Take the Kids to the Dominican Republic? Of Course!

December 4, 2014 by 5 Comments

When you think of the Dominican Republic, you likely think of soft, sandy beaches, palm trees swaying in gentle breezes, and crystal clear ocean waters- as well you should.  What might not come to mind directly is the perfect family holiday, but it ought to.  Long thought of as a couples retreat from the world, or a delightful girlfreinds’ getaway, this island paradise is a great place to bring the whole troupe.

Beyond the beach and pool at your resort, what to do with the kids?  There are plenty of options, and mom and dad will enjoy them, too.  First up, head to Bavaro Adventure Park.

Dominican RepublicClose to both the Punta Cana and the Bavaro hotel areas (one of which is where tourists are likely to stay), this newly opened, open air park is not only fun for the whole family, but is also super safe (keeping in line with both North American and European safety standards) so you won’t need to worry about a thing.  With options ranging from zip lining, balloon rides,  paint ball, crazy ball zorbing (in which you are strapped into a ball, either solo or with another person, and rolled down a hill), Bungee Trampoline and more, you and your family can easily spend the whole day at Bavaro Adventure Park.

Did I mention there is a flight simulator?  Patented and certified in Germany, in the “SkyDiver” you can fly like an eagle.  Strapped into a safety harness and given safety and usage instructions, up to three people at a time are able to fly together to a height of up to 65 feet.

WP_20140719_11_43_11_ProSmaller kids will enjoy Dinosaur World Jurassic Adventure, where they can take a walk through a land of the dinosaurs, watch them move, and hear them roar!  These dinos are animatronic, and move when people are near them.  Learn all about these creatures, what they ate, how they lived- and even see some of their young.  There are more then forty dinosaurs on the walk, set to scale, and made to look, sound, and move how paleontologists believe they did.
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Wordless Wednesday – The Dr. Who Experience

December 3, 2014 by 1 Comment

dr who experiance

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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.
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Rosetta Translation Services

November 27, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Speaking another language can be difficult when in a foreign country, especially if that particular country is quite different from your native language and culture. For a small taste of this, try walking into your local ethnic market, of a different ethnicity then yourself of course, and try going grocery shopping. This will give you an idea of a different culture without veering too far from home.

pic2I say to try this, because we all need to step out of our comfort zone sometimes and into another person ‘s shoes.  Those of us who take for granted our ability to understand everything, should try to remember that it’s not that easy for visitors or tourists.  For those of us who love to travel, this means us ourselves from time to time.  Hey, I don’t speak Slavic!  Let’s say you are in a foreign country and, God forbid, something horrific happens where you need medical records translated into another language or legal documents, even financial information. Who can you trust with these sensitive translation services? Well that is where translation companies like Rosetta Translations can be a huge help. They are located in London and specialize in legal, financial, technical and medical translations.  These translations can be tricky and involve sensitive information that you can’t trust with just anyone, but only with the most professional of services. The service provided by Rosetta is guaranteed a consistently and excellent quality of translation in each of these various fields by making sure each document translation is given to the most appropriate specialized team of highly qualified translators, proofreaders, and editors. In this way, errors are a minimum and work quality is a maximum.
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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.
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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.
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Things People with Wanderlust Appreciate

November 19, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Whether you backpack solo, take a guided tour, or stay at a resort, traveling is always an adventure. Martin Buber, the famous philosopher once said, “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” His statement rings true today. Every time we travel, we open our minds to something new. For the most part, travel is full of positive experiences, but along the way you’re also bound to face challenges and awkward moments that you’ll look back on and laugh. Here is a list of things to remember, watch out for, and enjoy on your next big trip.

suitcaces

#1 Don’t Drink the Water

Unless you’re traveling within your home country and know that the local water is safe, the best decision is to simply avoid any tap water. Bottled water is the way to go, especially in less industrialized nations. Contaminated water can wreak havoc on your body and on your trip. Save yourself a stretch of unwanted trips to the bathroom and days spent lying in bed.

#2 Bring a Journal

Have you climbed a mountain, learned a new language, or straddled the Equator? Whatever you accomplish while traveling remains a glorious and exciting memory. But time passes and memories fade. Do yourself a favor and jot down how you felt. Adding photos and video clips will keep your memories fresh for years to come. Not only will rereading your travel journal awaken your passion for travel, it may serve as a precious keepsake for generations to come.
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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.

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