Fly me to the moon, or maybe the Kennedy Space Center!

Happy Independence Day!

Can you believe we are in July? I am amazed at how the months of April, May, and then June flew by! It has honestly felt like a blur. I will admit that I have enjoyed having my kids home with constant chatter, music playing, and laughter. I am treasuring the time. It will be August in a blink and out the door they will go, away to school again.

What are you doing this summer to enjoy your days at home? Maybe you are prepping for a yummy backyard BBQ tomorrow? I hope you all have a fantastic Independence Day with your family!

Fly me to the moon, or maybe the Kennedy Space Center!

On our trip last weekend, we stopped for a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. The entire complex is not open right now, but we did see the outdoor exhibits and a few of the museums. Everything is very clean and masks are required. We went through bag check and then temperature checks before allowed inside.

The Rocket garden has giant rockets from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. We walked the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame to see many American astronauts remembered and honored. One of my favorite exhibits was a close up view of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. One of only 3 still remaining that actually entered space.

It was an awesome day of exploring and learning! If you are interested in a visit this summer, reservations are required and must be made by purchasing available tickets online.

Flying with Airlines today

Air travel is a thread that connects every corner of the world. It has changed the way we travel, making it easier and safer than ever before to explore far-off places and return home safely. But the world has changed. The coronavirus has ground the world to a halt. Suddenly, a journey through the skies has become dangerous—or has it? It turns out that many of America’s top airlines have been doing their part to make sure that their passengers are safe and healthy. Here are some of the things they are doing to combat the coronavirus.

Did you know that the air inside a plane is actually cleaner than most homes and buildings? It’s true! The air inside airplanes is not recycled, as many people think, but pumped in from the surrounding air through special filters. These are called HEPA filters and they replace all the air in the cabin every 2-3 minutes. Each of the major airlines has HEPA filters installed. The only risk comes from people right next to you who sneeze or cough during the flight. As for surfaces you might touch in-flight, there’s a plan for that.

Join us for an overview of 4 major carriers for an update on safety below.

American Airlines is requiring face masks for all passengers except for very small children and those with a condition that prevents them from wearing one. They serve food in individual wrappers and no longer use glassware. Instead, they use disposable utensils and cups. American has not socially-distanced their seating, but they do clean each aircraft throughout the day, especially for international flights.

United Airlines has taken a more individual approach to COVID prevention. In order to board, all guests must wear a mask. It is recommended that passengers should bring their own, but United does provide masks for those who forget. Like American, United has exemptions in place for small children and customers with certain conditions. United has also modified their terminals to reduce contact for guests and employees. At this time, touch screen check-in kiosks are not available, but guests can use the app to check in and then use the new touchless kiosks to print their luggage tags. Sneeze guards have been added at check-in counters and gates, and boarding passes will now be self-scanned. The boarding process will be different as well. United now boards fewer people at a time, and guests board from back to front to reduce crowding in the aisles of the plane. As they board, guests are provided wipes to clean their seats, which are alternately flipped. Inflight snacks and drinks will be provided, but flight attendants will not refill drinks. Instead, guests will receive a new cup each time they have emptied their glass. Customers will also throw their drinks away themselves in order to reduce contact between individuals. After every flight, the plane is electrostatically sprayed, and all hard surfaces used by customers are wiped down. If a passenger is confirmed with COVID-19, the plane is taken out of service and undergoes a deep clean. The airline is operating at limited capacity, but if a plane is fuller than expected, guests will be notified in advance and offered a rebooking or a travel credit. Finally, United has taken measures to make sure that their employees are safe and healthy. Temperature checks are required for all employees, and all employees on board the plane are required to wear face masks.

Delta Airlines has done a spectacular job in implementing preventative measures. From the minute guests arrive in the terminal, Delta has taken steps to keep their guests safe. All check-in kiosks are cleaned multiple times daily, but if guests prefer a contactless experience, they can check in for free on the Delta app. Inside security, Delta cleans all their terminals and has placed plexiglass partitions and hand sanitizer at every gate desk. They are operating at limited capacity to enforce social distancing while still providing their signature service. As of July 2, they have begun serving select alcoholic beverages on international flights. They now also provide a snack bag to every passenger, domestic and international, which includes crackers, cookies, and water. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks from home are also welcome. Of course, every plane is electrostatically sprayed after each flight and all surfaces are cleaned rigorously. The airline has even opened a new division of their company that deals strictly with health and safety, which includes doctors from the CDC. They have given training and information about safety practices to all their employees in order to keep guests safe.

Southwest is the most thorough and sanitary of all the major airlines. They clean their planes for 6-7 hours every night, using electrostatic spray and disinfectant. They thoroughly clean every single surface, including the buttons above seats, windows, and carry-on compartments. The terminal is no different. Hand sanitizer and sneeze guards are available at check-in kiosks, ticket counters, and gates, which are all sanitized multiple times a day. Southwest also sanitizes their baggage claim, which is unique among their competitors. At the gate, guests are boarded in groups of 10 and social-distanced while in line. On Southwest, it is standard practice to choose your seat, so guests can sit as far apart as they feel comfortable. Families can board and sit together, and they will not be social distanced from each other. If there are two parties in the same row, the middle seat is left open as much as possible. They have suspended any food and drink for the time being except for water and snack mix on flights over 250 miles. As with the other airlines, Southwest requires all passengers and employees to wear masks, with similar exceptions.

The world can be a scary place right now, but air travel does not have to be. Each of these companies is working overtime to ensure that all of their passengers are as safe as possible. In fact, it could be argued that airplanes are cleaner now than ever before. So keep adventuring, keep exploring, and keep cruising the highway in the sky.

Thinking beyond airplanes…..

