When you take off for an extended vacation, your home security becomes an entirely different concept than it usually is. Of course, when you are at home, you can enjoy total control over your home’s safety and security. You can make sure doors are locked when necessary, you can manually set your alarm, and you can keep an eye out for any strangers acting in unusual ways, etc.

Maintain Home Security While Away on a Family Vacation

Take Matters Into Your Own Hands
Some people consider leaving lights on or even a TV while they go away for a short time like my in-laws do. However, they live in a very sleepy town with almost no crime. They also have dogs and someone who checks in regularly to feed them and collect the newspapers on the driveway.

Many people don't have this option, especially if they will be traveling for an extended period of time. If you lack someone who can house sit for you while you're away, the next best option would be a Home Security System. You can arrange to have your system connected to you through your cell phone or smart device, which would allow you to monitor the system while on vacation.

In addition to making sure that your security system is updated and armed, you may also want to take some more practical precautions to discourage criminal activity against your home in your absence.

Let a Friend or Neighbor Know You're Going Away

First, you should notify a close neighbor that you will be out of town, and arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail and/or newspapers – one way that criminals sometimes recognize an empty house is by taking note of papers piling up in driveways. As well as taking your mail for themselves if anything is just lying around. Consider package theft prevention if you are going to be receiving important things in the mail while gone

 

 After figuring out how to get to your location the next item on the list is typically accommodation.  While we were traveling quickly around Asia I found that looking for the right hotel or apartment was the thing that took up the majority of my time.  There are just so many options it is hard to decide what to do.

Space
For us, this is hugely important. Staying in a small hotel room gives you very little space to stretch out, organize your things, or really have any privacy at all.  With 3 boys it is so helpful to have separated rooms so everyone can do their own thing. I also find that when living a nomadic life staying in an apartment or house gives a little bit more of a "home" feeling, far more than when staying in a one-room hotel.

If staying someplace for a while we have even been able to entertain for dinners and have friends stay with us. This is simply not an option in a hotel room. There just isn't the space to do it!

The world is full of delicious desserts just waiting to be devoured. And while we may all be stuck at home right now, that doesn't mean we can't plan our next taste-testing adventure. Let's take a look at some of the most mouthwatering international deserts you need to try.

For those who don't know, Baklava is a sweet pastry made with layers of filo and nuts all held together with a special syrup or honey. While the exact origin of Baklava is a mystery, the recipes we have today are believed to have originated in Turkey as early as 800 B.C.

It may have originated in Turkey, but if you find yourself in the Mediterranean/middle eastern area you won't have a hard time finding some of the best Baklava you've ever tried. Don't miss out on your next trip!

A mooncake is a traditional Chinese treat that can be traced all the way back to its predecessor, the Taishi cake, which became popular around three thousand years ago during the Shang Dynasty. Talk about a dessert with some history! Mooncakes are made with a thin pastry shell wrapped around a dense sweet filling. Usually a sweet bean paste or lotus seed paste.

You won't have a hard time finding Mooncakes in many North and Southeast Asian countries, but if you're looking for the full cultural experience you may want to visit China during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a yearly event where families and friends come together to celebrate and give thanks. The festival is also a time of lunar warship, which is where the name Mooncake comes from. Mooncakes are most traditionally eaten during the festival.

Not a fan of dry pastries? Then this is the cake for you. Tres Leches Cake is a very simple and delicious dessert to make at home. All you need is a sponge cake and three kinds of milk as the name implies. The cake is soaked in a combination of heavy cream, evaporated milk, and condensed milk.

Tres Leches is most likely of Medieval European origin as with similar cakes such as tiramisu. However, Tres Leches has become extremely popular in Latin America since the early 1900s.

Roti is originally an Indian flatbread made from wholegrain flour. Normally Roti is served as a side for savory meals, but Thai Roti however is a sweet dessert usually served as street food in Thailand.

Thai Roti is most commonly made with pan-fried bread, sweetened condensed milk, white sugar, and banana, or even chocolate. This is a must-try next time you find yourself in Thailand!

