• youth_programs
    active family travel - Travel

    Youth Programs – The Cruising Experience for the Kids

    March 20, 2018 - By 

    Youth programs are an important consideration when planning a cruise if you have tweens and teens. Around this age, kids start to want a little more freedom, and a good tween and teen program can allow the kids to have a great time while experiencing a little freedom and independence in a safe, controlled way. My daughters are at an age where youth programs are a huge factor in our cruise planning, and I thought I’d share my top three picks for great programs for tweens and teens. Youth Programs Give Kids AND Parents What They Want The thing that…

  • port_essentials
    active family travel - Travel

    Port Essentials – What Do You Need to Take With You?

    March 13, 2018 - By 

    Port essentials are just what they say – essential. Without them, your time exploring any port could be a challenge. Disembarking the ship is fun and a great chance to explore a new island or city. But, if you forget these items when returning to the ship you could ruin that dream cruise. Some of these port essentials are for convenience, some are for a better overall experience, and some… Well, without a couple of these you won’t even get back on the ship! So let’s talk about the essentials that you absolutely cannot disembark without when you cruise. Port…

  • dublin_street_art
    Travel

    Dublin Street Art is Larger Than Life

    March 6, 2018 - By 

    Dublin street art is magnetic and larger than life. Part of the charm of travel for me is seeing the many ways cities use street art and public art to make their city unique. Before I took my trip to Dublin, I associated the city with pubs, literature and castles. But it’s so much more. In fact, Dublin is a dramatic contrast of youthful energy and creativity, surrounded by tradition and history. Of course the traditional architecture, history and literature are what we know the Irish city for. But Dublin also has a flirty, creative, youthful spirit on display in…

  • Tradewinds_Island_Resorts
    Travel

    Tradewinds Island Resorts – St. Pete Beach is the Cream of the Crop

    February 27, 2018 - By 

    This post contains affiliate links as a service to my readers. If you make a purchase via one of the links on this site I receive a commission, at no extra cost to you.  Tradewinds Island Resorts – St. Pete Beach is a sweet spot to stay any time of year. Last October, I took a girls’ trip to the resort with a group of friends, and it was a blast. The gorgeous beach, beautiful surrounds, and spacious accommodations at Tradewinds Island Resorts – St. Pete Beach made for a relaxing getaway that really helped recharge my batteries. In fact…

  • pool on a small cruise ship carnival themed colours with red and white umbrellas and a couple hugging in the pool
    Travel

    Small Ship Cruising Benefits

    February 20, 2018 - By 

    Small ship cruising is something that often doesn’t even make the radar when people plan their high seas adventures. With so many commercials featuring the massive amusement park ships, some people might not even KNOW that smaller ships exist, or they might not think of them at all. This is especially true of people who have never been on a cruise before. And while the huge ships can be a ton of fun, there are some major benefits to small ship cruising, as well. Small Ship Cruising can Sometimes be a Better Fit While cruising on a smaller ship may…

  • chihuly_colection
    active family travel - Travel

    Chihuly Collection in St. Pete – Experience the Magic

    February 13, 2018 - By 

    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…

  • glamping_hub
    active family travel - Travel

    Mountain Getaways with Style and Glamping Hub

    February 7, 2018 - By 

    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…

  • dream_cruise
    Travel

    How to Save Money on Your Dream Cruise Now

    February 6, 2018 - By 

    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.…

  • tiny child wearing cut lion backpack while pulling red suitcase through an airport waiting area
    Travel

    Comfort Objects for Tiny Special Needs Travellers

    January 30, 2018 - By 

    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…

  • ring_of_kerry
    Travel

    Ring of Kerry – A Must See in Ireland

    January 23, 2018 - By 

    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…