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☀️ Vacation
81
items I absolutely love to travel and explore places new to me! We've found the Caribbean to be a favorite place for us to visit while cruising.
I hope you get some ideas to add some fun to your life!
Sections
7
TEXAS
🎰 VEGAS BABY!
Cruisin' Destinations
Cruise & Other Travel Necessities
Cabin Door
Decor!
CALIFORNIA
TEXAS
If you've got military ID, this is a nice place to stay while visiting the DFW area. Close to the Stockyards.
Navy Lodge Fort Worth
This is a family fun place to visit. See the longhorn walking the streets! Go to the rodeo! Shop till your heart's content! Enjoy some mouth watering bbq! And listen to live music! So much to do.
A fun fact:
Many scenes of Landman have been film...
Fort Worth Stockyards
Historic and comfy place to stay.
We particularly enjoyed the live piano bar music and the antiquated vibes of the whole hotel. Located on the Texas shore on Seawall Drive, you're within walking distance of many quality restaurants and the Galvest...
Grand Galvez
As I type this, we have yet to experience the Lavendar farms in Texas. I've heard wonderful things about them and I absolutely LOVE Lavendar since using it in essential oil form.
Lavender Farms in Texas
If you are ever passing through San Antonio, I recommend stopping at the Riverwalk. It's a lovely place and reminds me a little bit of Venice, Italy with its shops and quaint restaurants alongside the river. For a fee, you can take a guided riverboat tour that lasts about an hour.
San Antonio River Walk
Remember the Alamo.
The Alamo
This small town museum on a private school campus was a gem of a find. Lots of military history and, my favorite part, was the Presidents' information room pictured here. I remember it being reasonably priced and worth every penny. The people there are very friendly and the place is well kept.
American Freedom Museum
When in Tyler, remember to visit the Rose Garden Center! The blooms are lovely with so many varieties. For a small fee, one can enter the museum where you will find Tyler treasures including (Tyler) Rose Parade queen gowns unique every year.
Rose Garden Center
🎰 VEGAS BABY!
Places we've stayed and things we've done and would like to do in Vegas.
Let me know in the comments what you've done and whether you recommend or not!
This place is the best!
With a great beach-like swimming pool and a LAZY RIVER, Tahiti Village tops our list when staying in Vegas. Their one bedroom condos are perfect for families. They offer a full size kitchen, large bathroom with sunken tub, k...
Tahiti Village
This show is speechless, literally. The don't talk! It's also HILARIOUS!
Beware of flashing lights.
Beware of flashing lights.
Blue Man Group
In the early 2000s I put together a family reunion and we rented the penthouse at Circus Circus. It's a family friendly place offering free circus acts for entertainment and an air conditioned indoor amusement park with rides even adults can ride! They boast free self parking which is a plus.
Circus Circus Hotel & Casino
Now located on Las Vegas Blvd., the Pinball Hall of Fame Museum is a hands on experience so bring plenty of quarters!
Las Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame
It's a free self tour. Walk through and see how chocolates are made and then stop and pick up some for later!
Ethel M Chocolates (Mars)
About an hour's drive away - give or take - you can visit the Hoover Dam. Reserve your tour ahead of time OR just go and walk along yourself without touring. Either way, it's impressive!
Hoover Dam
Red Rock Canyon is a 13 mile drive for $15 a vehicle. It's well worth it! The scenery is absolutely gorgeous! You can stop and have that picnic lunch you brought or go for a hike at one of the trails. While in Vegas, this is a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the strip.
Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
Fremont Street is located in “old” Las Vegas and still has some of the coin operated slots! It's home to the Golden Nugget, which is a pretty cool place. There's a zip line and a show that plays on the ceiling screen on a timer. Nowadays, Fremont street is wall to wall bars along with the hotels and you may find Vegas gals prancing about so beware if you have children. All in all, it's definitely an “experience!”
Fremont Street Experience
Experience old Las Vegas the way the original Rat Pack did at Bootlegger's! Delicious Italian cuisine in a casual setting with live piano music in the evenings. You never know who'll show up and sing!
The Bootlegger - Old School Italian Restaurant
Southpoint Hotel is one of our favorite places on the strip. Set more west than the rest of the strip hotels (wierd, I know, since Las Vegas Blvd supposedly runs north and south) and relatively more secluded, Southpoint offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a bowling alley, movie theaters, restaurants, and ... We enjoy the hot dog stand that pops up every now and then and the live music. Parking is free.
