Florida, Travel

Loyal readers know I am a SW FL lover! In normal times we visit the area 2+ times a year, and during the pandemic, we spent the summer of 2020 in North Naples, Florida. I am always loving learning about new things to do and places to stay. Baby girl and I were so excited to be invited to check out the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Naples Downtown and I know you will love this property for your next Southwest Florida vacation!

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Naples Downtown

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Naples Downtown hosted baby girl and I for a fabulous stay. As always, all opinions are my own.

 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Naples Downtown 5th Avenue: Low Price, High Quality Hotel in Naples Florida

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Travel

Loyal readers know we love water parks- big, small, indoor and outdoor! This summer we visited FOUR water parks (the Hyatt regency Coconut Point, Island H2O Live in Orlando, Sun Splash in Cape Coral near Ft. Myers Florida and Legoland Florida Water Park) so I think I have this water park packing thing down! See below for my compete water park packing list.

Waterpark Packing List

 

The Ultimate Waterpark Packing List

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Florida, Travel

It’s no secret that our family loves visiting water parks! On our recent Orlando trip we were so excited to finally visit H2O Live! This waterpark is actually located in Kissimmee, just south of Orlando. We had a great day at Island H2O Live, and I know you will too. Keep reading for my full waterpark review and tips for your next visit!

Island H2O Live Water Park in Orlando Florida

Island H2O Live Water Park Orlando Florida

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Disney, Travel

We have been in Florida for four weeks, and recently traveled  to Orlando from Naples in Southwest Florida. Normally our Orlando trips are family and theme parked packed, and although we are doing Island H2O Live later this week, and Legoland Florida Water park later this summer, on our recent visit Walt Disney World theme parks were still closed. So yesterday afternoon the kids and I headed over to Disney Springs for some lunch and shopping. It was an interesting experience, and I am excited to share a little bit about our day with you.

Disney Springs Reopening

Disney Springs Reopening

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Travel

In the last month, I have stayed in three hotels, across three major hotel chains, in three different states, all during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. I have definitely learned a few things about how to book a hotel during the pandemic, what to look for, and how to stay safe when you travel. Keep reading for my best tips to ensure a great hotel stay during the pandemic.

NOTE: I am not a doctor or an infectious disease specialist. These are tips based on my experience with hotel stays during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. As always, consult your doctor and local authorities for advice on safety regarding travel at this time.

 

Tips for a Safe and Fun Hotel Stay during a Pandemic

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Travel

We are set to leave in a week and a day. Today is May 28, 2020 and I am preparing to take my family 1,306 miles to a better life. I feel like someone out of colonial times. Or a refugee. Or the Byrde’s in Ozark.

But alas, we are just a regular, middle-class American family making a bold move in strange times. My emotions are ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE and I plan to document this day by day. I guess my hope is to have this sort of electronic journal of this crazy period, and to inform and inspire those who need it.

And maybe just to share my story. Keep reading for some random musings on road tripping, hotel staying and busting through a Florida quarantine in the times of COVID-19.

Road trip during COVID-19

Road Trip, Hotel Stays and Driving into Florida during the Coronavirus Pandemic

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Florida, Travel

Back in February 2020, I stayed five nights at the Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port Saint Lucie Florida. So glad I got this trip in before the pandemic, and I had a great time at this unique and beautiful property. I had never been to a Club Med before, and as this is the only all-inclusive resort in the United States, I was super curious to check it out. I am excited to share my review with you and help you plan your next Club Med vacation!

Club Med Sandpiper Bay Florida

Club Med Sandpiper Bay Florida

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Florida, Travel

I love visiting Naples Florida – the beaches are incredible, the weather is always great, and there are so many things to do – truly something for everyone. Another thing I love about this area – so many great restaurants. Naples is definitely a foodie town. And on top of delicious meals to be had, so there are so many great Naples restaurants on the water. That’s right, so many accessible spots for beachfront dining, and meals with a sunset view!

The best restaurants on the water in Naples Florida

My Favorite Naples Restaurants on the Water

 

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Florida, Travel

It’s my favorite time of year – oh wait that’s summer. Okay my favorite time of the non-summer part of the year – time for our annual family trip to Southwest Florida! Long time readers know that’s my happy place. I mean there are so many great things to do in Naples, fun stuff in Ft. Myers and so many unique things to do in Southwest Florida. But do you know what I really love about this area – the beaches. Some of the best in the world, and right here in the good ol’ USA. Which is why as I start packing my swimsuit and sunscreen, I am so excited to give you this list of the best beaches in Naples Florida.

Best Beaches in Naples Florida

The Best Beaches in Naples Florida

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Stuff I Love, Travel

In these crazy quarantine times, I’ve been watching a ton of movies! I mean what else to do since I’m not traveling? Since the news is so heavy, and life at home can be hard, we have been leaning towards comedic, lighthearted, fun movies to escape the weight of our everyday quarantine lives. So, I decided to share with you all a list of my favorite comedy movies that inspire travel.

Travel Comedy Movies

The 16 Best Comedy Movies to Inspire Travel

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