Travel Sprout Magazine - Issue #1 October 2014 by Travel Sprout Magazine

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ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2014

INSPIRING FAMILY TRAVEL

The Big

LAUNCH ISSUE

Going for gold in Sovereign Hill

Biking in Bali Take a family trip down the backroads through little villages in the last paradise on earth

ONE-DAY

GETAWAY

WANAKA

10 great water parks in Australia

when in rome - DISCOVER PANAMA - tree houses - KID FRIENDLY CAMERAS

TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

travelsprout.com.au Check out our website to find previous issues, links to great destinations and more info on the organisations we support. You can also get in touch if you have ideas for articles, great family holiday photos you want to share or just have a browse.

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CONTRIBUTORS Travel Sprout Magazine travelsprout.com.au Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Jonas Ask Homaa Editor Olivia Witkowski Assistant editor Emma Kate Design & illustrations Nina Bennett Images BigStock.com unless otherwise stated Contributors for this issue Arwen Hann Katie-Anne Gustafsson Anne Vichnevetskaia Published by Sprout Publications ABN 91 843 395 033 P O Box 25 Elwood VIC 3184 Australia

Front cover copyright - Bigstock.com

Arwen Hann Arwen Hann embarked on her first overseas adventure at 18, with a solo trip to New Zealand and Singapore. She has travelled extensively across the world. After emigrating from England to New Zealand and starting a family, her focus switched from far-flung adventures to road trips. She has braved long-haul travel with a young child, and called South Africa home temporarily. She dreams of beach holidays that don’t involve building sand castles, and enjoys seeing new experiences through the eyes of a schoolchild. Katie-Anne Gustafsson Katie-Anne Gustafsson is a British freelance writer living in Sweden with her Swedish husband Mikael, and their two boys, Jakob and Connor. In 1975, having experienced her first transatlantic flight, she found a passion for travel that has never left her. These days she loves sharing her enthusiasm for both travel and history with her husband and children. Anna Vichnevetskaia The first job Anna’s mum ever had was on a cruise ship and she would sometimes take Anna along. And that was probably how Anna got her travel bug. Today, 20 years later, Anna has been to 35 countries across 5 continents. Travel has not only opened her eyes and mind to new places and cultures, but also made her realize how lucky and privileged she is. That’s why she works with international social development, combining work, travel, giving back and learning. Jonas Ask Homaa Jonas has always had an inherent urge for travelling and exploring. Having lived with his family in Copenhagen, Los Angeles and now Melbourne he always looks for new adventures both locally and out in the big world. His favorite thing is to dive with his daughter or eating italian ice cream on a hot summer day.

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions expressed in the editorials / articles are those of the writers and does not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher and Travel Sprout Magazine. Information provided was believed to be correct at the time of publication. Copyright © Travel Sprout Magazine / Sprout Publication 2014. Reproduction of any part or in whole without the permission of is strictly forbidden. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders. If you feel that we are using any images in an inappropriate way please contact us immediately.

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A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

WELCOME

It has been a couple of hectic months at the office getting ready for the launch of the first issue of Travel Sprout Magazine. Lots of late nights discussing our favourite travel destinations and our best family holiday memories. Lots of ideas and lots of enthusiasm about being able to work with something as great as exploring and travelling the world with our kids. And lots of hard work getting it all together and ready to share with all of you. So here it finally is and we are very proud of it. But even though we did all the hard work Travel Sprout is as much your magazine as ours and we want all your feedback and good ideas to make it the best online travel magazine for Australian families. So please do not hesitate letting us know what we could do better. We look forward to many great adventures together.

Jonas Ask Homaa Editor-in-Chief Travel Sprout Magazine

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DESTINATIONS HILL 28 SOVEREIGN STEP BACK IN TIME TO THE OLD MINING TOWN AND PAN FOR GOLD

35 WANAKA A ONE-DAY GETAWAY IN THE TOWN WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE LAKE

42 BALI BIKING IN BALI FAMILY STYLE - DOWN THE BACKROADS AND THROUGH LITTLE VILLAGES

ROME 70 GREAT TIPS FOR ROAMING IN ROME WITH TODDLERS

82 PANAMA DISCOVERING PANAMA AND DISCOVERY CHANNEL NATURE AND EXPERIENCES

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DESTINATIONS

Biking in Bali WIth the whole family

GOING FOR GOLD IN SOVEREIGN HILL

70 35

WHEN IN ROME tips for toddlers

ONE-day getaway IN wanaka

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10 great water parks in australia

HOW TO encourage young photographers

44 8

WeIrd & WACKY accommodation - tree houses

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KIDS CAMERA TEST

INSPIRATION

INSPIRATION GReat - water parks 10 10 10 GREAT AUSSIE WATER PARKS WORTH VISITING WHEN SUMMER COMES

to ... 25 how ... ENCOURAGE YOUNG PHOTOGRAHERS AND INSPIRE YOUR KIDS TO TAKE PHOTOS

HOUSES 44 TREE WE FOUND SOME GREAT PLACES TO SPEND THE NIGHT AMONG THE TREE TOPS

KIDS CAMERA TEST 65 WE HAVE TESTED A COUPLE OF KID FRIENDLY CAMERAS FOR THE NEXT FAMILY HOLIDAY ...

apps, books & stuff - great LOTS OF OTHER CONTENT LIKE GOOD APPS, TRAVEL BOOKS, TRAVEL GEAR ETC.

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WATER PARKS in Australia

With summer approaching what could be better than spending a day in the water, sliding down into a cooling pool or floating around on a big inflatable rubber tube. We have found 10 great water parks from around Australia that will keep you and the kids cool in the summer heat. The numbering on the list is random. Recommended age and ratings are suggested by Travel Sprout Magazine and prices are approximate. See details at individual websites.

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#10

AquaSplash Gold Coast, QLD www.aquasplash.com.au

AquaSplash is nothing less than Australia’s first “open water” inflatable waterpark. It features two icebergs, a spinner and a rocker, all inflated and floating at the Marina Parade at Southport Broadwater Parklands. The waterpark is half waterpark / half obstacle course and access includes life jackets (if needed), introduction, 50 minutes at AquaSplash and the iceberg Challenge. Remeber to check opening times.

Age: 5 - 99 Price: AU$ 5 -15 Action packed: Creative: Educational: Relaxing:

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10 GREAT WATER PARKS

pixybay.com

# 9 Big Splash

Waterpark

Age: 3 - 99 Price: AU$ 23 -25 Action packed: Creative: Educational: Relaxing:

Canberra, ACT

www.bigsplashwaterpark.com.au Big Splash Waterpark is a “classic” water park. But even though it has a few years on its back, it is definitely worth a visit. With 5 heated pools, 8 waterslides and lots of inflatables there are plenty of things to do. If you come early in the morning or late afternoon you can do lap swimming and if you get tired of the water (but why would you?) there are play areas, lots of grass for running around and a nice café.

