After having friends, family and followers fill out a survey, it was clear that Italy and Greece where bucket list locations for everyone. The most popular months to travel were summer months but also the most expensive months for these two locations, which is why I chose November and September. I hope you will join me for this opportunity to explore our beautiful world. Keep reading so you can get answers to all of your questions.

Trip Options

You can sign up for one or join me for both!

• A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome: November 8-16, 2023. B
• A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini: September 13-21, 2024. 

READY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT? CLICK HERE!

I know you have questions and I have answers! Keep reading….

FAQ’s

Why are you planning so far out?

Traveling can be costly. This is why I planned trips far in advance to allow more people to come.  Also, we all have big dreams, a bucket list and things we will do “one day.” By signing up now, you know “one day” is going to happen so you can budget, plan and look forward to an amazing trip! 

Does the base price include airfare?

No, it does not. Your options are to include it in your trip price or get flights on your own. The benefit of including it now lets you lock in a price this far out.  You also have the option to cancel the flight portion of your trip and book on your own (maybe you want to use points built up by then) as long as you do it  90 days before the trip. Go Ahead Tours has relationships with many airlines and works hard to get you the best flight for the best price. 

Do I have to book extra excursions?

No. There will be free time to explore in the different cities and what you do is up to you. The extra excursions are options that may include places you want to see or things you want to do. These options have been vetted for you so you know your booking is solid. You don’t have to add them now but I do suggest adding them within thirty days of travel. There may be some that you can book the day of but there are no guarantees. 

Do we have a tour guide?

Yes. Each trip will have a dedicated tour director for guided sight seeing and 24/7 support. Our guide will share their words of wisdom as a local, help with suggestions for our free time and more. 

What exactly is included in the base price? 

Make sure you check out the trip page by clicking here. It will have all the details on meals, hotels and the set itinerary. Both trips include guided tours of popular places.  The best part about taking a trip like this is that almost everything is planned for you but you also have some free time to stop at a quaint coffee shop, add a wine tasting or visit a famous museum. These locations are absolutely beautiful. You may just want to walk around and soak in the beauty of the culture and that’s perfectly okay. 

Who can come on each trip?

These two trips are for adults 18 and older. 

How much money do I need to reserve my spot?

For travelers who enroll in AutoPay, your deposit is only $99 per trip with the balance due in accordance with your AutoPay schedule. Then you have up to 60 days before your first interest free payment is drafted. You can chose the monthly draft date too.  The remaining balance will be divided among the remaining months before travel. 

If you wish to pay in full or manually, your deposit will be $300 per trip and you must be paid in full 70 days before travel. Deposits are risk-free and can be refunded within 72 hours of being placed. You can make payments in your online account or by calling the Customer Experience Team.  Go Ahead Tours accepts debit or credit cards (Mastercard/Visa), or payments through a checking account.

How many spots are available?

Italy can have up to 30 travelers. Greece can only have 19. Don’t wait to sign up!

What is the deadline to register?

Each trip must have at least six travelers. So, invite your friends!  Remember, the purpose for planning so far out is to allow for a lower payment so the sooner you start making payments, the smaller the payments will be.

What if the trip sells out?

Interested travelers can pay the deposit to join a risk-free waitlist. If spots open up, travelers can join us on the trip and will need to follow the payment deadlines. If the trip remains sold out, the deposit will be returned to travelers on the waitlist. Additionally, travelers can leave the waitlist at any point and they will get their deposit back..

What if I need to cancel? Do I get my money back?

Days Prior to Departure and Cancellation Fee (Inclusive of Non-Refundable Reservation Fee)

• 71 days or more: $300
• 70-46 days: $1,000
• 45-8 days: The greater of $1000 or 50%*
• 7-0 days: 100%*

I am traveling alone. Should I still come? 

Absolutely! You will make new friends and enjoy an experience of a lifetime. My husband hates to fly and will not do a long distance flight. So, I am a party of one right with you. Singles will be grouped with another person because the price is based on double occupancy, but you can pay extra to have your own room. I’ve traveled on a group trip before internationally by myself and had the BEST time. No regrets! 

Why this trip? 

Because “one day” is knocking on your door and giving you the opportunity to check this box on your bucket list. Also, there is THIS!

TRAVEL TO ITALY AND GREECE WITH ME!

Hello Italy!

Hello Greece!

Are you ready to travel to Italy and Greece with me? CLICK HERE and say yes! 

The post Travel to Italy and Greece with Me appeared first on Kreative in Kinder.

Spring break is a time to relax with your family. It’s a time to reconnect with your loved ones, spending quality time with each other. One of the best (and most fun) ways to do this is to take a family trip. When you take a family trip over spring break, you’re guaranteed to have fun! Here are a few fun family trips you should consider taking this spring break. For years, I taught in a different district than where my children attended school and we didn’t have the same Spring Break.  My husband and I used this to our advantage to take a trip by ourselves but I always wished the kids and I had the same Spring Break so we could go on an adventure.  The last two years, they have done local mission trips which was awesome.  If you are looking for a fun getaway, here are my favorites (plus one wish list place too).

Disney World

Disney World is a magical place to visit, which is why this destination should be on the top of your list! There’s something for everyone in the family when you visit Disney World, from the Animal Kingdom to Epcot! If you do decide to visit Disney World, you should consider purchasing the fast pass so that you and your family can make the most of your time there. I’ve been eight times and even as an adult, it is my favorite place to visit. Check out  my Disney tab in our travel section for more tips!

Legoland

If you want to have some fun this spring break, you should consider visiting Legoland. This is the perfect destination if one of your kids (or yourself) love Legos. When planning your Legoland trip, you have a few options. If you want to go all out, you can get tickets for the Legoland Theme Park. If you’d like to stay closer to home, you can look for a Legoland Discover Center near you. Regardless of what you decide to do, your family will quickly fall in love with all things Legoland. I took my youngest son and nephew to Legoland in CA four years ago. My son is on the spectrum and is a genius when it comes to legos. I hope he works for them one day. We had the BEST time!

