On your next trip, whether it be close to home or beyond, encourage family members to be aware of their senses. Here are five ways to deepen the day's experience and expand awareness.

1. What do you smell?

Campfires, freshly cut grass, a pine forest and sweet-smelling rose gardens all offer an opportunity to smell something special. Talk with the kids about which smells make them want to stick around and which they are eager to pass by. Do certain smells call up a memory from a previous experience? Notice how different members of your family respond.

2. What do you hear?

While out and about, encourage the kids to close their eyes and tune in. Is that the whistle of a train in the distance? Do you hear a horse clip-clopping down the trail or the crying of an ow(猫头鹰)? Listen to the traffic noise in the city, waves crashing on a rocky shoreline or an unfamiliar bird singing in the trees.

3. How does it feel?

Particularly in these changing times, leaving the comfort of home can stimulate a range of emotions extending from excitement and expectation to anxiety and uncertainty.

How might your crew react to the dampness of a coastal town or the dry air of the Sonoran Desert? Who feels tired? Or hungry? Or even homesick? Talk about it.

4. May I touch?

From petting zoos and tide pools to horse farms and turtle shelters, travel has historically offered families the opportunity to reach for the unexpected. Today, many of those rules have changed. Before you head out, discuss your safety rules. COVID concerns aside, colorful coral and certain green, leafy plants might look interesting, but close contact isn't advised.

5. Can I taste it?

While we've been staying home, many families have used the time to encourage kids to expand their food range. It's a good time to talk about the origins of different ingredients and why many are unique to specific regions of the world. Seek out the websites of cities, countries or resorts you might like to visit. Many are offering directions that will enable you to explore the food and drink of destinations around the world. From curry to barbecue sauce, there is a story to accompany every flavor you'll sample.

If you enjoy walking for exercise, there’s a simple way to meet your demand—change your walk into a ruck, and it’s an increasingly popular form of exercise.

Rucking is walking with weight on your back. The term “rucking” comes from ruck marching, a core skill used by the military around the world. One of the tests the army normally gives to soldiers is a 12-mile ruck, which they must complete within three hours while carrying a weight of at least 35 pounds.

The reason why rucking is growing in popularity is that it’s an easy and all-body exercise. One study in 2019 showed that 10 weeks of weighted walking improved physical performance. Since rucking is usually performed outdoors, there is no doubt that it’s also good for your mental health. Lots of studies suggest that the mental health benefits of being in a natural environment are huge.

There are several tips for your rucking when you get started. First, don’t be too eager. As with any new exercise, you’ll need to begin slowly. Start with an empty backpack (背包) and walk a distance you’ve already done. When you start adding weight to your pack, try something low, like 10% of your body weight. Adding weight is going to put more stress on your ankles, knees, hips and back, so do it gradually. Another option is to start with a weighted vest (背心) instead of a backpack. This spreads the weight between your front and back. And of course, don’t forget your feet. Select a comfortable pair of shoes to prevent getting hurt.

Northern Ireland Visitor Guide

Passport/Visa Requirements

Passport Advice Line (UK) T: 0300 222 000

www.ips.gov.uk

UK nationals can travel without a passport but will need photographic identification. Passports are not required for travel between Northern Ireland and the Republic. For further information, contact the British Embassy in your country of origin.

Telephone

To call Northern Ireland from abroad, dial 0044 + area code (without 0) + local number. From the Republic of Ireland, dial 048 + area code(without 0) + local number. From elsewhere in UK or to make an internal call, dial area code (with 0) + local number. To call the Republic from Northern Ireland, dial 00353 + the area code (without 0) +local number.

Shopping

Victoria Square, Castle Court and many Belfast City centre stores have extended opening hours from 09:00 until 19:00 each weekday evening. Thursday is late night shopping until 21:00. On Sundays shops are open from 12:00/13:00 and stay open until 17:00/18:00.

Public Holidays

Banks are closed and transport services are reduced on public holidays. See www.discovemorthermrcland.com for up-to-date details.

Money

Sterling currency. Most large stores accept Euro. Main credit cards are in general use but bring cash too. In main towns, bank hours are 09:30-16:30. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) dispense cash at hundreds of locations, banks, garages and shopping centres. Bureau de Change are in larger bank branches, travel agents, the Belfast Welcome Centre, some other tourist information centres, big hotels and at a few visitor attractions.

Tipping

Check your bill to see if a service charge has been made. If not and you’re satisfied with the service, add 10-15%.

Left Luggage

T: +44 (0)28 9024 6609

Belfast Welcome Centre is the only place that provides this service. £ 3 per item for up to 4hrs. £4.50 4hrs+. Last pick up is 15 minutes before closing.

Medical Insurance

T: 0845 606 0707

(UK), +44 (0) 191 212 7500 www.ehic.org.uk

You need to obtain a European Health Insurance card (EHIC) which will allow you to access state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge. You can apply online at their website or by telephone. Visitors are strongly advised to take out private travelinsurance.

Emergency Services

Dial 999 for emergency services. If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the local police station, embassy or consulate.

All Ireland Information

For details on the rest of Ireland visit: www.diseoverireland.com.