vacation Archives - Serendipity Mommy

A Visual History Lesson: Top U.S Cities to Visit With Your Kids

October 5, 2017 by Mandy

Kids are very visual creatures who love learning about things they can see. You could tell your kids about a historical place or explain another culture to them, but it’s a lot more fun if they can take a look for themselves.

Culture-filled and historical cities to visit with kids

If you think we’re going to start this list with Orlando, think again. Disney theme parks are delightful, but there are certainly more historical cities to see with your kids. New Orleans, for example. Here you can start your day with fresh beignet fritters washed down with hot chocolate or cafe au lait, then spend the morning exploring above-ground graveyards. Take a two-hour paddlewheel boat trip on the mighty Mississippi and be back in The Big Easy in time for a delicious dinner of gumbo and crawfish etouffee, advise travel pros at Travelocity.

For a hands-on historical experience, few American cities compare to Washington D.C. Older kids will willingly tour must-see educational sites like the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Building, and White House if you tell them they can visit the International Spy Museum afterward. Located fewer than three miles from The Mayflower Hotel By Marriott, the Spy Museum is the place to explore the thrilling history of espionage and learn a lot about James Bond, too. Interactive spy games are available to kids 12 and older.

Be sure to save part of your D.C. day to visit the Tidal Basin with the kids. Rent a couple of foot-powered paddle boats, and race across the shallow basin to the Jefferson Memorial, suggest family travel gurus at Escape Here magazine.

Sunshine, beaches, and robot dinosaurs

Kids of all ages find plenty to learn about while having fun in San Diego. Sitting in the southwest just a few miles north of the U.S. – Mexico border, San Diego boasts beautiful beaches, inspiring scenery, and near perfect weather year ‘round. Plan to spend at least two days exploring Balboa Park. Home to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, the 1,200-acre urban cultural center comprises art galleries, playgrounds, an old-fashioned carousel, a miniature train ride, and museums galore.

Drop into the Natural History Museum to interact with animated dinosaurs, and don’t forget to catch a thrilling IMAX movie at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. For the best San Diego vacation value, buy an Explorer Multi-Day pass to gain access to park attractions for a week, recommends Parents magazine.

Disney with a dash of outer space

Big theme parks are wonderfully entertaining, but that’s not all there is to do in Orlando. Make a morning jaunt to the John F. Kennedy Space Center to learn about the history of space exploration, then spend the afternoon marveling at movies at Universal Studios.

Rev your kids engines for education as you plan your family vacation. Visit tourism websites, and invite your youngsters to help plan an itinerary that includes visits to places they want to learn about.

Packing Beauty Products For A Late Summer Vacation

August 25, 2017 by Mandy

So you’re finally going on vacation! You’ve got your tickets booked, your accommodations all squared away and you’ve arranged for a friend to come water your plants at least once while you’re gone. Now it’s time to get realistic about what beauty products you’re going to need, and, while you may have most of the things you’ll require, it’s never too late to stock up.

Traveling can pose some unique problems when it comes to beauty: you’re often out and about for most of the day; you’re often outside in the heat and sun; you’re often bagged by the time you get back to your hotel, in no mood to do a comprehensive nightly routine; and, come morning, you’re stuck with the subpar hotel shampoo and conditioner. But don’t fret – following some simple guidelines, you can pack for your late summer vacation to avoid those irksome issues.

The first problem outlined above is that you’re very often out and about, and because of this you need to ensure that your makeup lasts. Primer and Setting sprays are the shield you need to keep your makeup looking as good at 10pm as it did at 10am, and there’s really no better sprays for value than the ones made by Skindinavia. There are certainly a number of sprays on the market, but the benefits of Skindinavia sprays are that they keep the color of your makeup vibrant and they are super lightweight, meaning you won’t feel like you’re wearing primer and finishing spray all day.

The next issue mentioned was that you’re out in the heat and sun all day (barring those days you decide to be cultured and spend the day in a museum). For this – it should come as no surprise – you need sunscreen. But why bring just your average drugstore sunscreen when you could bring one that does a double duty – why not try a moisturizing sunscreen?The Ultra Repair Pure Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer by First Aid Beauty is a two-in-one product that also has a very light feel, meaning you can skip packing two bulky bottles of sunscreen and moisturizer and just pack one sleek bottle that excels at both jobs.

