Pagina's

dinsdag 29 maart 2011

What Should You Beware Of When Traveling With Babies Or Toddlers


Traveling with children requires some adjustments. With a little effort you will still be able to enjoy the vacation you always dreamed of, but what issues must you take in consideration when traveling with a baby or toddler?

Transport.
Infants younger than three months you should be transported as little as possible. If you still feel like going on holiday with them, I would recommend a short break near home. From the age of four months to one year, traveling with your baby should be a lot easier. Babies are not conscious of changes in the environment, as long as you remain in their neighborhood.

Aircraft.
Infants normally travel free with their parents on the aircraft. Usually there is no separate reservation needed for them, so they can travel along on one of the parents' laps. Some airlines offer a baby seat or a crib and normally long flights always have this available. Always check in advance if the plane makes any stops. It is disturbing because you have to carry your baby and your luggage, which is always a hassle. For your baby you can usually carry luggage with a weight of 10 kg. If you have a distant flight, consult your doctor before you leave.
He will give you more information about the health of your baby and the necessary vaccinations. Like adults, children and older children, must have the necessary proof of vaccination. Keep this in your hand luggage. Your child can get an earache during the ascent and descent of the aircraft. Give the child a bottle when you feel increased pressure on your ears. The air in an airplane is very dry and babies will drink more than usual. If you are breastfeeding, make sure you also drink more and take powdered milk just in case.
Car.
Always transport your baby in a special car seat. This seat must be approved with an ECE approval. The label number must begin with 03, followed by 44 digits. Always put the seat towards the rear, as well in the front as in the rear seat of your car. Never keep your child on your lap, this is dangerous! The best time to travel with your child or infant is at night. Leave around the time he usually goes to bed. When it is hot in the car, always ensure your baby gets enough to drink. Never leave a sleeping baby unattended in your car!

Always carry a towel or an inflatable mattress with you. This way, you can change your baby's diaper wherever and whenever needed. Also take along a folding bed if you are not sure if the place you are staying has one available. Pack enough clothing, which you can easily add or take off, because the weather and temperatures during your travel could be very varied. Give your child only water that you trust 100%. It is best to choose for bottled water. When it is hot your child will perspire more, so it will need to drink more. If your baby has diarrhea, give him an ORS solution suitable for children.



maandag 28 maart 2011

How To Experience A Trip to Berlin In Three Days


Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany. It is even the second largest city in Europe. It is known worldwide for its turbulent history. Today it is a modern city with a rich cultural history. It is a fabulous city, which almost everybody will fall in love with.

Day 1: A walk through Berlin.
Start your day with an organized walk through Berlin. This tour starts at 11 A.M. at the Starbucks cafe on the Boulevard Unter den Linden. You will walk past famous sites including the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial to Murdered Jews and Checkpoint Charlie. The tour ends at the Museum Island. This is also known as Athens on the Spree. Here you'll find five museums, including the Altes Museum, the Altes National Galerie and the Pergamon Museum. After this interesting tour, you can definitely use some relaxation. End your day at the cozy Oranienburg in the Mitte District and have a drink in Aufsturz or Cafe Zapata. This street is the liveliest street in Berlin. Not tired yet? Than you can go out in Berlin's vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: The monuments and history of Berlin.
After a short nights sleep, you can dive into Berlin again. Near the Brandenburg Gate is Reichstag, the German Parliament Building. This is not to be missed! Take the elevator to the top floor and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city. Inside the glass dome you will also find a lot of information about the history of Berlin. By bus you can easily reach the center of the former West Berlin.
The bus goes through several interesting sites so you can stop now and then, including at the Tiergarten park. The western part is more a place for shopaholics. Amongst the many shopping malls there are some places more than worthwhile, such as the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedähtniskirche. This place clearly shows the traces of the Second World War. Back in the eastern part, you can visit the Potsdamer Platz and have something to eat and drink in the Friedrichshain district. Here you will certainly find the perfect bar or a delicious restaurant for your preferred taste.

Day 3: The center of Berlin.
If you are visiting Berlin, the wall is an important historical site that you should not miss. The East Side Gallery is truly a must, because this longest and best preserved piece of the wall is also the world's largest outdoor gallery. Back in the center of town, you should take a look at the Sony Center. Not because you need anything, but this is one of the most modern and fascinating buildings of Berlin. It is a lively town center with restaurants, shops and a cinema. Enjoy your last night with a quiet drink in the Prenzlauer Berg district, where you can relax an exchange stories until the late night.

