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Second Honeymoon Travel Tips

October 6, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

How do you picture your perfect honeymoon? Do you day dream of walking hand in hand on a tropical beach? Maybe you’ve always wanted to visit Europe? Or perhaps you both want to pack your hiking books and head to Morocco? To help couples worldwide, we have put together 8 essential travel tips to help you with planning a honeymoon that you and your loved one will reminisce about for years!

How do you picture your perfect honeymoon? Do you day dream of walking hand in hand on a tropical beach? Maybe you’ve always wanted to visit Europe? Or perhaps you both want to pack your hiking books and head to Morocco? To help couples worldwide, we at WeLoveHoneyMoons.com have put together 8 essential tips to help you plan a first or second honeymoon that you and your loved one will reminisce about for years!

Set a Budget

Every project needs a budget including planning a honeymoon. You can use a honeymoon-budget sheet to help you keep track. Start with a general budget and then drill down by categories. If you prefer apps, use Expensify to keep track.

There’s no reason to cut corners on your honeymoon planning. After all, there are ways to honeymoon for less. This includes staying closer to home or choosing an affordable honeymoon package. You can also save by booking your honeymoon online or by using your miles to get a cheaper flight. On top of that, you can try alternative means of transportation.

If you are renewing your wedding vows, be creative and set-up a “Travel Fund”. Set a travel date and start looking for more ways to save. You can sell things or take on a few odd jobs to help raise the extra funds.

The best part is that you don’t have to lower the expectations. There are ways you can still have an amazing time and not spend a fortune or go in debt!

Look For the Most Suitable Destination

Easter Island or the Maldives sound like amazing destinations for a honeymoon on the island. However, do you know how far these places are from where you live? So, when you’re planning a honeymoon consider the distance you will be traveling.

Here is some information:
• it takes 17 hours to fly from New York to Easter Island
• it takes 21 hours to fly from Los Angeles to the Maldives

If you only have less than a week to spend on your honeymoon, you don’t want to be on a plane for almost two days. A better idea is to look for destinations closer to home. If you live in the US, a honeymoon in the Caribbean can be a great choice. Just remember, you don’t want to be on a tropical island during the hurricane season.

When picking a honeymoon location, think about the weather. While being stuck inside with your spouse can be exciting, pick a place where there are interesting seasonal things to do when you’re ready to get out and about.

If you choose an early summer month, Southern Europe is a good idea. You can decide to go on a honeymoon destination in Italy or maybe choose a honeymoon package in Greece. When budget is a concern, consider a less popular time to travel. Europe in the summer is expensive, but not in the winter. The Caribbean is always cheapest in August -September. Find a destination to match your budget rather than the other way around.

Choose a Good Airline

Flying business class for your honeymoon may sound good, but it can be a very expensive affair. Save money either by using miles to upgrade or by simply booking economy and choosing seats with extra leg room. Don’t be afraid to choose a low-cost airline. They have new fleet and are affordable. Consider the leg room when choosing your seats.

Book In Advance

Book your honeymoon package six to eight months prior to the event! This window gives you a good chance to find affordable airfare and availability in the resort of your choice. If you want to stay at a certain resort or do something specialized, you may want to push that booking date back to a year if possible. Sign up for fare alerts for the flights you are interested in.

Avoid making changes to the airfare or accommodation after you book. Changing the date on your plane ticket or accommodations could lead to paying penalties.

Buy Travel Insurance

This is something that many people tend to overlook, but make sure you have travel insurance. Why? Because the right kind of insurance can protect you against a lot of things: from delayed flight to lost luggage or stolen goods. And not to mention that it can save you a lot of grief during emergency situations or medical issues. Lisa, blogger at Playa del Carmen agrees: “If any time should be stress-free, it is your honeymoon! It is worth the peace of mind.” Make sure the insurance you choose covers the activities you plan to enjoy (eg. scuba diving).

