Many people view family trip as nightmare because the prospect of it feels so daunting. You imagine being trapped with your noisy families in unfamiliar places and everyone becomes grumpier each minute throughout the trip. You feel like you’d better be laying in your bedroom instead of travelling with your family. However, it is not always the case if the trip is planned well. 

How to plan pleasant family trip for every members

One of the reasons why family trip gone bad is that poor planning from the beginning. So that, everything on the itinerary can fulfill the adventurous interests of every family members. Some of them may like it and some others don’t. Hence, the trip cannot be enjoyed by the whole family and end up with more squabbles and grumpiness. And so here are some tips to plan a family getaway that hopefully will please every members:

List your family’s ages and interests

If your family consists of multigenerational members then the trip can be a lot more challenging especially when you have babies, toddlers, teenagers, and elders. Your itinerary should be fitting to their interests because babies and toddlers will not be able to move as you please, neither do the elders. From age and interest, you will be able to decide what kind of destination that suits your family the most, whether it is multi-destinations or single destination to explore. 

Plan together and involve everyone

To make the trip more excited, involve everyone to plan it including your kids. You can take advantage of digital technology so your kids can do their own research too about their favorite destination. Your kids may find something interesting though amazing photos they scroll on the internet. You can also give them their own camera to capture the memories of the trip, giving them the opportunity to see the trip from their own perspectives. It also helps build their creativity, independence, and a sense of responsibility. 

Plan for multiple interests

Every member in your family must have different interest. For example, your kids like playing outdoor, while other members love foods hunting. Include activities that involve their interests and explore together. You can actually plan for a mix of both adult-geared and child-geared activities. Be creative with the plan and research more to see if there is any travel agent who provide different activities at the same place. 

Try to be flexible with your itinerary

Flexible itinerary will be much better because every family member can enjoy the trip on their own. Keep in mind that you may encounter some hassles even if you have planned your trip really well. Hence, you need to have some space to adjust accordingly without ruining the entire trip. Things won’t always go neatly because there are many factors to consider such as jet lag, different time zones, climate, etc. Also, do not overpack your itinerary with loads of schedule. Pace your trip to be enjoyable and fun instead of trying to tick as many boxes of attractions as possible.

Indonesia’s Komodo National Park is a world-famous natural reserve. In Komodo, there are a number of diving resorts that make it simple to see everything the Lesser Sunda Islands have to offer. Both above and below the water’s surface, visitors are treated to stunning sights. With more than 50 Komodo National Park diving sites to choose from, you’ll get up and personal with Komodo’s diverse marine life, including the world-famous Komodo dragons.

With so many once-in-a-lifetime activities to pick from, it might be difficult to arrange your trip. However, including a Komodo diving experience into any trip to the area is simple. For easy access to diving and snorkeling locations throughout the islands, many travelers opt to stay at a Flores dive resort or a Labuan Bajo dive resort.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! We’ve taken the hassle out of vacation planning. Here are our top four recommendations for the best diving and snorkeling in the reserve, as well as an insider tip on our favorite method to see Komodo National Park.

Batu Bolong

Batu Bolong, a hallmark location of Komodo National Park, is widely regarded as the world’s most magnificent diving spot. The undersea ecology is enthralling to watch. Rare marine species like the whitetip reef shark, big trevally, large turtles, and others can be found around the Batu Bolong reef.

Due to the strong current, we only recommend this Komodo diving spot to experienced divers.

Cannibal Rock

Cannibal Rock is a great snorkeling and diving spot with a calm current. Pygmy seahorses, frogfish, and dozens of beautiful anemones can all be found here. For macro photographers, night divers, and those looking to immerse themselves in Komodo’s natural richness, this location is a dream come true.