Did you know that space tourism is a real thing? NASA has said that in the future tourists will be allowed to visit the International Space Station for around $35,000 per night plus the charge from Boeing or SpaceX to take them there. Fox Business recently estimated this to be around $60 million per person.

Virgin Galactic is forging ahead to create a new age of space travel. They are taking deposits for private travel to the edge of space. Hundreds of flights have already been sold at the price of $250,000 per seat!

While I don't know anyone who can afford to fly into Space right now, isn't it amazing to think that we may one day be able to venture beyond the earth, or even the moon?

We can dream of future days as we work to make the world we live in a healthier, happier, more unified place. This weekend, let's celebrate our beautiful United States of America, celebrate our freedoms, and be thankful for our great country.

In gratitude,

April

"As global citizens, we have a responsibility to protect all communities, both at home and around the world. Travel embraces all colors and cultures and celebrates what humankind shares in common as well as the differences. In a world that can feel deeply divided, travel unites.” - Matthew Upchurch, Virtuoso

Traveling during a pandemic

We decided to go down to Orlando for a little relaxing away from home this week. Our first night we stopped in Ocala, FL at the Springhill Suites. Marriott was well prepared for a touch less experience with their Bonvoy App. We were able to check-in, set room preferences, and even get a digital key from our phone. The hotel was super clean with sanitizer stations and tissue next to the elevator to use for touching buttons. The staff wore masks and stood behind new plexiglass screens. Signs asked for only one family at a time in the elevator and little shoes (and paws!) were on the floor to keep everyone six feet apart. Breakfast was still included in the stay, but we were asked to fill out our breakfast choices on paper and place outside our door at bedtime. There was not a normal buffet in the morning. They provided a large wooden tray in each room. We took the tray to the lobby breakfast area at our selected time. They placed the wrapped food on our tray and we took it back to the room to eat. I actually love the idea! Almost like room service!

Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek

By afternoon, we arrived at our destination hotel for the week, Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek. The resort is actually located on the Walt Disney World property. It is situated around a large lake and has multiple pools, lazy rivers and water slides, mini golf, walking trails, and so much more. I have been to Disney World many times, but I have never visited this property. We were very impressed!

Things were definitely different than you would expect during a normal stay. There were not a lot of guests there, especially during the weekdays. Many on site restaurants were closed, but the ones that were open offered outdoor dining areas.

Orange County currently has an order in place for mandatory face masks. The only time we were able to remove them was while we were in or around the pool, outside while keeping distance from others, while we were eating, and in the room, of course.

Housekeeping did not service our room at all. It had been sanitized before we entered. We called whenever we needed new towels, trash bags, or other items. They delivered them to our door and we left our laundry and garbage outside the door at night in a bag provided to us for them to pick up.

The lazy rivers and slides were closed, which was disappointing, but the main pools were open. Guests were set in family groups a good distance away from one another. They only allowed a certain number of guests per day. So, over the Father's Day weekend, we had to get up early and claim a spot. There was a waiting list to get into the pools. On Monday and Tuesday, we had no trouble at all getting a nice shady place.

Overall, it was a very relaxing and enjoyable stay. My favorite spot was on the swings by the lake watching the ducks float by.

Time for dinner and Disney Springs shopping!

We ate breakfast and lunch in our room. For dinner, we went to Disney Springs every night.

We were extremely impressed with how Disney Springs is handling safety. Every guest must park in one of 2 parking decks to enter. As you exit the deck, you must pass through temperature screening and have a mask on to enter. Once inside, security is walking around to enforce the rules. In typical Disney style, they have a nice selection of Disney themed face masks for sale, along with Storm troopers up on the buildings to chat with guests and make it more fun.

We had dinner at the Boathouse for Father's Day. Click on my short video below to hear about our experience!

On our last day, we had a quick visit to the Kennedy Space Center, a stop at the National Seashore and Playalinda Beach, and a wonderful visit with my family in Titusville.

A final wrap up

Many of you are wondering about travel for later this year and beyond. I have tons of helpful resources and I can guide you to the hotels and tour operators who are taking your safety and the pandemic seriously. I available and willing to help you in making informed decisions for your family.

5 ways to capture your travel memories

One inspiring thing came out of helping my parents move. It was finding old pictures, scrapbooks, and memorabilia. We sat for hours and laughed at old photos. We flipped through yearbooks, pressed flowers, ticket stubs, and newspaper clippings.

We found priceless keepsakes. To me, these are treasures! I may not have the people that I loved so dearly, but I can cherish the delicate items they left behind to help me remember the moments we shared.
Here are some of my favorite ways to capture travel memories. 
 

1. Make Scrapbook Pages.  This is a fantastic way to encourage kids to help with capturing memories. Keep your ticket stubs, postcards, and travel souvenirs to cut and paste with your own photos. Press flowers into the pages, or Let the kids help journal and boost their writing skills. Decorate your pages with fun colors and stickers. 

2. Take Videos. My kids love using a Go Pro camera or even their cell phones to capture our adventures. They made silly videos to document their activities here at home and even play tour guide when we travel. Capturing their voices and laughter to listen to for years to come is priceless. 

3. Share Photos on Instagram. Did you know you can set up your own private Instagram account for your kids? Encourage them to share and post photos with each other. You can even create your own unique hashtag, like #HicksFamilyAdventure2020, so you can easily find them all in one place. We love sharing for our family and friends who ask to follow our travel adventures. 

4. Buy or make a Christmas Ornament. Whenever we take a trip, we always find a special dated Christmas ornament from that location. Each year as we put up our tree, we are excited to see our different ornaments and remember all of the fun places we have been together. We have a carved wooden turtle from Hawaii, a hand painted ornament from Turks and Caicos, and several Mickey Mouse ornaments from Disney.

