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Langham Place, New York

July 1, 2015 by Samantha 8 Comments

Looking to travel to New York City, but not sure where to stay? There are so many options, and if you are traveling with kids, it can be even harder to pick the right place. You want somewhere central, but quiet at night so they can sleep- someplace welcoming of your whole clan, not super snooty and off-putting for the littler ones. You can enjoy yourself and your family getaway in NYC with the right hotel.

If you are heading to New York, Langham Place, New York is an ultra-modern, luxury option that offers a Family Getaway Package including:

two night’s accommodations in a spacious guest room
free rollaway bed upon request ($120 value)
a $100 credit that can be used towards any of the food and beverage outlets in the hotel
two VIP express tickets to the top of the Empire State Building ($120 value)

The food and beverage credit can be used even at these two venues:

Measure, which offers Afternoon Tea for Kids on Saturdays and Sundays ($40 for adults, $20 for kids) Tunes with Tina kid’s cabaret brunch on Sunday mornings

The Family Getaway Package also has added cultural experiences through the Cultured Kids menu of offerings. These tours can be booked for kids as young as 3 years old. Cultured Kids also includes the option to have a VIP visit to the Empire State Building or Tunes with Tina sing-along Sunday brunch.

Starting rates for Family Getaway are $795, but with the options of so many add-ons there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

A behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen of a Michelin-starred restaurant that is provided by Ai Fiori and hosted by the Executive Chef and the team of culinary artists. This includes an early bird dinner reservation between 5 and 7 PM. The Empire State Building is located just down the block, and can be seen from many of the rooms.

view from my room

You can also see many wonders of architecture, and a map of the most significant of buildings can be viewed from any of Langham Place’s Empire View rooms and suites. Expedited passes are also available to skip the line at the Empire State building.
Langham Place, New York is your destination to experience a 5-Star Luxury Hotel that has modern British allure and service. The hotel has made a smooth transition from it’s beginnings in Langham, London in 1865 that set the ultimate standard in hospitality in the 19th century! They were founded on luxury, innovation and of course, grandeur, so that is what you will experience when you visit today.

You will also have all the conveniences of home that you sometimes miss when you travel. The bathrooms are spacious and most have both a shower and a bathtub (which smaller kids as well as mom and dad can enjoy- they are large enough for grown-up bodies, which is very nice). Suites have kitchens with stove tops, full sized refrigerators, and my favorite- washing machines and dryers. Every parent knows that being prepared is key- having the ability to wash out your kid’s messes on the spot is priceless.

While planning your next trip to New York City, make sure the Langham is your first stop. Book by calling (212) 695 4005 or emailing lpnyc.info@langhamhotels.com

Enjoy your stay, and have fun in the city.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: famliy travel, hotel, New York City, NYC, travel

Making the Most of Your Jamaican Vacation with Club Mobay

June 11, 2015 by Samantha 9 Comments

The worst part of traveling is always the airport. Always. They suck the joy out of travel. Getting there is one thing- you are amphed up, excited, you have time off of work, escaping “real life” and about to enjoy the vacation you have been obsessing about, so the annoyances of the airport can be thought a little less painful and a little more of a “necessary evil”. Going home, however, is a different story. You don’t want to leave, you don’t want to return to your job, your week of unread mail, your inbox, your annoying next door neighbor- whatever. Maybe the weather is cold and dreary back where you are headed, and you dread leaving the sunshine- and the last thing you want to deal with is 2 hour check-ins as the agents chat about boyfriends and weekend plans instead of scanning your dang passport, long lines, dealing with uber-“pleasant” staff along the way (do they only hire people who lack the ability to smile?), another line at security, the oh-so-gentle-tossing of your bag because you forgot you had a tube of mascara in there and it set off the detector, repacking, getting onto anther line, finding your boarding cubicle, then sitting on evil plastic chairs (IF you can find one) with everyone else in your flight, packed in like sardines while you check emails on your phone until your battery inevitably dies because there are only 4 outlets for the entire 350 people in your area to use while you wait to be called by your zone (it’s the last one, it’s always the last one) to board your plane. Fun times! Airlines sure know how to make travel enjoyable.