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Adventure Park Geelong, VIC

www.adventurepark.com.au

Age: 5 - 99 Price: From AU$ 25 Action packed: Creative: Educational: Relaxing:

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Adventure Park in Geelong is Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest theme park and you can easily spend a day there - if not more. There are water slides for all ages and paces - from the relaxing River Torrent to the mind-bendingly quick Aqua Racer - and plenty of water play areas. If you need a break Adventure Park offers Go Karts, archery, miniature Golf and loads more.

10 GREAT WATER PARKS

# 7 WetSide

Hervey Bay, Qld

Age: 0 - 99 Price: AU$ 0 - 6 Action packed: Creative: Educational: Relaxing:

www.widebaywater.qld.gov.au WetSide is a eco-friendly public waterpark designed educate about water and its sustainable use in a fun way. Unlike most waterparks WetSide has no entry fee except a small fee if you want to use the wave machine (FlipSide). There is a large water play area (TotSide) for tottlers and a couple of water slides and wading pools. If you are there on certain days you can stay late and enjoy the End Night Show, which is a colourful display of light and music - a great way to end the day.

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# 6 Kalamunda Water Park

Perth, WA

www.kalamundawaterpark.ymca.org.au

Age: 0 - 99 Price: From AU$ 3.80 Action packed: Creative: Educational: Relaxing:

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The Kalamunda Water Park is a great place to spend the day. With an Olympic size pool, two children pools, a splash pad for toddlers and two water slides – the Zig-Zag and the Corkscrew – kids of all ages (even really big ones) can have fun here. There are plenty of shaded areas and you can BYO food and hire a BBQ.

10 GREAT WATER PARKS

# 5 Sydney’s

Age: 5 - 99 Price: AU$ 50 - 80 Action packed: Creative: Educational: Relaxing:

Wet ‘n’ Wild Sydney NSW

www.wetnwildsydney.com.au Even though Sydney’s Wet ‘n’ Wild just opened last year it is not left behind when it comes to thrill rides. With names like 360Rush, HalfPipe, T5, Tropical Cyclone and Bombora already established in the waterslide world, this place is definitely worth a visit. There is also plenty of family fun for the younger crowd - take a ride in Boomerang Bay or try out Wet ‘n’ Wild Junior. The entry fees are quite high, but then again this is a place where you will spend the whole day. Get in early to beat the crowds and get the most out of your day.

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Whitewater World is part of the Dreamworld theme park so if you combine the two (in one entry pass) you and the family will probably have a full day on your plate. The waterpark is a great mix of thrill rides like The Rip, Super Tubes Hydrocaster, The Bro, The Wedgie to name a few, and family fun like the Pipeline Plunge, Cave of Waves and Wiggle Bay. A day at Whitewater World will take the energy out of you, so be sure to get a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep before you go.

Age: 5 - 99 Price: From AU$ 35 Action packed: Creative: Educational: Relaxing:

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10 GREAT WATER PARKS

#3 The Beachouse is not a waterpark in the traditional sense of the word, but it is definitely the place to be on a rainy day and with fully enclosed and heated waterslides you can still enjoy a day in the water when the mercury drops. The Beachouse also has mini golf, a play castle, dodgem cars, carousel and other activities of that nature. There is no entry fee â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you pay for each activity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and it is just a few minutes walk from the lovely Glenelg beach, so on a sunny day a beach trip can be combined with a trip to the Beachouse.

Age: 0 - 99 Price: AU$ 0 - 10 Action packed: Creative: Green Room at Educational: The Whitewater World Relaxing:

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Whitewater World Gold Coast, Qld

Age: 5 - 99 Price: From AU$ 35 Action packed: Creative: Educational: Relaxing:

www.whitewaterworld.com.au Whitewater World is part of the Dreamworld theme park so if you combine the two (in one entry pass) you and the family will probably have a full day on your plate. The waterpark is a great mix of thrill rides like The Rip, Super Tubes Hydrocaster, The Bro, The Wedgie to name a few, and family fun like the Pipeline Plunge, Cave of Waves and Wiggle Bay. A day at Whitewater World will take the energy out of you, so be sure to get a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep before you go.

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10 GREAT WATER PARKS

# 3 The

Beachouse

Age: 0 - 99 Price: AU$ 0 - 10 Action packed: Creative: Educational: Relaxing:

Glenelg, SA

www.thebeachouse.com.au The Beachouse is not a waterpark in the traditional sense of the word, but it is definitely the place to be on a rainy day. With fully enclosed and heated waterslides you can still enjoy a day in the water when the mercury drops. The Beachouse also has miniature golf, a play castle, dodgem cars, a carousel and other activities of that nature. There is no entry fee â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you pay for each activity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and it is just a few minutes walk from the lovely Glenelg beach, so on a sunny day a beach trip can be combined with a trip to the Beachouse.

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#2 Age: 5 - 99 Price: From AU$ 18 Action packed: Creative: Educational: Relaxing:

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Manly Waterworks Sydney, NSW

www.manlywaterworks.com.au If you want to combine a trip to the big city with a trip to a waterpark, than Manly Waterworks is a great choice. Close to the famous Manly Cove Beach and just a ferry ride from downtown Sydney this waterpark has it all. You can take a ride on the twisted Cobra, the slippery Python or try the pitch-black tubes of the Insane Earthworm. You can combine a day at the waterpark with a visit to Manly Sealife Santuary (with shark viewing tunnel and shark diving) or go kayaking in the surrounding harbour beaches.

10 GREAT WATER PARKS

# 1 Wet ‘n’ Wild

Age: 5 - 99 Price: From AU$ 35 Action packed: Creative: Educational: Relaxing:

Gold Coast, Qld www.wetnwild.com.au

Wet ‘n’ Wild is just as much a theme park as it is a waterpark. And being part of Themeparks family (MovieWorld, Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild and a few others) you can combine entry for an all-in-one theme park holiday. Wet ‘n’ Wild has attractions for all thrill-seeker levels. Rides like The Black Hole and Kamikaze will make you wish you brought extra clean swimwear, Surfrider will redefine your understanding of water park rides and AquaLoop will - as the name indicates - (almost) put you upside-down on your way to the bottom. In between you can relax in Buccaneer Bay or on Calypso Beach.

