Atlantis, Paradise Island @Bahamas

December 20, 2019 by Leave a Comment
With the winter winds blowing, you might be thinking about getting away to someplace warm.  Atlantis, Paradise Island is a great place for the whole family. Once you are there to experience the resort’s new family-centric Coral hotel and activities.
There are so many direct flights from to Nassau, getting to the Bahamas is easier then ever.
They offer some activities that are really out-of-the-box, fun and engaging. They offer all sorts of ways to help younger ones understand human impact on marine life, and show the value of research and conservation, all while having fun together as a family. Of course, a portion of all proceeds from activity costs go toward the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, which helps fund these conservation efforts.


The Coral (formerly Coral Towers): Atlantis‘ new family-centric hotel has re-opened following a year-long renovation / revamp:

  • New lobby and guestroom design – Guests can enjoy dessert in the new local Bahamian lobby gelateria (Sun & Ice) and avoid other “hangry” moments by pre-purchasing snacks to be set up in the in-room refrigerator
  • A Kids Concierge is available exclusively to guests of The Coral for kids to customize their vacation experience — think reserving AKA experiences, scheduling family swims at Dolphin Cay and access to kids menus at the various dining venues on property.Babysitting Services can be booked through the Family Trip Planner once on property. All sitters are CPR certified, have childcare qualifications, and have received a thorough background and security check.
    BRAND NEW kids/ family marine programming:

    Sea Turtle Hatchling Release (ages 3+)

    Every year, female Green Sea Turtles lay their eggs on the resort’s Hibiscus Lagoon nesting beaches. Once they hatch (during the late summer and early fall months) guests are able to sign-up and help Atlantis’ team of Aquarists guide the hatchlings to the sea, at dusk. By launching programs like this for guests,Atlantis hopes to continue to understand and care for the population of Green Sea Turtles in the wild, which are endangered species. Cost of the newborn turtle release program is $130.00 USD per person.Sea Turtle Adoption Program (ages 5+)

    Atlantis also gives guests an opportunity to adopt a juvenile Sea Turtle (2-3 years of age) and help to release it into the ocean. Guests choose a name for their new sea turtle and join members of the Atlantis Marine Team on “The Sea Keeper” (Atlantis’ private boat) for an interactive snorkel experience at the turtle release point, where participants are able to swim side by side with their turtle in its natural environment.  At the end of the program, guests receive an official certificate of adoption and photos from the day’s special events. The Sea Turtle Adoption Program takes place on Wednesdays (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) and is based on turtle availability. Cost of the program is $1,250.00 USD (includes up to four participants).

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Baby Sea Turtle programming at Atlantis @Bahamas

December 20, 2019 by Leave a Comment
baby sea turtles
August and September are Baby Sea Turtle months at Atlantis, Paradise Island. Every other year, a female lays up to 200 soft -shelled eggs and only about 2 or 3 are expected to live. Atlantis’ Blue Project actively breeds and releases the endangered green sea turtle, and to date over 700 hatchlings have been returned to the ocean that will help increase wild populations.
Guests can take part in a behind- the-scenes tour of the resort’s aquarium, fish hospital and meet with one of the resort’s 165 scientists full time marine biologists, aquarists, veterinarians, lab technicians and water safety specialists; where they will learn more about Atlantis Blue Project’s commitment to conservation. They can also take part of a mature turtle release – as part of the process, guests will name the turtle, ride a motorboat to the nearby release location, and be in the waters during the release. Snorkel equipment is included.  A portion of the proceeds from the experience goes back to the Atlantis Blue Project. The turtle release experience costs $1,250 for up to four people.
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Avoid Common Road Trip Emergencies

December 16, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Avoid Breakdowns, Weather Hazards, and Other Common Road Trip Emergencies

Are you ready for that next road trip, to feel the wind in your hair with music blasting as your car cruises the highway? If so, then it is time to pull the Jeep Wrangler cover off and get your vehicle travel-worthy. There are several ways that you will be able to avoid breakdowns, weather hazards, and other road emergencies that could dampen your trip and cause unwanted extra expense. Here are some important details that will help make sure you are ready to hit the road and find your next adventure.

