The Talking Suitcase

Cruise & Curated Travel Specialist

Destinations

Photo Diary Peillon, France: Our Southern Ascent

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Peillon, France

If you’re looking for an authentic French village along the Cote d’Azur, a visit to Peillon should be on your list when visiting Nice.  Getting off the train, you can spot the 12th century village perched on top of a cliff with higher mountains soaring behind.

The breathtaking mountain vista is a stark contrast to the Mediterranean views of Nice.  Walk the steep, narrow streets and image yourself, 500 years ago, living in one of the houses clinging to the rocks.

There are a couple of restaurants in Peillon if you’re looking for a nice meal.  There are no grocery stores or souvenir shops, so make sure to pack water and snacks.  The lack of touristy shops is part of what makes Peillon a breath of fresh air when compared to the rows of postcard merchants in Nice.

Looking down from Peillon, France
View of the valley from the mountainside of Peillon village

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5 Unique London Experiences to Have with Kids

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Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

London is known for it’s history and famous landmarks, but there is more to the city than Big Ben and Tower Bridge.  We’ve put together a list of 5 unique London experiences to try on your next visit.  Encounter some of TV’s most lovable characters, take in sweeping views of the city, and enjoy delicious food and afternoon tea. Experience a different side of London with kids on your next holiday.

Take a Trip to the Kingdom of Far Far Away:

Lucy at DreamWorks-Tours Shrek’s Adventure

DreamWorks Tours: Shrek’s Adventure is a unique experience that combines live shows and special effects. Let Donkey take you on a 4D bus tour through London to meet Shrek, Pinocchio, the Muffin Man and the Magic Mirror. After escaping from witches and Rumpelstiltskin, have your adventurer pose for pictures with Shrek and play games with the Penguins in Madagascar.

*This experience is best with younger children and should be reserved in advance.

Afternoon Tea with a Kid-Friendly Twist:

Photo Credit: The Sanderson Hotel

 

No trip to London would be complete without afternoon tea. Typically served between 4pm – 6pm, this British tradition can make for a magical experience when visiting with children. A couple of fun recommendations for kid-friendly afternoon tea include:

Charlie and the Chesterfield Afternoon Tea At The Chesterfield Hotel. This will be a delight for Willy Wonka fans. This chocolate themed tea features traditional finger sandwiches and scones plus children can enjoy their own special treats from the kids menu. Get your golden ticket and savor an afternoon of tea with a fizzy lifting cake.

The Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea At The Sanderson Hotel is an experience based on Alice in Wonderland. Guests can enjoy “Alice” China black tea, King of Hearts parmesan croque-monsieur stack and more.

*Look for special offers online before reserving at table.

Discover the Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

Photo Credit: Visit London

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is an experience no Harry Potter fan, young or old, should miss. Visit the sets of Diagon Alley and the Great Hall, find out how the special effects team created the films, and admire props such as Potions Class and Puking Pastilles. Visitors will want to take time to enjoy a Butterbeer and can even pre-order a souvenir tankard.

*Reservations required

Marvel at 360° Views:

Photo Credit: Up at The O2

Up at The O2 is a completely unique experience to share with older kids (ages 9+). Take a 90 minute climb over the Arena rooftop to see historic Greenwich, Olympic Park, and Canary Wharf. See some of the sights of London from above while the kids take selfies to impress their friends.

*Book online

Enjoy a Day Out with Paddington Bear:

Photo Credit: Visit London

The Paddington Bear movies rekindled our love of the children’s literary character from the 1950’s. Start your day at Paddington Station to pose with the bronze Paddington Bear statue, then follow the Pawprint Trail to find more Paddington statues. Even if you can’t follow the full itinerary, kids will love taking selfies and even getting their own bear at the Paddington Bear Shop, either at the station or the famous toy store, Hamleys.

London is one city that I can’t seem to stay away from. It’s constantly calling my name with something new and exciting to experience. While we love traditional sightseeing, it’s always great to get out and try something unique. Jump on a bus with Donkey, hunt down Paddington Bear, sip tea like Alice and see London from the rooftops. Kids won’t stop talking about their unique London experiences!

Do you have any unique London experiences to share?

See more top family attractions in London before planning your trip.

