Tips to Make the Most
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 I can't believe it has been a year since we first visited Alaska! As the summer heats up, this is a great time to think of a way to stay cool! What better way than to couple action and adventure with the relaxation of a cruise?!?! An Alaskan cruise is the perfect getaway that gives options for every family to have fun. From glacier and rainforest hiking to snuggling with puppies and eagle sighting, Alaska has something for everyone. A special thanks to The Oliver Family and my daughter for sharing their amazing pictures from our trips!! Read on to start planning your adventure!  A Pre Cruise Stay in British Columbia When sailing from Vancouver, a great way to start your cruise is to plan a few "pre cruise" days in the area. A great start to your trip is a visit to Vancouver's Stanley Park either on foot or on bike to visit the Aquarium, totem poles, Prospect Point, and Lions Gate Bridge. Next - it's time for fun on the waterfront with: whale-watching, a Sewell’s Marina sea safari or wildlife tour, or kayaking from Granville Island. You can also, head to one of Vancouver’s beaches. Kitsilano, Second Beach and Jericho are all great options! EARS TIP: If your family is torn on which excursion to do during your cruise -- taking a whale watching tour during your pre-cruise stay is a way to take advantage of other options during the cruise. One more day! If you have time, I highly recommend adding a day to visit Victoria. Take the day to explore the Butchart Gardens, Butterfly Gardens and Craigdarroch Castle. Don't forget to schedule your Afternoon Tea in The Fairmont Empress Hotel! Choosing Excursions
Juneau  If you're able, this is a great location to try hiking the Mendenhall Glacier. You'll be given footwear to help trek over the ice. Be sure to wear multiple layers, gloves and a hat -- temperature are cold and it is windy! EARS TIP: You might have an opportunity to drink glacier water - if you have a small collapsible cup, I would tuck this into your pocket (you won't be able to bring purses, or backpacks if you're flying up to the glacier) If you have time before returning to the ship I totally recommend stopping for a meal at the Red Dog Saloon! Live entertainment, fish and chips and an old time saloon atmosphere! Skagway  Our favorite family adventure was visiting the Musher's Camp in Skagway! Prepare for a journey from your ship to an active Musher's Camp! You'll start by learning some of the basic commands for the sled dogs and be taken for a ride in a training sled. Along the way, you'll have a chance to meet the team and have plenty of snuggles. After your ride, you have time for some puppy love as you're introduced to the newest members of the team. EARS TIP: The amount of time typically spent with puppies may only about 20 - 30 minutes, be sure to prepare everyone that you will need to share puppies with the rest of the group, too! Ketchikan  Explore the town, watch a lumberjack demonstration, or hike the rainforest - it's hard to know where to start in Ketchikan!
 Before we left for our cruise, everyone told us that Alaska was a "one and done" destination - going once was enough. I cannot disagree more. So much to do and see at each port convinced me I needed to return! A truly amazing experience, I recommend everyone take the opportunity to cruise Alaska again and again!
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As the kids wrap up another school year, I don't know about you but I have summer vibes on the brain. But whatever season it may be it is always the perfect weather in Hawaii. For those Disney fans that may be looking something new to try Disney's Aulani resort in Hawaii might be your next dream vacation. It offers the beauty and culture of Hawaii with the Disney touches that you love. Aulani is truly PARADISE! Check out the video below and keep reading to learn more about this amazing resort. About Aulani Aulani is located on Oahu in Ko Olina which is only about a 30-minute drive from Honolulu Airport. It is close enough to the things you may want to do and see on the Island of Oahu, but tucked away enough to create the stage for a relaxing vacation getaway for you and your family. In addition to the large variety of activities offered right on the resort's property, Aulani also offers excursions to several attractions on the Island such as dolphin encounters, rainforest hikes, zip lining, surfing on the north shore, Pearl Harbor and more. Activities Your family will always have something to do at Aulani resort. Kids age 4-12 will enjoy Auntie's Beach House while parents can have some relaxation time. Auntie's Beach House offers supervised kids programing including Hawaiian arts and crafts, games, movies and of course, visits from some of their favorite Disney friends. A great pool is a must on vacation and Aulani is top notch! You'll find everything from slides, a lazy river, whirlpool spas and more. Beyond the pool they also offer a great water play areas for kids including Menehune Bridge with slides and interactive water elements and Keiki Cove where you kids can splash and play.   As legend has it, the Menehune are shy, mischievous people of the Hawaiian Islands. Keep your eyes open as you walk throughout the resort as you never know where they might turn up! You can even experience the Menehune Adventure Trail. This is an interactive scavenger hunt where you solve riddles as you search for the statues of the Menehune. Rainbow reef pictured below is where you can snorkel in the safety of an 3,800-square-foot salt water man-made reef. This is perfect for kids or people who may not be comfortable with ocean snorkeling. Best of all, you're guaranteed to get a glimpse of marine life. It is for all ages and only $25 per person 10+ and $20 per person under 9 years old for a day pass. I also want to highlight that this is an ocean front resort that sits at the edge of a wonderful sheltered lagoon. It makes for a very calm and safe place for you and your Keiki (children) to swim and play. They offer things like paddle boards and boogie boards available for rent here as well.
