Nature Escapes Near Bilbao: Mountains, Beaches, And Coastal Beauty

BY  Abdul Aziz Sep 25, 2021

Family vacations may sound like a fun idea, but any parent can tell you that planning is half the battle. With the wrong plan, your reward is a chorus of “Are we there yet?” and days trapped in close quarters, instead of an opportunity to unwind. Even so, it’s clear that the right vacation can be a great way to make memories with those you love. One study even suggests that these trips can be crucial “happiness anchors,” or memories that can even help kids get through tough times. Of course, that’s only the case as long as you plan well. And choosing vacation destinations for families is a crucial part of that plan. How can you ensure that you’ve picked the right place for your getaway? If you're not sure where to start, read on for the tips you need to know. Choosing Vacation Destinations For Families | Smart Tips You Need Choosing vacation destinations for families probably starts with a big, fat family discussion. We play this paper chit game with the names of a few places written on them.  Now, those chits are shuffled, and the youngest one is asked to pick one chit. The place written on the chit becomes our holiday destination for the year.  Nevertheless, choosing vacation destinations for families may not be as fun as it sounds. You need to consider a lot of things.  So, here, we have created a Tour and Travel guide to make your travel planning easy.  Nail Down Your Budget For most families, one of the most important factors when choosing vacation destinations is budget. Take some time to figure out how much you can afford to spend on the trip upfront, as this can help you decide whether the total package will fit into that figure. From there, planning your family vacation budget can feel difficult or even overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Make sure to follow some basic budget-friendly planning tips like booking early or considering off-season dates.  You can also visit some reliable discount sites to find affordable family vacation packages and other best deals.  Suppose you’re on a tight budget. You can still find great vacation spots for your family by cutting some extras. For example, you may look for fantastic travel destinations with hotels and accommodations that offer complimentary breakfast during your stay. This will allow the entire family to save some costs on one meal each day, making the whole trip budget-friendly. Consider the Season and Climate Next, it’s time to think about the big picture: what general types of destinations are you looking for? If you’re vacationing in the winter, are you hoping to make the most of seasonal snows with some kid-friendly sledding or skiing? Or would you rather escape the cold to relax with your family on a warm beach? There’s no right or wrong answer, but having a chat with your family to gauge everyone’s preferences can help point you in the right direction. Thankfully, many beautiful destinations are worth seeing at every time of the year. For example, if your family loves to travel in the winter, you must not skip St. Moritz. It’s one of the most visited tourist spots during the cold months.   Aside from the town’s snow-capped mountains and spectacular ski resort, you and your family can enjoy many winter activities when you visit St. Moritz. From ice skating and snowshoe hiking to relaxing spa treatments, there’s something for everyone. If you’re going to St. Moritz for the first time, check out some reliable travel websites to learn more about the place and what your family can do upon arrival.   Think About Holidays and Seasonality There’s another type of season to consider when you’re planning a vacation: peak season. If you have younger kids and want to avoid the stress of a crowded trip, it might be worth it to wait until low- or shoulder season to book. On the other hand, if you want to make the most of your kids’ time off of school, summer may be the only time of year to head to their favorite theme park! Don’t forget to also think about holidays and festivals in the area in question. Are you looking to celebrate a family-friendly Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Rio, or do you want to head to your favorite mountain getaway during a local fall festival? Or do you want to spend the holidays on a private island to enjoy peace and serenity with your family alone? Make sure to consider these special dates as you plan. Factor In the Length of the Trip Whether you’re traveling within the constraints of school vacation or you have total flexibility to choose the dates, it’s important to think about the length of your trip. Even if everyone’s thrilled with the idea of camping, for example, is the area worth a week-long trip? If you’re planning a weekend getaway, will it feel too overwhelming to visit a huge city with a wide range of activities? If that’s the case, consider a vacation spot that can accommodate the length of your trip. But again, there’s no right or wrong answer here, but you’ll need to consider your trip’s timeline