5. Find a Unique Treasure. We collect small treasures from each trip to remember what we loved about the location. We have bought pressed pennies, shells, straw baskets, even a piece of lava rock. These treasures do not have to be big or bulky items. I collect trading pins from Walt Disney World from each resort we have stayed in and keep them all on a lanyard in my office.

Share some of your ideas with us! 

Amazing Alaska

Like many of you, we have a "must see" list of destinations that we would like to visit. Do you have a destination that you would love to know more about? Send me an email and let me know about it! I would enjoy researching and featuring it as an article here.

One of the places on my list is the beautiful state of Alaska. I have completed many hours of research for my clients, and have experienced it through the many stories and photographs that they have shared with me. I have several clients traveling to Alaska this summer and fall, so I decided it would be a great time to highlight this spectacular destination. 

Amazing Alaska

Alaska is the largest U.S. state and boasts the highest mountain in North America, Mt. McKinley. Alaska has more than 6,600 miles of coastline, more than all the other states combined. There are hundreds of picturesque islands sprinkled throughout the coastline among many scenic waterways. History and culture are a major part of the charm of Alaska, along with the large unspoiled environment. There is so much to see and learn about wildlife, nature, and cultures that are very different from our own. 
   
When is the best time to visit?

Anytime from mid-May to mid-September, you will have long days, nice weather, and all of nature will be alive and in full bloom. The peak season, with the least chance of rain and the most daylight will be from mid-June through mid-August. Daytime temperatures range from 60-80's during this time of year. Nighttime lows are in the 40-50's, keeping in mind that where you are in Alaska will vary the temperatures some too. When visiting during this time of year, it is a good idea to bring a variety of clothing and wear layers during the day. That way, you can remove outer layers as the temps rise, or add layers as it cools down, especially when visiting glaciers. 

What is the best way to see Alaska?

   Cruises are one of the most popular and best ways to see Alaska. You will see many coastal mountains, fascinating glaciers, marine wildlife, and towns. Many of the coastal towns in Alaska are not connected by roads. The only way to get from one to another is by air or sea. Cruising is also a good choice if time is a factor.  While at port, there are almost unlimited opportunities for photography, sport fishing, kayaking, river rafting, dog sledding, viewing nature, and learning about the culture through excursions. 
   To explore beyond the shores of this beautiful state, and see the heart of Alaska in Denali National Park, including the majestic Mt. McKinley, I highly recommend a Cruise tour or a land tour. You can visit off the beaten path destinations, stay at cozy mountain lodges, and even travel by railroad to get up close an personal with raw, untouched nature. 

What are the most popular places to see?

Juneau is Alaska's capital and home to the Mendenhall Glacier. This glacier is 12 miles long and 1 1/2 mile wide. Ice in this glacier can be 400-800 feet deep. Visitors can see the glacier from the road, the air, or a hiking trip right on the glacier's surface. You can look for humpback whales here, or fish for salmon or halibut. The Mt. Roberts Tramway is an attraction that will take you 2,000 feet above the city, offering a spectacular panoramic view of Juneau and surrounding areas. Another famous landmark in Juneau is the famous Red Dog Saloon. There is also an abundance of shopping in the downtown area. 

Ketchikan is one of the larger cities in Alaska, on the border between Alaska and Canada. It is known as the salmon capital of the world. The wooden boardwalk in the center of town, near where the cruise ships dock, is one of the most photogenic spots in Alaska. You will see famous totem poles and other art here made by the native Tlingits. Excursions that are popular here include a float plane ride, ziplining through the rainforest, or strolling through the wondrous Tongass Forest. 

Skagway, the Gateway to the Klondike, feels like an old-time Western frontier town. One of the most popular tours here is the ride on the White Pass Scenic Railway. It is a beautiful route with numerous photo opportunities. Riding in vintage parlor cars, you will learn about the gold rush and the hardships of the early gold seekers. Other fun things to do here are panning for gold, rock climbing and rappelling, or just wandering the streets and shopping. 

Denali National Park is home to abundant wildlife and some of Alaska's most famous sights, including close to 650 species of flowering plants. 80-90% of visitors will see grizzly bears, sheep, and caribou. You may also see wolves and moose wandering during your visit. See the continent's highest peak, Mt. McKinley. The park is described as a "vast, unspoiled wilderness of braided glacial rivers, massive peaks, and tundra." A popular way to see Denali is by train via the Alaska Railroad.  

The most well known features are the glaciers of Alaska. Glacier Bay, Icy Point Strait, the Inside Passage, Sawyer Glacier, and Hubbard Glacier are all beautiful to see. Be sure to bring your binoculars to enjoy every moment of the experience. Not only will you see these massive wonders in their icy waters, but you will hear the thundering echos as they crack and calve into sea.  It is not unusual to also see killer whales, dolphins or eagles as the ships sail through these waters. 

This is just the "tip of the iceburg" when it comes to information on this amazing state. Thanks to Norwegian Cruise Line and Alaska.org for help with my research. You may visit Alaska.org for more information, planning tips, or contact me to book one of these exciting vacations.

One of our favorite vacation memories

One of our best vacation memories goes way back to 2015, when we visited a beautiful island in the British West Indies, Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos. 

Every time we travel, we learn so much from our adventures. Learning in a classroom is only a small part of educating our kids. Exploring nature and the world around us provides rich learning opportunities.

When we returned home from this trip, I asked my kids to tell me what new things they had learned during our vacation. These were the things they shared.

Why is the water so blue here? The Turks and Caicos Islands and its subterranean foundation is primarily limestone. The limestone is fine, soft, and very white. Because of this, the sand on the beach and the ocean floor has almost no gravel and is a beautiful clean white color. The light reflects off of this light colored sand creating the many hues of turquoise blue water.