Adult highlights If you need some "me time" Aulani has you covered there too. You'll love the adults only infinity pool which features one of the best views at the resort. You may also consider booking a reservation at Ama Ama for romantic dining at sunset. Or, if you really want to indulge, I highly recommend a spa appointment at Laniwai. Hands down, it was one of the best experiences I've ever had at a spa. I could have spent all day in the outdoor hydrotherapy garden relaxing. TOTAL ZEN! Dining You'll find plenty of dining options when staying on property from grab and go to quick service to table service and everything in between. One highlight is the the KA WA‘A Luau. This is a must see in my opinion. The performance and food are excellent and it's great to not have to leave the resort to have that quintessential Hawaii Luau experience. I also highly recommend the character breakfast at Makahiki for some added Disney fun. And.... don't forget to cool off with some shaved ice with a special Mickey touch. Special Savings offer! If reading this has got you longing for a trip to Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, then you're luck! You can take advantage of this great savings offer below by contacting your Mouse Expert today! Save up to 25% on select rooms for stays of 5 or more nights Save up to 20% on select rooms for stays of 4 nights This offer is valid for consecutive-night stays, most nights August 23 to November 18, and November 25 to December 22, 2023. Subject to availability. 2024 Packages open for booking! And if you already have plans for this year -- but cannot wait for your Hawaiian vacation -- book now for your 2024 vacation!  There is nothing quite like those Hawaiian sunsets and they are even better shared with the ones you love. Aulani is an incredible place to stay to take in those sunset moments. The offings at Aulani go well beyond what is mentioned here but I hope this paints a good picture for you of what your next dream vacation could look like. I can even help you craft a split stay between Aulani and arrange for you to island hop to see another one of Hawaii's destinations such as Maui or the Big Island!
Lightning Lanes - using Disney Genie+ For many of Walt Disney World's "Classic" attractions, Genie + can be used to reduce time in attraction queues. How to Purchase
Price: Pricing and availability will vary by date, attraction and park. You will need to check your My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit for current prices and attraction availability.
Park hopping: If you have a "Park Hopper" option added to your tickets, you will be able to make selections for attractions in other parks, after 2pm Attraction use: You will only be able to use a selection for an attraction one time per day -- i.e. if you have a Haunted Mansion selection at 10am -- you would not be able select Haunted Mansion again the same day. Included Attractions: ***Attractions are subject to change between Genie + and Individual Lightning Lanes without notice EPCOT
Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom
Lightning Lanes - Individual Attraction Selections  For some high demand attractions, Lightning Lane entry will be available for additional purchase. This is a separate cost from the Genie + service. You are able to use Genie + and Individual Lightning Lanes (ILL) together, or separate from one another. How to Purchase:
Price: Pricing and availability will vary by date, attraction and park. You will need to check your My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit for current prices and attraction availability. For example, the Lightning Lane entrance to Remy's Ratatouille Adventure was listed as $9 per person on October 19 and $11 per person on October 23. Another example, on both those dates, Lightning Lane entrance to Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain was listed as $7 per person, while Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance was $15 per person. Important Note: Once purchased, the "Individual Attraction Selections" CANNOT be modified, OR canceled. How it works: You will purchase through the Disney Genie service found in your My Disney Experience mobile app on the same day of your visit - this will need to be done for each day that you want to purchase this feature. Once purchased, you can book the next available arrival window for your first experience through your "My Disney Experience" account, based on availability. Once you’ve redeemed your initial selection (or the arrival window has passed), you can make another selection using the app, up to park closing, again, based on availability. When to make your selections: You can purchase individual selections for up to 2 different attractions per day.
Park hopping: If you have a "Park Hopper" option added to your tickets, you will be able to make selections for attractions in other parks, after 2pm Included Attractions ***Attractions are subject to change between Genie + and Individual Lightning Lanes without notice Magic Kingdom
EPCOT
Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom
 With the release of the Disney Genie service, there will be so many ways to help maximize your time in the theme parks.