Great Wolf Lodge

You’ve dealt with the snow and cold all winter, so for your spring break trip, it’s time to have some water fun. Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect place for this. Usually, you have to travel south to for some fun in the water, but with Great Wolf Lodge, you can enjoy water slides, pools, and the lazy river in any climate. You can usually find a Great Wolf Lodge close by, so you’ll know you’ll have a ton of fun without having to travel far away. We have only been to the Dallas, TX location but my kids LOVED it.  There is more than just swimming too. They also run specials all the time.

Take A Cruise

Do you want the ultimate getaway this spring break? Take your family on a cruise! There are many family-friendly cruise ships out there, giving you and your kids plenty of time to relax and have fun. You’ll also enjoy the warmer weather as you cruise around tropical waters. My kids favorite part of a cruise: unlimited room service! They loved the kid activities, swimming and the food. This picture is from our excursion in Cozumel.  My sister and I and our husbands were ready to get back on the ship. My mom offered to take the kids to walk around to look in the stores and would be not far behind us.  We waited with our dad on their balcony and you could imagine our reaction when our mom walks up with our six children and they ALL have a guitar. My sister and I looked at each other and mumbled, “What the hell?” under our breath. Ha! Yup, toting them all home and through customs was awesome (insert eye roll). This picture makes me laugh every time I see it. Great memory.

Rent a Cabin

Does your family love the outdoors? This spring break you should experience the great outdoors by renting a cabin. This is on our bucket list. We would love to rent one of these cabins in Tennessee. There’s so much to do, from hiking up and down mountainous peaks to having fun in Gatlinburg. You’ll quickly fill up your entire week with fun activities the whole family will enjoy. Maybe this is where we will head this year!

What are your plans this spring break? I’d love to hear where you plan to travel!

The post Fun Family Trips For Spring Break appeared first on Kreative in Kinder.

The Backyard

Sometimes you need a tasty drink and sometimes you need a little entertainment. You will find both at The Backyard. In fact, you’ll find the option to really enjoy yourself with drinking, eating, and partying if you choose to do so. The next time you’re in Waco and looking for the best entertainment options, choose The Backyard! 

Movie Theater Options in Waco

Looking for a relaxing entertainment atmosphere? Sometimes you just want to see a movie and there is no better place to do that than in Waco, Texas. In fact, this is some of the best entertainment options in Waco! 

AMC Galaxy 16 

When you just want to head to the movies and see what’s out in theater, this is a great place to go. 

Waco Hippodrome Theatre 

Are you looking for a fun place to go in Waco? You need to hit up the Hippodrome! 

Regal Jewel & ScreenX 

Have a movie on your mind? Head on over to this movie theater in Waco. 

Waco Premiere 6 

Another awesome movie theater to get your entertainment fix in Waco. 

Waco Improv

When you are in Waco, you may need the opportunity to see a little improv! Well, there are tons of options for seeing your favorite comedian or show in this great city. Let me introduce you to a few of my favorites. 

Brazos Theatre Group 

Yes! You can get the chance to check out the Improv Comedy Show at Brazos Theatre. Be prepared to laugh as hard as you possibly can! 

Waco Civic Theater 

Another fun way to get your improv fix is through the Waco Civic Theater. Go ahead and check out what shows are coming up and which one you’d like to see! 

Mini Golf

If you love mini golf as much as I do, you’re going to love the best entertainment options in Waco in the form of mini golf. 

Lunar Mini Golf of Waco

Mini golf has never looked so fun! Lunar Mini Golf is one of the top spots to mini golf in Waco. You can even take the whole family. 

Putters

Get your mini golf on, along with the option to check out the sports bar and arcade. You can’t go wrong visiting Putters in Waco. 

Lions Park

Finally, make sure you take a little bit of time to check out Lions Park in Waco. Get this, there is a new carousel that you and the whole family can enjoy. Lions Park also has putt-putt and go karts. 

The next time you’re looking for a little fun in Waco, you know what to hit up. These are the best entertainment options in Waco, in my opinion. However, I’d love to hear of your favorite options for keeping the family entertained in this great city. 

The post Entertainment Options in Waco appeared first on Kreative in Kinder.

As a self-proclaimed travel guru, I went into planning mode. Goodness, I love travel planning, and I have missed it so much. I love researching and finding the jewels in every place we go to. I am a go-with-the-flow person, but I also don’t want to miss out on something amazing if there is something amazing to see or do. I also love to find a good deal and even packing for trips is exciting. Yes, I am that person. 

Before making a decision, I read about traveling during the pandemic and set realistic expectations. While I am a silver lining and glass-half-full person, I will share with you the pros and cons so that you can mentally prepare yourself. Let’s be honest, so much of the world is scrambling to get back on their feet, especially the travel industry, so I knew there would be bumps in the road. 

We decided to book a package through All Inclusive Outlet online. They are essentially an online travel agent. I read a few recent reviews from very upset people who had their trips cancelled because of the pandemic, but I also read a ton of great reviews pre-pandemic, so I felt good about this decision. We found an AMAZING deal with nonstop flights through Spirit Airlines, leaving early Friday morning and coming back Monday afternoon, staying at El Dorado Seaside Palms adult only, all-inclusive resort in premium swim out suites. Our group rapidly grew to sixteen with the wedding party and family.  Quickly, we all were all booked and started a count down like our lives depended on it. 

