The Talking Suitcase

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Kate Spade Bag Giveaway

March 23, 2014 by Dana Zeliff 5 Comments

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

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Win a Kate Spade Bag! I like to carry a large bag when traveling with the kids. Even if Derrick carries a backpack, I still seem to have too much stuff to lug around with the kids. My camera, sunglasses, tissues, scarf – so much stuff! The bag pictured above will be perfect for showing off this Spring.

Kate Spade Bag

 

Welcome to our Kate Spade Bag Giveaway!

 

Spring is here and what better way to celebrate it but with an awesome designer bag giveaway. Together with my blogger friends we’re giving you a chance to win an authentic Kate Spade Bon Shopper Tote Bag. Spring fashion is all about bright colors and prints, and this Kate Spade bag is the perfect accessory to add a pop of color to your spring outfit.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please wait for the rafflecopter to load above. Make sure to come back daily to send your daily entries for more chances of winning.

Giveaway is open to US only and runs from 3/23 (Monday) 7pm EST through 4/10 (Friday) 11:59pm EST.

 

Filed Under: Giveaways

Suggestions for Travel Food

March 9, 2014 by Dana Zeliff 4 Comments

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

Suggestions for Travel Food

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I’m always on the hunt to find new suggestions for travel food.  Traveling can be expensive enough without the added expense of over-priced food.  Not only does flying and driving all increase your food budget, but airport food and fast food restaurants are full of salt and fat – completely unhealthy.

Deciding what type of foods to pack will be determined by when you’re traveling, how long you’re traveling, and how you will be traveling.  Will you be traveling during dinner?  Flying or driving?  Do you need snacks?

I remember flying to Disney World with my parents last year.  Our flight didn’t take off until about 4:30 (which meant arriving at the airport at 3pm), so I knew the kids would be starving even though the flight was only 1.5 hours.  I packed subs, chip, and a cookie for each of us.  I’d asked my Mom if they wanted me to pack extra for them, but they declined stating they would eat once we arrived.

BIG Mistake

Just before the plane took off, a huge storm passed through.  Lightning and pouring rain meant that we were stuck sitting on the runway for about 45 minutes.  My parents (and other passengers) were sure envious of our dinner on the plane!

How I Pack Travel Food:

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Flying, Road Trip Planning, Travel Tips & Tricks, Foodie

7 Tips for Family Travel on a Budget

March 1, 2014 by Dana Zeliff 4 Comments

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

Family Travel on a Budget
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Family travel on a budget is not the easiest thing to do if you don’t plan ahead. Vacation spots are not exactly set up to be inexpensive after all. They want your dollars and the system is set up against you if you go to a tourist type area. Fortunately, there are ways of having your vacation cake and eating it too.

If you plan ahead, saving money is possible. In fact, you can vacation like royalty.

7 Family Travel on a Budget Tips:

Try to Purchase Everything in Advance – This is the one tip that is relatively universal in the travel industry. If you want to save money, you will need to purchase things ahead of time. This includes reservations, tickets to theme parks, museums, concerts, water parks, and countless other things that you might do on vacation. If you can buy ahead, you will be well on your way towards saving on your vacation.

Stay Outside the Tourist Area – Some people avoid tourist sites like the plague. If you are one of those families that enjoy the bigger tourism sites, you can save a ton of cash by sleeping just outside the center of activity. You may have to travel just a little to get to the “main attraction” but you will save a ton of money.

Rent a Home Instead of Hotel – If you can possibly do so, renting from an individual will be much cheaper. Homes are usually much more comfortable as well.  We’ve used VRBO several times and have always stayed in great locations within our budget.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Travel Tips & Tricks, Travel Budget Tips

Pictures of Disney Cruise – Our Disney Fantasy Cruise Pictures

February 13, 2014 by Dana Zeliff 3 Comments

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

Pictures of Disney Cruise Collage
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If you’re planning to cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy, you can take a peek at our family photos.  We took a ton of pictures during our Disney cruise and hopefully these will give you an idea of what you can expect.

Pictures of Disney Cruise:

Pictures of the massive ship –  The Disney Fantasy is the 4th Disney cruise ship added to the line and has 14 decks, can accommodate 4,000 passengers and is decorated to give the feel of a 1930’s vessel.  It’s stunning!

 Pictures of Disney Cruise

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Disney Cruise, Cruising

Disney Vacation Cruises – Our Favorite Family Vacation!

February 12, 2014 by Dana Zeliff 3 Comments

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

Disney Vacation Cruises

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Disney Vacation Cruises are the optimal vacation choice for families.   Four stunning ships, beautiful destinations around the world, spacious staterooms…. all create memories your family will always treasure.

Disney Vacation Cruises offer countless activities for both adults and children including: 3 pools, countless lounges, deck parties, character appearances, new release movies, food galore, and so much more!    You simply get on board and embark on a magical family vacation – no fast pass required!

Why We Love Disney Vacation Cruises:

Disney Vacation Cruises are unlike any other cruise line we’ve sailed. The magic of Disney is present from the moment you step into the Disney terminal.  Even the employees working outside of the terminal seemed to enjoy their jobs!  Parking the car, checking luggage, and passing through security into the terminal in Port Canaveral is a breeze and a surprisingly stress free experience.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Disney Cruise, Cruising

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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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