It’s common knowledge that Québec is often viewed as an independent nation within Canada, with the Separatist movement being a hot topic for decades. However, beyond the ice hotel, French as a first language, and roads being terrifying to drive on, some Canadians go their entire lives without learning more about this unique province.

Here are five interesting facts about Québec that you may not have known.

1. Separate Immigration Requirements

Canadian immigration is a federally-ruled process and set of legalities. While Québec also follows these procedures, they have a few extra requirements for immigrants to settle there. For example, international students must allow for adequate CAQ processing time before they’re allowed to attend university in Québec. Failure to apply for a CAQ in addition to navigating the Canadian immigration process could result in a missed term.

Many Canadians are aware of some of the different laws in Québec, such as certain contest rules not applying to Québec citizens or not being allowed to turn right at a red light. These variances stem back to Québec being governed by French-heritage civil law, also known as the Napoleonic Code, rather than common law, which rules the rest of Canada.

2. Home to Two Top Universities

Montreal is home to two of the top five Canadian universities: The University of Montréal and McGill University. It’s worth noting that McGill University is also ranked 31 globally, which is a huge deal. This prestigious institution is best known for biology, chemistry, and medicine and was founded in the 1800s. 

With this in mind, it’s no wonder Montréal is home to 185,000 students each year, with 25,000 coming from international locations to attend. 

3. Home to the Canadian Big Five 

Animal lovers know about the world-famous Big Five in Africa: leopards, lions, elephants, African buffalo, and rhinos. Canada has its own “Big Five” animals, and Quebec is home to all of them. 

The Canadian Big Five includes black bears, moose, bison, polar bears, and whales. While some consider the beluga whale a part of the Big Five, others consider the blue whale— which can be viewed during Québec whale-watching tours— to be the obvious choice.

Québec is also home to the world-famous “Wolf Lodge.” No, not the family resort in Ontario, but an actual cabin setup in a wolf reserve. Parc Omega is just a quick zip over the border from Ontario, approximately an hour from Ottawa.

4. Produces 70% of Global Maple Syrup Supply

It’s well known that Canada is responsible for the majority of the world’s maple syrup supply, but did you know that most of that comes from Québec? Québec produces just over 70% of the global maple syrup supply and 90% of Canada’s, producing 11 million gallons of syrup annually.

While it sounds like a bad Canadian stereotype, the maple syrup industry is no joke. In fact, those responsible for the infamous maple syrup heist of 2012 were charged $9.1 million in fines. Syrup is a serious business.

5. Home to One of the Only Walled Cities in North America

Many North Americans traveling to Europe are amazed at how old everything is. It’s not uncommon to walk into a pub that’s older than your country or see a castle from 500 years ago holding strong. Europe is also home to several walled cities, a defence that no longer exists around the former strongholds in North America.

Except in Québec.

Québec City is often associated with European architecture and design. The defensive wall of Québec City was built in 1745, then rebuilt in the 1820s, making it older than the country it calls home. 

Québec is a fascinating province and a world of its own. Keep these facts in mind the next time you’re choosing a Canadian destination to explore— or the next time you’re putting syrup on pancakes at a brunch party.

Minnesota visitors can experience the nation’s biggest shopping mall, museums, aquariums, major sports franchises, riverboat cruises on the Mississippi River, and more. There are so many places to visit in Minnesota. You will find below the top things to do in Minnesota!

What’s Minnesota known for?

Do you know what Minnesota is know for?

1. Minnesota is known for its forests and thousands of lakes.
2. Minnesota is called the “North Star State.” 
3. The Mall of America, located in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the largest shopping mall in the US.
4. Saint-Paul’s and Minneapolis make up the largest metropolitan area of Minnesota.
5. Minnesota has 10 000 lakes and is known for some of the best fishing spots in the US.

Let’s look at just a small sampling of fun things to do in Minnesota with the family:

1. Fergus Falls, Minnesota

The city of Fergus Falls is a community with a surprising amount of tourist attractions for its size and definitely on the list of places to visit in Minnesota. Those interested in sports and recreation, and those interested in the arts, will have plenty of reasons to want to spend some time in this western Minnesota town, located 60 miles southeast of Fargo in Otter Tail County, right off of Interstate 94.

The rolling hills, prairie, and forests of the area make Fergus Falls a place of striking scenic beauty. For recreation opportunities, there are 1,048 lakes in Otter Tail County, a large and diverse bird population for birding enthusiasts, a 55-mile paved Central Lakes State Trail that connects to the 46-mile Lake Wobegon Trail in Osakis, golf, and multiple city parks. There’s also the the BMX Track.