Berlin has a long and turbulent but very interesting history that has left many traces. You will not be able to choose out of the many attractions the city has. Culture lovers will eat their heart out in this lovely city.


A Carefree And Cheap City Trip To Barcelona – 5 Tips


Carefree to Barcelona without spending too much money? It seems harder than it is. I will explain how you can avoid tourist traps and save some money during your pleasant stay in the Catalan capital.

Keep an eye on your wallet!
Be extra vigilant and pay attention to your belongings during a trip to Barcelona, ​​especially on the Ramblas and the beach. Barcelona has many
pickpockets. Wear a money belt, or try to hold your hand on your purse or wallet if possible. Don’t let the risk of robbery especially spoil your fun in Barcelona!

Buy your Barcelona Card in advance.
A Barcelona Card is a discount card for a number of attractions you can visit at a lower price. With this card, you can also receive discounts on transport from the airport. It therefore makes complete sense to buy the card before you arrive in Barcelona.

Climb the Columbus Monument.
The city has many famous landmarks and attractions. The two mountains Montjuïc and Tibidabo, the Sagrada Familia, the Cathedral and much more. But on top of the Columbus Monument, located at one end of the Ramblas, you are treated to one of the best views of the city. Moreover, it is cheaper than many other attractions in Barcelona.

Share a metro card with 10 turns.
If you don’t have the Barcelona Card, definitely buy the 10 turn metro card. By purchasing this card, you get a 50% discount on the standard price. The ticket can be shared with as many people as you want. It is also valid on the bus.

Go to Figueres.
If you would like to take a day trip out of Barcelona, ​​choose Figueres. This small town was the birthplace of artist Salvador Dali and has a museum dedicated to the famous artist. If you want to visit the museum during the high season, you will see that there are huge queues. An hour wait before you are allowed to enter is very normal, but if you pay a few dollars more for the guided tour you do not need to wait that long.

Visit the Hospital of Sant Pau before moving to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. The Sagrada Familia is an essential stop and the unfinished cathedral by Gaudí. Most people go directly from the metro station to the cathedral. But near the cathedral is also the Hospital of Sant Pau, a beautiful modernist building still in use as a hospital.

Catalonia has much to offer. From mountains to beaches and wine tasting to cultural activities, Catalonia has it all.

How To Visit The Enchanting City Of Paris In 2 Days


Two days are very short to really get to know the charm of Paris. If you want to discover all the great places in the city you will need at least a week. Even in a week you will only discover a tip of the veil. Something is better than nothing. So if you can only spend two days in Paris, try to get the maximum out of it! Paris has many different aspects and their is something for everyone. Some people would rather see the historical and cultural delights, while the other loses their heart at the joy of life (la joie de vivre) in Paris. There is not something like the places you have to see, because there are too many! I would like to give you some tips to discover the city in the shortest time possible.

The first day.
Do not waste your time sleeping late. Get up early and enjoy a nice breakfast provided in Le Mouffetard or Le Pain Quotidien. When your stomach is filled with the French delicacies, you can certainly handle a brisk walk. What is better than a visit to the lively Latin Quarter? The picturesque rue Mouffetard, La Mouffe, with all its shops, the daily market, the Pantheon, La Sorbonne, one of the oldest universities in the world and finally relax in the Luxembourg gardens. After lunch at the cozy and lovely Le Balzar, you are ready for the cultural desert. The Notre-Dame, the Musée d’Orsay or the famous Louvre, the choice is yours. Afterwards you can take a little stroll along the Champs-Elysées overlooking the Arc de Triomphe at sunset and end your walk with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. The first fertile day can end with a night cruise on the Seine.

The second day.
After a short night sleep is the time to discover the right bank of the river. After a fantastic breakfast at ‘Aux Delices de Saint Paul’ you will be full of energy to start your day. The lively neighborhood around the ‘Centre Pompidou’ is an attraction you can not afford to miss. You can have a simple an delicious lunch at ‘Chez Georges’ or maybe ‘la Quincambosse’. In the afternoon, a tour trough Belleville and Montmartre is a must. To finish your second day in style, you can go out for dinner and enjoy a cabaret, or perhaps enjoy beautiful show at the Moulin Rouge!

Be inspired and let yourself float on the music of Paris. This planning is just an example. Choose out of the best things and decide what your personal interests are. The one must is to enjoy!

How To Walk Through The Beautiful Heart Of Rome


Discover Rome in an intense way and go hiking. Rome has many wonderful neighborhoods that are worthwhile. With each step you will fall more and more in love with this ancient city.