One of the first things that you should do when you decide it is time to travel is to give your car a once over. Check the lights, oil, antifreeze, tire pressure, horn, and wipers. If you need to add fluid or replace one of these parts, then you may be able to take a trip to the local auto store and get what you need. While you are there you may want to have them check your fuses and other electric equipment. Most auto stores offer this convenience for free. 

If you feel you need professional assistance to repair a concern, this would be a good time to take it to your local mechanic to make any repairs and check bigger issues such as brakes, transmission, and the heat and air in your car.

Next, check your legalities. Make sure your insurance is up-to-date and includes collision, roadside assistance, uninsured motorist coverage, and/or comprehensive insurance. You need to make sure that you have not missed registration and that your car is legal to be driven. 

Put a map in your glove box and set your GPS to help you find your way if you lose your way. Also, give a copy of your traveling plans to a friend in case of emergencies. Checking these items will help to ease any travel anxiety that you may have and help you have a happier, more restful traveling experience.

Often, vehicle tires are ignored until there is a problem. Many people do not get regular tire rotations and check there pressure as often as they should. Before you travel, check your tires. Tires are one of the most important safety aspects of your car. If you do not have enough tread depth, you will take the chance of sliding on slippery roads. By allowing your tire to grip the road, you will give your car better traction and better braking power.

Windshield wipers, batteries, and belts have a life span. Before you travel, make sure you check these items to make sure they are at maximum performance levels. There is nothing worse than losing a belt or busting a hose while you are on a trip. These things can be expensive to replace and often require other parts to be replaced at the same time, making for a more expensive problem. You also do not want to be caught in a rain or snowstorm with bad wiper blades. This can not only cause you to wreck due to poor visibility, but it can also cause delays in your trip because of having to wait out a storm because you are unable to see out your windshield.

If you are someone who loves the open road, it is important to keep your vehicle in peak condition all the time. This can be done by making sure you get regular oil changes. Changing it about every three-thousand miles is what most manufacturers suggest. While your mechanic has your car, have them also check your brakes, hoses, belts, brakes, wipers, and tires. They may make suggestions like replacing a belt or rotating your tires, but it is always good to have your car in the best traveling condition possible. Many people neglect small car issues, which eventually turn into large costly issues.

Wherever you decide to go on your next road trip, make sure to have some fun, plan some adventures, and take time to relax. Check the local attractions and make a plan for your trip. Make some stops along the way to and from your destination to maximize your vacation enjoyment.

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Flying with kids, my experience from SeaTac airport

December 6, 2019 by 1 Comment

The following is a guest post. All opinions and experiences are those of the author.

My first job was quite exciting as a regional director of sales, I would fly in and out of the country frequently. I was either alone or with members of the sales team; at least there was no one who required extra attention. Fast forward to my current life as a mother of kids whose greatest hobby is driving me up the wall. Well, how else would you call yelling for no apparent reason, picking fights with each other especially in public and pretending to forget instructions only when it is convenient for them?

There is no better feeling than the freedom of having carryon luggage at the airport, changing sitting positions at the airport terminal and having your entire flight time, organize so that you even have time to catch a nap.

We flew together as a family last Christmas and I can tell you, kids on planes are a real piece of work. You better have an extra pair of adult hands if you are hoping on arriving sane. I think I did pretty well on that flight and that is the reason I feel I can teach other parents a thing or two about flying with kids. I will try to narrate the experience step by step so that it is easy to apply.

Before getting to the airport

There is no way around this one; you have to start preparing the children early. Even if everybody knew in advance that the whole family would be travelling, lateness still has a way of creeping up on you. It is best to leave an extra hour to cater for time wasted. Depending on the time of travel, organize homemade snacks for the kids instead of actual food. This will not only save you preparation time, but it will also save on eating time.

