The Talking Suitcase

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Kids Travel Picks

Ocean Breeze Waterpark Virginia Beach {Family Fun in the Sun}

July 23, 2014 by Dana Zeliff 6 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Ocean Breeze Waterpark Virginia Beach
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Are you looking for a great way to cool off during the hot summer months? Then Ocean Breeze Waterpark Virginia Beach is your answer!

slides ob

Located in Virginia Beach only a few short miles from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Ocean Breeze Waterpark Virginia Beach is the perfect way to add some water fun to your vacation!  There are rides and features for the entire family and we have been season pass holders since the boys were babies!  From Buccaneer Bay for the little ones, to The Hurricane for the more daring family members, you’re sure to find something to make everyone happy!  And if going down slides isn’t your thing, you can relax poolside by the giant wave pool or grab a free raft and float around the “Adventure River” which has earned a nickname from my kids as “The Lazy River” because it’s so relaxing!

pirate ship ob

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Filed Under: US Travel, Kids Travel Picks, Virginia, Amusement & Water Parks, North America, Destinations

Our Experience with American Girl Food in DC

June 6, 2014 by Dana Zeliff 1 Comment

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

American Girl Food at the Bistro in DC
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Last week I shared about our trip to the American Girl Tyson’s Corner store in DC. One of the things we did during our trip was eat at the American Girl Bistro for a late lunch.

My experience was different than many others. I read (and was told) rave reviews about the bistro. Atmosphere is awesome, food is fantastic. Well, they had the atmosphere part right.

We were pretty disappointed in the food and service. It all started with us having to wait 25 minutes after our reservation time. Mind you our reservation was at 2:30, so we were STARVING!  So after waiting almost 30 minutes we finally get a table.   Only to wait another 7 for someone to come to the table to take drink orders.

Okay, maybe they were super busy or I just shouldn’t have high service standards.  BUT, I was still optimistic at this point…

[Read more…]

Filed Under: US Travel, Kids Travel Picks, Washington DC, Foodie, North America, Destinations

American Girl Tysons Corner Store

May 30, 2014 by Dana Zeliff 2 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

American Girl Tysons Corner Store
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We made our first trip to the American Girl store in Washington, DC for LuLu’s birthday.  It was an awesome experience for the entire family. LuLu (and I) were in awe of the massive American Girl Tysons Corner store. Dolls and accessories were everywhere!!

Our first stop was to the Doll Salon. We set up an appointment, picked a style, then headed off to shop.    If you’re visiting the salon or getting ears pierced, make sure you set that up as your first thing to do as there can be a long wait time.

American Girl Tysons Corner Store - Just Like Me

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Filed Under: US Travel, Kids Travel Picks, Washington DC, North America, Destinations

Visit to Blue Bird Gap Farm {Hampton, VA}

May 6, 2014 by Dana Zeliff 6 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

Bluebird Gap Farm
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We attended a birthday party at Blue Bird Gap Farm in Hampton, VA this weekend.  It was such a fun afternoon for all the kiddos – from toddlers to my oldest. They ran around climbing, looking at animals and just pain enjoying being crazy kids for an afternoon.

I used to go to Blue Bird Gap Farm with my aunt as a child, so it was nice to be back after all these years.  Even though a lot has changed, it still brought back great memories.  I enjoyed getting to share the farm with my children all these years later.

Blue Bird Gap Farm Animals

Where is Blue Bird Gap Farm?

Blue Bird Gap Farm is located just off I-64 near the Hampton Coliseum.  If you’re traveling along I-64 near the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel then it’s a great spot to let the kids out to stretch their legs and have a bite to eat.  It’s only about 3 minutes to the farm once you jump off the interstate.

What to See and Do at Blue Bird Gap Farm:

The 60-acre farm has about 150 animals, both domestic and wild.  You’ll find deer, tortoises, racoons, goats, birds of prey and my personal favorite – PEACOCKS just to name a few.

Blue Bird Gap Farm Playground

There is a large playground with a big playset for big kids and a smaller set for little ones.  You’ll also find an ample amount of swings to accommodate lots of kids.

Bluebird Gap Farm Collage

After you play, take a walk around the nature trail and make sure to visit the barn and feed the goats.  You’ll also want to take a peak at the Hampton Master Gardeners’ Display Garden and Arboretum.  It’s a pretty little area full of flowers and plants.

Another nice feature is that the farm also has restrooms that are surprisingly well cared for and clean.  Going to public restrooms on a farm can sometimes be pretty gross.  Is it odd that the restrooms are one of the things I remember most?

If you’re hungry there are snack and drink vending machines, but I advise bringing your own food.  Have a picnic (or just a few snacks) on one of the benches, picnic tables or simply spread a blanket of the grass near the Azalea trail or the pond.

The best part?  It’s FREE to enjoy the entire Blue Bird Gap Farm!

 Bluebird Gap Farm Picnic Area

Having a gathering such as a birthday party is fantastic at this location. There are so many things to keep the kids busy and you don’t have to pay a rental fee! Since you can’t reserve a spot, make sure to come early. Our party was held back near the tortoise and rabbit enclosures.   It really is the perfect spot for an event. You’re tucked away from most of the crowd, have picnic benches and a huge tree to provide shade. Plus it’s only about a minute walk to the playground and the barns.

Bring lots of quarters to feed the animals. The goats will eat right out of your hands! Watch for peacocks – they run around everywhere. They’re nice but it’s kinda scary seeing them staring at you from on top of the bathroom.

Visit the park website HERE for information on hours (closed Tuesday).

Have you been to Blue Bird Gap Farm? Share with us your favorite memories.

Have you even gotten home and realized you’re missing a ton of pictures?  I took 10 (at least) of the kids feeding the goats.  Where are they?  I took a couple shots of the entire playground and a peacock on the restroom roof.  Nope.  Don’t have those either.  I’m sticking with I have not lost my mind and my camera ate my pictures.

While you’re on the Peninsula, you might want to stop by Busch Gardens and save with these Busch Gardens Discount Coupons!!

Filed Under: US Travel, Kids Travel Picks, Virginia, North America, Destinations

Activities for Families in VA Beach

March 31, 2014 by Dana Zeliff 2 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article.

VABeach Staycation Ideas

Are you planning to take a vacation to Virginia Beach, VA? Do you live in the area and want fun and inexpensive staycation ideas? Head over to my frugal site, The Coupon Challenge, to learn tips from a local (me!) on what to do in Virginia Beach.  I have tons of ideas on having a Virginia Beach Staycation during Spring or Summer.

Filed Under: US Travel, Kids Travel Picks, Virginia

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Welcome!

Hi, I’m Dana. Planning a great trip shouldn't mean spending endless evenings scrolling travel forums, watching videos, and sorting through conflicting opinions online.

I've spent years exploring the world with my husband and our two kids, and those experiences shape how I help clients plan their own vacations. Together, we've visited 48 countries across four continents and spent nearly four years living in France.

Whether you're planning a European itinerary, a cruise vacation, an all-inclusive resort stay, or a family getaway, I'll help you sort through the options and create a trip that works for your travel style, interests, and budget. Read More…

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