Totally let me know if you have questions and we can talk over if what options might work best for your travel plans!!!! So excited to share that our owner of Ears of Experience has just returned from the fourth sailing of the Disney Dream!!! We're so excited to let you know some of the new protocols and procedures as Disney Cruise Line "Returns to Sail"!!!!! 
The port arrival form has a QR code that the guest gets before arrival. This QR code is presented upon arrival at the port and guides the guest’s next steps. Either to the testing area or to check-in if you are vaccinated. You move right through all the stages with just a quick scan of a QR code.
There are totally lunch options available!!! Cabanas opens at about 2:30. And that particular day, Animator’s Palate was open at one. Right now, the first port arrival time is one o’clock; you have to abide by whatever port arrival time you signed up for to help with crowds. So if you have a 2:00 port arrival time, you cannot enter the port area until 2:00. Just like always, staterooms are available around 2:30. However, they now have the “Key to the World” cards outside the stateroom. We were told we could get the Key to the World card before our rooms were ready. The doors to the hallways were closed, but our “Key to the World” was outside our door. We then went to lunch just as before. By the time we had lunch, our stateroom was ready. While no deck party, the top decks are full of energy waiting for departure!!
The app also has access to add youth activities. Unfortunately, you can only do a set amount of times for the kids’ clubs before you board. And once you board, you can go in and book more times. We spoke to people who could secure many more times once they were on board, and our ship was at less than 50% capacity. You can talk to guest services and ask them any questions via a virtual queue. There never seemed to be more than 15 people ahead of your chat and it only took a couple of minutes. You can schedule an appointment to go down to guest services as well and talk. The virtual queue for getting off the ship at a port is new; you can enter the queue via the app one hour before the ship is ready to disembark. For example, if you were able to get off the boat at 9:30 - the virtual queue opened at 8:30. If you aren’t in a rush to get off the ship, we suggest waiting for the first round of passengers to go out so you’re not standing in a line at the tram. You do have to wear a facial covering inside and some places on Castaway outside where groups can gather too close - like in line for lunch or the tram. If you are sitting at a table in a dining venue, you can take your mask off. Fireworks Another difference was fireworks; there are now two times to give opportunities for everyone to see the displays in a more physically distanced way (EX: 8:30pm and 10:30pm). There are circles on Decks 11 and 12 where your travel party stays to watch the fireworks. I guess that it would be to avoid a bunch of people in the stairwell simultaneously. Clients of Ears of Experience will have some tips on unique, special places to watch the shows!!!  Character Meet and Greets
Debarkation
Disembarking is currently the same as it always has been. You can leave your luggage out, like always, the night before departure. There are dock porters in the baggage recovery area to assist you if needed. If you are using Disney Cruise Line's transportation -- there is still only one time to board. In summary, Ears of Experience came off the ship wanting more days and feeling very good about the safety protocols married in a way that still felt so much like the magical Disney Cruise we have always known and loved. Let me know when you are ready to "Return to Sail"!!! The school year is coming to an end and summer will be here before we know it. It’s been a unique and sometimes challenging year and we could all use a vacation to a place where we don’t have to think about a thing! From adult only options, to family togetherness, Beaches® and Sandals® Resorts offer just that with more quality inclusions than any other resorts. Get ready for gourmet dining, premium liquors/wine, land and water sports, entertainment, airport transport, gratuities and more! CURATED TIP: All of these resorts offer elegant accommodations but if you want the ultimate luxury experience, consider adding butler service to your reservation. Family Fun! The Beaches Resorts are perfect for a family getaway and there are three gorgeous destinations to choose from in the Caribbean. You’ll find everything you need for family fun at each one of them! Water parks, kid’s clubs, Xbox play lounges, teen nightclubs, and multiple pools all included. Beaches Negril Resort and Spa Jamaica Beaches Negril Resort and Spa is a laid back paradise located on famous 7-mile Beach in Jamaica. There’s a pirate themed waterpark at the water’s edge and beachside pools and restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy time with your loved ones.  Beaches Ocho Rios, A Spa, Golf & Waterpark Resort Jamaica How about a little surf and turf? Beaches Ocho Rios offers a huge action-adventure waterpark and championship golf for the whole family. You’ll feel like you’ve truly escaped with twenty-two acres of tropical gardens, a private white sand beach, seven gourmet restaurants, five swimming pools, a dedicated scuba practice pool and an ocean of watersports. There’s so much to explore.  Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa Turks and Caicos Featuring villages boasting the ambiance of Italy, France, the Caribbean and Key West, Beaches Turks and Caicos is a one of a kind resort. Located on Grace Bay with access to a huge waterpark, 21 gourmet restaurants, twelve miles of beach and 10 pools, you’ll find there’s endless fun for the entire family.  Adult-only Getaway! If you’re looking for an adult-only getaway, Sandals has 15 Luxury Included® Resorts to choose from. Each one offers unique experiences. Every Sandals resort sits on a stunning beach. With six Caribbean islands to choose from, you’ll be sure to find one that has everything you want in a vacation. CURATED TIP: Over-The-Water Bungalows are available at Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals South Coast and Sandals Grande St. Lucian.  Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Private Island Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica is where you’ll want to go for an exciting and lively vacation full of action. This resort has over 100 pools, 16 restaurants and the first speakeasy in the Caribbean.  Sandals Ochi Beach Resort For a quiet, more intimate experience, check out Sandals Royal Plantation in Jamaica or Sandals Halcyon Beach in Saint Lucia.  Sandals Royal Plantation If golf is your must-do on vacation, Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis & Spa Resort in the Bahamas offers an award-winning golf course recognized as one of the most scenic 18-hole oceanside golf courses in the Caribbean and is renowned for its challenging fairways.  Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis & Spa Resort Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa and Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica have plenty of watersport options to keep you as active as you’d like with beaches and pools ready for relaxing when you are.  Sandals Negril Beach Resort and Spa CURATED TIP: There are even more amazing Sandals resort options than those listed above. Contact me and we'll find the one that is the perfect fit for you!
