Serita Beach Hotel Crete

At Serita Beach Hotel & Spa in Crete, guests receive great customer service as soon as they arrive!

We were served welcome drinks when checking in and they helped us with our all-inclusive wristbands. They also helped with our luggage and took us to the room. The room had a balcony and faced the pool area.

Whether asking about towels, the restaurant, or printing a document, if we had any questions we could ask at reception and everyone was helpful.

The little ones enjoyed the kids club and they did crafts, games, even some water activities since it was so hot.

Parents could enjoy some spa time while kids were busy having fun as well. They did offer massages but unfortunately, there wasn't a Spa sauna or hot tub. 

Staff all around the resort especially the Waffle and Crepe bar were friendly and welcoming. Such a great idea to have a Creperie and Waffle station open till late for guests looking for snacks!

For pools, there are a few different pools at the hotel. A kids pool, the water slide and two main pools. They are open 9am-6pm with lifeguard. People swam outside of this time and this was fine. The hotel doesn't rope off the area. 

Bathrooms are available in the main lobby area and next to the snack bar down by the pool. 

There is one a la carte restaurant that all guests can reserve for a night otherwise you dine at the main restaurant for buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner.

We had a variety of options at the buffet but mostly only had lunch and dinners there. It was nice that breakfast was on until 10:00am so you could sleep in if you needed. We skipped breakfast a few times.

It's possible to walk along the waterfront from the hotel for a morning walk. There are a few souvenirs shops and restaurants. There is beach access but not much sand to sit and water could be wavy. 

After checking out, they said we can put our luggage in the luggage room then still have lunch, get a drink, use the pools, enjoy the resort like an all-inclusive guest. That was a pleasant surprise and very appreciated.

We really enjoyed our time at Serita Beach Hotel & Spa! It's especially great for a family getaway. If you're in the Northern area of Crete looking for an all-inclusive option, check out the Serita Beach Hotel & Spa.

Don't forget your snacks!

Serita Beach Hotel & Spa

Beach Road, Anissaras 700 14, Greece

Check out their website for more info.

The World of Kidtropolis Richmond

Located in Richmond, The World of Kidtropolis is the perfect rainy day, indoor activity for kids and parents! 

With a little city comprised of different shops, kids can pretend play to their hearts desire! They can work at the pet shop, bakery, police station, even become reporters on the evening news. 

There is also a climbing area and slide for the bigger kids (those who are ok to climb higher by themselves).

Birthday Party!!

At Kidtropolis you can book a party room for 2h. They include cutlery, cups and plates. The food you pre-order (from the cafe) for the party is brought to the room when it's ready. Kids loved the mini donuts, fries, fruit platter and popcorn!

The Kidtropolis Host assigned to help you is available for anything needed, blowing up balloons, bringing the food and they even do the clean-up for you.

Kids 2 and under are free for the birthday party and outside cake or cupcakes are allowed. Other outside food is not allowed but there is a nice cafe onsite and you can order other food items including coffee here!

On the weekend, all the other businesses are closed so you can park anywhere in the parking lot. On the weekdays, it might be more of a challenge to find a spot.

We had a really great experience at Kidtropolis and definitely recommend it as a party venue or just a place to visit for a few hours to let the kids run around. 

Don't forget your snacks!

The World of Kidtropolis 

110-5940 No 2 Rd, Richmond, BC V7C 4R9

Check out their website for more info.

Denny's restaurant Vancouver

We have so many childhood memories stopping at Dennys for a dinner break during road trips. When we saw that Kids eat free on Tuesdays, we had to try it!

Denny's offers North American dishes, sandwiches, burgers, salad and all-day breakfast.

The mozzarella sticks and marinara sauce were just as good as we remembered.

Kids enjoyed the Kids meal options like the chicken tenders and fries.

You can even choose All-day Breakfast and customize your own "Grand Slam" meal!

Grandparents can choose from a Senior menu with cheaper prices too. On Thursdays, seniors get 15% off. 

