7 Things To Remember When Planning a Road Trip

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It’s not so easy to jump on a plane these days since the rise of COVID-19. Many people are reluctant to step foot on a plane, but driving has become the new favorite means to travel lately. If you’re planning on taking the family away for a well-deserved break away from home, or perhaps you’re planning a solo road trip, you might be wondering how you can make it go as smoothly as possible - especially if you’ve never driven like this before. Check out these things to remember when planning a road trip so you don’t accidentally forget anything important!

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Where Will You Go (After Quarantine)?

About two weeks before our governor ordered us into quarantine, we had considered making last minute plans to go away for a short spring break trip. Usually we gift the girls a trip as part of their Christmas present, but we didn't do that last Christmas. With Emma graduating from high school and Harper from middle school, we had planned to use some of the spring break trip funds on graduation parties and gifts. But when airfares and hotel rates dropped drastically, we had second thoughts. Until I really thought about it. I knew it wasn't happening. I knew travel would be halted and we'd be at home. This week is the kids' spring break, and a little part of me feels like we are missing out on a trip even though we had nothing planned.

But it has gotten me thinking about travel plans when the bans are lifted and we can start getting out and about again. I've been thinking a lot about our spring break trip to California last year and wishing we were going again this year. The picture above was taken at the Santa Monica pier. It's been fun to browse Pinterest looking at all the travel pics and dream a little about exotic locales.

Where will you go when we can travel again?

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5 Fab Finds Under $50: Weekend Bags

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The holidays are coming, and for many of us, that means weekend trips to visit and spread holiday cheer to family and friends. When you're traveling for a few days, a suitcase isn't always a practical option.  They tend to be cumbersome and take up unnecessary space in the car (or train or plane). In this case, it's best to pack your belongings in a weekend bag. Weekend bags offer plenty of space for toiletries and several changes of clothes that you'll use and wear over the course of a few days. Plus, there are so many cute styles and prints that blow any suitcase away.

Here are a few of my favorite weekend bags under $50:

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5 Fab Finds Under $50: Travel Edition

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Tomorrow we push off for a week in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Since we drive to Rehoboth each year, I always have a tendency to overpack. I load up the car with anything I think I might possibly use (but never do 🤦🏼‍♀️). This year I am employing a different packing strategy and packing only what we absolutely need.

In today's Fab Finds I wanted to share a few of the inexpensive packing/travel essentials that helped me achieve my packing goal.

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Our Itinerary For San Diego

This trip has seemed so far away for so long, and now it's here. By the time this post is published, we'll be on a plane on our way to California. While it's hardly my or my husband's first time in California, it is the first trip for Emma and Harper. So, we've been focused on planning things that are quintessentially southern California. I tend to over-plan vacations...like down to the minute. And because this one is a short one (4 days), we are trying to pack a lot in. But I'm trying to be more laid back and flexible on this trip and plan out a few things to do without being too structured and detailed. I created a Pinterest board for San Diego, and it's been a fantastic source of ideas and places to visit.

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Tips For Booking A Spring Break Trip (And Why You Need To Get Away)

Once the excitement of the holidays ends, and the thick of winter sets in, it's easy to get stuck in a funk. With little to no signs of spring, it's hard to imagine that warmer weather and happier days will ever be a reality again. When cold weather, short days, and gray skies are the norm, it's essential to have something big to look forward to.

There's a reason spring break exists. It falls at the time of year when there are no national holidays where you get a break from work or school. The winter weather has long run its course, and the spring weather hasn't quite touched down yet. Do you need a better excuse to get away?

For the past few years, as part of their Christmas present, my husband and I have been gifting our daughters a spring break trip. Two years ago, we went to Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. Last year's trip was parlayed into a trip to Salt Lake City, Utah for my nephew's wedding. This year, we are heading to San Diego, California. A trip somewhere warm gives all of us something to look forward to when we are in the doldrums of winter.

A spring break trip takes some careful budgeting and planning to pull off. Here's how we do it and how you can too.

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5 Things To Know When Traveling with an Infant

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The holidays are upon us, and for many families, travel is in the plans to celebrate the holidays with family. A new baby suddenly makes traveling a whole lot more overwhelming for a parent. At such times, it may sound more appealing to stick close to home. But don’t worry. Traveling with an infant doesn't have to be a nightmare. By keeping these 5 things in mind, you can make the whole experience easier and fun.

