City ❀ Country ❀ Beach
If you want a luxurious stay with the comforts of home, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is the place to stay. The Lobby Walking into the lobby is amazing because it’s clean, sleek, and absolutely gorgeously decorated with lush palm trees and water features. …
Take safety seriously especially while traveling with loved ones. These are my personal best 10 travel safety tips and how to best implement them. S.T.E.P. S.T.E.P. (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) is a free U.S State Government program that protects U.S. citizens when traveling abroad. You …
There’s one thing that I hate while traveling and it’s being sick or having someone else in your party be sick. You don’t want to admit it, but it kind of puts a damper on your fun vacation or it makes your work trip miserable. In the last 4 years, I personally have not had to call in sick to work. Oh, I’ve taken my personal days, but I have not had to call in sick. I take precautions at home all the time and now I want to share the precautions I take before & during traveling. Here are my surefire ways to do my best to stay healthy while traveling and now you can too!
Getting an extra boost of Vitamin C daily a week or two before your trip will enhance your immune system. I am not a doctor, so please don’t take any medical advice from me, but I’ve seen this time & time again in our family that this helps. I even give this to my kids before mid-terms & final exams. Who here likes to have someone sneezing on an airplane? Not me. I don’t know about you, but I literally stop breathing for a few seconds when someone sneezes near me. I feel like I’m not breathing in their germs. I know, weird.
Since we’re talking about taking Vitamin C, don’t forget to pack your over-the-counter medicines. I know you’re probably thinking these are for when you’re already sick, but these are preventative, too. Taking stomach medicine at the first sign of stomach pain might prevent other symptoms. Or taking medicine for a headache might prevent you from a migraine. Do you see where I’m getting at? Also, these are always a good idea to carry with you while traveling because you just never know. Better to have them and not need them, than to not have them and need them.
You don’t have to be over the top about this, but please make sure you wash your hands after using any restroom and before eating. It amazes me how many people don’t wash their hands after using the restroom! Why? It’s for your own good and for the good of those around you. People, please, just wash your hands. So many germs can be avoided.
This is always a good idea to bring just in case you have those instances where you can’t get to a restroom to wash your hands. You’re traveling, so of course, you need something on the go because you’re on the go. There will be times where you may want to clean your hands like when meeting new people and shaking their hands or you’re grocery shopping to stock your hotel room and the grocery store is out of wipes (that’s happened to me plenty of times)! Take this. You’ll be happy you did.
We actually do this subconsciously all the time. We have an itch on our nose, we scratch it. We have an itchy eye, we rub it. We have kids? Well, you know what a lot of them do with their nose. Yuk! Some people bit their nails, too. The point is if our hands your hands are dirty and you go to touch your face, you will probably pick up some germs and therefore, you might get sick. Make it a habit not to take your hands to your face, especially while traveling.
Keeping hydrated is important. It helps your bodies organs functioning as they should be. While you’re traveling your body may be undergoing stress because of new locations, new people, new customs, etc, so drinking water will keep your body under control. The easiest way to do this is by carrying a refillable water bottle. If you’re in a location where you trust the water source, just refill your bottle. Drinking water before your trip will prepare your body to be in its best optimum health. And people, please don’t think that soda or energy drinks will do the trick. Just because they’re liquids doesn’t mean they’re healthy for you. Stick with good ol’ H2O. And if you absolutely can’t tolerate straight up H2O, then add a little flavoring. I personally like straight up H2O and Crystal Light flavors.
If you’re traveling and you’re not sure whether to drink the tap water or not, drink only bottled or canned drinks. Don’t ask for ice and then pour your bottled or canned drink over the ice. If you do that, you just drank tap water but in the frozen method. Think about it. This may cost you more, but it’s better to pay extra for drinks than pay for a hospital bill. Again, if you have to drink things this method, try to stick with bottled H2O and stay away from sugary or energy drinks.
You may think this is excessive, but think about how many people have stayed in the same exact room as you. And, don’t think that the maid has cleaned it thoroughly. Although I have much respect for their job, I don’t trust that they have cleaned every part that carries the most germs. I like to wipe down (using towelettes from #4) the following areas:
remote controls, toilet handle & sink faucet, light switches, and doorknobs
I’m not a big breakfast eater and if I do eat breakfast, I’m usually hungry by 10:00 a.m. However, when I’m traveling I like to eat at least a little something before we head out the door (and usually that’s early because we like to make the most of our day sightseeing). I will either eat something quick like waffles, a granola bar, or some fruit. Getting something in your stomach is good because it will give you energy for what could be a long day, prevent you from getting any headaches or your stomach queasy, and even though it doesn’t have anything to do with staying healthy, you might not be so hungry for lunch, therefore saving you money on a big meal. Everyone is different, but I find it better to eat at least a little something before heading out for your day.
