All I have to say is Whistler just might be a dream come true. First off you can’t beat the journey to Whistler. Beautiful scenery along the Sea to Sky Highway. It changes from beautiful ocean scenery to lush mountains with waterfalls, creeks and streams all along the way. It’s beautiful whether you drive or take the train.

But once you get there, there is so much to do and see that it makes the perfect mountain getaway from Vancouver or wherever you are coming from. Of course there is always the opportunity to sit back, relax, enjoy a cold beverage and enjoy the serenity and scenery or you can choose from some of our other favorites:

Skateboard at the awesome skatepark or do what we did just enjoy watching the skaters and take their pictures.

Mountain Biking- there are so many amazing trails and parks to choose from when mountain biking in Whistler that it’s no surprise it attracts mountain bikers from all over the world. They also host Crankworx every summer which is a free ride mountain bike festival that lasts for ten days that includes competitions, showcases and concerts.

Outdoor concerts- whether you feel like dancing or relaxing and enjoying some live music, nothing says summer in the mountains like an outdoor concert. Located right next to the Olympic Village you will find a large outdoor stage and seating area. Grab some food from any of the delicious outdoor restaurants nearby, bring a blanket or some chairs and enjoy live music in a comfortable atmosphere.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre: Of course there has to be something educational on this list, but I promise it is well worth your time. If you visit Whistler, make sure you take some time to visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and learn about the history of two tribes who joined together and first inhabited the Whistler area. It’s beautiful, fun, and educational.

Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride- If you are looking for stunning views and a great way to spend an afternoon, make sure you look into the Peak 2 Peak alpine experience. You start out your journey with the Whistler Village Gondola and head up to the top of Whistler mountain (we totally saw a black bear from this gondola). From there head over the Peak 2 Peak gondola which takes you over to Blackcomb mountain. Make sure you get a silver gondola so you will have a window on the floor. That way you can see everything (freaked me out a bit since I hate heights). From there you should take one of the chair lifts back down so you can better look for bears, but we had little kids so we headed back to Whistler mountain and enjoyed a delicious bbq dinner at the top before heading back down on the gondola.

We loved our stay so much at the Retrome in Rome, Italy that we were pretty excited to try out the Retrome Barcelona property. The day that we were to check in to the hotel we had just stepped off our Mediterranean cruise and were a little bummed that part of our trip had just come to an end, but we perked up once we checked in to the retro digs we were to stay in for the next couple of days.

I loved that not only was it a bed and breakfast but that it also felt like you were renting an apartment in a nice part of Barcelona. The common area was stocked full of books about Barcelona and the different styles of architecture and we really appreciated that. It was also very close by to a number of attractions and shopping areas.

Even though it was a smaller property, and some of the rooms are nearby I thought we might have to deal with noise and maybe even some city noise, but it was quiet and we were able to get a really good nights sleep on the comfortable and plush bed.

Breakfast was served at a nearby cafe and it was delicious and easy. Also another nice perk to staying here was it was easy to get a transfer bus to the airport. Just a couple blocks away and the busses leave every five minutes for a painless and easy ride. That helped us out a lot since we were catching a very early flight.

Overall we were very pleased with our stay at Retrome Barcelona and definitely recommend to any travelers who may be making their way to the beautiful Spanish city of Barcelona anytime soon.

*Retrome Barcelona hosted our stay, but our opinions are our own

Polynesian Cultural Center

Oahu, Hawaii is beautiful, fun and has lots to see and do. Little kids will have a blast playing in the sand and jumping in the warm water. But when they need a break from sand, surf and sun there are many different options of places to bring them for some educational fun.

Polynesian Cultural Center: is kind of like the Disneyland of Hawaii. Kids and adults of all ages will have fun exploring the different islands and villages and mingle with actual natives. There are activities and shows at every village and kids can pick up a passport book from the front desk and get stamps from each village which at the end they can show for a prize at the gift shop. There are also luaus and shows at night that are some of the best the island has to offer.

Byodo-In Temple: is a must for little kids. Found in the lush Valley of The Temples and s short 30-40 minute drive from Waikiki. It’s a five dollar donation for adults to enter. Kids will love the ridiculously large koi fish and black swans. You can purchase food for $1 and marvel at these fish as they feed. Also little ones will love ringing the big gong.