The walk of art.
Let yourself be surprised by the work of Caravaggio during the art walk. Even if you are not a real art lover, his work will fascinate you. His dark paintings kicked the shins, more than once, of the Catholic Church and can be admired in many churches. From the Piazza Navona you can walk to the church of Sant Agostino with the Madonna di Loreto. You will find the Matthew triptych a little further in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi. More work can be found in the Santa Maria dei Popolo church. Keep in mind that most churches close between 13:00 a.m. and 16:00 p.m., but maybe you can visit the Galleria Borghese and the Capitoline museum in between for even more great work by Caravaggio. With a Roma Pass the entrance to both museums are free. If you are planning to visit a lot of museums, then you can get a Roma Pass for the price of 23 euros.

The Bernini mystery.
Thanks to the release of the movie 'Angels and Demons', you can now take a walking tour to see the highlights of the movie. The Ecstasy of Theresa (Bernini), the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi in Piazza Navona, the Chigi chapel in Santa Maria del Popolo, the Pantheon, the oldest church in Rome and much more.

Discover ancient Rome.
Testaccio is one of Rome's oldest neighborhoods. Immerse yourself in the typically Italian atmosphere. Every morning there is a local market, this is also the perfect place to have lunch. In the Jewish quarter, you can enjoy the Italian cuisine. The narrow streets make you even for a moment forget the bustle of Rome. Try to go on Sunday for a walk along the Via Appia, because then the road is closed to traffic. Enjoy the peace, the birds singing and imagine yourself in the ancient Rome of the Romans. You can also discover the Catacombs of San Sebastiano. By walking you can really explore the city.

Plan your own trail and decide what you want to see. Your departure, for an example, can start at the Coliseum and end at the Trevi fountain. Through this route you'll see a lot more. Discover ancient Rome, explore the comb shop, relax in Piazza Navona and explore the Vatican. Gradually discover more and you'll notice that with every step, there is much more to enjoy in this beautiful and ancient city of the Romans.


The Most Common Health Problems Of Your Children On A Journey - 5 Tips

What is more fun than going on a holiday with your family? But you don't want your holiday to be ruined because someone gets sick. If you are traveling with children you should always keep in mind that they are much more susceptible to disease and sensitive to heat, cold, wind and sun.

1. A child's skin is more sensitive to UV rays than that of an adult. Between 11:00 a.m. and 04:00 p.m., it is recommended to keep children out of the sun. Children younger than three should visit the beach in the shade of a parasol. Make sure that the body of your children is well coated with clothing or a towel. Using sunglasses or a hat can also be very useful, especially if they have not had much contact with the sun in the past. Always take along a good sunscreen with a high protection factor of at least 30. If you go to the beach, choose a waterproof sunscreen and cover your child with it every two hours. If your child plays a lot in the water, reapply it even more frequently. Also ensure your child drinks a lot, but only sugar-free drinks like water, unsweetened juice and cold tea.

2. Children are very vulnerable travelers and can be prone to diarrhea. This may be caused by contaminated food or heat. It is important that your child drinks a lot of water when they have diarrhea, especially infants and toddlers. They are indeed very sensitive to moisture loss. The best remedy for children younger than 12 is without a doubt, ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution). It is a composition of salt and sugar, which can be found at the pharmacy with a sweet taste, especially for children. Never use Imodium on children younger than twelve.

3. Ensure your child does not start scratching from an insect bite and causing an infection. Wash the area clean with a disinfectant or cover it with a plaster. If your child is stung by a wasp, you should remove the sting as quickly as possible. This is best done with your fingernails, so that the sting does not break. You can prevent the swelling becoming worse by rubbing the area with vinegar or lemon juice.
If you are not sure which insect has stung your child, it is recommended to seek medical assistance. If your child, is weak, dizzy, nauseous or vomiting after a bite, it is an indication of an allergic reaction and you should go directly to a hospital. Pharmacists have several remedies, but always make sure they are suitable to children.

4. Children under six are very susceptible to ear infections. Frequent swimming on a holiday is in most cases the cause of ear infections. The presence of moisture, bacteria and fungi around the area of the eardrum can manifest itself after an external ear infection. An otitis media is a form of ear infection that occurs mainly to children under six who just have had a common cold, measles or chickenpox. Children under two should be treated immediately by a doctor. Older children can be treated with remedies from the pharmacy, unless it is accompanied with high fever. If the earache is not gone after three days, it is best to consult a doctor.