We have had friendly customer service on our Denny's visits. It helps make for a great dining experience with the family.

If you're in the mood for some all-day breakfast, want to take a night off from cooking at a place the whole family will enjoy, or celebrating your birthday (free birthday meal 🥳), visit a Denny's location near you!

Don't forget your snacks!

Denny's Restaurant 

1759 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1Y2

Check out their website for more info

Gravensteen castle Ghent

We were pleasantly surprised by our visit to Gravensteen castle in Ghent, Belgium.

This 10th century castle has a nice treasure hunt for kids who need to find the jester. Kids enjoyed their tour and the guide book with clues for the hunt. Kids under 12 are free!

There was a lot more indoor time in the castle than we initially expected. We thought it would mostly be outdoors or in the castle courtyard. However, the tour had us going up and down and into different areas of the castle.

We really enjoyed the entertaining audio guide, which is included with ticket. The history of the castle wasn't just a bunch of dry facts. Instead, the narrator shares many  interesting stories with a bit of humor to keep the listener engaged.

Very friendly service at the shop and the ticket booth. There is even a room in the ticket area to park strollers.

There are such stunning views of the city from the roof of the castle! 

We had such a fun experience exploring and learning about the history of the Gravensteen castle! 

If you're visiting the Belgian city of Ghent and looking for a nice family activity, visit Gravensteen in Old Town and pickup some audio guides! 

Don't forget your snacks!

Gravensteen 

Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Gent, Belgium

Check out their website for more info.

If you need a coffee break after the castle, Julie's house is a nice dessert place nearby Gravensteen.

Avalon Hotel Riga

During our visit to Riga, Latvia we wanted to stay in the center of the city and Avalon Hotel located next to Old Town was the perfect choice.

We visited in the month of February and had a wonderful stay!

The junior suite with 1 large bed and 2 single beds was a perfect option for a family!

The breakfast buffet was better than we expected with both cold items like deli meat and cheese and hot items like kids favorite American style pancakes, warm veggies, sausages and eggs.

They even had kids plates and utensils available if needed so we didn't need to worry about using our own.

Each day at the Avalon Hotel, we always received nice, friendly service. The staff were helpful with suggestions and room requests. You can choose room cleaning everyday if you need. 

There is a little bar in the lobby and a computer to use if needed. The lobby was a pleasant place to sit and relax while waiting for other family members to be ready.

The Avalon Hotel is a modern hotel with elevators and a small gym for those interested.

If you're visiting Riga, Latvia and are looking for a good hotel option in a convenient location, check out the Avalon Hotel.

Don't forget your snacks!

Avalon Hotel

13. janvāra iela 19, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia

Check out their website for more info

Väddo Alpackagård

We visited the Alpaca farm in Väddo during our recent road trip!

In addition to Alpaca, the farm has several animals to see including rabbits and sheep.

At the cafe, you buy some cookies, cakes or sandwiches which you can enjoy on the patio on a sunny day.

There's a nice gift shop in the cafe that sells, socks, wool, toys and different trinkets made in different places. Of course, the kiddos had to get their souvenirs!

There are a few toys around that the kids loved including some toy horses and a car track.

 

You can also go into the enclosure to pet the Alpaca if you want. Kids were fine just to see the animals from outside the fence! 

We had a lovely time seeing the animals and enjoying some fika in the sun. It's a great family activity while in Väddo that both kids and parents enjoyed. Check out Väddo Alpackagård for a nice visit to an Alpaca Farm!

Don't forget your snacks!

Väddo Alpackagård 

Stockrudavägen 2, 764 93 Väddö

Check out their website for opening hours

Sea to Sky Gondola Squamish

We visited the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) which is located about an hour from Vancouver! It was our first visit and a really great day trip to do with the kids.

If you're visiting on very hot summer day, remember to stay hydrated and stay in the shade when possible. 

The Sea to Sky Gondola is about a 12min ride up 885m above sea level with incredible views of Howe Sound and the coastal mountains. 

