Make Sure You Pack These 12 Commonly Forgotten Items for Vacation

Summer travel is in full swing, so I thought it was time to share some of my best travel tips.

After years of traveling, I have learned to pack less. I remember taking a trip where I packed a different pair of shoes for 12 days. I had to pay more for my luggage due to weight, and half of the shoes went unworn.

In addition to this lesson, I have learned that there are some commonly forgotten items. These are items that we simply forgot or don’t think we’ll need. But when the time comes, you’ll be super grateful you included them in your packing list.

Something for Rain

I love my weather app, but I’ve learned that it is always wise to pack something for rain, even if there isn’t any rain in the forecast. A small umbrella or compact rain jacket can make a huge difference.

A Light Jacket or Shawl for Cooler Temperatures

I tend to always be cold on planes. It doesn’t matter if we are traveling south to a tropical destination, I am going to be cold on the plane. I also tend to get chilly in hotel rooms. That’s why I always pack a shawl that I can wrap up in on the plane and in my room as needed. You may choose a light jacket or hoodie.

A Small Purse

I’m all about my purses, but I’ve learned I need to also have something small to hold my essentials when I travel. I like to put a small wristlet inside my bigger purse that can hold my phone, lip balm, and a small wallet. It’s much easier to navigate the beach resort (the pool, the beach, etc.) with a wristlet than it is an actual purse.

Sun Protection

I always travel with sun protection – even in winter.

Wet Wipes

In addition to hand sanitizer, I like to pack a package of Wet Wipes. I use these to wipe down everything from the plane tray to my girl’s dirty hands. They make it easy to do quick clean-ups.

First Aid Supplies

I learned the hard way to never travel without my first aid supplies, including medicine. I take a small first aid kit with band-aids and a small pill organizer with my prescriptions, pain relievers, and Imodium.

Chargers

Chargers are one of the most commonly forgotten items for travel. I have found that in addition to my chargers, a power strip comes in handy. I have stayed in some places that don’t have enough outlets for charging all my family’s devices, and a power strip makes it possible. I also am a big fan of my electronic organizer for traveling.

An Extra Bag

I always come home with more than I took, so I have learned to pack a small extra bag in my suitcase for souvenirs.

A Water Bottle

I have always regretted not having my water bottle with me when I forget to pack it. Having a personal water bottle makes it so much easier to have access to water whenever you need it – and it is cheaper than buying disposable water bottles on your trip.

Lip Balm

Air travel always leaves my lips feeling dry, so I now make sure to always pack lip balm. It is also helpful in helping my lips adjust to different temperatures and environments.

A Nail Kit

I hate breaking a nail on vacation, but it happens. As long as I have a small nail kit, I can make my nails presentable and avoid accidentally scratching myself or someone else with my splintered nail.

A Laundry Bag

After many trips, I discovered the convenience of packing a separate laundry bag. Throughout the trip, dirty clothes get placed inside the laundry bag. At the end of the trip, I simply place the filled laundry bag in my suitcase. When I get home all my dirty clothes are in the laundry bag ready to be washed.

What items have helped make your travels easier?

Take Your Family to Costa Rica!

My family spent spring break in Costa Rica – and it was everything I dreamed it would be! Costa Rica has become a hot vacation spot for a good reason.

This small country, approximately the size of West Virginia, is home to white-sand beaches and tropical rainforests.

The beautiful country is excellent for families for many reasons, one of which is tourism. Tourism is the #1 industry in Costa Rica, so it is very easy to plan a family-friendly trip here.

Vibrant and Beautiful Scenery

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. The lush forests and the gorgeous beaches are worth the trip itself. Everywhere you look is stunning. You can spend time on the beaches soaking up the sun or walking through a cloud forest.

Plus, the year-round tropical temperatures make it an ideal travel destination. However, given the tropical environment, you may want to plan your trip during the dry season to avoid too much rain. The dry season is from December to April.