5. A tick bite is dangerous to everybody. The venomous insect occurs most often in the forest. Avoid high bushes and walk on the paths as much as possible. Make sure your children's body is kept covered completely with clothing and also wear a hat or a cap. A tick bite often is stuck on the head, neck or arms. If you should find a tick on your child's body, remove it within 24 hours. You can use a tweezers or a pen, which you can find in the pharmacy. Under no circumstances may you squash, burn or numb the tick with alcohol. If the red spot is increasing, contact a doctor and always remember the date of the bite!

Always watch your children very closely and look out for unusual behavior. Wherever you travel, always inquire where you can get medical care should you need it.

My Top 5 Places To Visit In Antwerp

Antwerp is a beautiful and cultural city, with ancient and impressive architecture and splendid art. This vibrant metropolis of Rubens, diamonds and fashion, will steal your heart in no time. It has the second largest port in Europe and is one of the most productive in the world. You can easily access it by air, rail, road and even by water. In the city itself you can either go on foot, bike, car, public transportation and even horse and carriage! I would recommend a hotel in the heart of Antwerp, because you will be waking up in the ancient part of the city close to all the museums, churches and nostalgic places you can visit. In the center you will also find some of the finest Belgian restaurants and cafes with their well known Belgian beers.

1. The Cathedral of Our Lady: The construction of this cathedral started in the 14th century and although the first stage of construction ended in the 16th century, it has never been completed. It is also on the list of world heritage sites and contains several works by Pieter Paul Rubens, the famous painter, and several others. This is a must to see!

2. The Central Station: This railway station, designed by Louis Delacenserie, is one of Europe's most beautiful stations and was completed in the beginning of the 20th century. This new-baroque monument with a large metal and glass dome and marble and gilt interior has recently been renovated, so it is definitely worth visiting.

3. The Antwerp Zoo. This zoo, founded in 1843 and right next to the central station, is one of the oldest zoos in the world. It is home to almost 800 different species and has several thousands of animals. This beautiful piece of nature, in the center of the city, won a prize as the most romantic and best preserved 19th century zoo in 2007.

4. The Rubenshuis: This was the former studio and home of Pieter Paul Rubens in the 16th and
17th century. The house, interior courtyard and garden were designed by himself and based on the Italian renaissance architecture and baroque. In this house he also taught his students and relied on them for most of the actual work. Paintings and artworks, period furniture and his contemporaries were installed in the rooms after the city bought and restored it.

5. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts: Last but not least is this neoclassical building, designed by Jacob Wilders and close to southern quays, founded in the beginning of 19th century. This primary landmark of the south district houses a collection of drawings, paintings and sculptures from old masters.

This city is full of life, ancient stories and friendly people. You will feel at home in no time. Of course there is a lot more to see and to explore, but to me these are the five most important places. I would recommend staying a few days so you can wander the streets and check out all the cafes and restaurants. The best time to visit are spring and summertime, because of all the events taking place. I'm sure you will enjoy this beautiful city!


Why You Should Visit Bruges In Belgium

If there is one city in Belgium worth visiting, it is Bruges. You can wander in many ancient and nostalgic streets and never get lost, because you can always orientate yourself on the Belfort tower. You can enjoy the magnificent canals, marvelous patrician houses and the many green squares whole day long. Bruges is a city for gourmets with its numerous restaurants and cafes. And if you do not feel like walking, you can always take a tour by boat. The town is so charming that visiting it in winter can be just as romantic as in midsummer. Bruges is also the capital of lace. The art of lace-making in the lace center is now transferred to a new generation, where you can follow workshops. You can also visit the museum and gift shops too, where you can see the almost extinct craftsmanship.

The town smells like sweets all year trough. There are 48 chocolate shops in Bruges, so if you are a chocoholic, this is your destination. The Choco-Story is a chocolate museum where you can see how chocolate is made, what the quality is and of course taste it. The Chocolate Line is chocolate in a special way. Dominique Persoone thinks outside the box and combines chocolate with other special flavors. This allows you to taste chocolates with tea flavor, tomato taste and you can even buy chocolate lipstick. Since 2006 the also have their own pralines with a variety of choices. Trough out the year there are many chocolate events where you can eat your heart out!

Beside all this, Bruges is one of the most beautiful towns in Europe where you can visit a lot of monuments. It is the right choice for local culture, because the city carries cultural development with high priority. From young to old, there is something for everyone on the program. The town is enchanting, seductive and charming. The canals, the many bridges over the water, the swans that live for centuries on the same water, the old imposing facades, narrow cobblestone streets and the clop of carriages. Really everything is reminiscent of a life that is over. It lets you dive into a world of several centuries ago. The oldest part of the old town dates from the 13th to 15th century.

