If you’re like me who is into going for family breakaways, you might think of some ideas to do it without spending too much. My family just came back from a long holiday. It was awesome but it left me without anything in my pocket. I planned that break last year, booked our tickets way in advance to get cheaper air fares, planned our trip so that we would stay at a minimum budget.

I spent so much for that holiday. But next time, I would want to go for a holiday that won’t require much. Stay within the country, probably do rv camping, visiting another town, etc. There are just so many options.

That is really one thing I like about Malaysia. We could do so many things within close proximity. No need to travel far thus, saving more money, doing more trips. It’s a win-win situation.

I have written about how to enjoy family holiday in the past. I think my tips weren’t enough so I want to add some more:

1. When you’re in your holiday destination, don’t forget to go to the place where the country is famous for. For example, Macau is famour for entertainment. We visited some of the entertainment buildings they have. I am glad I did coz I truly appreciated their colonial buildings. Some were steel buildings and I still admire there.

2. After budgeting your money, set aside some extra cash just in case.

3. Don’t forget to bring first aid kit as well.

4. Don’t overdo your holiday. Take a rest. Relax. It is very crucial, especially with kids around. Once the kids get tired, they become very grumpy. So it’s always the best to rest once in a while.

My family loves going out for a break. We do once a week break by just going to a mall and spend time with kids playing at Games Archive department. Sometimes we go to a bookshop and pretend like we’re reading books. These are the days when we go out for a one-day break. But what about those 5-8 day breaks? How do we enjoy it? Again, let me count the ways:

1. pack light

2. plan on what to do when

3. whatever you plan, don’t do too many things in one day. It makes the kids grumpy when they’re tired.

4. don’t break the kid’s daily habit like napping in the afternoon. I make sure my kids get their naps in the afternoons even when we’re on holiday. It really makes a difference when they are rested.

5. don’t forget to eat. Sometimes, we have a tendency to forget to eat, especially when we’re out and enjoying ourselves. one way to make the kids grumpy is to starve them.

6. sometimes, when we go for a break with kids around, our activities revolve around kiddie activities. se set a time to do your own thing while the kids are napping/sleeping. i do my readings, reflections, movies, and “others” when the kids are sleeping.

7. choose holiday destinations that are family friendly or children appropriate places. With internet nowadays, it is easy to choose holiday destinations. And while we’re at it, you might wanna check Outer Banks rentals.

8. eat healthy, drink a lot of water. that’s the way it should be.

9. and no matter what… just have fun.

I don\’t know anything about cars. But according to hubby, in order for the car to last long, you should know how to maintain it. Our car is old but it still runs well. Here\’s my hubby\’s tips on how to maintain a car:

1. change black oil every 5,000 kilometers
2. check gear box fluid and top up when necessary
3. check break pads
4. check the radiator water
5. keep a spare tire, just in case there\’s puncture in your tire. you may use hydraulic floor jack when changing tires.
6. every two months fill in air in tire
7. service car aircon once a month
8. change filters when necessary
check tire air pressure from time to time to ensure there\’s enough air in tires

I didn\’t know there\’s a lot of things one need to know in order to maintain a car. I am just glad that hubby is doing very well in terms of car maintenance.

Family break is important. It does make bonding with kids easy. You know when you go to a place where there’s no disturbance, just you and family together, it creates such quality time. We are going to Langkawi for our family break. It’s gonna be tomorrow. I am trying to pack light. It is easier to move around when you travel light, I think.

So if you want to enjoy your trip to the maximum, try traveling light. You can always do shopping if you think you need extra clothes (it might be swim suit when on the beach resort, windbreaker in cool climate, equestrian apparel in the country where horse riding is available), etc. Then you have a good excuse to go shopping!