Want to avoid that? Really- you can. In Jamaica you can! I’m not kidding. Club Mobay, offered at Jamaican airports, will save you time and sanity. The lines at the airport in Jamaica move slow, at best. You get there with plenty of time to spare, but then wonder if you are going to make your flight. Then people show up when their plane is boarding, so they go straight to the front of the lines, and you get to wait some more- and they are certainly moving on “Caribbean time”, which is charming when you are on vacation, but makes you want to pull your hair out when you are standing in lines that won’t end, just to wait on several more lines.

For prices starting at $15, you can skip these lines (you jump right to the front) and then head into the most relaxing lounge I have ever experienced. While there, you are treated to included WiFi, drinks (both alcoholic and non), and quite a wide array of food options.

There are awesome Jamaican treats like beef patties, and then really non-Jamaican foods with an island twist- like jerk chicken. Really. Yes, I tried them, and yes, it was good.

Not only is there much to eat and drink, but there are bathrooms just for the lounge guests, chairs and couches that are actually comfortable, and a children’s play area. There are even showers should you feel like taking one- and we all know sometimes, you really want a shower when you are traveling long distances. Or maybe the kids did something awful and you could use it- it’s nice to have the option, for sure.

Montego Bay Airport:

Adult Arrivals Only : $50per Person

Adult departures Only: $30. NB: departures only for adults is $35 when purchased at the airport.

Adults Bundled: $80

Children Arrivals only: $25

Children Departures only: $15

Children Bundle : $40

Kingston Airport:

Adults Arrivals Only: $25

Adults Departures Only: $ 25 NB: departures only for adults is $30 when purchased at the airport.

Adult Bundle: $50

Children Arrivals only: $15

Children Departures only: $15 NB: departures only for Children is $20 when purchased at the airport.

Children Bundle : $30

The money you spend is easily made back on sanity alone, but when you think about the cost of airport food and drinks, and throw in the wifi? You’ve made an excellent choice. Kids under 2 are free, as well, which is great. To book, head to http://www.vipattractions.com/club–mobay.php

Clients are offered a variety of services ranging from a personalized arrival to a superior departure service at their culturally themed airport lounges.
In 2014, alone Club Mobay got voted Best Airport Lounge in the Caribbean and America’s at the World Travel Awards while Club Kingston got voted by Priority Pass Best Airport Lounge in the World out of more than 700 competition entrants. The Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association awarded a Club Kingston Manager the “Jamaica Tourism Employee of the Year” while we won the award for Innovative Business of the Year by the Jamaica Young Entrepreneurs Association. These great wins are down to having a great Jamaican team!

Under the brands Club MoBay and Club Kingston, VIP Attractions operates two culturally themed lounges at Sangster International Airport and the Norman Manley International Airports, located in Montego Bay and Kingston respectively. VIP Attractions has kept pace in the market offering a range of service products for even the most discerning traveler.

Disclosure- I received a pass to the above to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest. All photos are my own.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: airports, islands, jamaica, travel

Must Haves for Summer Travel

June 8, 2015 by Samantha 6 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest.
With summer upon us and holidays and vacations on their way, it’s time to get ready for warm weather, packing, and road trips or plane travel- whatever suits you. The hardest part of travel is just that- the traveling, especially if you have kids. Here are a few items that can make your trip that much easier.

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My son’s new favorite piece of luggage is his VRUM suitcase, officially called VRÜM Ride-On Storage. This rolling suitcase comes in several licensed characters, like SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Kids can pack it up, ride on top of it, and roll it along as they make their way to their hotel room. My son loves it because not only is it one of his favorite characters, but it’s easy to pack, hard covered (so no biggie if it falls over), and has straps inside to secure all his toys so they don’t hurt themselves- very important. It can be a little unwieldy when you try to pull it behind you (it doesn’t want to move in a straight line) but is light to carry if your child doesn’t over-pack it. It “locks” shut with a twist, so things won’t fall out, either. By Wicked Cool Toys, available for $39.99 on https://shop.govrum.com

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Skip Hop Zoo Travel Blankets are adorable, fun, and functional. Not only that, but the price is right for only $20- this is a great gift for any child with a summer birthday, or “just because”- not to mention truly perfect for travel. This portable mini-pillow is just the right size for little heads, and has a handle on it as well for toting about. Grab it and go, no matter if you are hitting the road or catching a flight, this will be your child’s new best buddy. One part stuffed animal, one part pillow, one part blanket, these creatures all all cuddle. Out of the stuffed animal, your child can easily pull out a soft blanket to snuggle on trips, and use the animal as a pillow. They can play with the stuffed toy or just hug it as well after they stuff the blanket back inside- and yes, it’s easy enough for them to do it (perhaps kids under 3 will need some help). Available in Ladybug, Monkey and Owl for $20 at: http://www.skiphop.com/product/zootravelblankets.html

