I think it’s safe to say that most parents want their children to be kind, well-rounded, and inquisitive little humans that grow up to be kind, well-rounded, and inquisitive adults. One of the ways we can encourage this is to travel with them, but we can’t be wheels up 24/7. There are, of course, things to consider – finances, work, and school schedules, time, etc. So how can we continue to inspire their curiosity and sense of wonder between trips? Check out these suggestions to keep your kids craving adventure.
Camera – Taking photos is fun for all ages and now they even make durable, child-friendly digital cameras. It is exciting to see what is important to them and what interests them through what they capture. Great thing about this is they can use this at home and while they are traveling … SCORE!
Books – This is a given. There are so many books out there that can support their curiosity to learn about the world around them. Atlases, fact books, books withplots in other countries, books about traditions and culture. The list goes on.
Globe – Whether the globe is interactive or old school, there is something about giving a globe a spin that makes exploring the places on them fun. It also puts into perspective for them how big the world is when they realize their home is just a small dot! Be sure to check out the Google Earth app too!
Adventure Fund – Move aside piggy bank. We aren’t saving for toys – we are saving for experiences! Having a fund designated for travel is a great way to get your children excited for their next adventure. They will be more likely to put their money towards it if the money is going towards something that you all agree on. Maybe a certain excursion or new luggage!
Binoculars – Let them explore the world around them up close! They can use these when going on walks, playing hide and seek, and simply spotting nature around them. Playing ‘I Spy’ is also a fun way to put these to use.
Local Experiences – You don’t always need to go halfway across the world when you get the itch for adventure. Visit local parks, farms, and zoos. Buy annual passes to a nearby amusement park. Take part in seasonal activities like skiing or a day trip to the lake. I always encourage families to gift experiences like these to help with cost as well.
I hope this list has inspired you to find ways to encourage your child’s wanderlust at home. Of course, when you are ready to take flight, I’d love to help you! Contact us to start planning your next adventure.
Let’s face it, if we learned anything from the pandemic, it’s that we need to take more time for ourselves! Women everywhere are burnt out! Whether you are a mom to younger kids or your kids have flown the nest…whether you are working a traditional 9-5, or are working from home, balancing work, life, and family can be stressful and we often don’t take the time we need. What’s that old saying? You can’t pour from an empty cup? Well, it’s true and I’m here to share with you 5 reasons you need Girls’ Weekend!
Reconnect with Friends
One of the first things that tend to be put by the wayside when we get busy is our friendships. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend a whole weekend with your besties? Maybe you no longer live locally to each other or maybe you both have been so crazy busy between work meetings, soccer practice, dr. appointments and….grocery shopping, that you haven’t had more than 5 minutes to spend time with each other. During a Girl’s Getaway Weekend, you won’t be interrupted by the kid’s school calling, your boss checking in on that project or…grocery shopping! You can sit all day, side-by-side, with your bestie and reconnect!
It’s good for your kids
No, I’m serious!! It’s good for your kids (and husbands) to figure it out without you! They can make the school lunches, they can let Dad (or the Grandparents) pick them up from soccer…or gasp, go grocery shopping! I promise everyone will be ok without you for a few days (and maybe even appreciate you a bit more)!
Travel is good for the soul
There is no doubt that returning for a luxurious weekend in the tropics will leave you rested and relaxed, but there is something to be said for traveling to a new country, meeting new people, and everything you experience along the way! Travel broadens our horizons and leaves us with a feeling of contentment that going to the grocery store just can’t! There are studies that show there are actual health benefits from visiting the ocean!
Make new friends
Heading off to a weekend away with like-minded women, who share the same triumphs (and struggles) as you, can lead to connections you never knew you needed! A little joy with new friends might be just what the dr. ordered!
It’s good, plain, FUN!
Ok so maybe reason 5 isn’t really a reason…but so what! Girls’ Weekends are just plain fun and you don’t need a specific reason to go on one! Head the beach…or don’t…enjoy a fruity cocktail…or don’t….relax with a spa treatment…or don’t…Girls Weekends are about YOU!! Have all the fun, do all the things…..or don’t! Take a nap, sleep in…or just BE.
Learn more about our Girls Getaway Weekend, happening October 5-9, 2023 in Montego Bay Jamaica!!
Have you booked a vacation and now you are struggling with the idea of eating safely while traveling? As someone with celiac disease along with allergies to dairy, rice, and garlic, I have struggled to figure out how to best manage my allergies and celiac disease while away from my safe kitchen at home. Since I have been diagnosed, I have not let the challenges stop me from traveling and I’m here to help you every step of the way with my knowledge from real-life experience. I will help you (and your destination) get prepared for your visit.
