Cruise Like a Norwegian

December 18, 2014 by 10 Comments

norwegian breakaway

Our first full day on board the Norwegian Breakaway cruise (out of NYC, convenient!) was just that- a full day. It was a day at sea, and it was still too cold to use the pools, hot tubs, or water slides in my opinion. Instead, we explored the ship and took part in many of the ships on-board activities.

P1020591

We went down to the buffet for breakfast, and found ourselves a table. Before you enter, the staff sprays your hands with a disinfectant hand sanitizer to help stop the spread of germs. The food was good, and it’s nice not to have to cook ourselves, I will tell you that. My son, of course, had to use the bathroom halfway through the meal, so I took him out. In the hallway, we came upon quite a sight- a sound, really. Several staff members, one with a guitar, were singing a song about washing your hands. The song was “Washy washy, happy happy, everybody wash your hands”. We stopped for a full minute, it was such a strange song- but they sure put all their energy into it. Then we were off to the bathroom- and we of course remembered to washy washy before we headed back to finish breakfast. (Check out the video below- it’s not a great video, people had no problem walking in front of me, but you will get to hear this insane song. Bonus- it’s the one that will get caught in your head for the rest of your day. You’re welcome.)  You need to give it a few seconds.  Really- it’s just nuts.  And you will love it.

After breakfast, we went to Family Arts and Craft time. Today’s craft was making a SpongeBob bandana. After everyone made their craft, the kids got to put them on and did a little parade around the room.

P1020564

We then took the kiddo to Splash Academy- Norwegian’s kid’s club. No, they don’t take the kids swimming, no worries. We signed him up yesterday right after we boarded the ship, and he got a bracelet with his ID on it that has our names and cards linked to it in their computer. We also had to make up and give a password so no one could “Fake” being one of us. The kid’s club staff are all very energetic and keep the kids active and having fun all day. They all have silly nicknames as well, like “Boots”, “Tic Tac”, “BBQ”, and etc.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: , , , ,

A Visit to the Hotel Adler Thermae, Tuscany

December 15, 2014 by 16 Comments

A getaway does wonders for the spirit, but when that trip is to Tuscany your soul will sing with delight. The sights, the sounds and the people offer a refreshing change of pace from the daily grind. A more lovely place to vacation couldn’t be found.

resorts in tuscanyA trip to Tuscany is an occasion, and such a wondrous occasion calls for top notch accommodations. Hotel Adler Thermae fits the bill perfectly. Imagine a luxury resort that is a perfect mix of modern architecture, nature, and classic Italian charm. The Hotel Adler Thermae has a rich history that stems back to 1810. Operated by the 7th generation of the Adler Family with obvious care and pride, this all inclusive hotel offers visitors a one of a kind stay that is drenched in class, style and luxury.

tuscan resort

The cuisine of Hotel Adler Thermae is worth writing home about! Imagine having a cocktail with the host to welcome you, or having a generous breakfast buffet available until 11 am to the delight of your taste buds. Lunch at Hotel Adler Thermae is nothing short of impressive. The salads, antipasti and pasta dishes and grilled meat and fish offerings are the perfect way to refuel for a busy day of sightseeing. The gourmet 4 and 5 course meals at dinner time are nothing short of mouth watering. My favorite part of the edible offerings of the hotel has to be the afternoon break buffet which features home-made cakes, all of which were completely drool worthy.

pic1While I could talk to you about the food at Hotel Adler Thermae all day long, there is so much more to offer at this luxury hotel. The Thermal Spa is a hot spring of wellness. The waters are heated naturally from deep within the earth and have absorbed minerals over time which are great for not only the mind but also the soul.

20140713_120904I loved that there are indoor and outdoor thermal pools for my enjoyment and a special thermal pool for children which features jet fountains and perfectly warm water that will lead to a lot of splashing fun for the kids.  The pool featured above actually goes into a whirlpool every 10 minutes, which my son absolutely adored.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: , , , , ,

Traveling with Tots Too

November 27, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Holidaying with kids can be stressful; particularly when they’re young and you need to pack everything but the kitchen sink to create a home away from home.

