How to Plan Your Trip to New Orleans: The Best Time to Go for Your Budget and Interests

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 7, 2023

If you're looking for a perfect family-friendly beach getaway, Bournemouth should definitely be on your list. You can explore the coastline and visit the famous Boscombe Pier by joining a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. For nature lovers, a trip to Hengistbury Head nature reserve can be a great experience. If you love being on the water, you can take a cruise around Poole Harbor and its islands, which can be a memorable afternoon excursion. And last but not least, enjoying fish and chips on the beach is a must-try experience. This destination is ideal for families with kids who enjoy spending time around boats. There are two Blue Flag beaches in the area, Durley Chine and Alum Chine, which are perfect for children. They have soft white sand, beach huts, and playgrounds, making it an exciting place for them to explore. In this article, we will explain some of the most exciting things to do in Bournemouth. Bournemouth: An Overview Although there is something magical about escaping to the British coast in autumn. Of course, the obvious time to visit is summer. But the peak months offer a more relaxed pace away from the busy crowds. It has unobstructed sea views, refreshing freshness in the air, and plenty of activities and events to enjoy. If you're looking for something away from the coastline, why not check out the Bournemouth Arts Festival? It runs from October 14th to 21st and features a variety of performances in dance, music, film, theater, literature, and visual arts. One of the highlights is Hydromania, a show that promises to be both surprising and delightful. With over 50 events taking place throughout the city's unique locations, the 'Indian Summer' offers an exciting artistic experience. For those seeking more active activities, Boscombe Pier is a great spot for mini-golf. And for the thrill-seekers, zip-lining from Bournemouth Pier to the beach is a must-try adventure. During New Year's Eve, the coastal and woodland walks in Dorset are perfect for relaxation. You can enjoy strolls along the beautiful beaches or wander through the 3km of Grade II listed Victorian gardens in the city center, which turn into a kaleidoscope of autumn colors. There's even a guided Tree Trail sheet to help you learn more about each species as you explore the gardens. This seaside escape is affordable, starting at just £450 for 4 midweek nights on the beach. Top Things To Do In Bournemouth Whether you're traveling with young children or older kids, seaside destinations in the UK offer something for everyone. Bournemouth is rich in local culture, history, adventure, and breathtaking sea views. Check out our top picks for a fun-filled beachy getaway. 1. Bournemouth Beach Experience the epitome of nautical bliss at Bournemouth Beach, where golden sand stretches for miles, inviting you to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy a refreshing dip in the glistening waters of the English Channel. “Beautiful beach easily accessible, fantastically clean, good facilities. Great beach. Plenty of things to do amusements, oceanarium, Bournemouth wheel. Plenty of places to eat can recommend Aruba bar serves food all day, reasonably priced.” - Deb 2. Stroll Through Bournemouth Gardens Immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of Bournemouth Gardens as you stroll along winding paths surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant flower beds, and tranquil ponds, offering a peaceful escape from the busy city. “A lovely area of grass and shade that separates the Bournemouth beach from the shops. It goes along the back of the Pavillion and BH2 is just off it. Some nice live music was playing one evening. A relaxing place to people watch.” - ADPW62 3. Oceanarium Immerse yourself in a world of aquatic wonders at the Oceanarium, where you can admire fascinating marine life, meet fascinating creatures from around the world, and learn about the importance of protecting the oceans. “We had such a fantastic day at Oceanarium! There are so many different things to see and the areas are set up really well. Lunch was also really good in the cafe and a fair price. We would definitely return to Oceanarium in a few months.” - Georgie James 4. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery And Museum Step into the treasure trove of art and history at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. Admire stunning artwork, explore fascinating exhibits, and dive into the lives of the Victorian collectors who once called this enchanting mansion home. “Really interesting and cultural place to visit whilst in Bournemouth. The volunteer guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Good value at £7.50 entrance, you would need an hour or two to see all the rooms and gardens. Perhaps not that interesting for young children. There is a nice cafe inside for coffee after your visit.” - gurux101 5. RockReef Pier Zip Line Feel the adrenaline rush as you float over the waves from RockReef's exciting pier. Enjoy panoramic views of the coast and enjoy the thrill of this unique and unforgettable experience. “Highly recommend this as part of a family day out, we participated in climbing with our kids (7 & 9). Had much longer than our session because they were not fully booked. Young staff team were really good.” -- Experience154700 6. BIC (Bournemouth International Centre) Enjoy entertainment at the Bournemouth International Center (BIC), a premier venue for a variety of events, including concerts, conferences, and exhibitions, ensuring there is always something exciting going on. “We went to see The War of the Worlds. Oh what a show, it was fantastic. The BIC is a brilliant place to watch a show. We were lucky to have good seats near the front, but if you were to sit anywhere in the theatre you would have a good view of the stage.” - Geraldineoz 7. Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf Go on a pirate-themed adventure at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf. Go through challenging paths full of obstacles, caves, and waterways and create a fun experience for all ages. “A brilliant way to spend some time. Beautiful views of the sea whilst you play crazy golf. We, two adults, enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and it was lovely to see families also having a huge amount of fun.” - Emily S 8. City Sightseeing Bournemouth Hop On Hop Off Tour Discover the city's highlights on a Bournemouth City Sightseeing Tower Tour. Explore at your own pace, hopping on and off the iconic red buses to visit attractions, landmarks, and scenic viewpoints. “Booked bus tour and boat cruise, was looked after by staff on both the bus and boat. Not the best weather but really enjoyed. Good local knowledge via commentary.” - SimonMLincoln 9. VR Center Immerse yourself in the exciting world of virtual reality at Center VR. From epic gaming experiences to mind-blowing simulations, this state-of-the-art attraction offers tech lovers a unique and immersive adventure. “Firstly we were very impressed with the service we received from the staff throughout. From booking the experience over the phone, to arrival and starting the game, even chatting to staff after the game they were friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and generally a pleasure to deal with.” - Paul T 10. Mr. Mulligans Unleash your competitive spirit with Mr. At Mulligans, a fantastic venue offering indoor adventure golf, interactive games, and a lively atmosphere. Perfect for a fun day out with friends or family. “Booking was easy and, I think, reasonably priced. Staff very friendly and it was very clean. We were lucky it was very quiet when we went so we didn't feel rushed or crowded. Fun and imaginative courses.” - Mandy W Wrapping Up Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Bournemouth, an enchanting seaside town on the edge of Dorset. Its amazing beaches, thriving nightlife, and endless charm make it worth a visit. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask on things to do in Bournemouth, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: These Are The 30+ Things To Do In Mexico City That You Must Try! Some Of The Best Things To Do In Navarre Beach, Florida You Won’t Believe The Best Things To Do When In Fiji!

BY  Abdul Aziz May 17, 2021

Aside from the hassle of flying, jet lags, and carrying luggage around the airport and to your accommodation is a challenge– add up the worries about how you can look fashionable. When we say travel light, it does not mean you have to sacrifice your style and comfort during your trip. However, we want to encourage you to rethink and organize your luggage for traveling light. It is not impossible to travel light and maintain the fashion or style along with the essentials you want during your travel. Packing is an all-time complicated issue. But now it is becoming much more simple and easy to organize your necessary items. Whether you are looking for ways to travel with a hand-carry bag, or you simply want to cut down your budget trip, then check out these five secrets on how to travel light. 5 Secrets Tips On How to Travel Light – Travel Hacks: If you do not have the knowledge of how to pack. You have to focus on ultra-light travel trailers to travel Light. But if you have the knowledge of tricks and tips for luggage packaging, all your hard work becomes short and simple. Here are the five tips for traveling light. Secret 1: Use Smaller Luggage or a Suitcase Traveling light starts with the luggage you will bring. If you use a bigger suitcase, you have more space to fill, but there will not be enough space for unnecessary things if you choose smaller luggage. Consider lightweight suitcases for your travels. Manufacturers claim that luggage under 10 pounds is lightweight, while those around 7 pounds are claimed to be ultralight. If you choose a smaller suitcase, ensure that it has enough compartments and pockets that will help you organize your personal things. Ensure the weight of your bag before traveling. You can purchase a travel scale for accuracy. Do not rely on the weighing scale at the airport. It will be too late if you have packed too much. Secret 2: Stick to the Packing List One of the common mistakes why travelers pack too much– especially those who are first-timers, is because they did not use a packing list. A packing list will help you pack only the necessary things for the travel. Try packing all the things you like without the guide of the packing list. When you are done, get the list and take out those unnecessary ones that are not on the list. You realized you still have a lot of space, right? That’s why only take those you need for the trip. Do not bring too many clothes that you won’t wear. Not sure which are items are essential? Check some packing lists on the web. You might find a packing list that suits your travel destination! Secret 3: Pack Lightweight Clothes Remind yourself that you are not only packing clothes for your travel. You also have to pack some toiletries, electronics, and shoes. Thus, you need to pack lightweight clothes. Choose to pack clothes that are made from lighter fabrics. Wool or heavyweight fleece jackets are bulky and heavy.  