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SHOW US YOUR FAMILY HOLIDAY PHOTOS

Have you got any great family photos from the last holiday, your favorite holiday destination or something amazing from your family adventures around the world? Share it with us on Instagram by using the hashtag #travelsprout and you could get your photo in the issue of Travel Sprout.

#travelsprout instagram.com/travelsproutmag

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HOW TO ...

How to ... encourage young photographers

ll parents know that photos can make wonderful holiday mementos, and we spend plenty of time making sure our children get in front of the camera so we can capture their beaming smile. Less often do we encourage them to get behind the camera, but giving a child the chance to capture their own images can result in extra special memories. Starting a creative hobby like photography can also help to boost a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s confidence, gives them a chance to practice other skills such as paying attention to detail and being patient and it provides an opportunity to let their imagination run wild. Arwen Hann gives us some tips on how to encourage a budding photographer.

All images Copyright - Bigstock.com

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How to ...

Invest in the right equipment ...

There are plenty of “toy” cameras on the market, but while they may be easy to handle and harder to break, the quality of images and the range of features often leave a lot to be desired. Instead, think about investing in an inexpensive entry-level camera, look at buying second hand, or even pass on one of your old cameras when you upgrade. Teach your child the importance of handling the camera carefully early on. Many children find it hard to grasp the idea of looking through a viewfinder so look for a camera with a larger screen on the back and a small zoom lens.

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Try to let go of control ...

Whenever you are trying to teach a new skill it can be hard not to tell children what to do in minute detail, but the best way of learning is simply by trying. Give your child time to experiment with their photos. Remember that children see things differently to adults so they might want to focus on certain details. Let them go ahead even if it isn’t something you would photograph. Even just snapping away randomly can help young children develop an interest in photography so let them go for it. After all, with a digital camera it isn’t as if they are wasting rolls of film!

HOW TO ...

... but do offer constructive advice!

While it is good to let your child take the lead, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing wrong with offering a little bit of help especially to older children. They may not listen while they are concentrating on taking pictures, so make a time to review them later either on the camera screen or by downloading them to a computer, pointing out what is good and what they could do differently next time. In the beginning, offer basic advice such as how to hold the camera and line up a shot. If your child is keen, you might like to teach them simple principles like the rule of thirds for framing, using flash and using different camera settings.

with the most interesting images. Hint: it probably wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be you!

Enjoy it!

Remember to take a step back and simply enjoy your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photos and the new perspectives they bring. Seeing you enjoy their work will no doubt boost their passion so if they take a really great shot then why not have it printed and framed for the wall to celebrate their creativity.

Have a little competition ...

If you take photos too, then compare them. You might be surprised at how similar they are, and pointing out the differences can help your child improve their technique. You could even challenge your youngster to photograph the same set of objects or scene and see who comes out travelsprout.com.au

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SOVEREIGN HILL

GOING FOR

GOLD Just 1Â˝ hours from Melbourne CBD and you will find yourself 150 years back in time panning for gold, crawling down the mine shafts and walking the streets of the old mining town of Sovereign Hill.

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Take a trip with Travel Sprout Editor-in-Chief Jonas Ask Homaa back in time to dig for gold with the family in Sovereign Hill in Ballarat.

STEPPING BACK IN TIME

didn’t know quite what to expect driving to Sovereign Hill on a Saturday morning and I must admit that the prospect of walking around a “fake” gold mining town for the most

part of a day was making me pout like a three-yearold. The image of cheap Sovereign souvenirs, expensive food stalls and long lines of screaming kids and yelling parents kept flashing before

my eyes. But since my daughter was as excited as on Christmas morning I silently trudged along behind her and tried not to be too obvious - with mediocre success.

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SOVEREIGN HILL

Step back in time to the gold rush era Copyright - Roberto Seba

After having paid the reasonably expensive entrance (AU$ 122 for a family of four) and of course complaining accordingly we stepped out on Main Street and right back to the 1850s gold mining town of Sovereign Hill. Everything from the fading wooden store fronts to the realistic soundscape of hammering blacksmiths and neighing horses made us feel like instant

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time travellers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Localâ&#x20AC;? shopkeepers, barmaids and early settlers scuffled in and out between the other 21st century visitors and the smell of fresh bread and sweet candy tickled our noses and imagination. We slowly made our way through the old printing shop, the local post office, the old apothecary and the saddlery. Everywhere we got a genuine feeling of

the olden days and our five-year-old picked up a leather belt and a shiny pill box to take home. At the far end of Main Street we found the old candle works. Instead of just selling candles the kids can make their own colorful versions which turned out to be a great hit with our daughter as well as the grandparents (at the next few birthdays).

GOING FOR GOLD

Looking for gold at the local creek

We never really waited in line anywhere except for about four minutes before jumping on the coach ride taking us through town and the old mining field. The pouring of the gold - and my daughter subsequently holding a AU$ 150,000 gold bar in her own two hands - was so enticing that we came back twice. We did a short gold mine tour (but there

are a few longer ones to choose from) and gulped up stories about the hardship and rare rewards of looking for that one big nugget. We saw the redcoats of the 40th regiment fire their rifles and we went to the local Red Hill school and wrote our names on faded black chalk boards. We literally ran from one place to another to find the next little piece

of history we could inhale until finally realising that we had forgotten all about lunch. Luckily the New York Bakery and Tea Room served the biggest scones and cream we had ever sunk our teeth into. Revitalised we soldiered on back in time.

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SOVEREIGN HILL

You might get lucky ... Copyright - Sovereign Hill Museums Association

After several hours of continuous excitement about wheelwrights and coachmakers, boilers and bakers, smelting, melting and pelting we decided to head home. We walked back through the diggings to have a quick look before aiming for the exit. My daughter wanted a go at the creek so we ended up digging, scraping, sifting, cradling and panning for more than 2 ½ hours. I now truly

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understand the meaning of “gold rush” and even though we only left with the tiniest speck barely visible to the naked eye and probably worth less than a piece of chewing gum paper, we felt like true gold diggers and was laughing all the way to the bank (on Main Street on the way towards the exit). Apart from Sovereign Hill itself you can visit the Gold Museum and see the impressive Light

& Sound show. There is accommodation directly connected to Sovereign Hill, but we left filled with shimmering memories and a promise to come back soon to dig for more family treasure.

Find more information about Sovereign Hill at: sovereignhill.com.au

For the most part we found rocks and sand

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YOUR AD HERE? If you have content that is relevant to families that loves travelling and exploring then why not reach out? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a quickly expanding online travel magazine for families with loads of content on travelling with kids. Be part of a growing media with competitive advertising rates. Contact Travel Sprout Magazine at contact@travelsproutmag.com

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ONE-DAY GETAWAY

WANAKA

Where the mountain and lake meet Copyright - Paul Bica

ONE-DAY GETAWAY

Local resident and globetrotter Arwen Hann has travelled the world from a young age. She has settled in beautiful New Zealand and shares her secrets to a great one-day getaway in Wanaka.