Honolulu Zoo: Great location right next to Waikiki beach. A perfect pairing if one of the adults wants to take a surf lesson and the other is looking for a way to entertain children for a couple hours. It is on the smaller side, so don’t expect it to rival San Diego Zoo, but it still has a wide variety of animals, a Keiki Zoo (children’s zoo) and a pretty impressive playground in the middle.

Waikiki Aquarium: Located on the Waikiki shoreline, the aquarium has over 500 different species of aquatic animals and plants. They focus on the Hawaii and tropical Pacific aquatic life. This is a great place to take kids who may be too young or uncomfortable with snorkeling.

Dole Plantation: I’m not going to lie, I do feel this is a complete tourist trap but when I think about it through the eyes of my three year old, she did enjoy it. There are train rides around the plantation, a maze, and a garden (all that require separate tickets). We didn’t do any of those but we had fun looking at how pineapples grow and eating ice-cream. It was a great stop to stretch our legs on the way to the North Shore.

photo courtesy of tip junkie

You really think this is a good idea to give a kid of any age a tackle box full of small high sugar pieces on a road trip? Have fun cleaning that mess up! I can see Reid cringing even thinking of the idea.

1. See History Come Alive

Hilarye and the girls look out over the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor

You can read about it in books, you can watch about it on TV, but until you actually visit the places where things happen, it feels almost fictional. Goosebumps, a further sense of understanding and even reverence will be found when you witness it for yourself.

2. Immerse yourself in a different culture

Tokyo, Japan

Forget who you are, where you came from and where you are going for just a minute and embrace the idea that there are billions of other people on this planet who although they may have different customs and culture are in many ways very similar to you. You will learn more about yourself than in months of therapy.

3. Be a kid again

Dancing at an outdoor concert in Whistler, British Columbia

Nothing is more healing and calming then letting go of your inhibitions and fears and letting your inner child rise out.

4. Eat, drink and be merry

Grimaldi’s pizza in Brooklyn

Trying new foods and having the best excuse to indulge is definitely at the top reasons to travel for us. Pasta in Italy, pizza in New York City, sushi in Japan… the possibilities are endless!

5. Gather inspiration

Beautiful lake of ice located between Anchorage and Seward, Alaska

Nothing inspires me or gives me more peace than experiencing God’s creations firsthand. Especially the most breathtaking and unexpected ones.

Sometimes what we are missing in our lives is a little zest for life. The best thing we can do is understand that, for some of us, travel is necessary for our state of being and an important aspect of our learning and development. It is said that travel is the only thing you can spend money on that makes you richer, and I fully believe it.

This is just the first trimester, then the second trimester comes and I magically get my energy back and I’m ready to travel and do fun things again (and clean my house, and get ready for the day…). So don’t be discouraged if it’s early on and you are planning a trip for later and it sounds like the worst thing in the world. Some of my most favorite trips we have taken have occured when I was big as a house and pregnant.

Here are some pregnancy traveling tips that are trimester specific to hopefully make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable:

First trimester pregnancy traveling tips:

Don’t do it. Just kidding, often times it is unavoidable or if you are like me you plan a once in a lifetime Europe trip a year in advance not knowing you would get pregnant a month and a half before the trip. And some people (although I have yet to meet any) don’t get sick their first trimester. But to be kind on yourself and those who have to deal with you or sit near you, if you know you have rough “morning” sickness then just plan on staying home during this time.

If you do decide to travel (which I did a lot my first pregnancy), you will first want to check your insurance policy to see how being out of area affects your coverage. Hopefully being in first trimester then you won’t need this except in an emergency situation but it’s always best to be prepared.

To ease morning sickness sip cold drinks on the airplane such as ginger ale and sprite or bring lemon drops or jolly ranchers. I have heard that seasickness bands are also quite effective. Bring snacks that have carbs and protein included in them. Try to get an aisle seat towards the front of the plane so you have a quick path to the bathroom if needed. Be courteous to those around you, even though you are pregnant it’s still nice to be considerate of those who have to deal with you for the next few hours.

Sec0nd trimester traveling tips:

Hooray! This is usually the best and most enjoyable time to travel during your pregnancy. You hopefully are feeling better, getting your energy back and although you have a growing belly you are still comfortable and can breathe! This is the best time to plan babymoons and family trips.