Although these garments can keep you warm, some fabrics are lightweight but can still offer warmth. When it comes to shoes, bring a comfortable pair, flexible in style and not bulky, you can also pack one pair of shoe inserts if needed. But do not bring more than two pairs of shoes, be realistic enough. Bring another pair if you have a special occasion to attend during your travel. If you have a formal event to attend during your travel, bring one classy yet flexible outfit. Flexible outfits are those you can still wear for another evening but pair with a different outfit. Do not bring a bulky dress or full suit and jacket outfit. It will take up a lot of space in your luggage. Although we mentioned toiletries, you can pack none, depending on your accommodation. If you booked a hotel, it is expected that they will offer free toiletries. However, if you book at Airbnb or other rental places, ask the host first whether they have toiletries available. If not, bring the lightest options. Secret 4: Wear the Largest Wearable Item If you plan to bring large items like shoes, hoodies, or sweatpants– wear them. Exercise clothes have become fashionable recently, and if you are going on a long-haul journey, it is best to wear these large yet comfortable items. Most large items are shoes. Minimize packing more than two pairs of shoes on any trip. Women can go with comfortable sneakers, which are comfortable to walk around, and heels or sandals for formal wears. The same with men, it is best to pack sneakers and loafers only. Secret 5: Do Not Pack a Week’s Worth. Laundry Clothes You might be traveling for a business trip, or you want to spend more than a week at your travel destination, but even so, it is not reasonable to pack more than a week’s worth. If you will, you would pay a hefty amount for additional baggage. Here are a few things to remember when packing clothes: Use a dryer sheet to keep your clothes fresh in the luggage. Pack only outfits that you can mix and match. Limit yourself to two pairs of pants and shoes. Pack clothes that will go well in multiple outfits. Pack travel-sized laundry detergents to use when doing laundry at your travel destination. Speaking of doing laundry at your travel destination, you can do it in three methods– use laundry detergent from The Laundress or somewhere similar and hand wash your laundry in your bathroom sink, make use of the hotel laundry service, or go to the nearest laundry shop. If you do not have the time to hand wash your laundry or the budget to acquire the hotel laundry service, heading out to the laundry shop is the best option. Laundry services in laundromats are affordable. You can leave your dirty laundry and go back for it after your tour. It is best to search for a reliable laundry service and dry cleaning expert around the neighborhood of your travel destination, rather than plan it on the spot. You do not want to ruin your favorite clothes during travel, right? Wrapping It Up: If you are on business, it is expected that you will bring electronics with you. Ensure that you don’t forget its chargers. You can securely place them in the small compartments of the luggage. Traveling light is easy if you follow these secret tips. You may have limited the things to bring, but you haven’t compromised the fun and fashion you need on your trip. How you are going to pack your clothes, do not forget to share your funny packing experiences with us. Read Also: The Best Tips To Travel Around The World How To Prepare Yourself For The Perfect Vacation: Top 7 Tips Top 5 Ways To Spend Your Time During A Long Flight By A Wanderlust At Heart

BY  Sibashree Jan 17, 2025

The next location we planned to cover during a USA tour was New Orleans. This time, we discovered how a city with a rich culture cares so much about children.  Along with its heritage, architecture, and a culture that feels like a warm embrace, the kid-friendly activities also make this Louisiana city a popular tourist destination.  However, this time as I pen the things to do in New Orleans with kids, my heart feels heavy. A deadly terror attack on Bourbon Street and the police shoot-out following that have taken the lives of at least 14 people on 2nd January 2025.  Still, the city is on the mend, and everyone is hoping high for the stability of the tourism economy of the city. It’s difficult, considering the city has yet to recover in tourism and finances since the COVID-19 days fully.  Apologies for the grim start! However, as travelers, you cannot disassociate so easily, especially when you have just visited a place. Nevertheless, it’s time for some cheer, and shifting focus to the best things to do in New Orleans with kids can greatly help. So, let’s discuss it.  