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When the going gets tough, the tough get packing. But mom and dad should not have to carry everything- let the kids do their part. Let them carry their own rolling luggage. Olive Kids and Wildkin have options for kids big and small, with prints ranging from cute animals to sophisticated prints for teens (and even mom and dad to use). The rolling backbacks have plenty of room, pockets, mesh dividers, water bottle pockets, and more. Use the handle and wheel it about, or toss it over your shoulder and carry it as a backpack. Wildkin offers duffels, tote bags, larger rolling luggage for bigger kids, and more. They are made to last, and available in just about every size you could need. The patterns are not only pretty, but will stand out- which matters on a luggage carousel or in a plane. Luggage is available for $49.99 and up at http://www.wildkin.com/B_LUGGAGE.html

One thing I can get picky with is packing shoes. I don’t like to pack shoes in with the rest of the clothing and luggage- shoes are just so dirty and often smelly. I use plastic grocery bags or I pack them in separate compartments- or both. Eagle Creek has come up with a great way to pack shoes without being gross- the Pack-It Specter™ Shoe Sac by Eagle Creek. This is pretty neat, and you don’t need to waste a zillion plastic bags. It is ultra light weight, comes in several colors, and is water repellant- so even if your shoes are a bit wet or muddy, you don’t need to worry when packing them up. The bag has a quick grab handle, so you can grab it and toss it in the car if you just want to have a change of shoes handy as well. The Shoe Sac is a great option for those who travel often, or just like to pack well when they do. It’s also washable, hang to dry. Available for $18 at http://shop.eaglecreek.com/

Filed Under: review Tagged With: summer, travel

DIGBY PINES GOLF RESORT & SPA

June 1, 2015 by Samantha 2 Comments

Located on the western coast of Nova Scotia, overlooking the Bay of Fundy, the Signature Resorts of Nova Scotia property is the perfect escape for travellers looking for a secluded getaway. With a rich history dating back to 1929, the property is comprised of a main lodge which includes 85 guestrooms and 31 independent cottages ranging from one to three-bedroom accommodations.

“This new alliance with Choice Hotel’s Ascend Collection is a great way for us to reach a growing audience of travelers who appreciate the distinct characteristics only found in independent hotels,” said Gerry Chase, president and COO of New Castle. “With summer upon us, we look forward to sharing Digby Pines with guests who will enjoy the magnificent scenery and local attractions, including our golf course.”

The hotel’s resort amenities include a classic 18-hole Stanley Thompson golf course and an onsite Aveda spa, offering guests a full range of treatments. Nearby whale watching excursions lead the list of family friendly vacation highlights.

Digby Pines features two restaurants – Churchill’s Restaurant and Lounge and the 19^th Hole Clubhouse & Eatery – serving classic dishes with a modern twist as well as local fare including freshly caught seafood and the area’s world renowned Digby scallops. Additional amenities include an outdoor heated pool, complimentary bicycle lending, a fitness centre and banquet and conference rooms for groups up to 250.

The property is conveniently located close to area attractions like Fort Anne, Port Royal and the Bear River and Annapolis Highlands Wineries. Visitors will find Digby Pines easily accessible by car from Halifax and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and via ferry from Portland Maine and Saint John New Brunswick.

Reservations at Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa can be made by calling 800.4CHOICE or by visiting ChoiceHotels.ca/cna66.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: canada, travel

6 ideas for a pleasant family weekend in Bergamo

May 26, 2015 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Bergamo is an ancient city in Lombardy, located on the picturesque foothills of the Alps. It can offer both rich and diverse architecture, variety of exciting activities, sincere and open people, surprisingly clean and fresh air. In a nutshell, Bergamo has all those things that make the city a perfect destination for holiday with kids!

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The article will help you to briefly get acquainted with the most interesting attractions in Bergamo that will please you and your kids.