What lives in a Conch shell? On the shore of the beach, we met some divers who were selling their conch shells. The men showed us live conch, also known as sea snails. The animal lives down deep in the shell. The men then removed the conch and explained how they used part of the animal for fishing bait, and the other part to eat. The shells were all different shades of pink and brown. We were told that the brown conchs were from deeper in the ocean. Later that night, we were able to taste conch made into fritters!  

Sailing on a Hobie Cat sailboat. The entire family was able to take lessons from an instructor at our resort and sail our own sailboat. We learned how to take note of the wind directions, how to work the ropes, adjust our sails, when to lower the rudders, and of course, how to steer and steady the boat. We had so much fun! This was one of the highlights of the trip for everyone.  In addition to sailing, we also kayaked, paddle boarded, and Emily learned to wind surf. 

Exploring Coral Reefs and Sea Life. The reefs in Turks and Caicos are known as some of the top snorkeling spots in the world. Reefs here have been protected and unharmed. We were able to grab our snorkeling gear and walk a few feet from the beach to see beautifully colored fish, turtles, eels, manta rays, and all kinds of plants and coral. A family we met one morning saw some nurse sharks and a barracuda! I was secretly glad that we did not run into those while we were on the reef! During the winter months, typically January through April, you can spot Caribbean humpback whales as they migrate through this area. 

What is a Sun Halo? Although this can happen anywhere, we have never seen anything like it before. We were having lunch outside near the beach and looked up to see a rainbow circling all the way around the sun. We had to do a little research to find out that the halo is formed when light from the sun is refracted by ice crystals found in upper level cirrus clouds. The light bends at a 22 degree angle producing a ring of light observed at 22 degrees from the sun. It was absolutely beautiful and amazing to see! 

Twenty years from now you will be more disapppointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do...Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain

Orlando Destination updates

So many loyal Disney fans are missing the "Happiest place on earth" these days. I receive lots of questions during the week about updates, so I am sharing some of the information here for everyone.

Currently, only Disney Springs third party operating participants are open. This includes many restaurants and shops. To see a list, go here.

On May 27th, World of Disney, D-Luxe Burger (mobile order), and the Marketplace Co-Op will open. These are Disney owned and operated stores.

If you plan on visiting soon, please be aware of the guidelines and requirements on the photo to your right. It will most definitely feel a bit different than your visits from the past, but at least you can have a little of the Disney magic back!

For the Universal Orlando fans out there, they will be opening on June 5th. Everyone is required to wear a face covering during their visit, and temperature checks will be required upon arrival.

Legoland Florida has proposed a June 1st opening date for their parks. It is currently pending approval by the state.

Each of the locations listed will open at reduced capacity and with restrictions, such as social distancing and face masks for guests. I hope to share more official updates with you soon!

10 reasons why ocean cruisers will love river cruising

Ocean cruises have been a popular way to vacation for decades, and for good reason. They’re affordable, convenient and offer travelers peace of mind knowing that everything they need for a fantastic getaway is all in one place. What could be better than that? Well, consider a river cruise.

To all cruise-lovers, perhaps it’s time to shake up the ocean liner experience for an entirely new way to explore the world’s waterways. A river cruise will take you inland for a unique and relaxing tour of Europe, or other exciting destinations.

Do you have children that you want to go along on your vacation? Don't worry! There are family river cruises too! Amawaterways has partnered with Disney to create amazing adventures that both parents and kids will enjoy!

Here are the top 10 reasons we know why you’ll love river cruising, specifically on AmaWaterways (since they are my highlighted company this week)!

1. Expand Your Options 

While ocean cruises take you to countries, river cruises take you through them. There simply is no way to reach river cruise destinations on mega cruise ships.

2. Intimate Experience

River cruising offers a more intimate setting. Most ships range from 144 to 196 passengers. This means that you’ll never have to wait in line, which means you’ll have more time to enjoy all the amenities and have a more personal experience with other passengers and crew. From ordering a beverage to getting on and off the ship, you’ll enjoy the absence of long lines.

3. Dive into the Local Culture

Get away from the touristy ports and explore hidden gems. Large ocean liner ports can receive up to 20,000 visitors on the same day but with a river cruise, you’ll arrive into port with only a few hundred visitors. Not only will you avoid long lines at your destination, but you’ll also enjoy leisurely excursions at each incredible port of call. You’ll be able to take in the local culture and history of every unique town that you visit.

4. No Need to Rush Back

With many departures from the destinations being later in the afternoon or evening, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the nightlife in select ports of call. Whether you choose an evening walk through cobblestone streets, a local show or performance, or one last glass of wine after dinner while listening to a local musician, immersing yourself in the evening culture together with the locals is a unique experience.

5. Castle Views

That’s right, castle views. From Amsterdam to Basel along the Rhine River, and in Budapest, Bratislava, Dürnstein and Passau on the Danube, you’ll see colorful architecture and castles that will blow you away. But don’t stop at just viewing the castles, why not hike or drive to them and then explore their fabulousness with a knowledgeable guide? You’ll literally be walking in the footsteps of world history.

6. Five-Star Reviews

5-star reviews are only earned through 5-star service. When you’re relaxing with a glass of wine on the Sun Deck, enjoying a night under the stars, or having an unexpected encounter with kind locals that your tour guide has arranged for you, you’ll know where our their 5-star reviews come from.

