Things To Do In Utah For Once In A Lifetime Experience: The Ultimate Bucket List For You

BY  Sibashree Nov 29, 2024

When it comes to family vacations in the USA, San Francisco will, of course, be among the toppers. The museums, cultural hotspots, and a lot of green space make it ideal for tourists of all ages.  So, naturally, the San Francisco Travel Association is expecting a decent growth in the number of visitors and tourism revenue in 2024. The association expects a footfall of 23.22 million in 2024, which will record a revenue of $9.24 billion. Further, San Francisco is a cool place if you want to go on a family vacation or spend holidays with your little ones. San Francisco is also great as a weekend getaway from other parts of the country.  However, chalking out the perfect travel plan for kids is always difficult. So, I thought of sharing a 48-hour itinerary of things to do in San Francisco with kids.  Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids In 48 Hours  You need a proper plan in place to maximize your 48 hours in San Francisco with kids. Here are the places you can cover during your two days of stay in the city. Day 1: Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids  Take an early flight to San Francisco irrespective of the corner you are traveling from. Union Square has many hotels, and you can take a cab from the airport to reach the place you will be staying.  However, don’t waste much of your time checking in or the formalities. Ideally, you should check in, grab a quick bite, keep your luggage in the hotel room, and get yourselves and the backpack ready for the city exploration. There are a lot of things to see, and these are the things to do in San Francisco on day 1 of your visit.  1. Visit The Union Square Union Square in San Francisco bears a rich history associated with the American Civil War. It is the place where pro-Union rallies used to grace the roads.  The bright lights and big shops have a vibe similar to Times Square in New York. However, it is much more low-key with less crowd. So it is manageable for kids.  Here, you can explore shops like Bloomingdale, Macy’s, and Sak’s Fifth Avenue. Moreover, Union Square gives you easy access to the cable lines of San Francisco.  The Union Square Gets Ready For ChristmasMacy’s 35th Annual Christmas tree lighting at Union Square has announced the arrival of Christmas in San Francisco. The  85-foot-tall artificial Christmas tree has been a big draw to Macy’s signature store and Union Square. “It attracts people to come to San Francisco. The mayor was here and this starts the holiday season, the shopping, it brings families here. It’s a good time where everyone can feel, ‘Hey, Christmas is coming!”Lt. Mariano Elias, Public Information Officer, San Francisco Fire Department 2. Enjoy Cable Car Rides Trying cable car rides is one of the best things to do in San Francisco with kids. Along with the fun, the cable car ride is also a great way to avoid expensive car rentals while exploring the city.  The cable cars move up and down steep hills. So, the ride is thrilling, and the route covers many major attractions in San Francisco.  You can choose from three lines to enjoy a cable car ride in San Francisco. Cable LinePickup FromCalifornia LineMarket Streets or CaliforniaPowell MasonPowell Street Cable Car turnaround off, Market Street, Union SquarePowell HydePowell Street Cable Car turnaround All these lines also cover major attractions in the city like Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Nob Hill, Chinatown, etc.  3. Visit Boudin Museum Your little one and you will need some quick bites after the cable car ride. Boudin Museum and Bakery will be your go-to place.  The sandwiches and soups here are excellent. However, exploring the bakery and the small museum is more fun here. You will watch expert chefs making bread and the crafting of sourdough in the shape of bears and other animals.  5. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf  You can conclude your day 1 in San Francisco with a visit to the Fisherman’s Wharf. It is a fun neighborhood with street performers and activities for your kids.  Some hotspots for children at Fisherman’s Wharf are: Umbrella Alley  Musée Mécanique Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Sea Lion “Sealebrities” PIER 39 Fisherman’s Wharf also has the Madame Tussauds’ Wax Museum. But it has closed its operations since 3rd August, 2024. Further, once your kids are done exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, you can take them to Ben & Jerry’s at the Argonaut to have the best ice cream. It remains open every day from 10 AM to 11 PM, and it will cost you around $5 per serving.  If your kid is more up for something savory, take them to The Codmother Fish & Chips on 496 Beach Street. It welcomes guests from 11:30 AM to 7 PM, except Wednesdays. Here, the pocket-pinch will be around $10-20 per meal.  Day 2: Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids In 48 Hours  You really need to make an early start to your day to make the most of your day 2 in San Francisco. On day 2, our focus is on the Palace of Fine Arts, Presidio, and Alcatraz. 5. A Visit To Alcatraz Your day 2 will begin with an “Early Bird Tour of Alcatraz.” You will start at 8:45 AM from Pier 33.  Alcatraz is the Spanish translation of the word “Pelican,” the first dwellers of the Rocky Island. However, Alcatraz is more famous (notorious) for housing Alcatraz Prison, one of the most notorious in the history of America. So, today, Alcatraz is a popular spot for dark tourism. George "Machine Gun" Kelly and Al Capone are the two most renowned captives of the Alcatraz Prison.  6. A Visit To The Palace of Fine Arts – Presidio The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful historical monuments of San Francisco. The Greco-Roman rotunda is a striking feature of the Palace of Fine Arts. You will also love the arches, gigantic columns, and sculptures here.  If you still have time left for your flight and you want to try more things to do in San Francisco with kids, visit the Aquarium of the Bay, the Sea Lions at K-Dock, and the USS Pampanito. Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit [Updated 2024] Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Ankita Nov 12, 2025