Bergamo is one of four Italian cities with their centers completely surrounded by ancient walls. In fact, Bergamo is split into two parts. The upper part is the ancient city (Bergamo Alta) located on the top of the hill; the lower part is the modern city (Bergamo Bassa) that doesn’t represent anything interesting for tourists. You can reach the ancient city either by car or public transport, but there is much more interesting way – funicular railway.

Funicular railway

Trip in the funicular car is a little adventure for small kids and also a great opportunity to enjoy nice views of the city. The lower station is located on Viale delle Muraand the upper one is in literally two steps from the famous Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. The funicular can fit up to 50 people, so don’t let slip your turn, otherwise you’ll have to wait another car.

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It’s interesting to know that tight orange cars of the Bergamo funicular have been operating since 1888 and originally they were drawn by horses. Funicular railway connecting upper and lower parts of Bergamo isn’t the only one in the city. In fact, there is another car able to take you from the Bergamo Alta to the very top of the hill.

Parco Faunistico Le Cornelle

It’s a scientific base of the University of Milan that is engaged in the problem of preserving grey parrots. Thus, apart from the usual walks among aviaries, Parco Faunistico Le Cornelle can offer the quite serious several hours excursion with a lot of fascinating stories about virtually every animal in the park.

Although the zoo isn’t very big, still it’s a real pleasure to spend time here. This tiny zoo has managed to gather various kinds of animals from guinea pigs to cheetahs. It has many cafes and restaurants as well as picnic areas equipped with tables and benches. So, if don’t want to spend the extra money on visiting cafe, you can simply bring some snacks with you and arrange little lunch in the open air.

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You should acknowledge beforehand that it’s a really tough task to get to Parco Faunistico Le Cornelle from Milan without your own car. Even from Bergamo itself, the park is located in about 11 km. On the other hand, the park has a convenient parking zone, where you can safely leave your car.

ATB Transport Museum

ATB museum opens doors into the past and shows you how public transport of Bergamo has been changing for the last hundred years. The museum is designed in a modern way and is full of interactive displays and multimedia installations. The real pride of the ATB Museum is its “time-travelling funicular” offering its visitors an opportunity to discover history of transport in Bergamo through the windows of funicular car.

Natural Science Museum Enrico Caffi

Judging from the many reviews, the Natural Science Museum in Bergamo is very interesting for kids, but can’t offer something very exciting for adults. However, the museum enjoys great popularity among both locals and tourist and you’ll meet here a lot of parents with children.

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The main exhibits are stuffed animals, ancient skeletons and fossils, different minerals and stones. In general, the exposition is quite interesting and includes even a small collection of mammals. Another great thing about the museum is that the entrance is free and the museum located in the historical center of Bergamo, so you can visit the museum during your city tour.

Discover the beauty of Bergamo surroundings

Rich historical heritage isn’t the only thing Bergamo is famous for. It’s hard not to notice the beauty of the nature of Bergamo province. Picturesque green valleys, serene clear lakes and magnificent mountains. All this is only in one hour drive from Bergamo. For instance, you can visit lakes Endine and Iseo that are in 30 km and 45 km respectively.

Lake Iseo

On the shores of the Lake Iseo, you can admire beautiful sceneries and incredibly diverse landscapes including rocky walls sprouting out of the water, olive groves, tiny coves and bays. The lake is literally framed with many small cozy towns, so you have a large selection of hotels to stay in. Local gastronomic traditions deserve special mention. Such delicious dishes and fine wine you won’t find anywhere else in Italy!

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Lake Endine

Whereas Lake Iseo is very popular among tourists, Lake Endine is rarely visited even by locals. It is small, about 6 km in length and there aren’t large cities nearby. Most visitors of Endine come here for fishing or watching birds and enjoying silence and solitude.

However, there are small beaches on the shores of well-equipped with all needed stuff for a good rest. Here you and your kids can rent a boat or enjoy water bike ride.

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Bergamo is a beautiful and charming city with very diverse and beautiful architecture. It’s a good holiday destination, but you shouldn’t forget that city tourism could be quite tiresome even for adults not to mention small kids.

Endless walking, hours of city tours and excursions – all this takes a lot of energy. Thus, try to solve transportation problem in advance. Spend a little bit more money on your vacation and allocate some funds to rent comfortable car for the whole family. Believe that in Italy, there is nothing to do without four wheels!