Travel Light

You really don’t need to pack half of your closet. However, you don’t want to go to a fancy restaurant and not have anything for the occasion, either. Pack smart and think layers. For a honeymoon on the beach, consider packing a lightweight dress and a pareo or cardigan for the evenings. You may want to leave your high heels at home if you plan to visit Europe, with its old, cobblestone cities. Also, it’s worthwhile to consider packing that ultra-light waterproof jacket no matter where you’re headed.

The less stuff you carry with you, the more flexibility of movement you’ll be able to enjoy. Also, get a bag with wheels and don’t strain your body! Your energy should all go towards enjoying your trip with your loved one. Roll your clothes to maximize the space in your carry on.

Share Your Travel Itinerary

You should share your travel itinerary with at least a person you trust. Things do happen and it might be useful and even life-saving if your loved ones know how to find you when necessary.

Relax and Enjoy Your Honeymoon

Make sure you plan for a balanced mix of activities and down time while you’re planning your honeymoon. That means allowing yourself to enjoy it. You’ll get back to the real world eventually – but you only get one honeymoon. Relish it.

About the Author – Cris Puscas is a contributing writer at WeLoveHoneymoons.com the best place to book memorable honeymoon travel packages. She is a hopeless romantic, equally passionate about discovering new places to explore and writing about them.

An England Family Vacation Is Worth The Flight

October 5, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Getting to England with kids isn’t easy. And, it’s a pretty long flight. So today, I’m sharing travel tips on a England Family Vacation. If you want to see what the rest of the world raves about, it’s worth the trip. England is the home of the British Royal family, cute accents, and incredible landscapes. Most importantly, if you want to take a vacation overseas, England is a great option for family fun.

Lots of people are curious about England. It’s a tiny country that packs a big punch when it comes to tourist attractions. The word ‘quaint’ is used a lot to describe English villages, houses, and local activities. After all, there are some pretty weird, wonderful, and whacky things that the English like to do! Rolling big cheeses down hills, Morris Dancing, and welly wanging. Those are just some of the village delights you might come across up and down the country.

Yorkshire Pudding

When it comes to food, you may also find some little gems and weird dishes. Most towns and villages have their own local delicacy. This might include cakes, biscuits, or cheeses. Seaside towns might offer jellied eels and liquor pie. What about a beef stottie? And the Cornish pasty will definitely delight your entire family. Common favorites include the traditional English Breakfast and the Yorkshire pudding roast dinner.

American theme parks may be huge, but the British are definitely catching up. There are several to choose from all over England. Your kids will probably find their favorite TV characters at the themed parks. English favorites like Thomas the Tank Engine and Peppa Pig have their own parks! You can buy your attraction tickets online in advance or at the entrance kiosk. Many parks have special events at certain times of the year. It’s worth doing your research to find out what they’re offering. Some include large wildlife parks. Additionally, those that are by the beach offer extra value when you’re out for the day.

However, if it’s the beach that brings you to England, you’ll not be disappointed. Some are world-renowned for the surf. Cornwall, in particular, brings professional surfers to the UK. There are plenty of surf schools and courses to choose from around the coast of England too. English kids like to bring a bucket and spade to the sand. Then they make elaborate sand castles with sea water moats. You can find sand sculptures at some of the popular tourist promenades. If you’re feeling particularly relaxed, you can enjoy letting your kids bury you neck deep in the sand too.

Scotland and Wales might boast some of the most characterful castles. But England certainly has some remarkable ruins and inhabited castles for tourists to visit. Some have been turned into hotels. Others are free to visit and roam around the old ruins. Many have activities to help engage your kids in the history of the place. They can even experience what life was like hundreds of years ago. As well as castles, you can find estates, manors, abbeys, cathedrals, palaces and country houses that are all open to the public.

Other activities in London that you may want to consider is the world-renowned museums and art galleries. You can visit Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament at Westminster. This is also the home of Big Ben. St. Paul’s Cathedral is a remarkable building. Its design is particularly interesting for those who have a passion for acoustics. Children will love the Whispering Gallery.