Photo Credit: Beaches and Sandals Resorts Beaches® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Beaches Resorts. Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts. Summer break is right around the corner and we've got a week at the beach on our minds! If you missed your summer vacation last year, due to COVID, maybe you are feeling the same! While we LOVE our Disney fix -- this month we've rounded up some of our favorite resorts in Florida, aside from Walt Disney World. From the Panhandle, all the way down both coasts, to the Keys...we have so many great options! Panhandle  The Henderson Where to Stay: The Henderson - Destin: Located on some of the best beaches in the US, this resort offers 4 restaurants, 2 pools, and lots of activities. Watercolor Inn - Santa Rosa Beach: a family friendly boutique resort on sugar sand beaches, offering 3 restaurants and 5 pools. What to Do: National Naval Aviation Museum - one of the most visited museums in Florida. Features 150 restored aircraft. Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park - one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, this is a hotspot for manatees! Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park - historic aquarium with a variety of aquatic animals Florida Caverns State Park - one of the most unique parks in Florida. Find limestone stalagmites and stalactites here which are millions of years old!  Watercolor Inn Gulf Coast  Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Where to Stay: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point - Bonita Springs: Award-winning tropical resort near Naples, Florida with 5 water slides, 4 refreshing pools, a lazy river, and a secluded private island. JW Marriott - Marco Island: Situated along three miles of private beach, this resort offers 12 restaurants, 3 pools, and lots of family activities. What to Do: Busch Gardens - offering some of Florida's best thrill rides and is also home to more than 200 species of animals. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park - an enchanting spring which offers kayaking, canoeing, a water park, and the legendary live mermaid show. Crystal River - the only place in North America where you can legally swim with manatees. Sanibel Island - a unique barrier island which has made it to be known as the shelling capital of the world!  JW Marriott Marco Island Atlantic Ocean  Acqualina Resort Where to Stay: Acqualina - Miami: Where the charm of a Mediterranean villa meets a luxury seaside escape - offering 3 restaurants and 3 pools The Breakers - Palm Beach: Known for its seaside glamour and world-class service, this oceanfront resort offers 9 restaurants and 4 pools What to Do: Kennedy Space Center - train like an astronaut, see the Space Shuttle Atlantis and a Mars Rover, and so much more! Sawgrass Recreation Park - board an airboat to see the wild side of Florida Venetian Pool - Perhaps the world's most beautiful public pool! Reconstructed from an abandoned rock quarry and opened since 1924. Everglades National Park - 1.5 million acres of wetland offering boating, biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing  The Breakers Hotel The Keys  Hawks Cay Resort Where to Stay: Hawks Cay - Duck Key: Recently awarded the #1 family resort in America, offering 5 restaurants, 5 pools, and a swimming with dolphin encounter right on site! Cheeca Lodge - Islamorada: Tropical escape featuring 3 restaurants, 3 pools, and 1,200 feet of palm tree lined private beach! What to Do: Key West Conch Tour Train - 75 minute tour with stops near the Ernest Hemingway House, Key West Lighthouse, Southernmost Point, and Mallory Square Dry Tortugas National Park - located 70 miles from Key West, this park is only accessible by seaplane or boat. It's a popular snorkeling spot and also home to Fort Jefferson. Dolphin Research Center- swim with dolphins, watch one of the shows, chat with trainers, or cool off at the spray ground. Bahia Honda State Park - 400 acres offering snorkeling boat tours, beach equipment rental, concessions, and probably the nicest beach in the Keys  Cheeca Lodge Photo credits: Classic Vacations
While more than 70% of the United States currently has snow on the ground, summer is just around the corner making now the perfect time to plan that summer getaway. Many are opting for destinations that are a drivable distance away. Luckily, there are several incredible resorts located within a 3 hour drive of New York City, making them an easy drive for most living in the Northeast. Crystal Springs Resort Sussex County, New Jersey  Photo credit: Crystal Springs Crystal Springs Resort is described as a 4000 acre playground for all ages. This four season resort truly has it all. The resort boasts indoor and outdoor pools, 6 golf courses, a lake with fishing and non-motorized water sports, nature trails, 2 spas and a sports club with tennis, basketball, and racquetball. In the winter, guests can enjoy skiing, ice skating and snow tubing. The activities are endless. You can even try out goat yoga! The resort is actually comprised of two hotels. Grand Cascades Lodge is the more luxurious of the two. The Adirondack-style lodge creates the perfect harmony of luxury and connection with the outdoors. Grand Cascades features the Biosphere indoor and outdoor pools, two upscale restaurants and a casual Italian bistro (and the Chef's Garden "garden-to-table" dining experience in the warmer months), an incredible wine cellar and a spa. Minerals Hotel caters to families and those