held, including live performances from musical guests.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

If you’re a fan of flowers and all things of natural beauty then you’ll love Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.  This enormous plantation (464 acres) takes you back in time to the days of the old Carolinian rice plantations.  The historic house and beautiful gardens are located on Ashley River Road.

Middleton Place

This is another historic plantation, though not quite as big as Magnolia at only 110 acres, but still very beautiful and well kept.  The plantation’s history dates to the 1730s and the family that owned it played a prominent role in the colonial and antebellum history of South Carolina.

Boone Hall Plantation

This 1861 working plantation has massive live oaks and original slave cabins.  Great for history buffs and garden fans!  In the Fall you can find a pumpkin patch here and an awesome corn maze that has really unique and interesting designs (when viewed from the sky).

Beaches

Last but not least are beaches.  This is something that South Carolina as a whole is one of the best places to visit if you’re a fan of the seashore.  Charleston has several beaches all within reach of the city that are unique in their own way.  They are listed below from north to south along the coast.

Isle of Palms

This is an excellent choice if you’re in the Charleston area.  Located on the north side of Charleston, this beach is very large and spacious.  Both vacation homes and year-round residents make up the community here.  There is a great selection of local restaurants and resorts.

Sullivan’s Island

This beach is also located on the north side of Charleston.  It’s a quieter beach, not one frequented by tourists, which makes it very popular among locals.  In fact there aren’t any parking lots for this beach.  It’s all street parking.  Surrounded by private properties, local shops, and restaurants, if you’re looking for a great beach hidden from tourists, this is a great choice.

Folly Beach

Our personal favorite – nicknamed “the Edge of America” – Folly is located on an island by the same name just off shore of James Island.  The beach is massive and has plenty of things to do besides sunbathing (although you can do that too).  There are beautiful beach houses you can rent, wonderful restaurants, an incredibly long (over 1,000 ft) pier, a light house, and much more.  It can get crowded on the holidays, but usually you can find a nice place to relax and soak up the sun.  Our kids love it here!

Kiawah Island

A 10,000 acre barrier island with miles of beautiful beach area, marsh, and riverhead, Kiawah Island is stunning.  This is probably why it’s so expensive to live here.  The island is home to an acclaimed resort with over 4,000 residences with a world-class golf course.  HGTV’s dream home from 2013 is located here.  The only downside to Kiawah is most of the island isn’t open to non-residents. community is gated and you must be visiting someone for access.  However, there is a public beach on the west end of Kiawah called Beachwalker Park.  It’s a nice beach with great facilities and lifeguards.  Access is limited by the small parking lot which usually fills up fast during the summer weekends, so get there early!

Seabrook Island

Enjoy a slower paced life?  Seabrook could be your beach.  This beach is another private residential island community with championship golf, a deep-water marina, and horseback riding.  Seabrook Island has 2 smaller beaches known as North Beach and Pelican Beach.  North Beach is the widest beach in South Carolina.  This is a great beach to let dogs run free on.  Pelican beach is a great family beach for those will small children.  There are often no waves and the waters are fairly calm.

Edisto Island

This is another favorite of ours.  The reason is because it’s the furthest from Charleston of all the others mentioned, and as a result very quiet and relaxed.  It’s one of the few uncommercialized beaches left and great for families.  Vacation rentals are available here, and there are some local restaurants, but not too many.  We liked it here so much we considered moving here, but it would have been a long commute to work.  We are still considering this area for retirement.

The above are seriously just a fraction of all there is to see and do in Charleston.  There are numerous other historical sites, museums, and much more.  I hope you enjoyed reading this article.  If you did, please leave me a comment below and let me know.  You can also subscribe to this blog by entering your name and e-mail on the form found on the sidebar (Scroll down on mobile devices).  Thank you for reading!

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