British theater is also lots of fun for an afternoon out with the kids. You can find plenty of shows in the West End. If you visit England in the winter, you can experience the delights of the British Pantomime. These productions are very funny and will leave your kids squealing with delight. Well-known celebrities and TV stars often perform, so you might even recognize a few familiar faces. Some performers engage the audience with a little audience participation. Adults love them just as much as the kids, and the humor will definitely appeal to all.

Making the trip to the UK may feel like a huge undertaking, but the pleasures of an English vacation will make up for it. There are so many great attractions. There are interesting things to see and do that will suit the entire family no matter what their ages or interests. The lack of language barriers definitely helps if your kids like to explore on their own. If you’re looking for something a little extra special, start planning your next year’s vacation to England.

Filed Under: Vacation Destinations Tagged With: travel tips, vacation destinations, vacation ideas

5 Places To Travel for the Best Wildlife Experience

September 20, 2016 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today I’m sharing travel tips on places for the best wildlife experience. As the English writer Samuel Johnson said, “The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality. And, instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” So, if you’ve always imagined how it looks like when a huge whale breaches the ocean’s surface or a lion hunts its prey, there’s no reason not to go and see it in person. Luckily, today there are many wildlife holidays you can opt for.

Gansbaai (South Africa)

There’s hardly anything more extreme than diving into the shark-infested waters of South Africa. Gansbaai is a small fishing village in South Africa, famous for shark cage diving. Since the waters in this part of South Africa are full of sharks. However, tourists have a chance to get into a cage and see these marvelous creatures in person. The cages in which you go under the water are 100% shark-proof and there’s nothing to be afraid of. Furthermore, this thrilling experience is something that’ll inspire you for a lifetime. The best time to visit Gansbaai is May to October. That’s when the success rate of shark sighting is highest and surpasses 95%.

Quebec (Canada)

Quebec is a city that sits on the St Lawrence River. It is a couple of hours away from the gulf of St Lawrence. During certain times of the year, you can spot up to 13 different whale species This includes humpback, blue, fin and killer whales among them. The best time to visit Quebec and go on a whale-watching trip is between mid-May and mid-October. There are many whale-watching operators that can take you to this beautiful place. There’s nothing to be afraid of as there are strict rules and ships aren’t allowed to get too close to the whales. So, place Quebec on your list as best places for wildlife.

Corcovado (Costa Rica)

The national park of Corcovado is surely one of the most intense biological places on the planet. Cloud forests, old-growth wet forests, wild beaches and mangrove swamps in this national park are absolutely magnificent. Not only this, but Corcovado is full of tropical wildlife. Tapirs, red macaws, quetzals and many different types of monkeys are just some of the animals you can spot. If you’re lucky, you might even get a chance to see a mountain lion or jaguar hunting. Since this is one of the wettest places on earth, make sure you visit it during the dry season (January to March).

Serengeti (Tanzania)

The great migration is one of the most dramatic scenes of African wildlife. During the migration, more than 1.5 million wildebeests and 200,000 zebras set off on their 1,200-mile odyssey. What makes the great migration so special is that all of these animals are hunted by predators during their journey. Wildebeests and zebras follow the rain, which means you’ll have to plan your travels accordingly. The best time to visit Tanzania is February or March. This the time when animals congregate in Serengeti. By June and July, animals get to Masai Mara (Kenya), and that’s where you can witness Grumeti River crossings.

Yellowstone (USA)

The Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park is listed as one of the best places for wildlife. This place is famous for being a home to “big five” animals in the USA. The famous “big five” consists of the grizzly, bison, elk, wolf and cougar. If you visit Yellowstone, chances are you’ll get to see all of them. If you get up early in the morning, you might even spot a bear or wolf looking for a prey. Spotting a cougar may be more difficult but it’s possible if you’re persistent enough. If you want to record these incredible creatures by night, make sure you check out trail cameras before you visit Yellowstone.

