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US Travel

8 Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains with Kids & Teens

December 13, 2022 by Dana Zeliff Leave a Comment

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

The Great Smoky Mountains is a heaven on earth for those who love to explore serene nature and majestic highlands. Being abundant in tall green trees, exciting hiking trails, fast-flowing rivers, and tranquil lakes, the Smoky Mountains have everything an outdoor lover needs. The spellbound mist of wildflowers and the diversity of wildlife make you forget the hustle and bustle of life and bring you closer to Mother Nature.

With over 14 million tourists each year, the Smoky Mountains and its iconic towns, such as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, are among the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park’s radiating natural beauty and appealing tourist attractions never cease to astonish tourists in all seasons. While you don’t want to miss out on a single spot during your vacations, it can be difficult to explore the vastness of the Great Smoky Mountain during a single visit. To get the most out of your limited vacation time, here are eight things you must do on your visit to the Smoky Mountains:

1.  Soak in the Views from Inside the Cabins

You can’t revel in the mesmerizing beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains more than sitting inside the traditional cabins and enjoying the scenic views while sipping a hot cup of cocoa. A cabin is a perfect spot to stay and soak up the splendor of nature with its classic, quaint appearance, contemporary amenities, and the tranquility and charisma of the Smoky Mountain area.

While numerous types of cabins and locations are available across the Great Smoky Mountains region, you can find the most fascinating views in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. When looking for large cabins for bigger groups, you can try some of the most popular rentals, like timbertops Cabin Rental. These cabins will provide you with the most fascinating views of the Smoky Mountain range while enjoying a comfortable sitting area on the back porch. These cabins come with a luxurious interior, attached kitchen, hot bath, home theater, and game room to make the trip jam-packed with fun and excitement for people of all ages.

2.  Practice Some Shots at the Golf Course

Spring and summer is the perfect time to hit some shots at the famous golf clubs in the Great Smoky Mountain area. You can practice shots at the Bent Creek Golf Course, Laurel Valley Golf Course, or Gatlinburg Golf Course on a warm sunny day while admiring the captivating views of surrounding mountains and green fields.

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Filed Under: US Travel, North America, Destinations

New York City on a Budget: A Guide to Money-Saving Travel

February 8, 2022 by Dana Zeliff 1 Comment

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

Visiting New York City is an experience that most people would never forget. The bustling city has so much to offer, but it’s also notorious for its overpriced attractions and glittering lights.

Having a limited amount of money in one of the most expensive cities in the world sounds like a problem. What do you do? Skip the museums, breweries, and attractions because they cost too much? Or give it up and spend it all on a fine-dine restaurant? Don’t worry. We’ll tell you how to get around town, what to see, how to eat for cheap (or free), and more!

Visiting New York: How to Stay On a Budget

The NYC has amazing eateries, museums, and other attractions that give visitors the perfect mix of culture and relaxation. And it’s not as expensive as you might think: there are tons of ways to save money on everything from food to accommodation.

Stay outside Manhattan

Depending on your itinerary, the NYC exploration may take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. Staying in Manhattan could eat up a major portion of your travel budget. Look elsewhere. You can get a hotel in Williamsburg or Park Slope will be much cheaper without cutting much on amenities.

If you are a budget backpacker and traveling solo, a dorm bed could be a suitable option. Plus, Airbnb and CouchSurfing can save you money on hostel beds. A general rule of thumb is: the longer the stay, the cheaper the room. If you are staying for a week or more, try checking out weekly rentals.

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Filed Under: US Travel, North America, Destinations

Hawaii Bucket List Ideas – 8 Fabulous Hawaii Attractions

December 30, 2021 by Dana Zeliff 2 Comments

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

Hawaii Bucket List

Everyone wants to visit Hawaii. If you’re lucky enough to live here, you already know why it’s one of the greatest states and I’d love to hear your favorite bucket list spots in the comments!  Derrick’s uncle lives in Oahu, so we’ll have more detailed information about that island when we visit in December 2017.  We plan to spend a few days with his uncle after taking a cruise to scope out even more Hawaiian bucket list items!

Join us as we explore the United States of America’s 50th state!

Hawaii Bucket List

Fabulous Hawaii Attractions

Pearl Harbor – Learn about the history of December 7th, 1941. Tours run daily and include a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial.

Ko’Olina Lagoon – Free to the public, family-friendly with bathrooms nearby, and super clean beaches earn Ko’Olina Lagoon a spot on our Hawaii Bucket List. If you’re looking for the perfect spot to relax and catch a beautiful sunset, this is it.

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Filed Under: US Travel, North America, Destinations, Hawaii

13 Things to Do in Williamsburg, Virginia

October 3, 2021 by Dana Zeliff 26 Comments

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

Things to Do in Williamsburg, Virginia
Whether you’re visiting Williamsburg for the first time or live in the area, there is a abundance of activities and places to see. The city is bursting history, fun and excitement. Below are a few of my family’s favorite things to do in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Things to Do in Williamsburg, Virginia:

1.  Colonial Williamsburg – Visit the historic area of colonial Williamsburg to learn about life in the 18th century. Step back in time to see what life was like for the colonist through tours and reenactments.