I had kind of shared some preparation duties with my husband but things changed on the actual day. Not only did he not help me at all, but he also went to his place of work to take care of last minute business leaving me to myself. The only thing that saved me from a nervous breakdown was being ahead of the schedule.

I also realized that I saved so much time having done the packing before. Packing for 4 is no mean feat and there is no shortcut for doing it well while in a hurry. As far as parking is concerned, I used 2 suitcases to cut down on luggage. I just figured that there would be no easy way of dragging around 4 suitcases around the airport.

When it comes to travelling to the airport, I had an easy time because I used SeaTac airport parking through the Parkos platform. This platform allows me to drive to the airport in comfort with the assurance that I will find suitable airport parking garage for my vehicle the entire time I will be away. Some people advocate for hired rides when travelling to the airport but I disagree. I consider the inconvenience of having to pay bus fare for each member of my entourage, the inconvenience of dealing with children in an unfamiliar territory and dealing with moving your luggage from where the bus leaves you to the terminal. You will particularly love Parkos Seattle Tacoma airport parking if you are the forgetful type; I have left my travel document many times but with a car and knowledge of shortcuts, all I need to do not to miss a flight is to turn back.

At the airport

Once you arrive at the SeaTac international airport, half of your travel woes will have been half solved. Judge the distance from your terminal to where your parking lot is and weigh between valet parking and self-parking. I am addicted to valet parking; I think it is because of the convenience it offers.

SeaTac airport is famous for its state of the art facilities designed for both adults and kids. If you have a few minutes to spare before your flight, download the story app. This gives you a guided tour through each of the more than 100 pieces of art work displaced around the airport. Last minute tasks you need to remember to do especially if you have a small child include changing their diaper and changing their clothes. The airport provides changing stations all over its premises and a host of shops that sell diapers.

How long is the flight going to take? Check to see if the snacks you brought from home will be enough for your kids. If you need more, buy from the stores around the airport. Take care not to buy foods that would easily go bad or cause an allergic reaction on your children. The simple rule of thumb is; leave it if you are not sure what went into it.

For entertainment I download games on two tablets which I make sure I fully charge before leaving the house. Obviously, kids get bored easily and they ditch the games after a while. That is why I appreciate the presence of Digiboo kiosks in different locations in SeaTac. I can get the latest movies for both the kids and I (My husband and I share the same interests in entertainment so he is sorted when I am).

In case you get stuck at the airport longer than as it happens when a flight has been delayed, go over to the children’s play area with the kids. They will not only socialize with other kids but will also shed off some of the energy they have.

During the flight

When your flight is finally called to board, listen for the special privilege given to those with small children. Airlines are aware that your children will bring you hell on earth in flight and they are willing to give you ample time to organize your luggage in the overhead compartment before everybody else does.

If you find that you are not the only parent flying with kids, try to create a friendly environment with the other parents. Appreciate the fact that their kids could be older or younger than yours so they will behave differently. You are not looking for long term friends here but someone like you who understands what you are going through. You need their encouraging glances every now and then when your child acts out or is being impatient during the flight.

Come with plenty of chewing gum

Take-off and landing can be a nightmare for your kids especially when they have a cold. You will helplessly watch as your child does Poltergeist and even the most tolerant passengers you met as you checked in may not offer you any support. You will not be able to avoid the effect of changes in air pressure so better be prepared to deal with it. Have a pair of headphones for each of your children and given them gum to chew on before it happens.

Lie about how soon you will land

I remember as a kid travelling with my mother and the question I asked most was “are we there yet?” I do not remember much of what I got as an answer but I now know how annoying it is to answer the same question over and over again. For my children, I have decided to lie on occasion just to keep them grounded. How best can you tell a six year old that you have another 3 hours to sit in a plane? If you choose to do the same, make sure you have disabled the map feature that shows exactly how much time to estimate till landing.