A Center for the Arts features concerts, theater, film, and more. In the summer, they offer Outdoor Concert Series

For history and education, there is the Otter Tail County Historical Society Museum, as well as the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center to promote understanding of the natural environment.

Fergus Falls is right on the 150-mile Otter Trail Scenic Byway, one of Minnesota’s 20 byways. The Otter Trail Scenic Byway is a loop that takes you to 23 sites, including Perham with its specialty shops and doll museum, Maplewood State Park, and Pelican Rapids. There are plenty of places to stop along the way with hiking trails, picnic facilities, and opportunities to view wildlife.

2. First Avenue, Minneapolis

One of the favourite top things to do in Minnesota is arguably the centre of nightlife in Minneapolis, the hip art deco music venue known as First Avenue that started as a Greyhound Bus depot in 1937. In 1970 it was converted to a nightclub known as the Depot, then Uncle Sam’s, then Sam’s, and finally First Avenue.

First Avenue has hosted international headliners from the popular music world such as the Allman Brothers Band, U2, and Frank Zappa, but it is especially well known as the breeding ground for pretty much every band out of Minnesota that’s made a name for itself in the last several decades. Most notably, Prince was long a regular act at First Avenue, and filmed his movie Purple Rain there.

First Avenue narrowly dodged bankruptcy in 2004, but survived and remains an integral part of the Midwest music scene.

As a kind of annex to First Avenue (it used to be the restaurant and coat room for the bus station), the 7th Street Entry is a smaller venue for mostly local bands trying to establish themselves. The First Avenue neighbourhood itself is an area of shopping, bars, and restaurants that draws plenty of people during both the day and evening, in some ways the main drag of Minneapolis.

3. Mall of America, Bloomington

One of the top things to do in Minnesota is definitely stopping at the Mall of America! Normally you wouldn’t think of a mall as a tourist attraction, since they’re everywhere, but the Mall of America is different. Roughly 40% of its over 40 million visitors each year are from out of the area.

Why do so many millions of people from other cities, states, and even countries flock to the Mall of America?

Perhaps because it has four floors, 4 million square feet (making it the largest mall in the country), 520 retail outlets, 50 restaurants, multiple movie theatres, an entire miniature golf course, 25 amusement park rides and attractions, a 1.2 million gallon aquarium, SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, Nickelodeon Universe®, and the Crayola Experience.

Bloomington is a southern suburb of Minneapolis-St. Paul. There are many large hotels and motels close enough to the Mall of America to provide shuttle service to the Mall, including Mystic Lake, the largest hotel-casino in the midwest.

4. Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul

Designed by famous architect Cass Gilbert, the Minnesota State Capitol was modelled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Completed in 1905, it is topped by an unsupported marble dome, the second largest in the world surpassed only by St. Peter’s.

Visitors may observe Minnesota House and Senate sessions. There are 45 minute guided tours of the building available, featuring paintings, statues, flags, portraits of the governors, the lavish rathskellar café, and the gold-leafed quadriga (a chariot drawn by four horses) on the roof.

5. Voyageurs National Park, International Falls

One thing that makes the Voyageurs National Park in the extreme north of Minnesota unusual is that the bulk of it is water, or only accessible by water. It includes four large lakes, smaller lakes, swamps, bogs, beaver ponds, islands, peninsulas, woods, and hilly terrain.

Enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and more. Certainly wildlife watching, as Voyageurs has 240 bird species, 53 fish species, 10 amphibian and reptile species, and 42 mammal species, including black bears, wolves, deer, and moose.

The closest town of any size is International Falls 11 miles west on the Canadian border. If you’ve heard of International Falls at all, it’s probably because it so often is mentioned on weather reports as having the coldest temperature in the nation on a given day.

So, yes, this is a very, very cold area of the state. Camping is a common activity at Voyageurs, but if you’re going to try it during the colder months you better know what you’re doing and be prepared. It’s a wonderful adventure, but only for hearty souls.

However, there are other lodging options besides roughing it in a tent, ranging from rental cabins, to the 1912 Kettle Falls Hotel, to chain motels in International Falls such as Days Inn and Holiday Inn.

6. SPAM Museum

An entire museum in Austin, Minnesota, is dedicated to the culture and history that surrounds SPAM, a pop culture icon first introduced in the 1930s. The interactive museum promises fun for all ages and charges no admission. According to SPAM’s website, visitors to the museum can view vintage advertising, can their own SPAM, learn new recipes, play games and shop for collectibles.

7. Paul Bunyon Land

A 26 foot tall statue of Paul Bunyon is the first to greet visitors to Paul Bunyon Land in Brainerd, Minnesota. This theme park, complete with 27 rides and attractions, includes a ghost mine, roller coaster, swings and bumper cars. A ticket to Paul Bunyon land also grants guests access to Paul’s Petting Barn and This Old Farm Pioneer Village. Pioneer Village is a mock pioneer town, complete with a log house, fire station, blacksmith, doctor’s office and more.