Kanawa Island

This small island is definitely a Labuan Bajo dive and snorkeling heaven, with its pure, pristine blue sea. The underwater scenery is breathtaking, with vibrant coral reefs and tens of thousands of species. Large marine species such as manta rays and whale sharks can be seen if you dive deeper. The island is also recognized for its beautiful beaches, which are ideal for recharging your batteries at a Labuan Bajo dive resort before returning home.

You’ll most likely be staying at a dive resort in Komodo. However, the most convenient way to see everything as to offer is with Komodo island liveaboard.

With the assistance of a professional crew overseeing every part of your luxury travel experience, you’ll have unrivaled access to the top Komodo National Park diving, snorkeling, and sunbathing areas around the nature reserve.

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Wayag Island Papua, Exploring Coral Triangle
Yoga Cruise around the Raja Ampat Islands

Wayag Island is recognized for its sea water, which has a variety of colors depending on the depth, including bright blue and dark blue. Wayag Island also features little islands in the form of coral rocks that form an attractive cluster with the summits overgrown with plants, giving the coral islands a greenish appearance and making them look like mountains.

Snorkeling Wayag island Papua

Activities such as diving or snorkeling on Wayag papua are not to be missed. On the Raja Ampat Island of Wayag, there is no more magnificent snorkeling site in Indonesia. Because the water is so pure, schools of fish swim together to create a stunning underwater scene. Raja Ampat’s coral reefs, which are a part of marine ecology, provide the best diving experience you’ve ever experienced.

If you want to see the exotic view of Wayag Papua, climb to Karang Island. This island is fairly steep, so it will take a lot of work to reach the summit, but it will all be worth it once you get there. The entire vista of Raja Ampat may be seen from the summit of this peak. It takes 30 minutes to climb to the peak of this Coral Island.

In Sorong, you can rent a motor boat to travel to Wayag Island. The travel is rather long, taking approximately 4-5 hours. In Raja Ampat, it is difficult to enjoy Wayag Island. The most significant element to consider is the price. This speed boat may be rented for Rp. 9 million per day. With its calm and peace, you may also feel as if you are traveling to Halong Bay, Vietnam.

Wayag island onboard

Liveaboard is the only way to reach Wayag Papua. Joining a Wayag Indonesia trip by boat allows you to reach remote locations and find the best snorkeling spots. Dive in and swim among the coral reef’s colorful fish groups. White tip reef sharks and black tip reef sharks are regularly sighted sleeping and patrolling the blue waters’ depths at a depth of roughly 30 meters at Waiwo Beach.

Aside from diving, Pulau Waigeo is known for its biodiversity and strange sea creatures, making it a wonderful location for underwater photography. A large number of nudibranch species, sea dragons, blue-striped flagtail pipefish, pygmy seahorses, green sea turtles, enormous napoleon wrasse, and Indian lionfish have all been sighted. There is also a lot of coral and sea fan growth here, which serves as a habitat for a lot of little fish.

Travelling can bring you good or bad experiences. Some travelers have experienced the worst such as being injured, getting robbed, or getting scammed. Scams in travel industry is not something new. Many people are taking advantage of tourists just because they know less about the place they visit. To avoid getting scammed, you need a healthy dose of common sense and suspicion. Also, do not underestimate a travel guide/book because it usually contains the most common travel scams in the country you visit. 

Most common travel scams to avoid

In each country, there maybe different type of travel scams. However, there are the most common ones that seems to happen in most of the countries around the world. Here are some of them you need to be aware of and avoid:

Overcharged taxis. Sometimes, the driver tell you the meter is broken so they charge you a very high rate. Sometimes, the meter go higher very fast that you end up paying much. It is better to be prepared by gathering information of taxi rate of the country you are going to visit. Or, ask hotel staffs for reference. Negotiate the correct rate and if the driver refuse, find driver that will put the meter on. If the meter if the taxi you are in go higher faster suspiciously, have them pull over and and get out. Report the ID number to the tourism board. Today, you can also opt for better alternatives than taxi such as Grab and Uber.