And yet in Bruges time did not stand still. The numerous cafes during sunny days with lovely terraces invite you to sit down and let everything come to you, the people, the buildings and the atmosphere. If you get hungry, then you can choose from more than 150 restaurants, brasseries and bars. You have choices of classical, contemporary and trendy menus. The city is an excellent stay for a city trip. I'm sure you will fall in love with this beautiful and ancient city!


Why You Should Visit Amsterdam In Holland - 3 Main Reasons

The center of the city is a melting pot of architecture, recreation, history and art. The capital of Holland is on one side very modern and the other is still comparable with the 17th-century commercial city of the past. The home of more than a thousand bridges, nearly one hundred kilometers of canals and its huge parks are definitely worth a visit. You don't need to go beyond the center to find interesting things to do and I think anyone would find Amsterdam appealing. If you opt for shopping, the many squares or take a guided tour on the red light district, you will have fun. You can travel alone, with your whole family, as a tourist or a business man and will always find a hotel that suits you perfectly.

The squares
The Leidseplein, Rembrantplein, Spui, Max Eeuweplein, Museumplein or the Dam are all familiar names to people who even never have been in the center of the city. The one thing these squares have in common, besides the National Memorial Day, are the many terraces, restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and clubs available. Whether you travel by foot, by bike or by public transport around town, they are all worth a visit. The Museumplein also belongs to one of the most interesting squares in central Amsterdam, but not so much for the pubs. This brings me to the second reason of my article, the museums.

The museums
At the Museumplein you will find the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh museum, the Stedelijk museum and the concert building all in one place. The best known is probably the Van Gogh museum that houses over 3 levels the world's largest and permanent collection of paintings by the famous Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh. In a stunning New Gothic building, the Rijksmuseum, you will find paintings of Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer. This museum is the most important art museum in the Netherlands.

The markets
The Albert Cuyp market, probably the biggest market in the Netherlands, is open every day from 9-5 except on Sunday. You can either access it by boat or the canal bus. With nearly 300 booths they sure have what you are looking for, from fresh fruit to trendy clothing. Then there is the market at the Waterloo square (near the Rembrandt Square), behind the Opera. This market in Amsterdam is the place where you find nearly everything. They sell art, antiques, tools and instruments and all this while you enjoy the Amsterdam atmosphere.

Even if you have little time to explore Amsterdam you must not try to hurry. Take time for the things you are viewing. It is a shame to rush trips or give too little attention to the things you see. It also pays to take pictures of the places that you visit, so later you have memories of your visit to reflect on. A weekend in Amsterdam is an unforgettable experience!


What You Must See On A City Trip To London

London has a lot to offer tourists. Art, kitsch, fashion and contemporary elements have their place in different parts of the city. A golden rule you must never forget during your visit, use public transport!
The roads of London are busy and complicated and certainly as a tourist it is almost impossible to find your way in a maze of streets. The taxis have a very low price and the red London buses are an attraction on their own. With the subway you are in no time at the place where you want to be.

In London you can also see a variety of shows, musicals, slapstick and classic plays are open to the public. In summertime you can go to Regents Park for outdoor performances of Shakespeare's greatest works. Most theatres are located in the West End.

The classics in London (which almost everyone knows), is absolutely worth a visit. The Tower of London, Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey are monuments that will ring a bell with everybody. London is also the home to several major museums. The British Museum is the most famous, but be sure you also visit the National Portrait Gallery, The National Gallery, the Science Museum and the Imperial War Museum.

Even shopaholics will discover a paradise in London. Especially now that the city in the last years is more a more profiled as a shopping city. Walk through Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street and visit Piccadilly Circus. The big, huge and luxurious department stores, such as Harrods and Selfridges, are definitely worth a visit. If you have your children with you, visit Hamleys. This is the largest toy store in the world, where both you and your children can walk hours between the huge isles of toys. Madame Tussaud's is world famous for her wax figures and is definitely worth a look.
If you stay more than one day in London, use the various shuttle services to visit Oxford with its world renowned university and its megaliths Stonehenge, Windsor (home to the Windsor castle) and Stratford Upon Avon (home to Shakespeare) and Hampton Court Palace.

London, the capital of the Britain, is truly a world city and is an ideal destination for a city trip. The river Thames goes beyond everyone's imagination for centuries. From Little Venice to Camden Town to Notting Hill, each neighborhood breathes a different atmosphere. Whether you are there for the first time or the tenth time, a city break in London has always new things to discover. This city has more to offer than you can see in a few days. London is a city of culture and entertainment for all ages!