Tickets for the gondola aren't cheap. We went with a one day family ticket that's good for 2 adults and 2 kids. Kids 5 and under are free of charge. If you're local, you can even get a year pass. 

At the bottom, before you take the gondola, there's a gift shop, bathroom and a little kids play area. 

Kids played while we sat and watched the gondola!

When we went, there was also a food truck with drinks and ice cream called "Praguery". Unfortunately, the ice cream wasn't dairy-free but the chimney cones were vegan! The toddler loved the cinnamon sugar soft chimney cones which were warm and fresh from the oven! 

 

You can refill your water bottles or buy a cold drink at the Restaurant/Cafe at the top of the mountain! The kids loved that we could get ice from the ice machine! 

You can sit outdoors on the deck and take in the views or indoors. There is a small kids "busy" corner in the indoor seating area.

At the top of the mountain, when you get off the Gondola ride, there's a summit lodge and kids play area. 

There are many different trails you can also walk around and see the views.

We also stopped by Shannon Falls which is a short walk from the parking lot of Sea to Sky Gondola or park at the Shannon falls parking lot and walk about 10min to see the falls.

If you're looking for a great day trip from Vancouver, check out the Sea to Sky Gobdola in Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh).

Don't forget your snacks!

Sea to Sky Gondola

36800 BC-99, Squamish, BC V8B 0B6

For more info check out their website

Praguery Ice Cream Truck 

Check out their website for more info

Travel Tips Kids and Grandparents

We flew from Arlanda Airport in Stockholm,  Sweden with 1 set of grandparents and kids to our Fall getaway in Rhodes, Greece.

Check out my blog about the Tui vacation.

Here are some tips for flying with BOTH Seniors and Kids.

Before your trip

-Check grandparents' bags to see that they packed extra clothes, medicines are in carry-on and that their check-in bag can close.

-Book a taxi ahead of time.

We have been very satisfied with Taxi Stockholm. You can book ahead of time for them to pick you up at home and take you to the airport. They can also meet you at the airport to take you home (you just need the flight number when calling to book).  You can also mention if you need kids' car seats and they can have it ready for you!

-Bring some water for the taxi in case grandparent's to drink medicine on the way to the airport. 

-Remind everyone to use the bathroom before!

-Give yourself an extra 20 minutes to get downstairs for the taxi

At the Airport

-Find a bench for Seniors to sit and call them over only once you get closer to check-in desk.

-Don't forget to mention Special Assistance for the seniors! They can help provide wheelchairs and getting them through Security.

-Get takeaway food if you're flying during dinner time. 

-Fill your water bottle after security

For the Plane

-Ask the flight attendants for help if you need it, they've been patient and helpful during our flights.

-Bring extra clothes for both groups - kids and seniors.

-Bring extra masks for both as well.

-Select seats near the bathrooms. 

-Aisle seats work best for grandparents.

-Minimize your carry-on bags since your hands will be full carrying things for kids, yourself and seniors.

-Don't forget your snacks! For both groups!

Enjoy your trip! 

Greek snacks in Rhodes Greece

 

During our Fall trip to Rhodes, Greece 🇬🇷 , we were so lucky not to have to worry about what to eat. It was our first time experiencing the all-inclusive option at a resort. 

After our trip, we can understand why families choose the all-inclusive option! It was so convenient to pick the kids up from kids club and take them right away to eat lunch. No waiting after ordering, just lining up to grab food.

During our trip, we were also able to try a few different Greek Snacks!

There were the Greek cream puffs, called Soudakia, pastries filled with custard. They were sometimes served plain and sometimes with icing.

We also tried delicious Greek Baklava sweetened with honey!

Loukoumades, or fried donuts, was another snack we found in Greece.

Greek ice coffee is also quite popular in the warm weather. A nice cold drink is a nice way to cool off! 

If we were craving potato chips, we could easily head to the hotel gift shop to grab some!

We had a wonderful stay in Rhodes, Greece and enjoyed all the Greek desserts and snacks! We will definitely be back!

Check out my blog on the whole Tui Rhodes trip!

Don't forget your snacks!