as you whittle down you're shortlisted. That way, you can get the most out of your family vacation without compromising work and your children’s school. Think About the Distance to Your Destination Any parent can tell you that there’s nothing worse than being trapped on a long drive or flight with bored and frustrated children. As you consider your options, make sure you’re being realistic about what travel times your kids can endure, depending on their ages. The goal is to find an area that hits the sweet spot between a solid destination and one that’s accessible enough to reach without added stress. Research Your Accommodations Even if you think you’ve found the perfect destination, it’s important to factor in the accommodations where you’ll spend most of your time. If you’re looking at major cities or if you’re booking far in advance, you may find yourself with a wide range of options to look at. On the other hand, if you’re hoping to get on a last-minute trip, a little research into the available lodgings may show that you’re out of luck!]. When booking a hotel or vacation rental, it’s important to consider the rental’s size, its proximity to your chosen activities, its rules and policies, and its site security. The last thing you’ll want is a cramped space far from your destination’s main attractions. For those looking to enjoy both relaxation and outdoor adventure, choosing accommodation that complements the destination is key. If you're heading to a mountain getaway, exploring options like Whistler Vacation Rentals can provide an ideal balance of comfort and adventure. With a range of properties offering stunning views, ski-in/ski-out access, and family-friendly amenities, Whistler makes for a fantastic holiday destination in any season. In addition, if you travel to the same common family-friendly areas—such as Orlando—on a regular basis, it might be a good idea to find a property you can return to over and over again. Check out programs like the Disney Vacation Club, for example, or take a look at resale listings for a budget-friendly alternative. Research the Activities in the Area If you haven’t consulted your kids up to this point, now is a great moment to bring them in for a quick family meeting, especially if they’re old enough to get opinionated. What kinds of activities would factor into their ideal vacation? Can you find a location that offers the historical sites you want to see as well as the theme parks or beaches they’ll love? The best destinations will strike the right balance between having plenty of activities for kids as well as great options for educational fun and physical activity. Set Aside Time For Choosing Vacation Destinations For Families Here’s the bottom line: choosing vacation destinations can be a trying process, but it’s well worth the time and effort. Finding the right place to host your next getaway is a surefire way to start the trip off on the right foot, giving you and your family ample opportunities to make long-lasting memories. Don’t forget to start as far in advance as possible for the best deals and options! Looking for more of the tips you need to make the most of your travels? Whether you’re planning to tour your city or take a trip around the world, be sure to check out our other posts for additional insights. Choosing Vacation Destinations For Families | Top  Places You Can Visit This Season  Now, you know about the tips and tricks for choosing vacation destinations. This is the time to pick the best destinations among the options available.  So, let’s explore!  1. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is a melting pot of culture, history, wildlife, and natural beauty. It has more than 100 protected wildlife areas.  There, you can meet elephants, sloth bears, leopards, and other wild animals.  2. Austria A sound public transportation facility helps you to make your family trip to Austria easy and budget-friendly. The country has a beautiful landscape.  Further, Austria allows you to take part in various outdoor activities like skiing and hiking.  3. France  Paris in France is the ultimate family holiday destination if you have the budget. Taking a walk along the streets of Paris is an experience in itself. Further, you cannot miss iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame or the Louvre Museum. Moreover, you can explore the beautiful beaches and caves in France.  Read Also: 7 Must-Have Items For Your Summer Vacation

BY  Sibashree Dec 1, 2025