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Practicing Mindfulness When Traveling

December 6, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Traveling to new places is a great way to come into contact with different cultures and a way to take a break from the busy lives we are living. However, traveling is also a very stressful activity. There is always a bus to catch or a new place to visit that was not on the initial itinerary. 

Let’s not get into the stress caused by whether or not the baggage that you have packed meets the standards imposed by the airline that you are using. If you need help finding a scale, take a close look at this guide at https://opticsandlab.com/best-spring-scale/.

A way to deal with the stress is by practicing what many call mindful traveling. Today, people often speak about mindfulness. The internet is filled with trendy yoga apps and there are a myriad of retreats that are recommended all over the net. This is mainly why most of us might perceive mindfulness as nothing else than a fad. Yet, there is much more to this concept that you should consider. 

 

What is mindfulness?

Many describe mindfulness as a way of life. To master it, you have to spend years and years practicing it. Still, its core is pretty simple to grasp, even as a novice. Mindfulness means being present and highly conscious of all that is going on around us.

In other words, instead of worrying about the risks of having your reservation canceled or missing your next flight, you should simply live in the present moment. So, whenever you feel like you are overwhelmed by all the stress of traveling, you should just take a deep breath and enjoy whatever comes next.

 

How is mindfulness useful when traveling?

Once you stop worrying too much, you get to truly appreciate the places that you are visiting. Consequently, you become a more engaged traveler that gets to truly enjoy his/her destination. This way, traveling will stop feeling like a simple form of escapism and it will transform into a way to engage.

One issue that we have to deal with when looking at traveling as simply a form of escapism is the fact that we only seem to focus on what comes next. Traveling, therefore, becomes a form of running around in the search of what comes next. 

By being mindful, you get to connect better not just with the place that you are visiting, but also with the people that you meet on your way. This way, you also get to know the culture of the place better, and you can learn new lessons. 

Besides, numerous studies have shown that mindfulness is also effective when it comes to reducing stress and, thus, you will feel more relaxed and the trips that you take will feel more rewarding. 

 

Tips to apply when traveling

Diana Winston, the director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA has put forward the acronym STOP that people can use whenever they want to practice mindfulness. S is for stop, T stands for taking a breath, O means observe, as in actively think about both your outer and inner experiences, while P stands for what she resumes as “proceed with more mindfulness.”

So, instead of always being in a rush, trying to get to a new tourist attraction, you should slow down and open up to the experience that you are enjoying. For instance, instead of eating in a hurry, you should take a break and actually enjoy your meals by really savoring the meal and analyzing its texture and taste.

Another tip is to put down your phone. Whenever visiting a new place, we always feel the need to document our trip by taking thousands of photos and sharing them on social media. However, spending too much time with our phones in our hands, browsing through the comments that we get is not at all relaxing or rewarding.

This does not mean that you should not take photos of your trip. After all, we all want a memento that can remind us of the good times that we’ve had. Still, a couple of photos are enough and you should not waste your time living online. 

 

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5 beautiful day trips in the Marseille region

December 2, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Marseille is one of the most popular cities in France, encompassing natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a buzzing social scene. However, those planning to visit in 2020 should also look at some of the incredible locations nearby that make excellent excursions. 

 

  • Aix-en-Provence

 

Take it slow in the ancient capital of the Provence, making plenty of time to admire the architectural wonders on display in the “City of Fountains”. You’ll find literally hundreds of these monuments to the city’s ancient Roman heritage in dozens of different styles, but a top pick is the Fontaine des Quatre-Dauphins in the historic Mazarin district, which features four adorable dolphins spurting water.

Many are drawn here by the weekly market that features artisans, crafters, and food producers, but the market also represents Aix-en-Provence’s incredible cultural history, which is also on display at the Tapestry Museum and in the Musée Granet’s extensive Impressionist collection.

 

  • Arles and the Baux des Provence

 

Arles is a traditional Provençal town, where you can stroll down tree-lined streets and stop for a coffee at an outdoor café in a shady public square. It’s what artists and visionaries have been doing here for years. 