Nature Front and Center

A huge part of the appeal of traveling to Costa Rica is the ability to view nature front and center. In addition to the tropical environment, you can also get up close and personal with tons of unique animals.

Costa Rica is crawling with wildlife – monkeys, sloths, frogs, and more. Additionally, there are tons of birds. More than 800 types can be found in Costa Rica, including toucans and macaws.

Amazing Resorts

Since tourism is the #1 industry in Costa Rica, you have your choice of excellent hotels.

My family stayed at W Hotel Costa Rica, and I highly recommend it. W Hotel is located in Guanacaste, W Costa Rica on Playa Conchal beach and a nature reserve.

This luxury resort offers impressive panoramic views, as well as fantastic amenities. The resort features a golf course, water sports, and a lavish spa.

We enjoyed our time spent at the pool and exploring the nature reserve. It was the perfect place for home base during our trip.

Dreamy Excursions

While we could have just stayed at the W Hotel every day, we did want to explore some of Costa Rica outside of the property.

We’d heard a lot about the hanging bridges in Costa Rica that allow you to walk through a forest canopy. For our handing bridge excursion, we headed to Heliconias Rainforest Lodge. It is located between Miravalles Volcano and Tenorio Volcano and offers spectacular rainforest views. There are trails and hanging bridges for you to explore.

Costa Rica is home to more than 25 stunning waterfalls, so you have plenty to choose from. We decided to visit Oropendola Waterfall, located in Rincon de la Vieja National Park. After you hike the short trail to see the waterfall, you can enjoy a swim in the beautiful blue waterfall waters.

Delicious Dining

As a foodie, dining is always a priority on my vacations. Costa Rica made this easy! Their delicious cuisine favors beans, rice, plantains, meat, and fish. In addition to the on-site restaurants at the W Hotel, we also visit popular local restaurants, Patagonia del Mar (seafood), Papaya Restaurant (Pacific Rim and Nuevo Latino fare), and Gracia La Vid (pizza).

Have you visited Costa Rica? What did you love? Tell me in the comments!

Tips for Avoiding Needing a Vacation After a Vacation

I love to travel, but I have had my fair share of times when I felt like I needed a vacation after a vacation.

It kind of takes all the wind out of your sails when you come home exhausted and stressed.

It’s taken me some time, but I have figured out some ways to ease the transition from vacation back to the real world.

Clean Before You Leave

I love coming home to a clean house.

But that means I have to do the work before I leave.

It is totally worth spending a little bit of time pre-trip to clean up the house.

That way, when we get back home, I can rest instead of feeling the urge to unpack and clean right away.

Be Healthy on Your Vacation

I have learned the hard way that if I treat a vacation like a vacation from eating healthy or exercising, I feel it when I return.

Now I make a point to continue using healthy habits while on vacation. I try to exercise and limit my alcohol intake.

With that being said, I still believe you should relax and indulge on vacation. I just don’t think you should stop exercising for an entire week.

Unplug

I will never forget the time I was on vacation, and I kept receiving work emails and texts about some sort of work-related disaster.

Not only did this make me feel stressed on my vacation, but it also made me feel super anxious to return to work.

Now I make a point to unplug from work. And I tell my coworkers that I will be unavailable and set up a vacation email signature.

Schedule Downtime on Your Vacation

We’ve all had those vacations where it was go-go-go, and we didn’t stop until the evening when our heads hit the pillows.

We might have done it all and seen everything, but we were exhausted.

Now, I always schedule some downtime on vacation, like a relaxing pool day after a day visiting multiple historical sites.

Be Realistic About What You Can Do

There is no shame in admitting you have limits (or that your kids have limits).

Self-awareness is essential on vacations.

Before you book up a bunch of tours or excursions, be realistic.

Is this an activity your family will actually love? Will it fill you with joy, or will it leave you completely drained?

Will it be more of a fight with your kids, or will it be something they talk about forever?

Use On-Site Laundry Services

One of the reasons I always felt like I needed a vacation from my vacation is because of the laundry.