Gulab Jamun is an Indian sweet made from milk-based dough balls that are deep-fried and drizzled in sugar syrup. This dessert originated in Medieval Inda and was based on a fritter that Central Asian Turkic invaders brought to India.

You won't have any trouble finding this treat all over India. Or in Indian restaurants all around the world.

The local drone legislation is the duty of every vlogger and video maker: for if they are not obeyed can lead to facing a penalty. Making drone videos are growing popular and the audience seems to like it. If you are also an upcoming drone video maker, then you have come to the right place in search of guidance!

In this article, we will discuss some useful tips to produce a holiday drone video. If you're looking to learn more about recording videos from the ground see our other post.

7 useful tips to produce a holiday drone video

Go Slow
Slow shooting is film-based which generates the impression of shooting from higher platforms like helicopters. It would certainly increase the work's quality efficiency. Slowly, you can even monitor the video you seek to record and create it. Slow shooting reciprocates stability and you can also change your production once you have a stable video. Never rush your shots because perfection is achieved through patience.

Flying Low for Cinematic Experience
Low and slow-mo shots are always seen as appealing and professional. Low flight and slowly increasing altitude is an excellent way to create your video, irrespective of whether you want to pose a landscape or a city skyline. Curiosity builds up and the viewer wants to participate. You can also slowly increase the altitude and in order to not bore your audience, you can hyper-lapse it to create a great effect.

Aerial Drone Shot

Keep a Spare Battery
If you’re going wilderness shooting or even going to the park to get a bird’s eye view of the city, you wouldn’t want to end your shoot because of a low battery. In order to avoid an unforeseen end to a great trip, be sure to add an extra battery to your packing list for your drone and stroll the sceneries without a problem!

Shoot RAW
When you want to produce high-end films, you often have to rely on aftercare for imaginative film effects. Shooting in RAW is where it all starts. No film is made in on the fly, except maybe posting Instagram videos from your phone, of course. RAW shooting offers you the chance to boost the accuracy of your photos/videos and present your audience with high-quality stuff first hand. Don't think about anything else when you are uploading your shots for the first time.

Get a Professional Edit
No one wants a poor editor on the wheels of your great video! Make sure you edit the videos you made professionally or hire a professional video editor because if a poor edit is performed it can ruin the time you put into recording it. Don’t back out on the video edit because post-processing for lights, shaders, textures, HDR and many more factors are responsible for a good drone video. Some people prefer to do their own Drone video editing while some like to hire a professional to make the most of their video.

A good edit can make or break a done video's popularity, so be sure to take some time to either learn more about the editing process or look into hiring someone to make sure your holiday drone video is as great as it can be.

Aerial Island Shot

Shaking is a turnoff
Constantly shaking the camera while recording is very unappealing to the viewers. It would be best to get a drone camera with stabilizers so that you don’t constantly shake in the footage, be sure to fly straight and do not cross windy paths in your video. The wind is sometimes unavoidable, but you can keep track of the weather before you shoot. Try and keep your drone as steady as possible with the controls. This may be most difficult depending on the stability of your drone so be sure to consider that as well if you are just getting into drone videography.

While you can check the weather predictions, the weather is highly unpredictable and wind can interfere without warning, in such cases it is best to cut that portion out from your final video no matter the beautiful scenery it caught in that moment. The shaking can take away all the attention from your video and is very unattractive for your viewers.

Adding Music and Effects
As mentioned above, editing is a major part of the video to make it appealing. If you caught great shots but your editing is weak then the whole video can be seen as bad quality. Adding music also plays a major role in making the video appealing.

The sound effects applied to the video often vary significantly, changing camera positions due to the inserted music provides a rather enticing environment. If you introduce a trance soundtrack, make sure any beat in the trance is placed appropriately with the video.

Music plays a significant role in the film, some videos used soundtracks to suit the listener's heart rhythm and viewers didn't get it, but they became curious when they saw these videos. A video with the appropriate music has been known to draw people's attention. Music changes the whole experience of viewing the video so it has a huge role in making something appealing or unappealing to the viewers.