that are young at heart. It features the Minerals Sports Club, Minerals indoor and outdoor pools, family-friendly dining options, and a spa. While generally amenities at either hotel are open to all resort guests, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and New Jersey state restrictions, some access may be suspended so be sure to discuss with your Curated Travel advisor which hotel option best suites your needs. Photo credit: Crystal Springs Mohonk Mountain House New Paltz, New York  Photo Credit: Mohunk Mountain House Guests at Mohonk Mountain House can experience the luxury of a by-gone era at the Hudson's Valley's most iconic resort. Originally built in 1869, Mohonk Mountain House's Victorian castle is a National Historic Landmark and has hosted 5 presidents throughout its history. The experience at Mohonk Mountain House is reminiscent of that of the luxury resorts at the turn of the 20th century. Guest rooms are maintained to preserve the unique architecture and character of the Mountain House. The furnishings are timeless antiques and most rooms do not have televisions, but do have wood-burning fireplaces. Three gourmet meals from the resorts awarding-winnings chefs and afternoon tea & cookies (as well as most activities) are included with your stay. I fell in love with Mohonk Mountain House when it was featured on an episode of Travel Channel's Great Hotels (and have made numerous visit since). The resort is stunningly gorgeous, perched on top of a mountain on the banks of a mountain glacial lake with incredible views of the Hudson Valley. Guests come to Mohonk year-round to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors here. The resort is surrounded by miles of hiking trails and boasts beautiful Victorian gardens. Other outdoor activities, depending on the season, include golf, ice skating, snowshoeing, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, boating, and fishing. There is no outdoor pool but in the summer guests can enjoy a dip in the pristine, glacial lake. Mohonk Mountain House is home to a world-class spa with a gorgeous indoor pool. It's a destination perfect for a family gathering or a romantic weekend away. Woodloch Pines Resort & The Lodge at Woodloch Hawley, Pennsylvania Photo credit: Woodloch Woodloch Pines Resort and the Lodge at Woodloch are two sister properties located in the Lake Region of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains. Woodloch Pines is an all-inclusive family resort while the Lodge at Woodloch is an adult-only, all-inclusive destination spa. Woodloch Pines is the perfect destination for a multi-generational family vacation. There are a variety of accommodation types to fit everyone's needs - from traditional hotel rooms to 1- and 2-bedroom suites to private vacation homes large enough to fit the whole family. With a diverse array of activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Woodloch Pines. Indoor and outdoor pools, an indoor splash zone, an indoor playground, go carts, bumper boats, miniature golf, year-round ice skating, lake activities in the summer and snow tubing in a winter are just some of the activities offered. The Lodge at Woodloch is a 58-room, luxury country estate that is limited to guests age 16 and older. All packages at the Lodge include 3 gourmet meals per day plus an array of activities designed to offer a rejuvenating and stress-releasing experience such as scheduled group fitness classes, cooking and baking demonstrations, group outdoor adventure excursions, a personal spa concierge, and health and fitness amenities. There are package options that include daily spa services as well. The Lodge at Woodloch offers over 35 different classes daily to help guests explore their passions or discover new ones. The Lodge at Woodloch is a place where guests can expand their mind and soothe their soul and is perfect for a couple's or girlfriend's getaway. Photo Credit: Woodloch Rocking Horse Ranch Highland, New York  Photo Credit: Rocking Horse Ranch When it comes to family resorts and family fun, Rocking Horse Ranch is number one! Take the kids here once and I can promise they will be begging to return. The entire resort has a western ranch theming. It's a bit kitschy but it works. With only 113 rooms, the resort never feels crowded and the staff is able to provide exceptional service. The food is not fancy but it's good, family friendly and plentiful and the resort is accommodating with allergies or picky eaters. With a name like Rocking Horse Ranch, you can probably guess that the resort centers on horses and horseback riding. But there is also impressive wide range of family friendly activities beyond the horseback riding. There are indoor and outdoor aquatic complexes (complete with indoor and outdoor waterslides), water sports on the lake in the summer, skiing, snow tubing and ice skating in the winter, daily activities like bingo and trivia games, family friendly nightly entertainment, kids' club, year-round mountain tubing, and even a spa. The best part is almost everything, including meals, are included in the daily rate (notable exceptions are spa treatments, alcoholic beverages and children's programming for kids under 3). Yes, that includes the horseback riding, skiing (including instruction and equipment) and water sports. If you are looking for a destination to provide good, old fashioned, family fun for all ages, Rocking Horse Ranch is the place to go! What is YOUR favorite family hangout on the east coast -- totally let me know!!!!
