We have been cottagers all my life and we have done many memorable glamping trips, including this one to Norfolk County where we stayed in a gorgeous safari tent. But camping, well that was one we came to later in life. Seems to be our way. Late bloomers perhaps? I mean I only learned how to ski in my forties with my family and I banished my fear of heights in my mid 40s too. Finally, I realized we were missing a lot of opportunities to travel affordably by out ruling camping all of the time. So, now we camp…
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Updated with more details in April 2019 This year, we took a family cruise on the Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas. The biggest cruise ship on the water at the time. As most cruisers know the biggest is only the biggest for a season, if that. But we didn’t choose The Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas for its size. We bought in this time for the laundry list of amazing activities on board and the ports of call. Cruising with teens needs to be fun, which means you need to opt for a cruise ship with a lot…
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With bountiful pristine snow-covered deciduous trees, sprawling Green Mountain views, long, wide, memorable alpine trails and a tiny, quirky, local downtown area, Okemo is one of the prettiest of all Vermont Family resorts we have visited yet. Located in Ludlow, Vermont, Okemo rewards visitors for braving the cold and embracing an outdoor lifestyle. A few weeks ago we set off on an epic family road trip. First stop was Okemo Mountain Ski Resort, in South-Central Vermont, where we stayed at Jackson Gore Inn. Vermont is always a spectacular choice for families, hardcore skiers and snowboarders. There are so many great…
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Ekster Wallet is also a convenient and stylish travel tool for skiers and snowboarders too. It's perfect for après ski and mid day breaks in the lodge. #EksterWallets #SmartWallets #ad #Ekster
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From the moment my youngest daughter burst forth into the world she was a flurry of activity. My sporty child, Ainsley, is also the one that made us realize we needed to embrace active living and sports of all kinds. Until she was about 11 months old, I loathed fitness, or sports, and more than anything I despised the cold. Embracing Winter CUT to 14 years later when I am sitting on frozen Lake Simcoe in northern Ontario peering into a hole, trading jokes, and warming my hands over an open flame while ice fishing. Okay, so it might not…
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A bad flight experience is something everyone wants to avoid. And yet, we’ve all been there. Let’s face it we are all familiar with endless flight delays, overbooking, long lineups, turbulence, cranky fliers arguing over checked luggage and people who forgot, or lost, their documents. And don’t forget the person who actually boarded the wrong flight. WHO is that guy and why is he always on my plane? I could go on, but I won’t. You get the idea. With all the requirements for security checks, carry-ons, and more, you need to have your ducks in a row when you’re…
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Everybody wants to know how to save money on gas. What if that could be done by attending to fuel mileage over time with a few small changes to your habits? Well, with the prices of gas constantly fluctuating any and all tips are welcome here. Fuel saving techniques are obviously related to driving habits, but did you know they are also dependent on vehicle maintenance? It’s true. Combined with changing your driving habits a bit, regular vehicle maintenance can make an impact on your fuel mileage and gas costs. I mean individually each idea here is not extremely new, but…
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If your family travels much then you know that it’s a total joy, and sometimes also complete chaos. There’s the packing and the actual transportation time, which is let’s be honest, not the best part. Thankfully the time spent at your destination is always more than worth it. The memories made are magical and heartwarming and so very priceless. Even business travel can be well worth the effort and time spent getting there. But, occasionally, whether you travel with kids or with colleagues, you wind up losing things. It’s inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be. Make travel easier with Mabel’s…
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There are so many remarkable things left to see. Some days, and years, I am not sure I am even making the slightest dent in my lengthy travel bucket list. Days like that I think why do I keep a bucket list at all? Why not just go with the flow, pick a spot on the map and have a spontaneous adventure? I am wholly content just to travel wherever my next trip takes me with no set list, schedule, itinerary, or intention. Right now I have no idea where that will be, but I am guessing it’s a ski…
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Cheap flight hacks should be on the top of your list if you plan to take even one flight this year. Airline prices can be brutally expensive. That expense is compounded if your entire family is flying. When you multiply the high cost of airfare by three or more (depending on how many kids you have) your price to fly can be astronomical. Because airfare can be so hard on the wallet, I’ve put together a list of cheap flight hacks that can help you get the most mileage for your dollar on any flight. Cheap Flight Hacks for More…