All of these five best places for wildlife experience guarantee you a great time. So there’s no reason why you shouldn’t book your flight today. Be a witness to some of the best places for wildlife experience on earth.

Have you be on a wild life vacation before? If so, where were you a what did you see. If not, what spot would you like to visit. You may also like 4 Top Family Activities in Bali.

Author – Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls simply in love with interior design and DIY projects. In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.

Filed Under: Travel, Vacation Destinations Tagged With: family travel, travel tips, vacation destinations

Bearoy Back Seat Organizer Review

May 6, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 3 Comments

How many times have you taken a road trip and you’ve ended up struggling to reach an item or you have a screaming child in the backseat who wants something. I travel frequently. Sometimes I drive and other times I fly. Either way, I’m on the road to my destination or the airport. If I’m traveling with my grandchildren, one or the other ends up wanting a snack, drink, electronic device or some other object that I can’t reach from the front seat if I’m driving or can barely reach if I’m a passenger.

When I was contacted to review the Bearoy Organizer I jumped at the chance. I had actually been shopping for an organizer and tray, so the timing was perfect. This is a picture of the organizer hanging in the backseat of my car. I love that the 8 year can easily access the organizer and retrieve items for both him and his sister when needed.

This is an up close of the organizer in the back of my car. As you can see, the organizer is a nice size and holds lots of items. I grabbed the items that I normally take to keep the children occupied when I’m driving. There’s a drink for the 8 year old, the 4 year old has a cup holder on her car seat, but there is room for both of their cups. I love the pockets, they’re insulated so drinks will stay cold. or baby’s bottle warm.

I have the Kindle in the picture, but it’s large enough for the iPad and the Samsung Galaxy too. We normally carry 2 Kindles and either the Samsung tablet or iPad. The pocket has an opening on both sides to plug in headphones or a charger. I love that feature. The kids run down every electronic device that they can get their hands on. We always have a device on a charger. I have a charging station in the console of the car and truck, so the side openings are perfect. I also love that I can keep the tablets in a central location, and not wonder where they are later.

Lets not forget snacks. Lemon Heads and peanut butter crackers are a must. Books will easily fit into the bottom pocket. I pack coloring and reading books as well as crayons for the little one. There’s also 3 pencil holders for pencils, pens and markers for the 8 year old, he loves word search puzzles.

If your wondering about the fit, don’t. The organizer fits over the headrest and adjust easily. I highly recommend the Bearoy Luxury Backseat Organizer.

Note: I received the Bearoy Organizer in return for this review; however, all opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Product Reviews, travel tips

Traveling Solo As a Female

July 28, 2015 by Rhonda Gales

Today, I’m sharing travel tips for women traveling alone. I’ve traveled solo many times for business and on a much needed vacation. I’ve lost track of the number of times that I’ve been asked throughout my journeys, “Are you going alone?” “Don’t you have a friend to go with you?” or “You aren’t afraid to travel by yourself, I could never do that.” Lets not forget this one, “Do you get lonely?” There’s a difference being lonely and being alone.

females traveling solo, women traveling solo, travel tips for females

I remember the first time I traveled alone for vacation although I was married. At the time my daughter was five years old. So, I decided to head to Los Angeles to visit my sister and her family. It was the first time that my daughter and I had flown. My husband made sure we got on the plane without issues, and the flight to Los Angeles was smooth. The next task was to get our luggage and find my sister.

This too went without incident. I juggled luggage and a 5 year old through a international airport. We had a great time in Los Angles and the surrounding areas. We made our way back to Washington-Dulles, and it was at that point I was bitten by the travel bug. Traveling solo as a female no longer intimidated me.

I started making my way around the country for my job shortly thereafter. Getting in and out of airports became second nature to me as well as either renting cars and driving in strange cities or hailing taxis to get from point A to B. When you have a job that requires you to travel, your company doesn’t pay for another person to accompany you. So, you go alone. You put on your big girl pants and you conduct business.