A few weeks later (less than a month from our travel date), Spirit cancelled our flights out of Austin. I immediately went into panic mode. I emailed All Inclusive Outlet and began to work with Allison. I explained that we were going for a wedding and celebrating anniversaries and birthdays and for the love of all things, we needed to get away so we had to figure this out. Allison quickly became my new BFF. We emailed or talked on the phone daily while we were trying to figure this mess out. First of all, she is the travel agent, and it was no fault of hers or the company she works for that Spirit cancelled all flights to Cancun from Austin for the entire month of May. She worked with the carrier, trying to get our flights moved to DFW. We live in Waco so it was the same distance to Austin as it is to Dallas, and honestly, I would have rode with the luggage if it got me there. Ha. No, seriously. Unfortunately, Spirit only offered AIO the option to move us and have us pay the difference. Well, y’all know how flights work. If you book a few months out, it is much cheaper, but when you book two weeks before, it’s going to cost you. We would pay more for the new flight than our entire trip. That was not an option, so I went to plan B and contacted Spirit myself. 

I have flown Spirit several times before, and I’ve never had a problem. When I fly my whole family to Disney, that is usually our go-to airline because it’s so affordable. I called Spirit multiple times before I spoke with Matthew who was a travel angel sent from above. I won’t waste time talking about the previous phone calls, but as a business owner, I do know this. Some people show up to a job and just do the job but don’t actually care about your experience. I don’t think that is what Spirit or any company wants from their employees, but they don’t know unless we tell them. I wrote down every person’s name and employee ID, and you bet I sent an email because we can’t do better if we don’t know better. Spirit responded immediately to my email, addressed my concerns, and apologized, which I appreciated. So, back to Matthew. Matthew cared that I was a hot mess, spewing drama of a cancelled wedding, living with an essential worker, the need to get the hell out of here for a hot minute, and on and on and on. Matthew didn’t try to put me on a ridiculous flight or ask me to sell an organ to get on a flight. He was kind and patient and cared about making things right. We were on the phone for a good hour while he moved ALL 16 of us scheduled with Spirit to new, nonstop flights without charging us anything. God bless Matthew!

My advice to you if you ever get in this situation, first be kind. It’s not their fault this is happening. Don’t expect everyone to do the right thing. This is not Disney World, and every person who answers the phone isn’t willing to make your day magical. Unfortunately, some customer service reps don’t actually care about customers. But, there are people like Matthew who do care and that man hung the moon and the stars for me. Don’t waste your time talking to people who aren’t like Matthew. Just ask to be transferred to another supervisor and move on. Also, remember that we are still in a pandemic, and I’m quite sure the travel industry is turning their underwear inside out for longer use and all sharing a travel size tooth paste because they are still upside down and inside out with the daily changes. They have probably received more ugly phone calls and hate emails in the last year then the previous ten years combined. This situation sucks for everyone. Kindness goes a long way friends.

Will I book with All Inclusive Outlet again? Absolutely! Next time, I will be sure to get travel insurance. Will I fly Spirit again? Yup! Do I wish my life wasn’t a complete meltdown for four entire days because of this bump in the road? Well, duh, but it all worked out, and I was so, so thankful. 

Aside from passports, we had to fill out a Mexico tourist card online. Fill that out and print it. We also had to fill out a health questionnaire online, but you can’t do that until it’s within 12 hours of your flight. Do it BEFORE you get to the airport. It’s all about COVID. They will not let you get your ticket without these two things. When you enter Mexico, they will stamp your tourist card. Put it in a safe place because you will need it when you leave. You will give it back to the airline attendant checking you in to head home. Go ahead and download the resort app while you have strong Wi-Fi (even though the resort Wi-Fi was pretty good). The app will show you specials for the spa, Bali bed packages, restaurant options and menus, room service menus, etc. It’s very helpful. 

We had a great flight and were ready to get our mini vaca on. I would encourage you to book transport to your resort before you get there because it’s kinda crazy as soon as you step out the doors from the airport. Stay together and find your transporter. We booked with Lomas Travel, who is owned by the same company as our resort. We quickly got on a private little bus and off we went. Due to construction and being midday Friday, it took us an hour and a half to get to our resort. Luckily there was a cooler full of beer for those who wanted it on the bus. I’m not a beer drinker, but I think it helped a few others. (Our travel back only took about an hour because there was less traffic.) 

When we arrived at El Dorado Seaside Palms, it was beautiful. There wasn’t a long line for check in, and there was a bar right there with people handing out drinks. I’m am not a big drinker, but I won’t turn away a pina colada in Mexico. Also, that is now a lie. I tried over a dozen drinks in three days. When we checked in, we got the room we paid for but my sister did not. They were over booked for the swim out rooms. I had read in a Facebook fan page for the resort that this had happened to a few others. I can’t imagine what it is like to run these large resorts when people book months in advance and they fluctuate between the amount of people they are allowed to have due to COVID numbers. Some weeks they are allowed 30% capacity, others (like ours), it was 60%. Of course it stinks to not get what you paid for, but I think we all have to be flexible until things get back to 100%. My sister was still in our building for that night but not with a swim out, so they just came down to our room to enter our pool. Roberto, the front desk manager, was very apologetic and promised to take care of us, and he absolutely did. The next day, they moved my sister and brother-in-law to a Presidential Suite for the next two nights to make it up to them. Y’all, this was a freaking house with it’s own pool attached to our premium building. They were not disappointed!

We loved our room. It was huge. You could have a foam party in the bath tub; it was so big. We had a couch and king size bed with a large flat screen tv, a table with two chairs, two closets, and a massive bathroom. We had a mini fridge full of water, soda, beer, and snacks. When stepping out of our sliding door, we had a huge couch where we could take naps on and two lounge chairs in the pool for sunbathing. We could step down into our building’s pool (which honestly was only used by the people in our building) and swim a few steps over to our own swim up bar. It was AMAZING. This was worth the four days of travel stress. All forgiven. I was in heaven. 