8. The World’s Largest Ball of Twine

The world’s largest ball of twine, which had been rolled by a single man mind you, is one of the more interesting attractions that you can find in Minnesota. It had been mentioned in popular songs as well as hinted at to have at in major films. The man behind this offbeat roadside attraction that is located in Darwin, Minnesota is Francis Johnson. He started to create this ball of twine in the 1950’s and eventually constructed a shed to protect it. This amazing ball of twine weighs over nine tons and even has its own souvenir stand beside it.

9. Ed’s Museum

Ed’s Museum, located in Wyckoff, Minnesota, is a celebration of the pack rat in all of us. Ed Krieger was the owner and operator of grocery store where he showed old movies and different types of memorabilia. These days the museum displays a variety of the collections that were kept in storage. Many of the pieces that are on display in the museum are from the 1930s and relate to either film or the town of Wyckoff. Some of the most unusual things that are displayed in the museum include Ed’s gall stones as well as the preserved remains of a banana spider.

10. The Runestone Museum

In Alexandria Minnesota will find the Runestone Museum. This interesting building is home to a lot of local legend as well as a lot of controversy. Many people believe that the Runestone that was found in Kensington Minnesota is an indication of evidence of a Viking settlement. Other people believe that the stone is simply nothing more than a hoax. Whether you think that the stone is real or whether it is a hoax, the museum has a lot to offer those that visit it. For example, an old replica of a stockyard created by the museum is available to be explored by those that visit.

Minnesota is rightly known as a winter wonderland of cross country skiing across a snowy expanse, ice fishing on a frozen lake, and cuddling up by a fire in a cabin in the woods while the winds howls outside, but of course it’s not always winter in Minnesota, and there’s far more to do and see. There are also many things to do in Minnesota in the summer!

Maryland has more than its share of worthy vacation destinations for travellers, from the big city attractions of the revitalized downtown and waterfront of Baltimore, to the many Civil War historic sites and museums, to the scenic beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. You will find below some best vacation places to visit in Maryland.

Maryland vacation places

Here’s a sampling of the best places you may want to check out if you’ll be spending some time in Maryland soon:

1. Antietam National Battleground, Sharpsburg

Antietam National Battleground is closed for renovations and will reopen later this fall. During the construction there will be a temporary visitor centre installed. It will have a small exhibit area, visitor information/fee collection area, bookstore, and restrooms.

The first battle of the Civil War that occurred on Union territory took place near Sharpsburg, Maryland, close to where Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia come together. Northerners called it the Battle of Antietam; Southerners called it the Battle of Sharpsburg.

The 1862 encounter was the deadliest single day battle of the war, resulting in over 23,000 deaths. The Union forces had a three to one numerical edge, but the Confederate forces held the positional advantage. Over the course of the bloody day, numerous attacks were launched and resisted, with the result being that little or no ground changed hands; the armies basically fought to a draw.

Today visitors are free to walk the whole area where the battle occurred at the Antietam National Battleground —the fields once filled with corpses, and Burnside Bridge and the other key landmarks one side fiercely fought to hold onto while the other side fiercely fought to take them away. There is a visitor centre on site, with maps, documentaries, Park Rangers to answer questions, and guided tours of the battlefield are available.

2. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels

Located on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, St. Michaels is home to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, which tells about the lifestyle of the seafarers and fishermen of the area who made their living from the sea.

Visitors can explore the old fishing and crabbing vessels, a crabber’s shanty, the 1879 Hooper Straight Lighthouse, local artwork with a nautical theme, and the many other maritime exhibits that cover 18 acres and 35 buildings. The museum contains the world’s largest collection of boats that once sailed the Chesapeake Bay. Year round, the museum offers educational seminars and workshops.

3. Lexington Market, Baltimore

Baltimoreans tout downtown’s Lexington Market as the world’s largest continuously running market of its age (opened in 1782). Originally a site for local farmers to sell their produce, Lexington Market today consists of two large buildings on Lexington and Paca Streets, with numerous restaurants and stands selling meat, seafood, fruit, vegetables, baked goods, candy, and more. There is often live music in the afternoon, including jazz bands, rock and roll bands, or performances by groups of children from local schools.

Lexington Market is at least as popular with locals as with tourists. It draws a large lunch crowd of downtown workers, and students from the nearby University of Baltimore, and University of Maryland at Baltimore. Please take not the the Lexington Market is closed on Sundays.

4. Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City

The Ocean City Boardwalk, on the Atlantic Ocean in the portion of Maryland directly south of Delaware, is three miles of beachfront with restaurants, arcades, a Ferris wheel and other rides, candy and ice cream and other vendors, souvenir shops, rental bicycles, and more.

“USA Today” and the “Travel Channel” are amongst those who’ve designated the Ocean City Boardwalk one of the top boardwalks in the country. It’s a fine place to sit and look out at the ocean, or just relax and people watch.

5. Maryland vacation destinations

These best vacation places in Maryland also include the 17th century town of St. Mary’s City, St. Clement’s Island State Park in the Chesapeake Bay, the always popular Inner Harbour neighbourhood of Baltimore, or taking in an Oriole game at Camden Yards with the family.

These are just a few of the many things to visit in Maryland! Of course the state also borders the nation’s capital of Washington, D.C., with all its popular tourist sites.

Northern Arizona consists of more than 200 miles of highway along historic Route 66, featuring more than a dozen historic cities and town, national parks and monuments. A road trip on route 66 is so much fun for the family! You will find below 5 Route 66 attractions in Arizona worth seeing.

Arizona Route 66 attractions

Travellers on Route 66 see sweeping vistas of mountains, canyons and pine forests. It’s like taking a nostalgic journey back in time, with building and structures that look the same as they did when the affectionately called “Main Street of America” was constructed in 1926.

1. Petrified Forest National Park, Holbrook, AZ

On Route 66 in Arizona, you can see the Petrified Forest National Park. The Petrified Forest is a 93,533-acre concentration of multicoloured petrified woods in the badlands of the Painted Desert. The site contains 200-million-year-old fossils, historic structures and Native American archeological sites. Navajo and Hopi natives put on cultural demonstrations during the summer months, November and March, including dancing, singing, basket weaving and crafts.

2. Flagstaff, AZ

Flagstaff, the home of Northern Arizona University, boasts ponderosa pine forests, the 12,000-foot San Francisco Peaks and the Coconino National Forest. It offers year-round entertainment options, including ski slopes in the winter. Flagstaff has historic areas that pay homage to the lumbermen, ranchers, railroad workers and Native Americans who shaped it. The Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau has created a historic walking tour of places and attractions on route 66 in Arizona.

3. Seligman, AZ

Seligman, a Route 66 town, was once a railroad camp and a tourist stop on this historic highway. In the late 1970s, the town, like so many on Route 66, was bypassed with the construction of the interstate 40 highway system. The Copper Cart diner, Roadkill Steakhouse and the Snow Cap drive-in still operates in the town, as well as a few historic motels. Visitors can shop for Route 66 souvenirs at the town’s gift shop.

4. Peach Springs, AZ

Peach Springs, located along an unspoiled stretch of historic Route 66, is the tribal home of the Hualapai Indian Reservation and contains dozens of unpaved roads along Peach Springs Canyon and Havasu Canyon, part of the Grand Canyon. The reservation covers more than a million acres which can be driven during the dry season and access undeveloped sections of the Grand Canyon.

5. Kingman, AZ

Kingman, called the Heart of historic Route 66, is the gateway to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead and is the home of the Historic Route 66 Museum. Outdoor lovers have ample space for fishing and hiking. Historic downtown has 60 National Register of Historic Places, including St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Bonelli House, Locomotive Park, Hotel Beale and Hotel Brunswick. The Mohave Museum of History and Arts and the Kingman Powerhouse provide walking tour guidebooks.

Northern Arizona has hundreds of Route 66 attractions that predate the construction of the historic highway. Several structures built after its construction has disappeared; however, some places have maintained their charm. The Route 66 Association of Arizona and other historic societies have worked hard to preserve landmarks on this road that connected parts of the United States together.

Canada is generally regarded as a beautiful country to visit and a safe place to travel. Safety tips for travelling in Canada will differ in some ways from travelling elsewhere in the world. Part of the reason for this is the fact that Canada is a huge country and it largely depends upon how and where you are travelling. Another important factor has to do with the time of year and weather related concerns.

Safety Tips for Travelling

You will find below 6 safety tips for travelling in Canada by car.

1. Identification

Regardless of how or where you are travelling in Canada, it is important to carry proper identification at all times. This includes an updated passport, if you are from somewhere outside of Canada, or if you plan to cross the border into the United States at any time in your travels. You will need to obtain your passport prior to travelling, as a birth certificate or driver’s license is no longer adequate identification for border crossings. Keep your identification somewhere safe, but also easily accessible.

2. Canadian Currency

Become familiar with Canadian currency, as it is different that that of the U.S. and other countries. Find out about exchange rates, as they vary from day to day and may not be on par. Bank debit cards and major credit cards are accepted at gas stations, hotels and motels. Keep your wallet, currency, debit cards, credit cards, etc. in a safe place when you are travelling. You should report any debit or credit cards that are lost or stolen immediately.

