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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.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: US Travel, North America, Destinations

9 Enchanting Vienna Christmas Markets

December 2, 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.

When I think of European Christmas Markets, the glittering city of Vienna locale has always been on the top of the list. Hearing travelers stories and seeing pictures on social media has always made me want to spend Christmas  in Vienna. We finally made the dream a reality and spent 5 amazing days in Vienna last year – which sounds strange to say, as it was only 3 weeks ago!   Starting mid-November, Vienna’s squares transform into charming Christmas markets. Throughout the city you’ll find 22 markets with over 1,000 stalls. Now, that is a lot of holiday spirit!

Adding to our enchanting experience was the white powder that blanketed the city not long after our arrival. The city was ablaze with Christmas lights that danced off the snow covered streets. With that magic backdrop, visitors can’t help but see, taste, smell and feel the holidays approaching!

Christmas Market Vienna Features:

 

Biggest ice skating rink EVER!
So many gorgeous ornaments
Wiener Rathausplatz Christmas Market at City Hall
Gingerbread anyone?
My angel

 

Wiener Rathausplatz Christmas Market at City Hall

The biggest Christmas Market in Vienna was located at City Hall. The market contained 150 colorful stalls with handmade goods, gifts, food, mulled wine and the largest skating rink we had ever seen- 4,500m² (4848 sq ft) . It was  huge, wrapping around the trees and stretching seemingly on forever. And a great feature for kids was the workshop set up in the Great Hall with free arts and crafts activities.

My favorite Vienna Christmas Market Mugs!
Popular Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market
Christmas Market stalls
So many beautiful ornaments
Christmas Market Punsch
Gift Ideas

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Europe Travel with Kids, Christmas Markets, Austria, Destinations Tagged With: Vienna with kids

Photo Diary Peillon, France: Our Southern Ascent

November 19, 2022 by Dana Zeliff 6 Comments

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

Peillon, France

If you’re looking for an authentic French village along the Cote d’Azur, a visit to Peillon should be on your list when visiting Nice.  Getting off the train, you can spot the 12th century village perched on top of a cliff with higher mountains soaring behind.

The breathtaking mountain vista is a stark contrast to the Mediterranean views of Nice.  Walk the steep, narrow streets and image yourself, 500 years ago, living in one of the houses clinging to the rocks.

There are a couple of restaurants in Peillon if you’re looking for a nice meal.  There are no grocery stores or souvenir shops, so make sure to pack water and snacks.  The lack of touristy shops is part of what makes Peillon a breath of fresh air when compared to the rows of postcard merchants in Nice.

Looking down from Peillon, France
View of the valley from the mountainside of Peillon village

[Read more…]

Filed Under: France, Europe Travel with Kids, Destinations Tagged With: Day Trips from Nice

Balcony Vs Inside Staterooms – Cruise Vacation Tips for Picking Your Stateroom Category

November 3, 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.

Cruise Vacations Tips

Picking which cruiseline to sail with and which itinerary suites your needs is hard enough without the added stress of having to pick the best stateroom category.  This decision can make even veteran cruisers sweat. My husband and I argue about this every time we cruise! Factors such as budget, size and location can help aid in this tough decision. To help new cruisers pick the best category, we’ve put together a list of pros and cons for each, as well as a comparison of sizes of NCL’s inside and balcony rooms. Hopefully these cruise vacations tips will help you pick the best stateroom category.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Cruising Tagged With: Cruise Tips

Family-Friendly Adventures for Your Kids’ Weekend

October 31, 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.

A weekend away with the kids can be a real treat. It is a great way to bond with the family, a nice escape from the daily grind, and something that can be done on a shoestring. And best of all, for a weekend getaway you don’t have to do too much planning or packing!

Wherever you are in the country, there are plenty of activities that will keep the kids entertained. Here are some fun and family-friendly adventures for your next vacation escapade with your children.

Visit a local farm
Farms are a great place to take the kids for a day out. There’s nothing kids love more than playing with cute animals, and most farms include a petting zoo, where your little ones can get right up close to the fluffiest examples on the farm! There are usually plenty of animals to see, and the kids can learn all about where their food comes from, which is a nice educational addition to a fun day out. Many farms also have playgrounds, hay rides, and other activities, so the kids can burn off some energy.

Go for a nature walk
Nature walks are a great way to get some fresh air and explore the outdoors. It is a chance for the kids to run around and let off some steam, and you can teach them all about the plants and animals that you see along the way. A nature walk can be anything from a stroll through a few local meadows to a full-scale, day-long hike in a National Park or up your nearest mountain! Wherever your choose to go, getting outside and exploring the great outdoors with your kids will be a truly rewarding day of fun and excitement.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Kids Travel Picks

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Welcome!

Hi, I’m Dana. I believe planning a great trip doesn't mean spending endless evenings scrolling through travel forums and getting overwhelmed by all the logistics.

My approach to travel is built on real-world experience. Alongside my husband and our two kids (who are now 19 and 22), I’ve explored 48 countries across 4 continents including a life-changing four years living as expats in France.

Whether you want a custom European trip built from scratch or a seamless cruise vacation, I combine my firsthand travel knowledge with top industry credentials to handle the stress of planning. You just pack your bags and enjoy the journey. Read More…

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