Vacationing in Savannah, GA

I’m no longer married, so I travel solo as a female. I still love to do personal travel. Yes I have friends that I could travel with. But, trying to coordinate a week’s vacation with a friend or group of people can be taxing. I’ve been through that experience before. And, it was by far worst than anything I’ve encountered while traveling solo.

So, I made a vow to never go there again. I’m not one to sit around and wait for another person to get in a position financially to vacation. Or find the time for a vacation. Most importantly, because a person is alone doesn’t mean they are lonely. There’s a difference. I wish people would understand that.

The people that I have met along the way have been insightful. They have impacted my life immensely. On my last trip I met a lady at the airport that I have now become friends with. She called me her angel. I had arrived early at the airport, and the United counter had not opened. Furthermore, they didn’t have a sign posted about their hours.

As a result, I asked if she knew what time the counter opened. She didn’t, but after a small conversation I could clearly see that she was stressed. She was on her way to the states as well; however, she was an inexperienced traveler. We talked and got to know each other and it turns out that she was from South Africa. In fact, not far from where I would like to go on safari.

It’s funny people see women traveling alone as courageous or brave. Why don’t they see men this way? Actually, I see myself as neither. I’m simply doing what I love to do. As a matter of fact, I believe traveling solo has contributed to making me who I am today. I also believe that every woman should travel solo at least once in their life. It’s empowering! If you decide to travel, here’s a few tips for women traveling alone:

1. It Forces You To Step Outside Your Comfort Zone – It requires you to face your fears. I was quite nervous the first time I traveled alone, but I pushed through and marched forward. As a result, I became quite confident in my abilities to reach a destination and enjoy myself. It is definitely a self-esteem boost.

2. It Broadens Your Perspective – Traveling allows you to see that that there is another part of the world. It allows you to interact with people outside of your circle. Furthermore, it allows you to get to know them and a little about their daily life. I have met wonderful people along my journey. Some I have remained in touch with and some I’ve just had a pleasant conversation with. All remain memorable. Why should you miss out, simply because you’re traveling solo as a female.

3. It Allows You to Experience Different Cultures and Foods – One of the things that I love most is experiencing different cultures and treating myself to local dishes. Eating out by myself the first time was a little uncomfortable. However, I decided to take my Kindle and catch up on my reading list. I noticed one lady who was traveling solo doodling. Traveling solo as a female doesn’t have to be difficult.

People find a way to occupy themselves. I’m comfortable enjoying my meals alone and not feeling like an outcast. I’ve had people invite me to join them, but I’ve found I like relaxing and eating alone. Besides, I’m really not into small talk or trying to force a conversation. Getting online and retrieving emails is a much better way for me to occupy my time.

4. It Teaches You To Think About Your Safety – Safety should be a major concern when traveling solo. It forces you to listen to your intuition and to become aware of your surroundings. I always do my homework before traveling. I educate myself on taxi fares so I will have some idea of what I should be buying. If I will be driving, I make sure I arrive during the day so I can reach my destination before night fall.

I make it a habit of checking my surroundings, and never venture too far my hotel at night. I always park under lights and always keep my doors locked when driving or in my hotel room. They make peep holes for a reason, I use it before opening the door for room service, maintenance etc.

5. You Return Feeling Like You Can Conquer The World – Traveling solo as a female makes you stronger as a person. It enhances your leadership, planning and organizational skills. It allows you to get in touch with what you like and do they things you want to do. You get to plan and set your own schedule and not feel obligated to anyone. It’s freeing and totally invigorating!

Furthermore, why can’t women travel alone? Women who are executives in corporations or own their own businesses travel constantly. It seems that traveling for business is acceptable, but there’s still a stigma about a woman traveling alone for a little rest and relaxation. Women want to feel invigorated, and they are refusing to be stifled in any matter. Tips for women traveling alone can be beneficial. Assert your independence, and have a great time!

