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?

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?

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! 

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 Beaches Turks & Caicos is a Dream Family Vacation

Yes, summer is over. But, if you are already dreaming about your next family vacation, I have just the right place. Right before school, my family visited Beaches Turks and Caicos and IT. WAS. AMAZING. If you have never visited a Beaches resort, it needs to be put on your bucket list. For families, the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort is a dream family vacation. It is 100% worth every penny.

Before I move on to telling you why it is so dreamy, you need to know upfront that Beaches Turks & Caicos is an all-inclusive resort. This means all your room, your meals, your drinks, and your fun activities are all included in the booking price. To put it clearly, Beaches tells guests food is “Always Included. Always Unlimited. All the Time.”

If that is not enough to get you ready to book your tickets, here are a few more reasons why Beaches Turks & Caicos is so fabulous.

Absolutely Beautiful Scenery

Turks & Caicos is absolutely beautiful with crystal clear water and white sand. Beaches Turks & Caicos takes advantage of its location by making sure the resort offers beautiful views of the beaches and gardens from rooms and restaurants. Additionally, the scenery of the resort is stunning. The resort is composed of five villages, including themes like Italy, France, Caribbean, and Key West.

Delicious Food and Drinks

On vacation, I do not want to worry about cooking or doing the dishes. At Beaches Turks & Caicos, not only do I not have to do these two things, but I also get to enjoy delicious meals whenever I want since they are all included in the booking price. Think all-inclusive means you have just a few, limited options? Wrong! Beaches Turks & Caicos has 21 restaurants with high-end cuisine and kid-friendly dishes, as well as food trucks by the waterpark.

A 12 Mile Beach and 10 Pools

I’ve already mentioned the beautiful scenery at Beaches Turks & Caicos. Let me explain further. Beaches Turks & Caicos includes a 12-mile beach. That’s 12 miles of stunning crystal-clear beaches and white sand. Plus, guests get to enjoy included water sports like scuba diving! Additionally, Beaches Turks & Caicos has ten pools and a giant waterpark.

Over-the-Top Kid-Friendly

Best of all, Beaches Turks & Caicos is designed with families in mind. There are so many fun things for kids to do at the resort that they will be begging you not to leave! You can easily fill your days and keep your kids entertained for your entire vacation. Here are some of the amazing kid-friendly features of Beaches Turks & Caicos:

• Sesame Street Fun – The resort features popular Sesame Street characters and interactive events including kid’s favorite characters from the show, such as dance parties, stage shows, Storytime with Elmo and Baking with Cookie Monster.

• Pirate Island Waterpark – The resort is home to a 45,000 square foot waterpark with eight waterslides, a lazy river, splash pads, a surf simulator, and a kids-only swim-up bar.

• Supervised Kids Programming – Beaches Turks & Caicos also offers daily Kids Camp programming, offering supervised activities from morning to sunset. Plus, they offer a special needs program including heading to a sensory-friendly location.

• Live Family-Friendly Shows – The resort is home to Voila, a set of family-friendly live shows featuring shows like The Jungle Book Live, Alice in Wonderland, and Treasure Island.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and book your trip to Beaches Turks & Caicos for the next school break!

Last Minute Getaway Ideas for This Upcoming Labor Day Weekend

What better way to say goodbye to summer than a quick Labor Day getaway? This summer has flown by, and I am looking for ways to send summer off with a bang with my little family. I’m thinking a trip is in the works. Labor Day weekend begins next Friday once you clock out of work, so you’ve only got a week to make your plans. I’m here to help with some road trip destinations near NYC and some good ideas for a last-minute international flight.

The Adirondacks and Lake Placid

Drive Time = 5 Hours

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure within driving distance of NYC, look no further than Lake Place in the Adirondacks. Your whole family will enjoy the scenic views, and you will find plenty of things to do outdoors, such as hiking, paddle boarding, or golfing.

Rhode Island Beaches

Drive Time = 3 Hours, 15 Minutes

If you want to enjoy some family beach time, head towards one of the Rhode Island beaches, such as Narragansett Beach, Salty Brine State Beach, or Roger Wheeler State Beach. These quaint seaside towns cater to beach-loving families. Families will love watching the fishermen, riding bikes, and eating their share of seafood.

Ocean City, New Jersey

Drive Time – 2 Hours, 15 Minutes

Did you know that nearby Ocean City has been named New Jersey’s favorite beach multiple years in a row and was even named Best Beach in America in 2016 by Coastal Living? When you visit, it is easy to see why. This is a super family-friendly beach destination complete with a boardwalk, an amusement park, and beautiful beaches.

The Great New York State Fair

Drive Time = 4 Hours

If your idea of saying bye to summer involves a wild and crazy time for your kids, then head to The Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, which runs from August 21st – September 2nd. This is the oldest state fair in America, and they do it big! In addition to the typical fair rides and food, this state fair also has crazy good entertainment, such as concerts by famous musicians over Labor Day weekend.

Best Last-Minute International Spots

For those families looking for a last-minute jet-setting adventure, I found some great tips on Kayak. For example, Kayak suggests, “If you’re looking for an international bargain, head north or south — not east or west. Based on last year’s data, destinations in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean shine through as affordable escapes, with median airfares barely breaking $300 roundtrip for Labor Day. Noticeably absent from the list? Destinations in Europe, Africa or Asia.”

What are you planning to do with your family this Labor Day Weekend? Let me know in the comments!

Osaka – Where to Go, Eat, and Drink

While in Japan, we made a visit to the island of Honshu to spend time in Osaka. Our visit there was full of sight-seeing and eating (of course). Osaka is known for its happening nightlife and fantastic street food, and I am happy to report that it lived up to its hyped reputation! Think of this as an introduction to all things Osaka.