The premium building was right next to the town square, which is where the nightly entertainment is. It also included several local vendors who set up every night. My husband bought a few really good cigars. Friday night there was a mariachi band, flame throwers, etc. We met the famous Antonio who serves the most spectacular drinks out of an orange van. He has a gift! I don’t really like alcohol, but he was a little magician in that van, and I didn’t have one drink that I didn’t love. Saturday night, there was a DJ playing rock tunes, and on Sunday night, there was a live band with a great singer. He was my favorite. I loved spending time with my forever date every night. 

After we settled in on Friday, we hopped in a gazebo on the beach and had a short and sweet wedding service. Though this resort offers an amazing wedding ceremony package, we didn’t need this. Our couple wanted short and simple, which is exactly what we did. I was so honored to help join these two families for their second chance at love, and it was the sweetest exchange of wedding vows.  The pictures we took turned out beautiful too. I may start a new business. Need me to marry you in Mexico? I’m in!

We arrived too late on Friday to make our reservations with the concierge, but I strongly suggest you do that as soon as you can. Because of COVID, you have to make restaurant reservations, though you could possibly walk in if they aren’t booked, which is what we did Friday night. We only ate as a group once and otherwise split into smaller groups to do our own thing. We loved everywhere we ate. The portions are small, but they do that on purpose. It’s all inclusive, so they expect you to order a few of everything, and you should because it’s that good. The Culinarium was my favorite. Get the stone soup if you love seafood, and order the volcano dessert. Oh, and the steak will melt in your mouth. Klay Tay has amazing sushi. Definitely try the coconut crème brûlée. It is to die for! We were able to get a table for all 16 of us at Mi Casa, which is a wonderful Italian restaurant. I would consider all three of these fine dining. They have buffets, but we ate at the restaurants every night for a more high-end experience. 

We ate at the Beach BBQ every day for lunch. I loved the ceviche, and my husband (not a seafood lover) ate hamburgers and meatloaf subs. Their Hawaiian wings are good, too. Next to the Beach BBQ, there is a great wood fire pizza place and a burrito place. If you want nachos, that’s where you go. On Sunday, they had a seafood BBQ on the beach. You can get tacos for free but the lobster is a $30 up charge, but totally worth it. Everything is so fresh!

Room service is 24 hours a day. I loved their chicken and cheese quesadillas as a snack. It’s not on the menu, but you can order chips and guacamole, and it’s great. You can order any mixed drinks, too, but you have to order it with food. It took 30-45 minutes to get our order each time. You can also preorder a pot of coffee and breakfast the night before to be at your room at a specific time the next morning if you want a little breakfast in bed or need your coffee as soon as your eyes open. My husband loved the coffee. It was too strong for me.

We rented a Bali bed on Sunday. They are free, but it’s first come, first serve. We chose the least expensive package for $56. It reserved a bed for us all day and gave us a beach butler, who delivered a huge cooler (actually it was this massive, fancy metal bowl) with beer, soda, and water. We also got a nice fruit bowl and bottle of champagne. It was totally worth it. My sister rented the bed next to us and our entire group hung out for the day.

The Palms side has the best beach. You really don’t need water shoes unless you have sensitive feet. The initial walk in has a lot of tiny little shell pieces, but other than that, it’s super soft sand and the water is so clear. I loved seeing such a beautiful habitat. Make sure you wear reef-friendly sun block to help preserve it. If you want to snorkel, it’s a great place, but bring your own gear. Because of COVID, they don’t provide it right now. We bounced between our pool and the beach, which was only a five-minute walk. It really was perfect.

Make sure you wander down the beach to check out the swings and hammocks. This is the one thing we didn’t do that is on our list for next time. There has to be a next time!

Our pool didn’t play music, so we brought out a Bluetooth speaker and stayed on one side of the pool. Another group had a speaker with their music on the other side. We all got along great and shared tons of laughs at the bar. Everyone was so friendly and fun. You won’t meet a stranger! We didn’t swim at night because it was a little too cold for my liking without the sun, and everyone lived their best life during the day, so we were safer out of the water at night. 

The bartender at our pool calls it a night at 6:00 p.m., but you can swim 24/7. Just be mindful of the guests sleeping. If rowdy is your scene, there is definitely a place for that at the late night bar. The famous Antonio makes drinks in the square until 10:00 p.m., and if you are ready to get your twerk on, or wobble in my 40-year-old case, there is a bar right next to beach volleyball that is open until 2:00 a.m. We never made it past 11:30 p.m., but I felt like that was a win considering we are usually in bed by 9:00 p.m. each night. Ha! They have fun swings you can sit on and a dance floor that stayed busy. Just know that if you aren’t used to dropping it like it’s hot, you may need some ibuprofen the next morning…or so I heard from a friend.

My husband and brother-in-law had never had a massage, so we had to put an end to that nonsense. We booked early morning couples massages on the beach. It was perfection. First of all, no one is awake at 8:00 a.m. Second, the breeze and the sound of the waves brings your experience to a whole ‘nother level. This was a splurge worth it times a million. I have a feeling this will not be the last time our fellas get a massage. Also, I’m quite sure they will want these robes for Father’s Day this year because they didn’t want to take them off.

We purchased the couples spa package that gave you a 50-minute massage, plus 15 minutes of reflexology on your feet at the beach. It also came with an hour of hydro massage. Usually, you would do that first to get you nice and relaxed, but the schedule didn’t allow for that so we had to do the hydro experience after our massage on the beach. For that, you first go into a steam room that smells heavenly and rub a mud mask on your body. After ten minutes, you rinse yourself off with hot water. It opens your pores and is so relaxing. Then, you move to a cold room that has a different smell but equally heavenly. Next, you move on to a small pool that has all of these water features and jets to loosen up your muscles. Last, you hop between three small tubs that are cool, hot, then cold. I definitely can see how this prepares your body for the most relaxing massage. If we weren’t booking for the next day with limited times, we definitely would have done the hydro experience first. 