Talk to your doctor before your trip and get a copy of your chart. This is just for Murphy’s law that if you have it you won’t need it, but always plan for the worst. Remember to pack your prenatal vitamins, snacks, and a water bottle. Stay hydrated and make sure you plan to make sure you get plenty of rest.

Third trimester traveling tips:

Traveling in your third trimester will be uncomfortable but it’s totally doable! My first pregnancy I was 35 weeks pregnant and we traveled to San Antonio in August and I attended Sea World. This time I will be 36 weeks and flying to Southern California for a wedding and Disneyland.

Its very important to check with your doctor before booking any trips in your third trimester. Your doctor may have specific restrictions on when they want you to stop traveling and depending on your situation you may be too high-risk to travel. During my second pregnancy I had placenta previa and was forbidden to travel at all. You will definitely want a copy of your chart and depending on the airline you are traveling with you may need a letter from your doctor stating it is ok for you to fly and you are not within their cutoff date. Also just like first trimester check with your insurance policy to see how being out of area will affect your coverage and research nearby hospitals and providers.

It’s very important to stay hydrated your third trimester and even more-so when traveling. If you are flying avoid caffeine as it will dehydrate you more and also wear maternity support hose to help with circulation in your legs. Opt for an aisle seat so you can easily get to the restroom and stretch your legs. If you are driving plan on frequent stops for bathroom breaks and to walk around.

If you are traveling alone keep your suitcase light and don’t be afraid to ask for help! Most often someone chivalrous will help you heft your roller board into the overhead compartments without you even asking. Definitely choose comfortable clothing with layers so you can adjust to temperature as necessary.

Good luck and have safe travels!

Little girls waiting to board a red-eye flight to NYC

This year we have only a few trips planned as we prepare for the birth of our third child and many more life altering events happening. So, as I have enjoyed this little respite from packing, planning, cramped diaper changes in airport lavs, and jet lag, I have also been reflecting on the travel we did last year as a family.

We were a little over ambitious on our 12 in 2012 challenges and we almost made it through as we completed 10 of 12. I fell victim to morning sickness and fatigue and the very thought of traveling the last two months of our challenges made me sick to my stomach. But the memories we made are priceless. These are memories we will talk about even when our children are grown and gone. Remember when Sadie licked the pole on the subway in NYC? Or how Annie ate her weight in sand in Oahu?

The best part of it all is that my now 3.5 year old still remembers and talks about most if not all these trips. Who knew she would even remember them? I love how traveling grew us closer together as a family and created some lasting memories. But the best part are the things that I learned about my children along the way including:

They both love adventure and love new environments. Who wants to sit at home all day? My girls have itchy feet just like the rest of us and perk up when an airplane trip is mentioned.

They both are extremely adaptable. A different hotel room every night just means a new bed for them to jump on, hallways to explore, pools to swim in and bathrooms to destroy.

It doesn’t matter where in the world we are, or where we go the same things that amaze them at home, amaze them in a new and spectacular place. I.e. birds at disneyland,  the moon at Times Square, ice cream in Hawaii, and cartoons in Canada.

Watching these girls light up at new experiences and sharing it with them has made travel even more rewarding for me. Even the hiccups and headaches and breakdowns from both sides are seemingly unimportant when you see the excitement and spark in those little innocent eyes.

However, there is so much more to Majorca than just beaches and sea and sun – in the capital city Palma there is a magnificent Gothic cathedral which offers a wonderful insight into the history of this beautiful island. The cathedral took four hundred years to build, with the first stone laid in 1229 and the last placed in 1601. Many visitors do find their way to the Cathedral, but there are many more who shop and sightsee in Palma without realising its wonderful history.

Well away from the hustle and bustle of Palma and the other traditional package tour destinations is the small village of Deya which is also spelled Deia. Robert Graves had a home here, where the houses cling to the sides of the cliffs that overlook the tranquil waters below. This beautiful and peaceful place has not yet been discovered by hordes of tourists, but there are some holiday-makers who have found it, and they hope that it remains the peaceful haven they love. Many celebrities holiday here, with some even purchasing holiday homes in the village.

The exquisite mountain range, the Serra de Tramuntaras forms the backbone of the island, running along a northeast-southwest axis. The entire area has recently been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status as an area of Physical and Cultural significance. The high cliffs have prevented the mountains from being overrun with visitors, leaving an untouched wealth of flora and fauna. It is possible to explore the area by hire car, on foot or by bicycle. However, please do be aware that there are pockets where visitors are not permitted, as well as some privately owned land where trespassers are not welcomed, sadly, at the moment this includes the highest point of the range, Puig Major, which otherwise offers fabulous views.