2.  Jamestown Settlement – The settlement of Jamestown is a fantastic place to visit. Immerse yourself in the 17th century culture with a Powhatan Indian Village, colonial forts and see the 3 ships that bought settlers to Virginia.

3.  Yorktown Battlefield – See the site where the British surrendered and our Independence was won in 1781.

4.  Busch Gardens – What would a visit to Williamsburg be without a day at the amusement park? Take a tour through Europe with roller coasters, food, live shows and a stop at Sesame Street Forest of Fun for the little ones. Make sure to ride one of the newer coasters, Griffon, while you’re there. Save money by purchasing tickets online with these Busch Gardens discount coupons!

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

Things to Do with Kids in Norfolk, Virginia

September 18, 2021 by Dana Zeliff 40 Comments

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

The area is comprised of seven cities close in proximity yet distinctly different. If you’re planning to vacation in the area or are already living nearby, I’ve compiled a list of things to do with kids in Norfolk to help keep your little ones busy this summer.

Hampton Roads is a wonderful place to live and visit. The area is comprised of seven cities, close in proximity, yet distinctly different. If you’re planning to vacation in the area or are already living nearby, here’s a few things to do with kids in Norfolk to help keep your little ones busy this summer.

One of our favorite spots to visit is Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Explore the grounds including the lovely Japanese Garden, Wildflower Meadow and Butterfly Garden. Afterwards, kids will have a blast at the WOW Children’s Garden. This area is dedicated to kids and families and includes a splash area-  so pack sunscreen, bathing suits and towels during summer months.

Another attraction you don’t want to miss is the Virginia Zoo. The zoo has been undergoing expansion for years and houses extensive Asian and African habitats. You should be able to explore all the exhibits in a few hours, so consider packing a picnic lunch and eating at Lafayette Park right next door! The mischievous Red Panda is one of my favorites.

Spirit of Norfolk on the Elizabeth River

Town Point Park is on the waterfront next to Waterside. Check the Norfolk Festevents website for up-to-date events throughout the year. These events are usually free and open to the public.

Visit Nauticus to “explore the naval, economic, and nautical power of the sea.” The exhibits include Secrets of the Deep, Shark Experience, activities related to the Battleship Wisconsin, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and many more. There are also changing exhibits and a large HD screen to watch The Last Reef and The Ultimate Wave.

*There is no charge to visit the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, but there is a fee for Nauticus exhibits.

While visiting Nauticus, make a starboard turn (for landlubbers, that’s make a right) and you’ll run smack dab into  one of the US Navy’s largest battleships, the Battleship Wisconsin. Portions of the interior can now be viewed as part of your Nauticus admission.

Take me out to a ball game at Harbor Park, home of the Norfolk Tides! When picking your day to take in a game, check the promotions page. My kids love attending games that end in fireworks!

Ride The Tide. No, I’m not taking about waves. The Tide is Norfolk’s public light rail system that serves 11 stations in Norfolk starting from Eastern Virginia Medical  College and ending at Newtown Road near Virginia Beach. If you’re kids aren’t used to riding a tram, this is a new adventure that often delights kids of all ages.

Explore Norfolk on the water by sailing with American Rover Sailing Cruises.  There are two options – the Harbor Tour or Sunset Cruise. Kids will likely prefer the Harbor Tour as the cruise takes place during the day.  This is something my kids haven’t experienced, but we’ve heard great things about the cruise.

The Chrysler Museum of Art is home to approximately 30,000 objects including European and American painting and sculpture and glass art demonstrations. Admission and parking is FREE!

Ocean View Fishing Pier

Head over to the Ocean View Fishing Pier on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay.  Let the kids fish or just stroll along the pier taking in the scenery.  Rod rentals are available for those without fishing gear & a tackle shop is on site to purchase bait.  There is a fee to fish or $1 fee to walk the pier.

Take a tour of Norfolk Naval Base and let kids see aircraft carriers, destroyers, amphibious assault ships, just to name a few. Norfolk is home to the world’s largest naval base, so it’s the perfect chance to let kids learn about our Military. *Currently closed for visitors

Norfolk, VA boosts many fun experiences to break up those everyday summer routines and give kids a little bit of education – even when they don’t realize they are learning.  You might also like things to do with kids in Virginia Beach or things to do with kids in Williamsburg for more staycation ideas!

What other ideas for things to do with kids in Norfolk, VA can you share?

The area is comprised of seven cities close in proximity yet distinctly different. If you’re planning to vacation in the area or are already living nearby, I’ve compiled a list of things to do with kids in Norfolk to help keep your little ones busy this summer.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Carr Photography.  All images used with permission.

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

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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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