Now, a splurge we decided was not worth doing was the private dinner on the beach. It’s pretty pricey but I’m a sucker for sweet, romantic experiences. We sat in these lit tp things at sunset which were really pretty but the food was not good and it took foreverrrr. We expected since we were paying so much extra for this meal, the portions would not be teeny tiny….yeah, no. The orders were initially incorrect. My husband’s food was cooked wrong, and it took another half hour for him to get his meal, and by then we were all done because it was literally four bites. The music was comical. It was classic hits but basically sung by karaoke bands. We turned it into a game…who actually sings this tragic song? Luckily, we had a back up plan and also made dinner reservations for later that night for sushi and dessert, which we definitely needed. So, maybe skip that and just do a walk on the beach at sunset and take pictures. Spend your money at the spa instead. 

We did have to get a COVID test. I have been tested eight or so times at home because my asthma issues mimic COVID symptoms, and I will say that this was a little worse. I felt like their q-tips were smaller and they went further up, but it was over in two minutes, and I lived to drink another drink. Ha. Luckily, this is a service our resort offered and paid for. I definitely would make sure you stay somewhere that also offers this service because that could be a huge time suck if you have to leave your resort to wait in line somewhere to get tested.

We thought if we got there early, we would get out early. Nope. They go in order and it’s a waste of time to be there a minute before you are supposed to (which I also appreciated). Also worth mentioning, make sure you schedule your test as soon as you arrive so you get a time, and if you don’t receive an email that day, follow up with someone. We had a few in our group that didn’t do that, and they had to come at the end of testing for an all-call and that was stressful. You have to test within 72 hours before boarding your flight home, so make sure you get that scheduled ASAP and within that window. They only test on Monday-Saturday. This was a little complicated for our large group because testing on Saturday was our only option to make our flights on Monday, but it all worked out. 

Monday morning came and none of us wanted to leave. Because we were flying internationally and because of COVID, we had to leave for the airport four hours early. On your way to the airport, go ahead and fill out that Health Questionnaire because you will need it again to leave Mexico. Hopefully your resort emailed you your COVID results. At the bottom is a QR code. You don’t need to print it off; just show it on your phone. The airport will scan that when they check you in. Have a pen ready, too, because you will have to fill out a quick form stating that you took the test yourself, and you were not exposed to anyone with symptoms. Then at security, you will need your health questionnaire email and passport. The more organized you are, the faster it will go. Something else I loved about our resort is that they had scales in the bathroom, which I assume is for your luggage because who cares about anything else on vaca. Clearly not us. I gained seven pounds and my husband gained ten. But, we probably consumed more calories with all those frozen drinks in one day than we do in a week at home. Our bodies were definitely freaking out. Ha. Our suitcase was overweight going home, but we were fine with that.

The airport does have a pretty great duty-free store, so try to leave room in your backpack or carry on if you want to shop. We bought a few bottles of Havana Club Rum because you can’t buy that in the U.S., and it’s a favorite of my husbands. 

My overall tips for traveling:

It’s totally worth it to go all inclusive, and if you need a break from kids (no judgement), go adults only.

Ask for premium liquors. They have them and will use them. I really don’t know the difference because at home, I rarely drink, but my sister schooled me.

Eat all the things. Definitely go outside of the box. Try one of everything. We found so many amazing new foods this way. The seafood was so fresh, so if you are a seafood lover, wear elastic lol. Oh, and eat the coconut ice cream. Yum!

Pick a few things to splurge on. The spa and bali beds were a major win for us.

Tip well. These people work so hard and depend on it. I know it’s all-inclusive, but they go above and beyond to treat you like kings and queens. Bring those dollar bills, y’all!

Don’t overpack. You seriously need a bathing suit and cover up for each day and a nice night outfit. Bring more than one swimsuit because if you swim in the morning, you don’t want to get in a cold suit later that night. Pack a bag for all of your wet clothes when you travel home, too. 

Get out of your comfort zone. I wore several high wasted bikinis and a night outfit that showed some of my stomach. You will never see me in that at home, but when in Mexico, who cares. Live it up! I purchased all of my trip clothes from SHEIN. Make sure you have accurate measurements and read reviews. They are incredibly affordable and so stinking cute.

If you want a cocktail, drink a dang cocktail. My favs: pina colada, superman, dirty monkey (it’s frozen and tastes like banana and a little chocolate), mud slide, mermaid, chocolate martini, mango margarita, snickers shot, slippery nipple shot, green eyes….clearly you can see how I gained seven pounds. Ha! Between the drink sampling and gourmet food, I was doomed. 

Don’t arrive early for your COVID test. Yes, it sucks but just suck it up. Be nice to the testers, too. It’s not their fault we have to do this. I was appalled at how rude people can be. Also, can we talk about how everyone on the plane had to have a negative test, but we all still had to wear masks? Things that make you go hmmmm. 

Bring your own party or make one. Meaning, if you are flying solo, make friends. Don’t be upset that things aren’t lively enough for you if you choose to sit there. Just get up and dance. No one cares if you don’t have rhythm. 

I would say have realistic expectations, but I think it’s better to not set expectations. Obviously we spend our hard earned money on a trip and want it to be perfect, but right now, our world is anything but perfect. I don’t know about you, but I think I have said that I feel like we are living in a movie exactly one million times throughout the last year. So, your trip will be what you make of it. And if it is becoming a little bit of a mess, grab a drink from the list above and go put your toes in the clean, white sand or dive into the beautiful ocean. 

Our resort had three sections. Palms, which is where we stayed and never ventured out of, Seaside, which has different food and entertainment options, and Hidden Beach, which is truly hidden because I never even noticed it was there. It’s for the free spirits of the world and clothing is not optional. Not my scene, but it’s an option. 

From before we boarded the flight to Cancun until we got back to our car to head home, I felt completely safe. Everyone is still taking COVID seriously. There was even someone in the bathroom cleaning each toilet before the next person used it at the DFW airport. All employees wore masks everywhere we went in the U.S. and in Mexico. There were sanitation stations and signs for social distancing. People who wanted to wear masks on the beach, did.

