10 Things I Look for When Choosing a Resort

 

Planning a vacation can seem like a daunting task because of the large number of resort options.  You may wonder where you even start. 

Here are 10 things I look for when choosing a resort:

 

APPEARANCE

 Is the resort attractive and in good condition?  Does it look family oriented or geared towards adults? What sets the resort apart from others I’ve looked at?  Does it have areas we can walk around or spots where you can relax and hang out? How are the gardens and the lobby? Does it look like it needs major upgrades?

Beaches Jamaica

Beaches Resort

 SPACE

 I can’t stress it enough…my family likes our space!  Especially when the girls were younger and had early bed times, we needed a place to unwind for a few hours without waking them up.  I’ll never forget when, in Bermuda, my husband sat in the bathroom watching a movie on his iPad so he wouldn’t wake up the kids. A suite with a door to the bedroom is a great solution.  That way, you can all sleep in the same room but not have to do it at the same time. 

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10 Tips for Taking Kids to a Broadway Show

There’s no better place to watch theater than Broadway!  Some people think it is an activity that’s only for adults, but I couldn’t disagree more! There are so many great family shows and kids will never forget their first one.  However, family + Broadway = $$$ so you might want to plan ahead! Here are 10 tips for taking your kids to a Broadway show:

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One-On-One Getaways with Kids

One-On-One Getaways with Kids

 Although it is amazing to travel with my whole family, it is special to be able to sometimes only have one kiddo with me.  At first, I thought it would be odd leaving one kid behind, but it has turned out to be an amazing experience for our whole family.  These one-on-one getaways are something we both look forward to.  Here is why it’s important to have One-On-One Getaways with Kids: 

DIFFERENT INTERESTS

One of my girls is sporty and loves anything active and my other is artsy and loves a creative destination. One vacation is filled with water slides, hikes, and trampoline parks and the other with museums, plays, and bookstores. It’s nice to foster their interests without having to worry if the other is bored. 

  FORCES ENCOURAGES PARENTS TO DO STUFF

Did I really want to go back to the indoor waterpark in the morning? Of course not, but I ended up having a great time racing her down the slides. Did I really want to see that musical? Nope, but I ended up loving it and even buying the soundtrack. These trips give me a little nudge to do things I may not have done. 

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Itinerary for Nassau Bahamas

beach in Bahamas

Bahamas is a gorgeous Caribbean island that has powder-white sand, emerald water, and a tropical feel.  It’s close location to Florida makes it an easy flight. It is perfect for families, couples, girlfriend getaways, solo travelers, and couple’s trips.  Here is an itinerary for a perfect week in Nassau, Bahamas.

Where do you fly in?

The best place to fly in is

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

Day 1: Pool & Straw Market

I usually spend my first day in the Caribbean hanging out by the pool/beach of my hotel/rental.  Make yourself a cocktail and lounge in the sunshine

In the afternoon, head over to the Straw Market to take in some of the local culture. It’s a great place to buy handwoven straw crafts.  (Their baskets are amazing.) It is also a nice place to buy souvenirs.

straw market nassau bahamas

Photo Credit: Expedia

Day 2: Sandy Toes

Take a 25-minute boat ride to the island.  So, what is the best thing to do here? SWIM WITH PIGS! I was shocked at how clean the beach/water was with pigs walking around, but it was spotless.  They were so adorable and we had fun petting them.

swimming with Pigs in Bahamas

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10 Tips for Staying in Hotels with Kids

 

Staying in a hotel can be a really fun experience, however when traveling with kids.  It can also get a bit tricky.  I put a lot more thought into travel when my kids are with me because I know they require some extra thought.  Here are 10 tips for staying in hotels with kids:

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10 Tips For Traveling to St. Lucia

IMG_9934

 

Although St. Lucia is often thought of as a honeymoon destination, it is a wonderful island to bring kids.  With a little planning, the entire family can spend a fun-filled vacation doing things that everyone can enjoy.

 Here are 10 tips for traveling to St. Lucia:

Where do you fly in?

The best place to fly in is Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort (UVF)

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

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Weekend in Las Vegas with Teens

las vegas sign

Weekend In Vegas with Teens

Las Vegas is known as Sin City, but it is actually a fun place to bring teens. There is lots to do besides casinos and bars.  With a little planning, Las Vegas can be a vacation for the entire family. Here is our itinerary for a weekend in Las Vegas with teens:

How long would I stay?