Why should I take the family to Wanaka in the first place? Located in stunning Central Otago, Wanaka has all the ingredients needed for a fantastic family holiday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a friendly welcome, stunning scenery, and a multitude of things to see and do. Each season brings its own benefits to the area from the first quiet bloom of spring, through the warmth of the summer sun and the spectacular colours of autumn to the fresh dusting of winter snow.

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WANAKA

No better place to explore than the lake

So what can you recommend for a great family activity? On a sunny day, there is nothing better to do in Wanaka than explore the great outdoors on foot, by bike or on the water. If you have young children, hang out on the lakeshore where it is safe to paddle if it is warm enough. Take a bike ride or a stroll along the shore path and be sure to check out the dinosaur playground. If you are a more adventurous

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family, then challenge yourselves with a tramp. The Rob Roy track rewards climbers with a stunning glacier view, while the top of Mount Iron boasts 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. In winter, you can test your skills at one of the local ski resorts, which offer great facilities for families.

ONE-DAY GETAWAY

You can spend plenty of time at Warbirds and Wheels

What do you do on a rainy day? If the weather is not co-operating then head for an indoor attraction, such as Warbirds and Wheels which houses a collection of classic cars, old aeroplanes, and New Zealand art. A little further along the road is the Toy and Transport Museum, an intriguing collection of everything from tin toys to real tanks housed in several big hangars. Remember to take your time because this is one museum where the longer you look the more you see.

You can also while away an hour at Cinema Paradiso where comfortable couches replace the usual cinema seats and homemade cookies and ice cream are served in the interval. No trip to Wanaka is complete without a visit to Puzzling World, a collection of illusions and magic tricks that will leave you wondering how they can possibly be created. Children, and big kids at heart, will enjoy the maze, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry if you get lost â&#x20AC;&#x201C; emergency doors will let you out.

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WANAKA

Cool off in Laka Wanaka on a hot day Copyright - www.lakewanaka.co.nz

What about some good places to eat with kids? Puzzling World’s café is an attraction in itself with puzzles on each table and a fascinating kaleidoscope ceiling, while Warbirds and Wheels boasts a retro American diner serving what it says are the best pies in town. In the town centre, there are plenty of independent cafes to keep hunger at bay. For evening meals, try family friendly restaurants like Lonestar or Amigos, which both offer special

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children’s menus. On a nice evening, takeaway options such as Red Star Burgers or fish and chips from Boa Boa can be eaten by the lake. Can you recommend a good place to stay when you travel as a family? If money is tight, try the YHA hostel or one of the area’s campsites, which offer everything from tent sites to equipped cabins. The town has several hotels, many of which have lake views, for those on a bigger budget.

ONE-DAY GETAWAY

Or try to stay above water if you can Copyright - www.lakewanaka.co.nz

For a more homely stay, you might like to rent a holiday house. Many of these are located a little out of the town centre though so they are not such a good option for people without transport. ... getting there? You can fly into Queenstown and drive to Wanaka via the spectacular Crown Range or enjoy the scenic views on a longer road trip by either driving yourself

or taking one of New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long distance buses. You can find more information about New Zealand and Wanaka here:

www.newzealand.com www.lakewanaka.co.nz

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TRAVEL GEAR

DO-IT-YOURSELF TAGS Tag Your Tag Kit lets you and the kids personalise your own tag so you can always identify your bag on the carousel.

AU$ 15.00

www.flight001.com.au

TRAVEL BLANKET This ultra-soft, lightweight travel blanket comes in a zip pouch that doubles as a pillowcase when the blanket is not in use. Great for little tired toddlers.

AU$ 30.00

www.flight001.com.au

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TRAVEL

TRAVEL GEAR

L GEAR MAGNET BOOK Easy to carry and great for some down time on the plane, in the car or at the hotel. These magnet books let your kids explore their imagination and they are compact and portable, so they are great for travelling.

AU$ 19.95

www.motherslove.com.au

KIDS WHEELIE The Jungle Wheelie Travel Bag is a fantastic lightweight kids luggage. Great for holidays, overnight stays and on the train, plane or boat!

AU$ 59.95

www.motherslove.com.au

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

BIKING IN

BALI Bali is much more than cheep bars and beers. An adventurous bike ride will take you back in time and put a smile on your face that will take a long time to fade.

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BIKE BREAK FOR LUNCH?

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

BALI Most people probably think of cheap drinks and loud Aussie youngster when they hear the word Bali, but there is much more to this magnificent island than bars and beers. Travel Sprout Editor-in-Chief Jonas Ask Homaa went on a family friendly bike trip on the last paradise on earth.

The Vasanto Seminyak Resort

BALINESE BREAKFAST & BIKES

o be quite honest we have some regrets having booked the bike trip for early next morning when we arrive late at night at the hotel. A few hours delay on the flight and we are

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standing in the reception of a the very stylish and modern Vasanti Seminyak Resort at around one oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock in the morning with a sleeping 5-year old on the shoulder and some doubts about getting up at 6:30AM for a bike tour

in the clingy Indonesian heat. But we resist the temptation of cancelling and get up a few hours later and put on our best game faces and positive attitudes.

BIKING IN BALI

The morning family commute

We are picked up in a minivan along with three other couples and off we go onto the Balinese roads - in and out of what seems an endless stream of dogs and people walking, scooting, riding their

bikes, motorcycles and tiny cars. There seems to be some intricate and unwritten rules that keep everybody safe and off collision course and we slowly but surely make our way north towards Mount Batur.

We are all mesmerized by the hustle and bustle outside and my daughter is fascinated by the number of people you can apparently fit onto a moped - she counts five at one point.

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

BALI

Durian is a required taste

We reach the top of the mountain and have breakfast at a little restaurant on the edge of the volcano overlooking the crater lake Danau Batur before heading out on the last short stretch to our bikes. On the way we stop at a small Balinese plantation where we taste the local

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delicacies. My wife has a cup of Luwak coffee – the most expensive coffee in the world, my daughter has a cup of hot cocoa and I taste a slice of durian – a native fruit with a smell that will make you vomit and to some extend taste the same. The bikes are not necessarily up to Australian standards,

but they work and so does the hand brakes – at least most of the time. With two bikes and a child seat we set off and roll down the side of the mountain. Unsure of what conditions to expect we are delighted to realise that it is downhill all the way and that the roads are tolerable.