There was just so much laundry to do after vacation, and it just added to my to-do list when I got home.

That was until I discovered on-site laundry services!

Now I always budget for laundry services. My family goes home with luggage packed with clean, folded clothes.

Order Grocery Delivery

On the day we are heading back home, I have learned to order grocery delivery.

When we get home, we’re going to want to eat. And I am not going to want to go out grocery shopping.

It’s one of my favorite tips for post-vacation.

Give Yourself a Day of Rest After You Return

As convenient as it seems to get home on Sunday, it is wiser to give yourself a day of rest before the work week begins.

We use Sundays to rest up and readjust to home. I need it, and my kids need it.

Do you have any post-vacation tips to share?

6 Winter Break Ideas for Families

I know it seems like we just had a holiday break, but winter break in February will be here before you know it.

For most schools, winter break or mid-winter recess is just a couple of days off of school, which generally gives you a four-day weekend.

This short mini-break is one of my favorite school holidays because it is short and quick, but it gives you the break you need to make it until spring break.

With that being said, now is the time to plan winter break. Don’t wait until the week before to try to book a hotel, or you risk higher prices and no vacancies!

Enjoy a Staycation

One of my favorite winter break ideas for families is to simply enjoy a staycation. A four-day weekend isn’t long enough to go on a huge trip, but it is plenty of time to enjoy different places around where you live.

Visit a museum, go to a zoo, or explore a new park. Get outdoors, exercise, see some new sights, and visit familiar favorites.

Go Somewhere Warmer

If you live in a cold climate, head somewhere warmer. Take a road trip south or hop on a plane and enjoy a couple of days at the beach. Soak up the sun.

Go Somewhere Colder

If you are all about the winter weather, head somewhere colder. Book a trip at a ski resort and enjoy watching your littles go snow tubing. Bundle and enjoy someplace frigid.

Visit Family

I think a long weekend is a perfect time to visit family. You don’t have to worry about overstaying your welcome or looking for an excuse to leave early. This works really well if you weren’t able to see your family over the holidays.

Catch Up On Your To-Do List

If you’re like me, you made a big list of things you wanted to accomplish in the new year. And if you are like me, many of the items on this list haven’t been tackled yet – much less fully completed things.

The problem is that people always plan to put things off for Spring Cleaning, but I would much rather go on a spring break trip than stay home and work around the house. But, I feel much better about “working” during a short winter break.

Be Lazy

Or… you can do the complete opposite! Don’t make any big plans. Instead, stay home and catch up on sleep. Let the kids binge watch TV and play hours of Minecraft. Read some books. Play some board games. Relax and simply enjoy one another’s company.

Plan for Spring and Summer

One final idea for winter break is to spend your days off planning for your longer days off (aka spring break and summer break). Use this time to make bigger plans for the near future. Start shopping for your spring and summer wardrobe. Start researching vacation spots.

What are your plans for the February winter break? Tell me in the comments!

Why You Need to Book a Trip to The Ritz-Carlton Aruba

My family just returned from an amazing trip to The Ritz-Carlton Aruba. From the time we arrived on the property, I felt catered to and pampered. In other words, exactly what every mom needs!

The name Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with class and luxury, and the Ritz-Carlton Aruba lives up to its name. You can trust me on this. I have traveled the world, and I can tell you this resort is unforgettable.

Aruba is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with white sand and crystal clear water. It looks like a postcard! 

Visiting such a beautiful place and staying at such an amazing resort should go on your family’s bucket list ASAP. Let me tell you some of the reasons why. 

The Amazing Views

Aruba is beautiful. Full stop. 

Add in a glamourous resort with well-designed views and you have a winner. The Ritz-Carlton Aruba is a stunningly unique beachfront oasis that also exhibits the diverse influences of the vibrant culture and treasured history of Aruba.

The views from Palm Beach are stunning, and fortunately, we even had these views from our hotel room. 

I’m talking Instagram-worthy views for days!

We woke up to gorgeous beachy sunrises and went to bed listening to the ocean. 