All the beauty of Italy lies in its cozy provincial towns surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Explore Italy in the most convenient way! Book a car at Bergamo Airport in advance to save money and get exactly that model you’re looking for.

Author Bio: Lily Berns is a writer who enjoys travelling and blogging about family entertainment spots while visiting different countries.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: europe, family travel, travel

Is Your Health Safe When You Travel?

May 18, 2015 by Samantha 1 Comment

Traveling the world can be a wonderful experience. You get to take in new sights, see a ton of history, embed yourself in other cultures, and create lifelong memories. However, while the experience may be fun, traveling to other countries also puts you at risk.

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Not only do you run the risk of getting lost or being taken advantage of in other countries due to your lack of direction and/or inability to speak the language, but you are also exposed to illness and disease that you may not be exposed to back home in the US.

Getting sick in another country is not always ideal. Not only do the doctors likely not have access to your medical records, which could put you at risk if you have an underlying medical condition or allergy to medication they aren’t aware of, but you may not get the best possible treatment either. In order to ensure your safety while traveling to another country, use the following tips.

Get vaccinated.

Different countries have different illnesses and diseases, and in order to travel to certain countries, you may be required to get certain vaccinations. Before you go, check and see what vaccinations you need to travel out of the country, and then set up an appointment with your doctor to get vaccinated. Keep in mind that some vaccinations may require multiple doses, so this isn’t something you can put off until the last minute. Plus, you’ll also need proof that you were vaccinated in order to board the plane, so be sure you keep all records and documentation on hand. Getting these shots done will help eliminate your risk of catching a disease while you’re traveling, which will help to keep you safe.

Research doctors/hospitals.
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Filed Under: lifestyle, traveling Tagged With: travel

Take the Kids to Coney Island

May 14, 2015 by Samantha 8 Comments

Coney Island has been a go to spot for generations, each season changing slightly, adding more rides, keeping new and fresh while still appealing to the crowds of New York.

This season is no different, with a new ride open now (The Thunderbolt) and more on the way including a new roller coaster the fun keeps coming.

Coney Island is made up of something for everyone. Just steps from the boardwalk, there is a beach with a clean shore and big open ocean. For the animal lovers, there is the New York Aquarium just a little ways down, which also has a wonderful seal show that should not be missed. For the adventurous types, there are big thrill rides at Luna Park which include 7 roller coasters like the classic wooden Coney Island Cyclone. For the littler park goers, there are tons of attractions and rides at Luna Park like the Happy Swing and Magic Bikes. For everyone, there is Deno’s Wonder Wheel, one of the biggest and most complex Ferris Wheels around.
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Filed Under: evergreen, family, travel Tagged With: family travel, NYC, theme park, travel

Ready for Take Off: Top 10 Must-Have Travel Accessories

May 8, 2015 by Samantha 1 Comment

Choosing your travel accessories can be a challenge, even for those who travel regularly. With so many products to choose from, it’s hard to decide what’s necessary and what’s better off left at home. To keep your bags lighter and your trips more convenient, we’ve put together a list of 10 items that belong in everyone’s luggage:

1. Travel Converter

A travel converter allows the use of North American electronics overseas with charging conversion from 220V to 110V. For non-dual voltage items like your hairdryer, flat iron, laptop charger, etc., your travel converter is going to be a lifesaver. Many travel converters also feature commonly used overseas plug adaptors as well as USB ports, so no matter where you’re staying, you can still use your own products.

2. Theft Prevention Bags & Wallets

When you’re abroad, it’s wise to keep identity protection in mind. In 2012, the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that financial loss due to identity theft in the United States alone totaled a staggering $25 billion. While identity theft can occur anywhere, traveling with credit cards, passports, ID’s and other personal items can put you at a higher risk. Tourists are an easy target, and it’s best to stay vigilant to avoid theft.

Travel bags have adapted to meet these security needs. Many include tough, cut-resistant straps, tamper proof zippers, and even material that blocks credit card and passport scanners to protect your information.

3. Travel Garment Steamer

Tight packing is inevitably going to lead to wrinkles in your clothes. Solve the problem with a travel-sized garment steamer, easier to use than an iron and without the worry of burning your fingers. Compact, light, and simple to use, travel garment steamers let you look your effortless best while you’re traveling.
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Filed Under: evergreen Tagged With: travel