We're typically low-key travelers who prefer affordable places to stay that are easy to get to and conveniently located near the activities we enjoy. However, the booking of our Hawaii trip was a bit last minute because we had to cancel our Puerto Rico plans. That meant that almost all the Big Island hotels in the Kailua-Kona area were near capacity and we had to book whatever was left. We decided ... Read more
Voyagers of the Pacific Luau | Kid- and Vegetarian-Friendly Option in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
When choosing a family-friendly activity to do on the Big Island, a luau was an easy option. Why? It can keep a toddler entertained! We selected the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau at the Royal Kona Resort in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. A bonus is that you don't need to pay for a separate ticket for children who are 5 and younger! (Tickets for adults were $72 each for us.) To be honest, I don't really ... Read more
Toronto and Niagara Falls Trip Tidbits
I already recapped the highlights of our Canada summer road trip, but I left out three more tidbits I wanted to share about our trip. We found that we needed much more time to really experience Toronto and Niagara Falls, but we are glad we visited when we could! We were starving when we arrived in Toronto, but we had not made any reservations for lunch. Many restaurants around the harborfront ... Read more
July Goals
If you read yesterday's post, you know how I am always go, go, go nowadays. I'm not complaining -- I'd rather be pulled in many directions and be able to stay home with V than have to leave her at day care in order to work. I love spending my days with her and I know they will eventually come to an end when she begins school. I'm savoring this time with her now. With that said, some days I feel ... Read more
Celebrating Canada’s 150th Anniversary & a Giveaway!
I recently read an article listing Canada, which is honoring its 150th anniversary, as one of the best places to travel in 2017, which sparked my interest in finally setting dates for our trip. Because we can't take a major vacation until winter, we're instead looking at places to explore that aren't too far of a drive from Chicago and have lots of activities to do as a family, especially ... Read more
Ways to Save Money for Travel
** This post contains referral links that I could receive compensation for. It helps me pay for travel! In 2007, I decided I wanted to travel to a new place every year. I was inspired by the Dalai Lama quote you often see on Pinterest: “Once a year, go some place you’ve never been before.” Back then I had student loan and credit card debt, and I was living paycheck to paycheck. I worked at a ... Read more
Stay at the Islander Resort | Islamorada, Florida Keys
When searching for an affordable, beachfront hotel option in the upper Florida Keys, I came across the Guy Harvey Outpost Islander Resort. The photos caught my eye, and the resort had decent reviews on Booking.com. I booked a three-night stay for us to explore the Keys during our recent trip. (If you'd like to try Booking.com, consider using my link.) When we drove up to the resort, an ... Read more
Phoenix Travel: Camby Hotel
Last week was yet another whirlwind. In my life, weeks are either super slow or an avalanche — there is no in between. On Wednesday night Graham and I went to his work holiday party. At 4 a.m. the next morning I was on my way to Midway Airport to travel to Phoenix for work and for my holiday party. I landed in Phoenix about 9 a.m., changed into Phoenix-weather appropriate clothing and ... Read more
Tortuga Lodge, Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Our first stop in Costa Rica after flying into San Jose was Tortuga Lodge in Tortuguero. It's a village on the Caribbean side of the country that is known for the turtles who nest and hatch on its beaches. The village is only accessible by boat or plane. Our options were to rent a car, drive to a nearby village and take a boat, or we could take a 30-minute $90 flight (for both of us) to ... Read more
Physis Caribbean Bed and Breakfast, Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
If Graham and I owned a bed and breakfast, we would want it to be like Physis Caribbean B&B near Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. It's clean, comfortable and adorably decorated. It's also relaxing and has amenities we loved. We arrived in Cocles on Graham's birthday after being delayed for three hours. We were tired and hungry. We were welcomed by two friends of the owners who were taking care of ... Read more