Assessment – Compare your trip plan to the reality of your financial status. Is it feasible? Or, for now, it’s a bigger conquest to achieve such a destination? Make hard decisions, don’t run from them. Be honest with yourself. Once you have collected an overall idea of the trip costs, compile a spreadsheet that lists your income and your expenses. Study how it all stacks up. Write up at least 6 months' worth to have a better projection of what your reality is.

Set the goal – Long and short-term goals are meant to be followed. List them and stick to it. Do not be dishonest with yourself so in the future, your motivation won't be killed by disappointment.

 
Create the big plan – Remove unnecessary expenses (which we will detail afterward), set a strict spending budget or add additional income to meet your goals.

 
Implement the plan – Put your plan in action and maintain it strictly.

 
Monitoring all the steps – As time passes by, your plan will evolve, and your spending will also change. Scrutinize the budget, analyze it and adjust it, if needed.

This saving plan works for most purposes in life, whether it is to travel, to save for a new house, a new car or simply to just keep the money for the future. Setting priorities and following them with motivation and rules will help you achieve your goals much faster. Always remember why you are doing this. Set pictures on the wall of your destination and remind yourself about the reward you will get with the current effort.

Additionally, as mentioned before, some extra costs of your life might need to be removed. Assessing your expenditures is mandatory to understand what fits in your “wants” and in your “needs”. Slowly it would be best to eliminate the “wants” from the things you make it a routine to purchase.

Likewise, creating a bank account, or even just a piggy bank at home where you save your money towards your goal, is the thing to do. Set an amount you want to transfer daily, weekly or monthly and make it a habit.

Cutting back on fancy coffee drinks, having beers out or lunch/dinner at a restaurant will help you improve your budget. Pack your lunch, if you are able, find out all the supermarket promotions and keep yourself to the basics.

For example, if you can pay eight or fewer euros for lunch instead of 12, each day, by the end of the year you will have around 832€ plus. The same with the drinks you have out with your friends or the pack of tobacco you buy. With this strategy, it will be easier to make money than if you were betting on the Breeders Cup challenge race.

Having fun doesn’t need to be forbidden when cutting some expenses. However, you should rethink what you would be doing for fun. There are a lot of free programs some organizations promote, free events, free exhibitions. Pay attention to it and once you find out what your area offers to you, go for it.

Ask yourself if you can reduce your car usage. Bikes are cheaper, healthier and reduce environmental pollution as well. If distances are too long, do you have the chance to take public transports? Do it! You have friends going to work in the same region as you? Split the costs and alternate rides. And if you're in a place where you and can do more walking, it's even better. Totally free and great exercise!

Reducing your utility bills can, for real, make the difference by the end of the month. If you turn off the heater, when you can, and instead use a sweater to warm up it'll feel good when the gas or electricity bill reduces. Turn off the lights when you leave the rooms, shorten your showers and do less laundry by accumulating more clothes for one wash.

These might seem like uncomfortable and unnecessary behaviors, but no one said goals are always easy to achieve. Once again, think about your priorities and adopt a new lifestyle. Three months later, or maybe less, all will feel part of your routine.

Unforeseen expenses might be a little scary at the beginning of this all-new style. To contour it, always think about the options you have. Second-hand shops are a possibility, in case you need a new bed, mattress or some new clothes. Second-hand books, for your studies, are also possible to get, without forgetting libraries. Most of them allow you to rent books for free or for a yearly cheap fee.

Another option could be to pick up any extra work you can in your spare time to help grow your travel fund faster.

The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6 mile-long trail which runs along the Hillsborough River. Visitors can walk, bike, enjoy public art and access any number of restaurants, stores, parks and playgrounds, bike rental shops and attractions, such as the Florida Aquarium and the Glazer Children's Museum, along the route.

Walking along the river is a great way to stretch your legs and let the kids run wild at one of the many well taken care of parks along the walk. And the best part is that it is completely free aside from any restaurant or shopping stops.

2. Busch Gardens

Spanning 297 acres and boasting more than 12,000 animals, restaurants, live shows, roller coasters, shops and games, Busch Gardens has been a popular theme park since the 1950s. It may not be as well known, but believe it or not, Busch gardens is actually older than Disney World and includes themed lands, such as the Edge of Africa and animal exhibits based on the Serengeti Plain and the Myombe Reserve. If you're looking for a theme park/zoo experience in Tampa, this is the place to start.