As someone who lives outside Chicago, IL --definitely cold and snowy during the winter --- I'm always dreaming of warm sandy beaches and turquoise waters!! If that is the case, follow along with me as I explore traveling to Mexico; when you're comfortable with travel, you'll totally be ready for a relaxing stress free getaway!!! 
Why Mexico?
CURATED TIP: Some countries require that your passport remain valid for three or even six months past the duration of your stay. I recommend starting the renewal process 6 months prior to expiration to allow time for processing delays. Best time to visit?Weather tends to be warm to hot throughout the year in Mexico making it a great year-round beach destination. January tends to be Mexico's high season for visitors who want to flee the cold and snowy weather of their home towns for some fun in the sun. I personally had a great experience traveling there during the month of January. The weather was perfection and the beaches were not over crowded. February is another great time of the year to visit for travelers looking to escape the cold (I say this as I'm looking out the window and watching snow come down!) As mentioned, there is never really a bad time to visit Mexico however if you are hoping to avoid the crowds you may want to avoid Spring break season. Summers tend to be hot and humid but perfect for a relaxing dip in the pool or splash in the sea. CURATED TIP: Currently, Mexico does not require a COVID test prior to your visit or upon arrival. Always check current travel requirements a few days prior to departure.
Things to doIf your vacation dream is to lay on the beach and do nothing, you can absolutely do that here. However, if you are looking to incorporate some exciting excursions into your vacation I have some great suggestions for you. Here is just a taste of what Mexico has to offer. Xcaret- Here you'll find an amazing ecological park where you can get close to nature and wildlife. I love the butterfly garden and aviary located within Xcaret. You can also explore tide pools, float through an underground river, snorkel and. more! You'll also get a good taste of Mexican culture here through several exhibits as well as an amazing nighttime show you can experience. Xel-Ha-This is an all inclusive park where you can relax and reconnect with nature. You'll find snorkeling, river floating, cenotes, water slides, zip line and ropes games, hiking paths and much more! Xplore - If you're looking for adventure this is the place! Here you'll be able to experience Two circuits with seven zip-lines each (2.4 mi total distance), which include the tallest in Riviera Maya. Amphibious vehicle to drive through the jungle and flooded caves. Paddling with special hand paddles along an underground river. Stalactite River Swim inside ancient caves and spelunking hike. These are just a few of the included activities. Chichen Itza - is the 2nd most visited archeological site of Mexico today. In fact, it is. one of the 7 wonders of the world! Here you can experience a taste of Mayan history. It is worth the trip. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving - many vendors offer snorkeling and scuba diving experiences. If you want to swim with sea turtles and a variety of tropical fish this a great opportunity to do this. Tulum Ruins - The ruins are situated on 39 ft tall cliffs, along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea. Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya. It is one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites and therefore very popular with tourists. CURATED TIP: You can make planning easy by booking your excursions and transportation with your travel advisor. Just ask for more details on how we can help curate your vacation experience.
The best of ALL worlds?!?!