BIKING IN BALI

Ready for a great day on the bikes Copyright - Travel Sprout

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

BALI

Local kids on a backyard swing Copyright - Bigstock.com

RICE PADDIES & COCK FIGHTS Our guide is local and he seems to embody the Balinese mentality â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he has the biggest smile I have ever seen and tells us about everything we can possible imagine to ask about. Over the next couple of hours we glide down through narrow roads, through the small villages that seems to

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appear out of nowhere from a few centuries ago and past rice paddies so green that they almost hurt your eyes. We stop at a traditional Balinese house and walk in to see how the locals live. Two little kids follow us around and smile the same kinds of smiles as our guide. Our

daughter has a go on their homemade swing and they wave goodbye as we roll on with the traditional roadside Umbul Umbul (tall Balinese flags) parading us on.

BIKING IN BALI

A stroll through the ride paddies

Next stop is a rice paddy and my daughter ventures out on the banks and ends up with very wet shoes after a couple of miscalculations on her part. We all take in large mental breaths of the air, sky and vast curvy green landscapes. We decide not to stop at the illegal cockfight that

we pass - which turns out to be the right decision as these are apparently often raided by police. After a couple of exciting and adventurous but most of all profoundly calming hours our daughter falls asleep in the child seat and minutes after we reach the bottom of the valley and a local

Balinese hut where we enjoy a cold drink and a culinary feast of a lunch. When we finally reach our hotel again in the late afternoon we are all smiles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; smiles that seems to stretch as far across the face as if we were locals. And we are already talking about the next bike ride in Bali.

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

BALI

A L TTLE HELP? WHEN TO GO? Wet season in Bali is from November to April and is a little hotter and definitely more humid, with a possibility of brief but heavy torrential rainfall during the day. The dry season is from May to October and is considered the best times to visit Bali, even though this also means more people.

from Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. You can find flights and good deals at: www.flightcentre.com.au

tour description at www. baliecocycling.com/ cycling-tour.

WHERE TO STAY? There are an abundance of places to stay in Bali WHAT TO DO? There are of course many and choosing the right spot all depends on what things to do in Bali. you are after. Traveling Swimming, surfing and with a young child we snorkelling are obvious water activities, but there stayed in Seminyak, which is a more quiet are plenty of cultural options with lots of guided areas renowned for great shopping areas. tours etc. HOW TO GET THERE? You can read more about There are a few There are quite a few which areas to stay in Bali bicycle tour operators in direct flights to Bali here: www.vilondo.com/ Bali - we picked Bali Eco (Denpasar) these Cycling. It has local guides, where-to-stay-in-bali. days from most major You can book hotels and but has Australian roots Australian cities. Flight and is well recommended accommodation at: www. time varies of course but hotels.com around 4 hours from Perth on Tripadvisor. You can check out prices and and around 5-6 hours

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Great view of Mount Agung

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

TRAVEL APPS

THEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AN A

KidCam

FirstCamera

This camera app is especially designed for kids, is easy to use and has a lot of fun overlays to play around with. You can also set a limit to the number of photos taken to make sure that you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t run out of storage.

An app build for kids by parent. Easy to use with big buttons, fun filters, stickers and speech bubbles and lots more. The photos are saved to the app rather than the camera roll and you can limit the number of photos taken.

AU$ 3.79 Available on iPhone (and iPad)

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Free Available on iPhone

Using you phone or t can help y all the ted things you to do whe planning, or travelin found a fe that migh traveling l easier for your famil

THEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AN APP FOR THAT

APP FOR THAT

ur smart tablet your with dious u need en packing ng.Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ew apps ht make life you and ly.

Magic Kids Camera

KIDOMATIC

With this app your kids can become their favourite cartoon character, princess, pirate, movie star or super hero! Although the interface is not the most enticing design it is easy to use and there are many hours of photo fun in this app.

Kidomatic is a camera app with a lot of focus on playing around with the image you just took. There are hundreds of stickers, frames and other stuff to add to your photo and it is a great app to inspire the young ones imagination through photography.

AU$ 0.99 Available on Android

AU$ 0.99 Available on iPhone (and iPad) travelsprout.com.au

TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

WEIRD & WONDERFUL

ACCOMMODATION

Tree Houses & OTHER LEAFY ACCOMMODATION

ost of us have crawled and climbed our way to a ramshackled old tree house in someone’s backyard when we were young. Maybe shared an afternoon with good friends reading comic books among the branches, eating 5-cents candy and perhaps even spent the night in an old sleeping bag under the treetop. For most of us all this came to an end at some stage because the tree house was suddenly too small, we didn’t want to get our clothes dirty or simply because trees are terribly uncool in our teens. Now you can spend the whole holiday in the tree tops. We have found a bunch of great tree top accommodation for you and your family. Enjoy!

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The Canopy is a genuine tree house built from local rainforest timber

The Canopy Tarzali, QLD

These luxurious eco rainforest tree houses are a true Australian experience. Made from local rainforest timber the tree houses have great views, large balconies, corner spas and can accommodate up to six people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; room for the whole family. From AU$169 - AU$379 Hogan Road, Tarzali, Queensland, Australia +61 7 4096 5364 www.canopytreehouses.com.au

BONUS INFO Did we mention that in true Aussie style all rooms come with their own BBQ?

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

ACCOMMODATION

Escape into Nature with your own private hideaway right in the middle of the rainforest. Copyright - www.daintreewildernesslodge.com.au

Daintree Wilderness Lodge Cape Tribulation, QLD

Daintree Wilderness Lodge are true wilderness tree houses. The seven small cabins are placed on stilts in the thick green curtain of the Daintree rainforest and narrow walkways take you to your own secluded piece of tree house heaven. Lots of rainforest activities in the vicinity will keep you occupied during the day and a swim in the pool or bite to eat at the restaurant will complete you evenings. From AU$250 83 Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation QLD 4873, Australia +61 7 4098 9105 www.daintreewildernesslodge.com.au

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The luxury tree tents are well worth a visit - even for the young ones

Paperbark Camp Jervis Bay, NSW

Paperbark Camp does not actually offer tree houses, but instead tree tents. And the tents are not actually up in the trees, but on stilts up between the trees. But nevertheless the accommodation is great and waking up to grazing kangaroos and breakfast on the veranda is definitely worth the journey. Accommodation is a bit pricy and some of the tents are luxury editions, so just be sure that the kids are up for it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; otherwise your own tent under a tree might be just as good. From AU$395 571 Woollamia Rd., Woolamia, NSW 2540, Australia +61 2 4441 6066 www.paperbarkcamp.com.au

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

ACCOMMODATION

Rose Gum Wilderness Retreat is a real tree house treat ...

