This is my last post about our short break in London. The day before we left, we went and took a tour to the Stonehenge which was clubbed with a tour inside the Windsor Castle. Our first stop was the Windsor Castle, home to England’s kings and queens. Unfortunately, again, we missed the change of guards. Future note, check the schedules of change of guards for Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle as they don’t happen everyday in certain times of the year. I heard it is something worth witnessing while you’re there.
Unfortunately, photography wasn’t allowed inside the state apartments and precincts. But we enjoyed taking photos outside the castle.
Our next stop was Bath. I love this village is quite remote and the view going there was refreshing. Rolling hills and trees and stone houses line the road to Bath. I wish I had taken a lot of photos but on my lap was a sleeping baby and we were at the far end of the bus…not a lot of windows there.
I could spend one full day just strolling around the cobbled streets of the villages in Bath and laze around the greenery near River Avon. The problem with day tours like these is that you don’t have a lot of time to explore.
Our last stop was the Stonehenge. There is nothing spectacular with a group of stones but knowing that they date way back thousands of years ago can amaze you…how and why the men of old thought about it and how they were able to build it without the modern cranes.
And here are my last 5 tips for traveler parents:
- While planning your trip, check with your traveler friends if any of them are planning to go to the same destination. It is always good to have a helping hand. Or check if you know anyone in the city you are going to. It is better to have someone to call if you ever have an emergency,…like that family family you want to take with the London Eye. 🙂
- If you have young readers like my 4 year old, hype them up by making them watch a movie shot in that place or have them read a storybook in that setting. It is fascinating how they retain these information and suddenly blabber in a bus full of tourists how they know that place. They also do not feel bored when you go visit these place because now, they can relate.
- Bring bracelet paper bands (the ones they use in theme parks or concerts). Before leaving the hotel , have your child wear one just in case they get lost. “Hi! I’m ____ staying at Hotel _____ with parents _____”
- After the trip, make a memory book with your kids. Print some photos, attach tickets and ask your kids to write down their feelings or what they remember best in the place. You will discover a treasure cove of memories in traveling.
- Start planning your next vacation…according to your children’s age if you plan to bring them along and start saving for it. 🙂