An Allergy Consult includes:
Discussing your allergies and dining options that best suit your needs
Teaching you how to order your meal at quick-serve and table-service restaurants
Discussing how to alert special diets of your dining reservations so chefs can contact you if additional information is needed to make your meals go smoothly
Guiding you through what questions to ask when having a consultation with chefs and managers to ensure your food is prepared as safely as possible
Providing tips and tricks on how to ensure a smooth and safe dining experience
Giving you the confidence to advocate for yourself while ordering
Whether you’re vacationing in the theme parks in Orlando, sailing on cruise ships, or visiting an all-inclusive resort, I can help guide you through dining safely wherever you want to go! If you haven’t booked the vacation yet, contact me today and I will help you plan everything from where to go to how to eat safely while on vacation!
Lead Travel Advisor & Certified Autism Travel Professional™
She currently lives in Jenison, Michigan with her husband, daughter, and son. They love to travel and one of their favorite destinations is Walt Disney World. Kelly grew up visiting Walt Disney World with her family and continued the tradition with her children. From the first time they saw Cinderella’s Castle at the age of 4 and 7, they were hooked and still are 13 years later! As the kids have grown up, they have continued to explore new destinations as well. They went to Universal Orlando as a family in 2019 and on their first Disney Cruise in 2020. They look forward to exploring more destinations as a family this coming year. Shey loves being able to get away as a family to relax and recharge from the day-to-day activities that keep them busy.
Sandwiched between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, the Dominican Republic accounts for the eastern two-thirds of the Island of Hispaniola and is a neighbor to Haiti. Today, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the Dominican Republic is the most visited Caribbean destination with good reasons why. This beautiful Caribbean country offers breathtaking landscapes, numerous unique flora and fauna, and adventure for all types of travelers.
The country is quite unique with its variety of landscapes worth exploring. In addition to the all-inclusive resorts along the beautiful beaches of Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic proudly boasts 29 national parks, five mountain ranges, numerous rivers, desert-like dunes, lagoons, and cenotes. And there is no shortage of activities from which to choose.
Here are six activities to consider for your next vacation to the Dominican Republic.
Whale Watching – From January to March, near the area of Samana, you can take a boat excursion to watch for migrating humpback whales. Round out your trip to the Marine Mammal Sanctuary area with a visit to the Museo de las Ballenas located in Santa Barbara de Samana to learn more about the whales and their migration patterns.
Golf – With over 25 beautiful courses from which to choose, golf is a top activity of choice for visitors. Try one of the Pete Dye courses like the top-ranked Teeth of the Dog in La Romana with almost half of its holes along the coral formations of the coast of the Caribbean Sea. Maybe you want to try to golf your way through mangroves at the Bavaro Resort Lake Course. The Corales Golf Club gained popularity after it was the first course in the Dominican Republic to host a PGA tour event.
Scuba Diving – Divers will enjoy a vacation in the summer months between June and September with waters that are calm and good visibility. And they will also enjoy mild temperatures that average between 75º and 84º Fahrenheit. Enjoy colorful marine life, explore shipwrecks, and even try wall dives along coral reefs near Saona and Catalina islands.
Water Sports – For those that like sports above the water, there are a variety of options. You can try your hand at windsurfing or kitesurfing with steady winds to help as you learn the techniques. Many resorts will also offer paddleboarding, kayaks or banana boats.
Damajagua Falls – For the nature lover, consider an adventure to one of the many waterfalls in Puerto Plata like Damajagua Falls otherwise known as the 27 waterfalls. Discovered in the 1990s, the area has grown to be a fun off-the-beaten-path experience. Spend the day jumping and sliding off the falls and relaxing in the natural pools.
Santo Domingo – Explore the history of the capital city through its beautiful architecture and see where the “new world” be- gan with its discovery by Christopher Columbus. See why it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as you visit the first customs house, cathedrals and museums or just wander down the first paved roads. It is a must-see for even the most discerning traveler.
Tell us! Are you an all-inclusive goer who sticks to the beach, pools, and water activities? Or would you venture to some of these unique off-property sites? No matter the type of travel experience you’re looking for, we can help build a trip perfect for you!
As travel advisors specializing in family travel, we plan vacations to a variety of destinations every year! This year, more than ever, our clients are dreaming of warm sandy beaches and salty ocean waves! All-Inclusive vacations are our most requested type of vacation right now but many families are struggling with the high cost of airfare. In this article, we’ll share with you a few cruise ports that may be within a day or two drive and eliminate the need for airfare all together!!