The shell game is common in many countries. There maybe different forms of games performing. For example, you bet which cup containing the coin. First, you win and earn the money from the bet so you want to keep playing and betting more money. You bet more because you think you will win. But then, you realize too late that you lost so much money on this con. Avoid any kind of shell game especially when you have to bet money.

Free friendship bracelet or flower. This kind of scam is getting old but still, many tourists fall for it. This is a common scam especially in Europe. A friendly person will come to you and have a quick chat. They will put the bracelet on your wrist. Then, they will demand money from you. If you try to refuse, they cause a big scene so you will get embarrassed and opt for giving them the money. Hence, don’t allow people to put anything on your body or accept any object without explanation first.

The wrong change is also a common scam. It is when you pay for something and they give you the wrong bills. It may be hard to tell especially when the bills look similar in color. Therefore, it is essential to know the currency of the country you are visiting. It is best to count the bills yourself before leaving. It is even better if you pay with smaller bills so you don’t have to wait for the change.

Do you love to relax, travel and make new experiences? Why not consider a yoga cruise in Raja Ampat? Imagine waking up in the early morning with a hot cup of coffee, a gentle breeze and the smell of the crew cooking your first meals on board. Cruising the tropical paradise of Indonesia while enjoying morning yoga is perfect for you. Morning yoga is held on the deck and offers stunning panoramic waterfront views while sailing on Raja Ampat. Moreover, the sound of the waves hitting on the vessel’s body sounds very calming. Let’s think about it, isn’t it a perfect holiday?

Unwind at Sea with Yoga Cruise

The Yoga Cruise is a magnificent voyage on which you will experience the freedom of practising Yoga, surrounded by the crystal blue waters of the Raja Ampat sea. The spectacular coastline with its idyllic traditional villages, picturesque coves are waiting to be explored. It is a great opportunity to experience the taste of an unforgettable holiday of staying aboard a sailing yacht. Just sit back, enjoy, relax and let the crew take you on a unique journey!

 Why take a yoga cruise?

The view above of Raja Ampat is just as amazing as the underwater life. There, you can see tropical trees, sparkling seas, climbing or hiking, visiting empty beaches, observing the beautiful birds and exploring underwater beauty! From all the things to do in Raja Ampat. Yoga Cruise is definitely on the favourite of the list; this experience is quite different from any other. You must try the yoga experience on the blue sea, feel the sea breeze, and it can create a comfortable and soothing atmosphere. Relaxing on the bench is great, but Yoga can help your whole body feel refreshed afterwards. Here are the best reasons why you need to join this trip.

• Connect with nature- Join this trip, offer you doing Yoga in beautiful nature locations around Raja Ampat. What is a better way to get out of the hustle and bustle of city living than to go on the cruise! You’ll be able to connect with the beauty of nature on a deeper level. 
• Disconnect from technology: One thing you will always enjoy about doing Yoga here is the limited connection to the outside world. These trips are good for you to disconnect from technology. 
• Surround yourself with positive energy- One of the best benefits of going on this trip is full of positive energy! On a cruise, you’ll surround yourself with positive energy. No need to worry about something that makes you stress, embrace the positives vibes, enjoy its stunning nature, and see the magical sunrises from the boat 

The health benefit

Yoga is known for its strict discipline, for its ability to promote relaxation and ease stress. With time, yoga enthusiasts have discovered several health benefits for your body. Yoga does not only burn your calories and strengthen muscles; it is a workout which involves both body and healthy mind of all ages.

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Experience the Natural Beauty of Piaynemo Island

During this pandemic, following guidelines is a must. In some places, green light for travel has been given with the requirement to always follow guidelines. Hence, it is not impossible for you to plan for a vacation. However, it is recommended to go local and be flexible in planning. A flexible vacation allows you and family to have a relaxing getaway without being too far from your own home. Also, you can still manage your responsibilities during the vacation by completing your work. Your kids can still also complete their school assignment during the vacation. This is what flexible vacation is about.