Filed Under: Travel Tips Tagged With: travel tips, travel tips for women, traveling solo

Virginia Beach Neptune Festival

July 19, 2015 by Rhonda Gales

If you’re looking for an event to attend with the family in the Hampton Roads area, check out the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach, VA. It’s a great way to spend the day with the family, soak up some sun and end the summer with a bang. It’s been on my list of travel destinations for several years.

Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, summer activities in Virginia Beach, Things To Do In Virginia, beach activities

First, the festival starts in September. So, be sure to check the site for up to date information. You can stroll along the boardwalk from 18th – 29th street and find vendors under a sea of white canopies selling their wares. Furthermore, the smell of delicious foods will engulf you. If you decide to attend, find the vendor selling the fish tacos. They are yummy in your tummy. Also, they sell veggie burgers, gyros, and a variety of other foods. Musicians will gladly entertain you throughout the day.

Next, what excites me about the festival is the artists who create the sand sculptures. They are amazing. So, the sculptors bring their skills from the USA and around the world. I have seen sculptors from Russia, Holland, Canada, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Ireland and Singapore. As a result, big money is up for grabs and big sand sculptures will rise up on the sand. The precision that the sculptors use is incredible. As a result, it is so much fun to walk along the beach and check out these beautiful works of art. To give you a taste of what you will see here’s a few pictures from prior festivals:

As a matter of fact, the first time that I saw sand sculptures was in Venice Beach, CA. I couldn’t believe that such beautiful artwork could be made out of sand. I was hooked. Fortunately, my daughter moved to Virginia Beach years ago. So, I try to attend the Neptune Festival when I can. The sand artists never disappoint.

Additionally, if you’re willing to pay an entry fee, you can sit under this massive canopy. If the weather is not cooperating, it’s a perfect place to watch the artists sculpt. The fee also allows you to mingle with the artists.

Last, mark your calendar for the annual Neptune Festival. Parking can be found on Pacific Avenue without too much trouble. And, it allows easy access to the boardwalk. Be sure to bring a stroller for baby, hat and your sunscreen. You’ll want to spend the day. Finally, you may also like 9 Budget Friendly Activities in Virginia Beach.

Filed Under: Vacation Destinations Tagged With: Neptune Festival, travel destinations, travel tips, virginia beach

Tips On How To Pack For Vacation

June 10, 2015 by Rhonda Gales

Some people think Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. I agree, but so is packing for a vacation. In the past, I tried to pack everything that I owned. For some insane reason, I really thought I needed 2 – 3 outfits per day and 10 pair of shoes. I remember when I used to carry a garment bag. Seriously, I had bruises on my shoulders because the bag was so heavy. You think I would have learned, but no I didn’t pack less. I purchased new luggage and filled that to capacity too. Today I have travel tips on how to pack for vacation. Lets get started!

I had the nerve to look at people at the airport and wonder how they traveled with so little. Now I realize that they were probably looking at me and wondering why I was dragging around my closet. Want to know what turned me around? When I traveled for business. I usually drove myself to the airport for business trips. Additionally, I was on per diem when I traveled. As a result, my company would not pay for daily parking. So, I was forced to park in the satellite parking lot. When you park in satellite parking, you have to take a shuttle to the terminal to catch your flight. I soon realized that the world isn’t full of gentlemen who jump up to assist you. No sir, I was on my own getting everything in the car, out the car, on the shuttle, off the shuttle through the airport and back into my car.

I realized that it was unnecessary for me to take so much. I realized that I had to learn how to pack for vacation and business trips like a pro. Have you noticed that we’re the cause of the majority of our own problems? The light bulb finally came on and I accepted that I didn’t need half of what I packed. I don’t know what took me so long, but I’m glad I arrived.