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What's In My Carry-On Bag

On Wednesday we leave for a 9-day vacation in southwest Florida. I pay as much attention to packing my carry-on bag as I do my suitcase. Making sure I have everything that's essential to a comfortable flight is a must regardless of whether the flight is 6 hours or 60 minutes. I always carry a big bag that I can carry on my shoulder. These types of bags are more convenient and put less strain on my lower back.

These are the go-to items in my carry-on bag:

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Our Trip To Utah

When I found out that my nephew and his fiancée were planning to get married in Utah, I was super excited. I had never been there before, and I'm always game for traveling to a new destination. I didn't have a whole lot of expectations going in to the trip. I knew we'd be busy with wedding activities, so I wasn't sure how much time we'd have to explore beyond that and what we'd be able to see.

Since I'm not a skier, I probably would never have visited the Alta area of Utah, but I am soooo glad this wedding took me there. It is absolutely breathtakingly gorgeous (as is Salt Lake City) and there is so much to do even in the summer months. We flew out to SLC last Thursday and returned home late Sunday on a red eye flight. Although we were only in town for a few days, we did manage to squeeze in enough to give us a feel for the local flavor.

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7 Tips For A Terrific Family Road Trip

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Summer has well and truly arrived and it’s something special for families. School is out and the time that the children get over the long school vacation is perfect for being able to spend time together as a family. It doesn’t matter how old your kids are, everyone loves to go on vacation. The best part about the summer break is the fact it’s so long and the weather is beautiful; it makes packing in activities with the kids far easier!

You get to spend time putting together an fun and adventurous itinerary. Road trip planning doesn’t happen overnight. You have to figure out what you can afford, where you want to go, who is sitting where in the car, whether to hire a recreation vehicle to go alongside your trip or not. You also need to sit down with the kids and give them a chance to discuss what they would like to do and see on your trip. There are so many routes that you can take across the States for your road trip and it can truly be an educational experience for your children if you are seeing more than one historical site, landmark and even the beaches and theme parks for a little downtime.

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Why Traveling In Luxury Matters

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I've traveled on a tight budget (a post-college trip to Europe), and I've traveled in luxury (a vacation at a five star oceanfront resort). There is a difference. Too often we look for bargain vacations, and this is perfectly understandable if you are on a strict budget. However, if you have the means or at least the time to save up to splurge, heading on an unforgettable adventure in luxury could be one of the best ways to treat yourself. After all, one of the best things you can do with your money is invest in experiences. Memorable experiences will never leave you, and indulgent vacations are always memorable.

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Tips To Help Ease Anxiety Over Flying

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As a species, humans were not created to be in the air. We were not blessed with sleek wings that help us to soar through the open skies, and yet we get on a giant metal airplane at any opportunity to go and seek adventures around the world. If you think about it too much, you can really freak yourself out by what you are doing. A giant, heavy metal bird is taking off at huge speed to carry you and three hundred other people to your holiday destination of choice. All of that happens with weight limits on luggage and you’re supposed to feel calm and good about it.

Technology may have raced ahead to make air travel as comprehensive as it is today, but 25% of Americans currently have a fear of flying. Being in cramped cabins, thousands of miles in the air with no control over the airplane can invite feelings of panic. It’s normal to be afraid and experience anxiety when flying. However, no one wants to be rooted to the spot.

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Captiva and Naples Recap

I wanted to do a little recap of our trip to Florida last month. I love our annual trip to Captiva, and over the past few years we've built on to the beginning of it and expanded on the tail end of it. This trip happens at just the right time, when the chill begins to set in here in the northeast and you're in need of sun and warm breezes.

This year we spent our first night away at a hotel near the Philadelphia airport since we were flying out the next morning. Then we spent two nights in Fort Myers before we headed to Captiva for a week, which was followed by a weekend in Naples. All in it was a fantastic trip. It was our first time in Naples, and we were blown away by how beautiful it is there.

As I sat down to get some pictures off my phone, I realized that I didn't take very many. I'm definitely not mad about that because it means I was focusing on being in the moment, but unfortunately, I have only a select few to share here.