Rose Gum Wilderness Retreat Malanda, QLD

The Rose Gum Wilderness Retreat is a great way to combine tree house living with an active holiday. With bird and wildlife viewing, waterfall walks and rainforest exploring on the doorstep and gorges, lava tubes, Great Barrier Reef and much more in driving distance you will never run out of things to do. From AU$305 - AU$350 Land Road, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland +61 7 4096 8360 www.rosegums.com.au

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BONUS INFO You can see local platypus in the nearby rainforest creeks ...

IGLOOS & ICE HOTELS

The Ariau Amazon Towers boasts of being the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest tree top hotel

Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel Manaus, Brazil

For a true Amazon experience head for the Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel. You can walk along the boardwalks and take in the sights and sounds of the Amazonas. Enjoy local cuisine at one of the restaurants, an afternoon drink at the treetop bars or you can just spend the night at the Tarzan Suite. From AU$475 Parana do Ariau, Zona Rural Cep: 69045-000 Iranduba, AM - Manaus, Brazil 0115592 9152 5848 www.ariautowers.com

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

ACCOMMODATION

The open Tree House Lodge sometimes have local guests

Tree House Lodge

Punta Uva, Costa Rica The Tree House Lodge is probably as close as you can get to a tree house from your childhood. With trees growing inside your kitchen and literally around your toilet, this place takes the notion of a tree house to new heights. From US $300 Limon, Costa Rica +415 8783786 www.costaricatreehouse.com

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BONUS INFO If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky the local sloths might stop by and say hello.

Try sleeping in the UFO or perhaps the Bird’s Nest ...

Treehotel

Harads, Sweden

If you and the family by chance are in Sweden and want to go all in on the tree house experience this is the place to go. How do you think the kids would like to spend the night in the Mirrorcube, the Bird’s Nest or perhaps the UFO? Each tree house is (very) unique and is suspended 4 – 6 meters above ground in a classic Swedish pine forest. Go Sweden! From SEK4400 - SEK7200 Edeforsväg 2 A, 960 24 Harads, Sweden +46 (0)928-104 03 www.treehotel.se

BONUS INFO You can also stay at “the Blue Cone”, “the Dragonfly” or “the Cabin”

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

ACCOMMODATION

The Costa Verde is a great place for a crash landing ...

Costa Verde 747 Tree Plane

Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica To be honest this tree house / plane is probably not intended for families since the price tag is a fair way above average, but this amazing place has to be mentioned – if for no other reason than how absolutely awesome it would be to spend the night in an airplane “crash-landed” in the tree tops. From US $250 - US $750 Manuel Antonio Road, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica 1 (866) 854-7958 www.costaverde.com

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LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Do you like what you see? If you like what you see then why not follow us on Facebook?

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get the latest updates with inspiration for your next family holiday and new issues of Travel Sprout Magazine right in your news stream?

Like Travel Sprout on Facebook www.facebook.com/travelsprout

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

You can read Travel Sprout on any platform and device It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter if you are on a computer, laptop, tablet or your mobile phone. You can alway get to the latest issue of Travel Sprout. You can even download an app for when you are offline.

Read Travel Sprout Magazine online at issuu.com or download the issuu app to read it on your tablet or phone.

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KID FRIENDLY CAMERAS

KID FRIENDLY CAMERAS FANCY FILTERS PET COLLAR CLIP BIG BUTTONS STICKERS

GOOD GRIPS

GAMES?

DOUBLES AS A PROJECTOR

There a probably just as many cameras as there are ways of taking photos. But it might be difficult to choose the right one for the little hands and eager eyes. We have picked a few kid friendly cameras that might do the job.

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

TRAVEL GEAR TEST GOOD GRIP

LOTS of functionality

Pros: Durable and takes good photos Cons: Are games really necessary?

Lots of room for photos

Price: Robustness: Picture quality: Usability: Fun factor: Overall:

AWARD WINNER vtech Kidizoom Camera From AU$ 65.00

A great combination of a grown-up camera and play toy. It is durable, easy to use and takes decent photos and video, like a real digital camera. It even has games on it (as if taking pictures wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough fun) and has been voted the best digital camera for kids by TopTenREVIEWS. See more at: fishpond.com.au

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KID FRIENDLY CAMERAS

BIG BUTTONS

Pros: Big buttons & built-in projector Cons: No USB included

GOOD GRIP

DOUBLES AS A PROJECTOR

GADGET FREAK Playskool Showcam

Price: Robustness: Picture quality: Usability: Fun factor: Overall:

From AU$ 60.00

The Playskool Showcam is as “kool” as can be. It comes with many features found on real digital cameras, but also has some one-of-a-kind functionality - like the built in projector - that will make your jaw drop. It’s built kid-tough, and the picture resolution is decent for a kid’s digital camera. See more at: fishpond.com.au travelsprout.com.au

TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

TRAVEL GEAR TEST easy to use

PET collar attachment

Pros: Different perspective Cons: No view screen, cheap build

PET CAM Wild Pet’s Eye View

Price: Robustness: Picture quality: Usability: Fun factor: Overall:

From AU$ 20.00 Get your own personal crittercam. The Wild Pet’s Eye View clips onto your pet’s collar and stores up to 40 photos. The timer can be set to take a shot every 1, 5, or 15 minutes and gives you the chance to see what the world looks through your pet’s eyes. It’s a low quality camera and not a kids camera in the strict sense of the word - but it is fun to play around with for the kids. See more at: amazon.com

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KID FRIENDLY CAMERAS

LOTS OF FUNCTIONALITY FLASH

Pros: Good camera with some features Cons: Less durable than others

OPTICAL ZOOM

THE “GROWN UP” Nikon COOLPIX L29

Price: Robustness: Picture quality: Usability: Fun factor: Overall:

From AU$ 80.00

If you have a child capable of using and looking after a “real” camera and you want to spend a bit more money then there are lots of options - especially when it comes to compact cameras. One option is the COOLPIX L29 which is a decent and reasonably cheap camera. The overall score is perhaps a bit unfair, but related to price, usability and fun factor for a kid’s camera it naturally scores a bit lower. See more at: harveynorman.com.au travelsprout.com.au

TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

WHEN IN

ROME

Do as Katie-Anne Gustafsson does. She gives us five great tips on how to make the most of your next family vacation in Rome.