3. Gasoline

For anyone driving across Canada, it is generally advisable to be alert to changing gasoline prices. Because there are long distances involved, it is wise to keep a full gas tank, if possible. Many cities and towns, in remote areas particularly, are ‘bypassed’, meaning that they are no longer on major routes and visiting them may include extra time, distance, and mileage. Travellers need to make certain that they carry road maps, just in case, and not just a cell phone with a map app as certain remote areas might not have any reception.

4. Weather

Canada has a wide range of weather conditions and thus, when traveling, it is important to carry sufficient all-weather, warm clothing for any possible weather conditions, particularly in the late fall, winter, and early spring. Carrying extra coats, boots, and blankets is normally a good idea for anyone driving long distances on the highway. Extra precaution is necessary for anyone traveling through mountainous areas. Remain alert to possible weather changes resulting in possible road closures or slippery surfaces.

5. Restaurants

Canada has excellent restaurant facilities and a wide variety of possible menus to choose from when you are travelling. Be alert to the reality that in more remote parts of the country, restaurants may be many miles apart. It is generally advisable to carry extra food, dried snacks, and drinks for emergencies, as restaurants may be closed. Many places where you can obtain gasoline will have snack foods, sandwiches, or restaurant facilities. Make certain that any food you purchase is fresh.

6. Emergency equipment

One of many tips when traveling long distances in Canada by car, it is advisable to carry extra emergency equipment in case of flat tires, motor vehicle problems, or possible accidents. Carrying a cell phone is generally a good idea, but be aware that there are remote areas where cell phones do not have reception.

Always alert someone to your potential destination and expected arrival time. Report any unusual emergency conditions to the appropriate authorities, as well as family members when necessary. However, always remember to stay safe and avoid getting distracted while driving, as distracted driving is one of the major causes of road accidents in Canada.

Travelling to canada

Are you travelling to Canada in the near future with the family and wondering what are some fun things to do with kids? Check out below for 10 ideas on places to visit in Canada.

1. Most Popular Attractions In Canada For Tourists
2. Reasons to Visit Niagara Falls in Canada
3. Open Up to Adventure with Parks Canada
4. Top 25 Attractions in Halifax
5. 4 Fun Factory Tours Across Canada For Parents And Kids
6. Things to Do in Ottawa this Summer
7. 10 Family-Friendly Activities To Do On A Trip To Whistler
8. Delightful Things To Do In Old Québec City
9. 5 Free Things To Do In Montreal
10. 15 Best Things to Do in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada)

These are just a few safety tips for travelling, particularly when they are driving across Canada. Note there may be other safety concerns for anyone travelling by bus, plane, or train in Canada.

Arizona is a quite interesting state that is filled with surprises. This is a desert state and the climate is hot and dry. There are definitely great places to visit in Arizona for the family! Many people who visit love all of the coolest things to do in Arizona. You will find below 5 top places to see in Arizona!

Arizona is famous for hot heat. It is wise to prepare to stay hydrated in such a hot climate. Pack clothing that is lightweight. Always carry your sunscreen too. Your travel agent can give you a list to prepare things before your visit. That will make it very easy for you to plan your trip to Arizona.

Top Places to See in Arizona

These best places to visit if you are planning a trip to Arizona are:

1. The Grand Canyon
2. The Colorado River
3. Berringer Meteor Crater
4. Biosphere 2
5. Goldfield

1. Grand Canyon

Located in the southern part of the state of Arizona is the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon attracts millions of people from all over the world to its natural beauty. Package tours are available for booking trips online to visit the Grand Canyon.

2. Colorado River

One of the places to visit in Arizona is definitely the Colorado River. It runs through the beautiful canyon and is a popular place for fishing, swimming, rafting, and more. Your travel agent online can ensure you a very memorable trip to Arizona. You and your family will have a lot to explore.

3. Berringer Meteor Crater

Berringer Meteor Crater is a crater that was formed about 50,000 years ago. This crater has a 4,900 feet diameter and it is 570 feet deep. There is a tourist centre that is located at the crater. The Berringer Meteor Crater is a very popular vacation destination in Arizona and tourist site that attracts many visitors from all over the world. It is a very exciting site to see!

4. Biosphere 2

The Biosphere 2 is a sealed botanical exhibit that also attracts quite a few visitors. It provides a very exciting adventure as well as a very educational one too. Its mission is to serve as a centre for research, outreach, teaching, and lifelong learning about Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe.

5. Goldfield Ghost Town

If you like ghost towns, then you definitely have come to the right place. Arizona has a ghost town called Goldfield that is open to visitors and vacationers. Goldfield was a mining town in the 1890s. You and your family can tour underground mines and see rattlesnakes. Quality restaurants and shops are available in the area as well as a petting zoo.

