An easy day trip -Ogunquit is beautiful in the summer
Summer 2021 is just flying by. With COVID still here, the weather not so great and with kids work schedule – all combined makes for a…..not the best time to travel. We still got a few day trips in and we still have a couple weeks left for beach trips and fun, local dinners and spending time together before the start of the school year. Of course my annual cape cod trip was an adventure and for the second year in a row it was a July 4th family style celebration in South Yarmouth. Any exciting last minute summer plans?
I cannot believe it is the end of January. With our holiday trip over and having just come back from Miami I am craving warm weather. I have never been to Miami in January and it was 80 degrees every day which was so nice. It looks like we will have a staycation this February school vacation week. Well, maybe we will plan a night or two away. April school vacation week is the same as sports will occupy most of that week as well as drivers ed! Wow…how did that happen? Anyway our goal is to travel more this year…..yes, I say that every year but it is a good goal to strive for right? On my list of course is London, Paris and Italy but also South Carolina, California and maybe Bermuda too. As for the staycations for school vacation week we love our day trips to Boston and Maine and NYC is a quick overnight so think about those locations if you are planning a staycation. Enjoy this lovely cold weather we are having and dream about spring temperatures!
Scenes from the beach in Miami
View from the Delano spa
Pool time at the Delano Hotel Miami
Even when it’s cloudy in Miami we are still at the beach
I cannot believe it is the end of January. With our holiday trip over and having just come back from Miami I am craving warm weather. I have never been to Miami in January and it was 80 degrees every day which was so nice. It looks like we will have a staycation this February school vacation week. Well, maybe we will plan a night or two away. April school vacation week is the same as sports will occupy most of that week as well as drivers ed! Wow…how did that happen? Anyway our goal is to travel more this year…..yes, I say that every year but it is a good goal to strive for right? On my list of course is London, Paris and Italy but also South Carolina, California and maybe Bermuda too. As for the staycations for school vacation week we love our day trips to Boston and Maine and NYC is a quick overnight so think about those locations if you are planning a staycation. Enjoy this lovely cold weather we are having and dream about spring temperatures!
Scenes from the beach in Miami
View from the Delano spa
Pool time at the Delano Hotel Miami
Even when it’s cloudy in Miami we are still at the beach
This year I was prepared and got everything ready for Christmas the weekend before so we could travel to Canada for a quick get-a-way. Our destination was the lovely Quebec City and what a beautiful, magical city. The Fairmont Frontenac offered me a discount to stay at their hotel and of course I said yes. This magical castle located on Cap Diamant overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River is the place to stay.
It is a castle and it is magnificent! The lobby was decorated for the holiday season and had about 20 Christmas trees all decorated I believe from local companies. A cute dog greets you when you check in. The hotel is very dog friendly and you can pay a bit extra to have your pup stay with you. Daphnie is their St. Pierre breed (a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and Lanernese) and the story is she was trained to be a guide dog by the Mira Foundation. But because of her amazing social skills she is now the Canine Ambassador at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac!
In addition to exploring the grounds of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac we ventured out to the Quartier Petit-Champlain. This area right below the hotel with adorable shops and restaurants is a must to visit. With the holiday lights and Christmas trees with snow it was like being in a snow globe! We were also able to experience the German Christmas Market. Beautiful decorations, tasty treats, choral singers – all around a magical time! The toboggan slide at the Frontenac is a must ride! It is open Mid-December to March and what a rush and fantastic views of the Frontenac and the River. I read that it can be as fast as 40 miles an hour! This is one activity that you have to experience! In addition, we took a ride and went dog sledding! This was the best experience. We went to Aventures nord-Bec Stoneham. The whole experience was a dream! First you learn how to maneuver the sled (yourself!) Then a guide takes you on a ride in the forest with your dogs. Each sled is for two people so you get a chance to ride and then steer the sled – it was a magical experience. We also got a chance to visit with the puppies after. They also served hot chocolate and cookies to us. This activity is a must if you go in the winter to Quebec. We also went ice skating too – there are a few places to go and here is a link. I do believe we stopped at this place – the Plains of Abraham. There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy in Quebec in the winter.
I would highly recommend a winter trip to Quebec and to stay at the Fairmont Frontenac! We loved it!
Disclosure: The Frontenac offered me a discount on the room and complementary breakfast. As always all opinions in this blog post are my own.
Me driving the sled during our dog sledding adventure
This year I was prepared and got everything ready for Christmas the weekend before so we could travel to Canada for a quick get-a-way. Our destination was the lovely Quebec City and what a beautiful, magical city. The Fairmont Frontenac offered me a discount to stay at their hotel and of course I said yes. This magical castle located on Cap Diamant overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River is the place to stay.