In fact, Vincent van Gogh featured the Place du Forum in his painting “Café Terrace at Night”. Other locations he painted can be found along the Van Gogh Trail, while some of his paintings can currently be found at the Cathédrale des images in the Baux des Provence. 

This a great day trip to do in the winter months, combining two beautiful locations for the culture lovers out there and avoiding the intense heats and crowds that can restrict your enjoyment. Be aware though that you may need to look into car hire at Marseille airport to do both comfortably in one day. (You can save up to 30% on your car rental by clicking here.)

 

  • Calanques

 

This beautiful coastal area between Marseilles and Cassis features some unusual, but magnificent natural scenery, with narrow fiord-like coves cut deep into limestone rock to create pools of seawater, while the light reflecting off the white limestone makes the water appear a beautiful turquoise colour. It’s the perfect place to sunbathe and get some stunning Instagram shots.

This is also a great place for nature lovers because the Calanques’ unique environment has attracted dozens of rare plant species, as well as plenty of wildlife.

Sporty types will also enjoy all of the outdoor activities on offer here, including:

  • hiking
  • swimming
  • scuba diving
  • snorkelling
  • kayaking
  • rock climbing
  • (electric) mountain biking

 

  • Salon de Provence

 

This small town, located on the edge of the Plaine de la Crau, is steeped in history from the ancient Roman site on the Hill of Valdemech to the fortress-like Château de l’Empéri (“Emperor’s Castle”), built at the request of the Archbishops of Arles between the 12th and 15th centuries.

When visiting the château, called “Emperor’s Castle” because Salon (and the rest of Provence) fell to the German emperors in 1032, you can also admire the Chapel of Saint-Cathérine, which was built in the 12th century.

While in Salon de Provence, you can also visit the Maison de Nostradamus, which was the residence of the 16th-century astronomer Nostradamus and now serves as a museum. It features historical editions of Nostradamus’ prophecies, some personal effects, and a reproduction of his study.

 

  • Nîmes

 

Roughly an hour drive from Marseilles into the neighbouring Languedoc region, Nîmes is filled with ancient Roman monuments, including an amphitheatre, the Arènes, and a completely intact classical Roman temple, the Maison Carrée.

It’s also a delightfully different area to visit because of its location between Provence and Catalonia, meaning that you can see the French and Spanish influences of both provinces. This is best showcased in the cultural events, outdoor performances, and festivals that fill up the calendar during the spring and summer months.

The biggest event is the Festival de Nîmes, held over June and July, which attracts large crowds with music concerts held at the amphitheatre that we spoke about earlier.

If you happen to visit in winter, there are always exhibits worth your while in the Carré d’Art or any of the other museums and with plenty of sunshine the parcs and historic monuments are just as beautiful as in the warmer days.

You now have plenty of options for exciting day trips on your next Marseille holiday, no matter what time of year you go!

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Good Food and Good Fun on the Perfect Island

November 27, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Your holiday time is when you dedicate yourself to letting go and making I tall about you. You have worked hard all year and put in the hours to get this vacation, so you want the time spent to be well spent. 

His means that you want a vacation destination that can deliver the goods for you. So selecting where to go con sometimes be an emotional affair. You re excited, but also nervous because you want to make sure you make a great selection. 

If I had to guess what you would find desirable, I would say that you want a place where you can find an amazing resort that offers great rooms and beautiful views. And the service should be exemplary relax during the days in privacy if you choose, but when you want to be with people you can easily make that happen. 

You also want to be able to do some fun activities during the day and you want to be able to do these on both land and water.

You want good food that you can buy close and from locals and also some really nice restaurants for when you want to have a special meal with whoever you are travelling with. 

You want good shopping, and a place that looks pleasing to the eye. You also want it to be safe.

For the nightlife you want restaurants that overlook the water or mountains and discos or clubs that are filled with beautiful people who really know how to have a great time.

If this fits your description for your next desired vacation, you should take a trip to the beautiful Greek island, Mykonos.  