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The Importance of Unplugging During A Vacation

I know it's a bit of an oxymoron since I am writing this post as I am on vacation. However, stay with me and hear me out.

Two weeks ago as I was preparing for a two-week vacation in Florida, I was completely overwhelmed. I had so much work to do for clients in preparation of my vacation that I had little to no time to prepare posts for my own blog. I felt guilty that I couldn't get my act together enough to write even a single post and schedule it to go live while I was away. Not one post.

I resigned myself to accepting that I did everything I needed to do for clients before my vacation began and nothing for my own blog. But I still felt guilty. I have NEVER gone on vacation and ignored my personal blog. I have either pre-written posts or I have written them while away when I had a few free moments. But this time it's been different.

I've used this vacation as a chance to unplug and stay in the moment. Since I know I don't do either of those things well when I am at home, I made every effort to do them well while I was away. That's not to say I haven't posted on Instagram, Instagram Stories, and Snapchat. I mean, I can't lose all contact with the social world, right?

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Add Tucson To Your Travel Bucket List

Last year when we were discussing destinations for a spring break family trip, the Hubs suggested Tucson, Arizona. Hmmm. When I think of spring break, I think of lounging on a quiet beach, sipping tropical cocktails garnished with colorful paper umbrellas, and frolicking in crystal blue oceans. Not exactly the mental picture you get when you think of Tucson. But when it comes to travel, I am game for anything, especially when exploring a city I've never before visited. We booked our flights and hotel and happily counted the days until our trip to the desert.

When we first arrived (btw, we visited at the end of April, which was an ideal time weather-wise), I was overwhelmed by how beautiful the mountains are. They are majestic and breathtaking.

Our hotel was located at the foothills of the Catalina Mountains, and the views were nothing short of stunning. Our balcony overlooked a golf course and faced west, so we had stunning views of the setting sun each evening as well as the city lights of Tucson at night.

I was worried that we'd be at a loss for things to do in Tucson, but I was completely wrong about that. On our first day, we had a full day planned at the Sonora Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park, so we needed a hearty breakfast. My nephew (who attended University of Arizona) recommended Bobo's. When we pulled up to the restaurant, it reminded me of a place you'd see on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. If you like pancakes, this is the place to get them. They are enormous and incredibly delicious. 

The Sonora Desert Museum is the place to go if you want to get a glimpse of the local landscape. The museum is a world-renowned zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum, and it just happened to be the perfect place to become educated on all things plants and animals that are native to the Tucson area.

We saw this majestic mountain lion at the museum, just peeking out long enough for me to snap a picture. We also caught a quick glimpse of a roadrunner before it swiftly ran off.

I thought we'd end up spending most of our time at the hotel pool, but Tucson offers so many outdoor activities from hiking in the mountains to exploring downtown Tucson and the area surrounding the University of Arizona.

My favorite activity was hiking in Saguaro National Park. The sweeping views of the mountains and the cactii were spectacular.

Whether you want to relax and unplug for a few days or be active, Tucson offers it all. After exploring all morning, we were only too happy to return to our resort to spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool.

One thing I always make a point of doing while on vacation is experiencing the local food culture. Whether it's deep dish pizza in Chicago, tacos in San Diego, or bagels in New York City, sampling the foods that are native to an area is always a travel priority.

As soon as we booked our trip to Tucson, I knew I wanted to get a good taste of the local food scene. I knew Mexican/Southwestern food and fresh margaritas would be at the top of my list, but what surprised me was all the other good food we ate along the way.

Are you ready to start planning your trip to Tucson? Check out visittucson.org to start planning your trip to Tucson today and to get ideas for what to do, where to stay and eat, and how to make the most of your time in this dynamic city.

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How To Vacation Without Losing Your Style

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There are few times in life most of us look forward to more than vacationing. Having the chance to kick back and relax, ideally in a beautiful location, can often be exactly what you need to recharge and unwind. As I prepare for a week away in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware with my sisters and our families, I'm obsessing over what I'll wear and how to pack for the trip.

On top of all the many other considerations you need to think about when you go on vacation, you also want to make sure that you are looking your best. But this can be challenging for anyone. It’s not the kind of thing that often comes easy. I tend to overdress while on vacation. It's just how I am. I've never been one to do super casual very well and certainly not while on vacation. 