The important thing when choosing a family holiday is to make sure you look for hotels and destinations which offer plenty of activities to keep the little-ones safe and entertained. After all the happier your kids are, the more time you will have to relax and really enjoy yourself.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: evergreen Tagged With: , , ,

Jolly Breeze- Whale Watching on the Bay of Fundy

November 25, 2014 by 1 Comment

Disclosure- this was part of a media trip.  All opinions are my own and honest. For more information, please see “I Disclose”.

Please read the whole article on This Girl Travels!

whale watching in the bay of fundySometimes you find a special place.  One of those places that not only makes you slow down and really appreciate where you are, your surroundings, and the people you are with, but that will also truly make memories that will last the rest of your life.  The kind of place you frequently find yourself saying “do you remember that time when…..”   One of those places is Canada’s beautiful Bay of Fundy.

The Bay of Fundy has the highest tidal range in the world, according to The Guinness Book of World Records. Burntcoat Head, Nova Scotia has the highest tides in the world, with rises that swell more then 50 feet in some places during high tide.  There is diverse and flourishing sea life in the Bay of Fundy, as well as (as would be expected) a large fishing and lobstering community.

Should you find yourself near the Bay of Fundy (or should you desire to find yourself there), some experiences are not to be missed.  First, bring your appetite, as the seafood fresh and delectable.  If you are so inclined, you can catch your dinner yourself- there are fishing excursions available, or you can rent (or bring your own) kayaks or canoes.  With water, water, everywhere, watersports are plentiful and easy to come by- in many places, you will see signs for fishing and aquaculture wherever you look.

low tide bay of fundyIt is an amazing thing to walk on the ocean floor when the water has receded away.  You can do this yourself, or under the eye and guidance of a tour group or guide.  For me, this was the only option, as I was not familiar with either the area or the tides, and didn’t want to find myself (or my young son) washed away with the next one.  Another perk to being with a tour guide is that they can point out all sorts of fun things that I would not have noticed or been able to identify on the ocean floor- different types of seaweed, crabs, and shellfish.  We took a great tour called “Plankton, Periwinkles, and Predators” that we booked through our hotel in Nova Scotia, the Digby Pines (http://www.digbypines.ca/).  The hotel was beautiful, with tons to do for families both on the grounds and nearby, and the rooms were clean with various sizes available, including cottages for rent.  You can also book the tour independently however, via www.GaelTours.ca. Led by a father/daughter duo, you and your family will explore the area from the very top (where no water reaches) down to the very bottom, where water has only recently drained. It gets a bit soggy, so bring your puddle-jumpers and pants you don’t mind getting dirty in.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: , , ,

5 Spectacular Railway Journeys You Can Take With Your Kids

November 20, 2014 by Leave a Comment

train

In the current computer-crazed world, most kids end up with a cellphone or a tablet before they have even hit their teens. While this can be great for the peace of mind of their parents, it can stop children from really seeing the world around them. After all, kids love using technology and have to be dragged away from their phones and tablets kicking and screaming, even if it’s just to eat a family meal together.

This can pose a problem on holidays, in particular. If you’d like to see your child really taking in the sights on your next family vacation, perhaps consider booking in for a railway journey where you can all sit back together and spend time simply enjoying the view.

There is a vast array of breathtaking trips that can be taken on trains around the world, but yet don’t necessarily involve days and days spent stuck in a carriage. Whether you want to start off slowly with just a short, one-hour ride, or would like to select a journey that lasts a whole day at least, you’re sure to find something for your family to try across the globe. Read on for five top railway journeys that will help your family to see some of the most picturesque places around the world in a more leisurely, and technology-free, way.