It is a castle and it is magnificent! The lobby was decorated for the holiday season and had about 20 Christmas trees all decorated I believe from local companies. A cute dog greets you when you check in. The hotel is very dog friendly and you can pay a bit extra to have your pup stay with you. Daphnie is their St. Pierre breed (a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and Lanernese) and the story is she was trained to be a guide dog by the Mira Foundation. But because of her amazing social skills she is now the Canine Ambassador at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac!
In addition to exploring the grounds of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac we ventured out to the Quartier Petit-Champlain. This area right below the hotel with adorable shops and restaurants is a must to visit. With the holiday lights and Christmas trees with snow it was like being in a snow globe! We were also able to experience the German Christmas Market. Beautiful decorations, tasty treats, choral singers – all around a magical time! The toboggan slide at the Frontenac is a must ride! It is open Mid-December to March and what a rush and fantastic views of the Frontenac and the River. I read that it can be as fast as 40 miles an hour! This is one activity that you have to experience! In addition, we took a ride and went dog sledding! This was the best experience. We went to Aventures nord-Bec Stoneham. The whole experience was a dream! First you learn how to maneuver the sled (yourself!) Then a guide takes you on a ride in the forest with your dogs. Each sled is for two people so you get a chance to ride and then steer the sled – it was a magical experience. We also got a chance to visit with the puppies after. They also served hot chocolate and cookies to us. This activity is a must if you go in the winter to Quebec. We also went ice skating too – there are a few places to go and here is a link. I do believe we stopped at this place – the Plains of Abraham. There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy in Quebec in the winter.
I would highly recommend a winter trip to Quebec and to stay at the Fairmont Frontenac! We loved it!
Disclosure: The Frontenac offered me a discount on the room and complementary breakfast. As always all opinions in this blog post are my own.
Me driving the sled during our dog sledding adventure
Well this summer flew by so fast. Anyone else think so? Swim and Dive season, Beach days, my daughter’s senior trip and of course now running around trying to get everything in order for her move to college. How did that happen???
Earlier in the summer it was all things summer swim and dive season. Then onto travel. Summer is so packed and we usually do multiple trips in the summer. This year was the big senior trip for my daughter and her friends. If you haven’t heard the story we were booked to Punta Cana. Well, with everything going on there we just didn’t feel comfortable going so we rebooked to Aruba. SO GLAD WE DID. If you haven’t been you must go. We chose an all-inclusive and I would do this again. Aruba is known for its great food but we had kids with us so this was the best option and it was great. Food was really good and no worries about the dining bill! We did venture out with ATVs and went to the natural pool and baby beach. One interesting stop was the fish pedicure. It was different and weird but I loved it.
This was such a memorable trip. We were relaxed and felt safe in Aruba. Lots to do – with shopping and gambling lol. There was even entertainment at our hotel pool which everyone loved. We stayed at the Barcelo and would recommend it. We can’t wait to go back!
Here are my two favorite scenes from the trip – the pool photo and the beach view from the trip we took out to the middle of the ocean to the Tarzan boat. There was this place in the middle of the ocean that had rope swings, trampolines and high dives. Yes, I did go off the high dive. It was amazing but sometimes you have to remind yourself you are not 20 anymore, but I will always try new things!
Aruba – senior trip for my girl – love this island
Well this summer flew by so fast. Anyone else think so? Swim and Dive season, Beach days, my daughter’s senior trip and of course now running around trying to get everything in order for her move to college. How did that happen???
Earlier in the summer it was all things summer swim and dive season. Then onto travel. Summer is so packed and we usually do multiple trips in the summer. This year was the big senior trip for my daughter and her friends. If you haven’t heard the story we were booked to Punta Cana. Well, with everything going on there we just didn’t feel comfortable going so we rebooked to Aruba. SO GLAD WE DID. If you haven’t been you must go. We chose an all-inclusive and I would do this again. Aruba is known for its great food but we had kids with us so this was the best option and it was great. Food was really good and no worries about the dining bill! We did venture out with ATVs and went to the natural pool and baby beach. One interesting stop was the fish pedicure. It was different and weird but I loved it.
This was such a memorable trip. We were relaxed and felt safe in Aruba. Lots to do – with shopping and gambling lol. There was even entertainment at our hotel pool which everyone loved. We stayed at the Barcelo and would recommend it. We can’t wait to go back!