We were also blessed with amazing weather during our trip. That is no surprise - Aruba has more sunny days than anywhere else in the Caribbean does! 

Delicious Dining

As a mom, nothing says vacation like not having to cook. 

At the Ritz-Carlton Aruba, not only did I get out of cooking, but I got to enjoy delicious food.

We ate at BLT Steak, which is a take on an American steakhouse. The steak and seafood there was to die for! 

We also enjoyed Solanio, which is where the resort hosts its breakfast buffet. This restaurant is ideal for families because there is something even for the pickiest eater. 

There are several other restaurants on-site, including a sushi bar: The Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge.

An Exciting Kids Club

In my family’s travels, we’ve found that advertised “Kids Clubs” are hit or miss.

I’m happy to report that Ritz Kids was a huge hit with my girls!

Ritz Kids is designed for kids 4 to 12 years old and offers a variety of themed games and activities, many of which teach kids about Aruba.

My girls loved getting to participate in fun hands-on learning activities and spend time crafting.

In fact, they begged us to go to Ritz Kids and were sad when we said we had to do some adults activities.

Pool and Beach Amenities – Including Luxury Cabanas

Another huge selling point was the swoon-worthy cabanas your family can reserve.

We did this and it was over-the-top amazing!

Not only did we protect our skin from the hot sun, but we also got to lounge around in a beautiful spot while dining on fresh food platters.

We all felt like celebrities. Personally, I would live in that cabana if I could. 

While you must reserve the cabanas, there are plenty of chairs for guests.

Plus, they offer a wide variety of non-motorized water sport activities, such as paddle boarding, snorkeling, and water hammocks.

A Dazzling Casino

I can’t talk about the Ritz-Carlton Aruba without mentioning its awesome casino. It is, by far, one of the nicest I have been to in a resort.

This sparkling space has 15 traditional table games, slot machines, and more!

Plus, they host live entertainment and complimentary beverages in the casino.

Our time spent in the casino was full of wins and fun.

Health and Safety

I’ll end by addressing the elephant in the room – the worldwide pandemic. Yes, my family traveled during the pandemic, and I am happy to report it is possible to do it safely. 

The Ritz-Carlton Aruba is currently open to international guests, but pay attention to government travel requirements before you book your visit. For example, all guests who enter Aruba are required to provide a certified negative PCR test.

As a mom, this actually made me feel better. Yes, it is an extra “thing to do,” but it ensures everyone at the resort is healthy. 

Truthfully, I felt safer at the Ritz-Carlton Aruba than I do in many places back home in the States!

Here are some of the other things the resort is doing to keep guests safe and healthy:

• Face coverings are required in all indoor locations

• Occupancy limits

• Contactless check-in and mobile service requests

• Enhanced cleaning protocols

• Hand sanitizing stations

• Electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectants

• Temperature screenings

• On-site testing for guests who need a negative test to reenter their home country

The Ritz-Carlton Aruba was sparkly clean and everyone working there kept their distance while still making sure we had everything we needed to have a dream vacation.

As you plan your family’s vacations for 2021 and 2022, be sure to put the Ritz-Carlton Aruba at the top of your list! 

The Empire State Building Observatory: A Fun & Safe NYC Family Outing

Has your family ever visited the Empire State Building? Even if you call NYC home, visiting the Empire State Building and taking in the 360° views from the classic viewfinders is a right of passage. Towards the end of 2019, the Empire State Building started showing off the $165 million renovations that took four years to complete.

Unfortunately, like everything else, the pandemic caused tours to shut down. But, the doors have reopened! My family recently had a chance to tour the Empire State Building and visit the 86th floor observatory. Trust me - you are going to want to get tickets ASAP!

At the Empire State Building, Even Waiting is Fun

Let’s be honest. Waiting in lines is generally no fun at all. That’s why I was unsure how a visit to the Empire State Building would go with my kids. 4 million people visit each year, so I felt justified in my waiting worries.

