I could write the answer to that question in one word – YES! A big ol’ resounding, shout it from the rooftops, please, please, please without a doubt use a travel agent to book a cruise.
ALWAYS
I could end the post here. But I am going to take a few more words to answer some common misconceptions about the best way to book a cruise.
Back when I visited Italy in 2017, my sister, aunt, uncle and I took an amazing cooking class near Lake Como (arranged by my favorite Italy destination specialists, Exclusively Italy). When planning this recent trip to Northern Italy with my kids, I knew I wanted to do another cooking experience somewhere! Through extensive research for a family friendly cooking class, I was so lucky to find Clara, and Cook in Milano.
Last year, my awesome group of girlfriends organized a 30+ person winter, family getaway for us to the gulf coast of Florida. We all had THE BEST time, and the main reason we had such a blast was we stayed at an awesome resort that was perfect for our group! This great property was the Alden Suites Beachfront Resort located in St. Pete Beach, Florida!
Last week I was invited to return to the Alden to their blogger bash to help celebrate their 50th anniversary. I was so excited to learn more about this awesome family owned property and to be able to share more with you all on how to plan your perfect beach vacation at the Alden Suites St. Pete!
Momma To Go would like to thank the Alden Suites St. Pete for hosting me as part of their #AldenWow50 blogger bash. As always, all opinions are my own.
Last summer, I was with my cousins heading out from Raleigh for a day at Carolina Beach, North Carolina. Upon arriving at Carolina Beach, we could not find any parking, so we kept heading south until we stumbled up the cutest beach town called Kure Beach. The beach was picture perfect (like straight out of the Caribbean), and the houses were so cute! This town is totally out of an HGTV beach show! Right then and there I said, “Next summer we are renting a house here” and last week, that’s exactly what we did!
I love a good hotel or resort, but renting a beach house is a fabulous way to spend a vacation. We have done so in Maui, Kona, Hana, the Outer Banks, Virginia Beach, and most recently in Kure Beach, North Carolina. A beach house can afford you more space to stretch out, and can be large enough for big groups. Having a kitchen to cook meals, and a washer/dryer to do laundry can also be an added convenience. But knowing what to bring, and what not bring to your beach house rental can be a little stressful! So here are my best tips on how to pack for your beach vacation rental house.
As many of you know, we LOVED our recent trip to the Emerson Resort and Spa in upstate New York. Honestly, it was the perfect mid-summer getaway that our family needed! With so many great amenities, we probably could have stayed at the resort the entire trip, but we did want to get out and explore what the local area had to offer! We were so excited to be invited to check out Rail Explorers – and yes, it did clock in as our #1 thing on this trip! As a family, we always name our trip top 3 – anyone else?
Momma To Go would like to thank Rail Explorers for hosting us. As always, all opinions are my own.
As my loyal readers know, I am a beach girl through and through. Honestly, most of our trips are pilgrimages to warm weather destinations, although last summer we did a city trip to Montreal and this September we are heading to Italy for the first time as a family. And even though the beach is my preferred vacation spot, I like to explore everything! Which is why I was so excited to visit the Emerson Resort and Spa, located in the Catskill Mountains of New York State! I knew this would be a different and unique experience for my kids, visiting a mountain resort! And the Emerson did not disappoint! We had a beyond fabulous time and I strongly encourage any family looking for some rest & relaxation, to consider a stay at the Emerson!
Momma to Go was invited to the Emerson Resort and Spa and hosted for two days for purpose of this review. As always, all opinions are my own.
On our recent one day trip to Disney, I was reminded what awesome food there is to eat in Epcot. For dinner we chose Via Napoli (See my review below) and on a past trip we ate at Marrakesh, which we also loved. So upon my return home, I asked some fellow bloggers to help me put together this ultimate guide to Epcot Dining (and to give me a bit of a check-list for our next Epcot trip!)
Momma To Go would like to thank Walt Disney World for providing us with two media passes. As always, all opinions are my own.
I got my first real grown-up luggage set for my wedding back in 2007. And those suitcases have served us well for MANY years – but the carry-on size suitcase busted a wheel and has been on the fritz for a while. The big one busted a zipper and I had to replace it on short notice. I had been in the market for a new carry on suitcase, but with SO MANY options I was kind of stymied about making a new purchase! I was so excited to be introduced to Chester Travels, the ultimate brand in hardside luggage. Today I am so excited to share my review of the Chester Minima, a hardside carry on suitcase that I know you all are going to love!
Momma To Go received a Chester Minima Carry-On Spinner Suitcase for purpose of this review. As always, all opinions are my own.
Have you ever seen cute home décor at the store and thought – I wish I could make that?
Well now you can, right here on the South Shore of Long Island! I was so excited to recently check out the new AR Workshop in Bellmore, New York. At their preview night, dubbed the “Aqua Carpet,” I made an awesome rustic looking sign that now hangs in my office. The whole project took only about two hours and I love the piece I created.
Photo Credit: Mommy Poppins Long Island
Momma To Go would like to thank AR Workshop Bellmore for inviting me to their Aqua Carpet Preview night. I attended a complimentary class for purpose of this review.