7. Entertainment for the Whole Family

With a variety of activities and plenty of stops along the way, we’re sure everyone in the family will have an unforgettable experience. River cruising is perfect for multi-generational families. From grandparents to teenaged grandchildren, the entire family will bond over a range of topics and activities from food to history to countryside excursions. There really is something to do for everyone on board at each destination. Some members of your group may choose to take advantage of spa services, or the sundeck pool, or cultural activities, while others may prefer to seek out a quiet space with a book. Mealtimes are the perfect opportunity for everyone to come together again as a family. It really is the perfect multi-generational vacation for your family or group of friends.

8. Taste the Difference

Whether you’re into wine tasting or local street food, a river cruise provides an exceptional culinary experience both on the ship and at every destination. The onboard culinary team focuses on utilizing fresh local ingredients. Dishes are paired with local wines. There’s absolutely no mass-produced and basic buffet food when you cruise with AmaWaterways!

9. Variety of Experience

Let’s not forget just how special every European country is! The towns and cities may be close in proximity along the river, but don’t be surprised by the unique feeling and experiences that each destination gives you. Choose from visiting local breweries, hiking to castles, biking through trendy neighborhoods or visiting museums that highlight the local culture.

10. World-Class Accommodations

One of the reasons we love river cruises so much (and we know you’ll agree) is the feeling of walking into a luxurious suite or twin-balcony stateroom that will be your home away from home for the next 7, 8, 10 days or more. Each of AmaWaterways staterooms is tastefully decorated and is river facing. Whether you choose to have a window view, a private balcony, or even a twin balcony (with both a French and outside balcony), you’ll always have a room with a view.

So, there you have it. 10 great reasons why you’ll love your first river cruise on AmaWaterways.

Aloha! Hawaii, here we come!

Last week, I shared about our girl's high school graduation trip. We started our adventure in California visiting Disneyland.

After 3 fun filled days in Anaheim, we boarded a plane and headed across the ocean for a week of Aloha. Follow along and dream with us again this week.

The drive to Ka'anapali is about 1 hour from the airport depending on traffic. The scenery as you drive along this coastline is amazing.

We love to try local places to eat when we travel. A great local place to stop for lunch on this road is Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. It is a counter service café with great sandwiches and handmade baked goods. The coconut creme pie was delicious!

Be careful to look out for the chickens! They are everywhere!!

Our home base for the week was the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel. It is a truly authentic Hawaiian hotel, very basic and clean, but arguably on the best stretch of beach that Maui has to offer. The grounds are lush with greenery and colorful flowers, and the local staff here are excellent. If you take a short walk down the beach, you will find the famous Black Rock known for it's snorkeling and sea turtles.

The hotel offers cultural classes for guests each day that are included in your stay. The kids enjoyed taking ukulele lessons, Hawaiian language classes, and made wooden musical instruments. Other classes offered include Hula dancing, Lei making, basket weaving, cloth printing, and storytelling.

Molokini Crater

Molokini Crater is a partially submerged volcanic crater a few miles off of the shores of Maui. Sailing to Molokini was truly one of the highlights of our trip.

We started our day at the pier in Ma’alaea Harbor. We boarded a large catamaran and took sail. Soon after we began sailing, we were served hot cinnamon rolls and fruits with juice and coffee. It was a peaceful relaxing ride to the crater.

Once we arrived, we had about an hour to snorkel, swim, and explore the crescent-shaped islet. The water was a crystal clear blue, perfect for seeing the fish and other sea life below. George and Emily took the option to do SNUBA, which is similar to SCUBA without the big tank on your back. Click on the little picture of Emily to your right and you will see what it looks like!

After snorkeling, we were back onboard sailing again. Typically, there is a second stop at Turtle Town, which we sadly missed due to dangerous surf conditions in the area. Instead, we spent the rest of our time relaxing and sailing, which was wonderful! They served us a delicious lunch of teriyaki grilled chicken, rice, and salad. They had fun music playing and ice Cream for dessert. Overall, was a beautiful day on the water.

Mt. Haleakala - “House of Sun”

At the Summit

The state of Hawaii has 8 U.S. National Parks in total. One of these is located on the island of Maui, called Haleakala National Park. Mount Haleakala is named after a dormant volcano located withing its boundaries and boasts one of the world's tallest mountain peaks. We can now proudly say that we have been to the top, and elevation of 10,023 Feet.

After a sleepy 2am wake up, we drove about 2 hours up the mountain side to reach the peak before sunrise. Although I like to tease the family about the horrible wake up time, it truly was an unforgettable experience to see the sun rising above the clouds.

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On the Road to Hana

You can find so many guidebooks and opinions of this drive, so I am only going to highlight our top 2 stops on the drive. My best advice is START EARLY! If you don’t, you will not make it all the way to the 2nd National Park in Maui and the 7 Sacred Pools.

We stopped in Paia Town at the Hana Picnic Lunch Company. They sell made-to-order lunches to go with an insulated bag to keep things cold on your journey.

We used an App called the Gypsy Guide “Hana”. It cost $4, but it was well worth it. We connected the phone to the car speakers for sound and we were on our way! The kids laughed and said they felt like they were on the Walt Disney Railroad using this guide! It was very informative and fun, telling us about all of the places we saw along the ride.

Ke'anae Peninsula

There are beautiful waves crashing against the volcanic rock along the shoreline. In the distance, a little church that survived a historic tsunami still stands. This is a great photo spot and you will find lots of little crabs hiding in the rocks. Click on the photo to your right and see drone footage of the peninsula.

On the way out, we stopped for banana bread at Aunty Sandy’s. It was warm and delicious!

Wai'anapanapa State Park – We loved this stop! We found a great black sand beach for playing and swimming. *Be sure to have water shoes! The sand is really hot!

We also explored in the beach caves and climbed up the cliffs to see a blow hole. There are tons of trails, shore fishing, sea stacks, water tubes to see and more.

The park is a good place for a break if you are driving for the day, and a perfect spot for camping. There are public restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.