Everything great is happening in Valletta's tourism industry these days. 2025 has been a year of growth and recognition for Valletta, the small capital city of Malta, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  In the forest quarter of 2025 itself, Malta received more than 693,000 visitors according to the Tour and Travel World. It was an 18.9% rise from the same period in 2024. Furthermore, in the same period, the tourist spending reached €508.5 million.  This means tourism continues to offer opportunities for local and foreign entrepreneurs who come to set up companies in Malta, with the help of local specialists from BridgWest.  In addition, the World Travel $ Tourism Council has chosen Malta as the venue for the WTTC Global Summit, 2026. The 26th edition of the summit will take place in collaboration with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs & Tourism and the Government of Malta.  The prominent landmarks of Valletta, such as the Grand Harbour and St. John's Co-Cathedral, and activities such as exploring Victoria's Gate and trying some brilliant craft beer, and cultural richness, have helped Valletta enjoy such growth in numbers and global recognition.  I have been to Malta, and starting from exploring the fortified walls of Valletta to enjoying the serene charm of Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront, the free things to do in Valletta were the highlights for me. On such a shoestring budget, I was able to enjoy the essence of a city, which even enjoyed the status of the European Capital of Culture 2018.  In this Tour and Travel Blog, I will, of course, talk about the free activities and other fun and interesting things to do in Valletta.  What Are The Things To Do In Valletta? As I started exploring the city of Valletta, I noticed the signature "Pointed Cross" of the Knights protecting this ancient city from everything evil.  If this is something really spiritual, on the other hand, you will see history becoming alive with the post boxes, telephone booths, and British colonial architecture.  Nevertheless, these are the things to do in Valletta. 1. Visiting The St. John's Co-Cathedral Address: Triq San Gwann, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta Hours Open: 9 AM to 4:15 PM (Monday to Saturday) Entry Fee: Adults: €15, Seniors: €12, Students: €12, Children (Under 12): Free when accompanied by an adult, €5 Extra for a Belfray Tour, Audio Tour Included View this post on Instagram A post shared by St John's Co-Cathedral (@stjohnscocathedral) The St. John's Co-Cathedral is the most prominent example of the Baroque-style architecture of Valletta. The Knights of the St. John built this conventional church for the order in the late 16th century.  You will know about the life of St. John the Baptist from the paintings by Mattia Preti on the ceiling of this cathedral.  Furthermore, there are eight chapels, dedicated to various languages, tapestries, marble floors, and gilded carvings. However, the main focus for me was the painting called "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist." This dramatic work, one of the few artworks signed by Caravaggio, is in the Oratory. 2. Exploring Fort St. Elmo And The National War Museum Address: Mediterranean Street, Valletta, Malta Hours Open: 9 AM to 5 PM Entry Fee: Adults - €10.00, Senior Citizens (60+) and Youths (12-17 Years) - €7.50, Students - €7.50, Children (5-11 Years) - €5.00, Below 5 Years - Free Fort St. Elmo stands as a witness to the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. It has military paraphernalia and many artefacts.  However, the major appeal of the fort is intangible, and it lies in the fact of how it became a refuge for the people of Malta during the attack of the Ottoman Empire under the leadership of Suleiman the Magnificent.  The Knights, only around 500 in numbers, defeated the 6000 strong army of the Ottoman Emperor. Furthermore, the National War Museum inside the fort, spanning over seven sections, celebrates the 7000-year-old history of Malta. Some of the exhibits here date back to the Bronze Age (2,500 BC).  You can even request a guided tour of the museum.  Insider Tip: 2025 marked the 900th year of the Great Siege of Malta. A docu-drama called The Great Siege of Malta 1565 was released in 2025. This 45-minute docu-drama celebrates the bravery of the "Hospitalier Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem."  3. Visiting The Grand Master's Palace Address: St George's Square, Valletta Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM Entry Fee: €12 for Adults, €10 for Children Aged 12 to 17 Years and Seniors, Children (6-11): €8, Infants (1-5): Free The Grand Master of the Order of St. John used to rule Valletta from the Grand Master's Palace. The armory here is the main attraction, and it has the accessories and outfits of the Knights.  Furthermore, the symbol of power, with its history of 450 years, is once again in the news with its recent renovation work.  It was also the "seat of the first constitutional parliament of Malta in 1921," and now it is the "Seat of the Office of the President of Malta." 4. A Guided Tour Of Casa Rocca Piccola Address: 74 Republic Street, Valletta, Malta Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM Audio Tours: From 10 AM Guided Tours: From 10 AM to 4 PM (On An Hourly Basis) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Casa Rocca Piccola (@casaroccapiccola) Do you know that the 9th Marquis de Piro still lives in this 16th-century palace? Join the audio tours or the guided tours to see the swanky furniture and unique staircases.  However, for me, the Bomb Shelters were the main attraction. These are not dark tourism spots. These are the living history of World War II.  