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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

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

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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 →

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 →

The Amazoonico with children – garden eden in Ecuadors djungle

The Amazoonico is a project initiated by a swiss woman and her ecuadorian husband who built the zoo as an animal rescue center to safe animals who got treated badly from their owner, were smuggled or somehow found their ways to the amazoonico. The government works directly together with the amazoonico. Have a look if the AmaZOOnico with children is a worth a trip. Continue Reading →

Travel with kids to Galapagos

If you want to show your kids an island undisturbed by humanity, one that instills a respect of nature in visitors, the Galapagos islands are the perfect destination. It’s a unique, almost otherworldly experience to build sandcastles a few yards away from lazing sea lions, or to swim in the pool while marvelling at the giant iguanas crossing the adjacent street. More importantly, to travel with kids to Galapagos is to have an experience not to be missed.

Travel with kids to Galapagos

Sealions are everywhere on Galapagos – Copyright by Ants-in-our-pants.com

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Guide for a family vacation in San Christobal Galapagos

San Cristobal is the fifth largest of the Galapagos Islands, situated on the east side of the archipelago. The island is home to many of the area’s most stunning attractions, including Cerro San Joaquin, a remarkable volcano standing 895 meters high.

Sea lions cavort in the harbor of Puerto Baquerízo Moreno while fascinated tourists pass through, snapping photos or enjoying the spectacular scenery beyond the marine mammals. It’s a surreal scene, the whole area dominated by sea lions roaming wherever they want—on benches, under trees and even on fishing boats.

Sealions on San Cristobal Galapagos - Copyright by Ants-in-our-pants.com

Sealions on San Cristobal Galapagos – Copyright by Ants-in-our-pants.com

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Best pictures of Quito Ecuador

In december 2014 we spent 5 days in Quito, Ecuador, before we flew to the Galapagos islands. It was my first time in Ecuador, so I had to make some pictures of the totally different lifestyle. These are the best pictures of Quito Ecuador.

elderly couple in Quito

elderly couple in Quito

Many people spend their time on public squares. Some sleep, others read while many enjoy their time. No one seems to be too busy for a chat.

inhabitants of Quito

all women carry their babies like that

If in the morning or at night women sell food and other things on the street. Often they take their babies with them. They sleep on their back, wrapped in a piece of fabric.

 

Quito

pics for sale

 

historic town in Quito

Everybody loves dresses.

I have no clue what they did, but they had a great time to dress up.

shoe cleaner in Quito

Modern world meets ancient

On every corner one can find shoeshine boys who are eager to brush the dust off. The difference between someone writing emails on his blackberry and the shoeshine boy who uses the same material like 100 years ago is amazing.

church in Quito

Churches everywhere

 

small streets in Quito

Narrow streets in the historic center

 

famous church in Quito

Outside grey, it’s inside made of gold. Understatement?

 

party bus in Quito

Chivas are the party busses in Quito

If you hear loud music and people singing you can be sure there’s a Chiva coming around the corner. It’s a famous tourist attraction to ride on a Chiva, drink and dance.

 

 

7 ways to raise children’s self esteem while travelling

There was a time I shook my head when I’ve seen other parents yell at their cute 3 year old daughter only because she didn’t want to pick up her shoes. Why are they so impatient and put themselves above their child? Like this they will never raise children’s self esteem. Why do they react with a louder voice instead of some jokes, clever strategies and self-composure?

After 5 years of constant travel my kids turned 5 and 3 years. There are only few situations, when I started being such a mother. One I would have shook my head at if I’d seen her. But most of the times I’m f***ing proud of having two children with a huge basket full of self esteem. Being a psychotherapist, a mother and a travel addict I get often asked for advice. Here’s a collection of ways if you want to raise children’s self esteem. Continue Reading →