• active family travel - Travel

    Chihuly Collection in St. Pete – Experience the Magic

    Until recently I knew nothing about Dale Chihuly or the Chihuly collection. Now I can’t imagine how I almost missed experiencing this stunning blown glass artwork. The Dale Chihuly Collection will forever bring up memories of light and colour, movement and possibility for me. I’ve heard of Chihuly’s work from friends who have seen his traveling exhibits at galleries around the world. I’d never had the chance to see it in person, though, until I went down to St. Pete last October. While my girlfriends and I were on our getaway, we went to see the Chihuly collection on permanent…

  • active family travel - Travel

    Mountain Getaways with Style and Glamping Hub

    Mountain getaways are so romantic to me. There’s something about the idea of spending time away in a mountain retreat that I find so appealing. Wood walls. fireplaces, the wilderness surrounding the cabin – it’s so beautiful and heartwarming and peaceful. That being said, I want to enjoy those mountain getaways in style. I love cabins, but I’m not looking for something TOO rustic. Right now, with Valentine’s Day coming up fast I have been browsing all the great ideas for getaways on Glamping Hub. Glamping Hub offers mountain getaways that make excellent Valentine’s Day ideas.  Mountain Getaways Don’t Have…

  • Travel

    How to Save Money on Your Dream Cruise Now

    Cruising is expensive, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be at all. In fact, it can be the most economical way to travel for couples and families, even for multi-generational groups. We have taken numerous cruises now and just returned home from our most recent. Each cruise vacation I learn a little bit more. You saved a lot of money for your cruise. Maybe you also had to save a fair chunk of the trip budget for air travel. That alone can be a budget killer, especially if you are Canadian as we are. Flights from Canada are expensive often.…

  • Travel

    Comfort Objects for Tiny Special Needs Travellers

    Comfort objects are important to many kids. When you travel with a child who has a disability or is neurospicy, comfort objects can make all the difference to the transition process. We began travelling intentionally as a family when my youngest was about five. Why did it take us that long? Well, we were afraid to travel because my younger child has sensory processing disorder and FASD. We thought it would be challenging, and it totally is. BUT, it is also abundantly worth it, and then some. Watching my daughter make friends with children from all over the world, getting…

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    Ring of Kerry – A Must See in Ireland

    Ring of Kerry. Remember the name of this spot when planning your trip to Ireland. Tuck it away for later. There’s something magical about Ireland as a whole. But there are some areas that are dramatic, outstanding examples of nature at its best. Places you cannot and should not miss. Killarney, Dublin, Dingle, and the Ring of Kerry are pure magic. If you ever find your way to Ireland promise me now you will see all of the above and be sure to visit Ring of Kerry. In October I went to Killarney for TBEX, Travel Blogger’s Exchange conference. The…

  • active family travel - Travel

    Book a Cruise While Onboard – An Advantageous Approach

    Have you ever wondered whether you should book a cruise while onboard your current cruise? Me too. We’ve done several cruises and I am always amazed by the number of people lining up to book again before leaving the ship. So I thought I would investigate. Does it help you save money? If you’re a frequent cruiser, chances are you’re already planning another cruise anyway. So why not use one of the lesser known tricks of the cruising trade and book a cruise while on your current cruise? Saving money, better selection and rewards – those are a few reasons…

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    Buying Snow Tires – What You Need to Know

    Buying snow tires is something I have debated and put off for a couple of winter seasons now. Last year I got new all-season tires in the spring and assumed they’d get me through the winter. It wasn’t a super snowy year, but there were a few challenging winter road trips, especially on our annual trip to Vermont. This year with all the snow in the forecast, and the number of ski road trips we take, I knew I needed them so I started shopping months ago. I had so many questions initially. Are they worth the money? What kind…

  • active family travel - Travel

    Top Florida Hotspots Chosen by Canadian Travel Bloggers

    This week I am in Florida again. Just passing through on our way to a cruise. But I am always thrilled to visit Florida, even when it’s a short stay, or a conference. Florida is a dependable travel destination. And there’s always something new and exciting to discover. This year, I thought I’d ask several of my favourite Canadian travel bloggers what their picks are for Top Florida Hotspots in 2018. As a tourist destination, despite the ups and downs of the Canadian dollar, and the political climate, Florida is still a tourist mecca with much to offer. It’s still…

  • active family travel - Travel

    My Seven Favourite Dublin Experiences

    I had so many amazing Dublin experiences recently when visiting the city in the Fall. Dublin is a creative, amazing city that recently earned National Geographic’s Best of the World distinction and it’s easy to see why. If you have not been yet I strongly suggest finding a way to visit. It’s more than worth the time and energy to get there. Stop and savour the Dublin food scene. So many Irish Showstoppers that are memorable and truly well done. Stroll the city by foot, and take a tour while you are there too. Consider this Game of Thrones and…

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    Clearwater Marine Aquarium – The Little Aquarium and Animal Rescue Centre With Heart

    Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been on my bucket list forever. When my kids were small we read a series of true stories about animals overcoming adversity. Knut was one we fell hard for and so was Winter’s Tale – How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again. Our kids are both adopted and they’ve had some unique challenges in life. Knut is a polar bear raised by a foster human. My kids get that. As a baby dolphin, Winter lost her tail after getting caught in a crab trap. Rescued by Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter had to learn to swim again.…