Here are some unmissable tips I follow to help me retain my sense of style while on vacation.

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Fun and Frugal Tips for a Summer Staycation

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Summer holidays when we were kids were the best. The mere fact that it was summer seemed to be enough to make it a great time. But as you get older and the children get older, they expect more from their summer vacations. They want memories and experiences that exceed their expectations. But how do you accomplish that?

These days the fear of a terrorist attack has put a damper on traveling abroad and sometimes even traveling domestically. Staying close to home for summer vacation, no matter the reason, doesn’t have to be a dread. With the right planning, a staycation can be full of fun and new discoveries.

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The Trick to Having a Memorable Vacation

Vacations can provide memories that remain with us for our entire lives. Years later you can find yourself discussing a particular vacation memory that is cherished by everyone who was there. Whether your vacations are frequent or few and far between, you want them to be memorable.

A trick I use time and time again for creating a memorable vacation is to try something different. It can be eating at a new-to-you restaurant, going to a different beach, or trying a new activity such as boating or hiking.

Every summer my sisters and I and our respective families spend a week in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It's where we grew up vacationing, and since August 2007, we've been sharing our love for Rehoboth with our families.

Two years ago we decided to do something we haven't done in all the years we've been visiting Rehoboth; we rented a boat for the day. It had been something that everyone in the group wanted to do, so it made our decision that much easier. We called a local boat rental company and booked a self-guided excursion for a day.

You can find an extensive list of boat rentals and applicable information through Discovery Boating. There is rental and ownership information as well as a boat selector tool to help you determine the right boat for your needs, lifestyle, and budget.

We finally decided upon a pontoon boat. We needed a boat that was roomy enough to fit at least 9 people, and we wanted the option of being able to swim off the boat. Renting a boat turned out to be the best decision of our vacation. We had the BEST time! Not surprising, we've been doing it every year since that first boating adventure.

The girls loved having a chance to sit in the driver's seat. And the rest of us loved the gorgeous views along the inlet.

Although I don't do it often enough, going out on the boat is one of my favorite water activities. We had a party of 9 people, and there truly was something for everyone to enjoy. Fishing, swimming, relaxing and sunbathing, and nature-watching. There's always something new to discover when boating.

Obviously, my favorite activity is swimming. I love the freedom of jumping off the side of the boat and splashing into the cool water.

For more information on how you can get started on your very own boating adventure, click HERE. Discover Boating can guide you in the right direction before deciding whether to buy or rent a boat and help you find the most reputable retailer.

Be sure to check out more vital boating resources at Discover Boating today!

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How To Have a Stress-Free First Family Vacation

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When you’re a new mom, the first family vacation with your new baby can feel like a pretty daunting experience. It can be easy to see why many people don’t choose to do one for quite a while. Our first big trip with Emma came when she was six months old. We went to Captiva, Florida to spend a week at our timeshare. To say I was anxious about traveling with her on an airplane is an understatement. I didn't know what to expect from her. Would she be insufferable on the airplane for three hours or would she sleep like a, well, baby?

You want to feel confident and happy and reduce stress as much as you can when you travel. Isnt' that what a vacation is all about? When planned well, you can have a good family vacation and get a break from your normal routine (which can be very welcomed as a new parent). Here are a few tips I've employed over the years when traveling with my children:

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Tips For Planning A Road Trip To Remember

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With summer, sun, and fun well on its way, many of us are thinking about our summer holiday. Of course, the holidays we choose vary. Some people opt to stay close to home, while others jet to far off destinations. Some of us soak up the sun and read a book by the sea, while others travel to experience culture and history. It’s important to shake things up now and again. And, what’s better for shaking up your holiday routine than heading off on a road trip?

Everyone should experience at least one road trip in their lives. And day trips don’t count. A road trip vacation will be different from anything you’ve experienced before. It’s the perfect way to breathe new life into your summer. If you’re the type of person who likes to spend holidays reading and soaking up the sun, a road trip could take some getting used to. There won’t be much time for either of those. But, you may find that getting away can be about more than just relaxing. In fact, a road trip could change the way you view your vacations forever. You’ll be able to experience amazing sights that change each day. Plus, you’ll get the exhilarating feeling of being involved in every aspect of your time away.

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