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The Colosseum is a great place to walk in the footsteps of ancient gladiators

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

ROME

WHEN IN ROME

DO AS KATIE-ANNE GUSTAFSSON DOES! Bring Ancient Rome to Life Get a few books about the Roman history and read them together before you arrive. Talk to your children before you leave the hotel each day so that they know what they are going to see. A lot of Rome is ruins and the magic is in the story behind what remain of the buildings - with a vivid imagination (and perhaps a little help) Rome is a fantastic

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place to explore. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to take your children into the churches and museums, Rome is a family friendly city, and children are welcome. The only place where you need to consider whether or not to take young children is the Sistine Chapel as the guards inside the chapel enforce a code of absolute silence.

WHEN IN ROME

Take a trip back in time at the Colosseum ...

You might think that big city holidays are a complete no-go when you have young kids. But when it comes to Rome, the eternal city, you should think again. It’s true that Rome is noisy, busy and historic, but it’s also a fantastic place for a family to explore. And with a few things in mind there is no reason you can’t get caught up too. Katie-Anne Gustafsson gives us five great tips on how to make the most of your next family vacation in Rome.

Explore on Foot, but Remember Comfortable Shoes! Rome is a city made for walking and everything seems to be just around the next corner, but it stretches out on hills that vary from gently sloping to steep climbing so you need to remember to pack comfortable shoes. Stairs, whether inside a building, or outside in the street, can also be very steep so you should consider that when planning your day – little legs can tire easily! Most of Rome is very accessible even with a stroller, but there are two

things to keep in mind. Firstly the pavements are very narrow, and the main streets are extremely crowded between 4pm-6pm. If you have a stroller or small children, plan your day so that you don’t need to be on the main streets during this time. Secondly, drivers in Rome are impatient and always in a hurry, and mopeds pull out from the most unexpected places. Often cars will ignore red lights, mopeds drive up on the pavement if there is a traffic jam, and cyclists will come around a corner without any warning. Cars and mopeds will also park so that they obstruct part of the pavement.

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

ROME

The view is great from up top ...

Use Bus and Metro to Scout the City and Get From One End to the Other! Another great way of seeing everything, while at the same time resting your legs is on a hop-on, hop-off bus. They are an excellent way of familiarising yourself with how the city is laid out, and where the things you want to see are in relation to each other. There are a number of different companies who run these and they are an excellent way of getting from one place to the next, and many of them have live or recorded commentary telling you about the things you are passing. You can get a two day pass valid for 48 hours from the time you board the bus. This means you can use the pass over three days. You can use ordinary buses to get

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around Rome, but the Metro system is a much more effective way of getting from one place to another. Your hotel reception should be able to supply a map of Rome’s metro system, as well as give advice on the nearest station to the hotel and that closest to your destination. Many of Rome’s main attractions have an elevator, even the Colosseum, but they may be tucked away out of the main walkway so be prepared to ask for directions when you get there. One elevator you should definitely try is the one at the Vatican Museum leading down into the main gift shop at the exit. Even if you don’t need it, I’d recommend it just for its amazing polished wood, seating bench and lift operator - it’s quite an experience!

WHEN IN ROME

Do as the Romans do - eat out at one of the many local restaurants

Eat Out – It’s What the Romans Do! Eating out in Rome is a must with what seems like endless options of great little bistros and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Italian cuisine and get a taste of Roman everyday life at the tables around you. There are some familiar fast food outlets in Rome, especially around Termini train station, but don’t think twice about taking your young children, and even the stroller into a restaurant. Child menus and colouring books that are popular in other cities are not a huge part of Rome’s culture but Italians take their

kids everywhere so restaurants are used to having young guests at their tables. You can try to get a table outside if you are worried about your kids being loud, or dropping food on the floor. Look out for small grocery stores located near to your hotel where you can buy snacks and bottled water at a much cheaper price than from the hotel or attraction gift shops, or refreshment stands located near the main attractions. And of course, no trip to Rome is complete without enjoying at least one (if not more) gelato – classic Italian ice cream.

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

ROME Relaxing at the Colosseum ...

Plan Ahead to Avoid Stress and Jump the Queues … The last, and most important, piece of advice I could give anyone travelling to Rome with young children is to buy whatever attraction tickets you can in advance over the Internet. Even in the off-season the queues were extremely long. Anyone with a prepaid e-ticket can go straight to the front of the queue. Rome can be hot, and the queues can be a wearing experience for adults never mind kids. Rome is a fabulous city that for the most part welcomes families with small children. Be prepared to do a

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little planning in advance so that you know what you are going to do, and how you are going to get around. Book a hotel that is central to any of the metro stations or hop-on, hop-off bus stops and you’ll have easy access to many of the famous attractions, and even the Vatican City itself. Our kids love Rome as much as we do, and can’t wait to go back next time.

WHEN IN ROME

Find Wally at the Trevi Fountain

LINK BOX

• Map of Rome’s Metro System: www.rome.info • Printable Tourist Map of Rome: www.tripomatic.com • Brief History of Rome for kids: www.roman-empire.net • APP (iPad/iPhone): Walking tour of Rome • Recommended Travel Guide Book: www.amazon.com • Italian Phrase Book: www.amazon.com

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

ROME

My top 5 things to see in Rome: • Colosseum • Roman Forum • St. Peter’s Square • Castel Sant ‘Angelo • Trevi Fountai

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My kids’ top things to see in Rome:

• Colosseum • Castel Sant ‘Angelo • Gladiators at the Pantheon • Roman Forum • Trevi Fountain

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is so much to do and see and much of it is right there in front of you, or around the next corner. Even if your kids are not passionate about history and old buildings and ruins, they will soon get caught up in the story of roman soldiers and gladiators.â&#x20AC;?

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

GOOD TRAVEL BOOKS

GOOD TRAVEL (

My Big Photo Activity Book

Telling Stories with Photo Essays

AU$ 19.95

AU$ 50.50

Use the 128 pages of photographs and suggested activities to draw, colour and paint your own personal album. Complete the portraits, finish the scenes, and turn everyday items into your own works of art – the possibilities are endless!

The book “Telling Stories With Photo Essays” offers parents ways to involve children in creating photo essays and discusses the role photography can play in allowing children to communicate their ideas, experiences, and emotions.

www.booktopia.com.au

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TRAVEL BOOKS

(PHOTO) BOOKS

Mobile Phone Photography AU$ 16.80 A guide that is designed to help teens and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;tweens quickly gain the tools and advice needed to master mobile photography. It is written in an easy language and has tips and tools that will make the kids take great holiday photos with nothing but their mobile phone. www.booktopia.com.au

Photograph Your Kids Like a Pro AU$ 35.00 With highly practical application, this book offers tips and suggestions on how to improve at-home snapshots, as well as encouraging parents to be more creative and venture out to new locations, which carry great potential for more unusual images. www.booktopia.com.au

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

DISCOVERING WONDERFUl

PANAMA When people think of traveling to Panama, they usually think of vacations at a large resort; and it is true that there are plenty of them here. What many donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know is that Panama has a lot more to offer than swim-up bars, kids play areas and all-you-can-eat buffets. Discover where pirates used to hang out, spend a day with a local tribe and learn about their colorful customs, or swim with the dolphins and watch sea turtles lay their eggs on beautiful whitesand beaches.

