Have Sippy, I’m Traveling! In Mexico

We are on the move again, this time on our way to Mexico.

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We will be staying at the Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar Golf & Spa Resort in Los Cabos, checking out the area and some local Day of the Dead festivities and activities (both on and off the resort).  My son and I are pretty excited, and I hope that you are following on my social media channels so you can see the fun as it happens.  (Those of you who are already followers know I share often!)
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Italy With Kids: 5 Fun Family Activities

rome

Typically, when people think of going to Italy, it’s as a romantic couple’s trip or as a journey to take with a few friends. And while it is a very romantic place to go and there is a lot of architecture, food (and wine) and fashion that can keep adults entertained for days on end, did you know that there actually are several fun things that kids can do too?

If you’re planning an international family vacation and Italy wasn’t initially a country that was on your list, we’re hoping that by the end of this article, it will be a place that you’ll at least consider because we’re pretty confident that they have many sites you and your children will be able to enjoy—together.

Pinocchio Park of Collodi. Just hearing the name of that park already sounds like it would be a lot of fun for children, right? The awesome thing about this particular site is that it has windy paths that lead to all kinds of statues from the Pinocchio story. Inside of the park, there is also a small amusement park, a puppet show theatre and a museum as well. (Pinocchio.it)

Lake Garda. No matter where you may be in the world, if there’s one thing that most kids are going to enjoy hanging out, it would have to be by some water. Well, if you take them to Lake Garda, they are certainly going to get plenty of that being that it is the home of the largest lake in Italy. And as a bonus, tucked inside of that area is Gardaland, the largest amusement park in Italy. (GardaLake.com)
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Travel Insurance: Is Your Family Covered?

When you’re booking a family holiday, one thing that will probably be on your to-do list is family travel insurance. After all, getting your little charges to the hotel and keeping them entertained for a week or two is only half of the story. You will also want to make sure they are safe, and that you as a family are suitably protected should the worst happen.

Happily, there are plenty of family travel insurance suppliers out there who offer suitable policies that won’t break the bank. Let’s look at Thomas Cook Extras, for instance. Their family travel insurance policies allow you to put the whole family on one policy, and choose from three different levels of cover to ensure you book the policy that suits your needs, as well as your budget. The policy can also be booked on a single or an annual basis, so you can either arrange one-off cover for a single trip or get your family covered for the whole year.
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Agritourism in Canada

You probably never heard of exciting things to do in Canada other than being mesmerized with Niagara Falls and being captivated with the beauty of its wildlife. But if you are planning to add a new twist to your adventure in Canada, then introduce yourself to Canada’s agritourism. It may be quite new to a lot of people, but in fact this term is to showcase Canada’s farm (or ranch) life to its tourists.

agritourism

The word farm may take you “aback” but this is the time to change your misconception about farms as a place that smells, a place with no internet or mobile signals and a place synonymous to boring. Agritourism has taken bigger steps to bring people into the farm or ranch and allow them to personally experience activities like feeding animals, picking fruits and learning how vegetables are grown.

Agritourism opens doors (especially to city people) to learn and educate themselves on food production, animal husbandry and farming. It does not hurt to know where your food comes from. This kind of activity makes people aware of how important agriculture is to people’s everyday living and to the country’s economic development.

These days, where everything is done fast and computerized, the laid-back ways and traditional kind of life people enjoy at the farm or ranch are often overlooked. Agritourism’s approach in letting locals and tourists experience living on the farm for days or even months, will teach them to take life easy and gently. In addition to this, children will love to see live animals that most of them see only in books and computer. They can see how jams are made and processed and they can even pick their own fruits and eat them right away.
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A Cruise Holiday is Great for Kids

Cruising isn’t just for adults. A summer holiday on board some of the world’s largest cruise liners is a great way for the whole family to be kept entertained, while visiting some of the most breathtaking destinations in the world.

pic 1Choose one of the more recent approaches to cruising, like ‘freestyle cruising’, and your whole holiday is built around the idea of fun and relaxation. From multiple swimming pools, slides and Jacuzzis to wave machines and much more, there’s plenty to keep all ages entertained. Between destinations the kids will be kept busy, so you’ll get to enjoy some well-deserved ‘me’ time.

When they’re not splashing around in the pool, there are some great kids clubs available, catering from little tots, through to early teens and beyond. So you can rest assured that the kids are in good hands and are having a great time.
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Migis Lodge in Maine

lobster dinner in Maine

Migis Lodge is a great place to visit, and a wonderful place for families.  In a quiet spot in central Maine, on the beautiful and serene Sebago lake, you and your family can enjoy a variety of activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, kayaking, sailing, or pretty much any other outdoor activity you can think up.  Want to get away from it all, while still having all the comforts of home?  Check out what Migis Lodge has to offer.

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There are a variety of cabins available, depending on how many in your party.  The cabin we stayed in had a pull out couch in the oversized living room as well as a large (very large) back bedroom with two beds.  The living room was complete with all that one could desire in a comfy, woodsy cabin, including a working fireplace and kitchenette.  With 35 cabins to choose from, all nestled in the heart of a lovely and aromatic pine forest, you and your family will have both seclusion and a sense of community here at Migis.  (Think “Dirty Dancing”, but in real life.  And without Patrick Swayze, LOL.)

maine cabins

Once you have dropped the kids off for evening activities and dinner, you can dress up and have some adult time.  Cocktail hour starts your evening of relaxation off with a menu of wines and delicious cocktails.  It is the perfect start to the evening.  I highly suggest the specialty cocktails, one made from prosecco and fresh fruit was a fresh, light drink that went well with the accompanying assortment of cheeses and fruit available. After you have moved into the beautiful dining room that boasts huge windows that open up to a view of the trees and lake, you can begin to decide on what to choose for dinner.
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Native American Dancers at Niagara Falls

native american dancersThese beautiful dancers preformed songs, played instruments, and sang songs native to their tribes as we sat enraptured.  The Nations we had the joy to watch explored their love and connection with nature via music and movement.  I have posted several videos on Vine and Instagram, I hope you follow along to see the performances for yourself, they are a rare treat.

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Avoid Being Scammed Anywhere in the World

As I’m sure you’re aware, it’s quite easy to get scammed while traveling. Some malcontents prey on tourists because of their inherent vulnerability. Whether you’re inside your home country or visiting another, scams can happen at any time in any area.

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But there are ways to avoid being scammed. In this article, we will examine how to do so…

Traveling Inside Your Own Country

When you’re traveling domestically, you tend to think that everything is going to be alright. But this is not always the case, as crime really can happen anywhere.

~Keep wallets in your front pocket and purses near you.

~Watch out for sudden bursts of commotion. This is caused by scam artists at times, who may use a public spectacle to distract people. If you leave a purse across a table or on the ground, it can easily be stolen.

~Always put things like souvenirs in the trunk of a car, rather than the backseat. While a trunk can still be broken into, it’s a far tougher task than a passenger side door. A window versus metal, you do the math. 

~Research the place you’re going, so you know what locations are safe as well as what places to avoid.

Caribbean Cruise Line scams are also quite popular among thieves these days. You might think you’re getting a free trip, or a discounted one, when in reality you are being scammed out of your hard-earned money. Some scammers even use big name cruiselines to make you think you’re getting a great deal, when in reality you’re paying for a converted ferry ride.
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