Tickets start at $84.99 if bought online three days in advance. Tickets bought on-site cost $94.99. And prepare to fork over some more cash for parking as well, which costs $25 per car.

You'll find Busch Gardens about 10 miles northeast of downtown Tampa. You may want to look into picking up a car rental in Tampa for activities like this that are a little out of the way. Having your own car also makes exploring the rest of the city a whole lot easier.

3. Florida Aquarium, Tampa
Aquariums have been a source of wonder and amazement that all ages have enjoyed for generations. The Florida Aquarium in Tampa is no different. The Aquarium houses a massive collection of marine life (over 14,000 animals)! Visitors can spend hours on end making their way through the maze of different habitats and the animals who reside within. Spending time at the aquarium is certainly a great way to keep everyone entertained during a long layover.

The aquarium is open every day from 9:30 am to 5 pm and tickets vary in price depending on a number of factors, such as day of the week, weather and holidays. For the most part, you can expect to pay around $27 to $32 for adults.

4. Glazer Children's Museum
If you’re traveling with younger kids you may want to stop by the Glazer Children’s Museum. The 53,000 square-foot space is filled with interactive exhibits that aim to teach kids about the human body, math, science, and art. It also makes for a good indoor activity to have in mind if the weather turns on you.

The museum is located near The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa and is open every day of the week. Tickets range from $15 for adults and $10 for those 12 and under.

5. Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center
Tampa is a great place for animal lovers willing to pay for the experience. However, finding science centers, zoos and aquariums that don't charge at least a little something for you to enter can be a challenge. Which is why Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center is so special. At no cost at all, visitors can stop by and see Manatees swimming through the Tampa Electric water plant.

At the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach, manatees seek refuge in the power station's discharge panel, where clean, warm Tampa Bay saltwater flows. When the bay gets too cold for the manatees, they retreat to this space for warmth.

Aside from being able to see these unique animals the Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center also offers other attractions including a mangrove exhibit, butterfly garden, and a gift shop. It’s a bit of a drive at about 25 miles from downtown, but the Manatee Viewing Center is a wonderful experience to have during your layover in Tampa.

Getting to New York

Where to sleep in New York City

Eating in New York

Considering how large NYC is, you won't ever have a hard time finding all kinds of food throughout the city. You will have no problem fulfilling even the pickiest of eaters. However, when in New York there are some foods you absolutely have to try!

Pizza

The origins of pizza are traced back to Naples, Italy, but the distinctly American version we know and love was born in New York City in the late 1800s when Neapolitan immigrants adapted their family recipes. No trip to NYC is complete without trying the famous New York-style pizza you can find everywhere.

Bagels
Another story of immigration. The bagel was introduced and became popular worldwide when Jewish immigrants brought the tradition with them from Europe. Now you can find bagels in supermarkets everywhere, but many restaurants in NYC have their own unique spins on this delicious treat!

Cheesecake
Cheesecake has also existed for centuries, but New York City's signature take came into being after cream cheese was invented in the nearby town of Chester, New York, in 1872. Since then, NY has been known for its version an already mouthwatering dessert.


Similar to most big cities around the world, taxis are never in short supply in NYC. If you're trying to get from one place to another as easily as possible then hopping in a cab might be the way to go. It's good to remember that traffic can be atrocious as well. So, you may want to give yourself more time if you decide to take a taxi.

Renting a car in New York City is also a good way to get around during your trip. If you're comfortable driving in a foreign place, it can help save a lot of money over having to pay for a taxi each you go out. It also gives your family a lot more freedom not only for getting around, but you can also take more with you on days of exploring.

Buses and subways are another good and very cheap alternative to get around the city if you're not interested in driving. The subway, however, maybe the only way to avoid the traffic you would find above ground. Both the bus system and the subways are mapped very well and are a breeze to use.