1. Belmond Hiram Bingham in Peru

For a luxurious train ride, consider choosing the Belmond (formerly Orient-Express) Hiram Bingham in Peru. The train company runs full-day, round-trip excursions in Peru on board the Hiram Bingham luxury train. Journeys depart on a daily basis and the train trip links the colonial city of Cuzco to the iconic Incan citadel, Machu Picchu. Along the way, passengers can also take in breathtaking views of the Urubamba River valley. Each trip leaves at a time that gives customers the opportunity to enjoy the fascinating Machu Picchu destination in the late afternoon sun upon arrival.

The Hiram Bingham is a 1920s Pullman-style train that’s named after the explorer from America that discovered Machu Picchu in 1911. The service features two dining cars, an open-deck observation car, a bar car, live music, elegant upholstery and tableware, appetizers, brunch, and a four-course dinner.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: ,

Head To Vermont, and The Basin Harbor Club

November 11, 2014 by 8 Comments

I am a sucker for a hotel that has not only history but also charm. The last time I was in Vermont I had the pleasure of staying at Basin Harbor Club. This hotel delighted my traveling soul. The location is not only is it scenic, but it offers so many opportunities for adventure that one could ponder why anyone would visit another place for a one of a kind vacation.

Basin Harbor

Located on 700+ tranquil acres, Basin Harbor Club is an ideal hotel for couples and families as well as large groups. Regardless of the size of your travel party, there is a spot for you at this wonderful resort. The scenery, the unexpected delights to be found around each corner and the endless opportunities for fun, relaxation, and a chance to reconnect with friends and family make this a noteworthy destination.

vermont resortsFor more than 128 years this lovely resort has been operated by the Beach Family. The love of the property and pride in their resort are obvious and make this a destination that is unforgettable. The history of Basin Harbor Club is rich, which adds something super special to your stay.

hotels on lake champlainLake Champlain offers water lovers the chance to dive into boating, swimming, paddle boarding, fishing, sailing and more. Tennis lessons and a fantastic course for golfing will appeal to athletic guests. Lawn games are a favorite for guests that are looking to get active while playing together as a family.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: evergreen, travel Tagged With: , , , ,

Plan A Visit To Cherry Crest Farm

November 7, 2014 by 10 Comments

In the heart of Dutch Country, Pennsylvania, is an adventure waiting to happen.  Adventure is it’s middle name.  No, really.  Cherry Crest Adventure Farm offers any family a fun filled (and inexpensive) way to fill any day.  Well, any day May through November, anyway.  The day we visited was quite a rainy one, but we didn’t let that dampen our spirits.

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is not only a working farm, but also a wonderland for kids.  It has all sorts of attractions from a science and animal learning center, where kids can learn about farming, animal husbandry, and even hold baby chicks

20141011_131534

to “milking” a pretend cow, petting pigs, and feeding goats

20141011_131934to heading up a (quite steep) hill and taking a ride down these slides in potato sacks- and you will go whizzing down, let me tell you. The hill will wear your little ones out, so let them have at it.  The lines generally are not too long, so you can wait at the bottom, take photos, and relax while your kiddos wear themselves out.  They will sleep well after a visit to Cherry Crest, I promise  🙂
[Read more…]

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: , ,

The Cliff House Resort and Spa, Maine

October 23, 2014 by 3 Comments
I love resorts with history and oceanfront locations! Lucky for me, when I was last in Ogunquit, Maine I had the opportunity to stay at a lovely resort that offered both a rich history of welcoming guests for more than 142 years and a stunning location on 70 Oceanfront acres of land.
pic6The Cliff House is an aptly named resort and spa. Situated on the cliffs of the Maine coastline, the centrally located resort offers vast meeting spaces and the largest banquet facilities in the area making it the ideal location for productive business travel.
P1010331I enjoyed the full service spa with 10 service rooms, a sauna, an outdoor stone meditation labyrinth and a state of the art fitness center. Not only was I able to relax in an adults only atmosphere, but I was able to do so with stunning ocean views! There is nothing like indulging in a massage or a pedicure while taking in the sights of the sea.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: , , ,