When the day is done and you’re back at the hotel, you don’t want to fuss over your nightly routine, so it’s best to pack a product that will remove your makeup and hydrate your skin. The Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil from Caudalie is a bona fide multi-tasking machine, removing the most stubborn eye makeups while cleansing and refreshing your skin, getting you to bed sooner so you can get your full eight hours.

And then you wake up and saunter over to the shower. Don’t trust those free bottles of hotel shampoo and conditioner, as they’re very often full of chemicals and other cheap materials that can damage your hair. It’s better, before you leave, to fill a small travel bottle with your favourite shampoo, and bring along a dry shampoo just in case (sometimes you don’t have time for a shower – it happens!).

Now that you’ve got all your beauty products out of the way, all you have left to do is dream about what you’re going to eat and drink – can a person survive on wine and ice cream for two weeks? Bon voyage!

Choosing the Right Accommodation for Your Ski Vacation

August 21, 2017 by Mandy

When it comes to a ski vacation, your main focus should be on riding the slopes, wearing the right gear to stay warm and socializing with your family/friends. However, another important facet about any vacation is the accommodation you decide to go with. If you don’t choose well, the accommodation could end up spoiling your entire trip.

As far as choosing a place to stay, it is decided by numerous aspects – most notably budget, availability and services provided. The following choices will have all of those covered in various ways, and it is up to you to decide which accommodation is right for your ski vacation.

All the bells and whistles – a luxury hotel

If you want to go all-out and select an accommodation that covers everything for you, then a luxury hotel might be your best bet. Large and contemporary rooms, on-demand service, on-site dining, recreational amenities – these are the types of features you will usually find with a luxury hotel. Keep in mind that various hotels will also be affiliated with the resort that you visit, which could provide additional perks.

While this might sound perfect right now, going with this option does sadly have its drawbacks. Not only will the price be much higher than other accommodation choices available, but the atmosphere is not one for socializing with other guests. Typically, you keep to yourself and the family/friends you traveled with.

Also note that you will often find standard hotels and chalets nearby to any resorts, although they will come with fewer benefits on the whole (while possibly retaining a high price).

A place with character – B&B

So you want to receive friendly and helpful service, but also want to avoid the somewhat impersonal nature of staying at a hotel? Well going with a B&B would be a suitable option. Assuming you have a friendly and welcoming host/s, the B&B will have a warm atmosphere that is ideal after a day of rolling around in the snow.

Regarding disadvantages, a B&B will generally be restricted in terms of features – both in-room and publicly. Plus just like the aforementioned hotel, they are not the best for a party-like atmosphere.

The best for families – a self-catering house/condo

It might not come with direct service at times, but the self-catering option is becoming more and more popular with travelers of all kinds. It is perfect for families as it not only delivers plenty of space to move around, but it also gives you those home perks – including a well-appointed kitchen and living area. If you were staying in Snowmass, Colorado, for instance, Snowmass Vacations offers a large selection of homes and condos to suit all needs.

On a tight budget – hostels

If you’ve spent all your money on skiing gear, you will be searching for the cheapest accommodation available. That would be a hostel, which delivers a cheap bed for the night while also often combining a friendly and energetic atmosphere that’s great for meeting other travelers.

The negatives are the lack of privacy and the possibility of comfort levels being hampered. Regarding comfort, that doesn’t mean just the noise of others – it could also mean the general maintenance of the hostel. For example, the last thing you want is a malfunctioning heater when snowfall surrounds the property!

How to Stay Energized While on Vacation

August 17, 2017 by Mandy

Not every vacation is meant to be relaxing, filled with lazy days lounging by the pool and slipping in and out of naps. For many travelers, the best vacations are the ones that require them to get up, get moving, and explore the destination. Whether it be through sightseeing or taking part in sports and activities, a “vacation” may, in fact, end up being busier than your day to day life.

How can you, though, find the energy needed to keep up with busy vacations? Here are some tips that are meant to help you stay energized for the whole trip.

Pack Accordingly

One of the best ways to stay energized while on vacation is to be dressed in comfortable clothing and footwear. If you’re feeling comfortable, and your feet aren’t hurting, there is a much higher chance that you’ll be able to keep going for much longer. The appropriate clothing and footwear also makes it possible to take part in more activities and adventures such as hiking, biking and exploring.

