The Talking Suitcase

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Chateau Meichtry Winery Review: Great Winery in Georgia!

September 25, 2019 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.

While visiting family in Jasper, Georgia we discovered several wineries are located in the area.  We tried Chateau Meichtry at 1862 Orchard Lane in Talking Rock.  This family owned winery is open seven days a week and is between Cartecay Vineyards and Engelheim Vineyards. On the weekends, they have live entertainment.

 

Pulling into the winery past grapevines loaded with grapes the tasting room had several beautiful areas where you can enjoy a glass or a bottle of wine. Inside the main building the decor made you want to sit and taste the various red and white wines. Decorated with wood, brick, and stone with comfortable seating you wanted to sit back and stay awhile.  Outside there were three other areas where you could drink a glass or bottle of wine and enjoy a picnic.  One area had tables and umbrellas, great for fall.  We chose to sit in the covered area  enclosed with screens and ceiling fans. They also provide a separate area if you bring along your furry friend.

Wesley, our wine representative, explained the various wines and enhanced our experience with his expertise.  We had some wine leftover that he packaged for us to bring home.

For information on their selection of wines or special events check out their website @www.chateaumeichtry.com

Thanks to my mommy for writing up this review 🙂

Filed Under: US Travel, North America, Georgia

Will Teens & Tweens Enjoy Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg?

September 2, 2019 by Dana Zeliff 4 Comments

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

As we headed toward our room, we stepped aside as smiling kids rushed through the halls with their wands, giggling with delight as they watched a tree light up or crystal glow letting them know they scored more points. When we walked into the waterpark, we saw a little boy grab his mom’s hand and pull her toward the water fort tree house as wolf howls blared through the speakers. It had been years since we visited Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg and it was wonderful to be back. I have fond memories of my kids splashing, swimming and sliding at the large waterpark and heading back to our room with friends after a day of fun.

[Read more…]

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

Where to Get the Best Food in London With Kids

August 22, 2019 by Dana Zeliff 1 Comment

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

Best Food in London

London is one of the greatest cities in the world for foodies. Around every bend you’ll find fabulous food from every corner of the globe.  No matter what your gastric mood,  there’s a restaurant around the corner waiting to tantalize your tastebuds. Since there are so many amazing eateries in the city, we’ve put together our quick guide on where to get the best food in London. And we’ve stuck with kid friendly options, so little ones won’t feel left out of the culinary adventure.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Europe Travel with Kids, England, Destinations, Foodie Tagged With: London

How to Avoid Discomfort on Your Long Haul Flight

July 9, 2019 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.

I don’t think there is anyone on earth who enjoys a long haul flight! However, if we want to enjoy these far-flung destinations then there is very little we can do to avoid them! Whilst many airlines nowadays do as much as they can to make these flights bearable with in-flight entertainment and free refreshments, they can still be somewhat uncomfortable.

Here are a few ways to make your next long haul flight a little more comfortable.

Invest in blue light blocking glasses

One of the most common things to do on a long haul flight is to either use the in-flight entertainment or use a mobile or tablet device to watch your favourite shows. Couple this with the dark lighting of the cabin and you are likely to give yourself extremely sore and tired eyes. Blue light which is emitted by the screens will trick your brain into thinking that it is daytime, so can also play havoc with your sleeping pattern.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Flying

Things to Do With Kids in Costa Brava, Spain

July 2, 2019 by Dana Zeliff 19 Comments

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

Things to Do with Kids in Catalunya, Spain

Several villages in the Costa Brava region of Spain have worked hard to obtain the Family Tourist Destination seal of the Catalan Tourism Agency.  This designation means you will find accommodations, eating establishments and services tailored for families.  This makes traveling to these family tourist destinations easier and more enjoyable for both parents and children.  Kid’s club on the beach anyone?

We visited seven Family Tourist coastal destinations during our tour of Costa Brava.  There are many activities for families in the area and we just touched the surface of the things to do with kids.

The Official Family Destinations in Costa Brava are:

  • Blanes
  • Lloret de Mar
  • Sant Feliu de Guíxols
  • Sant Antoni de Calonge
  • Platja d’Aro
  • L’Estartit
  • Roses

Things to Do With Kids in Costa Brava, Spain:

Blanes

Our tour started at the southernmost coastal village of Blanes. Blanes is the gateway to Costa Brava, situated between Barcelona and Girona.  The picturesque landscapes and fishing boats dotting the cove make it the perfect spot to start a family adventure in España.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Kids Travel Picks, Europe Travel with Kids, Spain, Destinations Tagged With: Costa Brava Spain

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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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