Christmas in July – Why You Need to Book Your Holiday Travel Now

Christmas trees at the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World.

Merry Christmas! It’s July, so it’s the perfect time to start thinking about the holiday season, right?

(And I’m not talking about buying all your Christmas gifts now – although there’s nothing wrong if you want to do that….).

Nope, it’s time to plan your holiday travel. Because while the early bird generally always gets the worm when it comes to travel, that’s even more true this year than usual. And here’s why. Read more

Vacation Souvenirs You’ll Always Treasure

Yes I bring an extra empty suitcase on vacation and this is why.

I may be what my husband calls a “souvenir junkie” – but not in the way you think. I just feel that vacation souvenirs deserve more attention than a random ‘grab-a-quick-chochki-in-the-hotel-gift-shop’ type of attention. Because once you get home and recover from your PTD (post-trip-depression, which is totally a thing), having some truly special items that provide you with treasured vacation memories is worth more than whatever you spent on them.

I think that souvenirs deserve a little thought.

Over the years, we have accumulated a variety of interesting souvenirs, both when our daughter was young and on our own, and I can truly say that I pretty much know where, if not when, we got nearly all of them. Those souvenirs are packed with precious memories, and whether they were expensive or cheap, they’re pretty priceless at this point!

So what are some of the vacation souvenirs that have become our “past vacation” treasures? Read more

Exploring Disney: A Hidden Gem That is Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival

Photo via https://flic.kr/p/Bp5jqe

The Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival is a true hidden gem that we stumbled across a couple of years ago. We were looking for someplace to occupy the kids for a few minutes in EPCOT, and allow us a break before tackling World Showcase. What a pleasant and fun surprise!  Read more

Exploring Disney: EPCOT’s The American Adventure

Photo via https://flic.kr/p/4SCAad

Located in the American Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase, you will find a production unlike any other. This show – The American Adventure – features 35 Audio-Animatronics figures and a 72-foot screen depicting America’s history. You can see firsthand how the story of the U.S. began along with the struggles, the victories and the people who contributed to this amazing story. Read more

Tips From a TA: How to Prepare for Flying Right Now

Travel is back! And if you’re planning your first trip since the pandemic – especially if it’s the first time you’ll be flying – some of our experiences on our recent vacation to the American southwest will likely be helpful for you to know. Because when you know what to expect, you can be prepared! Read more