Southpoint Hotel & Casino
Cruisin' Destinations
We LOVE to Cruise!
Below I'll show you where we've been and tell you what we liked/disliked about the port and/or excursions.
Our favorite cruise line!
Cruises | Carnival Cruise Deals: Caribbean, The Bahamas, Alaska, and Mexico
We cruised to Key West and absolutely loved the relaxed vibe. It was our first time, so we took Carnival's “Hop on, Hop Off” trolley excursion so we could see what we wanted to see. We toured the President's Key West White House and were pleasantly surprised to come across Jimmy Buffet's original Margaritaville! The Hard Rock Cafe wasn't too far away either. The sites were gorgeous and we didn't get off at the Southernmost Point in the USA but plan to go back next time. And omgoodness! try the Key Lime Pie on a stick! So fun!
Key West Florida - Things to Do & Attractions in Key West FL
These photos do not deceive! 7 Mile Beach is our favorite destination on Grand Cayman Island. The chairs and umbrellas for rent can be overpriced but bargain with them. We've gotten chairs up front near the water for $20! They oftentimes want $50. The water is gorgeous and refreshing! We usually pack our rafts in our suitcases and use them here. Oh! while there, look for the jerk chicken man! He's the only one on the entire beach and it's absolutely the BEST!
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
St Thomas is one of our favorite places!
When we cruise here, we like to go to Megan's Bay. The skyride was fun and the bar up there has a specialty drink to die for! Yum!
When we cruise here, we like to go to Megan's Bay. The skyride was fun and the bar up there has a specialty drink to die for! Yum!
St. Thomas | US Virgin Islands
The port in St Croix wasn't the best but we walked the streets and came across this off the beaten path bar where proceeds from purchases go to housing stray dogs. It's a complete hole in the wall but ask the locals and they'll point you in the right direction!
St. Croix | US Virgin Islands
Aruba was okay. We went to a local beach. While the beach was clean and the water gorgeous, there was NOTHING around but resorts. Our bad! Next time we'll likely take a Carnival Excursion and find the activities!
So that's what I recommend you do, too.
So that's what I recommend you do, too.
Aruba
On Bonaire we rented a golf cart and drove around the island. Known for its salt mines, Bonaire has plenty of salt to see and buy! We came across wild asses, flamingoes in their natural habitat, lighthouses, worker huts, and stopped for a cocktail ...
Bonaire
One of the nicest places we've been!
Vibrant with color, gorgeous water and sites and no excursion necessary! The port was perfect with shopping, food and drinks, and a castle right there! Walk across the floating bridge into town and enjoy some authentic food with the locals.
Vibrant with color, gorgeous water and sites and no excursion necessary! The port was perfect with shopping, food and drinks, and a castle right there! Walk across the floating bridge into town and enjoy some authentic food with the locals.
Curacao
St Maarten was a fun port!
We went by the beach where the planes fly over but it's so crowded so get there early if that's your thing. The water is just like the photos and the people are amazingly friendly.
We went by the beach where the planes fly over but it's so crowded so get there early if that's your thing. The water is just like the photos and the people are amazingly friendly.
Vacation St. Maarten
We absolutely loved visiting San Juan on one of our cruises and we look forward to going back. From the cruise port and within walking distance is a local castle which costs minimal to tour at your own pace. On your walk up the hill, you'll see shops, restaurants and bars at which to stop after your walking tour. Once you've had your tour and have stopped and had a beverage and, maybe, a plantain, stop at the local vendors as you make your way back to the ship. There was a lovely local woman selling her home made soaps. I wish I'd have bought more as they were the BEST we've ever had!
San Juan Puerto Rico
Cozumel is a port that is frequented by ships practically every time they set sail from Galveston! Notorious for its lengthy pier, Cozumel provides its own entertainment prior to leaving port as those who have waited till the last minute to return to the ship are running the lengthy pier to cheers from their fellow shipmates (you), “RUN!” It's a fun port with lots of shopping and vendors who all want your business so hold on to your purse strings.
Cruise To Cozumel Mexico
One of the most beautiful places! The water is crystal clear and the town is lovely.
Costa Maya
We loved Roatan.