Here’s a few of my packing tips and tricks on how to pack for vacation:

1. Make a list with 4 columns – One column is for what I have to take like medicines, phone charger, tickets, address for the hotel/resort and confirmation numbers. Another column is for things that I would like to take like my laptop, Kindle, camera, additional batteries etc. The third column is for activities that I have planned and the fourth column is for clothing, shoes and accessories based on what I have planned. If I’m on vacation, I check out sights that I would like to see prior to my trip so I can plan accordingly.

2. Assess your luggage – Most airlines will allow 2 bags on the plane. So, I will have my tote with my laptop and another carry on. The tip here is to place your small purse into your tote. I use a cross body bag. It holds the essentials: money, hairbrush, keys, lipstick, a credit card, drivers licence and money. I pack a larger bag in my suitcase if needed. If you’re checking your bag, remember the weight limit so you don’t incur additional expense.

3. Decide on a color theme – I lay everything that I want to take based on the activities on my list. I cut everything down to half and place the excess back into my closet and drawers. Mixing and matching pieces has become second nature for me. Using the same shoes, but different accessories will give you the change you need with your outfits. For example, I take a black skirt that I can wear with 2 different blouses. I just use different accessories.

I also pack sundresses that I can wear casually or dress up with a necklace, scarf, and cute sandals or pumps. They’re light and don’t take up much space. Leggings are great too. You can wear them under a casual dress or skirt from the above group, pair with a shirt or wear with a tee to lounge around in for the day. Throw in a few pair of shorts and tees. You can pair these with sandals.

4. Pack toiletries in zip lock bags – Pack body wash, hand wipes, toothbrushes, shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen, tanning lotion etc. in gallon zip lock bags. Take extra bags with you too. I always have one handy for my wet loofah after showering the morning on my return trip. It’s never dry enough to just toss in the luggage. Additionally, zip lock bags are great for your lotions and wipes on the beach or by the pool.

5. Shoes – I take a pair of black pumps to wear if I want to dress up, a pair of walking shoes for sight seeing, and a few pair of sandals or two that will go with my final selection of clothing.

6. Neutral hat – When I’m heading to the beach or a tropical location, I always take a neutral hat that’s made specifically for travel. I can pack it and not worry about it losing its shape or getting damaged. Make sure that it will give you UV protection that you will need as well.

7. Pack neutral custom jewelry – Learning how to pack for vacation includes zip lock bags. Using zip lock bags to pack my custom jewelry allows me to see what I have. I place the zip lock bag in a cosmetic bag for extra protection. With the exception of my rings, I do not take my gold jewelry with me. I also don’t remove my rings when I’m traveling.

8. Take 2 swimsuits and a plastic tote – How to pack for vacation includes a tote, which I place the tote on the bottom of my suitcase. I use the plastic tote as my beach bag. I’ve been carrying the same plastic tote for years. It can withstand the sand and I can wash it off to repack on the return trip.

9. Pack a wrap or blanket – I always pack a wrap or light weight blanket in my carry on. I don’t like to be cold on my flights, so I just fold it and place it back in the bag after I land.

10. Roll your clothes – Roll your clothes instead of folding them. It give you more room and less wrinkles. Rolling your items in tissue paper keeps down the wrinkles too. If you don’t want to deal with tissue paper. Get a travel spray bottle, and fill it with Downy Wrinkle Releaser. This stuff is great.

11. Buy sturdy luggage – Purchase or use luggage that can endure your flight. Make sure your address and cell phone number are on your luggage tag. I also tie a piece of red ribbon on the handle of my luggage. The ribbon helps me to identify it on the carousal.

I hope these tips on how to pack for vacation will help you pack more efficiently too. They certainly have helped me to keep it simple when I travel now.

