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Aqua Dome in Tyrol – a family friendly spa

The Aqua Dome in Tyrol is not only a thermal spa with indoor and outdoor pools. It’s a global concept to make the guest relax and enjoy his stay. While staying in the hotel next door one can use the spa free of charge. All other guests will pay a daily entrance fee to enjoy the mountain view, the hot water and the different amenities like sauna area and kids zone.

Families with young children have certain requirements. Very often it’s difficult to go swimming because the water is too cold, the pool is not safe enough or there aren’t enough lounger to relax.

Entering the Aqua Dome in Tyrol is like becoming part of a thermal spa designed by parents. After paying for the family ticket (86€ for 2 adults and 2 kids/per day, children below 3 are free of charge) you get your own changing room. There you can change yourself and leave your clothes until the end of your stay. If your toddler is still having a nap at noon simply take your stroller with you into the Aqua Dome.

The kids area is separated from the main thermal spa. It consists of an indoor playground with art area supervised by a nanny. She’ll take care of your 3+ year olds. If your children are younger you can use this area as well, but only under adult supervision.

The waterplayground is right opposite the indoor playground. Easy to keep all children in sight. We found the waterplayground perfect for 0-3 year olds. Simply have some toys (cups, watering cans, …) with you and let them play in a safe environment.

Right next to it is the childrens pool. It’s too deep to use without armbands (0-3 year olds). Sliding and playing with the water is so much fun, as it’s warm. A big advantage: the floor is exceptionally not slippery.

For older ones one tube slide and a normal one are hidden behind the kids pool. You’ll find also adults there. Adrenaline rush at its finest.

After enjoying the water everyone gets hungry. The restaurant offers a kids buffet with drinks for only 6€. Spaghetti Blognese, chicken nuggets and french fries are only some examples. Parents might go for the huge variety of salad, austrian dishes or steaks.

Taking a nap on one of the loungers or simply let your children play.

Allover it has to be said that the Aqua Dome in Tyrol is amazing for families. Stop there, have a great day and leave relaxed.

Travel Guide for Rodrigues island

Many tourists complain about Mauritius not being the former, laid back and not developed island anymore. 15 years ago the island lacked of shopping centres, good cafes and restaurants. Nowadays one finds a good infrastructure, decent internet connection and many different cultures living there. Mauritius 15 years ago still exists: on Rodrigues.

Rodrigues is a small island belonging to Mauritius, but 580km. It’ll take you 1.5h to reach Rodrigues by plane. The island measures only 19km x 9km. Many Mauritian travel to Rodrigues for holiday, as it’s one of the closest islands (apart of La Reunion and the Seychelles). Air Mauritius departs several times per day. The prices vary from 170-200€ return.

Rodrigues itself is from volcanic origin and surrounded by a reef. Its climate is typical for an island: mostly sunny, not a lot of rain and with a constant breeze. Looking inland one will find many hills, a lot of banana trees and stunning seaview.

Best beaches on Rodrigues

Rodrigues has amazing beaches and you’ll be alone there. Enjoy turquoise water, white sand and blue sky. Pack a big bottle of sunscreen, water and good mood.

#1: Trou d’Argent

Trou d’Argent is on the east coast and rated one of the best beaches on Rodrigues. One can park at St. Francois and walk 10min through the forest. If you rented a scooter you could drive, but the path is too sandy and bumpy for cars. Surrounded by high cliffs the sea is visible and perfect to snorkel. There are no waves but colourful fishes and corals. Take thongs with you to not get in touch with sea urchins.

#2: Petit Gravier

The village Gravier on the south-east coast is well equipped: charming restaurants, small corner shops and an amazing abandoned beach. The tarred road ends in the center and goes on as sandy road. It’ll take you directly to the beach. The adventurous tourists might take a turn to the right direction Hotel La Belle Rodriguaise. Just stop at one of the picnic tables and enjoy a cold beer.

#3: St.Francois

On your way to Trou D’Argent stop at St.Francois. Another breathtaking beach with volcanic rocks and sand.

Things to do on Rodrigues

#1. Suspension bridge

In eastern Rodrigues Tyrodrig Zip Lines offer a walk over the Pistachio Valley by suspension bridge. This adventure costs only 100rs (2,70€). 40m high one can enjoy the view, adrenaline and be happy to broaden ones horizon. Even for children 5 years and older this accompanied adventure is one of a lifetime.

#2: Cavern Patate

On the south west of Rodrigues the cavern patate is one of the main attractions. You can get your ticket directly there and follow the guide underground.

Family Trip to Gili Air – 5 factors of success

We took a family trip to Gili Air, complete with grandparents and our two children, ages three and five, first departing for Bali in January 2015. We imagined our trip consisting primarily of the kids and grandparents lounging on the beach while we explored the local shops. We were wrong. Upon arriving at the beach in Seminyak, our oldest said, “I’m not gonna stay here. It’s so dirty.” “It smells,” the little one complained. The well-being of our trip was suddenly in jeopardy—how can we make everyone happy for the entire month-long vacation?

We escaped into Spas, instead of going to the beach. – Copyright by www.ants-in-our-pants.com

Continue Reading →

Reasons to go on a 4×4 trip with children in South Africa

Most families hesitate booking a 4×4 for their family vacation in South Africa. Excuses like “Our kids are too young!”, “It’s too dangerous.” “How should we sleep comfortable in a tent on top of the car?” occur and so most families don’t go an a 4×4 trip with children in South Africa.

We tried it with our 3 and 5 year olds. You’ll miss the trip of your life if you don’t give dirt, tents and animals a try.