The villages of Sonner and Bunyalbufar welcome visitors, but are sufficiently off the beaten track to still retain much of their original Spanish charm and authenticity. Visitors are tempted by local delicacies and warm friendly hotel staff, and it is quite possible to make lifelong friends with the people of the mountains. The charming village Valldemossa is an excellent base for walking tours of the island, being situated a mere 20 minutes from Palma and yet giving access to luxuriant greenery and lush foliage.

By all means, enjoy the thriving beach resorts and fabulous retail opportunities presented by commercial Majorca – Majorca’s weather is perfect for a day at the beach; just remember to explore a little further a field to make sure that you get to see the best of everything that the island has to offer.

scoreboard at Camel Back Ranch

A couple years ago, I had the opportunity to take a baseball lover’s fantasy spring training trip to Phoenix, AZ. For those of you who are not familiar with the cactus league, March and April make great months to visit the warm Arizona climate to catch up with your favorite baseball teams as they train for the upcoming season in a more intimate minor league setting. With all teams and games training within 40 minutes within each other, spring training is a lot more accessible in AZ then any other location.

A few tips for those traveling to the Phoenix area this spring:

Dining- There are so many great options for dining. And the Phoenix and Scottsdale are a bustle of fine dining and up-and coming chefs and restaurateurs. Check out this post for a collection of our favorite places to eat before and after the games.

Things to do- Baseball games are not for everyone, or you may be looking for some things to do in between games. There are a plethora of amazing shopping and spas located in and around the area. Last time I was there I got an amazing massage at the Hyatt Regency in Scottsdale. There is also a great amount of culture to explore at the Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art, which is a great way to learn about Native American history and culture and there are some interactive stations kids will love. Also the only museum dedicated solely to musical instruments is located in Phoenix and includes instruments from over 200 hundred countries. MIM is fun for the music lover in all of us.

Where to stay- There are many options for where to stay for everyone’s particular needs or budgets. There are world class resorts located all throughout the Phoenix and Scottsdale area, chain hotels, budget motels and of course our all time favorite locations are the Scottsdale timeshare condos. Make sure to do your research and book early, because spring is the most popular time for tourism in the Phoenix area.

Rome, Italy Dream Destination 2012

Okay, I admit it- the title of this post may sound a bit confusing but I promise to explain myself. First let me preface this post by admitting that I am a dreamer. I day-dream, I wish and whine, I may even pine a little from time to time. But in most cases that’s where it ends in a dream and it doesn’t become reality.

Oahu Dream Destination 2012

Now is the time I should also admit I am a huge planner. I do have a spontaneous side to me but for the most part I spend a great deal of time planning out my year, months, weeks and days. I am a compulsive list maker (we are talking notebooks and notebooks full of random lists), because when I write something down I feel a personal obligation to get it done. In fact it even stresses me out a little to not get it done.

Tokyo, Japan Dream Destination 2010

So this is where the alternate title to this post comes into play: Why You should plan to travel rather than dream of traveling. If you plan to do it, you will be ten times more likely to accomplish it. If you actually take the time to decide on a “dream” destination and make it as a goal, and map out the steps and work on simple tasks to help make it a reality. How do I know this works? Because it’s how we have gone to amazing places these last five years including Jamaica, Hawaii, Ireland, Tokyo, Italy and many more!

Jamaica, Dream Destination 2011

For example I have been wanting to go to Costa Rica with my little family for a long time. But it just seemed so unattainable. So this year, instead of wishing and pining I decided to set forth a plan to make it happen. I started by setting a reasonable goal date: February 2014. Then I set quarterly goals to start preparing which include research the best way to take kids, find airlines that fly there and which may have the best rates, and start selling more blog ads to save money.

Alaska, Dream Destination 2010

Totally simple and doable goals. And you know what? I truly believe this will become something we actually end up doing. It may seem so far off- but by planning ahead I know theres enough time to save up for it, and do everything that needs to be accomplished to make it happen. So yes, I do think you should dream but I also think you should plan. Life’s too short!

What are some places that you are going to start PLANNING on going to?