Well, I was wrong. At the Empire State Building, even waiting is fun! A huge part of the renovation was done to the waiting lobby. What this means for families is there is a lot of fun things to keep you occupied if you have to wait to go up to the observation deck. It is really well thought out, with every little section having something fun – even the elevators!

Here’s even more good news – you can purchase an Express Pass to the 86th Floor and skip all the waiting! I only recommend this pass if you have already done the regular 86th floor tour that includes visiting the 2nd floor interactive galleries and exhibits though. The wait time is worth it for all the cool things your family gets to see.

The Empire State Building Takes Your Safety Seriously

During this time, my family is being picky about the places we go to. As a mom, I want to be sure the places we go to are safe. I am happy to report that the Empire State Building is taking safety seriously. I couldn’t help but notice on our tour how clean everything was. In addition to routine cleaning, they have implemented frequent high touch area cleaning and each night the entire observatory space is sprayed with an electrostatic disinfectant.

They have also reduced capacity to less than 50%, so it is very easy to practice social distancing, and they use social distance markers. Plus, all tour hosts are wearing personal protective equipment (masks, face shields, and gloves).

I was also super impressed to learn that part of the renovations included installing a state-of-the-art air purification system which improves air quality and reduces the risk of virus transmission.

The 86th Floor Observatory and Beyond

The reason 4 million people head to the Empire State Building every year is because you get unprecedented views of New York City. Located in the heart of Manhattan, you can view all of New York City from the 86th floor observatory – and up to six other states! There’s a reason that the Empire State Building is both the most photographed building in the world and the most popular destination for Uber riders. And, naturally, the ideal spot to get the perfect Insta pic.

A Social Distancing Tour for Everyone

While the amazing views are enough to make everyone in your family happy, the tour offers fun for all ages. The 2nd floor waiting area has several interesting exhibits that satisfy kids, parents, and grandparents. For example, the new King Kong exhibit was a huge hit with my kids. I loved the theater that bears witness to the Empire State Building in pop culture and all the photos of celebrities visiting the Empire State Building. My husband loved to see the historical photos on display from New York City in the 1920s and 1930s (including photos from the construction of the famous building).

In addition to museum-quality exhibits, they offer a free self-guided tour for guests with tickets. You simply use their free guest Wi-Fi to enjoy this audio tour. Again, it makes waiting to head to the 86th observatory deck a breeze. With so much to check out, my girls didn’t even realize they were waiting!

What You Need to Know Before You Visit the Empire State Building

To keep everyone safe and make sure all families have a wonderful time, here are some things you need to know before you go:

• Admission is by appointment only. Reservations are now required.

• Prices start at $42 for adults and $36 for children. The ticket price includes the 2nd floor exhibits and interactive galleries, and the free audio tour.

• Masks (or facial coverings) are required by law.

• Your temperature will be checked upon arrival. If it is above 100.4°F, you will be denied entry.

15 Travel Essentials That Have Made Flying SOOO Much Easier

As a frequent traveler, I am often asked about my favorite travel essentials. While what we pack will vary from one woman to the next, there are some items that I believe are travel essentials for all women. After giving it some thought, I have identified the 15 different items that have made flying so much easier!

A Fantastic Carry-On

Go ahead and invest in a fantastic carry-on! The best carry-ons will last for years, so they are worth every penny. Choose a carry-on that will fit all airport regulations because the whole point of using a carry-on nowadays is to avoid the additional luggage fee. Along those same lines, make sure you choose a carry-on that can fit everything you need for a short getaway.

Packing Dividers

If you always struggle with fitting everything in your suitcase, then you need to buy some packing dividers. You may think this will make it harder to pack or take up more space, but you’d be wrong. They help you fit more of what you actually need and help keep your luggage organized.

A Power Bank

While airports are getting better with providing outlets for charging, you never know when you will be stuck somewhere without the ability to charge your devices. Hence always traveling with a small power bank in my purse. It has saved me numerous times!