Osaka Sights to See

A visit to Osaka should be composed of shopping and sightseeing. Luckily, we did both!

Shinsaibashi – A trip to Osaka is not complete without a visit to Shinsaibashi, which is entertainment central. It is a popular shopping destination known for its many high-end retailers. Additionally, it is home to several restaurants and nightclubs. Now that I’ve visited, it’s easy to see why visitors to this street number about 60,000 on weekdays and about 120,000 on weekends and holidays.

Dotonbori – Another popular entertainment of Osaka, Dotonbori is a colorful area that borders the Dotonbori Canal and is known for its many bright neon lights. It has several restaurants and bars, as well as many street food stalls.

Osaka Castle Park – The main landmark of Osaka is Osaka Castle Park. The centuries-old castle has been rebuilt and renovated many times over. When you tour the castle, you may be surprised by how modern it is inside, but they have retained the history within the castle museum. In addition to the castle, the park is beautiful with an amazing garden and 600 cherry trees.

Osaka Foods to Try

If you have been following along with my Asia travel blog series, then you know the biggest part of all our visits was the food. We love to try new foods, and Osaka is known for serving usual and delicious dishes.

Takoyaki – This is a ball-shaped wheat-based snack you can find at street food stalls that are filled with octopus. Takoyaki is also fondly known as “octopus balls.”

Okonomiyaki – Another popular dish in Osaka is okonomiyaki, which is a pancake made of batter and cabbage that is filled and topped with a variety of ingredients.

Fugu – While we didn’t try it, Osaka does have restaurants that serve Fugu – toxic puffer fish. This is a Japanese delicacy where even the smallest mistake by a chef can prove fatal to the person eating it.

Akari Soba – We enjoyed dining at Akari Soba, which serves delicious soba and tempura. This restaurant is located in the busy area of Dotonbori and made our visit here even better.

Kyoto Tsuruya Sabou – Located in the Hilton Plaza, this dessert café was wonderful! We enjoyed matcha desserts.

Why a Visit to Osaka Must Include an Izakaya

Photo: AllAbout-Japan

An izakaya is a Japanese bar, and Osaka is covered with them. When in Osaka, you must visit an izakaya to enjoy a sake or a drink. After spending the day shopping in Shinsaibashi, an evening spent in an izakaya is the perfect way to finish out a day filled with fun and food.

Exploring and Eating Your Way Around Singapore

Recently, my husband and I went on the trip of a lifetime. We visited several countries in Asia over a few weeks (kid-free!), and it was an experience I will never forget. Because I know traveling abroad can seem overwhelming to some of my readers, I want to share my experience with you. Over the next few blogs, I will be telling you all about my great adventure. I’m hoping my trip will inspire you to take your own!

We are starting with our visit to Singapore where we did the touristy things but where we mostly ate, ate, ate.

Must See Places to Visit

Singapore is an amazing place with a mesh of cultures and is a beautifully planned city with tropical temperatures year-round. While there is plenty to see and do in Singapore, I want to highlight two of the places we visited in Singapore on our trip that I believe are must-sees for other travelers.

Flower Dome and Cloud Forest

A major tourist attraction and a part of the city’s initiative to turn Singapore into “City in a Garden,” Gardens by the Bay is home to the amazing Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. The Flower Dome is the world’s largest glass greenhouse offering visitors the opportunity to view several different gardens, including an olive grove and a beautiful floral display that changes periodically. It also has a bistro where guests can sit and enjoy the beauty surrounding them. The Cloud Forest is a higher elevation offering mountain views and gardens that will traditionally be found in tropical temperatures. It also features the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Guests get to walk through the mist-filled Cloud Walk on their journey.

The New Jewel Changi Airport Expansion

We also visited the newly opened expansion at the Changi Airport called the Jewel. It is a major lifestyle hub with outstanding shopping and dining options. On top of the shopping and dining fun, the Jewel also follows Singapore garden concepts by including a lush forest valley and a waterfall. Get your camera ready when you visit because experts are predicting this will be one of the most Instagrammed spots in the world.

Eat and Eat Some More at Singapore Hawker Centres

One of the main reasons to visit Singapore is to eat. Singapore is foodie heaven. As a tourist, you absolutely must visit the Singapore Hawker Centres, such as the popular Maxwell Food Hawker Centre Market, which are basically like food courts offering guests tons of food options at decent prices. My husband and I pretty much spent our entire time in Singapore eating and talking about food. It was wonderful!

When you visit, be sure to try:

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken - Be prepared to wait to eat here as it is Michelin star-rated. Worth the wait!

Rojak, Popiah & Cockle – A popular stall offering popiah (fresh spring rolls) and rojak (a crazy delicious tropical fruit and vegetable salad)

Authentic Mun Chee Kee King of Pig's Organ Soup – If you choose to try one of the most popular dishes in Singapore (pig organ soup), you must get it from here!

Nan Hwa Chang Fish Head Steamboat – One of the oldest fish head steamboat shops in Singapore is another must-visit on your eat-your-way-around-Singapore adventure.

Kams Roast Goose – When we visited the Jewel at the Changi Airport, we tried the roast goose, and it was amazing! It is a Michelin Star restaurant for a reason!

Ah Chew Dessert – No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to Ah Chew Dessert. Yum!

The Must-Have Dish While Visiting Singapore

While we ate and ate and ate, I have to say the best Singapore dish we had was the classic chili crab at Long Beach Seafood. This seafood dish is stir-fried crab coated in a delicious and savory chili sauce. I’m still thinking about it.

Have I made you hungry? Sorry! Now, I’m off to start finding NYC spots where I can find similar tasting dishes. Wish me luck!

Stay Tuned for Even More Details About My Visit to Singapore!