The Talking Suitcase

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US Travel

Manteo Travel Idea – Discover Outer Banks History at Roanoke Island Festival Park

March 9, 2017 by Dana Zeliff 1 Comment

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

When you and your family need a break from the beach, Roanoke Island Festival Park is a great destination. Our top Manteo travel suggestion is only five miles from Nags Head. This 27 acre park will keep the kids busy for hours.

We visited with my 9 and 12 year old as well as my nephews ranging in age from 1 – 5 years.  There was plenty to keep the kids of all ages entertained.   However, Roanoke Island Festival Park isn’t just for kids.   This is the perfect spot for adults to discover Outer Banks history as well. We saw plenty of people exploring the park sans kids with the Elizabeth II being a highlight for all visitors.

Must See Site Attractions:

[Read more…]

Filed Under: US Travel, North Carolina, Aquariums, Museums & Zoos, North America, Destinations

Is Busch Gardens Christmas Town Worth the Cost? Plus Tips From Locals

December 23, 2016 by Dana Zeliff 2 Comments

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

Lights Busch Gardens Christmas Town
{Pin It}

Are you considering a trip to Busch Gardens Christmas Town?  Christmas Town is one of our favorite family traditions.  Each year we take the kids to experience the park, drink hot chocolate and see the lights.  But is it worth the cost?  If you’re unsure if you should spend the extra cash, I’ve listed some of the pros and cons to help make your decision.

Pros:Christmas Town Santa Busch Gardens

Gorgeous light display – Busch Gardens definitely has one of the best light displays in VA with more than eight million lights!  The entire park is lit up and the Polar Pathway is a sight to behold.  We can’t even fathom how they get all those lights on Escape from Pompeii!

[Read more…]

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

10 “Don’t Miss” Attractions at Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream

October 2, 2015 by Dana Zeliff 1 Comment

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

Busch Garden Halloween Horror Night

There is one thing you can always count on when a chill hits the air and the sun starts setting earlier – Busch Gardens is preparing for Howl-O-Scream!

The park opens at it’s normal time of 10 a.m. with all of the normal activities and rides in operation. But be warned: at 6 p.m. Busch Gardens becomes a seriously scary place and may not be suitable for little ones. Please use discretion when bringing children into the park at this time. It changes quickly so be sure if you have little ones to plan a head!

Once you make the decision to brave the park for Busch Gardens Halloween fun, do NOT miss these thrills:

Experience Busch Garden Halloween Horror Night like a pro:

1. Unearthed-Scarlett’s Revenge– Don’t miss the all-new house from the producer of The Blair Witch Project, Unearthed™- Scarlett’s Revenge.

During maintenance at the park, an excavation crew uncovered a centuries-old house buried deep beneath the ground. Upon opening its door, a sinister force was unearthed—Scarlett—a furious demon who wields a deadly deck of magical cards she uses to summon her evil minions. Journey below to experience the splintered labyrinth of horrors and the revengeful wrath of this demon scorned.

2. LumberHack– New for 2015 this is a grueling attraction!

Hikers beware: the woods hold a terrifying secret. More than 50 years ago a logging camp was abandoned after a horrific accident where saws ripped into human flesh instead of tree bark. Tragically, the loggers perished … only to inexplicably awaken from death sometime later filled with inhuman rage. Now the forgotten lumberjacks lie waiting for unsuspecting campers to stumble into their den of the damned.

The maze begins with campers begging you not to continue going- ignore them for a great scare!

[Read more…]

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

What to See & Do at Busch Gardens Tampa

September 20, 2015 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.

What to See & Do at Busch Gardens Tampa

If you’re planning a trip to the Sunshine State and looking for a vacation highlight besides Disney, check out Busch Gardens Tampa.  What are some of the highlights for visiting families?

Below are a lot of fun things to do for all ages and stages:

Flamingos at Skyride Busch Gardens Tampa

Sesame Street Safari of Fun – is the perfect area of the park for families with kids from toddlers to nearly preteens.

Rides that are just for the littles, and some meant for littles and a parent- from the Elmo’s Safari Go Round to Snuffy’s elephant romp kids are met with colorful, fun characters all over.

Characters at Skyride Busch Gardens Tampa [Read more…]

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

Where to Eat in Wachapreague on The Eastern Shore

June 9, 2015 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.

Where to Eat in Wachapreague on The Eastern Shore

On their way to Chincoteague Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, my mom and stepdad decided to stop in Wachapreague for lunch.  Wachapreague is a quaint waterfront town with barely 200 residents, known for it’s flounder fishing and boasting a very good waterfront seafood restaurant, The Island House Restaurant and Marina.

Eating at The Island House Restaurant in Wachapreague on The Eastern Shore
Say hi to Ollie and my mom!

They offer casual dining inside as well as dining outside on a deck overlooking the water. My parents were traveling with their dog, Ollie, so they needed to find a restaurant that would allow animals. The staff was very friendly and helpful. They directed them to the outside deck and brought Ollie a large bowl of water. He made several friends as they passed by to pet.

flounder sandwich at The Island House Restaurant and Marina
Flounder Sandwich

[Read more…]

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

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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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