The Ordinary Travel Family

The Ordinary Travel Family Family of 5 doing our best to be on the road as often as possible , sharing tips and reviews.

10/08/2026

The safari was the plan. The wild leopard was not.

We booked a day at Yala National Park specifically to do a safari — but you never know what you'll actually see out there. Water buffalo wallowing in the mud, gray langur monkeys, monitor lizards, spotted deer, crocs, more birds than we could count (peacocks included), one lone elephant, and — the sighting everyone told us to lower our expectations for — a Sri Lankan leopard, asleep in a tree. 🐆

Doing a safari has been on our bucket list forever, and our guide from the made the whole day. Now we're already talking about doing this again in Africa, bigger.

➡️Save this if a safari is on your list — Sri Lanka is a seriously underrated way to check it off.

06/07/2026

Went to Yala for leopards 🐆. Left traumatized by puppies instead. 🐾

We saw the crocodile 🐊 — exactly what we came for. What we didn't plan on: four feral puppies waiting for us on the resort steps, and nobody in this family walked away unscathed. 😂

Fully recommend the 🏨. Save this for your Sri Lanka trip 📌 — you never know what's actually waiting for you.

31/05/2026

3 worlds in one Kuala Lumpur day — and almost no US family puts KL on their Asia trip.
Most itineraries skip straight from Bangkok to Bali. We spent one day in KL on the way and it might've been the most interesting stop of the trip.
The route:
🕌 Masjid Negara — Malaysia's national mosque. Robes are loaned at the door, no shoes inside, free entry.
🏮 Thean Hou Temple— outdoor Yue Lao (God of Marriage) shrine. The kids asked more questions here than anywhere else.
🛍️ Pavilion KL — the chandelier alone is worth the detour.
🍜 Jalan Alor street food — easily a top-5 dinner from the trip.
All of it within 20 minutes of each other. Visa-free for US passports. English everywhere. Cheaper than a long weekend at home.
If you've got a layover or an extra day on an Asia trip — give KL one.
Save this for your Southeast Asia itinerary. And tell us where you'd add it in.

14/05/2026

Going to Kuala Lumpur? Don't skip Putrajaya.

Malaysia's planned capital is 30 minutes from KL — pink mosques on lakes, futuristic government buildings, a giant chrome hand sculpture, and a harp-shaped bridge that hits at golden hour. Almost no tourists.

We rented Segways for the four of us and toured the whole city in two hours. Best move of the trip.

What we'd tell you before you go:
🛴 Book the sunset Segway tour — way better than the day version
🕌 Putra Mosque + Perdana Putra are the two icons to hit
🌉 Roll across Seri Wawasan Bridge at golden hour
🚗 30 min Grab from central KL
💸 Way cheaper than another half-day in KL malls

Save this if Malaysia is on the list. Tell us where you'd Segway next.

10/05/2026

If you're going to Kuala Lumpur with kids, you have to go to Batu Caves.

272 rainbow steps, a 140-foot gold Murugan statue, and a real cave temple at the top — one of the most jaw-dropping half-days we've had in Asia.

But the monkeys are bold. Susan tried to stand her ground (of course she did — she dog-whispers every animal we meet). The macaque was less impressed.

What we'd tell you before you go:

✈️ Free entry, 30 min from KL
🪜 272 steps are easier than they look — doable with kids
🐒 Leave loose snacks + sunglasses in the car. They WILL grab.
⏰ Go early for cooler temps and fewer crowds

Save this if Malaysia is on the list. Tell us where you'd send Susan next.

24/12/2025

✨ 7 MUST-DO Experiences at Tokyo Disneyland! ✨

From our most magical day, we HAD to share our top picks! 🏰🇯🇵

🌴 Jungle Cruise - Classic adventure with that signature Tokyo charm! The skipper jokes hit different in Japanese (even if you don't understand them 😂)

💫 Character Meet & Greets - Tokyo characters are on another level! They're so expressive and take their time with every guest. Don't skip this!

👾 Monsters Inc. Ride & Go Seek - TOKYO EXCLUSIVE alert! This interactive dark ride is absolutely adorable and you can only experience it here!

🚀 Star Tours - The randomized adventures mean every ride is different. May the Force be with you! ⭐

🎊 Catch a Parade - Tokyo's parades are legendary. Get your spot early because the production value is INSANE

🍜 Themed Food - From Toy Story alien mochi to Baymax burgers - the food is almost too cute to eat (almost!)

🤖 The Happy Ride with Baymax - Bouncy, whimsical, and SO much fun! Perfect for all ages and the music will be stuck in your head for days 💙

Which one would YOU do first? 👇✨

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24/12/2025

5 Attractions That Make Tokyo DisneySea Absolutely MAGICAL ✨🌊

Tokyo DisneySea isn't just another Disney park—it's a masterpiece you won't find anywhere else on Earth. Here are 5 must-experience attractions that prove why:

🌋 Journey to the Center of the Earth Board a subterranean vehicle and descend into the mysterious depths beneath Mount Prometheus. You'll encounter bioluminescent creatures, crystal caverns, and a heart-pounding eruption finale that launches you back to the surface. Absolutely breathtaking!

🧚 Peter Pan's Neverland Adventure This completely reimagined experience takes you soaring through Neverland with cutting-edge technology and immersive scenes that make you feel like you're truly flying with Peter and the Lost Boys.

🐙 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Step aboard Captain Nemo's submarine for an underwater expedition. With individual viewing ports and incredible animatronics, you'll encounter mysterious sea creatures and the legendary giant squid in this Jules Verne-inspired adventure exclusive to Tokyo DisneySea.

👻 Tower of Terror Tokyo's version tells a completely different story set in 1899 at the Hotel Hightower. You'll explore Harrison Hightower III's mysterious collection before experiencing one of the most thrilling drop sequences in any Disney park.

🎯 Toy Story Mania! Tokyo DisneySea's version features unique games and Japanese-exclusive elements that make it fresh even for Toy Story Mania veterans.

Have you been? Which attraction would you ride first?

22/09/2025

Can't get your kids to stop fighting on vacation?

Sibling squabbles can fill the calendar, but something shifts at Tokyo Disneyland.

Watching your kids giggle together on the Jungle Cruise or share a Mickey-shaped treat — suddenly, they’re teammates, not rivals.

These moments—shared laughter, new favorites, side-by-side memories—make all the difference.

Tokyo Disneyland brought our family closer, and those memories? They shine bright long after the trip. ✨🎢

07/07/2025

The ultimate child-free escape calls for five essentials.

A personalized welcome sets the tone.

Curated experiences—think hands-on cooking classes and cocktails by the pool—bring new pleasures.

Exceptional dining, including artfully crafted sushi, adds delight.

Breathtaking sunsets brighten each evening.

Every element, perfectly combined at

06/05/2025

What’s the snack you can’t wait to grab at Disney? ✨

Every visit, the giant turkey leg calls my name—sharing it with family has become our own delicious tradition. Those laughter-filled bites stick with you long after the fireworks fade!

Your turn: which Disney treat tops your list? Let’s swap must-haves below! 🍦🍿

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