If you do everything above, but you don’t get a good night’s sleep, then you will have a hard time functioning for the rest of the day. This is true not just when traveling, but for any time. The body needs to rest. Don’t underestimate the importance of sleep. I know you want to get everything in into one day and feel accomplished, but it’s better to break down activities into two days and have a great time than do everything in one day and feel like you’re going to die. For example, do only one Disney park per day. Then go back to your hotel room to relax and sleep. Don’t try to do multiple parks in one day and expect to get it all in. I don’t recommend this at all! Especially if you’re not 18 years old anymore if you know what I mean.
Have you ever gotten sick while traveling? What was your worst experience? What things do you do to prevent getting sick? I would love to hear your stories!
If you have a specific question about this post, please email me.
There is no reason why children shouldn’t enjoy the benefits of traveling as much as you do. In fact, there are many reasons why travel is great for children and let me explain why.
Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay is fun for the entire family. Whether you have children, teens, or grandparents it is sure to thrill everyone!
With so much to see and do in Las Vegas, I have narrowed it down to this alphabetized complete guide of things to do & see on and off the iconic strip. I have also included fun celebrity chef restaurants!
If you’re wondering where to start, I have made it easy for you. Start here! I also suggest you check online for show times & schedules, especially if you’re traveling during a holiday season. I don’t know about you, but I would be disappointed if I thought something was open, you go, and it ends up being closed. This would be especially true if you’re on a time crunch.
The Bellagio is a resort on the Las Vegas strip and it is absolutely gorgeous. As a matter of fact, many of the resorts on the strip are grand & gorgeous. I’m pointing this one out because the fountains located in front of the resort is a spectacular show in itself. The fountains dance to popular music at specific times. Click here for showtimes.
CBS Television City is located inside of MGM Grand Resort. It is a free interactive experience in which you, the viewer, would be one of the first people to rate a television show that has not been aired yet for the public. It was a neat experience for us because we are movie & TV buffs. This also makes for a great time to relax your feet & be in air condition after walking the strip!
There is just something special about exploring Las Vegas on foot. Yes, you may get tired, but you get to discover a lot of things you never knew existed until you walked it yourself. If it gets too hot, it’s ok because it’s best to discover Las Vegas at sundown or night anyway. These are some of the best cityscapes and more that we saw while walking the strip. Do
How can you love chocolate and NOT visit this place??? Ethel M Chocolates is absolutely free and it’s not that far from the strip. It wasn’t busy at all when we were there, but we also went early. It is a self-guided tour of what the factory workers are making at the time. There are so many goodies here to buy & try
Freemont Street was quite…interesting. However, I would say that it really is not meant for families or children under 16. If you bring kids here, it’s at your own risk of what they could possibly see. With that being said, they do have a cool zip line experience and at Binion’s Gambling Hall, you can literally be in front of $1 million. The money is real and it’s encased so you can’t really touch it and our teen boys were told that they couldn’t be anywhere near it!
Although we didn’t eat at Heart Attack Grill, it was a unique restaurant. Everyone that dines there is given a hospital gown to wear. And if you weight at least 350 lbs, you eat for free. Like I said, unique.
If you have time, I would absolutely make this a day trip! Make sure you bring water, sneakers, a camera, and wear cool clothing.
Visiting the Hoover Dam can be very hot, so be aware of that. I also recommend taking the power plant tour because there is so much you can learn about how this dam operates. For costs and more information, click here.
As you can probably tell by now by reading this guide, I love chocolate! When I knew that M&M’s World was here, we had to go. This is such a fun and colorful place. You can find all your favorite M&M flavors here along with cool gifts for all of your friends back at home.
If you have any Marvel or movie fans in the family, they will truly enjoy this. This attraction is located inside the Treasure Island Hotel on the strip. Make sure to check on Groupon.com for offers as this is the way we discovered Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
If you’re looking for an interactive museum that is truly extraordinary, you can’t miss The Mob Museum. They have 3 floors of exhibits and the underground is the speakeasy! If you’re of legal age, you can sit at the bar and have a drink. You can also experience the Use of Force Training Experience (age requirement) and the Crime Lab Experience (age requirement) where you get to be the forensic scientist. I can’t say enough how interesting & fun this museum is, so check it out!