I look forward to traveling again with an understanding that people are just doing the best they can. All the bumps in the road were totally worth it, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. When you feel safe, book a trip. Get on the plane and make some memories. Support your local businesses and support those far away, too. We have all been through a lot during the last year and deserve a “get out of jail” card. Who knew a weekend in Mexico would be the thing to give me so much life back? It wasn’t perfection, but it was oh, so perfect!

But seriously, when can we go back?

Also, thank you to my parents for keeping Bennett for four nights, so we could escape and fill our cups (literally) with much needed peace and joy. We appreciate you! 

**All of these opinions are my own. This was not a hosted travel experience, and we paid for everything. Some photos are from El Dorado Seaside’s Facebook page because I was too busy being present on this personal trip than taking all the pics. More than anything, I want to share my experiences to hopefully show you that these options exist and could be an option for you this year. I hope you do plan the trip and start making up for lost time. You won’t regret it! Please feel to reach out if you have any questions to crystal@kreativeinlife.com. Happy travels!

The post Traveling To Mexico During COVID appeared first on Kreative in Kinder.

Spice Village 

Located in River Square Center, Spice Village is one place you’ll want to spend your time! This particular location isn’t just one store. It’s home to tons of shopping experiences in Waco. You’ll get access to 60 separate specialty shops, all under one roof. As far as clothing, you can find items for infants, children, men, and women. You’ll also find home decor, jewelry, and so much more. 

Courtney’s

Do you want to experience a special part of Waco? Then you need to head to Courtney’s. This is one of the top places to shop in Waco for several reasons. They have accessories, kimonos, tops, dresses, and more. Grab some of your favorite girlfriends and head on over to see what you can grab. I don’t think there is a better place to get fashionable. You can find this shop at 2704 W Loop 340 D6, Waco, TX 76711. 

The Findery

Looking for a place to shop next? You need to check out The Findery! They totally have that country-chic vibe that everyone needs to check out when they get a chance. You’ll find items like farmhouse decor, chalk paint, clothing, and so much more! You will enjoy walking around to view what the various vendors have to offer. The Findery is located at 501 S 8TH Street, Waco, TX 76706. 

Junque Queen’s

Let’s be honest, with a name like Junque Queens, you know that you need to check out this store. Noted as one of the top places to shop in Waco, it’s a must-shop hot spot. You won’t find a better spot to check out clothes for boys and girls. You’ll also get a chance to shop for their t-shirts, top-knots, and pretty bows. Buy something pretty for yourself while you’re there! 

Sironia 

Are you looking for another one-stop-shop location? You will find that in Sironia. There are at least 40 stores under one roof–it’s quite amazing! There is even Sironia Cafe, which means you can grab a bite to eat before or after your shopping experience. A ton of unique boutiques awaits you here at Sironia. Here, you will also find Magnolia Market, The Bear Mountain, Adorn, Junque Queen’s, Savage Finds, and so much more! 

The next time you’re looking for the top places to shop in Waco, I hope you’ll check out these five places. Remember, these stores are only the beginning of all the options here in Waco. 

The post Top Places to Shop in Waco appeared first on Kreative in Kinder.

Cameron Park

When you are out trying to have fun in Waco, one place you’ll want to make a stop at is Cameron Park. This is a 416-acre urban park located in Waco. The park has been around since May 27th, 1910 and is a big hit still today. You’ll find over 20 miles of trails you can walk or bike. There is also a disc golfing course, playgrounds, picnic tables, and even a cross country running course. There is endless amounts of things to do for those who are searching for outdoor fun in Waco. 

Waco Zoo

Raise your hand if you love a good zoo. Here in Waco, we have an awesome zoo that is worth checking out, especially if you’re looking for that outdoor fun in Waco. The Waco Zoo is set apart from other zoos in this country for so many reasons. There is a variety of animals all in one location. You can literally spend the whole day exploring and making memories. Waco Zoo is also known as the Cameron Park Zoo, so keep this in mind as you plan your outdoor fun in Waco. 

• 52 acres of exploration available
• Natural habitats to explore
• Enrichment opportunities and more 

Splash Pads 

Cooling down in Texas is a right of passage. We love to spend time outdoors in Waco, but we also love splash pads. Being able to cool down is fun for the littles and mom or dad. Have no fear because there are plenty of splash pad opportunities in Waco, Texas. Check out this list of splash pads to check out. 

• Kendrick Park
• Mountainview Park  
• Cameron Park
• Pecan Bottom Park  

Indian Spring Park

Spending time outdoors in Waco, Texas is important. The weather can be beautiful, so you might as well enjoy it. Indian Spring Park. Located in the heart of Texas, Waco has some pretty cool outdoor attractions. Most people are drawn to Indian Spring Park for the historic Waco Suspension Bridge and the Brazos statue series. If you get a chance, spend some time outdoors getting to know this beautiful park. It’s also a great place to take special photos. I have had three kids take prom pictures here and they all turned out so great!

Waco Downtown Farmer’s Market 

If you wake up one day and decide you want to enjoy some outdoor fun in Waco, then perhaps heading to the farmer’s market is just what you need. The Waco Downtown Farmer’s Market is available on Saturdays and they feature various products like produce, crafts, and artisan products. Don’t forget you can also pick up fresh produce, meat, and meals. This particular farmer’s market has been around since 2011 and is still going strong. We love walking around, grabbing breakfast and local product. It’s a great start to our weekend!

Spending time outdoors in Waco, Texas is a gift. When the weather is just right, you can’t help but visit all these amazing establishments. When you’re outside in Texas, where is your favorite place to spend time? 

The post Outdoor Fun in Waco appeared first on Kreative in Kinder.