New York, NY
It’s the big apple! Can you imagine a more beautiful view than sailing past Lady Liberty herself? With world-famous sights like the Statue Of Liberty, Empire State Building and Central Park, this city offers a unique travel experience like no other. Make sure you take in all our world-class shopping, theatre, dining, concerts and nightlife. Nearby Cape Liberty, NJ also offers sailings for a few different cruise lines!
Cruise Lines Sailing from New York
Disney
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian
Princess
Carnival
Baltimore, MD
Welcome to Baltimore– a city of diverse culture, amazing sights, and amazing experiences! This city is the perfect destination for travelers looking for something a little more unique and exciting. Visit the Inner Harbor for a beautiful view of the city skyline, or explore the historic architecture of Fells Point. The city is full of delicious food, exciting nightlife, and a whole slate of cultural attractions. Whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Baltimore has something for everyone. Experience the charm that only a city like Baltimore can offer!
Cruise Lines Sailing from Baltimore
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian
Carnival
New Orleans, LA
Welcome to New Orleans!! From its spectacular French Quarter to its welcoming streetcar lines, New Orleans is a traveler’s delight. Take time to stroll along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, and stop in the picture-perfect Jackson Square for unforgettable sights. With so much to explore, New Orleans will leave you with memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Cruise Lines Sailing from New Orleans
Disney
Royal Caribbean
Norwegian
Carnival
Galveston, TX
Head to Galveston for a travel experience you won’t forget! This vibrant beach town is packed with fantastic sights, attractions, and plenty of adventure. Relax at the beach and soak up the sun or enjoy the many shops, restaurants and entertainment of the town. Tour the historic sites, take a hop-on hop-off tour of the Strand historic district, or take in nature with horseback riding on the beach. Galveston is sure to provide you with an unforgettable travel experience.
Cruise Lines Sailing from New Orleans
Disney
Royal Caribbean
Princess
Carnival
Miami, FL
Welcome to the beautiful city of Miami, where the sun always shines and the excitement never stops. From incredible travel experiences to breathtaking sights, this vibrant city has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for sun-soaked beaches, thrilling nightlife, world-class dining, shopping, sightseeing, or other attractions, it’s all here in Miami. Enjoy the unique art galleries and colorful culture that make this city unique. With so much to explore, Miami promises an unforgettable experience. So come and explore its beaches, sights, and culture, and see what Miami has in store for you.
Cruise Lines Sailing from New Orleans
Disney
Royal Caribbean
Princess
Carnival
Tampa, FL
Tampa is a vibrant city bursting with exciting travel experiences! With a huge range of attractions, from stunning coastal sights to cultural activities and events, Tampa has something for everyone! Whether it’s a romantic getaway for two, a family-friendly adventure, or a solo exploratory journey, you can find so many great ways to experience Tampa. From seafood restaurants to outdoor activities and nightlife, there’s something here for everyone. Explore Tampa and uncover the many wonderful sights and experiences this exciting city has to offer!
These travel tips are surely uncommon but they can benefit you in many ways!
Baby wipes are the perfect travel refresher and not as having a drink. Baby wipes are perfect if you have been traveling all day and just need to wipe your face, and surfaces around you and could even aid in a mini shower. This is definitely a great way to freshen up.
Set a daily goal to help ensure you are able to relax easier while on vacation. Setting goals will help you feel more accomplished and happier because you have completed a task. Perhaps this goal is not something on your itinerary or plans. This way it will feel new and exciting.
Do not pick the middle seat on an airplane when traveling with others. Choose an empty row of seats and have one person pick the aisle seat and the other should sit near the window. People are less likely to want to sit in the middle of two people. This way you will have a better chance of scoring the whole row to yourselves. If someone does need to sit in your row simply just move over.
Ever forget your precious belongings in the hotel room safe? This tip will help decrease the chances of this happening. You can tie a bright-colored string to the handle of the safe. You can also tie the other end to a suitcase below. Sometimes I write a note and stick it to the room door. I may have forgotten a thing or two in the past.
Traveling to a different time zone? A perfect way to prepare for this is to set all your clocks to the time zone of where you will be traveling as soon as you get on the plane!
I would love to hear what your uncommon travel tips are!
DEANNA WASLEY - ROCHESTER, NY
Travel Advisor
Deanna is a Travel Advisor from Rochester, NY. She’s a Disney and Universal enthusiast as well as a mother to three beautiful daughters who loves to explore the world. She loves to learn new things, explore, and meet new people. Planning vacations brings her so much happiness; it’s safe to say that she love all things travel.