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FAMILY ROOM

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

PANAMA

Anna Vichnevetskaia came to Panama following her heart, but stayed, because there is something new to discover every day. Living in Panama City is fun, a melting pot of cultures, tropical weather and modern standards. The best part about it, however, is that an hour away in any direction, you can connect with nature, go to the beach, explore history and much more. Anna shares a few tips that will help make your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trip to Panama unforgettable.

Pirates of the Caribbean

nder colonial rule for over 300 years, Panama has a rich history and architecture to boast as the result. But even better for an adventurous mind - Panama was the cradle for pirates in the 17th century. Just an hour away from the capital, Colon hosts the

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Portobello and San Lorenzo forts, both attacked in their time by the famous Captain Henry Morgan. The grey ominous structures with arches, staircases and big old canons are a perfect place for the imagination to run wild. Portobello is more often included on Colon city tours, but if you

want to be right in the middle of pirate action, begin your conquest the way Captain Morgan did, at the mouth of the Chagres River, in the San Lorenzo fort. Then, head to Panama Viejo ruins, old Panama City, taken over and destroyed by pirates.

Vasco Nuñez de Balboa and Panama City Skyline

Boardwalking through time As the result, the city had to be rebuilt a few kilometers away, where you can find the Casco Viejo. Today it is surrounded by Cinta Costera, a 7km boardwalk along the Pacific that runs along Panama City’s skyline. Why not rent bikes or rollerblades and spend the evening riding. Or,

stroll along and stop by the playgrounds, found on the way; look out for my favorite that has a spider-web like structure that ends in a slide. While there, try the local version of Italian ice-cream, called “raspao”, you can pick red or purple, with condensed milk and chocolate sauce on top! Afterwards, grab

dinner in the Casco, imagining Lords and Ladies arriving at the National Theatre at dusk.

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

PANAMA

MORNING SWIM

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EVENING SWIM

San Blas Kuna Yala Island travelsprout.com.au

TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

PANAMA

Local woman in traditional outfit

Just like a Western … but with more colors The indigenous communities form an important part in local culture. Don’t be surprised, when you see women dressed in their traditional clothing, while you are walking around Panama City. Many companies organize tours to the “comarcas” or to the various settlements that can be found throughout

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the country. These can be one-day tours, or you can spend a few days learning about their way of life. One of the most popular multiple day tours is to Kuna Yala or San Blas Islands. About 3 hours away from the capital, with a short boat ride, these gorgeous islands are home to the Kuna people. Here, you

can visit local villages and homes, spend a day alongside a native family, meanwhile, you will be on white-sand beaches, with pristine water and lots of opportunity to spot colorful fish. There is even a shipwreck by the Perro Island, where you can do some snorkeling.

A typical San Blas beach

King of the Sea Talking about Kuna Yala and the comarca’s beautiful beaches brings me to Panama’s natural wealth. Surrounded by two oceans, with an allyear-round hot climate, beaches are an essential part of Panama travel. The options are limitless: take a half hour to two hour boat ride to the islands close to Panama City, head to San Blas, or drive an hour in any direction from the capital. My personal favorite is Bocas del Toro, just a short flight away from the capital. Here, aside from sunbathing and swimming, you can trek through the jungle, take a canopy tour, do white

water rafting, snorkel, dive, surf, watch dolphins, you name it. From March to September, take the kids to watch for sea turtles, as this is the season when they come to lay their eggs on the beaches. For a special family treat, take a boat to Red Frog Beach (yes, there is a reason it’s called that); this is home to one of Panama’s biggest canopy complexes! Also, try Caribbean cooking, fresh fried fish (or chicken for the kids), coconut rice and fried plantains or “patacones” as they call them here. If you are looking for a beach adventure, consider coming during the dry season that

lasts from December to April. However, beware, the Atlantic and Pacific climates can be quite different. Also, bring mosquito repellent! Finally you cannot visit Panama without seeing the Panama canal. Make sure to visit the Miraflores docks, seeing the boats go through and learn about the engineering behind it at the Panama Canal museum. Have a great time in Panama. Read tips and tricks on the next page.

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TRAVEL SPROUT - OCTOBER 2014

PANAMA

Tips & Tricks Panama is safe for tourists, likely to get the “real” fare if you order one over the but there are a couple of phone. things to keep in mind.

insurance, since private clinics have faster service.

Drinking water Tap water is considered Metro and bus Safety drinkable in Panama. But Both the metro and the When you arrive at your metro buses are very safe, if you are here only for a hotel, ask if there are short while, especially with but the routes for the any areas close by that buses can be confusing, so kids, I recommend sticking are not recommended check where you are going to bottled water. Speaking for foreigners. Avoid “El from personal experience Chorrillo” and most places before you get on. here. that start with “Santo”, “San” or “Santa”, except for Health Food Medical services are San Francisco, this is the Try the street food, it’s widely available and high-end area of town. delicious, but please to a high standard. choose wisely, look for Panama’s government Taxi carts and sellers that look has a program, where if Make sure you call taxis, you land in the Tocumen clean, and whose food rather than just grab one looks fresh. International Airport on the street, especially (main), they cover you after dark. The laws for for free for a month. them are very relaxed, so it could be anyone behind Nevertheless, I would still recommend international the wheel. Plus you are

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NEXT ISSUE ...

NEXT ISSUE OF

TRAVEL SPROUT The next issue of Travel Sprout will hit the Internet super highway on November 5th 2014. The November issue is all about camping and being outdoors so if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re into that sort of thing then stay tuned for more great family travel stuff.

November 5th 2014 Stay tuned for the next issue. travelsprout.com.au

4 1 0 2 R E B OT C O - 1 E U S S I

u a . m o c . t u or p s l evar t

LE VART YLIMAF GN I R I P SN I

TRAVELLING IS TWICE THE FUN WHEN YOU ARE DOING IT WITH PEOPLE YOU LOVE AND HALF THE HASSLE WHEN YOU ARE WELL PREPARED ... Old Travel Sprout Proverb

SEE YOU AGAIN SOON - until then keep exploring