Here are my two favorite scenes from the trip – the pool photo and the beach view from the trip we took out to the middle of the ocean to the Tarzan boat. There was this place in the middle of the ocean that had rope swings, trampolines and high dives. Yes, I did go off the high dive. It was amazing but sometimes you have to remind yourself you are not 20 anymore, but I will always try new things!
Aruba – senior trip for my girl – love this island
Well this summer flew by so fast. Anyone else think so? Swim and Dive season, Beach days, my daughter’s senior trip and of course now running around trying to get everything in order for her move to college. How did that happen???
Earlier in the summer it was all things summer swim and dive season. Then onto travel. Summer is so packed and we usually do multiple trips in the summer. This year was the big senior trip for my daughter and her friends. If you haven’t heard the story we were booked to Punta Cana. Well, with everything going on there we just didn’t feel comfortable going so we rebooked to Aruba. SO GLAD WE DID. If you haven’t been you must go. We chose an all-inclusive and I would do this again. Aruba is known for its great food but we had kids with us so this was the best option and it was great. Food was really good and no worries about the dining bill! We did venture out with ATVs and went to the natural pool and baby beach. One interesting stop was the fish pedicure. It was different and weird but I loved it.
This was such a memorable trip. We were relaxed and felt safe in Aruba. Lots to do – with shopping and gambling lol. There was even entertainment at our hotel pool which everyone loved. We stayed at the Barcelo and would recommend it. We can’t wait to go back!
Here are my two favorite scenes from the trip – the pool photo and the beach view from the trip we took out to the middle of the ocean to the Tarzan boat. There was this place in the middle of the ocean that had rope swings, trampolines and high dives. Yes, I did go off the high dive. It was amazing but sometimes you have to remind yourself you are not 20 anymore, but I will always try new things!
Aruba – senior trip for my girl – love this island
Happy 2018! January is well underway and it is a new year! I hate to say the word resolutions….I like New Year’s Goals better! What are your goals for the new year? How do you achieve them? I do like to write them down in a travel journal. I also loved the last time I was at lululemon they posted the employees vision and goals worksheet. It is just one of the many sheets that to help you visualize and plan out your goals. Last year my goal was to travel more and this year my goal is to travel monthly. I don’t mean get on a plane each month, but I do mean travel – day trips, new experiences, spending time with family and friends. Whether it’s that girls’ weekend you have been planning or a birthday celebration…just do it! We love our trips into Boston, the beach, skiing, visits with friends, the beach, the beach….Did I mention the beach? Anytime my toes are in the sand, the waves are crashing and my kids are taking selfies (lol) or just spending time together traveling is worth it. Happy 2018 and here’s to a year of good travel and health and happiness!
Christmas is almost here! Are you ready? Any travel plans in the near future? Whether you are traveling near or far to visit family or spend time with friends on a vacation it can be stressful traveling during the holiday season. We just got back from the Bahamas as we were lucky enough to head there for my daughter’s gymnastics meet. There were lots of kids from all over the world and a great opportunity for all the girls at our gym. It was such a fun experience. I like how it was the week before Christmas although we did need to take the girls out of school for a few days but it was a great opportunity! Sun and warmth when it was in the teens and 2os for temperatures in Boston was a welcome relief. We got to enjoy beach activities, all the slides at Atlantis and quality family time. It was THE BEST trip. Next time we go to Atlantis I will plan ahead a bit more and bring snacks for sure as the food can be a bit pricy. Speaking of planning if you are traveling before or during the holidays here are a few tips!
1. Plan ahead – I did all my holiday shopping and wrapped the presents before I left. So right now I am relaxing and watching holiday movies! If you are headed someplace for the holiday think about sending your packages ahead of time.
2. Use the plane or car ride for lists, planning and any last minute work – My girls had to do some school work and homework and I suggested they do it on the plane so they could enjoy the time on the beach. I got some work done as well – use the transition time to your destination wisely.
3. Limit technology if you can – It was nice to do activities without being glued to our phones. That and the Wi-Fi was spotty in places so it was forced family fun lol – no, but seriously I tried to take some photos, relax, and check the phone at night before bed. The kids were really good at taking breaks with their phones. Plus the slides at Atlantis are just crazy fun so no phones allowed! See video below.
Here are some photos from our Atlantis get-a-way.
A fun Atlantis Bahamas trip the week before Christmas!
My gymnast at Atlantis Bahamas – at the Atlantis Crown Gymnastics Invitational
So glad last year we got a Go Pro. It is amazing to take action photos!
Go Pro action photo while parasailing at Atlantis Bahamas