I hope you enjoyed our selection of top places to see in Arizona. Arizona is a great place to visit, live, work, and play. You and your family will be glad that you have chosen such an exciting place to visit. You can start planning your vacation online to visit Arizona this summer!

Are you thinking about planning a trip to Egypt with your kids? Read to know the eight things you shouldn’t miss when traveling to Egypt with kids.

Traveling is more fun when you can share the experience with your loved ones, especially your kids. Although traveling with children can be difficult, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Not to mention the greatest memories your kids will have.

With so much history buried in it, Egypt is a fun learning experience for your children! Visiting the pyramids and looking at mummies in the Egyptian museum in Cairo are a couple of the top activities.

Let’s dive in and find out what are the top eight things to do in Egypt when you’re traveling with them.

1. The Pyramids of Giza

The pyramids of Giza are something you can’t miss. You can easily accommodate it in your 10-day Egypt itinerary. Your children will cherish this memory as these pyramids are one of the wonders of the ancient world.

Tickets are sold on site, so no need to worry about acquiring them beforehand. But seeing the pyramids isn’t the only thing that you’ll be doing here.

You will be able to ride horses and camels here. With an extra ticket, you can go inside the pyramid. Your kids will be ecstatic about this possibility.

But be careful: There are a lot of scammers around these tourist sites. So to be safe, it is a smart decision to keep a tour guide with you. And be sure to keep at least half a day for visiting the pyramids.

2. A Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

A hot air balloon ride is not something that you will find everywhere. But it is very popular in Egypt. Float in a hot air balloon over the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.

You can tour the valley any day, but seeing it from above is just something else. You’ll also have a great view of the vast desert and the distant mountains.

Another feature is watching the mesmerising sunrise. You’ll see a lot of sunrises in your life, but nothing will come close to this.

The balloon ride is about 45 minutes. Most will carry from 15 to 20 individuals. It is advised for kids to be above the age of six to go.

3. The Valley of the Kings

Walking through the Valley of the Kings in Luxor is almost as magnificent as seeing it from above. The gold and rust landscape is a treat for your eyes. Your kids will enjoy the view of the ancient ruins no less.

There are 63 tombs, but not all of them can be visited. With the tickets you buy at the entrance, you will only be able to go inside three. You’ll need an extra ticket to visit King Tut’s tomb but you may get disappointed as it’s not the most magnificent.

To get the most out of your trip, you should hire a guide! But don’t accept all their advice blindly. Do some research before you visit.

4. Nile Cruise

Cruising on the Dahabiya, rest assured you will not regret it. The ship is big enough for your children to walk around in case they get bored. They can see the beautiful Nile river from many angles.

The boat has 5-6 cabins, so it is a good size to book for a family. But make sure you choose the best cabin to have an awesome experience. Dahabiya cruises between Aswan and Esna, a trip that lasts between three to four days.

You will be eating your meals on the sundeck of the boat. Who doesn’t love having food under the bright sunny sky?

However, there are also shorter cruises available. You can take one of these cruises at night and enjoy the breeze and the shimmering city lights reflecting on the shore.

5. The Egyptian Museum

When are museums not fun? Not only is it fun, but it is also packed with artefacts that speak so much about the way Egyptians led their lives in the past. And every traveller loves to learn new things—otherwise, why bother travelling?

Children are visual learners, and the museum in Cairo has lots of statues, pictures, relics, etc. The museum’s first floor highlights the Old Kingdom by displaying numerous artefacts. The children can educate themselves about lower and upper Egypt on this floor. 

The floor just above it is filled with information about Tutankhamun’s tomb. But the most exciting part of the museum is the mummy room.

The room can be a little scary for little kids. But pre-teens or teens will enjoy it. Kids always watch mummies on television, so we are sure your child will love it!

It’s open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The entrance fee is free for children under six. It will take you about 2.5-3 hours to cover the whole museum.

So make sure you have loads of time in your hands when you’re visiting. And don’t worry about lunch. There’s a cafe inside the museum.

6. Cairo Food Tour

Kids love food even though they can be picky about it. But you can definitely keep your kids busy with a Cairo food tour.

The tour is something that you can do alone but a guide will make it much easier. Food is something that is known the best by the locals. A guide will take you and your children through the city from restaurants to juice bars.

Don’t forget to taste the national dish of Egypt – koshery. It’s a unique experience for your tastebuds. This dish has the right balance of savory, tanginess, softness, and crunch from the brown onions, layers of pasta, chickpeas, rice, noodles, olive oil, and tomato sauce.

Your family will cherish this memory for the rest of their lives.

The Great Sphinx

It is another classic tourist place that you have to visit. The place usually has light and sound shows depicting the story of Egypt. As these shows are held in the evening, they add a different allure to this spot.

This story is from the point of view of the Sphinx. And what better way to entertain your children than a show? Your kids will be mesmerized!

You don’t need to buy extra tickets to visit the Sphinx as the fee is already included in the tickets to the Giza pyramids.

8. Cairo Zoo

Take a break from all the historical places and take your kids to the zoo! You’ll be able to see over three thousand animals.

Kids of all ages love the zoo and they’d be super excited to see the endless types of mammals and birds here. Plus, it would make an overall unforgettable family holiday for everyone.

Conclusion

Egypt is the hotbed of civilization and has so much to offer in terms of flora, fauna, history, culture, and architecture.

Do yourself a favor and take your kids to visit Egypt and don’t miss out on these eight amazing things to do while you’re there.

You’re sure to come back home with a bagful of memories that both you and your children will always look back on and smile.

One of best vacation spots for families in California is definitely San Diego! If you are planning a family vacation to San Diego, you won’t be disappointed with all the fun attractions that are available year round. There are so many things to do in San Diego with kids that will keep the family busy for weeks!

Fun things to do in san diego

The locals who are lucky enough to live in San Diego, California, have a secret they don’t want you to know. Here it is: there are hundreds of fun things to do in San Diego with kids and awesome attractions in the area that are cheaper, less crowded, and far more unforgettable than the traditional tourist around town. So when you get tired of waiting in long lines with hoards of other entertainment seekers, consider these options that will help you unearth the hidden gems of San Diego. Just don’t tell the locals I tipped you off.

1. Balboa Park in San Diego

The top attraction in San Diego for the family has to be the Balboa Park! Balboa Park is like a laid back version of the Smithsonian, offering excellent museums to suit every interest. Entrance to the Park and parking for Balboa Park is free including the playgrounds, dog parks, fountains, trails, gardens, architecture, history, statues, and artwork. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

Balboa Park really takes more than one day to enjoy. The problem is that most people try to crunch this in before or after the zoo or some other attraction. You need to realize that there are museums, an interactive science centre and gardens galore all located in this one spot. Spend at least one full day, if not more, exploring the different sites and museum at the park.

You will find below our top 5 favourite San Diego museums to visit with your kids located within the Balboa Park.

2. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

The Sand Diego Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is a can’t miss activity, especially if you are bringing kids with you to San Diego. Finding out how science works is encouraged by getting into their interactive exhibits like the Illusions or It’s Electric.

3. San Diego Air & Space Museum

The Air & Space Museum is another must see and a perfect family stop with kids. The museum displays space age technology such as the history of flight and rare specimens of aircraft from the air combat in the World War I and II. With crafts and activities, the kids and you are sure to enjoy your time here. If that is not enough to interest you, how about checking out their special exhibits or collections? They run for a limited time.

4. San Diego Museum of Art

The San Diego Museum of Art is the oldest art museum in the area and has carried many famous exhibits throughout its years.

5. Museum of Us

The San Diego Museum of Us is another favourite stop. With so much to look at, the day will fly by; reminding you that Balboa Park has more than enough to fill your day.

6. Japanese Gardens and Botanical Gardens

Be sure to visit the San Diego Japanese Gardens and Botanical Gardens before you head off to the grassy tree filled spots with views of downtown to enjoy a picnic or grab a bite to eat from Lady Carolyn’s Pub located by the Old Globe in Balboa Park.

As tempting as it is, don’t spend your entire day indoors at the museums. There are trails that wrap around the park. If you hit it at the right time, you might find a medieval group jousting and carrying on, or maybe even a play or a wedding.

7. Birch Aquarium

The Birch Aquarium is an excellent place to visit with your kids to learn about the ocean without the danger of getting soaked by a giant whale doing back flips. It also costs a fraction of the price and doesn’t require an all day trip. This facility offers many beautiful displays of fish and sea life, hands on activities for children, spectacular views of the shore, and as an added bonus your admission goes to support the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and their passion for environmental conservatism.

8. San Diego historical places

You shouldn’t go to San Diego with the kids without learning a little bit of the historical places behind this fantastic city. A great place to start is at the Mission San Diego de Alcala, the first Christian church in California. Founded in 1769, the mission offers visitors a chance to learn some fascinating facts about the early state history of California. The grounds are beautiful and peaceful. A quaint gift shop offers leisurely browsing. Every Sunday mass is held at the Mission and they welcome visitors of all religious backgrounds.

Another way to get your history fix in San Diego is to visit the Cabrillo National Monument. This neat park honours the first European to step ashore in San Diego, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. There is a visitors centre with a museum full of information and artifacts, tide pools where you can inspect the local sea life, and the Old Point Loma light house where you can explore the world of the ancient mariner. Visit Rancho Guajome Adobe to see what life was like on a Mexican Hacienda during the 1800’s.

The Hotel Del Coronado, Heritage Park, The Star of India, The Whaley House, and Old Town are some other attractions that showcase San Diego’s multifaceted past that are well worth looking into.

9. Natural attractions in San Diego 

Most people think beach when they think San Diego, but did you know that you could drive just an hour away and be in the mountains or the desert as well? The drive to Julian, a little mountain town an hour east of San Diego, is relaxing and scenic. Julian has many excellent bakeries, restaurants, exquisite shopping, and historical sites having to do with the California gold rush. There are an assortment of parks that offer choice hiking and horseback riding. Picnicking is popular as is wine tasting at local wineries.

The other option is to go to the desert and visit Anza-Borrego State Park or the Salton Sea. Both places offer visitors centres and are intriguing to explore. Finding out when the desert goes into bloom in the spring is a really good time to visit and see beautiful plant life flourishing. Going camping in the desert is also a once in a lifetime experience. You will never see such vivid stars anywhere else.

10. Beaches in San Diego

If you insist on braving the beach at the peak of tourist season, try visiting the San Diego beaches of Encinitas and Leucadia, which are rumoured to be among the least crowded beaches of the city. La Jolla is an excellent place to snorkel, watch the sunset, observe the seals, or gawk at the rich and famous. Carlsbad is the place where many locals go to surf away from tourists, or “barney’s” as they are called in surfer slang.

As you can see, there are so many things to do in San Diego with kids! San Diego is one of those cities that never gets old or dull. With interesting sites at every turn, beaches, amusement parks, botanical gardens, museums, a zoo, historic districts, a port, nearby islands, and shopping galore, you can easily fill your day, week, or month! For more information, visit San Diego Tourism.

There are many things to do in Valentine for families including biking on the Cowboy Trail, fishing on the Niobrara National Scenic River, or bird watching in the Sandhills!

For most people, a good family vacation needs to meet several criteria. First, there must be enough activity to keep children happy and busy. Second, for many families, budget is a consideration as well. And many parents would like their children to learn something, even while vacationing. Vacations should be a great time for children and adults to discover new interests and develop a curiosity about the world. You can definitely achieve this when visiting Valentine, NE!

1. Niobrara National Scenic River in Valentine

One of the best vacation destinations for families in Nebraska has to be the Niobrara National Scenic River, just outside of Valentine. 

The Niobrara meets all these requirements and much more. To begin, a 78-mile stretch of the Niobrara River has been designated a Wild and Scenic River and is administered by the National Park Service. As such, it offers not only a chance for the entire family to discover this rare beauty, but lots of educational opportunities for children.

The most popular activity is simply enjoying this splendid river. There are lots of outfitters if you need to rent a boat, canoe, tube, or kayak and shuttle services are available through them. Some enjoy a lazy float down the river, taking in some of the 200 waterfalls en route. Others go in the spring when water levels are high and currents stronger. At these times, expect to encounter Class-II rapids. Otherwise, relax and enjoy the trip!

2. Cowboy Trail, Northern Nebraska

Horseback riding is naturally a part of this adventure. After all, you are in cowboy country and there is a trail named Cowboy Trail. It is great for hiking, cycling, and running as well as horseback riding. The trail is open for about 200 miles from Valentine east to Norfolk.

3. Bird Watching in the Sandhills

Those with an interest in wildlife will find plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and study. One popular attraction at the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is bird watching in the Sandhills. More than 230 species of birds visit this region during the year.

4. Fishing in Valentine, NE

Fishing is another popular activity in Valentine. Those who enjoy this sport will not be disappointed in the opportunities they find in Valentine by fishing on the Valentine Refuge Lakes or the Niobrara River. Rainbow and brown trout are found along the tributaries. Other species include catfish, carp, and bluegill. Permits and regulations are available through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

In the wintertime, the Niobrara National Scenic River freezes and the cliffs lining the river become ice cliffs. This offers those interested in ice-climbing a fine opportunity to practice their skills and enjoy the wonders of a winter landscape.

5. Camping in Valentine

Accommodations are quite reasonable in this area. One of the things to do in Valentine during the summer is camping. Many campgrounds and RV Parks are available to book in and around Valentine. Cabins are another option to consider. Many have fully equipped kitchens that allow you to prepare your own meals and help control the family vacation budget. Motels and hotels are also located in the town of Valentine.

For details and further information on planning your family vacation to Valentine, visit Cherry County Tourism which features updated information on fun family activities for summer and winter.