The National Atomic Testing Museum is located only 15 minutes away from Freemont Street. If you visit Freemont Street, leave a few hours earlier and visit this museum on the way. It won’t take you a long time to go through this museum, but if you are history buff, especially, you will enjoy this.
The Neon Museum is reliving old Las Vegas. It is best to reserve your tour tickets online because it is not a self-guided tour. The tour operators know their history! We had an amazing lady give us so much information and we were also able to ask questions. You may not touch the signs, but you can take as many photos as you like. If these signs could talk, I would sit and listen for hours!
Seeing Piff The Magic Dragon was hilarious! He was on “America’s Got Talent.” He didn’t win the show, but he got his own theater in Las Vegas and that is
The Venetian Resort has to be my favorite resort on the Las Vegas strip because it is very beautiful and romantic. The ambiance is low light, Italian music, and, of course, they have great food! The gondola ride is pricey, but I say you have to do it at least once, especially if you’ve never been to Italy. This resort is a wonderful place to just sit, have a cup of coffee, and people watch. At certain times, they will have opera singers at the piazza. I highly recommend you spend some time at this resort exploring!
Does anyone recognize this place? You might if you ever watch Pawn Stars on the History channel. This store is just a 10-minute drive from the strip. If you want to meet any of the stars, don’t count on it. They make impromptu appearances so you never know if they will be there. You’ll be lucky if you do! We, unfortunately, were not so lucky. Make sure you browse the store, though, because there are many interesting things here that you might even want to purchase yourself.
*We did not dine here.
I wanted to try this bake shop because I’ve seen the “Cake Boss” show on TV many times. I’ve always been amazed by how great the cakes look on TV. I was not disappointed when we tried the cupcakes! They were delicious and decorated beautifully!
*We did not dine here.
I watch Food Network A LOT! Therefore, I had to try the gelato from Giada. Again, I was not disappointed. It was so refreshing after walking the strip on a hot day! The rest of my family loved their treats, as well!
*We did not dine here.
*We did not dine here.
*We did not dine here.
For full details of our personal experience with Public House restaurant, click here.
*We did not dine here.
If you’re adventurous and/or love hiking plus you have the time, you might want to check out this national park over to Nevada’s neighboring state, Utah. My blogging friend highly recommends the Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky.
If you have a specific question about this post, please email me.
Are you looking for some fun things to do on the west coast of Florida, but don’t want to break your budget? Enjoy these fun or nearly free activities in Pinellas County, Florida. The Florida Botanical Gardens is a wonderful place to get away from …
A visit to Tarpon Springs, Florida is like stepping into a whole new world. Engulfed in culture, great food, and shopping it makes for a fantastic day! LOCATION If you love the ocean, you will love to take a visit here. Tarpon Springs is located …
Discover paradise in the middle of Pinellas County, Florida at the Florida Botanical Gardens. After a long day at work or a simple weekend day trip, these gardens will renew your spirit and soul. Breathe in the fresh air and the aroma of these beautiful flowers and plants.
The Florida Botanical Gardens is absolutely free to visit. And speaking of free, while you’re here make sure to visit Heritage Village, which is just next door. It is also absolutely free.
When you get here make sure to pick up one of these brochures to help guide you through the gardens.
This is a self-tour garden so you can take your time and even bring a picnic to spend a long afternoon. There are plenty of places with benches and tables you can eat at.
If you have children, don’t think this would be a boring place. In fact, it’s totally the opposite! They have a children’s trail that is very educational. This is one of the reasons this garden, along with Heritage Village, have many school field trips.
Make sure to stop and smell the roses, pun intended. If you just walk through the Florida Botanical Gardens, you’ll miss the real meaning behind visiting here. Stop…breathe…read…and soak it all in. This place has trails to explore and chairs to relax. Join me now and see for yourself!
And now for the pinnacle moment, this is an amazing place to have a wedding! This garden is often booked for wedding events and it is for obvious reasons. The garden has its own section named “Wedding Garden.” If you’re interested in the Florida Botanical Gardens for this reason or for more information, visit their website.
Convinced you yet to visit? I feel truly blessed to be able to visit this place anytime I want since I live locally. So, whether you want to visit for the first time, are a local, are looking for a place to get away, or are planning a wedding, check out the Florida Botanical Gardens.
If you have a specific question about this post, please email me.
A visit to Safety Harbor, Florida will place you in a quaint town of shops, restaurants, and a renowned resort & spa. Safety Harbor is located on the west shore side of Tampa Bay, Florida. Pinellas County, the county in which this city is located, …