After arriving in port, we took a bus ride to the village resort where we swam with the dolphins. Such a gorgeous place to visit!
Others had excursions where they saw sloths and some scuba dived. Lots to do and plenty of beauty to see in Roatan.
After arriving in port, we took a bus ride to the village resort where we swam with the dolphins. Such a gorgeous place to visit!
Others had excursions where they saw sloths and some scuba dived. Lots to do and plenty of beauty to see in Roatan.
Roatan - Mahogany Bay, Honduras
Cruise & Other Travel Necessities
Kool Stuff that makes travel safe, comfy, and fun!
It's best to use raw honey from your local beekeepers to build immunity against allergies, but we like Nate's for travel.
Nate's Honey Minis
Since we started flying more, we decided to get these SmartTags to keep track of our luggage in the event it was “lost.” It's been pretty uneventful, but pretty cool when we board a ship and wanna know how long till we get our luggage! I like that they connect to SmartThings. Some people attach these to their kids' clothing while onboard to keep track of them!
Using my affiliate link to purchase earns me a small commission.
Using my affiliate link to purchase earns me a small commission.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2
I needed a bag that would fit under the seat in front of me on an airplane but was easy to get around. I have a bad back and cannot carry much weight or bend over to lug a bag. So I ordered this and I'm so THRILLED with it! So it's the size of a duff...
Rolling Duffle Bag
We bought these binoculars for our Alaskan cruise and are so glad we did. They were a good size for travel and zoomed in perfectly for whale watching.
Compact Binoculars
This has come in so handy for me when I travel and at home. They keep my supplements organized and fresh.
Weekly Pill Organizer
Never leave home without a portable charger for your phone! These work well and take up little room. No cords!
Portable Phone Charger
We used these for air travel to our son's wedding. It fit a gown and my husband's suit, both pairs of shoes, socks, and a few other necessities. We carried it on and the steward hung it for us, no problem. Good quality!
43" Travel Garment Bag
Better for our ears are these headphones. They are comfortable to wear with great sound. Wear them around the house while talking to a friend or family member with hands free to get stuff done!
Open-Ear Headphones
Whether on a ship or at the beach on a windy day, these towel bands come in handy to keep your towel on your lounge chair.
8 Pack Towel Bands
Oh my gosh! The BEST investment we made since we started cruising! We hang this over the bathroom door with the provided hooks and store ALL of our odds and ends in it. From snacks, to medicine, to card games, to bingo daubers…our limited counter space is free and clear with far less clutter. I highly recommend.
Cruise Cabin Organizer
When traveling to tropical climates or while at the county fair, these mist fans come in so handy to cool you off! Use with or without the mist.
Handheld Fan with Water Mist
These have been life savers and have most definitely kept our luggage from being lost while in transport at the cruise terminal. We print our boarding passes and luggage tags then fold and place the luggage tag in one of these plastic cases. Perfect!
Luggage Tag Holders
For those ports and places with gorgeoous beaches and sea life! These came with their own bags to keep them in making them easy to pack in your suitcase. Available in other colors.
Snorkeling Gear
Since the plandemic, we sanitize knobs, handles, tables and countertops in our stateroom and hotels just in case. These travel packs of wipes take up little space and offer peace of mind.
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes
Don't leave your phone unattended while you swim, you'll never know when you'll see that fish you've been looking for and want to take a photo! These pouches are tried and true.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
One of the best cruise investments we've made! When in port we hang these on our balcony to let our swimsuits dry. There's nothing worse than putting on a cold damp swimsuit.
Travel Clothesline
Ship stateroom bathrooms are teensy tiny and whoooo-eeee can they stink after you go! These little spray bottles are the answer to your smelly! Just squirt 3 times into the toilet before you go. You can thank me later!
Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray
It's always a good idea to have a first aid kit on-hand at ALL times, not just when traveling. These are basic but have everything you'll need for minor cuts and bruises.
Mini First Aid Kit
An absolute necessity when cruising.
Use for door decor and inside your cabin for hanging hats and other items you use regularly.
Use for door decor and inside your cabin for hanging hats and other items you use regularly.
Heavy Duty Magnetic Hooks
These are an absolute necessity when taking a cruise to a tropical area! We wear ours around the ship especially during the day when around the pool areas. They are slip proof and protect your feet at the beach from those rocky areas.