Pick Accommodations with Comfortable Amenities

Comfortable amenities in your accommodation can also go a long way to ensuring you have a restful sleep, and can relax and unwind. Amenities such as an on-site pool, hot tub, and spa are ideal. If these amenities aren’t on-site, at least look for properties that are within walking distance to these services.

The various accommodations available through https://www.tremblantsunstar.com are an excellent example of luxurious properties that feature a range of on-site or nearby amenities. Located in Mont Tremblant, you will be close to all kinds of outdoor recreational activities, as well as shopping and dining, which means you need to keep your energy up.

Make Smart Food and Beverage Choices

While on vacation, it’s easy to be lured in by those tasty sweets, salty snacks, and large indulgent meals. While there’s nothing wrong with giving in to the temptation now and then, the focus should be on smart food and drink choices.

These smart choices can include cutting out late night snacks, so you will sleep better, eating light meals or snacks every couple of hours rather than binge eating, getting a small boost of chocolate when you’re feeling low on energy and in a bad mood, and cutting back on sugar. Don’t forget to also consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, and high-protein, low-fat meat such as chicken and fish.

If you are heading out for a hike, walk, or sightseeing tour, be sure to pack water and high-protein snacks so your energy won’t start to dip.

Vacations can sometimes mean an increase in the amount of alcohol you drink too. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a drink here and there, you want to be sure you don’t get to the point where you have a hangover the next day.

Good to Go

By following these tips, you’ll discover all kinds of pockets of energy that you didn’t even know you had, allowing you to make the best of your holidays.

Top facts for a few days in Florence

August 17, 2017 by Mandy

Florence is described as an ‘open air museum.’ Go to this historic Italian city and it won’t take long before you realise why. The buildings, arts scene, culture and food of course – this place has got it all. It’s no wonder it attracts thousands of tourists every year. UNESCO has recognised Florence as a World Heritage Site for its beauty. So, if you’re heading to Tuscany, make sure you drop in for a look around. Here’s some top facts to help you make the most of it.

The Duomo

When you’re kicking off your sightseeing in Florence, your best bet is to head for the religious and historical centre – that’s the area of the Piazza del Duomo. As you head there through the streets, take a bit of time to really look around you. The buildings and marble, the churches, it’s all a symbol of how great this city’s past has been.

When you’re in the Piazza, you’ll see the striking Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore. It’s oozing with art and is crowned with an awe-inspiring dome. Nearby is the St John’s Baptistery, or the Battistero di San Giovanni as it’s known locally. It sits facing Giotto’s Bell Tower, described as a masterpiece of Florentine Gothic architecture. Take some time in this very grand looking area, there’s lots to see and admire, and you’ll learn about Florence.

If you’ve got time, head into the Museo dell’Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore – it’s got a collection of artwork, which once sat inside the Cathedral, Baptistery and Bell Tower.

Ponte Vecchio

No visit to Florence is complete without a look at the Ponte Vecchio, home to historic goldsmith shops. It leads on to the Oltrarno Quarter, where you can find some masterpieces if you’re keen to check out the arts scene here. The Church of Santa Felicita, for example, has got a number of Pontormo frescoes.

Also check out the Palazzo Guadagni and the Santo Spirito Basilica – both worth a look. And just a bit further on, you’ll stumble across the Palazzo Pitti, a stunning palace with the Boboli Gardens.

Fall in love with food

If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Florence. There are loads of places to eat and drink in the city and menus are mainly based on simple ingredients.

You’ll find lots of bread, olive oil and vegetables going into the dishes. For a starter, try out some cured meats. Of course, there’s a huge choice of pasta dishes. And, if you’re a meat lover, why not sink your teeth into a Florentine steak! It’s grilled before being finished off with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Got your taste buds in a frenzy? A good way to get a real taste of the city is to take a local Florence food tour.

Go art crazy

If you’re keen to absorb some more of Florence’s amazing art history, then hunt out the Uffizi Gallery. It’s home to one of the world’s most important museums. Inside, it’s a treasure trove for art lovers – with works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli, along with other greats in history.

Be sure to see the Vasari Corridor, which hooks up the Gallery with the Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti.