Reena, Author at Family Forays - Family Travel Blog

Hotel Review: Brooklyn Hilton

Posted by Reena | Jul 29, 2018 | Hotel Reviews, North America

Hotel Review: A family stay at Brooklyn Hilton With thousands of hotels in New York City, I chose this hotel due to price and location and happily, we weren’t disappointed when we arrived. After a long, long flight from Sydney, Australia, friendly service and a comfortable room is a must and this hotel delivers in spades. (It’s reassuring that upon our arrival, I noticed that the hotel is used by Qantas flight crews, some of whom we recognised from our flight. Can’t be that bad if it’s used by flight crews!) Opened in November 2016, the Brooklyn Hilton is...

Visit the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island with your kids

Posted by Reena | Jul 29, 2018 | North America

Take your kids to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Visiting New York? Take your kids to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We recently visited and had a great time even in the pouring rain. Erected in 1886 on Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France and is an enduring icon of freedom and democracy. For those immigrants who sailed into New York harbour headed for Ellis Island, Lady Liberty was a welcoming site representing hope as they left their homelands in search of a better life. Experience these...

Harry Potter Fan? You must visit Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando

Posted by Reena | Jun 30, 2017 | North America

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, don’t miss Universal Orlando. It’s the place to go to experience the magic of J.K. Rowling’s stories. On our recent Florida family holiday, it was the highlight of our trip. Before we visited Universal Orlando, we needed to get a few things prepared: Choose a day to visit (check calendar to see what days are busy for theme parks). Choose which rides we wanted to go on and set up a loose itinerary. You’ll need to decide what park you want to go first. We chose to go to Universal Studios Florida first...

Disneyworld: A Visit to the Magic Kingdom

Posted by Reena | Jun 25, 2017 | North America

The most magical place on earth! There’s no doubt that the Magic Kingdom is steeped in nostalgia. From the moment you enter this magical place, you’re surrounded by Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie as well as famous landmarks like Cinderella’s famous castle. The Magic Kingdom at Disneyword in Orlando is truly a magical place for all things Disney. With a spare day on our recent Florida holiday, we decided to squeeze in a visit to the Magic Kingdom. To be fair to do justice to Disneyworld encompassing four parks Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney Studios and 2...

Sunny St. Petersburg, Florida: A Top Spot for A Family Holiday

Posted by Reena | Jun 15, 2017 | North America

Flicking through the Florida guidebook, we were intrigued by the sound of the St Petersburg – Clearwater region. Sandy white beaches, balmy weather and an arts and culture mecca. This sounded just like our kind of area so we’ve arrived here for five days to get a taste of Sunny St Petes. We decide to base ourselves in downtown St Petersburg, a convenient location to explore the area. We’re staying at the Hilton Bayfront which is accurately named being conveniently located on Tampa Bay. We actually have views of the bay from our room. Hint, upgrade to the Executive...

Why you should take your kids to the Kennedy Space Center

Posted by Reena | Jun 10, 2017 | North America

Space is definitely the final frontier! If you’re holidaying in Central Florida, don’t miss the Kennedy Space Center. It’s a fantastic attraction to take the kids that’s both entertaining and educational. It ended up being one of the highlights of our trip to Florida and a destination that the entire family enjoyed. Not only is it a training area and launch site, the Kennedy Space Center hosts an amazing visitor complex. This complex shares the the history of the American space program and provides a glimpse of the future in space travel. We arrive at 9am just before the...

Cowboys and Culture: Why You Should Visit Fort Worth, Texas

Posted by Reena | Jun 9, 2017 | North America

Consider Fort Worth dubbed the City of Cowboys and Culture as a stopover destination for a couple of days if you’re travelling via Dallas-Fort Worth. We recently enjoyed a short break in this friendly and laid-back city and enjoyed every moment of it. After booking the long 15 ½ hour flight from Sydney to Dallas-Fort Worth on route to Florida, we decided to spend a couple of nights in this western town. Unfortunately, due to a flight delay, we only ended up having 36 hours to explore Fort Worth but it was enough to give us a taste of this...

How We Flew Business Class on our Recent Family Holiday using Qantas Bid Now!

Posted by Reena | Apr 30, 2017 | Travel Tips

Ever seriously thought about flying Business Class with your family? No, me neither! Flying Business Class isn’t something I would normally consider due to the cost involved and the fact that we’re travelling with a 7 year child (albeit she’s great on planes, either she soundly sleeps or is glued to the in-flight entertainment!) However, after receiving a Bid Now Upgrade invitation from Qantas before our recent 15 hour flight from Sydney to Dallas-Fort Worth, I must admit I was seriously tempted. (In my entire life, I have only flown once in Business Class and that was last year after...

Mountain High: A Family Holiday in the Blue Mountains

Posted by Reena | Mar 12, 2017 | Australasia & Pacific

The Blue Mountains is a fabulous destination for families with plenty of fun activities for both parents and kids! Mountain High: A Family Holiday in the Blue Mountains We’ve only been driving through Blue Mountains region for thirty minutes and already I can feel myself slowing down. There’s something about this area with its beautiful scenery, fresh air and calm pace which is so relaxing and reinvigorating. We’re here on a family holiday for a few days and our plan is to explore the area and relax as well. We pass through mountain villages like Faulconbridge, Hazelbrook and Leura,...