Great Hotels

Mykonos offers some of the Mediterranean’s best hotels. One great example is the Adorno Suites Mykonos beach hotel. This lovely beachfront hotel sits on a private beach and offers great room with private pools and perfect views. And as importantly the service there is excellent. Finally you are never too far from the action. So you can relax there all day in the sun while drinking your favorite cocktail or go into town and have lunch at a seaside café. 

Fantastic Shopping

Mykonos has lots of great shopping with many of the top clothing designers represented on the island. Whether you want cool summer wear, great swimwear, or evening wear, that you can style around the island in, you can find it on Mykonos. 

Great Beaches

Many people come to Mykonos for the beaches. The water of the Mediterranean is clear and warm many months of the year. The beaches in Mykonos are clean and bright and offer the perfect places to relax and enjoy the sun. 

Amazing Watersports 

Mykonos offers a range of watersports. Whether you want to Jet Ski, scuba, snorkel, kayak, parasail, or swim, you can do it on Mykonos. You can also rent a boat or yacht and go sailing or motoring around the island or to other islands. 

A trip to a Mykonos is a wonderful opportunity to have a great vacation. You can partake in a full range of wonderful activities, stay at a top quality hotel, and enjoy wonderful Greek food. Further you can spend time on great beaches, and watersports that are available throughout the island. Come to Mykonos and have a memorable time! 

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How to Find the Best Weight Loss Program in Thailand

November 27, 2019 by Leave a Comment

With changing lifestyles and food styles, most people are battling excess weight, and many of them go through serious struggles when trying to get rid of those extra pounds. Although there are many weight loss programs, losing weight in Thailand can be challenging. Finding the best plan can be daunting, and you need to know the critical aspects to consider. Nevertheless, with a few ideas, the entire process becomes easier.

How can you find the best weight loss program in Thailand? Read on to find out:

1. What’s the core of your weight issue?

First of all, consider the core of your weight problem. Do you wish to shed a few pounds or you’re struggling with life-long obesity? Is your weight associated with a recent pregnancy? To find the best plan for, you need to understand the basis of your weight problem. This way, it’ll be easier to get the perfect program for your needs.

2. What kind of weight loss plan can you follow best?

Will it be easy for you to stay motivated or do you require weight loss holidays or retreats to kick-start your weight loss journey? Remember, motivation is a crucial aspect when trying to lose weight. If you have issues staying motivated, then this might not be easy, even when you pick the best program.

You want to lose weight, and you want this to be long term. Therefore, the best plan should be one that supports you to live a healthy life and also helps you to become more disciplined. This way, you can exercise more and avoid overeating.

3. Research and more research!

There are many weight loss plans in Thailand, and the best way to pick the perfect one is by conducting research. Seek information from loved ones who have benefited from the weight loss program. Find out about the location of the program, and the costs of the services. If you happen to have a tight schedule, picking a program that requires you to travel miles away won’t be ideal.

More so, check all the different plans that boast of what they can help you achieve. Go through online reviews from others and see what they have to say concerning the particular program. Track the results of others who have tried the plan. This way, you’ll have a rough idea of what works best for your needs.

4. How much are you willing to spend?

The cost of the program is yet another aspect you have to consider. Most of the weight loss programs are costly and come at varying prices. Be sure of how much you can shell out for the plan, and this makes it becomes easier to pick the right program as per your budget and requirements.

5. Type of weight loss plan offered

The type of plan provided is also of the essence. Weight loss for men can be different from that of women, and the methods vary as well. Therefore, check all the different plans that boast of what they can help you achieve. Also, read the reviews from other individuals and what they have to say concerning the particular program and track the results of others who have tried the plan. This way, you’ll have a rough idea of what works best for your needs.

Conclusion

Thailand is a beautiful country with tons of activities. There are different weight loss programs in Thailand. To find the best one, you need to be sure of your weight loss needs, how much you can spend, the kind of plan offered, and the one that you can follow best. Once this is done, you can research the different programs near you.

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