Water Sports Shoes
Do you want to be the envy of your fellow cruisers? Trust me! Bring along these hammocks for those beach days and you can thank me later. These fold up small enough that they won't take up much space in your luggage and they are easy to blow up. So take that beach excursion and relax with a drink while you float on the gorgeous Caribbean waters!
Inflatable Water Hammock
Amazon claims this fan is frequently returned but we've found it to be a life saver!
It's magnetic and can be placed on the ship's ceiling OR bring it on your balcony and it'll stick to the walls and you've got a nice breeze keeping you cool! We like the added night light feature, too.
It's magnetic and can be placed on the ship's ceiling OR bring it on your balcony and it'll stick to the walls and you've got a nice breeze keeping you cool! We like the added night light feature, too.
Magnetic Cruise Approved Fan with Night Light
I travel often and this passport holder is a must have! Keeps everything safe and organized.
Leather Passport Cover
Cabin Door Decor!
These are so cute and because they have so many settings, they're all you need for every holiday cruise you take!
String Lights
There are just enough to go around your cabin door!
Fall Garland with Pumpkin Lights
Magnetic! We've discovered they don't stay on our cabin door but we usually find a wall nearby to hang them on!
Thanksgiving Fall Decorations
Fun decor for your stateroom door on that Caribbean cruise!
Pirate Decoration
We sailed over Memorial Day and placed this on our door with cute star shaped lights to show our support.
Patriotic
Make sure you have some heavy duty magnetic hooks when cruising. These are handy for hanging your door decrations and ALSO for using in your stateroom for hats, bathing suits, purses, and other items.
Heavy Duty Magnetic Hooks
We really love these cute star shaped battery operated lights! When we sail over a Patriotic holiday, we hang them outside our cabin around our door. Otherwise you'll find them strung inside our cabin for an added homey feel. They put out a decent amount of light but not too much and they are easy to use. We've had no problems with them at all.
Star String Lights
We added these to our cruise door decor and they were a hit! Some people left kind messages, created puzzles, and just had fun with the tiles!
Wood Magnetic Letter Tiles
CALIFORNIA
To get away, I'd sometimes head down to the Navy Lodge North Island on Coronado when we were living in San Diego. It's a nice place right on the beach with plenty of Sand Dollars and shells. I love the benefit of ‘grounding’ in the wet sand as I walk along the sunny shore.
Navy Lodge North Island
One of my very favorite places in southern California is Julian. Known for it's historical charm, Julian offers some of the best shopping and apple pie you'll ever taste! Christmas time is a fun time to visit as they have a live nativity skit on weekends performed by special needs children and adults. While in town, visit the mines!
Historic Julian
These photos are NOT an exaggeration! I strongly recommend visiting the poppy fields if you ever visit California and want to take a drive. They're stunning when in season!
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve
If you're into history - and even if you're not - I recommend visiting the USS Midway!
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier
Argh! The Maritime Museum is a MUST SEA!
Maritime Museum of San Diego
We used to pass Calico on our drive from the San Diego area to Vegas. One time we decided to stop and boy! are we glad we did! It's a cute little hilly town with clean restrooms which was our first reason for stopping with littles tagging along. But it's fun to wander around, too!
Some times throughout the year they have live reenactments with canons and guns, and the blacksmith. The general store is fun with all of its candies from days of old! And the restaurant isn't bad either. I recommend if it's your kind of thing.
Some times throughout the year they have live reenactments with canons and guns, and the blacksmith. The general store is fun with all of its candies from days of old! And the restaurant isn't bad either. I recommend if it's your kind of thing.
Calico Ghost Town
We chose to leave for our Panama Canal cruise from San Francisco and Alcatraz was on our bucket lists. So we went! The tour was a lot of fun and we enjoyed the scenery and the ferry ride to and from. Buy your tickets ahead of time as they do sell out.
Alcatraz Island (U.S. National Park Service)
Washington, DC
We recently visited DC to attend the Great American State Fair and thought I'd share with you the ins and outs of where we went and what we did.
I hope this helps someone plan their trip!
We recently visited our Nation's Capitol for the Great American State Fair!
We found that this hotel had reasonable rates for a king room with a full size kitchen for our 4 day stay. The room was clean, well kept, and it had all the necessaries for the bathroom and the kitchen. You'll just need to grocery shop.
