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I often receive questions about where to visit in Japan. And, will it be a good experience with toddlers? My answer is absolutely yes!

We went in 2018 on a multi-generational large family trip when my daughters were 3 and 1.5 years old- they were both stroller children. While you may not see many kids around (Japan unfortunately has an aging population- that’s another story), it is a friendly city for kids! 

Overall Insights on Japan

How long do you need?: First- you need more than a week in Japan!  But if you only have a week, you can still combine history, famous landmarks, culture, and food. 

When to go?: You can go anytime. It can get cold in December / January. We went during a unique in Japan- Cherry Blossom Season in March/April! 

Where to stay?: There are many fancy hotels, but Japan is not cheap!  In Tokyo, Most of the hotels only allow 2 or max 3 people per room and are in tourist areas like Ginza. And rooms are small. We stayed at an AirBnB in Shinjuku. It was cost effe...

While there is a lot of content on cities to visit, I often find myself searching for the “must see sights/must do experiences” in one day!  While people usually travel to a city for more than a day, I always like to know the most important, “must do” places.

So, here is London in One Day- 3 must visit places/ must do experiences.   I chose London as it is a transit city to other places in Europe via airline routes.

Important Note- this does not include all the places to visit in London, just my perspective on "must have" family experiences.

Top 3 Landmarks/Experiences in London... all you can experience in One Day

Famous Bridge- Many people think it’s the London Bridge but it’s actually the Tower Bridge in London. It was constructed in the late 1800s and has a majestic look.

• Can you go inside? Yes- there is a lift (elevator) OR you can climb 311 steps. Prices are reasonable for adults and children, under 5 years old are free. You walk through one of the towers to the other,...

I wish everyone appreciation, reflection, and joy.  A time to remember those we lost and a time to treasure those we can hold. While “Thanksgiving” means different things to different people... I think we can all agree on these two “g’s”- “gratitude and giving back” as universal forms of love that we should do everyday!

Part of Travel Plus Them is just that- the two “g’s”. Being a global citizen is not just experiencing the world... it’s also sharing all that you can with others. Thanks to our friends who make this an annual tradition, we too were able to experience this while on vacation!

Shyla and Shriya packed an entire suitcase of clothes, toys, and books and donated to the local orphanage in Costa Rica. Due to COVID- we were unable to go inside and play.  While my girls were saddened by the tears they heard, they were overjoyed by the hands the kids held out through the gate to hug them!

To protect the privacy of the children- I cannot share their faces. But I can share the name of t...

Question:  What are some activities to do while traveling that young kids can enjoy? 

Lakshmi’s Learning: Focus on doing something that your toddlers/kids love (interests can vary by age). Generally, kids like animals!!  Especially at the ages my kids were in this picture- 3 and 1.5 years old (before fears really hit).

We planned our entire trip to Thailand with the intention of bathing the elephant at this amazing sanctuary. It was a very humbling and sacred family experience.  We talked about it for weeks and girls were so excited! They enjoyed the first hour riding and feeding the elephants. But as you can see by bathing time, they were tired and the novelty wore off! They later played with the other kids that live in the sanctuary... which was great too! The adults still enjoyed this once in a lifetime experience!

So the question I always get asked is, should you wait until kids are older for these experiences?—— I generally say this- no, do not wait! 
Why??? - Because- there is no rea...

Question- How do kids remember all the family visits at such a young age... why not wait until they older so they remember all their relatives? 

Lakshmi’s Learning- People (even my parents) say I am crazy for the nonstop travel and for taking my kids to India. They even advise me against it... saying to wait. Of course I rarely listen. And, you know what... it is ALWAYS worth it for time with family- near and far. The relationships that my children have built with their great grandmother, aunts, uncles, extended grandparents, cousins, and friends are absolutely priceless. The reason they remember all of them is because of the effort we, as parents, have invested in those relationships.

And for me family is everything so even through the stomach sickness we all just experienced, I do not regret one moment!  We saw all the elders- which is very important to me.  They may not be around the next time.

So- don’t wait to visit your loved ones wherever they are, your children will love who you...

Question- What are your experiences with guided tours?

Lakshmi’s Learning- We generally like guided tours— especially when you have a large group!!! In the recent years, we have booked our tours through Viator... and have had great experiences. Of course, some are better than others, but all have been memorable in some way!

This specific picture captures a funny moment.... So, after we requested our guide a few times to take a picture of our family alone... he gave our camera to someone else to take the picture and he stayed!!!  We just laughed it off and thought “well, I guess we are important!”  And we were- being a tour guide was his post retirement second career and we were one his first customers! Glad we helped boost his business- always a good feeling!

What are some of your memorable tour guide experiences???

Question- I was asked by some of my followers to sum up Bali in one word. Is it worth visiting? 

Lakshmi’s Learning- Answer is yes! But just one word is not possible- I say “Beautiful temples and people!” As for places of Worship- Bali has 20,000 puras (Hindu temples on every street)! It was amazing to see how Hinduism is practiced there. People from around the world come for this cultural experience. This is Gunung Kawi in Ubud- as you can see, three generations of Natarajan women climbed 350 steps each way to the temple in the river valley.

As for people- everyone we met was just so happy and helpful! Of course, nice people are everywhere... but when they are genuine, it holds a special place in your experience.

Thank you to IBali Tours for the amazing “Bali in a Day” private tour! 

Question- How do you help your children prevent or overcome some fears? 

Lakshmi’s Learning- Some of you may have kids that are fearless now! But as they become older, fears and dislikes can develop more. Basically- the answer is simple—- as the adult- you have to overcome your fears first! I realized that things I don’t like, my girls are starting not to like as well. And that’s not always a good thing! 

So for example- my kids love all animals, they are not scared of spiders and snakes! On the other hand, I don’t like them. And so- here we are in Bali... one of the homes of the Burmese Python. Shyla and Shriya said they are not scared... and they asked me why I am and told me to be brave! That’s what I say to them about everything!!! 

For those who know me— know I am adventurous- Sky diving, scuba diving, playing with tigers, etc. But snakes... ewwwwww! And so- my girls asked me to hold the snake because he is an innocent animal and then they held it alone! I was so humbled by them. E...