One of the many things that my husband keeps bugging me about is what to pack when we are going on a trip. It is still okay if it is a winter trip, as he knows all the jumpers and jackets he needs to pack. For summer trips or whenever we are traveling to a warmer city, he can never decide.  And with my son now all of 12, he acts like a carbon copy of his father. He never knows what to pack for his summer excursions or holidays.  Now, this may sound like a trivial issue. However, it is a serious concern, considering Travel+Leisure has dedicated an entire post to the ideal travel clothing in 2025.  Though the post is essentially for women, it has some great ideas about how to build the perfect summer wardrobe for men without compromising comfort.  Shopping for summer wardrobe essentials for a trip can be a real budget buster. One minute you're browsing for a simple t-shirt, and the next thing you know, your cart is loaded with designer everything.  But here's the reality check. You don't need to spend your rent money to look good when the temperature rises. The trick is knowing when to open your wallet wide and when to keep it firmly shut.  Invest In These Summer Essentials Some pieces are worth every penny you spend on them. Take polo shirts, for example. A cheap polo will pill after three washes and lose its shape faster than ice cream melts in July. But a man's quality designer polo?  That will look sharp season after season. The fabric stays crisp, the colors don't fade, and the fit doesn't go wonky after a trip through the washing machine. Swimwear is another no-brainer for spending more. Nobody wants their swim shorts to fall apart mid-vacation or turn see-through after one dip in the pool. Quality swim gear holds up to chlorine, salt water, and countless pool parties. Also, you have to be particular about your innerwear. This is the innermost layer of your clothing, and your personal hygiene or comfort depends on the lingerie you wear.  Skip The Splurge Here Trendy stuff that'll be out of style before Labor Day? Save your money. That neon tank top with the weird geometric print might look cool now, but it's probably heading straight to the back of your closet come fall. Basic tees are another place to be smart with your cash. Sure, an $80 plain white t-shirt might feel luxurious, but a $15 one from a decent brand will do the job just fine. Save the big bucks for pieces that really matter. The 70/30 Game Plan Think about your summer budget like this: put most of your money into the stuff you'll wear constantly. That means: A couple of great pairs of shorts that fit perfectly Solid polo shirts and casual button-downs One really good pair of swim shorts Comfortable shoes that won't fall apart Save about 30% of your budget for the fun stuff. Bright colors, bold patterns, and whatever trend is taking over social media this year. How To Spot Quality Worth Paying For Good summer clothes have a few telltale signs. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen keep you cooler than synthetic blends that trap heat and sweat. Check the seams, too. If they look like they were sewn by someone having a bad day, skip it. Fit matters more than the price tag sometimes. A $40 shirt that fits like it was made for you beats a $100 one that's too tight in weird places. Don't Fall For These Shopping Traps Store credit cards promising instant discounts sound tempting, but that 25% off today could cost you way more in interest later. And those "limited time only" sales? Half the time, the same deal pops up again next week.  Don't let pushy salespeople rush you into buying something just because it's marked down.  Sleep on big purchases, especially if you're already questioning whether you really need another pair of khaki shorts. Also watch out for: Bundle deals that make you buy stuff you don't actually want just to get a discount on what you do need. "Buy two, get one free" offers that trick you into spending more than you planned. Impulse buys at the checkout counter that are budget killers disguised as good deals. Smart Shopping Tricks Now, to begin with, my husband initially complains. But it is he who does the maximum shopping at the end-of-summer sales. Once he is inside the trial room, it’s like a never-ending wait as he will keep trying all that he has picked in turns.  Last August's leftover inventory becomes this May's wardrobe refresh at half the price. Yes, you have to plan ahead a bit, but your bank account will thank you. Also, think about how many different ways you can wear something. A plain navy shirt goes with everything. A shirt covered in flamingos? Not so much. Building Your Summer Collection The golden rule to have all the summer wardrobe essentials for your next trip? Start with the basics. When the basics are right, you have the chance to layer them or accessorize them according to the weather conditions and local etiquette.  Personality pieces are also important, especially if you are going on a business trip or have some specific events to catch up on. Get a few neutral-colored essentials that play well together, then throw in some color and pattern to keep things interesting. Don't feel like you need to replace everything at once, either. Maybe your shorts are still good, but your polos have seen better days. Replace what's actually worn out, not what's just boring you. In addition, I keep some budget aside for shopping for summer clothes at the new location we are visiting. In this way, I can also avoid excess baggage charges when flying.