A Contoured Eye Mask

If you want to sleep (or just want to be left alone), then you need to pack a contoured eye mask. Unlike regular eye masks, a contoured eye mask is designed with deep spaces around the eyes and nose, so you don’t have a mask pressed uncomfortably against your eyes.

Noise-Canceling Earphones

You never know who you will be sitting by on a plan, so taking your noise-canceling earphones is a wise decision. In addition to blocking out talkative passengers, they also block the plane noises that bother people. For sleeping, these are an absolute must.

A Durable Toiletry Bag

Purchase a quality toiletry bag. Your toiletry bag will be opened and used more than anything else in your luggage, so it is a good idea to get one that will hold up against a lot of use. I always feel safer when my toiletry bag provides additional plastic separators, so even if one of my toiletries opens, everything else in my luggage is still safe.

Reusable Travel Bottles

If you find yourself always second-guessing if your travel shampoos are the right size for your carry-on, go ahead and invest in your own reusable travel bottles. Not only will this alleviate that worry, but you will also get to continue using the products you use at home rather than hotel soaps and shampoos.

My Favorite Facial Moisturizer

The air in planes can really dry out your skin. That’s why I always make sure to pack my favorite moisturizer to use before and during the flight.

Vaseline

Likewise, I’ve found traveling with a min-tub of Vaseline works wonders for dry, chapped lips that result from the air in the plane.

Shout Wipes

Accidents happen – even when you are trying to look your best for your travel destination. I like carrying a few Shout Wipes with me in case there is a spill. They work quickly and effectively to remove stains.

A Portable Hotspot Device

Where would we be without the internet? Just in case I am traveling somewhere that Wi-Fi may not be readily available, I like to travel with my personal portable hotspot device. That way, I can always have internet access when I need it.

My Favorite Reusable Water Bottle

It’s important to stay hydrated when you are flying. However, with the liquid rules, you can’t just take bottled water with you. But you can take an empty reusable water bottle with you and fill it once you get past security!

A Foldable Bag

If you are like me, you always come back from a trip with more than you took. It took me a few times, but I now know to pack a foldable bag and place it in my luggage just for the extras I pick up along the way.

A Laundry Bag

Keeping my dirty clothes separate from my clean clothes in my luggage is important to me. But with a carry-on, that is not always easy. That’s why I pack a small laundry bag. On my trip, as I wear clothing, it goes into the laundry bag. Then, at the end of the trip, I place the entire laundry bag in my carry-on, and it is ready to be washed as soon as I get home.

Wet Wipes

Finally, I like to travel with wet Wipes that have antibacterial on them. There are so many germs on airplanes, so I like to wipe down the lap tray and the armrests. I also find these easy to use to clean and sanitize my hands when needed.

Did I leave out your favorite travel essential? Let me know what it is in the comments!

Forget Cyber Monday. I’m All About Travel Tuesday.

While many of you may be reading this while you are trying to decide if you are going to go out in the shopping rush today. I have news for you. There is another big savings day right around the corner that you may want to save your money for.

Travel Tuesday is the Tuesday following Black Friday. It occurs on December 3, 2019, this year. Travel Tuesday is one day of the year when you can find huge discounts on travel – flights, hotels, cruises, and more. Since Travel Tuesday is a newer sales day, fewer people know about it, which means you will have an easier time scoring deals.

As someone who absolutely loves to travel both with my kids and kid-free, I’m telling you to save some of your money today so you can treat yourself on Tuesday. I’m here to help you get ready for the newest most exciting shopping day of the year.

Prepare Your Travel Bucket List

If you suffer from wanderlust, Travel Tuesday is your jam. However, you do want to have some places in mind that you’d like to visit rather than purchasing flights for an unknown destination at the spur of the moment. Instead, make a travel bucket list and start crossing your fingers that Travel Tuesday offers deals for these destinations.

Research Ahead of Time

While there are sure to be great deals on Travel Tuesday, you don’t want to get suckered. Take some time today to do a bit of light research on the destinations you have in mind, so you’ll know a good deal when you see one.