Planning for a flexible vacation

Even if the title is flexible vacation, you still need a thorough plan to make sure everything going smoothly. First about the choice of travel. The best alternative is to have a road travel so you drive your own car instead of taking public transportation. It can help minimize the contact with other people. Make sure to check your car so it is is good condition for a trip.

Book a lodge in a remote area where you don’t have to meet many people during your stay. It is also better if you can have contactless booking . for example, you book via phone and complete all administrative necessities and payment online. The owner of the lodge will leave the key in designated place you are aware of. You when you arrive you just have to take the key without meeting the owner in person. It is best to choose a place that close to the nature. So you can hike with your family in the morning, have a picnic at the yard in the evening, and more fun activities.

Plan the itinerary flexibly. Make sure that you don’t plan tight schedule. Leave times for you to complete your work, your kids submit their assignment, and ‘me time’ for those who need. You can plan activities where you can enjoy the time together as well such as trekking, cooking, watching, fishing, and so on. This type of vacation brings you a sense of balance. You still have time to work hard but still leave spaces to take a break. Different setting and environment is like a bonus. You and your family will enjoy it a lot.

Flexible vacation is considered as good alternative during and after pandemic. You can have a well-deserved without risking your safety and others. You can still fulfill your responsibilities. But you also still have time to go out of the monotony. Flexible vacation is not only for family.

You can also do it on your own. You can rent a place located in more remote area in your town. You can try new activities without neglecting your responsibility. By changing up the environment, it can make big difference. It allows you to connect more with nature where healing properties are there to help you get rid off of any stress. You return with happier mood and high spirited energy.

Are you planning your next tropical destination? If so, then visiting Piaynemo Island may be what you are looking for. The Island is located in the Fam group; it is a small cluster of islands that are the absolute symbol of paradise. Often known as the most magnificent spot in the Raja Ampat, this place has caught the attention of Instagrammers, photographers, and travellers from all around the world. The remarkable scenery that you can enjoy from here envelops the true beauty of Raja Ampat Island. You can see the deep turquoise water with limestone formation throughout the islands and watch a view of the sunset that will leave you amazed.

Where is Piaynemo Island?

The Island is located in the west of Gam Island, it’s often called Little Wayag. Little Wayag can be seen at a balcony on the top of a rocky hill. To reach the balcony, you have to climb 350 wooden steps. Although the place is quite long, the views are wonderful, and you will be surprised with the blue crystal of the water, the stunningly lush islands dotted around, and the bird and marine life that lives here.

What will you find at Piaynemo Island?

When you arrive at the Island, you will find yourself faced with the 300 stairs are in good repair and aren’t so hard to climb. This amazing trip, of course, aims to get to the top and look out over one of the most breathtaking landscapes. You will see the small islands rising out of the clear water from the viewpoint. One of the most spectacular views is looking out over Star Lagoon and Telaga Bintang.  It is a beautiful star-shaped lagoon that makes for a stunning backdrop to your holiday pictures. Over there, you also find several small stalls where you can buy a fresh coconut and a lot of snacks. Fresh coconut is the perfect drink for hydration, and it is also a good idea to drink after your hiking.

Can you swim at the Island?

The Island has water crystal clear and has an amazing turquoise colour. When you visit the Island, you have the chance to swim at the bottom in the calm water and explore the islands there. You also can do some small cliff jumping from one of the small islands in the middle of the lagoon.

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The Things You Need to Do To Create a Good Impression When You Are Travelling to Indonesia

What do you need for this trip?

Heading out for a hike is a delightful way to explore nature, be sure to carry the proper equipment is critical. You can use a pair of sneakers, or light hiking boots are a good option for climbing the stairs. Don’t forget to wear a hat.  Apply sunscreen to your face is a must. Bring some water bottles, to stay hydrated. One essential thing you need to take is the camera. This place is one of the most breathtaking places on earth, so make sure you can take a lot of memories here!