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What to See & Do at Busch Gardens Tampa

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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…]

NCL Spa Rates

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

Norwegian Jade Spa

From the start, while planning our first cruise with NCL, I knew I wanted to  take advantage of the spa.  I looked forward to treating myself to a shipboard massage.  The problem, I couldn’t find rates or services online to help me budget.

When we sailed, they were offering a 10 – 20 – 30 special.  You could pick 3 signature services and save 10% off your first treatment, 20% off the second and 30% off your third.  If you’re planning on multiple services, ask what specials are available.  After factoring in the savings of the three discounts, I almost got a third massage for free.

Spa specials will also be listed in your evening Freestyle Daily.  See what services you can snag that day for less.

Below is a list of spa services offered on the Norwegian Jade.  Please note that these prices can vary by ship, destination or time of year.  Use this list as a guide to plan your spa treatments in advance.

I did the Aroma Spa Seaweed Massage, the Swedish Massage and the Fire and Ice Mani-Pedi.

Tip: Schedule appointments on the first day, to get your preferred times.  Typically, sea day appointments will fill up first.

NCL Spa Rates:

NCL Spa Prices 1

More on NCL:

LEGOLAND Deutschland Resort in Germany {Tips & Adventures for LEGO Fun}

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

LEGOLAND Deutschland Tips

Just a two hour train ride from Munich lies the town of Günzburg.   Here you will find LEGOLAND Deutschland Resort, one of six LEGOLAND locations around the world! It’s a child’s dream adventure in the playful world of LEGO’s.

The German LEGOLAND Resort offers more than 50 attractions catering specifically to children ages 3- 12.  Not that older kids and grown-ups wouldn’t love it, too! There are plenty of rides, attractions, shows and LEGO models to please all age groups.

Fun Fact: The park used more than 55 million LEGO bricks to assemble the thousands of unique models throughout the park!

LEGOLAND Deutschland

After getting off the train, we boarded a shuttle bus to take us to LEGOLAND.  It’s only a 9 minute ride from the station.  As we rounded a bend, the LEGOLAND entrance came into view. There were collective ooh’s and ahhh’s from all the kids onboard.  I wish I had my video camera out to record their moment of amazement!

[Read more…]

Savoring International & Dutch Cuisine in Amsterdam with Kids {Amsterdam Food Tour Review}

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

Where to Eat in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a melting pot, home to 176 different nationalities. With all this ethnicity, it’s no wonder the food is incredible.  You can taste authentic Dutch cuisine or sample dishes from around the globe without the hassle of another plane trip.

While it’s true that Amsterdam is a hotspot for food enthusiasts, it is also a tourist mecca. This influx in tourism means that a significant number of dining establishments are sub-par and cater to the ever present flow of travelers. Having been in Amsterdam for several days before our food tour, I can attest to the wide range of mediocre dining establishments.

Navigating the great food spots in Amsterdam is best left to the professionals. That’s why I was pleased to hook up with Eating Amsterdam Tours, to learn the ins and outs of where to dine and what to eat while visiting this bustling city.

History of Amsterdam

Old warehouse in Amsterdam. A pulley on the top of the building was once used to haul up goods.

Our local guide led us through the Jordaan neighborhood, commenting on local sights and history, then delivering us to our  food rendezvous. We were filled up with both tantalizing dishes and knowledge that you just can’t get on your own.  Did you know the Dutch used to eat tulip bulbs?

[Read more…]

Soaring Through the Sky in Châtel, France {Fantasticable Review}

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

Fantasticable Review Chatel, France

If your travels take you anywhere near Châtel, France, give this means of transportation a try! Take a flight with Fantasticable.  Of course you won’t be going far, but strapped comfortably into a harness,  you’ll soar over the hamlet of Plaine Dranse at a height of more than 200 meters, seeing the sights from a different perspective.  It is a exhilarating experience with breathtaking views that should not be missed.

As part of K’s 11th birthday celebration, my family went on Fantasticable rides.  K and Derrick each rode alone while Lucy (8) and I rode double.  She was just at the weight mark to ride by herself, but we wanted to experience the thrill together and, to be honest, we were a little chicken to fly solo!

Kids all geared up and ready to soar.

Kids all geared up and ready to soar.

The first line is 1257 m (4124 ft) long and 150 m (492 ft) high.  Adventurers go between 80 and 100km/h (50 – 62 mph), depending on the weight of the passenger and the wind conditions.  Since Lucy and I rode tandem, I figure our combined weight had us going closer to the 62 mph mark!

The second line is the longest and highest of the two – 1323 m (4341 ft) long and 240 m (787 ft) high.  The maximum speed is 120km/h (75 mph).

Derrick getting locked into his harness waiting for the countdown.

Derrick getting locked into his harness ready to fly.

It’s an incredible experience!  The ride is smooth, but the wind whipping by your ears as you fly through the air will keep your heart pumping.

K made a video of his adventure.  Watching him soar over the mountain beats the written word at describing this thrill.

Can’t see the video? Click HERE

Rates:
36€ per person

Restrictions:
Weight must be between 35 and 120kg but can vary depending on wind conditions.

Access:
Use the Pierre-Longue then the Rochassons chair lifts.  You will see the building to get weighed and your gear to the left once you exit the final lift.  Make sure to purchase your tickets at the base of the mountain.

Website:
http://www.fantasticable.com/chatel_anglais.php

Mom and Lucy on Fantasticable

Mom and Lucy on Fantasticable

 

K flying with Fantasticable

K flying with Fantasticable

We would love to hear about your experience with Fantasticable or similar zip line companies.

Don’t miss our article on things to do with kids in Châtel, France for more fun ideas.

Where to Zip Line in Chatel, France

Disclosure:  Our experience was courteous of Châtel Tourism.  As always, all options are 100% my own and may differ from others.

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