What to Expect

You should expect big discounts on travel – 70% off domestic and international bucket list destinations. Plus, Hopper found “more flights discounted on Travel Deal Tuesday than Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined.”

Good Morning America’s Think Travel Tuesday for the year's best vacation deals is already listing some of 2019’s Travel Tuesday deals such as luxury resorts at 50% to 70% off in destinations like the Grand Cayman, Mexico, Negril, and more.

Where to Check for Deals

In addition to following news sites like Good Morning America, you should also plan to check individual airlines, cruise lines, hotel chains, and travel company web pages (such as Cheap Caribbean) and social media sites for Travel Tuesday deals.  

Don’t Forget to Read the Fine Print

Finally, it is super (super) important to read the fine print when it comes to travel deals. While you can get an incredibly awesome deal, there may be some reasons for you to hesitate hitting the “Book It” button. For example, many Travel Tuesday deals are non-refundable. Also, many Travel Tuesday deals may wind up costing you significantly more than the sticker price due to baggage fees, resort fees, and parking charges.

After you book your trip on Travel Tuesday, be sure to comment to let me know where you are going and what kind of deal you received!

Traveling This Thanksgiving? Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane on the Road.

Is your family planning hitting the road this Thanksgiving to visit family and friends? You are not alone! According to AAA, “More than 55 million travelers are making plans to kick off the holiday season with a trip of 50 miles or more away from home this Thanksgiving.” That means there will be millions of other drivers on the roads alongside you. That’s why I am sharing my best tips to stay safe and sane on the busy traffic-roads this Thanksgiving.

Leave at the Right Time

If it is at all possible, avoid driving on Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving) and Sunday (the one immediately following Thanksgiving). These are the worst days to be on the road with the most traffic. The best day to travel is actually Thanksgiving morning, so opt for a Thanksgiving dinner over lunch if you can.

Have an Abundance of Patience

When it comes to holidays, my motto is always “lower your expectations.” If your expectations are too high, you are bound to be disappointed. This goes with meals, gifts, and traffic. So, when you pile in the family vehicle this Thanksgiving, expect traffic and a longer than normal drive. Then, you’ll be surprised when the trip goes better than expected.

Pack Snacks

As always, pack snacks. You don’t want to be stuck in a car with whiny kids. And you don’t want to be hangry yourself. Snacks can solve a whole lot of problems.

Load Up the Devices Ahead of Time

The day before your trip take some time to download your kid’s favorite movies onto their devices. Bonus tip – download a new movie to watch just for this trip. Your kids will be thrilled, and it will give you at least two hours of peace and quiet on the ride.

Plan Stops on Your Route

Since traffic is guaranteed, make plans to stop along the route to break up the trip. It’ll be good for the whole family to get out of the car and stretch their legs. And, if you can make it a fun stop to a cool location, even better!

Use Apps for Alternate Routes

A major perk of using apps like Google Maps or Waze is because they offer up-to-date traffic information and route optimization. This means as you drive that the apps will alert you to traffic issues and reroute you whenever possible. Travel game changer.

Don’t Drink and Drive

I don’t want to even have to write this one, but facts are facts. People like to drink during the holidays (either to be festive or because sometimes it is a little too much family time. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents spike around holidays, including Thanksgiving. So much so that “AAA is warning the public of the hazards of drunk driving during Thanksgiving and the holiday weekend.”

Put Down Your Phone

Finally, don’t be a distracted driver. Your most precious cargo is traveling with you, so don’t risk an accident for a text. Plus, many states have now banned cell phone use in vehicles, so you don’t want to risk getting a ticket either.

Why a Disney Cruise is Worth Every Penny

Over fall break, my family went on the Disney Fantasy Cruise. It. Was. Amazing! I know people often wonder if the price you pay for a Disney cruise in comparison to other family-friendly cruises is worth it. I am here to tell you that hands-down, a Disney Cruise is worth every penny! By the time you finish reading about our over-the-top cruise, you will want to start saving your pennies.