You may also like: Traveling Solo As A Female

Filed Under: Travel, Travel Tips Tagged With: family travel tips, travel tips, travel tips for women, vacation destinations

Twelve Hotel Atlanta Georgia

September 19, 2009 by Rhonda Gales

Today, I’m sharing my Twelve Hotel Atlanta Georgia review. I was actually there for a business trip. And, it was absolutely beautiful. Especially, if you like high end hotels, The Twelve Hotel Atlanta Georgia is a must. The hotel is located in downtown Atlanta about 5 blocks from the Coca Cola Company, Aquarium, Olympic Park and the CNN Building. I was hoping that I would see that gorgeous Don Lemon or Dr. Gupta, but it didn’t happen.

Fortune Magazine has named this hotel as one of the best business hotels in the country. I agree.

travel destination

There’s a wonderful gourmet sandwich shop around the corner from the hotel, Jimmy Johns. They have the best sub sandwiches. It takes less than 5 minutes to get your order. By the time I paid, the sandwich was made, bagged, and ready to go. If you want to splurge, visit BLT Steak on Ivan Allen Blvd. It’s ranked as the number two steakhouse in Atlanta. It’s also around the corner from the hotel. You see that I spoke of food first. Food is a top priority rather I’m traveling for business or pleasure.

Now for my take on the hotel. There’s nothing better than having the comforts of home while you’re away. This hotel delivers. It has a full kitchen with gorgeous stainless steel appliances and cherry cabinets. It also offers a dining area and breakfast bar if you wish to cook. Not interested in cooking, they have a ghost computer where you can order room service and set your wake-up call on line. Room service can be expensive with the delivery fee and gratuity, but it was worth it. The hotel also delivers mixed drinks, wine, beer whatever your preference. Furthermore, if you want to socialize, they have an upscale restaurant and bar down stairs.

There’s a balcony off the bedroom. I was on the 11th floor, so I didn’t venture out too far. Although I’m a veteran flyer, I have a fear of being on balconies if I’m up that high. I wanted to admire the view of downtown Atlanta, so I did stick one foot out while holding on to the door, lol. Downtown Atlanta is beautiful at night. I tried to get a few night photos, but they didn’t turn out. Proving once again, I need photography lessons.

I absolutely loved the bedroom. The decor was stunning. It was spacious, and offered ample closet and drawer space. It was decorated in a contemporary decor with a king size bed and full length stainless steel mirror. The bed was comfortable and the bedding soft. I woke up feeling rested and ready to start my day.

The hotel room had a separate shower, but I decided to filled this tub while I was there. I always carry candles when I travel. So, I lite my candles and soaked until the water turned cold. It was so relaxing. My tub at home is just as nice, but I’m always in a hurry so I jump in the shower. I’ve decided that I’m going to use it more often. It’s good for these aching joints and old bones. Twelve Hotel Atlanta Georgia offers a complimentary robe too. If you wish to purchase it will cost you $75.00. I didn’t purchase, but I did make use of it while I was there. It was so soft and comfortable. My body could get used to Egyptian cotton. Than again anything would be better than my tattered and torn bathrobe at home.

In the summer, you can take a swim in the pool located on the roof top. I’m a veteran traveler, and this hotel met all my needs except one. It doesn’t have a washer or dryer for hotel guest. It offers laundry service, but there’s a fee for each piece of clothing. I had a week’s worth of clothing with me, so I opted to carry my dirty laundry home. That’s something I hate to do.

The suites start at $189.00 a night with a discount. The Marta Train is across the street, which takes you to the airport or the hotel will arrange a shuttle or a cab. I took a cab since I was carrying numerous bags. The hotel is located 12 miles from the airport. However, they offer a flat rate fee of $30.00 for door to door service. If you’re in the Atlanta area and looking for a 5 star hotel, Twelve Hotel Atlanta Georgia is the place to stay. It’s a business traveler’s paradise.

I thank my employer for such luxurious accommodations. They usually set me up at the Crown Plaza when I’m in Atlanta, but they out did themselves on this trip. I hope my Twelve Hotel Atlanta Georgia review will give you some insight on this beautiful hotel.