Are you ready to visit Jamaica? You might be after you read this! I’m sure when you are trying to decide how to spend the week off that has taken you all year to earn, the last thing on our minds is an opportunity to give back. But friends, let me tell you something. You are missing out! I had no idea what I was missing until I was invited to the Social Media On The Sand Conference in October, 2016.  That amazing trip to Jamaica has me rethinking how my family will now plan trips and Choosing A Vacation That Gives Back will definitely be a priority.

How Is This Possible?

First, I must start with the amazingness knows as Beaches Negril. This place is heaven on Earth. Seriously! Say hello to PARADISE!

As an wife and mom of four, I totally welcomed this time alone with my husband.  Our lives live in the cray zone and this place was a breath of fresh air. Something happened, though, that I didn’t expect.  The SMOTS Conference that works with #BeachesMoms (hey, that’s me) partners with the Sandals Foundation to help bring school supplies to school near their resorts. This. Was. Life. Changing.

I’m an educator.  My heart is for children. It almost exploded when I was given the opportunity to spend a morning at school in Negril. Better yet, a Primary School. My people! After spending ten years in a kindergarten classroom, this filled my cup to share my love for reading with children in Jamaica.  So far from Texas but so much the same!

Pictures are worth a thousand words so I will let your heart explode with this greatness right here!

I’m sure after looking at these pictures it’s easy to see that these children are just like the children sitting in your local kindergarten class. There is a difference though.  These children do not have everything they need to be successful.  Often, one class will share ONE box of crayons. Can you believe it? I feel like I can never complain about the amount of supplies I have to buy my own class after this experience.  And let me tell you friends, I was SO impressed with how bright these children were and I could not get over how NEAT their handwriting was. Seriously, how did that teacher do that?!!

How Can You Help?

First, you can always donate to the Sandals Foundation.  It’s amazing organization that really does a lot for the islands it serves. They offer a Game Changer Program that teaches children sports and offers them a safe place where they learn life skills, teamwork and discipline.  They also have a WHOA (Woman Helping Others Achieve) program that empowers woman in their community in areas of health, training, pregnancy, and cancer treatments (the biggest killer in Jamaica). To learn more about how you can help, click here.

Now, the vacation part! When you visit Jamaica or any location that there is a Beaches or Sandals Resort, you can go on a Reading Road Trip just for the price of a taxi ride. Isn’t that amazing?  Now, you may have visions of pina coladas and sun tanning, but I promise if you give up just two hours of your time, it will change your life.

I promise, if you consider choosing a vacation that gives back, you won’t regret it.  The children were beyond excited that we came to visit them and yet I was the one who walked away blessed.  My life with a greater prospective by this humbling experience that changed me for the good. So, when you are considering your next vacation, I hope you will put Beaches and Sandals on your list and when you go, book a Reading Road Trip.  It’s wonderful to indulge and enjoy the clear waters and beautiful sunshine but nothing beats the smile on a child’s face when you have been the sunshine in their day.

Oh, and one more thing…anytime you visit one of these locations, bring a backpack full of school supplies.  I spent less than $20 to fill mine and it can potentially help an entire class.  And, if you can’t escape anytime soon, consider donating or adopting a class.  Education is powerful and necessary.  All children deserve the best education and we can help…one crayon box at a time.

Don’t worry. I made time to relax, float, and make fun things like this too. It was a blessed week for sure and I can’t wait to go back with my entire family!

Happy Travels. We know you will LOVE Beaches Negril when you visit Jamaica! Make sure you check out our tips for taking the whole family too by clicking here. 

The post Choose A Vacation That Gives Back And Visit Jamaica appeared first on Kreative in Kinder.

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be a large task, but once you get there, it can be so much easier and tons of fun, if you use the My Disney App.  Here are some ways to use it to the fullest and get the most out of all it has to offer.  So, go ahead, plan your trip, download the app, and happy vacationing!

1. Make dinner reservations. One of the best features of the My Disney App is making easy dining reservations   Here you can make dinner plans even before your vacation begins (up to 180 days in advance) and book tables for some of the best restaurants at Walt Disney World.  
2. Check out the menus. Now that you have picked some cool restaurants to try, you can check out their menus before you even step foot inside.  Not only can you see what kind of food is served, but what kind of prices to expect as well.  
3. Check wait times.  With this feature on the app you can check and see how long the wait will be in the ride lines. You don’t need to walk across the entire park to Space Mountain if it’s a 2 hour wait, so check the app for all your favorite rides and attractions before a long trek.
4. Disney characters.  Your kids will love this perk because you can find out where and what time all their favorite Disney characters will be in the park.  This includes specific locations so that you can make the most of your day and put smiles on all of their faces. Make sure you find out where Mickey is so that you don’t miss him!
5. Find the restrooms.  How many parks have you been to and wonder around looking for a bathroom? There is never a restroom when you need one, so with the My Disney App this is no longer a problem.  Just check out the app for the nearest one so everyone is happy and there are no accidents!
6. Reserve FastPass+.  With all the many entertaining shows and experiences at Walt Disney World, reserving the best time to go with FastPass+ is the only way to make that happen. This can all be done right through your My Disney App, its super easy and anyone can do it!.
7. Change FastPass+.  What happens if you are running behind and need to change a wait time on one of your kids’ favorite shows?  You go right on your smartphone, hit the app, and change your time! So easy!
8. Showtimes schedules.  Speaking of shows, this is a such must use feature on  so that you can make the most of your My Disney App.  All the latest and greatest shows and Disney experiences, such as Frozen Ever After list their showtimes right on the app for convenient planning during your vacation.
9. Memory maker pictures.  You definitely be on your My Disney App all the time checking out your ride photos because they will be right at your fingertips almost immediately after you exit the rides!  This is such a fun feature to capture all the amazing memories you will create at Disney!

Traveling during the holidays? Check out our post for tips for the best holiday trips to Disney World here.

The post 9 Ways to Get The Most Out of Your My Disney App appeared first on Kreative in Kinder.