Before you leave, look around in the trees and on the ground. We saw tons of mongoose sneaking around here.

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Upcountry Maui and Ziplining

The Upcountry region on the slopes of Haleakala is known for its farms and botanical gardens. Coming from down from the summit, we made a stop in a little town called Makawao to have breakfast.

We loved seeing the wooden storefronts, tin roofs, hitching posts from bye-gone days, and generations old family stores. The Komodo Store and Bakery is a local tradition. It opened in 1916 and is still famous for the pies and doughnut on a stick. Yummy!

In the shops, there were glassblowers, jewelers, and artists of all kinds. Locally made quilts, soaps, and spices are sold here. And of course, we found more chickens!!

Nearby in the town of Kula, we visited Skyline Eco-Adventures. They are known for having the first zipline in the United States. We learned about native plants and the ecosystem as we walked across suspension bridges and zipped from platform to platform. Watch Sarah "zip" by below!

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There is so much more that I could share with you about our trip! We went parasailing, had a family portrait session with a local photographer, watched hula dancers, and saw tons of sea turtles basking in the sun. We ate so much great food, including the original Dole Whip! Most importantly, we had lots of laughs and enjoyed our family time together.

If you are interested in more information about a Hawaiian vacation, send me a quick email and schedule a time to chat with me by phone. I would love to help create an exciting adventure for your family!

A Summer Adventure, Part One

Since we cannot travel now, I have been reminiscing about our last big adventure as a family. Last summer, we celebrated high school graduation for both Emily and Sarah in one trip. I am so thankful we made these memories together!

We decided to explore some great destinations in the USA that we had never seen before. Each girl was able to choose a location.

At the beginning of our trip, we flew to the West Coast to visit Disneyland for the first time. This was Sarah's choice. Just about anyone who knows me would also know that going to Disneyland was a dream come true. I love Disney World, but I have always wanted to go to the place where it all began.

I decided it might be fun to share our adventure with you over the next 2 weeks. Follow along and dream with us. Click on the pictures and you can see video clips!

Our first visit to Disneyland

First Stop....Anaheim, California

It was very exciting to stay in the Disneyland Hotel for our first visit. Everything from the light fixtures in the bathroom to the sugar cubes in the coffee station had a special Disney magic.

My absolute favorite thing about the room was the headboard above the beds. You can see the beautiful etching of the castle during the day, but at night you will experience a lovely fireworks show along with a lullaby just as you are going to sleep.

Disneyland Park

Main Street USA – It is small, quaint, but authentic to me. The candle above the Fire Station in Walt’s apartment was so nostalgic. The carriages are clomping about with horses leading the way. The Barber Shop quartet sings in the street. There are beautiful storefronts and shops with such intricate detail. I loved the live music! We heard musicians all throughout our day in various places.

I literally shed a tear walking up to this beautiful ride. Walt's original Disneyland version is far more spectacular than the Florida attraction. The outside is stunning with beautiful music and décor. The little children of the world come out on the hour and the big clock chimes. The ride itself is longer and more detailed. In each country you will spot some of your favorite characters as dolls like Mulan in China and Snow White in Germany. At the end, you will empty into the most wonderful store of gifts with the Small World theme. Can you tell how much I loved this??

Galaxy's Edge - Our Star Wars Adventure

In a galaxy far, far away...we visited the new Star Wars themed land just as it was opening. It was definitely a fan's dream come true. My husband, George, loved this area of the park. Each detail was exactly like the movie set. Check out his encounter with Kylo Ren in the video clip below!

We had lots of fun sampling the drinks in Mos Eisley Cantina, including blue milk with a cookie on top. Other concoctions were smoking or bubbling with yummy flavors. It was a unique experience for sure!

An Encounter with Kylo Ren

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California Adventure Park

The California Adventure Park offered lots of new themes and experiences that are not in the Orlando parks. I will highlight my favorites for you.

Pixar Pier feels like a seaside boardwalk with games, music, and rides. You will find Toy Story characters and Inside Out friends with the Incredicoaster as a backdrop. It looks like a huge wooden coaster, but is actually a very smooth steel coaster with a loop in the middle. The theming is fantastic with sights, sounds, and even smells. At the start of the ride, if you look to the left side of the track, you will see the water splash beside you and the sound of feet as “Dash” supposedly zooms past you over the top of the lake. Take a ride by clicking on our picture!

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Cars Land is one of the cutest places I have ever seen. It was so realistic! Just like you are in the movie on Route 66. When the sun sets, the Cast members come out into the street and sing the “Sh-Boom” song as all of the buildings light up in neon.

Radiator Springs Racers takes you on a tour of Ornament Valley into the cutest little town in Carburetor County. We rode once in the daylight and again at dark. I highly recommend this for a unique experience both times.

We had dinner at Flo's V8 Cafe across the street from the Cozy Cone Motel where Lightning McQueen was parked. We even found some southern cooking to remind us of home.

The Avengers Campus

Disney was just beginning to open attractions in the new Avenger's Campus while we were visiting. Stark Industries was busy working on the future Spiderman ride called Web Slingers.

We had character visits with Captain America, Spiderman, Star-Lord, Gamora, and Groot. You could also visit with Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Thor, and Loki.

Guardians of the Galaxy, the revised Tower of Terror ride, was my most favorite ride in this park. I think we rode 4-5 times because we loved it so much. They have relics from all of the movies in the queue line and some good ole Galaxy music throughout. It was a lot of fun!

See ya Real Soon!

I’ll leave you with some nice jazz music from the most 'Magical Place on Earth" today.

If you are interested in more information about Disneyland, send me a quick email and schedule a time to chat with me by phone. I have so much more to share, and would love to help you plan a future trip.