American Museum of Natural History
One of the best family-friendly attractions is certainly The American Museum of Natural History. There is no lack of mythical and historical exhibits. Not to mention dinosaurs like the T-REX! This museum has enough wonders to explore for hours on end so be sure to give yourself a good amount of time for your visit. Depending on how fast you are walking through, the recommended time is about 4 hours to see a much as possible. Admission cost is in the form of a $23 donation for adults and $13 for kids. Inside there are water dispensers so you can save a little money by having your own water bottle with you.

Be careful, your kids will never want to leave!

Central Park
Central Park is a classic must-see in New York. Some activities you can do there include Ice skating (in the winter), taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park, and many other activities and events that come and go at different times of the year. Central Park is the perfect place to enjoy a little nature while in the big city and for the kids to burn off some energy running around or playing on one of the many playgrounds.

You'll find another famous place in the park as well. The Central Park Zoo is one of the smaller zoos in NYC but could make for a fun addition to your time exploring Central Park. Tickets range from $20 for adults and $15 for children.

If you decide to skip the zoo, you may still be greeted by some of the park's wildlife. Such as squirrels, ducks, geese, and if you've got a good eye you may be able to spot some turtles in the ponds around the park.

You could easily spend half a day or more in the park if you have the time.

Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a symbol of the city and one of the most visited and appreciated skyscrapers. You can climb up to the 86th floor or up to the 102nd floor, with price scales that grow as you go higher. It may be a little costly, but the view from above is phenomenal! The line to get to the observation deck can be fairly long most days. Make sure you have some tools to keep everyone entertained during the long wait!

Broadway
We simply cannot forget to mention Broadway: the beating heart of the city and Mecca of theatre worldwide. Here the most famous names of today's and yesterday's cinema perform in musicals, comedies, and dramas with high-budget productions full of special effects and huge sets. In all this, the famous Disney musicals stand out: "Mary Poppins" and the "Lion King”. I can't promise a budget-friendly trip to a Broadway show, but if you're willing to spend a little extra money it can be an amazing time for the whole family.

Experience a Scavenger Hunt in New York City
One of the best ways to tour the Big Apple is through a fun and exciting New York City scavenger hunt. There’s no better way to explore Lower Manhattan, Wall Street, and The Rockefeller Center than through an adventurous scavenger hunt! It’s a terrific bonding activity the family will surely enjoy.

Companies that organize scavenger hunts have lots of creative ideas and additional games that will make each hunt more customized to your preference.

Rockefeller Center and Lego Shop
Every adult visiting New York cannot fail to see the spectacular Rockefeller Center with its famous ice skating rink that appears in every movie. If your trip happens to be planned during the holiday season you have all the more reason to visit Rockefeller Center. You'll be able to ice skate under the stunning Christmas tree that gets lit up every year.

Even during other times of the year, Rockefeller Center is a sight to behold. Then there's the LEGO shop. Where the bricks are assembled in the reproduction of the same Rockefeller Center as well as many other imaginative creations that decorate the two floors of the store. The presence of the LEGO store in this context also ensures the satisfaction of young tourists along with that of their parents no matter what time of year you're visiting!

Statue of Liberty
No list of things to do in New York City for families would be complete without mentioning the Statue of Liberty. The national monument is not only one of the most popular site in NYC but in all of the United States.

Taking the ferry out to Liberty Island is a wonderful activity in itself. You get to see the city from a new perspective as you cruise across the Hudson River and the kids will love the boat ride. Once on the island, it's impossible not to be impressed by the grandness of the statue. Most of the packages you can purchase include a trip to the historic Ellis Island as well. The ferry package costs $25 per adult and $16 for children. With more in-depth tours of the statue costing the same.

For the main museums-buildings or in any case for all the very touristy attractions within the city, it is advisable to arrive as early as possible to avoid the long lines.

You can also choose to do the NY PASS which helps you save money if you plan to visit as many places as possible.

Remember to consider picking up a car rental in New York City as well. It can really help you get around to some of the farther out locations you may want to visit. Navigating the city can be a little tricky, but if you are a confident driver it's totally worth it.

As with any trip, it is better not to keep the time too tight, especially with children following. New York City is a wonderful place to explore and you'll need some time to see everything your heart desires.

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