Are you thinking about going on a family trip and taking a Caribbean vacation? If so, you’ll want to consider going to a Beaches resort. My husband and I went to the Beaches resort in Jamaica last October and we wished we had taken our kids with us. There were so many unique experiences and fun activities for families during this inclusive vacation. We are definitely going to bring them on our next family getaway without a doubt.This is why I’m happy to share with you 5 reasons you should take your kids to a Beaches resort. It is an experience you won’t regret!

WATERSLIDES, HORSES, & BOATS GALORE

If your kids love a water park, they will love the fact that an inclusive family resort comes fully equipped with its own water slides. They are also sure to have an outdoor pool as well as an indoor pool (or three). There are even swim-up soda bars, your kids of all ages will be in waterpark heaven. Let’s not forget about the endless ice cream. There are also tons of family-friend beaches. Let them enjoy the white sand between their toes. Have a family beach party and enjoy the ocean view! This will provide tons of fun at no additional cost and fun for all age groups.

Depending on their age, take your kids on a horseback ride or hop in a paddle boat. This is one of the best ways to have family bonding time while also having so much fun. With these outdoor activities, there is more fun than you probably have time for at Beaches Resorts.

SCUBA or SNUBA

Your kids can learn how to SNUBA dive if they are eight years and older! This takes place in shallow water where the hoses are connected to the raft above them. If you don’t want them to snuba in the ocean, don’t worry. They can be taught in a 6-foot pool how to scuba dive by a certified instructor. When swimming in the ocean, you never know what treasures you will find! If you’ve got high school or college kids, they can start to learn more about scuba diving  too!

*If you find a starfish, please handle with care and put it right back in the water.

Sesame Street Characters

Young children can meet their favorite Sesame Street characters! They can bake with Cookie Monster, go on a treasure hunt with Abby, share story time with Elmo, go bird watching with Big Bird, and more! Character parties, stage shows and dance parties for everyone.

Source: Beaches

Clearly my husband was a super fan of Cookie Monster.  We are all kids at heart!

XBOX LOUNGE

Long gone are the days of classic board games… My boys would totally love the fact they have an XBOX LOUNGE! You had them at XBOX and Lounge, ha! If they get tired of playing in the sun, they’ll have the opportunity to play unlimited free XBOX games.

Source: Beaches

Kids Camp

As a parent, I thought this was so awesome but after speaking with so many families that brought kids on their trip, kids camp was one of their kids’ favorite experiences during their vacation.  Parents can enjoy some kid-free time knowing that their kids are having the time of their life in kids camp! Beaches Resorts staff is amazing and they take care of your kids like they are their own.  There is no mama guilt in getting a spa treatment or having an adult only dinner when you see the kids itinerary each day. They will be begging to go back.

More Fun Things to Do 

Aside from getting quality time, one of the best things to do is enjoy live music. If your kiddos love to dance, see if there’s a kids club too. They are sure to have the best time enjoying their inclusive family vacation too!

These are just 5 reasons you should take your kids to an all inclusive Beaches resort—but really, I could have come up with over one hundred reasons, including unlimited food and drinks. With so many great amenities and a fantastic staff, a Beaches resort can make a great spot for the whole family. You will leave with happy kids and maybe even some of their sandy beaches in your kids suitcase!

Happy travels.

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The post 5 Reasons To Take Your Kids To A Beaches Resort appeared first on Kreative in Kinder.

A summer vacation is a great time for your family to get away and enjoy some fun together. It’s a break from school, from work, and from your normal routine and it’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together and get to know one another. However, vacations can be very expensive, depending on where you go and what you do. They don’t have to be out of the question for your family if you just do some careful planning first.

Here are six ways to take a summer vacation on a budget:

Plan In Advance

It’s never too soon (or too late) to start planning, but the earlier you begin, the more savings you will be able to get. You can save more on airfare and other travel, as well as lock in good rates for accommodations when you book early.

Visit Less Popular Place

All the typical tourist spots are going to be loaded with people and overpriced. Everything will be marked up from travel, to lodging, and even food. You might enjoy a less popular place more. You can save money and you won’t have to fight the crowds.

Look Into Budget Activities

What are some things you can do for entertainment once you arrive that won’t cost a bundle? Are there activities in your vacation destination that are free or low cost? Do your research and build an itinerary. Check Groupon while you are there for meals and entertainment. Also, when booking a place to stay, sometimes it’s cheaper to book a house or condo through sites such as Airbnb and Homeaway then staying in a hotel and then you have a kitchen to cook a few meals. If you are staying in a hotel, always look for hotels with free breakfast, internet and parking. Those additions add up quickly.

Do Odd Jobs Throughout The Year To Save

The whole family can get involved in saving for a summer vacation, even on a tight budget. You can have a yard sale, get rid of old clothing and junk you will no longer need. You can take on odd jobs like mowing lawns, etc. Choose to eat out less and put all of your spare change into your vacation fund. It will add up more quickly than you think if everyone commits to it.

Choose Your Times and Dates Carefully

If you fly midweek, it’s cheaper. Staying away from holiday weekends will also save you money. Taking time to research the times and dates can save you a big chunk on your vacation expenses.

Consider a Staycation Instead

Sometimes you can have just as much fun if you stay home (or close to home). You could build a staycation around your own home, or stay in a neighboring city or hotel in your own town. Pick a place with a pool and great room service, or a place with a spa and golfing for dad. You could choose to make the rounds at nearby museums and art shows, for example. Or maybe take the kids to local theme parks and zoos. There are many things you can do to enjoy summer vacation without actually needing to go far and it can help you save money, too.

With these ideas in mind, you’re ready to start planning for your summer vacation. Remember, you don’t have to have a lot of money to have a good time, especially if you plan in advance.

The post 6 Ways To Take A Summer Vacation On A Budget appeared first on Kreative in Kinder.