What a travel agent does for you

When meeting someone new, one of the first questions often asked is "What do you do?" It is not usual for people to be surprised when I reply. They are curious of what I do. Quite honestly, for many people, travel agents seem to be a thing of the past. With our tech savvy world, where everything is available to us on the internet, people do not always understand why we are still needed. Here are some of the reasons that I like to share with people.  
The best value for your money. 
Can you get me a good deal? I get this one a lot. Most of the time, I can get you a great price on vacation packages, cruises, and hotels because of the partnerships between our host agency and our suppliers. More importantly, I like to offer you the best value for your money. It is not just about price, but also quality. My goal is to find you the best locations, nicest rooms, flights, upgrades, and added amenities to make your vacation even more special. I often tell people that I will not suggest a place to you that I would not go myself.   
Let us do the work for you.  
By taking the time to find out about your interests, your family or group, I can make suggestions based on what is most important to you. The typical family or couple takes a vacation 1-2 times per year. I am planning vacations for families everyday. Do you like lots of activities, or a more relaxing pace? Do you want to have some grown up time, but somewhere safe and secure for the kids? Are you limited by your health, mobility, or dietary needs? Have you seen lots of places and want something unique and new? Do you want to know the newest and best cruise ship to sail on? I can help with these questions and so much more. It takes a lot of time and research to book travel. If I have not traveled or experienced destinations myself, someone in the Gifted Travel Network has. We all work together and support one another in order to help create incredible experiences for our clients.
Not just a booking engine. 
Once we have found your perfect destination, it doesn't stop there. I like to give inside information, like where to eat and what not to eat, the best place to snorkel, or watch the fireworks. Where do you go once you step off of the plane? What type of currency do I use? Do I need a visa or just a passport? I am also here if anything happens while you are away. I recently had a honeymoon couple get stuck in traffic on the way to the airport. The shuttle service was parked on the side of the road due to a major accident that shut down the entire interstate. They missed their original flight home. When they called me, I immediately reached out to my supplier and the airline to arrange for them to be on the next flight out that afternoon. Once they finally arrived at the airport, they just checked their bags and were on their way home.  
Service and Hospitality  
My job is one of service and hospitality. It brings me joy to make other people happy, and give them memories to share with their families. Thanks to each of you who have supported me, and have referred me to friends. If I have provided you with great service in the past, please take a few seconds to like my Facebook page and write a review.

5 Things you need to know about passports

When the travel dates are getting close for my clients, I like to send them travel tips and important details so they are well prepared.  As a travel advisor, I've been asked lots of questions about passports. I'd like to answer some of the most frequently asked questions in this issue for everyone to benefit.   

5 Things you need to know about passports 

1. What is a passport? How does it differ from a passport card?

The U.S. Passport Book is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies your identity and your citizenship. Only the US Department of State and US Embassies and Consulates have the authority to issue or verify US passports. Most foreign countries require a valid passport to enter and leave.  The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book.  The passport card, however, cannot be used for international travel by air.

2. Do I need a passport to take a cruise? 

When you depart and return to the same port, originating in the US, you must have proof of citizenship, a passport or your original birth certificate, a government-issued ID (driver's license), plus a copy of your marriage license for women whose last name has changed since birth. A passport book is always a good idea.  If an issue should arise while you are abroad, and you do not have a passport book, you will not be able to fly back into the U.S.  

3. Do my children need to have passports?

Every person, even an infant, must have his/her own passport to fly to a foreign destination. Be sure to check the expiration date on your children’s passports. They will expire in five years if the child was 15 or under when his passport was issued. Some countries have instituted requirements to help prevent child abductions, and may require travelers to present proof of relationship to the children and evidence of consent from any non-accompanying parent(s). Your travel advisor should be able to help you if this applies to your chosen destination.

4. What name do I use on my Honeymoon trip? Can I use my new last name?

Although it is certainly more romantic to use your new last name on your honeymoon, you must travel under the name on your passport.  In most cases, this is your maiden name, so you must also use it for your airline ticket. Your name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly. Once you arrive at your honeymoon destination, people will be happy to address you both as Mr. and Mrs. When you return home, apply to have your name changed on your passport. 

5. What do I do if my passport is stolen?

You should always take precautions to prevent this from happening. First, lock your passport in a safe place if you are not carrying it on you. If you are on cruise excursion, for example, take a copy of the passport with you, and leave the original in the safe onboard your ship. If you chose to carry it, place it in an interior, secured pocket. If it is stolen, it will need to be replaced before you can travel back to the U.S. You would need to contact the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. Let them know when you are scheduled to travel home, and they will do their best to help you. They can direct you to a nearby location where you can get your passport photo taken prior to your arrival at their office. No need to panic, but you do need to take positive and immediate action.

Tips for Eating Healthy while on Vacation

A Healthy New Year

At the beginning of the year, like so many other people typically do, I resolved to try and develop healthier eating habits. I guess the reality of being in my 40's has begun to slowly sink in.  I know that I want to be around to see my kids grow up and have kids of their own. My biggest challenge of all was giving up my Diet Cokes. Anyone who knows me well, will tell you how very much I LOVE Diet Cokes! I knew they were bad for me, but I always made excuses for myself. I am proud to say, that I have not had a Diet Coke since January. I have worked hard to minimize processed foods and excess carbs for myself and my family, and add in more fruits and veggies. I know that it will help all of us in the long run. 
My new challenge awaits me in 9 days. I will be escorting the South Forsyth Middle School Band to Disney World. It is my happy place, and has a lot of my favorite foods. I started thinking about what I should do to make healthy choices, but still enjoy myself. I thought that I would share some of my ideas with you this week.