When 15 air raids took place in 1942, the people of Valletta saved their lives by hiding in these chambers. These shelters were part of the quarry of the 400-year-old house, and they were made from a solid rock foundation.  5. Know The WWII Stories Of Malta At Lascaris War Rooms Address: Lascaris Ditch, Valletta VLT 2000, Malta Hours: 10 AM to 4:30 PM Entry Fee - Adults: €20, Seniors: €19, 5-15 Years Old: €7, Family: €35, Children below 5 Years: Free I love history, and even if you don't, you cannot avoid knowing about WW1 and WW2. These two wars changed the course of human civilization.  At Lascaris War Rooms, you don't just see the exhibits. You live through the moments of war as you explore the tunnels and labyrinths used as protection from the Italian and German attacks during World War 2.  It's like getting transported to the 1940s within a minute.  Insider Tip: I found the War Rooms more fascinating than the National War Museum at Fort St Elmo. Did you know that these War Rooms were used as the headquarters for the Invasion of Sicily or Operation Husky? 6. Visiting The National Museum Of Archaeology Address: Auberge de Provençe, Republic Street, Valletta, Malta Hours: 8 AM to 7 PM (Admission Closes at 6:30 PM) Entry Fee: €5 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Heritage Malta (@heritagemalta) I was at a loss for words at the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta. It has everything you need to know about the prehistoric days of Malta.  Once I entered, the first room had exhibits showing how the earliest people settled here, even before the temple establishment period. It had "Red Skorba ornaments" and some "tools" they used in their everyday lives.  I also got to see exhibits from the Ghar Dalam phase (5200 BC), Tarxien phase (2500 BC), and Bronze Age.  Then, I reached the main hall of the museum. It had the Sleeping Lady and other astonishing sculptures and temple carvings.  Among the collectibles from the Temple Period, the Obsidian Core was the most impressive. It was a headless sculpture, in a seated posture.  Housed inside a Baroque building, this museum is now the main attraction of Auberge de Provençe, which was earlier the home of the Knights of the St. John. Insider Tip: If you are traveling from any other town in Malta, take a bus to the Valetta Bus Terminal. From there, it is a short distance on foot.  7. Visiting The Upper Barrakka Gardens Address: 292 Triq Sant'Orsla, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM Entry Fee: Free Home to the Siege Bell War Memorial, the Upper Barrakka Gardens offer amazing views of the harbor and the three neighboring cities.  This 16th-century garden was built in the 16th century, and the Knights of the Saint John once used it as a private garden.  Once you are done strolling the Castille Square, you will find the Upper Barrakka Gardens nearby.  Insider Tip: It's great to relax at the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens and have a sip of your favorite drink. However, at 12 PM and 4 PM, the officials of the Malta Heritage Society get dressed in military uniforms and fire the cannons at the Upper Barakka Gardens.  Now, I had a cup of hot coffee in my hand, and I was not ready for it. So, it fell out of my hand, and it was a mess.  Nevertheless, this tradition has been continued for more than 100 years, and once you attend it, you will know why it is worth it.  Also, you must use the Barakka Lift to travel between the upper and lower Barakka Gardens quickly.  8. Plan A Visit To The Lower Barrakka Gardens Address: Lvant, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM Entry Fee: Free I know people do not talk much about the Lower Barrakka Gardens. However, that's a blessing in disguise. It is way less crowded than the Upper Barrakka Garden.  Now, despite having the name as "Gardens," it is actually a small-scale garden with a few minutes taken to complete the stroll.  However, there is a fort and a waterfront with Greek-style arches overlooking them. You can relax here, have your moments, and make the most of the photo ops. 9. Enjoying The Waterfront The Baroque houses, surrounding the waterfront of Valletta, were earlier used for storing the essentials of the Grand Master. Now, they are bars and restaurants.  I found the promenade the perfect place to relax and cherish a drink with my eyes set on the ships cruising. The place is more magical after sundown, but there is a trick! You have to find a cafe or restaurant that is not crowded by tourists. Find yourself a quiet corner. 10. Watching A Performance At The Manoel Theatre Address: Old Theatre Street, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta Capacity: 623 Opened In: 1732 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Teatru Manoel (@teatru.manoel) At Manoel Theatre, as a performer of elocution and audio theater for the longest time, I had goosebumps. I was standing at the oldest working theater in Europe.  The wrap-around gallery was the highlight of the building, and I attended an opera performance by none other than Joseph Calleja.  