1. Safety

If you travel with your family safety is of highest priority. Kids need to have a good car around them so elephants, tigers and normal roads can’t harm them. A 4×4 is a massive vehicle with which you won’t get stuck in mood or have problems on normal roads with deep potholes.

Fun to drive! – Copyright by www.ants-in-our-pants.com

2. Nature

South Africa is well known for its’ stunning nature. The Golden Gate Highlands National Park has colourful mountains, lush bush and zebras around the corner waiting for you to drive by. Picnic places are on every corner, but having a yummy picnic is only possible if you have all the equipment with you. Chairs, table, a fridge and all the household staff are stored in boxes in your 4×4. We had fantastic picnics at breathtaking places in South Africa and Swaziland. It wouldn’t have been possible with a normal car.

Behind us the bufaloes. Copyright by www.ants-in-our-pants.com

3. Flexibility

Some kids still take a nap during the day. Setting up the tents is done in 3 minutes so you can lay down with your baby and nap – no matter where you are. We often had no clue how long we’ll be able to drive without moaning kids in the back. As soon as they didn’t want to drive anymore we looked for a place to sleep. Once we found a beautiful lodge with lions and were able to camp there for only 100 ZAR (8€).

An Elephant herd in Kruger NationalPark – Copyright by www.ants-in-our-pants.com

4. Fun

As a parent it’s mostly about raising kids and not about your own fun. We found out that driving through a river on a 4×4 trip with children in South Africa is an experience both parties don’t want to miss. The kids loved it and daddy smiled for the next hours. In Kruger National Park some roads are only for 4×4, whereas 80% of all cars are normal ones. The chance to view animals there are much higher than anywhere else.

Massive rhinos – Copyright by www.ants-in-our-pants.com

11 Things to do in Mauritius with Children

The beautiful volcanic island of Mauritius is a great choice for a family destination. This island nation annually attracts millions of visitors who wanted to have a unique and unforgettable holiday.

For those who are not aware, tourism is actually a major component of Mauritian economy, which obviously explains why the service and experience is unparalleled.

Mauritius is easily accessible from various countries. For instance, travel time is approximately 11 hours from Europe, 6 hours from South Africa and 14 hours from Australia. Additionally, don’t worry about any language barriers as there are three official languages – French, English and Creole (though it is doubtful if any tourist would be able to speak Creole as fluent as a local).

The beach of Ile aux Cerf – Copyright by www.ants-in-our-pants.com

There are tons of things to do in Mauritius with children. For one thing, a great family holiday couldn’t be complete without spotless white sandy beaches. Kids may also explore reefs, since it is not far from shore – it is only about 100 meters away. Therefore one won’t have high waves. Continue Reading →

Review: Ramada Caravela Beach Resort Goa

In February 2015, we visited India with two children, ages three and five. We were often asked how we could possibly travel to India with children. Admittedly, we chose India only because we happened upon cheap flights heading toward Bali, via Mumbai. I decided to set aside an extra ten days to visit the nation, figuring we may as well seize the opportunity to explore a new place while we’re there. Continue Reading →

Is Gili Trawangan with children relaxing?

Gili Trawangan is an Indonesian island near Bali and Lombok, once famous among locals and visitors for its party scene, but the destination has changed over the last few years. Backpackers who once partied on the beach a decade ago return to Gili Trawangan with children now to relive those glory days with children in tow. But is it really the best idea to visit Gili Trawangan with children? Continue Reading →

Things to do in Arambol with children

Arambol is a small town in North Goa, roughly a two hour drive from the Airport Daborim (GOI).

You may find better beaches throughout Goa, but you won’t find another spot to match the unique charm of Arambol. The town combines traditional Indian culture with a hippie-infused lifestyle that draws travelers from around the world. Many people decide to live in Arambol for years at a time, and even send their children to school here, though I’m not sure how the hippie lifestyle melds with the strictness of Indian schools. Regardless, the unusual population of locals, ex-pat-hippies and travelers converge to create the laid-back but undoubtedly lively atmosphere. Most residents live either on the beach or the town’s only main street leading directly to the seaside. Some things to do in Arambol with children: Continue Reading →

Incredible India – why 50 women laughed at the expense of my husband

“Incredible India“—so goes the Asian subcontinent’s slogan, and it’s certainly well-chosen from the perspective of a tourist. Even when initially passing through customs, already we were saying it. “That’s incredible India!“ Our vacation rendered us speechless many times, but still we would whisper: “India, incredible India.“

Occasionally we said it when experiencing the many forms of transportation throughout the nation. Upon arriving in Mumbai, our taxi driver stowed our luggage on the car roof, without bothering to tie it down. How would that work? We trusted him, still deathly afraid of losing our bags as the car honked and raced its way down potholed roads. Continue Reading →

Travel Guide for Visiting the Gili islands with Kids

The Gili Islands are a veritable paradise on Earth, from the white sandy beaches to the restaurants pied dans l’eau. There are as many friendly locals to greet you on land as there are sea turtles and vibrant fishes swimming with scuba divers. All of this and more are what make the Gili islands with kids what they are—a fantastic place.

The Gili Islands are located in the vast blue sea betwpartyboateen Bali and Lombok, only a one-hour boat ride from the Balinese city of Padangbai, or half-an-hour from Lombok. All three islands forbid motor vehicles, making each destination uniquely walkable and especially agreeable for children. Though each of the gorgeous islands vary in size, they’re frequented by the same crop of visitors, including families, couples and backpackers. Continue Reading →

Ants in our pants

A family travel blog