If you would love to visit Mexico, but want to see a bit more of the area -- another fun possibility would be a cruise!! So many cruise lines offer amazing itineraries!!! What dream do you see in your future--- adult only All Inclusive -- family friendly resort -- all encompassing cruise -- let me know how I can help :)  It's hard to believe that signs of Christmas are now everywhere. From trees, to lights, to shopping for loved ones, the air is filled with Holiday cheer. If you're looking to add a little sweetness to the final days of 2020, I highly suggest heading to the Hershey, PA, the sweetest place on Earth! Located just west of the state's Capital City of Harrisburg, Hershey is a an easy weekend getaway from DC and many other major east coast cities. The thrill of the rides, the tastiness of the chocolate, and warmth of this small town will have you adding Hershey to your must do list for years to come. 
My Earmate had the pleasure of sampling a taste of HersheyPark Christmas Candylane® and Hershey Sweet Lights® during their opening weekend. With a chill in the air, they arrived at the Hotel Hershey, which sits high atop a hill overlooking the fun of Hershey Park located right across the street. The 1930's hotel, built by Milton Hershey during the Great Depression to provide employment for his town, has been a recipient of both the Forbes Four-Star Award and the AAA Four-Diamond Award. Upon arrival, the simple yet elegant lobby invites you, as does the full sized candy bar each guest receives. They also packaged their stay with Cookies From Santa so the kiddos in the group received milk and freshly baked goodies to enjoy before hitting some rides! The package is a fun option and in addition to the yumminess includes accommodations, tickets for Christmas Candylane (including a preview night), Sweet Lights, and admission to both Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story's Museum Experience. DAY 1: PREVIEW NIGHT!!! We highly recommend checking in the night prior to your Candylane ticketed day. This is because 2.5 hours prior to Park closing, you are invited to join in the fun with a preview night! There is a lot to see and do and this is a great way to see all that the Park has to offer and gives you the opportunity to hit up a few rides so that you can maximize your time tomorrow. CURATED TIP: Be sure to ride the Monorail and Skyview, not only for the beauty of the lights but to get get an overview of the Park and make your list of things you want to ride. CURATED TIP: We would suggest visiting Santa if that is on your list as well as his reindeer. If you choose to wait until tomorrow the lines will be long, but Santa's line did seem to let up later in the evening. Dinner: They chose to grab a quick bite in the park at Nathan's Famous (after riding the Tilt-a-While of course). The chicken tenders were delicious and food was plentiful and can easily be shared. There is also the options of Chick-Fil-A and Subway closer to the front of the Park as well. CURATED TIP: If Chick-Fil-A is your choice, hit up their food truck located in The Hollow. The line was non-existent and this is where the light show set to music is located. So find a park bench and enjoy dinner with the show. There is also a great Christmas tree nearby for family photos.  With Candylane not opening until 2 PM, there is plenty of time to enjoy your Hotel! DAY 2: POOL TIME!!! Don't forget your bathing suit! What kid doesn't love to swim? Parents, grab your coffee or your mimosa, because this was just exciting to the kids as the anticipation of riding coasters. Some of the activities available for kids at Hotel Hershey:
CURATED TIP: If the weather allows, grab lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy at the tables at Harvest Plaza, just a short walk from the main building. There is plenty of seating as well as ping pong and cornhole to entertain the kids! Check out the beauty of the Gardens nestled right outside the Hotel This is a great place for the kids to run of some energy (and calories) while the adults relax before hitting the Park. 
 DAY 2 CONTINUED: PARK TIME!!!! The crowds were heavy compared to the night prior, so we headed towards the back of the Park and worked our way forward. The nice thing about Hershey is that it is a Park for all ages. Whether you have thrill seekers looking to ride the new Candymonium or littles still excited for the merry-go-round, there is something for everyone. CURATED TIP: Arrive early! With the temperature check prior to the entrance, allow yourself extra time as the line was long. CURATED TIP: if you are interested in Zoo America, which is included in your Park admission, check the hours as it does close prior to sunset. Dinner: If you are a cheesesteak fan, I highly recommend Chickie's & Pete's. A Philadelphia original, this was one of the best I've had! The sandwiches are just as big as they are delicious, so consider sharing. And don't forget an order of Crabfries with cheese sauce for the table! Sweet Lights: After a fun filled day in the Park, enjoy more than two miles of christmas cheer from the warmth of your car. With over two million lights and 600 animatronics set to music, there is a surprise around every turn and I highly recommend as a the perfect way to end your night. CURATED TIP: Before leaving the park grab a Starbucks or hot chocolate to sip on while viewing the lights.   DAY 3: HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE WORLD Ever wonder how they make this world famous chocolate? Check out Chocolate World for the behind the scenes tour as you ride through the chocolate process from bean to candy. There is even a sweet yummy surprise at the end. This is also your go to place for a souvenir and any Hershey product you would like to take home with you. I recommend the Reese's peanut butter and the yummy hot cocoa. CURATED TIP: Be sure to schedule your visit online at tickets.hersheys.com for a timed entry pass. Lunch: We grabbed a quick bite at the food court before hitting the road. They had soup and sandwiches for the adults and a generous kid's meal. The next time I go however, I'm saving room for the milkshakes! They looked delicious and could totally be a meal itself.  I hope you decide to take a road trip to Hershey for the Holidays. If it's not in the cards this year, keep it in mind for next!