Spacious Staterooms

Many families avoid cruises because they dread being stuck in a teeny tiny cabin on a ship with their whole family. This is not the case with a Disney Cruise. Not only is there so much to do on the ship that you will practically never be in the room, but their staterooms are spacious and very (very) nice. Our family has traveled and stayed at exclusive all-inclusive resorts, and this Disney Cruise stateroom was just as nice.

Outstanding Ports of Call

Part of the fun of going on any cruise is getting to travel to different destinations within the same week. Plus, this is such a fun way to start filling up your kids’ passports!

But what makes Disney’s ports of call stand out from other cruise lines is that you can visit Disney’s own private island – Castaway Cay! It is what dreams are made of!

We also visited Virgin Gorda in Tortola (British Virgin Islands) and Secret Harbour Beach in St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands). They were both beautiful. Visiting these islands felt like stepping into the perfect beach postcard.

Character Greetings Galore

If you think going on a Disney Cruise means you will see a few characters, you are wrong. You will not see just a few – you will see a ton! It is like Disney Character Greetings overload! My girls were thrilled to get to meet so many of their favorite characters. For those of you who travel to Disney World, you understand how challenging it can be to ride all the rides and get to meet with many characters. This is not the case on a Disney cruise (as my pictures show).

Delicious Dining

One of the best perks of going on a cruise is having someone else do all the cooking. And those doing the cooking on a Disney cruise are doing an excellent job! The food on the cruise is delicious, and they have various options. For example, my husband and I enjoyed an amazing meal at the restaurant PALO, which is an adult-only Italian restaurant. We also loved the chocolate covered strawberries we had from the Sweet on You Café.

Fantastic Entertainment

It wouldn’t be a Disney Cruise if it didn’t include signature Disney entertainment. We were truly blown away by the entertainment options on the Disney Fantasy cruise ship, like the Aladdin Musical show. It was a quality show with wonderful actors, musicians, and dancers that entertained the whole family.

Disney World Fun at Sea

As a huge Disney World fan, I was thrilled to discover some of my favorite Disney Parks options were also available on the Fantasy Cruise. For example, the cruise ship has a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and offers a Royal Tea with Princesses. Since you typically dress up for meals and pictures on a cruise, these options are perfect for families with little princesses.

The Amazing AquaDuck

Cruise ships keep getting cooler and cooler. And, the Disney Fantasy is one of the coolest! It has the first “water coaster” at sea. It is called the AquaDuck, and it is so much fun! This crazy fun water slide takes riders up, down, and around the side of the cruise ship, offering wild views and a wild time. But that’s not all. At night, the AquaDuck comes alive with multicolored lights making for the most fun water slide ever!

Fun for Adults Too!

I’ve heard many parents say they are hesitant to go on a Disney Cruise because it is clearly geared towards children. While Disney Cruises are designed to be family-friendly, they are not just for kids. There are tons of things that are just for adults, such as the Senses Spa and the adults-only pool area.

Plus, many parents find their kids want to spend large amounts of time in the Oceaneer Lab (Disney Cruise’s youth program) away from their parents. Plus, the Disney Fantasy offers a childcare center and nursery. The Disney Cruise makes it very easy for parents to enjoy some kid-free time on their vacation.

The Absolute Best Customer Service

I don’t know if I have ever been more impressed with the quality of customer service as I was during our time on Disney Fantasy. It was amazing! Seriously, it was the best customer service we have ever experienced! From the time we arrived to board the ship until we said our final goodbyes, we were treated like guests of honor (even though we were on a ship full of people). They went out of their way to make sure every guest was having a wonderful time.

Magical Memories

Finally, I don’t think I can put a price on the magical memories we made on the Disney Fantasy. As someone once said, “The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories.” While on the Disney cruise, we laughed and had fun together as a family. We watched our girls light up when they met their favorite characters and fall asleep soundly each night with the help of pixie dust. Our Disney Cruise truly was an experience “where dreams came true.”