Fun Things To Do With Kids In New Orleans | Enjoying The Graceful Embrace December to January and February to May are the best times to try fun things to do with kids in New Orleans. And guess what! There are a lot of free activities awaiting your little ones here. I have discussed them in a different Tour and Travel guide.  Nevertheless, here, let’s focus on the unique things to do with kids in New Orleans.  1. Audubon Zoo Visit https://www.instagram.com/p/C4qRCaVrNPe/?img_index=1 Location: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 861-2537 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday and Wednesday Closed) Audubon Zoo Admission: $35 for Adults and $25 for Children Audubon Zoo is one of the topmost family attractions in New Orleans. It is a wonderland of Audubon animals and birds. The place is filled with mammals, reptiles, and birds. From the majestic African Lions and Asians Elephants to the Aldabra Tortoise, you will find everything here.  However, for me, the most delightful creatures in the zoo are the Caribbean Flamingos. They are as colorful as their country of origin.  I also loved the Malayan Sun Bears. They are adorable with the cutest expressions. You will even find Malayan tigers here.  Furthermore, we thoroughly enjoyed The Dinosaurs at the Audubon Zoo section. I was not willing to visit the section at first. Yes, I know! I am in my thirties, and I still have my phobia!  Nonetheless, my kids insisted, and I had to take them to the section with 50 life-like dinosaurs growling and making moves. However, this special exhibit program has now ended.  Moreover, if you are in New Orleans for a long span or have plans of staying here, you can allow your kid to be a camper at the Audubon. They can become young experts in animals and they will love to spend some time with their favorite creatures. 2. A Day at Jackson Square | Best Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids Jackson Square gets its name from Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the USA and a New Orleans battle hero. So, a visit to Jackson Square at the heart of the French Quarter is like taking a walk down memory lane.  Here, you will also find Pontalba Apartments and many other oldest buildings in the city. Rented places are easily available in these buildings.  As you appreciate the old-yet-young vibe of the space or recall the history of New Orleans, let your little one enjoy the jazz music, live performances, and entertainment events here.  Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you can be a part of the art festivals here.  A stone’s throw away from Jackson Square is the St. Louis Cathedral. It is the oldest cathedral church in North America, and its steeples watch over the French Quarter.  3. A Ghost Tour | Exciting Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids Well, if your little one loves Halloween and everything spooky, you can definitely take them on a family-friendly ghost tour. These tours are especially popular among adventurous children in their pre-teens.  Tour Organizers like Viator, offer Spooky Family-Friendly Ghost Tour in New Orleans in the French Quarters.  Now, these ghost tours are very much ingrained in the spirit of New Orleans. The LaLaurie Mansion or the New Orleans French Quarter was infamous for the mistreatment of slaves. Supernatural activities and the stories around them started flowing after a neighbor saw a troubling incident. The neighbor saw a lady chasing a slave girl, who jumped from the roof of the mansion as an escape.  Despite the presence of modern boutiques, quaint restaurants and a reimagined and bustling French Market, the spooky vibe simply refuses to go away!  4. Spending Time By The Mississippi River There is something special about New Orleans. And as they say, the Mississippi River is the manifestation of the heart of New Orleans. It’s welcoming and embracing, and its culture and heritage surpass the geographical boundaries.  Further, like the Mississippi River which destroys, restores and builds the banks, New Orleans believes in making a forward move even in the toughest conditions. The recent terror attacks and the means of recuperation are burning examples.  So, if you want your little one to know about the true spirit of New Orleans, allow them to sit and relax by the Mississippi River for a while.  They will love sitting on the steps and watching the boats passing in the water. It is very close to the French Quarter, but a complete contrast in its spirit.  Moreover, your little ones will be elated to have beignets here. You will find the best beignets at Café Du Monde Riverwalk (Contact Number: +1 504-218-7993) here. The coffee there was good and just the way I like it.  5. A Visit To The Louis Armstrong Park  Location: 835 N. Rampart St, New Orleans Hours Open: 8 AM to 6 PM Entry Fee: Entry is Free for a Walk in the Park A visit to Louis Armstrong Park is not ideal for very young children. However, kids in their teens or growing up years with an interest in Jazz music will love this place. It is very close to the French Quarter, and inside the park, you will find Congo Square.  Congo Square is the place where slaves used to unite during the 1800s. Furthermore, your kids will love looking at the ducks in the pond of Louis Armstrong Park.  Moreover, the Mahalia Jackson Theater inside Louis Armstrong Park is a popular place to visit for artists and music lovers. It gets its name from Mahalia Jackson, a gospel singer of New Orleans.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.