 

 

Things to Do in Châtel, France with Kids {in Summer}

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If you’re considering a trip to the French Alps, Châtel must be on your list of destinations.  It would make a great home base from which to explore all that the spectacular Alps have to offer.

Chatel has the Famille Plus Accreditation, meaning that parents can rest easy knowing there are accommodations, restaurants, activities and hospitality services designed just for families.  This endorsement is based on continual examinations, so you know the  resort makes a concerted effort to uphold the high standards required.

If you want to stay connected in France and throughout Europe, eSIM cards will save money while allowing you access to call, text and browse the internet.

Things to Do in Châtel, France with Kids:

Summer Lifts in Chatel, France

Ride the summer lifts – In summer, the ski lifts are in operation to transport visitors up and down the mountains.  There are four lifts open, providing access to various points on the peaks.   Riding these turned out to be one of my kids favorite activities.  They loved the aerial views of Châtel and the surrounding countryside.  Plus I think it was just something new for them, so they wanted to ride up and down as many times as we would allow.  What kid doesn’t love rides?!

Ride the lifts (as many times as you want) for no additional fee with the purchase of a Multi Pass.

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New York City on a Budget: A Guide to Money-Saving Travel

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Visiting New York City is an experience that most people would never forget. The bustling city has so much to offer, but it’s also notorious for its overpriced attractions and glittering lights.

Having a limited amount of money in one of the most expensive cities in the world sounds like a problem. What do you do? Skip the museums, breweries, and attractions because they cost too much? Or give it up and spend it all on a fine-dine restaurant? Don’t worry. We’ll tell you how to get around town, what to see, how to eat for cheap (or free), and more!

Visiting New York: How to Stay On a Budget

The NYC has amazing eateries, museums, and other attractions that give visitors the perfect mix of culture and relaxation. And it’s not as expensive as you might think: there are tons of ways to save money on everything from food to accommodation.

Stay outside Manhattan

Depending on your itinerary, the NYC exploration may take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. Staying in Manhattan could eat up a major portion of your travel budget. Look elsewhere. You can get a hotel in Williamsburg or Park Slope will be much cheaper without cutting much on amenities.

If you are a budget backpacker and traveling solo, a dorm bed could be a suitable option. Plus, Airbnb and CouchSurfing can save you money on hostel beds. A general rule of thumb is: the longer the stay, the cheaper the room. If you are staying for a week or more, try checking out weekly rentals.

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What to Do in Nice, France with Kids – Toddlers, Teens & Tweens

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what-to-do-in-nice-france-with-kids

While the French Riviera might conjure up images of celebrities at the Cannes Film Festival and cars zooming around the streets during the Monaco Grand Prix,  the South of France is still a great destination for families. But what do you do with kids when you visit France’s Southern coast?   I suggest making Nice your home base.  You can easily visit much of the Cote d’Azur from Nice using public transport.  Flights arrive from all over the world into the Nice Airport, so it makes sense that your first stop is Nice.

It’s always a good time to visit the South of France.  Nice has 300 days of sunshine a year after all!  My favorite times are the Spring and Fall, but you can find family-friendly activities all year round.   Read on for a locals perspective on what to do in Nice, France with kids.

Since it is likely that most of my American friends don’t speak French, I’ve tried to only include activities that kids can participate in, despite that language barrier.

What to Do in Nice, France with Kids

Hit the Beach

summer-at-nice-beach

One of the nicest things to do in Nice with kids is a trip to the beach.  If you’re lucky enough to visit during the warmer months, you could plan an entire day around the shore. I know many older kids would be perfectly happy to lounge around by the sea all day listening to music, posting TikTok videos and texting with friends.

Younger kids can throw rocks in the water, collect sea glass or simply take a break and enjoy a snack by the sea.  If it’s a sunny day, take a swim.  It’s not uncommon for kids to strip down to their underwear and dive in, not that I recommend this over swimming trunks 🙂

You’ll find both public and private beaches in Nice.  For a fee, you can take advantage of a lounge chair, umbrella and drink service.  We find that the public beaches meet our needs, so that’s where we take our kids. During the summer, you’ll find lifeguard stations at various points to help provide an extra pair of eyes while you’re little ones enjoy the sea.

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