Honestly, I would say 2 days is long enough to explore Vegas with teens.  We flew in and out of Vegas on our way to Sedona, Arizona and that was enough time.

Where do you fly in?

The best place to fly into is McCarran International Airport

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

Friday- Day 1

Fly in to Vegas.  I actually love flying into Vegas because you get a beautiful aerial view of the desert and the Hoover Dam.  Try to get a window seat.

aerial view of hoover dam

Check in to your hotel.  I recommend the Palazzo Towers at the Venetian Hotel. (Read our full review of the hotel here.) I recommend getting a Luxury Two Queen Suite.  With a sunken living room, huge bathroom, and 2 comfortable queen beds, it is a great room.

bedroom of palazzo hotel at venetian hotel

For lunch,  head down to the main pool to where you can eat outside.  (The avocado toast is delicious.)

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Best Wellness Planners for 2022

woman doing yoga by a river

Hello January and welcome 2022! January is a time of renewal and wellness seems to be at the top of everyone’s list this year.  I had many readers asking for recommendations of journals or planners they can use while traveling to help them with their wellness journey. When I was a language arts teacher, I had my middle schoolers journal three times a week. I found it a was a wonderful way for them to reduce stress, become more self-aware, dream about their future, and as a place to vent. Here are four amazing companies that have wonderful products that can help you live the life you deserve. Here are the Best Wellness Planners for 2022 !

Tiny Buddha’s

WHAT PRODUCT DID WE GET?

TINY BUDDHA’S Gratitude Journal

Pages from a wellness planner

Practicing gratitude has been shown to increase happiness, make us more resilient, strengthen relationships, and reduce stress. Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal is an interactive way to spark those elusive moments of gratitude and get us closer to being our best, happiest selves.

The journal prompts in this book are incredible.  They range from relationships with others, self-talk, things you are grateful for, and even issues from your past.

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Multigeneration Travel

We have been so lucky to travel with my mother-in-law throughout the years. We’ve created so many memories and it has meant the world to all of us.  Multigeneration travel has benefits for everyone involved and is something everyone should do if it’s possible. 

I hear some of my friends saying, “Not a chance!” I’m lucky that I’ve got a great relationship with my mother-in-law and understand that not everyone does.  If your family drives you nuts then stop reading but if not then read on for: 

10 tips for making a multigenerational trip memorable. 

FUN FOR ALL

Make sure everyone has something fun to do.  People have different interests and no one should be forced to do something they don’t want to do.  Make sure it’s stated that you don’t have to do everything together.  It’s also a great time to try something together that you’ve never done before.  Having ptions for everyone is key.

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10 Reasons Kids Should Travel

 

 

The other day a friend of mine told me she’s not sure she will ever travel with her kids again.  I agree that it’s a scary time right now and we’re not getting much use of our passports, but the thought of NEVER traveling with my kids again breaks my heart. I strongly believe there will be a time again soon when we can get lost on winding streets, chat with locals at the pub, and dine under the stars after a day of exploring a new town. Still nervous about traveling with kids? Take a peek at an article I wrote  a few years back about 10 Reasons Kids Should Travel.  Enjoy!

 

KIDS THAT TRAVEL SEE THE WORLD WITH A NEW PERSPECTIVE

My kids are growing up in a town that does not have much diversity.  When we travel they are able to see there are so many amazing cultures.   The more exposure to travel they get, the more they will seek it out.  The world will not seem scary or unknown, but rather something that makes them curious and question where they want to go next.

KIDS WILL LEARN ABOUT THEMSELVES

Do they enjoy vacations surrounded by lots of people or do they prefer solitude? Are they adventurous or do they like to do calm activities?  What do they like to do for fun? Do they want to hike, swim, snorkel, fly, swim with dolphins, or go parasailing? Do they like to follow an itinerary or  be spontaneous? A good vacation is one where they come home changed for the better.

Flying hawks in Ireland

KIDS THAT TRAVEL WILL LEARN TO EXPLORE

 I always research the heck out of the place we’re traveling but I always leave room to just explore and wander around.  (Ok…and I get lost A LOT!) Our favorite times when traveling were wandering in the maze of streets and coming upon a cute café or shop.  Traveling makes kids appreciate how great it can be to get lost.

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