Hershey Christmas Candylane® and Hershey Sweet Lights® are open most nights through January 3, 2021. Please be sure to check the state of Pennsylvania COVID regulations prior to traveling. If you haven't visited Hershey -- totally let me know when you would love help in booking this "Sweet" getaway!! If you have visited -- I would love to hear your favorite memory!!!! As we officially enter the holiday season, what better way to celebrate than by taking a trip back in time! Throughout the fall and winter, the Historic Williamsburg area in Virginia has so much to offer! Here’s a sample itinerary for you and your family as you plan your, “Picture Perfect Getaway”!!!!
Dinner possibilities: Your arrival evening is the perfect time to try a local favorite for dinner, Second Street American Bistro, if you’re looking for a casual night out. If you’re excited to try something a bit more upscale and would love to sample the region’s famous seafood dishes, I totally suggest Berret’s Seafood Restaurant. From oysters on the half shell, to steak and lobster – there’s truly something for everyone! A Day in Historic Williamsburg
Spend your Williamsburg day wandering through the historic town: - access to all the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area sites - access to the museums - use of Historic Area Shuttle buses - programs throughout the property * You can even check if the Musket Firing is available (at an extra cost) to add to your ticket for anyone 18, or older. CURATED TIP: If your travel party would love to visit this area throughout the Fall, I would suggest purchasing the “Fall into Holiday Savings Ticket” available for purchase between now – Oct. 31, 2020. For the price of a regular 3-day ticket, you get unlimited visits until Dec. 31, 2020.
A Day at Busch Gardens
Halloween Harvest: If you’re visiting during the month of October – you can celebrate the Halloween season. At this time, the traditional park is reinvented so that guests can sample special treats and participate in themed activities while still enjoying the thrill of the roller coasters! This year, contactless trick or treating will take place on select days, to keep in the spirit of this favorite fall activity! Pumpkin carving for all, kid-friendly activities, like the Sesame Street ® Forest of Fun, and in select areas and times, ghosts and ghouls will seek you out – an amazingly fun way to spend your day!
Dinner possibilities: If you’re wanting to stay for the evening shows, eating a quick dinner at Busch Gardens is a great idea. However, if you plan on returning back to your hotel, this might be a night to try a local favorite – either pick up, or delivery – Sal’s Pizza! A Day in Yorktown or JamestownIt’s time to round out your “Picture Perfect Getaway” with one last travel through time. Both Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Museum have such fun exhibits and museums, it’s hard to choose which to visit. Each location is a full day’s activity and they’re located a bit apart from one another. For your “Getaway”, I suggest choosing one and then saving the other for a return visit.
Jamestown Settlement If you’re looking to learn more about the earliest settlers in the Virginia area, Jamestown Settlement is the perfect choice! With both indoor and outdoor activities, you will learn about the first settlement made as the Virginia Company sailed from England to the “New World”. Your family can participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the museum of the settlement, then move outside to explore re-creations of the colonist’s fort, a Powhatan Indian village, and a re-creation of one of three ships that sailed from England to Virginia. American Revolution Museum at Yorktown This is the location for you, if you are interested in learning about the Revolutionary War! Like Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown has both indoor and outdoor activities. You can start your journey in the museum detailing the battles and strategies of the American colonists through galleries with period artifacts and immersive films. Then move outside to visit the newly renovated Continental Army encampment and a Revolution-era farm. Here you will learn to write your name with a feather quill to “sign up for the army” and participate in army drills. You can also take part in discussions and demonstrations given by costumed museum guides. As you learn about medical treatments, gardens, crops and 18th century family life -- you might even be given a few chores to do! CURATED TIP: There are TWO “Yorktown sites” – the actual battlefield and the interactive museum. I totally recommend checking Google to make sure that you are heading to the right location (Um – not that we’ve done that---eeek!!!!) Dinner possibilities: We always love heading back to the Williamsburg area for our dinners! After your tour through history, this is a great night for a quick bite to eat at The Cheese Shop. They will custom make sandwiches (I love the chicken salad sandwich) and you can dine al fresco – a perfect way to end your stay!!! You’ve had a chance to read about our “Picture Perfect Getaway” – I can’t wait to hear about your recommendations when you return!
Let me know how I can Curate the perfect getaway for you!!! |