Also, if you want to explore the grand architecture of Manoel Theatre, you can do so every Tuesday. During the summer months, the tours are conducted between 10:30 AM and 12 PM, and during the winter months, these tours continue from 11 AM to 3 PM. Tickets are available at 20.00 €.  11. Trying Local Food  Many people call Maltese ftira a "type of pizza." However, very few people know that it is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, with a history dating back to the 16th century, when it was first prepared in the ovens of the Knights of St. John.  Furthermore, it is a chosen food because of its versatile fillings and its role as an identity of Valletta and, by extension, of Malta. I also loved the coffee here. It was my best companion while taking a stroll across the roads. Furthermore, if you are in Valletta, don't miss the Lampuki Pie or the signature fish pie.  How To Reach And Move Around Valletta? Valletta is well-connected to the world through the Malta International Airport. It is around 9 km away from Valletta, and the short drive took me close to 20 minutes. I took the bus to the City Centre.  You can also book a shuttle in advance or take a taxi.  The city has a well-connected bus route, and it is a small city that you can cover on foot. However, the transport options are island-specific. You can take a Talinja Card or Flex Card for exploring Valletta and Malta.  Also, you can take a ferry service to the Grand Harbour of Valletta to and from Gozo and the Three Cities. You will even get a ferry service from Sliema to St. Paul's in Valletta. Insider Tip:  I picked the "Gozo Standard Add-On" card for my day trip. I didn't have the time for so many trips. But you can use this add-on to enjoy unlimited tours to Gozo Island.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Valletta? March to May and September to early November are the best seasons to visit Valletta. Valletta has so many historic landmarks and outdoor spaces. The temperature in the early 20s in these months offers you the ideal chance to explore Valletta.  Also, the crowd is quite manageable in these months.  Valletta, At A Glance: Why Does Valletta Offer Such A Rich Experience? The best thing about Valletta is how compact it is! By compact, I mean it has a big heart, accommodating the best museums, well-preserved Baroque architecture, the Grand Harbour, stone walls, and stories.  From the stories of a 16th-century ghost to being the backdrop of many spy thrillers, such as "The Secrets of Malta" by Cecily Blench, and historical novels such as "The Hidden Palace" by Dinah Jefferies, have added stories to each key attraction of the city.  Also, the stories of the city's sustenance during World War II and the Great Siege by the Ottoman Turks in 1565 tell us about human resilience.  Location-wise, this Fortress City, with a soft honey hue, stands on the ocean. It is also the dream of a photographer with the Baroque architecture reaching the sky.  Despite being only 1 kilometer long and 600 meters wide, the city of Valletta is very compact, housing many museums, cobblestones, and architecture, and it became the "European Cultural Capital in 2018.  Valletta is very close to the famous Three Cities. These cities are Cospicua, Senglea, and Vittoriosa. The Grand Harbour separates these cities from Valletta.  Valletta was built by the Knights of St. John in 1565 after the Great Siege of Malta. It was one of the best fortified cities in Europe and was built in a very short span. The city got its name from Jean Parisot de La Valette, who was the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John. Where To Stay In Valletta? When in Valletta, you must choose a hotel with an amazing rooftop view. The Embassy Valletta Hotel and Palazzo Ignazio are some of the best options to stay in.  The best areas for finding a hotel are the Valletta City Centre, Floriana, The Three Cities, etc.  The hotel charges will be around 300-500 Euros.  Is Valletta Really Worth It? An Honest Confession About The City  Yes, Valletta is a European Capital City with so many historic, religious, and cultural elements. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also has many stories, like the Great Siege of Malta or the attacks of World WW2.  However, the remnants of the British Colonial Rule, like the telephone booths and post boxes, were sore to my eyes and they are a mismatch with the beautiful Baroque architecture and century-old buildings.  Also, it is hard to find a quiet place in Valletta. So, that can be a problem for a solo traveler. Still, the great food and historic thrill of the city make it really worth it! Even if you are in the city for one day, you can enjoy a stroll around the City Square and at least explore the St. John's Co-Cathedral to enjoy a slice of Maltese life. Read Also: A Kotor Montenegro Travel Itinerary For 3 Days: How To Travel Kotor Montenegro On A Budget? “Winter Is Coming!” Where Is Hot In October? Explore Places To Visit In Europe Best Summer Destinations In Europe Beach: Couples Get Ready!

BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 13, 2023

No frequent traveler will argue that the airport parking cost is the biggest problem they face while planning a trip. The parking price, along with the airfares and other associated expenses, can add up considerably with cheap parking. Depending on the airport and the duration of the journey, travelers can end up paying hundreds of dollars just to park their car. This can be especially difficult for those who are on a budget or have to travel frequently. Actually, any US airport won't be an exception. Traveling from Chicago, Illinois, people are hungry for the answer to the following question: is it possible to find cheap parking near O'Hare Airport? Let's deal with it and take a closer look at the solution we've found for you. How Much Does It Cost To Leave Your Vehicle At The Chicago O'Hare International Airport? First of all, we'd like to confirm the fact – ​​cheap parking at O'Hare Airport is really expensive. Here's the table with prices the airport offers travelers: Parking Type Daily Rate O'Hare Parking Garage Fees (For daily) 42$ Fees O'Hare Daily Parking (Lot B & C) 42$ 5 O'Hare Terminal Parking Fees 77$ Economy Parking O'Hare Ticket Fees  Of Economy Lot F 22$ Economy Parking O'Hare Fees Economy Lot G & F 15$ *The rates are valid at the moment of publishing You can see that even the budget option will cost you at least $15.00. In other cases, you would be charged daily fees ranging from $42.00 to $77.00, depending on the lot you choose. Also, there is one more difficulty – since on-site airport parking has limited availability, it'll be complicated to find a free spot among a bunch of cars. So how can we solve such a problem? Here's your best solution – O'Hare off-site parking provided by ParkingNearAirports.io! We decided to do our own research and find the best solution for every traveler. And we're happy to say that we've done it – ParkingNearAirports.io is a smart booking platform that provides you with an off-site parking facility that is only a few miles away from the airport you're departing from. What Are The Best Alternative Ways To Save Money By Using Cheap Parking Near O'Hare Airport? The service offers several options for O'Hare long-term cheap parking, as well as multiple amenities, which will make your departure absolutely convenient, including high-quality service, convenient locations, a free speedy shuttle to and from airport terminals, valet service, and free luggage assistance. Use Online Parking Reservation Platforms Online platforms like SpotHero, ParkWhiz, and AirportParkingReservations.com allow you to compare prices and reserve cheap parking spots in advance at a discounted rate. Consider Off-Airport Parking Parking lots located outside the airport may offer cheaper rates than on-site airport parking. Look for options that offer shuttle services to the airport terminals. Look For Discount Codes And Coupons Check the parking lot's website or search cheap parking options online for discount codes and coupons that can help you save money on parking fees. Choose Economy Parking O'Hare airport offers an economy cheap parking lot option that is cheaper than other on-site parking options. The economy lot is located farther from the airport terminals, but a shuttle service is provided to transport passengers to and from the lot. Take Advantage Of Hotel Parking Packages Some hotels near O'Hare airport offer parking packages that include a night's stay and parking for a certain number of days. This can be a cost-effective option if you need to park for several days. Consider Car-Sharing Or Ride-Hailing Services If you live close to the airport, using car-sharing or ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft can be a cost-effective alternative to parking your car at the airport. Conclusion Be clever and only spend part of your fortune on cheap airport parking! Better take a closer look at PNA's cheap parking rates by following this link and make sure that parking might cost you up to 70% less. So use the discount airport parking services from ParkingNearAirports.io and afford your following journey to go smoothly! Read Also: 25 Amazing Things to do in Ladakh