Tips for Eating Healthy while on Vacation

1. Resist Splurging. With most restaurants giving us very large portions these days, it is no wonder we are tempted to overeat. If you were raised like me, your parents may have told you to be sure to clean your plate. Resist the urge to eat it all. Be okay with stopping when you feel full. Don't eat unless you are really hungry. Other good ideas are to share with a friend, order a la carte items, or order from the kids menu if allowed. 
2. Don't Deprive yourself. Give yourself permission to have one "treat" per day. Again, everything in moderation. You had better believe that I will have some of my favorite caramel popcorn from Germany! I will just have a few bites and share the rest with my group of girls. After all, you are on vacation! 
3. Walk, walk, walk. Make up for some of the extra calories with activity. There is definitely some walking involved in a Disney vacation! For other destinations, think about taking a stroll on the beach after dinner, or a good swim in the hotel pool. Walk through the shops, go on an excursion, or go sightseeing to add in a few steps each day.
4. Make wise choices. You can still make good choices and order foods that appeal to you. Order mustard on your sandwich instead of mayo, or marinara sauce instead of alfredo. Limit your high fat meats, like pork or beef to twice a week. Have the burger, but order a side salad, steamed veggies, or fruit instead of the fries. You could also order the turkey, veggie, or bison burger instead of the beef. 
5. Make water your friend. It is very easy to get dehydrated while traveling, especially when you are out in the sun more than your body is used to. Keep a refillable water bottle with you, or stock your hotel refrigerator with bottles of water instead of sodas. Take it with you in your backpack, or in your car. Drinking water will not only keep you hydrated, but it helps you to resist the munchies too. Also, don't forget how much money you can save by simply ordering water. For our family, it easily saves us $10.00 at a sit down restaurant, which is a great bonus to saving calories! 
  
**A big thanks to WebMD for some of these helpful ideas! 

5 Tips for Traveling with Special Needs

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As I watch the weather reports of predicted snow in the Northeast this week, it brings back fond memories of the day my first daughter was born. It was one of those rare snow events here in the South, what the Northerners would call a "dusting", that shuts downs our entire city. My beautiful daughter was born with a "dusting" of snowy white hair that New Year's Day. We called her our "Snow Angel". We did not know until a few weeks later that her white hair was due to a genetic condition known as albinism. We learned that her albinism would affect her skin, hair, and eyes, that she would be legally blind due to this, and that we would have many challenges ahead of us in years to come. It was only 17 months after this that we had a second daughter with the same condition. I look at them both now, 18 years later, and they are still our angels. We have created such wonderful memories growing and learning together as a family, and experiencing the ups and downs of life. God reminds me daily of how precious all of life is, and how each of us are like snowflakes, uniquely designed and special.  

5 Tips for Traveling with Special Needs 

1. Travel Insurance - Many people think that travel insurance is only to recoup their money in case they need to cancel for sickness or death. What they forget is when traveling outside of the country, on a cruise or overseas, your medical insurance won't cover medical care should something happen.  That's why travel insurance is so important - especially a plan that covers unexpected emergencies like lost baggage, accidents, trip interruptions, and trip cancellations, even loss of your passport. A good plan will cover emergency medical evacuation coverage, 24/7 travel assistance services and more. Be sure to purchase the plan as close to the deposit date as possible. Typically, the insurance needs to be purchased 14 days after deposit or less to cover pre-existing conditions.
2. Call the airline in advance- After booking your flight, call the airline and explain your special need. They will flag your ticket with the special information needed to assist you while traveling. In most cases, you will be allowed to pre-board and get everyone settled before general boarding begins. Most airlines will provide extra assistance, including arranging for a wheelchair to help your family. If your airport has a line for "Families and SpecialAssistance", use it. These people are very familiar with medical equipment, medications, and special needs. 
3. Take all medications and medical supplies with you in a carry on - This one is especially important for diabetics. You never know when your checked bag might get lost or misdirected, or if your flight will be delayed. When you approach the TSA attendant at the bag check, let them know there are medicines and medical supplies in your bag, in case they want to hand check it. This also applies to CPAP machines, pumps, and meters. 
4. Seek out "Special Needs Friendly" Vacation Destinations - Think of what your family would love to do, where you have always wanted to visit, and where everyone will have fun. Don't automatically limit yourself! There are so many destinations that will accommodate needs today.  Most hotels, resorts, and cruise lines have options for you that are not listed on their websites. Dream Big!
5. Use a knowledgeable Travel Planner - Vacation is meant to be a time for getting away from the stresses of everyday life, NOT an addition to the stress! Let a travel planner who knows how to take care of all of the details work for you. A good planner will be thinking of some of these things: making sure your room has a mini-fridge for medicines, the pool has a lift, the ADA room has a bench in the shower, the cruise line has your meals prepared in the gluten free kitchen, the resort puts your family in the quieter part of the resort for you and your child to have much needed "down time", your cabin is near the elevators so you do not have to take so many stairs, the ski resort has an adaptive ski program for your daughter, and so much more. 

Family Memories Travel at Cruise World 2014!

November 5-7, 2014

April and Jennifer of Family Memories Travel were excited to attend Travel Weekly's Cruise World event in Fort Lauderdale, FL. April was honored to present her "Best Business Decision Ever" during a general session with our host agency founder, Meredith Hill.

We met key suppliers for all of the major cruiselines, and learned some great information on new and exciting destinations and itineraries. We were able to participate in ship inspections with Celebrity, MSC, and Royal Caribbean Cruiselines. Keeping up to date in the industry helps us to give our clients the best service, upgrades, and amenities offered. These are things you will NOT find booking on a website!  

Pretty Princesses

Meet some of our clients! All dressed up for Disney. We love to plan the royal treatment for princesses of all ages.