Taking the Time Off With Your Family

So the Sherlock hiatus has begun again, and for those of us ladies and gents who feel like they’re going to grow beards staring at their computer screens, here’s some inspiration. Move. Run. Travel. There are a thousand somethings out there waiting for you to experience them, a thousand languages waiting to roll off your tongue like song, and a MILLION things waiting for you to come and taste them. Take a look at a few things you’ve been missing while worshipping internet cats. Take some time out from your mundane life and bring out the spark inside you.

Festival-Fiesta-Festspiele
If you’re a one-time crazy sort of crazy, then a fete or celebration like one of the following is perfect for you: just make sure you look up the dates, associated costs and regulations of attending and/or participating.

For the love of music
If you’re a music lover, these three are arguably the best destinations to let loose and indulge: the Glastonbury Music Festival for those who like to get their boots muddy while they get stuck into rock; Tomorrowland, the Belgian giant of all things EDM; and Coachella in California, another mammoth festival glorifying some of the best musical acts in the world.

For those really adventurous
Burning Man in Nevada is one week of wildness in the desert for all those unafraid to be themselves.The Harbin Snow and Ice Festival will make you want to punch your backyard’s snowman back into powder, while the Thai water festival of Songkran will put to shame any waterfight you’ve ever had. More unconventional festivals are the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Turkish Kirpinar Oil Wrestling Tournament, and the Gloucester Cheese Rolling Festival, which are all exactly what they sound like. A feast for the senses is the Lantern Festival at Pinxi, Taiwan. One could really go on.

For a colorful delight
Move over, Tomatina! An extended trip to the Indian subcontinent gives you the chance to witness a few of the hundreds of festivals celebrated there annually. The March-October period is perfect for this: starting off with Holi, the riotous festival of colours, and ending with Durga Puja- a ten day celebration involving new clothes, mountains of food, and incredibly decorated enclosures housing deities- and Diwali, the famed festival of lights.

For a surreal experience
What do you think about swinging under a tree near the cliff of a mountain with an active volcano on the other side? That’s what the swing at the “End of the World” in Baños, Ecuador offers you. There is also the Great Blue Hole near the coast of Belize which is actually a submarine sinkhole and today, one of the most visited scuba diving sites in the world. There are tons of surreal and yet amazing places like these.

The Munchkins: Tips for travelling with children
Vacationing with kids can be a great bonding experience; or a super-harrowing one. Be realistic about how much you can see and get done with a child or two in tow. Remember, planning is the most important in the case of a family trip- get all your vaccinations done, add identification tags to pieces of clothing your child will wear often (in case they get lost), schedule time with and away from your children, carry adequate documentation in case your child is adopted, allow for the possibility of age and safety requirements when planning activities, research exotic ingredients to ensure that allergies won’t cause trouble- really, this list is endless. Don’t forget to avail of family discounts when travelling or booking a hotel!

Whether you’re alone or otherwise in your travels, a few common tips never hurt anyone. Always roll your clothing instead of folding it, to save space. Make allowances for jetlag in your schedule. Crucially, keep your visa information and onward tickets, if needed, updated to show the authorities. If the area is one of unrest, become familiar with local safety procedures and embassies, or consider going somewhere else.

Notice for Lone Wolves

If you are travelling alone, you may need to know everything backpacking related. If you are on budget, you can go to countries like Nepal and India or even Egypt. If you are looking to travel to one of the friendlist places for an adventorous travel, you can try visiting Iceland and even New Zealand or Austria. Travelling alone has its own share of advantages and you can experience different countries including their flora and fauna alone, without a worry.