BY  Sibashree Aug 1, 2025

Singapore is a place you won't forget because it has a mix of modernity, rich culture, and a famous skyline. Okay, so—Singapore. If you’ve been there, you probably get it. And if not, just trust me—it’s one of those places that stays with you.  It’s shiny and modern, but at the same time, you turn a corner and there’s a temple that looks like it’s from another century. The food? Ridiculous. The views? Even more so. But here's the thing nobody tells you upfront: your hotel? It's not just somewhere to crash. It's a huge part of the whole vibe, especially if you're going all-in on the luxury experience. But, how to choose luxury hotel in Singapore? That can feel... kinda overwhelming. Let me walk you through how I usually figure it out. How To Choose Luxury Hotel In Singapore? Choosing the place where you are going to stay for your vacation is always exciting. But how to choose luxury hotel in Singapore? You have to consider a lot of things while choosing it. 1. Pick The Best Place For You So first off, you gotta ask yourself, “Why am I even here?” I mean, what are you really in Singapore for? Want to shop? Go somewhere close to Orchard Road—it’s like shopping overload in the best way. More into history and temples and that sort of thing? You’ll probably want Chinatown or Kampong Glam. Travelling with kids or just want some beachy downtime? Sentosa's the move. And if you’re in town for work stuff, or want those crazy Marina Bay views? Then yeah—stay near Marina Bay. Also, and I can’t say this enough, be near an MRT stop. It’s cheap, clean, and insanely efficient. You’ll save yourself so much walking and taxi money. 2. Make Sure The Amenities Fit Your Lifestyle Okay, here’s where it gets personal. Like—what does “luxury” mean to you? Is it a spa that melts your stress away in five minutes flat? Or a rooftop bar where they remember your name and your drink after one night? Or maybe you just need solid Wi-Fi and a quiet room so you can finish that Zoom call and then go disappear into the pool. Some places go really extra with the service—private butlers, curated city tours, chefs who’ll adjust the menu to your dietary thing... all that. But don’t just fall for the photos. Look at what actually matters to you, not what sounds fancy in a brochure. 3. Think About Different Themes And Designs Okay, not everyone cares about this. But I do. I mean, you could stay in some super clean, all-white, glass-everywhere kind of hotel, and that’s fine. Or you could stay in a place that feels like Singapore, like it actually tells you a story. There are hotels with old-school colonial architecture and crazy modern interiors. Or ones where you walk in and it's just this mix of bold colours, funky shapes, and stuff that kinda feels like an art exhibit.  There’s something cool about being in a place that doesn’t feel cookie-cutter, y’know? 4. Get Ideas From Real Guest Reviews Alright. Quick tip: don’t trust only the perfect pics and big influencer posts. Some of those are basically paid ads with filters. Instead, scroll through the messy, ranty, or surprisingly detailed reviews. If ten people say the breakfast is amazing? It probably is. If three folks mention mould in the bathroom, even if everything else looks nice? Yeah, that’s a red flag. I always try to find reviews from someone who travelled the way I am—like solo, or with a partner, or for work. You’ll get a much better read on what your own stay might feel like. 5. Think About How Private And Exclusive It Is Okay, this one’s kinda underrated. Some hotels—especially the bigger chain types—are just... crowded. Even if they’re five-star, it can feel like a luxury version of a mall. But the smaller boutique hotels? Totally different energy. Quieter, slower, more personal. You might not get the giant buffet breakfast, but you will get a front desk person who actually remembers your room number and maybe even your name. If you’re on a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or just don’t wanna deal with tour groups and loud lobby music, go small and classy. Trust me. 6. Look At The Loyalty Benefits And Packages Side By Side Quick money-saving trick: don’t ignore those loyalty programs. Even if you’re only gonna use it once a year, the perks can be solid, like surprise upgrades or free late checkout (a lifesaver if your flight’s in the evening). Also, check if the hotel’s running any random packages. Sometimes it’s stuff like airport transfers, spa credits, or a private dinner for two. It doesn’t always save you cash, but it can make your stay feel a lot more... taken care of. 7. Put Safety And Cleanliness First Yeah, I know. Not the fun part. But since the whole pandemic thing, this matters more than it used to. Most top-tier hotels say they’re clean, but still, dig a little deeper. There are various luxury boutique hotels in Singapore to choose from.  Look for stuff like contactless check-in, solid air filtration (it’s a thing now), and what guests actually say about how well-kept everything is. If the place is sparkling and the staff is on top of things? It’s one less thing to stress about. How To Choose Luxury Hotel In Singapore: Think Of Ypur Priority If you are wondering how to choose luxury hotel in Singapore, you need to think about what matters most to you, like the design, location, privacy, and amenities. At the end of the day, there’s no “best” hotel—just the one that hits all your buttons. It might be the place with the jaw-dropping skyline views. Or the one with a bathtub bigger than your entire apartment. Or maybe just somewhere that’s quiet, clean, and has ridiculously good room service. Whatever it is, when you find that spot that just gets it right, it becomes more than a hotel. It becomes part of the trip. Read Also: What to Expect When Hiring an Meeting Space in Singapore Dark Tourism In Singapore | 5+ Must Visits In The Lion City