The local Whole Foods market delivers which was a great perk since we arrived late. If you're a Prime member on Amazon, your Whole Foods Market order can be delivered through them.
We found that this hotel had reasonable rates for a king room with a full size kitchen for our 4 day stay. The room was clean, well kept, and it had all the necessaries for the bathroom and the kitchen. You'll just need to grocery shop.
The local Whole Foods market delivers which was a great perk since we arrived late. If you're a Prime member on Amazon, your Whole Foods Market order can be delivered through them.
State Plaza Hotel
Our first stop was the Lincoln Memorial within walking distance from the State Plaza Hotel
Lincoln Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)
Near the Lincoln Memorial, you'll find the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Humbling to say the least.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)
Our first full day was spent touring the Capitol building. First we went to the Visitors Center where we signed up for a FREE TOUR online at the website linked here. The tour didn't take us into the House or Senate Galleries so we walked over to our Senator's office (Ted Cruz) and asked an intern for passes for both galleries. The passes were free and so was the tour.
This is a wonderful experience as you get to sit in the gallery and watch and listen to what's going on - on the floor!
This is a wonderful experience as you get to sit in the gallery and watch and listen to what's going on - on the floor!
Visit The Capitol
As we walked to our Senator's office to obtain passes to the House and Senate Galleries in the Capitol, we passed the Supreme Court located directly across the street. We didn't go in but it was mighty impressive!
Supreme Court
The Russell Building is one of three buildings near the Capitol where Senators' office are located.
Russell Senate Office Building
I wanted to post this link so that if you're planning a trip to DC you can use it for information and to obtain passes for yourself and your family.
Watching Congress in Session
From the Capitol to the Library of Congress is a tunnel you can walk. We enjoyed the air conditioning and thoroughly enjoyed walking through the library. We saw the famous Reading Room and the architecture is absolutely STUNNING! I strongly recommend a visit!
Library of Congress
Every late afternoon/evening, we visited the fair! Had the BEST time visiting the state and government exhibits, riding the ferris wheel, watching the rodeo, listening to Island Breeze's musical talents all while sipping an all American Budweiser.
Freedom 250
Our second full day started with the National Archives building. It's important to note that the original Declaration of Independence and Constitution as well as the Bill of Rights and the Emancipation Proclamation are on display in the Rotunda. I'm not sure if it's for a temporary period during our 250th Anniversary or forever so check first!
Visiting the Archives museum and visiting the Rotunda where the documents are - are two different things. ONE MUST REQUEST A TIMED ENTRANCE TO THE ROTUNDA ONLINE to beat the lines. (Use this link)
There's so much to see so take your time and enjoy it!
Visiting the Archives museum and visiting the Rotunda where the documents are - are two different things. ONE MUST REQUEST A TIMED ENTRANCE TO THE ROTUNDA ONLINE to beat the lines. (Use this link)
There's so much to see so take your time and enjoy it!
National Archives
In order to get a tour of the actual White House, one must write to their representative well in advance of their visit and have a background check. Providing you receive approval, you can then tour the White House following protocol on this site.
We, however, took this trip sporadically so instead toured the People's House Museum!
It was truly an interesting museum with interactive information centers and room in which you stand that changes to the setting of different rooms in the actual White House!
An EXACT replica of the sitting President's Oval Office where you can sit behind the desk, relax in a chair in front of the fireplace, and ask the curators questions was the highlight for us!
We, however, took this trip sporadically so instead toured the People's House Museum!
It was truly an interesting museum with interactive information centers and room in which you stand that changes to the setting of different rooms in the actual White House!
An EXACT replica of the sitting President's Oval Office where you can sit behind the desk, relax in a chair in front of the fireplace, and ask the curators questions was the highlight for us!
The People's House MUSEUM
Our final stop was Old Ebbit Grill.
This place is historic and is PACKED so be sure to make a reservation well ahead or be willing to grab a seat at one of the 4 bars within!
The drinks are delish and the food is above par.
Enjoy the atmopshere of gas lamps, marble and wood.
This place is historic and is PACKED so be sure to make a reservation well ahead or be willing to grab a seat at one of the 4 bars within!
The drinks are delish and the food is above par.
Enjoy the atmopshere of gas lamps, marble and wood.
Old Ebbitt Grill