Tag: vacation

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO AS A FAMILY (before the end of February)?

Valentine’s Day has passed.  It is still cold outside. Time to move on and make plans for the remainder of February.

When my children were young, I would seek out a ‘close’ destination with an indoor water park or indoor pool. Packing enough clothes for two days and not forgetting the swimsuits was not an issue. No need for sunscreen.

We checked into our weekend ‘vacay’. Normally, I packed a cooler chest with ice, beverages and snacks. I only packed one suitcase and each child grabbed a backpack for their ‘electronic items’.

I always booked 2 queen beds (or 2 doubles).  We  took turns using the one bathroom…now that is a story I am not getting into!

We always went to l

a restaurant for our evening meal. The only requirement was ‘not’ a fast-food establishment. A sit down dinner with no electronics. Success!

These vacations are precious memories. I always had my camera ready to get that perfect shot! Oh my, the photo albums I have! When my children moved on as they became older, their photo albums went with them. Who knows if they ever have looked at them?

The ‘vacay’ weekends were planned within our budget and the time spent together as a family was priceless. Would I do this again? “In a Heartbeat”.

Ideas for the best ‘vacay’ weekend.

  • Plan ahead. Google nearby destinations and check for any weekend deals.
  • Do not bring multiple suitcases. Pack Light!
  • Bringing pillows or stuffed animals? Put a bright or colored pillowcase on the pillow…you will not leave it behind! Stuffed animals are the FIRST thing you pack before you begin the process of leaving.
  • After everyone has left the room, one adult is responsible to check the bathroom, under the sheets and under any chairs or beds. Also check any dresser drawers (normally the rule is not to open them).
  • Before you close the door, take one last look, smile and head to the car for the trip home.

Hope you enjoy a family ‘vacay’ in February!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan Ahead For Fall  –  Why not a cruise?

The month of August is coming to an end quickly. Summer vacation is over and students are heading back to the classrooms. It’s time to pick up the magazines which have been piling up on the floor and open the cover and start reading. I’m retired and I still have not found time to page through and read all the informative articles. Fall is here and it is time to get started.

Fall is my favorite season with the changing colors of leaves, the crisp mornings, less humidity and great outdoor activity time. Time to grab the camera and head out the door.

This time of the year is also vacation planning time. Have you seen the cruise deals and air deals lately? As many of you may know I am ‘addicted’ to cruising. I am gathering all my photos and have a list of cruise lines I have traveled with and will share that information in the upcoming weeks. I will be sailing away on my 15th cruise in December. (I actually cruise frequently because that is how my husband likes to travel. We don’t get lost, even with a GPS, and we only unpack once.) I have packing for a cruise down to an art form. If we drive to the port it is 2 small suitcases, 1 large case and a carry-on for my camera equipment. If we fly, it is 2 small suitcases and 2 backpacks, that’s it. No checking luggage.

 

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As of today, I have sailed on Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian and Bahama Breeze. In the coming weeks, I will be posting my cruise experiences.

Planning a cruise? Do you have questions? Sign up for my emails and ask away. I will reply shortly.

Mary Ann